Seiko Alpinist History
Seiko Alpinist SARB017 / Credit: StrapCode
Last of a line of exceptional tool watches; watches that made it to the peaks of some of the most formidable mountain ranges in the world. Their classic green dials emblematic not only of the style of traditional mountaineering (watches) but also of the nature that would surround the wearer. If there’s one thing Seiko fans like more than the Seiko 5, it’s the Seiko Alpinist.
The Seiko Alpinist started life all the way back in 1961; Seiko sought to develop a watch for Japanese mountain climbers, one that emulated the yamaotoko lifestyle. The Seiko Laurel Alpinist featured a black or cream dial, 17 jewels, a robust leather strap, acrylic glass, dauphine-style hands, and a three-piece waterproof case. It was beautiful despite its disposition, a combination that led it to become an extremely popular watch. The second Seiko Alpinist, released in 1963, was made as part of the Champion collection, supposedly to increase the prestige of the Champion. Therefore, the only connection the Seiko Champion 850 had to the first Seiko Alpinist was an engraving on the back.
Unfortunately, after a glorious life of only 11 years, the latest iteration of our dear friend succumbed in early 2018. Of the 6 iterations of the Seiko Alpinist, the SARB series was exceptional and hopefully won’t be the last. It was most similar to our favourite Alpinist, the SCVF009; a Seiko Prospex Alpinist part of the ‘Red Aplinist’ trio released in 1995.
People often forget just how significant the Alpinist line was to Seiko. When it was released, Laurel was the second most important Seiko sub-brand, therefore, positioning the Seiko Alpinist within Laurel gave it immediate prominence; Laurel itself didn’t host Seiko on its dial until 1924. The Seiko Alpinist does not only owe its success to marketing however, in our opinion it was truly an excellent timepiece, its combination of aesthetics and toughness allowed it to easily be mistaken for a more ‘sophisticated’ watch and is likely what made it so renowned. Moreover, we are certain the rarity of the Seiko Alpinist will make it one of the most important vintage Seikos over time.
A Seiko Spirit ref. SARB035, for sale on Toronto Vintage Watches.