Latest Vintage Piece

2022 Seiko Alpinist Recreation Limited Edition #68/1959 36.6mm SJE085J1 $1,500.00 CAD. 501-00366

Seiko is perhaps the largest and definitely the most well known among Japanese watch manufactures. Many people think they have only been around since the popularization of electronic timekeeping in the 1970s, but they were established close to 150 years ago. The top of the line Grand Seiko compete nicely with the best from Switzerland with innovative technology and design. The Prospex line feature some impressive details at a price point under the flagship Grand Seiko models. Our latest estate watch is the Prospex Alpinist SJE085J1. It is a recreation of Seiko’s first watch made for sporting pursuits. The Alpinist was originally released for the Japanese domestic market in 1959 to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts looking for robust design and reliable performance. The screw back of the original helped protect the movement from dust and debris. Four large triangular shaped markers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o:clock represented mountain peaks and north, east, south, west, compass headings. The hands and all the hour markers were treated with highly luminous material for easy time interpretation day or night. The recreation stays true to the original design and adds a few modern features for added utility and durability. A handy yet subtle calendar display discreetly placed between the 4 and 5 marker is a useful attribute. The dome crystal has the profile of the original but is made from super hard lab-grown sapphire with the benefit of an inner anti-reflective coating adding to the legibility. The modern watch comes with a water-resistance rating of 10 atmospheres (330 feet). Our watch is number 68 of only 1959 made for worldwide distribution. It was purchased in February 2022 at a Canadian authorized Seiko agent and comes with everything originally supplied from Seiko, right down to the tags showing the price of $3,725.00 plus tax. The previous owner even kept the foam and paper box liners. As a bonus the original 2022 purchase receipt accompanies the package too. The 1st and only previous owner of this watch is an avid outdoorsmen and this watch was worn doing everything and anything. It remains in original unpolished condition. The factory delivered bund leather strap is wearable but well past its prime. A replacement should still be available through Seiko. We have fitted the watch with a black leather strap from Hirsh that suits its sporting nature and incorporates the original vintage design buckle perfectly. This uncommon watch has been sold out and no longer available through Seiko. The watch is showing wear and tear in the form scuffs and scratches on the case. The sapphire crystal remains optically perfect and scuff free. Powering the Alpinist is the thoroughly modern 26 jewel in-house designed 6L35 automatic movement. This mechanism was introduced in 2018 and is less than 4mm in height allowing the 36.6mm diameter Alpinist a total thickness of under 11.5mm despite the tall domed crystal. The movement is not chronometer rated for accuracy but expect to see around plus/minus 10 seconds per day. The watch is running great with all features operating as designed. We are happy to provide the next owner with a complimentary one year warranty. It is estate priced at $1,500.00 CAD. Stock #501-00366.

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