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Post by estrickland on Feb 3, 2015 19:29:32 GMT -8
Crossing my fingers on this 1961 (first model) Alpinist, on its way from Japan now:    Google searching, I can't find another one in this condition - and that has me a little spooked. The case looks unpolished, the lines are sharp and the back looks almost new - so the watch hasn't been through the ringer. The movement looks clean and correct - here's a reference image from the 'Museum of Japanese Made Watches':  The dial could be a refinished or relumed, but with sharp plots and dial marks that would be tough to execute. Biggest warning sign is the crown - it looks like one from the second model (850) - not sure if it's due to parts inventory / transitional production, or if it's a service/sourced replacement. Probably the second, which is what has me on edge. Here's what the crown should look like:  I probably would have passed, but the seller listed it alongside a bunch of contemporary NOS items (also on their first listing) - clearly he found a haul somewhere - so I went in it to win it. More pics when it arrives. Thinking about trying my first bund, to wear it as intended. Not sure I can pull it off:  For those unfamiliar with the model (intended for the Yamaotoko), here are some links: yeomansweblog.wordpress.com/2006/11/24/seiko-alpinist-tradition-concept-innovation/seiko.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-876/pi-6283928/ti-914163/t-seiko-what-a-nice-surprise-seiko-alpinist-review/Trying to hunt down Martback's article "The Alpinist – The Summit of Seiko Branding" - if someone has a saved copy or a live link, please share! Hope you enjoyed the pics on this rare model - any thoughts on authenticity or links to more on the Alpinist series appreciated. More pics and TimeGrapher #s when it arrives - thanks for reading! |
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cd_god
Is a Permanent Fixture
Finna set up a HOOD next door to your richie phuk suburban mansion
Posts: 12,296 
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Post by cd_god on Feb 3, 2015 20:23:47 GMT -8
Crossing my fingers on this 1961 (first model) Alpinist, on its way from Japan now: Google searching, I can't find another one in this condition - and that has me a little spooked. The case looks unpolished, the lines are sharp and the back looks almost new - so the watch hasn't been through the ringer. The movement looks clean and correct - here's a reference image from the 'Museum of Japanese Made Watches': The dial could be a refinished or relumed, but with sharp plots and dial marks that would be tough to execute. Biggest warning sign is the crown - it looks like one from the second model (850) - not sure if it's due to parts inventory / transitional production, or if it's a service/sourced replacement. Probably the second, which is what has me on edge. Here's what the crown should look like: I probably would have passed, but the seller listed it alongside a bunch of contemporary NOS items (also on their first listing) - clearly he found a haul somewhere - so I went in it to win it. More pics when it arrives. Thinking about trying my first bund, to wear it as intended. Not sure I can pull it off: For those unfamiliar with the model (intended for the Yamaotoko), here are some links: yeomansweblog.wordpress.com/2006/11/24/seiko-alpinist-tradition-concept-innovation/seiko.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-876/pi-6283928/ti-914163/t-seiko-what-a-nice-surprise-seiko-alpinist-review/Trying to hunt down Martback's article "The Alpinist – The Summit of Seiko Branding" - if someone has a saved copy or a live link, please share! Hope you enjoyed the pics on this rare model - any thoughts on authenticity or links to more on the Alpinist series appreciated. More pics and TimeGrapher #s when it arrives - thanks for reading! Interesting that the case back appears to be missing the mountain logo (unless that started with the calender model) otherwise it looks in way above average condition for that era. So which on are you going to let go to make space for this one  |
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Post by estrickland on Feb 3, 2015 20:59:04 GMT -8
Interesting that the case back appears to be missing the mountain logo (unless that started with the calender model) otherwise it looks in way above average condition for that era. So which on are you going to let go to make space for this one Yeah the first Alpinist didn't have the mountain. Here's another owners':  ... and a macro image from the MoJmW:  The 1963 2nd model (Seiko Champion) Alpinist did feature the mountain, before the date version:   As for who has to go... @34mm I think my wife will wear this one on occasion, so I'll be able to sneak it into the 'womens-auxiliary-collection' loophole. Barring that, I'll probably let the 6139-7020 go:  |
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Post by igniferroque on Feb 3, 2015 21:23:00 GMT -8
Wow, looks fantastic from this uneducated viewpoint.
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Post by Groundhog66 on Feb 3, 2015 21:51:59 GMT -8
What a great looking watch, I really like that a lot.
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cobrajet25
Needs a Life!
"Underweared curmudgeon!"
Posts: 3,357
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Post by cobrajet25 on Feb 3, 2015 22:13:41 GMT -8
Looks fantastic! Keep us all posted!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 1:24:37 GMT -8
Nice watch the Alpinist, it is in great condition.
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Rod
WS Benefactor
Posts: 2,214
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Post by Rod on Feb 4, 2015 3:26:19 GMT -8
Wow you bought it! i bid up to $1…… and as we both know that they are not cheep, super glad that you got it. I missed out on the other one last week by $110! but as we say stick to your limit in auctions! This was the other one, did you see it? just as nice but the photos let it down! This is a grail watch for me and i have only seen 5 for sale is the last few years and two in the last week!!   |
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Rod
WS Benefactor
Posts: 2,214
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Post by Rod on Feb 4, 2015 3:34:47 GMT -8
:thumbsup:Do you have any more Alpinist's? I owned quite a few but sold them to finance my Silverwaves, don't quite now if that was a good idea or not, but hey you gotta do what you gotta do! I do have one NOS April 1964 gold case Alpinist left, happily  Once again, super nice score and congratulations on a very signifiant buy  Rod |
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Post by estrickland on Feb 4, 2015 3:48:51 GMT -8
Wow you bought it! i bid up to $1…… and as we both know that they are not cheep, super glad that you got it. I missed out on the other one last week by $110! but as we say stick to your limit in auctions! This was the other one, did you see it? just as nice but the photos let it down! I didn't see that one - sorry you just missed it! Looks nice - if in more plausible condition (hand wringing increasing...).  Would like to have seen a movement pic, but glad to see the same 850 crown. Good luck w/ your search - I'll let you know when I see one (but it sounds like you're more on top of it than I am). |
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Post by estrickland on Feb 4, 2015 4:22:20 GMT -8
:thumbsup:Do you have any more Alpinist's? I owned quite a few but sold them to finance my Silverwaves, don't quite now if that was a good idea or not, but hey you gotta do what you gotta do! I do have one NOS April 1964 gold case Alpinist left, happily Once again, super nice score and congratulations on a very signifiant buy Rod First Alpinist - mostly divers for me. Re: sold a few for Silverwaves Hard to go wrong either way - Silverwaves are killer too - would love to have one.  Re: I do have one NOS April 1964 gold case Alpinist left, happily Awesome. Don't tease us - Pics! |
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sdoocms
Is a Permanent Fixture
Carl
Posts: 5,296
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Post by sdoocms on Feb 4, 2015 6:20:11 GMT -8
Congrats on a really nice find!
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Post by russtmurray on Feb 4, 2015 18:34:21 GMT -8
Congratulations, that's a great find! Will you wear it without supplemental oxygen while sucking on a Ricola?  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2015 4:56:49 GMT -8
<insert slobber here>
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Post by sweffymo on Feb 5, 2015 6:20:32 GMT -8
So uhh... Where do you live and what times are you least likely to be home? Haha, I really do like that! Congratulations on the new watch! |
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Post by martback on Feb 11, 2015 11:41:09 GMT -8
Could be a fantastic purchase, I have never seen a black one in that condition (and I have been looking for 10 years). I would be a bit cautious though, the crown is not original and the lume seems too good to be true. These were cheap watches when introduced and all that I have seen have aged quicker than other Seiko watches from that period. Even a watch that had been kept in a box for 50 years would be unlikely to have lume that bright, and I would also expect a slight more greenish color. Rest of the dial should be OK but I am always cautious with black dials as they are easy to redial. This watch also has a silk-screeny print in the original so they could look redialled even if they are not.
I will see if I have my article on file but there are no pictures that would help, just the ones you have googled and some of my own Alpinists.
And now we begin the fight for the white dial version.
- martin
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Post by estrickland on Feb 11, 2015 12:07:48 GMT -8
Could be a fantastic purchase, I have never seen a black one in that condition (and I have been looking for 10 years). I would be a bit cautious though, the crown is not original and the lume seems too good to be true. These were cheap watches when introduced and all that I have seen have aged quicker than other Seiko watches from that period. Even a watch that had been kept in a box for 50 years would be unlikely to have lume that bright, and I would also expect a slight more greenish color. Rest of the dial should be OK but I am always cautious with black dials as they are easy to redial. This watch also has a silk-screeny print in the original so they could look redialled even if they are not. I will see if I have my article on file but there are no pictures that would help, just the ones you have googled and some of my own Alpinists. And now we begin the fight for the white dial version. - martin Yep - exactly why I'm worried. Bought the seller, and crossing fingers. I found your article on the waybackmachine web archive: web.archive.org/web/20101205084746/http://www.gmtplusnine.com/2009/02/14/the-alpinist-%E2%80%93-the-summit-of-seiko-branding/Great read! Re: the white dialed version That's all you, Martin. Only room in the collection for 1 Alpinist. Hope this is the guy. |
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Post by estrickland on Feb 17, 2015 23:22:01 GMT -8
So the Alpinist arrived and I *still* don't know what to think. Dial printing, lugs and replacement (?) crown look great:    Movement is super clean:  Running strong:  Looking at the lume - its both consistent and totally shot. The rest of my vintage watches glow like a torch under UV light - easily visible in a well-lit room, but not this guy. After a struggle, I was able to get this iPhone shot a few seconds after hitting it with a UV light:  In the end, I think I've decided to be happy about this guy - if it's a redial and/or relume, I can't fault it. Hope you've enjoyed the pics! |
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Rod
WS Benefactor
Posts: 2,214
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Post by Rod on Feb 18, 2015 2:02:16 GMT -8
So the Alpinist arrived and I *still* don't know what to think. Dial printing, lugs and replacement (?) crown look great: Movement is super clean: Running strong: Looking at the lume - its both consistent and totally shot. The rest of my vintage watches glow like a torch under UV light - easily visible in a well-lit room, but not this guy. After a struggle, I was able to get this iPhone shot a few seconds after hitting it with a UV Torch: In the end, I think I've decided to be happy about this guy - if it's a redial and/or relume, I can't fault it. Hope you've enjoyed the pics! I don't think you should worry, the hands have been replaced as they are the wrong length, but hands on vintage watches get changed all the time, the dial may be NOS or just a great survivor, either way I'd change the crown and wear it with a smile |
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Post by estrickland on Feb 18, 2015 2:35:09 GMT -8
I don't think you should worry, the hands have been replaced as they are the wrong length, but hands on vintage watches get changed all the time, the dial may be NOS or just a great survivor, either way I'd change the crown and wear it with a smile The hands don't look like the incorrect length to me - here is an image of the watch superimposed/alpha-blended with an image of the Alpinist from the MoJmW:  + they look like they match the length in the Bund image (which matches the lume color) above. |
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