2021 Seiko Prospex Alpinist Mountain Glacier SPB197J1
Ref: SPB197J1

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Seiko box and paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original Seiko bracelet with all links provided. The watch is from July 2021 and is sold in worn but fair condition as you can see, likely worn a handful of times at most. The watch comes with its original Manufacturer Warranty.

The Watch

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established making wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959).

When it comes to modern Seiko and references, there really aren't many that come as close to fame as the Alpinist. Seiko introduced the Alpinist in 1961, under their sub-brand of Laurel which is Seiko's oldest sub-brand first seen in 1913. It was inspired by the Yama-Otoko Japanese for Mountain. These men required equipment to be robust and accurate as they led many expeditions. Seiko reintroduced the Alpinist in 1995 after a 30-year gap. The SPB197J1 was introduced in 2021 incorporating many of the features of the previous generations. 

This 2021 Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB197J1 has a satin-brushed 39mm stainless steel case with tapering lugs. A lug to lug length of 46mm and a thickness of 12.5mm ensures a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, we have a screw-down crown with crown guards and at 4 o’clock a second crown is used to adjust the rotating inner compass bezel. A stepped plain bezel holds a flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. An outer rotating compass ring encircles the dial. Its stunning sunburst dial with the colour of a mountain glacier applied steel Arabic numerals with alternating dagger indexes and lume pips mark the hours. At 3 o’clock a date window with a cyclops magnification on the sapphire crystal. Elegant lume filled cathedral hands are complemented with a fine center seconds hand with lume tip. Giving the watch a vintage look and feel. On the reverse a screw-down exhibition case back. Inside an Automatic Seiko 6R35, 24 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour. The watch comes fitted on its original 20mm stainless steel bracelet with brushed and polished surfaces complete with a Seiko folding clasp and also comes with its Seiko presentation box and papers.

Personal Note