Horologii

Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation SJE085J1 Watch Review

Seiko have no shortage of collections loved by collectors, but one in particular which always perks the ears of Seiko aficionados is the Alpinist. Launched in 1959 to meet the needs of mountain climbers, its design became the first ever Seiko watch produced with sports in mind and today, the original Seiko Alpinist Laurel is brought back to life as the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation SJE085J1 watch.

History of the Seiko Alpinist Laurel

Originally launched for Japanese ‘Yama-otoko’ mountain men who required a formidable, robust and resistant instrument that could overcome even the most treacherous terrain, the 1959 Seiko Alpinist became a landmark timepiece. It had a screw down case back to prevent dust or sand particles from entering the case, a sturdy leather cuff strap to protect the watch from perspiration and a highly legible dial detailed with luminous inserts on the hands and indexes. The markers at the three, six, nine and twelve o’clock positions denoted the Seiko Alpinist’s name shaped like mountains while also representing the four main points of a compass. These features laid the foundation for the Seiko sports watches that were released shortly after, including their iconic Prospex collection whose very existent owes much to the first 1959 Seiko Alpinist.

The original 1959 Alpinist (left) and the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation SJE085J1 (right)

The Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation SJE085J1

The new Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 SJE085J1 Recreation brings back to life the original 1959 model in almost every detail while bringing some of its features and technology up to date for a modern-day wrist. The same simple round case design features angular, faceted lugs and a large crown to grip and set the time. The case is engineered from polished stainless steel and measures to 36.6 millimetres in diameter and 11.1 millimetres in height, an elegant and easy to wear profile perfectly suited to the world of vintage watches. Its case is upgraded with a 100 metre water resistant rating and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The glass, however, is given a vintage touch with its box-shape finish.

The dial of the Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation watch also tributes its predecessor with a glossy ink-black backdrop and peak shaped indexes at the cardinal points. The central sword-shaped hands are also similar in design and coated in glow in the dark Lumibrite for instant readability. Classic box shaped hour markers indicate the rest of the hour track. One feature we’d hope to see was the historic Seiko logo and the Alpinist lettering on the dial. Instead, the modern-day logo is presented at 12 o’clock while its automatic status is represented in italics at 6 o’clock.

Another new addition to the Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 SJE085J1 watch is a date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. The feature is powered by the Seiko slim automatic winding 6L35 calibre which delivers a healthy power reserve of 45 hours and a frequency of 28,800vph. The movement also guarantees an accuracy of -10/+15 seconds per day and 26 jewels. To complete the look of the Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation watch, an almost exact replica of the original chunky strap is added. The brown calfskin leather bund is even detailed with the same jagged stitch design as its predecessor and equipped with a classic stainless steel pin buckle.

For more information on the Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation SJE085J1 watch, head over to the Jura Watches website here. You can also get in touch with the team with any enquiries by calling 01335 453454 or send a message to help@jurawatches.co.uk.

Specifications: Seiko Prospex Alpinist 1959 Recreation Watch (SJE085J1)

  • Case Size: 36.6mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Bezel: Fixed
  • Glass: Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
  • Crown: Screw down
  • Case Back: Closed
  • Water Resistance: 100 metres
  • Movement: Calibre 6L35 automatic winding
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
  • Power Reserve: 45 hours
  • Jewels: 26
  • Frequency: 28,800vph
  • Dial: Black with Lumibrite hands and indexes
  • Strap: Bund, brown leather
  • Buckle: Pin
  • RRP: £2,700
  • Limited Edition: 1,959 pieces
  • Release Date: August 2021