Seiko Prospex Alpinist Watches Released
Tuesday - 14 January 2020
2020 is already becoming one of our favourite year’s yet in luxury watchmaking as Seiko announce the release of four brand new Seiko Prospex Alpinist watches! These immensely popular models hark back to a collection that was first released back in the 1960’s, a collection that was incredibly popular for its rugged durability, affordable price and uniquely mountaineering inspired aesthetic.
Watch collectors of all kinds will have heard of the original Seiko Alpinist watches, distinctive for being one of the brand’s very first Seiko sports watches. Their popularity, and consequently rarity, was completely unexpected by everyone – even Seiko – so its fantastic news that collectors have been listened to and are treated to four new designs. Each Seiko Prospex Alpinist watch is inspired by the original line of watches engineered for Japanese mountain climbers from 1961 to 1964, the Laurel Alpinist. From this collection, one particular model stood out from the rest: the SARB017 with its striking green dial and gold markers. You’ll be pleased to know, a model with a similar appearance has made its way into the new collection.
The four new Seiko Prospex Alpinist watches include models: SPB117, SPB119, SPB121, and SPB123. Each features all the same movement, functionality and case size with different dial colours and strap materials to choose from. The SPB117 comes with a black dial and classic stainless steel bracelet, the SPB119 with a crisp white dial and black leather strap, the SPB121 comes with the iconic dark green dial, gold markers and brown leather strap and lastly the SPB123 features a white dial with gold markers and a stunning green leather strap. Each retails at a wonderfully affordable price of only £650.
The details that made the original Alpinist so popular have been enhanced within the new collection, with the 6R15 automatic movement improved to the 6R35. This means we now have a remarkable 70 hour power reserve and an accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day. The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, is equipped with 24 jewels and provides classic central hands for hour, minutes and seconds and a magnified date window at 3 o clock.
The sapphire crystal glass on each new Seiko Prospex Alpinist watch has also been reworked with a much-needed anti-reflective coating included on the inner surface. The crystal can also be found on the exhibition case back – another new feature– which allows you to see parts of the automatic mechanical movement hard at work. The style and size of the 39.5mm stainless steel cases still remain the same as do the slender lugs, screw down crown and screw down case back with a water resistant rating of 200 metres.
Just like their historic counterparts, we really don’t expect the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist watches to be around for long as the stunning sports-inspired timepieces will become a must-have for any budding or long-term watch collector. If you would like to get your hands on your own, head over to the Jura Watches website today where you can find all the Seiko Prospex Alpinist watches available with free delivery and interest free finance options available.
Specifications: Seiko Prospex Alpinist Watches (SPB117, SPB119, SPB121, SPB123)
- Case Size: 38.5mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed with rotating compass inner ring
- Glass: Sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw down
- Case Back: Screw down with sapphire glass window
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: 6R35 automatic winding
- Functions: Hour, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Accuracy: +25 to -15 seconds per day
- Frequency: 21,600 vph
- Jewels: 24
- Dial: White, black or green with Lumibrite markers
- Strap: Leather or metal bracelet
- RRP: £650
