Description
This is an uncommon and early Seiko Champion Alpinist ref. J13033 dating to about 1963. This watch is the second generation of the Seiko Alpinist, which was Seiko’s first sporting watch, aimed toward mountaineers. The Seiko Alpinist 35mm stainless steel case was designed by Daini Seikosha whilst working under Taro Tanaka, who literally inspired the design of all the all future angle-lug Grand Seikos. The angular-steel case appears large on the wrist, having an all-dial appearance. Notice the radium sword-style hands and radium markers. The black outer register lends a Polerouter look. The original dial is stunning to gaze upon, even with its radium burn (character-building) shadows. Who doesn’t love the sleek ‘Alpinist’ font? Check out the radium-tipped second hand. The 17 jewel Seiko movement was serviced and is accurate. The winding crown is original. You can see the crisp angles on the lugs, which is reminiscent to all the Grand Seiko watches. This watch remains unpolished. These early Alpinist watches are becoming hard to find.
