Among the 2021 novelties of the Japanese watch giant Seiko and Grand Seiko, there are many models from the Alpinist, which has come out of the dusty pages of history and become a highly successful reproduction, to the Grand Seiko, which takes advantage of all the possibilities of luxury watchmaking.
Seiko Alpinist Prospex 1959 Re-Creation
The Laurel Alpinist, introduced in 1959, was one of the first sports watches by Seiko. Designed by Yama-Otoko with mountaineers in mind, the model came to life with a hand-wound movement in those years. The first examples of the watch, presented with a cuff-style leather strap that surrounds the wrist, are met with great interest by collectors today.
When we come to 2021, the Alpinist Prospex 1959 Re-Creation Ref. SJE085J1 stands out as Seiko's perfect gift to the modern world of watchmaking. The new model comes in a 36.6mm x 11.1mm case designed to delight vintage enthusiasts. On the front of the 100 meters water-resistant case is a highly curved sapphire crystal, also compatible with the vintage theme. There are slight differences in the inscriptions on the dial of the new model compared to the original model it was inspired by.
Seiko Alpinist Prospex 1959 Re-Creation beats by the Caliber 6L35 movement, which is considered one of the brand's high-end calibers. 26-jewels automatic movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers up to 45 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The model, which is limited to 1959 units only, comes on a double-layer leather strap, just like the original model. The list price for the model is 3,150 €.
Seiko Alpinist Prospex – Modern Versions
1959 Re-Creation is not the only watch added to the Alpinist series. The SPB241J1, SPB243J1, and SPB245J1 models, which come with a more affordable price tag yet again with a retro-inspired design language, seem to be greeted with great sympathy by Seiko fans. Watches with 38mm x 12.9mm stainless steel cases are equipped with sapphire crystal and offer a water resistance value of up to 200 meters. At the heart of the models, which are available with gray, silver, and green dial options, there is the automatic Caliber 6R35 with 24 jewels, a power reserve of 70 hours, and an operating frequency of 3Hz (21.600vph). The MSRPs for the models are 770 € for stainless steel bracelet versions and 750 € for leather strap versions.
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT
The new GMT complicated version of the Seiko Sharp Edged series, debuted in 2020, with its dynamic faces and sharp lines, is available in four different dial colors. The cases, measuring 42.2mm x 13.7mm, feature double sapphire crystals, scratch-resistant DiaShield coating, and a water-resistance value of 100 meters.
Japanese, Asanoha-patterned dials are in Aitetsu, Tokiwa, Sumi-iro, and Hihada-iro colors. The reference numbers of the models are as follows: SPB217J1 (blue), SPB219J1 (green), SPB221J1 (black), SPB225J1 (brown). The watches use the in-house automatic Caliber 6R64. The movements with 29 jewels, operating frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph), and offering 45 hours of power reserve when fully wound feature with GMT, power reserve, and date complications. The MSRP for the models, which come of stainless steel bracelets, is €1,500/each.
Seiko Prospex Diver SLA049 & SLA051 Tribute To Naomi Uemura
The lone adventurer, Naomi Uemura, reached the North Pole alone, climbed Denali alone, roamed the Amazon alone, and much more. The two new models designed in memory of Uemura, who passed away when he was 43 years old, come from Seiko, the pride of Japan, the homeland of the adventurous Uemura.
Dedicated to Naomi Uemura's 80th birthday, the collection consists of a blue dial SLA049, one of which is limited to 1200 pieces, and the standard production SLA051 models with a black dial. Both watches have 44mm x 13mm stainless steel cases designed to do justice to the name "turtle" attached to the models. The cases, processed with the Zaratsu technique, are completed with sapphire crystals and water resistance up to 200 meters.
Both models beat with the manufacture Caliber 8L35. The 27-jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and also features a date complication. A blue rubber strap is also present in the box-set of the limited edition SLA049, which comes with a stainless steel bracelet. The list prices of the models are 3200 € and 3000 €.
Grand Seiko Elegance GMT “24 Seasons”
Prepared for Seiko's 140th birthday and equipped with Hi-Beat and Spring Drive calibers, the new Grand Seiko GMT series is a very special collection inspired by the colorful nature of Japan. The thematic colors of the Shunbun (spring), Shosho (summer), Kanro (autumn), and Toji (winter) seasons come from the division of these four seasons into 24 pieces in Japanese culture.
SBGJ251G and SBGJ249G models with 39.5mm x 14.1mm stainless steel cases, double sapphire crystals, and a waterproof value of 30 meters, is powered by the in-house automatic Caliber 9S86. The caliber, which has a power reserve of 55 hours, operates at a frequency of 5Hz (36.000vph) and has a daily accuracy of +5, -3 seconds. The list price for each model is 7600 €.
The new models, SBGE271G and SBGE269G, come in double sapphire crystal stainless steel cases measuring 40.2mm x 14mm. Both models are water-resistant to 100 meters and are equipped with the in-house Spring Drive Caliber 9R66 movements offering an accuracy of ± 1 seconds per day and ± 15 seconds per month. MSRP is 6800€/each.
Grand Seiko Heritage Calibre 9SA5 SLGH007J
The new Grand Seiko Heritage model features a double sapphire 40mm x 11.7mm platinum case. The dial, which is made of 18K white gold, has been prepared with very devoted work to obtain the wooden appearance. The model, which offers a water resistance value of up to 100 meters, includes the manufacture Caliber 9SA5. 47-jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 5Hz (36.000vph) and has an 80-hour power reserve. The model, which is limited to 140 units only, comes on a crocodile leather strap secured by a platinum folding clasp. The list price for the model is 60.000 €.
