SEIKO PROSPEX
The 1959 Alpinist Recreation
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.
ORIGINAL MODEL
DESIGN
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.
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.
MOVEMENT
MOVEMENT
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.
SEIKO PROSPEX
The 1959 Alpinist Re-creation
SJE085J1
[Caliber 6L35]
Limited edition of 1,959
Available in August 2021
The 1959 Alpinist
Modern Re-interpretation
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. The glass is a curved sapphire crystal that is resistant to scratches and the watches are all water resistant to 20 bar.
- All three watches are powered by Caliber 6R35 which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours.
SEIKO PROSPEX
The 1959 Alpinist Modern Re-interpretation
SPB241J
[Caliber 6R35]
Available in August 2021
SPB245J
[Caliber 6R35]
Available in August 2021
SPB245J
[Caliber 6R35]
Available in August 2021
SEIKO PROSPEX
The 1959 Alpinist Re-creation
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.
ORIGINAL MODEL
DESIGN
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.
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.
SEIKO PROSPEX
The 1959 Alpinist Re-creation SJE085J1
[Caliber 6L35]
Limited edition of 1,959
Available in August 2021
The 1959 Alpinist
Modern Re-interpretation
In addition to the limited edition,three other new watches pay homage to the 1959 Alpinist.
The cases are polished to creating a modern look, especially when combined with the gently rounded contour of the dial and case. The glass is a curved sapphire crystal that is resistant to scratches and the watches are all water resistant to 20 bar.
-
All three watches are powered by Caliber 6R35 which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours.
SEIKO PROSPEX
The 1959 Alpinist Modern Re-interpretation
SPB241J
[Caliber 6R35]
Available in August 2021
SPB245J
[Caliber 6R35]
Available in August 2021
SPB245J
[Caliber 6R35]
Available in August 2021
