New Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist SPB249J1 SPB251J1

With a design courting again to the 1959 Laurel Alpinist, the brand new Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist collection made fairly the affect when launched earlier this yr. First, there was the purist re-edition, ref. SJE085J1, accompanied by three extra trendy re-interpretations; SPB241J1, SPB243J1 and SPB245J1. This trio of watches had a pleasant measurement and a balanced mixture of classic components and trendy touches. Now Seiko expands the gathering with two new fashions, the Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Fashionable Re-Interpretation “Deep Lake” SPB249J1 and “Forest Brown” SPB251J1.

We’ve gone via the main points of the unique 1959 Laurel Alpinist and the Alpinist’s return within the mid-nineties earlier than, so we’re not going into too many particulars right here. What’s necessary to recollect although is that Seiko has all the time constructed the Alpinist designated fashions with toughness in thoughts. The 1959 authentic was in any case designed particularly for “Yama-Otoko”, or mountain-men. It is a vital watch in Seiko’s archives and as such we’re pleased to see the design return in a extra trendy model.

The brand new fashions, SPB249J1 and SPB251J1 characteristic the identical 38mm extensive and 12.9mm tall metal case we’ve seen earlier than. This Alpinist 1959 Fashionable Re-Interpretation sub-collection takes the dial of the unique 1959 Laurel Alpinist as a design reference and provides it an overhaul for a sharper, extra trendy look. Utilized markers and arms, and a framed date window convey it up to the mark with immediately’s requirements. The case has alternating brushed and polished surfaces and is topped with an AR-coated sapphire crystal.

These two new references are available in both blue or brown, each that includes a vertical texture impressed by nature. Seiko has made title for itself in textured dials, whatever the truth if we’re taking a look at an entry-level watch or a Grand Seiko mannequin. Superb examples are the Seiko Presage SSA445 and SPB259, with their Ginza-inspired dials. The feel in these two new references is probably much less distinct however does give every dial a sure depth and attraction. Time is indicated with a pair of Dauphine-styled hour and minute arms, and a slender seconds hand with a triangular tip.

Revealed via the sapphire caseback is Seiko’s in-house manufactured Calibre 6R35, an evolution of the 6R15, Sharing the same building, with a 3Hz frequency, 24 jewels and a central rotor, the distinction between the 2 lies within the energy reserve. The 6R35 has a working time of as much as 70 hours on a totally wound barrel, which could be very admirable. By way of ending although, it’s not going to win any awards. If Seiko had determined to cowl it with a closed caseback, that might have been effective as properly. Maybe even higher, as it will preserve it according to the Explorer theme of the general watch.

The Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Fashionable Re-Interpretation Deep Lake Blue SPB249J1 comes on a chrome steel three-link bracelet with a folding buckle. It’s non-limited and priced at EUR 750. Its brown-dialled sibling, the Forrest Brown SPB251J1 is hooked up to a brown leather-based strap with a folding clasp, and priced barely decrease, at EUR 730. That is additionally a non-limited mannequin. Each watches can be found via Seiko boutiques or chosen retailers worldwide from January 2022.

For extra info, please go to SeikoWatches.com.