Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Asia Limited "Hornbills" SPB493

The Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Asia Limited “Hornbills” Ref. SPB493 (often seen as SPB493J/SPB493J1) is a striking, region-exclusive take on Seiko’s modern GMT-equipped Alpinist, blending the line’s classic outdoor-ready DNA with vivid nature-inspired design. Limited to just 500 pieces for the Asian market, the watch draws its theme from the hornbill, a tropical bird symbolizing forest vitality and ecological balance—a motif echoed subtly in the textured black dial inspired by hornbill feathers and contrasting gold-tone accents on the hands and markers.

At 39.5 mm in stainless steel with a sapphire crystal and 200 m water resistance, the Hornbills GMT is built for durability and daily wear, while its GMT functionality and rotating inner compass bezel make it genuinely useful for travelers and adventurers alike. Inside beats Seiko’s Caliber 6R54 automatic movement, offering about 72 hours of power reserve, a GMT hand for tracking a second time zone, and reliable performance with manual winding capability. The combination of limited production, expressive design, and classic Alpinist versatility makes the SPB493 a compelling collector’s piece for enthusiasts who appreciate both mechanical depth and visual storytelling in a modern sport watch.

Reference: SPB493

Limited: 500 Pieces (Asian Market)

Dated: 2025

Strap: Black Leather Strap and Stainless Steel Bracelet

Case: 39.5mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 6R54 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT, Compass

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes and papers

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Case has no wear. Strap has no creasing and bracelet has no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.

The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition. 

The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.