Seiko releases the good-looking Prospex Alpinist “Rock Face” SPB335J1.

Each time we consider Seiko, our minds are virtually routinely drawn to the diving world. Much more so when the time period “Prospex” comes into the equation. However that easy time period, indicating a watch with skilled specs, might imply much more than only a easy dive watch. Prospex can be utilized to land-linked watches such because the Alpinist, one other very talked-about vary of instrument watches by the Japanese juggernaut. And lately, it’s the Alpinist vary that has been getting a lot love and a spotlight, each from collectors and fanatics and Seiko itself. With devoted recreations from the earliest Alpinist references to extra fashionable takes on the idea devoted to mountaineering, there’s lots to be found! And now, the model may need launched the best-looking fashionable Alpinist up to now, with the Seiko Prospex Alpinist “Rock Face” SPB355J1.

The Alpinist dates again to the late Nineteen Fifties when Seiko launched a watch constructed for Japanese mountaineers. Generally known as Yama-Otoko, it was Seiko’s crack at a correct purpose-built sports activities or instrument watch lengthy earlier than the model’s first dive watch would seem. This iconic watch featured a really legible dial, a shock-protected motion and a easy but sturdy metal case. It has served because the inspiration for the Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Creation SJE085, with others like the SPB249J1 and SPB251J1 additionally based mostly on the identical fashion.

This contemporary-day Prospex Alpinist SPB335J1, although, falls beneath a unique class of Alpinist-branded Seiko watches. This particular fashion of Seiko Alpinist was first launched in 1995, some 30 or so years after the unique. The trademark options had been the second crown and the internal compass bezel. This collection of watches is usually referred to as the “Pink Alpinist” due to the pink line of textual content on the dial. It will function the predecessor to probably the most emblematic modern-day non-divers by Seiko: the SARB-series. The inexperienced dial SARB017, first launched as a Japan-only mannequin however later made obtainable worldwide, grew to become a very talked-about reference. Discontinued in 2018, it didn’t take lengthy for Seiko to exchange it with the present technology of Prospex Alpinist fashions, which now consists of this “Rock Face” SPB335J1.

The Seiko Prospex Alpinist “Rock Face” SPB335J1 is available in a modestly sized 39.5mm extensive and 13.2mm tall case. The peak is primarily because of the domed sapphire crystal with a cyclops lens over the date. The case reveals a mixture of brushed and polished finishings and comes with not one however two crowns. Hardcore followers will instantly know that the second crown is used to rotate the internal compass bezel (however extra on that in a bit). The first screw-down crown is used for winding (if wanted or desired) and setting the watch. Flipping the watch over reveals the see-through caseback granting a view of the automated motion inside. Rated 200m water resistant, the Alpinist SPB335J1 feels simply as at dwelling within the water because it does on land or within the mountains.

The identify “Rock Face” is a direct reference to the dial of the SPB335J1, and it’s not that arduous to inform why with its sample that appears just like the face of a rugged granite mountain. Skilled climber Stefano Ghisolfi, as an illustration, wore this watch when scaling the treacherous granite Silence sport climbing route in Flatanger, Norway. The textured grey-silver dial is one more testomony to Seiko’s ability in dial-making. It’s completed with blue utilized hour indices and markers and the signature Prospex Alpinist palms (additionally in blue). On the perimeter is a minute monitor with luminous dots at each five-minute intervals and the sloped internal rotating compass bezel in darkish gray, gentle gray and blue.

Powering the SPB335J1 is the automated Seiko Calibre 6R35. A motion we’re all aware of, it’s utilized in numerous different Seiko fashions, similar to the lately up to date Sumo Prospex Divers and the aforementioned Alpinist SPB249J1 & SPB251J1. This typical Seiko workhorse has a working time of 70 hours, greater than loads to get you thru the weekend. Beating at a frequency of 21,600vph, it’s regulated to run inside -15/+25 seconds per day. In all honesty, it’s not the best-looking motion because the ending is considerably industrial, but it surely does what it must do admirably.

The Seiko Prospex Alpinist “Rock Face” SPB335J1 comes on a beautiful textile strap in a sand-grey tone with a folding buckle. A further blue calfskin leather-based strap with the identical folding buckle is equipped with the watch within the particular field. It’s offered as a European-exclusive version, restricted to three,000 items and obtainable from November 2022. It is going to retail for EUR 930, which seems like a particularly reasonable worth for such a cool mixture of dial, palms and strap. Oh, and the case isn’t half unhealthy both, after all!

For extra data, please go to SeikoWatches.com.