Seiko has proven itself as one of the leading watchmakers in the industry. Taking inspiration from a large variety of places allows the brand to offer a diversity of choice to its customers. Seiko has a history of taking risks and experimenting with techniques, materials and concepts in order to achieve its vision. The 1959 Seiko Alpinist re-creation is a modern take on a Seiko classic. The original Alpinist revealed a whole new world of sports timepieces to the brand. Its success encouraged Seiko to branch out and reach new heights in design and engineering.
The Original 1959 Alpinist
The 1959 Seiko Alpinist re-creation was inspired by the Seiko Laurel Alpinist. This model was the first Seiko timepiece to be created specifically with sports in mind. It was designed to meet the needs of mountain climbers, both professional and hobbyists. Ensuring the durability of the historic watch was a screw-down case back and a thick leather strap. The cuff band made the watch more comfortable to wear and guaranteed it will stay on securely throughout the climb. Luminescent inserts on the hour-markers and hands guaranteed legibility.
The Re-creation
The re-creation of the Alpinist maintains the style of the original timepiece. Its silhouette and main design features have remained the same as a homage to the original. It’s functions and features, however, alongside the technologies and materials used to create this watch are innovative and modern.
The black leather strap of the watch features zig-zag topstitching. The cuff, much like the leather cuff of the original, ensures more comfortable wear and protect from perspiration. The stainless steel case of the watch measures 36.6 mm in diameter. A box shaped-sapphire crystal not only increases the watch’s durability but adds to the retro look of the design. The crystal is coated with an anti-reflective layer on the underside of the glass. The black dial of the watch is kept understated in an effort to retain the original level of legibility. A discreet date aperture has been added between the 4 and 5 o’clock indices. The 12 o’clock hour marker is pointed, as are the 3, 6 and 9 markers, to evoke the image of a mountain top. All indices, alongside the dauphine hands, are coated in Lumibrite.
The watch is a limited edition and only 1959 are available. The back of the timepiece is engraved with the serial number of the watch and “limited edition”. The watch is automatic with calibre 6L35 and a power reserve of up to 45 hours. This gives it an accuracy of between +15 to -10 seconds per day. The model is also water-resistant up to 10 bars or 100 meters.
If you’re interested in this exquisite re-creation, follow us on social media to be amongst the first ones to know when it becomes available in August of 2021.
Browse our other Seiko Alpinist models here.
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