Seiko’s latest limited edition, the Prospex Alpinist SPB489J, evokes the Australian Outback’s heat haze
Buffy Acacia- The Seiko Prospex Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition SPB489J pays tribute to the red deserts of the Australian Outback.
- Its textured dial mimics the heat haze rising from hot, red Outback dirt.
- It’s a limited and numbered edition of 1,000 pieces exclusive to Australia and New Zealand.
The red deserts of Australia, with flat expanses of parched shrubbery and cunning wildlife, are perhaps the complete opposite of the Japanese mountain ranges for which the Alpinist was designed. However, with the spirit of survival, preparedness and adaptability, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist is actually perfectly suited to both. Seiko has previously honoured Australia’s native flowers, as well as our more tropical paradises, but now the striking landscapes of the Central Australian Outback have become the focus of a new limited edition. Perhaps they were inspired by our Furlan Marri x Time+Tide Outback Elegy?
Seiko’s creativity for dials never ceases to amaze, considering how many avenues it can explore without feeling repetitive. Red is already a fairly unconventional dial colour, despite its popularity, and the Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB489J landed on a texture that works well both visually and conceptually. With a sunburst base that grants its crimson shininess, it’s embossed with a vertical wave texture that evokes the desert’s heat haze. That makes sense when viewed up close, but from afar, the effect really pops. Although the golden-applied numerals and cathedral hands remain clear and legible, the dial itself appears to shimmer like a mirage in the distance.
This version of the Seiko Prospex Alpinist is closely based on the fan-favourite SARB line from 2006, with a second crown at 4 o’clock to rotate the internal compass bezel. Combined with the sun, you can actually use it as a navigation tool in an emergency. The 39.5mm diameter is a great middle ground between wrist presence, readability and comfort, especially thanks to the modest 46.4mm lug-to-lug length.
The thickness of 13.2mm isn’t too big considering the specifications, which include automatic winding and a dive-ready 200m of water resistance. On its brown calf leather strap, the whole package weighs 87 grams – however, the 20mm lug width will also encourage experimentation with aftermarket straps.
Powering the Seiko Prospex Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition SPB489J is the Seiko Calibre 6R35, which is considered to be a step up from the ubiquitous 4R35 in most Seiko 5 models. Its biggest upgrade is definitely the power reserve, which has been increased to 70 hours. That makes it easier to wear if it’s part of a weekly rotation of watches, as you won’t need to set the time from scratch as often. Its beat rate is 21,600 vibrations per hour, and it has a stated daily accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day. The 6R35 is also visible through the Hardlex exhibition caseback, which is engraved with each piece’s limited edition number out of 1,000.
Seiko Prospex Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition SPB489J price and availability
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition SPB489J is limited to 1,000 pieces exclusively at Seiko boutiques and online until 1st November, when it will find its way into select Australasian retailers. Price: A$1,250 (~US$835)
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Prospex Alpinist Australasian Limited Edition |
| Reference Number | SPB489J |
| Case Dimensions | 39.5mm (D) x 13.2mm (T) x 46.4mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front, Hardlex back |
| Dial | Red sunburst with vertical wave pattern |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Brown calf leather, pin buckle |
| Movement | Calibre 6R35, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, internal compass bezel |
| Availability | Limited to 1,000 pieces, exclusive to Australasia |
| Price | A$1,250 (~US$835) |