Introducing: The 1959 Seiko Prospex Alpinist Re-Creation SJE085 (Live Pics)

February 24, 2021

The Seiko Alpinist is a fan favorite that enthusiasts love for its classic, fairly compact design, its durability, and its affordability. Launched in 1959 with a screw back to prevent the intrusion of dust or sand particles, the very first Alpinist came on a bund strap that offered further protection from perspiration (plus a comfortable wearing experience). The watch you see here, all 36.6mm of it, is a tribute to the 1959 original, which was the Seiko Laurel Alpinist. In addition to this watch, Seiko is also introducing three vintage-inspired Alpinist core models, two of which come on really swell-looking bracelets. We have those watches covered too. Initial Thoughts Originally created for the Japanese market, the 1959 Alpinist offered a no-frills design that included a dial with large luminous inserts in the hands and indexes. And the cardinal indexes were exaggerated, ensuring the kind of at-a-glance legibility one would want when ascending a steep climb in adverse weather conditions. The 1959 Seiko Alpinist Re-Creation marks a return to this simple form. The Laurel branding is no longer there, of course, but the spirit of the original design registers immediately, right down to the peak-shaped indexes at the cardinal positions. The Alpinist recreation comes with a simple round case design with angular, faceted lugs and a large crown to grip and set the time. As with the 1959 original, you get a screw-down case back covered over by the bund strap. A Seiko Prospex model, the Alpinist Re-Creation has a vintage box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a full 100 meters of water resistance. The movement inside is the Seiko slim cal. 6L35 with 28,800 vph and a decent 45 hours of power reserve. The bund strap adds thickness to what is an otherwise fairly slim automatic sport watch. Note the drilled through lugs, which further tie this watch back to the world of vintage watches. The size is spot on both in terms of wearability and its connection to the world of vintage watches: 36.6mm x 11.1mm is really elegant and easy to wear. On the bund, the character is obviously chunky, but put this guy on a simple calfskin strap and you can turn it into a highly functional dress watch. On the right strap, I'd wear it with a suit. The Basics Brand: SeikoModel: 1959 Seiko Prospex Alpinist Re-Creation Reference Number: SJE085Diameter: 36.6mmThickness: 11.1mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: BlackLume: Yes, LumiBriteWater Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: Bund strap The Movement Caliber: 6L35Functions: Hours, minutes, secondsPower Reserve: 45 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 28,800 vphJewels: 26 Pricing & Availability Price: Approximate price $2,900Availability: August 2021Limited Edition: 1,959 piecesFor more, visit Seiko. All photos: Tiffany Wade