Introducing the Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited Edition
Thursday - 22 September 2022
Reinventing a watch that was first made for men of the mountains, the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited Edition is exclusive to just 3000 pieces and showcases a textured dial inspired by a mountain rock face.
The new Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited Edition watch flaunts a dial inspired by the rugged, abstract edges and sharp jagged structures of a mountain’s rock face, enabling it to change tone as light hits its textured surface from multiple angles. Taking inspirational cues from the much earlier 1959 Alpinist original, the watch is designed to equip mountain explorers with a reliable timekeeping instrument for treacherous terrain. Just 3000 pieces of the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited Edition watches will be made available for purchase.
Built for Professionals
The Seiko Prospex watch collection was built for professionals, outdoor adventure-seekers and those with a thirst for exploration. The series is home to a plethora of models with robust cases and incredibly reliable movements, making them a great option for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. Some of the top models from the line are equipped with a staggering 1000-meter water resistance whilst others are governed by solar-powered movements. The eclectic collection stands for “professional specifications” and has remained one of the Japanese manufacturer’s most popular ranges. Those who have invested in a Seiko Prospex watch before will be aware of the outstanding reliability and value for money that these timepieces offer – values which make the new Prospex Alpinist 1959 Modern Re-interpretation watch such a great investment for 2022.
The history of the Seiko Alpinist
When the Seiko Alpinist first launched, no one expected it to gain such a strong cult following. The brand released the Seiko Prospex Land Alpinist back in 2020. Having been exclusively made available to Japan first, this was a watch inspired by Alpinists and joined the Prospex series. As a result, these newer models can be characterised by the E “X” on their dials. The range was made available in a deep green, champagne, beige and black dial option and all were powered by the upgraded movement 6R35, which provides a 70-hour power reserve. But Seiko’s Alpinist heritage dates back much further than a couple of years ago. The year 1959 in fact, was when the first watch for mountaineers was produced. These first models bearing the Laurel Alpinist name were intended for “real men of the mountains” and became models associated, in essence, with water resistance, shock resistance and accuracy. The original Seiko Alpinist watch measured a diameter of 35mm and featured dauphine-shaped hands that were covered in a generous coating of luminous material. The triangular indices looked reminiscent of mountain peaks and were also enhanced for legibility.
The second generation of the Alpinist came about in 1963, which carried waterproof information on its dial along with a simple mountain symbol appearing on the back of some models. The Seiko Alpinist was then reinvented in the 1990s when the Red Alpinist was born. Considered a true legend to many Seiko fans, the watch featured an unmissable red inscribed “Alpinist” logo on its dial along with cathedral-shaped hands, an internal azimuthal rotating bezel, 200-meter water resistance, a screw-down crown and a magnifying lens above the date window at 3 o’clock.
The new Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited Edition watch
The new Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited Edition watch borrows some very obvious features from popular Alpinist watches of the past. The cathedral-shaped hands stand out prominently against a silvery-grey textured dial and have been executed in a deep blue colour. Lumibrite on the hands makes these features incredibly visible at night or in dark conditions. Surrounding the handset is an hour track represented in a mix of deep blue Arabic numerals and shard-like indexes. A magnified date window is once again seen at 3 o’clock, dressed against a white background to stand out from the textured surface of the dial. The new Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited also features a rotating compass inner ring for daring exploration, protected by a lens of anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass.
Each of these 3000 new limited edition Seiko Prospex Alpinist watches is fitted on a grey nylon strap that compliments the silvery grey tones of the dial. Comfortable and practical enough for daily wear, the nylon band, with pale grey contrast stitching down its sides, will prove quick at drying and secures to the wrist with a buckle crafted from stainless steel and an engraving of the famous Seiko name upon its surface. Inside the watch’s 200-meter water-resistant brushed stainless steel case is the Calibre 6R35 – an automatic and manual winding movement that promises an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day. The movement performs at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of 70 hours.
Perfect for mountaineers and outdoor explorers, the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist ‘Rock Face’ SPB355J1 Limited Edition watch combines the reliability and robustness of a Seiko watch with a Grand Seiko-esque styling. For its price tag, this is probably the closest to the high finish and style of a Grand Seiko range you’ll get. For more information on this new model, or to secure yourself one of the 3000 limited edition pieces, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453
