Model: Seiko SBCJ023 "SSASS" Alpinist Limited Edition (2003)
Overview:
A tribute to legendary Japanese mountaineer Ken Noguchi, the SBCJ023 “SSASS” Alpinist is one of the most historically significant modern Alpinists, combining expedition heritage with high-accuracy quartz functionality.
History:
Released in 2003, the SBCJ023 was created as a tribute to Ken Noguchi, the youngest mountaineer at the time to summit the highest peaks of all seven continents in1999.
Noguchi is also the co-founder and chairman of Seven Summits Action for Sustainable Society, an environmental initiative formed by world-renowned mountaineers focused on conservation efforts across the world’s highest peaks.
Given that the Alpinist line was originally developed in the 1960s for Japanese mountaineers, the SBCJ023 stands as a highly fitting tribute to one of Japan’s most accomplished climbers.
Notably, this model is considered the first limited edition Alpinist since the line’s inception, and one of the few to feature the “Alpinist” text on the dial.
Movement (Perpetual Calendar Function):
Powered by the Seiko 8F56 GMT Perpetual Calendar movement.
The movement tracks the month, date, and leap years internally. By pulling out and pushing back the crown, the seconds hand indicates the number of years since the last leap year, while the date hand advances to display the current month.
Specifications and Condition:
- Overall: Excellent condition
- Case: Clean with minimal signs of wear
- Crystal: Clean
- Dial: Clean
- Movement: Recently serviced, all functions operating properly
- Bracelet: Original bracelet (fits up to 18cm)
- Includes: Original box and papers
Movement:
Seiko 8F56 GMT Perpetual Calendar (HAQ)
Dimensions:
38.5mm diameter
19mm lug width
11mm thickness
Collector Note:
Widely regarded as one of the most collectible modern Alpinists, the SBCJ023 stands out for its combination of true expedition heritage, HAQ precision, and its position as the first limited edition in the Alpinist line.
