2024 Seiko 'Rock Face' European Limited 'Alpinist' SPB355J1

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 SPB355J1 was introduced in 2022, incorporating many of the features of the previous generations and was only available in Europe. A 2024 Seiko 'Rock Face' European 'Alpinist' SPB355J1 Limited to 1498/3000 pieces. A satin-brushed 39.5mm stainless steel case with tapering lugs, and polished and brushed flanks leads to a lug-to-lug length of 46mm and a thickness of 13.5mm, ensuring 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 smooth brushed bezel holds a flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal AR coated on the inside. An outer rotating compass chapter ring encircles the striking textured silver dial. An outer minute track is precisely executed with LumiBrite pips. Attractive contrasting applied blue Arabic numerals with alternating dagger indexes mark the hours. At 3 o’clock, there is a date window with Cyclops magnification on the sapphire crystal. Elegant LumiBrite-filled cathedral hands are complemented by a fine blue centre-seconds hand with a lume tip. Giving the watch a vintage look and feel. On the reverse, there is a screw-down exhibition case back, inside an automatic Seiko 6R35, 24 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour. It is paired with a Seiko 20mm stainless steel bracelet secured by a signed folding clasp, plus the original two Seiko 20mm straps in the box. It also comes with a Seiko presentation box and papers.

This watch is sold with its original Seiko box and paperwork. It is paired with an added Seiko 20mm stainless steel bracelet secured by a signed folding clasp, plus the original two Seiko 20mm straps in the box. The watch is from April 2024 and is sold in worn condition, as you can see. It comes with its Manufacturer's Warranty.

This 'Rock Face' European Limited Edition Alpinist, reference SPB355J1, is easily one of the best modern Alpinist models the brand has yet made. Featuring a wonderfully textured grey dial and bold highlights of blue, the contrast is incredible on and off the wrist, working perfectly with the design language of the Alpinist. I would not hesitate to add this model to your collection today, especially as a Seiko bracelet has been added to the watch only elevating the value!

Reference : SPB355J1 (6R35-02R0)
Movement : Automatic Seiko Cal. 6R35
Age : April 2024
Year : 2024
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 13.5mm
Lug to Lug : 46mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : Manufacturer Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Seikos' history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892, Seikosha was established to make 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). In 1956, Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house-made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there, Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch, the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217, which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches and many more.