Earlier this year, we covered the release of the SJE085, set to commemorate the original 1959 Seiko Alpinist as Seiko celebrates its 140th birthday since the founding of Seiko by Kintaro Hattori. Today, we go hands-on with this distinct looking piece.
Starting with the dial, this one stayed true to the original for the most part, with the updated famous Seiko lume applications in the indices. However, unlike the original, there is a date at the 4:30 position. Although I prefer a no date on this piece. I can understand the reason for this to be present.
While the original Alpinist was paired with a 17 jewelJewels Watch jewels are small, synthetic sapphire or ruby bearings that are used in mechanical watches to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. They are typically made from corundum. They are used as bearings for a.o. the pivots to reduce friction. [Learn More] hand winding movement, the reissue has made some serious updates as it is paired with the 6L35 movement that beats at 4Hz and a power reserveRéserve de marche Also known as Power Reserve. A watch's power reserve refers to the amount of time a mechanical watch can run without being wound. The power reserve of a mechanical watch can vary depending on the size of the mainspring, the efficiency of the gear train, and the rate at which the mainspring releases energy. If a watch has a Power Reserve 'complication' it simply means that the status of the power reserve can be seen on the watch itself (either on the dial or movement side of the watch). [Learn More] of 45 hours.
Staying true to the original, the case only has a diameter of 36.6mm and 11.1mm tall with some of the height due to the box sapphire crystal. Although the case is thin, the watch still has 10BAR of pressure resistance.
Meanwhile, the case is very well polished as you can see the shirt being reflected in detail from the mid case and bezel. While this is not Zaratsu polishingZaratsu Polishing Zaratsu polishing is a type of polishing technique used in watchmaking, specifically for the polishing of steel components, such as the case, lugs, and bracelet. It is a process that uses a spinning circular disk with an abrasive surface. The craftsperson, holding the watch part, applies a certain level of pressure and uses a specific angle to ultimately achieve a mirror-like finish. [Learn More], it is very close. The case is also nicely finished with defined lines at the lugs.
Now about that strap. It sure has a distinct personality. Bund straps aren’t for everyone, so perhaps it’s useful to know that the cuff can easily be removed. You shouldn’t, but you can. The strap has a unique look to it with the zig zag stitching pattern and can stand on its own however. Notice also the old-school slanted keeper.
On the wrist, with its svelte size, the SJE085 fits nicely. Although a bund strap isn’t my first choice of straps, it works well in this case with the Alpinist. The size and the utilitarian nature of this watch makes it a great go anywhere to anything GADA watch.
SPECIFICATIONS
- CaliberCaliber The caliber ('movement') is the heart and engine of a watch. It consists of a number of interconnected components that work together. Energy is transmitted through the gear train, to the escapement mechanism. The escapement mechanism releases this energy in a controlled manner. This drives the gear train, which ultimately rotates the hands of the watch and keeps time. [More Info] Number 6L35
- Automatic with manual winding +15 to -10 seconds per day
- Duration Approx. 45 hours
- Stainless steel Case
- Box shaped sapphire crystal (anti-reflective coating on inner surface)
- Lumibrite on hands and indexes
- Water Resistance 10 bar
- Case Dimensions:
- Thickness: 11.1 ㎜
- Diameter: 36.6 ㎜
- Length: 43.8 ㎜
- Weight 63.5 g
For more check right here.