Is This New Seiko the Finest Dress Watch You Can Get for $2,000?

The beloved Japanese brand’s Presage line gets a stunning, shockingly affordable new automatic in its catalog.

Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain SPB497 Dress Watch closeup

Published June 5, 2025

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Updated June 5, 2025

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Only a few weeks ago, Seiko’s Presage line — a collection of high-end mechanical watches with Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship — released a collection of stunning “Edo Silk” dial timepieces. But it appears that was just the tip of the iceberg.

Now, the brand has (somewhat quietly) launched another drop-dead stunner. Not only is the Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Unglazed Arita Porcelain SPB497 dress watch absolutely gorgeous, but it also has a significant historical and cultural connection.

Better still, it’s also surprisingly affordable.

Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain SPB497 Dress Watch on forest canopy background — This Seiko’s banner feature is its absolutely stunning, multifaceted, historically significant porcelain dial.

A history of Japanese craftsmanship

At first glance, you might get golf ball or EPCOT vibes from this watch’s dial. Even so, there’s no denying the multifaceted beauty below its golden hands. However, that dial is more special than you might realize, even considering how eye-catching it is.

This watch’s dial is made from a material called Arita porcelain. Per the brand, it “was created in the early 17th century as Japan’s first porcelain.” Furthermore, the craftsmanship required to create it has been passed down from artisan to artisan for over 400 years.

Due to the nature of the material, each dial is unique from the rest.

But wait, there’s more. Seiko didn’t simply port over the ancient techniques; the brand added its own touch. Introduced in the Presage line, Seiko developed an unglazed version of Arita porcelain.

Unlike its glossy predecessor, this version is warmer, boasts a matte appearance and has given this version of the porcelain its own distinctive character. Furthermore, due to the nature of the material, each dial is unique from the rest.

Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain SPB497 Dress Watch — The stainless steel case is mated to a fine black leather strap that adds subtle refinement to the overall package.

Right on time

While the dial is the watch’s banner feature, the rest of the watch is still highly exceptional. That includes its super hard-coated stainless steel case and understated leather band.

More importantly, however, is the movement beneath the dial. This Seiko is equipped with an in-house caliber 6R51 automatic movement boasting a 72-hour power reserve. However, if it runs out of juice, it also has the benefit of manual winding, so you can get it ready to go in moments.

If it runs out of juice, [this watch] also has the benefit of manual winding.

The watch has an exhibition caseback, which allows you to examine its movement. Furthermore, it has golden detailing throughout, including its minimalist hour markers and delicate hands.

The crescent moon on the counter-balance of the seconds hand is another nice touch. Altogether, this watch is a marvel of craftsmanship and styling that should probably be a good deal more expensive than it is.