Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Interpretation Black - Bracelet Ref. SBDC147

Product Description Specifications Reviews Video

If you could pick one watch that could manage to effortlessly shine in just about any occasion, what would it be? This might be your answer. Seiko introduced their latest addition to the ever popular ‘Alpinist’ collection of robust yet visually charming sports timepieces, paying tribute to the design of the original and first ever Seiko Alpinist — The 1959 Seiko Laurel Alpinist. Presenting the iconic style of its 1959 forefather with all the bells and whistles we’d expect from a modern Seiko watch, the Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Interpretation Black - Bracelet Ref. SBDC147 ticks all the right boxes in specifications and in looks.

Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Interpretation Black - Bracelet Ref. SBDC147 / SPB243

Ever since the fan favourite green Seiko Alpinist Ref. SARB017 made its debut in 2007, the classic mountaineering watch gained an immense cult following to a truly unprecedented level as an iconic collection synonymous with affordability and excellent performance. The Alpinist forged its honorable cult status in the watch community by offering a fine Japanese timepiece that offered so much value for the money, everything about it seemed to be what we enthusiasts wanted in a watch. And yes, it is one beautiful Seiko.

As a tool watch originally created for “Yama-Otoko”, or mountain men in Japanese, the Alpinist provided robust specifications that could handle rugged mountainous terrains. While we enjoy a whole range of splendid sports watches from Seiko today, the Alpinist holds great historical significance for the brand as Seiko’s first real attempt at creating a dependable sports watch. Lamentably, Seiko appalled the world when they bid goodbye to the esteemed SARB017, announcing its discontinuation in 2018 after 11 years of production. “When one door closes, another one opens.” This quote from Alexander Graham Bell couldn't be more true for Seiko when they released their latest generation of Alpinists in 2020, joining the Prospex line up with a set of outstanding new upgrades.

Seiko in-house calibre 6R35 movement

All of us Seiko lovers would definitely be delighted to find out that the case of this latest Alpinist has remained in its sweet and satisfying 38mm form factor, a size that most of us would describe as perfect. Constructed out of 316L stainless steel, the Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Interpretation Black - Bracelet Ref. SBDC147 measures with a lug to lug distance of 46.2mm and a case thickness of 12.9mm, this translates to a pleasingly comfortable fit on the wrist while exhibiting an abundance of elegance. Versatility is one of the main highlights here, this is an explorer’s watch that would look right in place on pretty much any occasion.

Like many of Seiko’s timepieces, the SBDC147 is finished immaculately with a mix of precise finishes, reflecting on the exceptional quality and fine Japanese craftsmanship of the Japanese watchmaking giant. The brushed finishes on the side of the case and the top of the curved lugs transition to a set of brilliantly polished surfaces on the chamfered edges and the bezel, well-defined with sharp, cohesive lines that certainly brings a dressy appeal to the piece. The watch is accompanied with Seiko’s solid 19mm stainless steel bracelet, secured on the wrist with a push-button folding clasp.

The stainless steel case carries the Alpinist's baton

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of the Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Interpretation Black - Bracelet Ref. SBDC147 can be found right on its black dial that bears a close resemblance to the classic 1959 Alpinist. Like the Laurel Alpinist, the brushed sunray dial features large iconic triangular markers at the 12, 6 and 9 position (with the date window replacing the 3 o’clock marker) and an inner minute track. For a charming retro look, the applied markers and faceted handsets are treated with Seiko’s proprietary LumiBrite luminous paint in a cream white color to evoke an additional warm vintage touch with a pleasant blue glow in the dark. To top it off, the dial is protected by a scratch-resistant domed sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coating.

Under the impressive exterior of the Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Interpretation Black - Bracelet Ref. SBDC147 lies the Seiko in-house calibre 6R35 automatic movement, which is equipped with a substantial 70 hours of power reserve, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the 6R15. The 24 jewel movement has a 3 Hz beat rate of 21,600 beats per hour with hand-winding and hacking capabilities. Enclosed in a screw-in display exhibition case back and a screw-down crown at the 3 o’clock position, the watch presents a capable water resistance of 200m despite not being a diver’s watch.

Seiko luminous glows brightly in the dark

The Alpinist will always have a spot in the hearts of Seiko enthusiasts, being an iconic watch that managed to deliver greatness in just about all aspects of a perfect every-occasion timepiece. With Seiko continuously bringing modern interpretations of their classic models, the Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Interpretation Black - Bracelet Ref. SBDC147 carries on the proud legacy of its predecessors with welcoming modern upgrades achieved with Seiko’s watchmaking excellence.

Maker	Seiko Japan
Movement	Caliber 6R35
Accuracy range	+25/-15 sec per day
Dial	Black with applied indexes
Luminous	Lumibrite
Case	Stainless steel
Crown type	Screwdown crown
Lug width	19mm
Crystal material	Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Strap	Stainless steel
Water resistance	200m
Dimensions	38mm in diameter, 46.2mm lug to lug, 12.9mm thick.

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