Fan-favourite Japanese watchmaker Seiko hasn’t missed the mark with its local special editions so far, and this latest Aussie-focused launch is no different. While the debut special edition drew inspiration from our native flora, the Seiko SPB489J Prospex Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition reflects the Mars-like majesty of Australia’s red centre.
Capitalising on the design strength and sporty intent of the Seiko Alpinist — which enjoys more than six decades of history behind it — the Seiko SPB489J combines a familiar format with an unmistakably Australian dial colour. Inspired by the deep ochre tones of the Australian Outback, the scorching red dial is complimented by warm golden hands and hour markers.
Upon closer inspection, you’ll see a series of vertical wave-like patterns, which bring the dial to life depending on the light and evoke the meandering forms of central Australian dunes seen from the sky. A contrasting white date window is located at 3 o’clock, made legible by a sapphire crystal magnifying lens over the dial, while a rotating compass bezel that can be moved via the 4 o’clock crown frames the dial.
The stainless steel case has been finished with Seiko’s distinct mirror polish and measures a universally wearable 39.5mm in diameter, with a case thickness of 13.2mm. It’s not the slimmest watch in Seiko’s catalogue, but with a robust 200m of water resistance (and antimagnetic rating of 4,800 A/m), you’ll be unlikely to doubt its presence on the wrist.
Flipping the watch over, you’ll see the in-house Seiko calibre 6R35 visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, which ticks away at 21,600vph and boasts an impressive 70 hours of power reserve. That means you can take it off on a Friday afternoon and be confident it’ll still be running when you pick it up again on Monday morning.
True to the original Seiko Alpinist from 1959, this Seiko SPB489J arrives paired with a rich brown leather strap that’s secured with a folding clasp. As robust and reliable as it is classic, the leather strap is another nod to the unique colour palate of the rugged deserts that claim Australia’s interior.
A watch that is sure to be a hit with the legions of local collectors, the Seiko SPB489J Prospex Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition has an RRP of $1,250 and is limited to just 1,000 pieces, each of which is individually numbered. It will be available from 23rd October at Seiko Boutiques and online, before arriving at selected retailers across Australasia from 1st November.
This article is sponsored by Seiko. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
