Seiko SJE085 (1959 Alpinist re-creation) Review
The SJE085 (1959 Alpinist re-creation) is a stunning watch and overall a goregeous re-creation of the original. It's one of those watches that tends to confuse people when it comes to the price, but seeing it in the metal makes the price more understandable in my opinion. The dial finishing with the gorgeous boxed crystal are both the stars of the show here. The applied indices against the ink black dial are stunning and the distortion the boxed sapphire crystal gives is lovely.
The case finishing overall is very nice. Not quite Grand Seiko level, but very high quality nonetheless. The 36.6mm case is a great choice I think, however, I would have preferred 20mm lug width instead of 18mm as I like how the width of 20mm straps look on my wrist. I couldn't get used to how slender an 18mm nato looked. Totally a personal preference thing and is true to the original though.
I think my biggest complaints are the 4:30 date and the fact that is doesn't have the word "Alpinist" anywhere on the watch; Not on the dial or the caseback. Not sure if it's a trademark thing now or what, but it makes no sense to me. That said, I do think the "Automatic" looks beautiful. Even though I'd prefer a no-date, the date IS implemented nicely and doesn't stand out when on wrist.
As far as the 6L35 movement (same as in the SJE083 King Seiko) is concerned, I didn't really keep track of its performance per se, but from what I could tell, it was somewhere around 4-5 seconds fast a day while I wore it.
Lastly, I took off the strap it comes on as soon as I walked out of my AD (seriously, I took it off in the car before I left the parking lot). It's nice and all, but I was going to wear natos on this guy. When it wasn't on a nato, I threw it on the strap from my Grand Seiko SGBR261 and it looked awesome!
At the end of the day, the 36mm size just wasn't jiving with me. I've been currently wearing the Seiko SLA057 which is a 42mm diver and that size feels right at home on me. Despite the fact I didn't warm up to the smaller size, I DO think they made the right choice by making the re-creation just over 36mm. It feels appropriate.
Seiko SJE085 (1959 Alpinist re-creation) Review
Yes
No
- Dial design
- Finishing
- Boxed Crystal
- No "Alpinist" name on the watch!
- 18mm lug width
- Would prefer a no-date for this model
Current collection: Seiko SARB033, Seiko SBSA057, Seiko SZSB011
nice review, and nice photograph. as always 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I laughed when you said you took it off in the parking lot! That's a great set of shots Korey. I love this watch as well. I ended up with the SPB243 which was a bit of an impulse buy for me as my AD just had begun carrying Seiko and I went in to see my "guy" who had been promoted to store manager. When I saw that Alpinist in person i just had to have it...they didn't have the one you got, just the three 39mm ones.
I agree with your cons. I would like to see "Alpinist" on the dial AND without the date function.
Great review and photographs! Seiko does know how to make great looking watches. I think 36mm would suit my small wrist, and I agree that the date at 4:30 isn't particularly obtrusive in this case. But at that time I didn't think I could justify myself buying a Seiko at that price, so I was very happy to get myself a Ginza Alpinist instead
Amazing watch, I wish they made similar design in way lower price range. Clean simple, no date, lower grade movement.
Very stately.
That is a lovely looking dial!
Beautiful photographs!
Beautiful watch, but I just can't get down with the 4:30 date window. I'm not a huge fan of 3:00 either, but with the 4:30 my brain insists it's a mistake. It just always looks like an afterthought.
Great review and great looking watch. What is the alligator strap you have? Looks stunning!
Great review and great looking watch. What is the alligator strap you have? Looks stunning!
Thanks! That's actually the strap that came on the Grand Seiko SBGR261. It's VERY comfortable.
Very nice review and beautiful watch. Good photography also. I’m guessing the lume is good with those large markers?
Very nice review and beautiful watch. Good photography also. I’m guessing the lume is good with those large markers?
Yes! The lume is awesome! Also, that is one advantage of the 4:30 date. You get a clean lume dial.
I would love a no date version.
I just really never connected with this one. I think the star window was part of it but not really digging the overall look. Perhaps it would be different if I saw it in person. This watch now has another stiff competitor in the Tudor Ranger, which I really want to see in person (I’m on a list with an AD).
Great review and your photos are superb. Love the strap combinations you've selected.
I am a big fan of this watch, but I have kept it on the bund strap since I have a 7.5 inch wrist and the 18mm straps and 36mm case size just looks a bit too small on my wrist.
If you enjoy the bund strap look, the original setup definitely feels like a watch from 1959. I think Seiko nailed it.
BTW - I am fine with 4:30 date on the dial, but then again I am a huge fan of Zenith chronos that many seem to have a 4:30 date.
Thanks! Yeah, the bund would be great with larger wrists. It's a gorgeous watch and I think they nailed it as far as the quality and finishing goes! To me, it's worth the price tag.