Seiko is very well known for advanced sports watches, especially the diving watches in the Prospex line. But did you know that Seiko’s very first sports watch was one specially developed for mountain climbers? This Alpinist watch is still one of Seiko’s most popular and most collected watches.
Know your classics: a piece of history of the Seiko Alpinist
The first Alpinist watch dates from the late 1950s. The watch was specially made for Japanese mountaineers known as Yama-Otoko. This watch was a turning point for Seiko; it was the first sports or tool watch long before the brand’s first diving watch would appear. This now iconic watch had an easy-to-read dial, a shock-resistant movement and a simple but robust steel case. The indexes had the triangular shape of mountain peaks.
These early Alpinist watches were only released to the Asian market and quickly became collector’s items for Seiko enthusiasts worldwide.
In the 1990s, Seiko decided to breathe new life into this classic and created a completely new Alpinist collection, which is still being expanded today with special models.
Special limited edition Alpinist for the EU
This year, Seiko released the SPB355 Rockface, limited to 3000 pieces, especially for the EU. An exceptionally beautiful watch with a structured dial that reflects sunlight like a rock wall. The blue tones of the hands represent the clean mountain air, and the sturdy gray strap matches the dial, giving it a cool modern look.
The watch contains an internal compass bezel, which is operated with the lower crown and a date ‘cyclops’ magnifying glass. Through the glass case back we see the reliable automatic 6R35 movement with 70 hours of power reserve.
The SPB355 is engraved on the back with the limited edition numbering and comes as a set with an extra blue leather strap.
Other classics in the Alpinist collection of Techzle
The features of Alpinist watches have remained the same over the decades, but have been modernized: 20 ATM waterproof, shock resistant, easy-to-read dial and a sturdy leather or metal strap. You are assured of a modern, reliable automatic timepiece in a classic guise.
For example, the SPB241J1 and the limited SJE085J1 are a contemporary reinterpretation of the original watch from 1959.
Create your own Seiko Alpinist classic
Is your favorite case-strap color combination Alpinist currently no longer available? Then easily create your own classic with another band. When you enter case code 6R35-00E0 in our unique strap finder, you will find all straps that fit these Alpinist watches.
Would you like to order Seiko Prospex Alpinist as a (Christmas) gift?
We currently still have these special and limited Seiko Alpinist watches in stock. If you want to be sure that your watch will be delivered before the holidays, order well in advance. This is possible without risk, because you can return and exchange all products ordered in December 2022 up to 60 days after delivery!