Seiko Prospex The 1959 Alpinist Re-Creation Limited Edition- SJE085

The Seiko Prospex – SJE085 has been available since August 2021. Limited to 1,959 piecesIt was in 1959 that Seiko’s first Alpinist watch was introduced to meet the needs of mountain climbers and recreational field sports enthusiasts. From the start, it was well-received and, over the ensuing decades, its reputation spread far beyond the Japanese market for which it was first intended. Remarkably, it was the first Seiko watch ever produced with sports in mind and it blazed a trail that led to the development of many landmark timepieces and timing devices for sports, from stopwatches to diver’s watches, in the decades that followed. While its core character has remained unchanged, its design has evolved over time. Today, the first Alpinist watch from 1959 is re-born in a re-creation that has the high functionality that characterizes the Prospex collection, whose very existence owes so much to the first 1959 Alpinist.DESIGNThe re-creation 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. Of course, the indexes and the hour and minute hands are coated with Lumibrite for legibility in the dark.The glass is a box-shaped sapphire crystal that re-creates the gentle feel of the original watch’s characteristic domed glass. The watch is presented 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 is treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, delivering high legibility.MOVEMENTThe watch is powered by 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.Caliber Number6L35Movement TypeAutomatic with manual windingAccuracy+15 to -10 seconds per dayDurationApprox. 45 hoursExteriorCase MaterialStainless steelCrystalBox-shaped sapphire crystalCrystal CoatingAnti-reflective coating on the inner surfaceLumiBriteLumibrite on hands and indexesBand MaterialCalfskinOther DetailsWater Resistance10 barCase SizeThickness: 11.1 mmDiameter: 36.6 mmLength: 43.8 mmOther Specifications:LIMITED EDITION on the case backScrew case backSerial number engraved on the case backOther Features:26 jewelsDate displayStop second-hand function