Seiko Alpinist First Generation Review

Tony C. · 2014-02-20T18:10:40Z

Tony C. reviews the first-generation Seiko Alpinist from 1961. Discover the history, design, and enduring appeal of this vintage 17-jewel hand-wind watch.

Tony C.

WPS member · Seiko forum

6 replies3690 views0 photos

Tony C. shares a personal review of the first-generation Seiko Alpinist, a vintage piece from 1961 that holds a special place in his collection. As a long-standing Seiko enthusiast, Tony highlights the historical significance and aesthetic charm of this early Alpinist model. His post offers a unique perspective on the watch's design and its connection to Japanese 'Yamaotoko' mountain climbers, making a compelling case for its enduring appeal.

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As a long-standing Seiko fan, I am happy to find that this forum has been added, and have no doubt that it will be well received by the community.

As most readers know, I confine myself to vintage watches, with a focus on the mid-'40s to mid-'60s era. Seiko was one of my early interests, and I have owned a number of different models over the years. While I certainly have a soft spot for the superb early Grand Seikos, I must say that my favorite is probably the first generation Alpinist shown below.

The Alpinist line was introduced in 1961, and has spanned five generations, culminating with the popular contemporary models. This early model was a 17 Jewel handwind, and the case is 34mm (excluding the crown).

Seiya-san, a wonderful resource for Japanese watches and information about them, summarizes the story of the genesis of the Alpinist model this way:

"There is a type of man known in Japan as Yamaotoko. This term translates into English as 'mountain man'. The Yamaotoko spends weekends and holidays climbing one of many beautiful mountains in Japan...

Of particular pride is conquering the peaks of the famous Japanese Alps, both the southern and northern ranges. The SEIKO Alpinist was designed with the Yamaotoko in mind."

I find the dials on the early Alpinists to be quite beautiful (they were also produced in black). The 3, 6, 9, 12 hour markers have a distinctive look, and were perhaps created to evoke the mountains to which the model name refers. The wabi found on this particular watch suits it perfectly, given the five-plus decades which have passed since it was made.

Regards,

Tony C.

Key Points from the Discussion

The first-generation Alpinist, introduced in 1961, was a 17-jewel hand-wind watch with a 34mm case, designed for Japanese 'Yamaotoko' mountain climbers.
The distinctive 3, 6, 9, 12 hour markers on the early Alpinist dials are thought to evoke the mountains that inspired the model's name.
The black version of the first-generation Alpinist came on a bund-style strap, though original straps are rarely preserved.
The Alpinist's design, even from 1961, is noted for its contemporary appeal, making it a timeless piece.

The Discussion

Bill

Feb 20, 2014

I just saw a picture from FX below. You can clearly see the heritage coming from your original 1961 to the model Fx presented. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and I am eagerly awaiting more. Bill

cazalea

Feb 20, 2014

I've had a couple Alpinists, and I can't remember why they left the stable. None so old and rare as yours though. Thanks for sharing it. Cazalea This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-02-20 21:43:03

Bill

Feb 20, 2014

What year ids that Seiko. The Red hand from Rolex was a mid 70's issue. Bill

gogoivan7

Feb 21, 2014

Never heard of the Alpinist before. I really like the model it has contemporary design even for 2014.

martback

Mar 7, 2014

This is the black version which came on a bund style strap. Unfortunately, no original straps seem to have been preserved. - martin

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