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Seiko SBCJ023 SSASS Alpinist

Seiko SBCJ023 SSASS Alpinist

£3,300.00 GBP
£3,300.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

An early 2000s, now discontinued, titanium 8F56 HAQ (+/- 20 seconds per year) GMT Perpetual Calendar Alpinist from Seiko.

Model: Seiko SBCJ023 / 8F56-00D0

Year: 2003

Limited Edition: 500 Pieces

Features:

The History. The SSASS (Seven Summits Actions for Sustainable Society) is the rarest modern Alpinist and a well-deserved grail watch for many Seiko collectors. In 1999, Ken Noguchi became the youngest person to climb the Seven Summits - the highest mountains on each continent - at the age of 25. However, a visit to a litter-strewn Mt. Everest in 2000 left Noguchi deeply disillusioned. Determined to make a difference, he led an eco-conscious team of climbers who ended up removing 8,000 kg of rubbish from Mt. Everest over several years.

Limited Edition. Noguchi later focused his efforts on Mt. Fuji, and Seiko honoured his foundation’s remarkable work in Japan by naming their most beautiful Alpinist the “SSASS”. Limited to just 500 pieces, it continues to fetch the highest price of any Alpinist on the market. 

The Complications. It’s both GMT and a Perpetual calendar. The calendar won’t need correcting until February 28, 2100. Despite having a GMT hand, it’s still an Alpinist at heart so there’s a rotating inner compass bezel instead of a World Timer bezel. The bezel can be used to determine the direction of North as long as you can see the Sun.

The Movement. High Accuracy Quartz (HAQ). In its very nature quartz is very accurate (typically +/- 15 seconds per month), but it has one major weakness: changes in temperature. HAQ movements are thermos-compensated, meaning they can adjust themselves when the temperature changes, resulting in an accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per year!

The Materials. The case and bracelet are titanium making it super lightweight. A mix of polished and brushed surfaces give it a rugged but smart appearance. The bracelet is the original titanium bracelet.

Specifications:

The Condition: Very good condition overall. No marks of any real significance, but light marks can be seen on the case upon close inspection. The caseback has been engraved with "60th Birthday Celebration: March 2, 2004".

Scope: No box or papers.

Movement: 8F56 HAQ Perpetual Calendar with GMT

Dimensions:

  • Case Width: 38.5mm
  • Lug to lug: 44.0mm
  • Case Thickness: 11.1mm
  • Bracelet Length: Up to a 7.2” wrist
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