In 1959, Seiko unveiled the Laurel Alpinist wristwatch, aiming to create a dependable timepiece for Japanese mountain climbers and sports enthusiasts. This marked a significant milestone as it marked Seiko's inaugural foray into crafting sports watches. The Seiko Alpinist series, inspired by Yama-otoko, which translates to "mountain men" in Japanese, commenced production in the same year. The rugged landscapes of Japan, dominated by mountains, served as the wellspring of inspiration for these watches. These mountain men required robust gear capable of withstanding the challenging terrain while maintaining precise timekeeping.
 
The Seiko Laurel Alpinist stands out not only as the pioneer of the Alpinist series but also as the sole model in the lineup bearing the Laurel name. Seiko seemingly regarded this as a trial, considering that this watch was positioned within the more formal Laurel collection. Identified as reference J14041, this watch boasted a three-piece stainless steel case housing a 17-jewel Seikosha manual movement. It was available with either a black or white dial. 
 
Taking a look at this J14041 we have for sale, it is truly exceptional. You'll immediately notice a striking black glossy dial adorned with prominent triangular and rectangular luminescent markers. Inside these markers, there's a white minute track, employing the same ink printing as the watch's name and model. What adds an extra layer of excitement to this offering is the inclusion of its original and exceptionally rare Bund straps, featuring the distinctive "Seiko Alpinist" signature on the reverse side, complete with the iconic S-shaped buckle at the end.
 
The J14041 has always been coveted by Japanese collectors and has gained international acclaim, especially after the release of the popular reissue model, the SJE085J1, by Seiko in 2021 and other subsequent models.
 
The watch will be serviced upon purchase.