The re-creation of Seikos first Alpinist watch from 1959. An important sports watch classic is re-born.
A faithful
re-creation of Seiko’s very first sports watch.
It was in 1959 that Seiko’s first Alpinist watch was
introduced to meet the needs of mountain climbers and recreational field sports
enthusiasts. From the start, it was well received and, over the ensuing
decades, its reputation spread far beyond the Japanese market for which it was
first intended. Remarkably, it was the first Seiko watch ever produced with
sports in mind and it blazed a trail that led to the development of many
landmark timepieces and timing devices for sports, from stopwatches to diver’s
watches, in the decades that followed. While its core character has remained
unchanged, its design has evolved over time. Today, the first Alpinist watch
from 1959 is re-born in a re-creation that has the high functionality that
characterizes the Prospex collection, whose very existence owes so much to the
first 1959 Alpinist.
As striking today as
it was 62 years ago.
The original 1959 Alpinist watch
Born in 1959 as the Seiko Laurel Alpinist, this watch was a
new departure for Seiko and marked its entry into the sports watch arena. It
had a screw-back case to prevent dust or sand particles from entering the case.
It had a sturdy leather cuff band to protect the watch from perspiration. The
indexes and the hour and minute hands all had luminous inserts ensuring high
legibility in the dark, and the name Alpinist was evoked in the mountain-shaped
markers at the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock positions. These four
clearly differentiated markers represented the four main points on a compass
and, with the specially designed marker at twelve o’clock, allowed the time to
be read safely and correctly at any angle. This was a feature that became
central to the design of many subsequent Seiko sports watches and remains so
still today.
The leather strap sits within a protective cuff band.
The re-creation brings the 1959 Alpinist back to life in
every detail. The generously sized markers are, as before, set against a black
gloss dial. White minute markers form an inner ring on the dial base, just as
on the original. Of course, the indexes and the hour and minute hands are
coated with Lumibrite for legibility in the dark. The glass is a box-shaped
sapphire crystal that re-creates the gentle feel of the original watch’s
characteristic domed glass. The watch is presented on a leather strap that has
the same jagged stitch design as its predecessor.
A slimmer profile and
upgraded specifications
While the re-creation is faithful to the original design, it
has been brought right up to date in technology and has the high specifications
and functionality for which Prospex is renowned. It now incorporates a date
window between four and five o’clock and is water resistant to 10 bar. The
box-shaped sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on the
inner surface, delivering high legibility. The watch is powered by the slimline
Caliber 6L35 which has a power reserve of 45 hours. Despite the addition of a
date and the enhanced performance, the case is just 1.0mm thicker.
The re-creation will be available as a limited edition of
1,959 at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide in August
2021.
Three modern
re-interpretations of the Alpinist join the Prospex collection.
In addition to the limited edition, three other new watches
pay homage to the 1959 Alpinist. They are inspired by the original watch’s
distinctive design but are modern in their execution and, of course, up to date
in technology, form and function. Lumibrite is applied to all three hands and
the indexes that rest on silver bases to create a multi-dimensional effect. The
cases are polished to creating a modern look, especially when combined with the
gently rounded contour of the dial and case.
All three watches are powered by Caliber 6R35 which delivers
a power reserve of 70 hours. The glass is a curved sapphire crystal that is
resistant to scratches and the watches are all water resistant to 20 bar. Two
watches are offered on stainless steel bracelets while the green dial version
comes with a leather strap.
All three watches take their place in the mainstream Prospex
collection and will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail
partners worldwide in August 2021.
Seiko Prospex The
1959 Alpinist Re-creation
SJE085
Caliber 6L35
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 26
Specifications
Stainless steel case
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw case back
Diameter: 36.6mm, Thickness: 11.1mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Calf strap with cuff band
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €3,000
Limited edition of 1,959
Seiko Prospex The 1959
Alpinist Modern Re-interpretation
SPB241
SPB243
SPB245
Caliber 6R35
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Specifications
Stainless steel case
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Diameter: 38.0mm, Thickness: 12.9mm
Water resistance: 20 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push
button release (SPB241, SPB243) Horse strap with three-fold clasp with push
button release (SPB245)
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €750
(SPB241, SPB243), €730 (SPB245)
* This article was originally published here
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