The newly launched Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-creation Limited Edition is a tribute to the first sports watch from the Japanese watchmaking giant.

Introduced in 1959, the Seiko Laurel Alpinist watch marked the Japanese watch company’s entry into the sports watch category. Since then, the Alpinist watch has been highly sought after by mountain climbers, recreational/field sports enthusiasts and watch collectors.

The original 1959 Alpinist watch 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.

Seiko Prospex The 1959 Alpinist Re-creation, Reference SJE085J1

This year, Seiko is introducing a recreation of the legendary Alpinist watch. Belongs to the Prospex collection, the recreation 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.

The indexes and the hour and minute hands come with Lumibrite coating for legibility in the dark. The box-shaped sapphire crystal glass re-creates the gentle feel of the original watch’s characteristic domed glass. The watch comes fitted 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 with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface delivers high legibility. The watch houses 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.

Technical details

Model: Seiko Prospex The 1959 Alpinist Re-creation, Reference SJE085J1

Movement
Caliber 6L35
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 26

Case and strap
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

Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €3,000 Limited edition of 1,959

Three Modern Re-Interpretations

In addition to the limited edition, three other new watches pay homage to the 1959 Alpinist. They draw inspiration from 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 polished case offers 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.

Belong to the Prospex collection, these watches will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide in August 2021.

Technical details

Model: Seiko Prospex The 1959 Alpinist Modern Re-interpretation

References
SPB241
SPB243
SPB245

Movement
Caliber 6R35
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Number of jewels: 24

Case and strap
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)

Price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €750 (SPB241, SPB243), €730 (SPB245)