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No. 523 / Seiko Champion Alpinist - 1961
No. 523 / Seiko Champion Alpinist - 1961
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Item information ↓
Seiko
Champion Alpinist
Rare Model / Mint Sector Dial / 1961
Intro
This Seiko Champion Alpinist from 1961 is an extremely attractive watch with its stunning silver sunburst sector dial.
Story
Seiko introduced the Alpinist line in 1961 with the extremely rare Laurel Alpinist. The Alpinist was inspired by the Japanese concept of “yama-otoko,” or “mountain man.” The Japanese countryside is mountainous, and amateur mountain climbing was a popular hobby. These watches were ostensibly marketed toward these adventurers.
What really makes this watch stand out from the pack is the dial. The Alpinist collection went through several different dial designs, but this model in particular is quite stunning and unique with its two-tone sector design. It is champagne/silver toned with a brown outer ring and a radial brushed finish. There are thin, printed radial lines coming from the center of the dial to each of the small, lumed hour dots. The brown outer ring is broken by a series of small rectangles, champagne silver in color, at each of the hour markers. The only exception is at twelve, where there’s a large triangle. The base end of the triangle is champagne, while the pointed end is brown and extends toward the center section of the dial.
The dial is signed “Seiko Champion” in script below the twelve, and “Diashock 17J” in blocky, italicized letters just below that. Above the six, it is signed “Alpinist” in the distinctive logo font, and “Water Proof” below that in yet another typeface. The hour and minute hands are a dauphine style with large lume-filled centers. The second hand is unique in that it has a half-moon shaped tip that tracks through the brown outer ring for contrast and easy viewing.
Detail
MODEL
Champion Alpinist
REFERENCE
CHJI3N342E
YEAR
1961
SERIAL
J13049
CASE
35mm (excl. crown), Stainless Steel
MOVEMENT
Manual, 17 Jewels
LUG
18mm
COMES WITH
Watch with new leather strap
Condition
OVERALL A Rank
CASE Great Condition
CRYSTAL Great Condition
DIAL Mint Like New
HANDS Great Condition
MOVEMENT Great Condition
ACCURACY 3 Sec. / day (12 Hr. Timegrapher Test)
Shipping
Courier
We ship all our packages via FedEx International Priority, which includes full insurance coverage. This means they can reach most places in 2-3 days, excluding time required for customs clearance.
Shipping Cost
(All prices are in USD. Costs are per order which can included multiple items)
US & Canada
$90 (Order under $1000)
$100 (Order under $2000)
$110 (Order under $3000)
$150 (Order over $3000)
East Asia (China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong…etc)
$70 (Order under $1000)
$90 (Order under $2000)
$100 (Order under $3000)
$130 (Order over $3000)
Rest of Asia (Australia, ASEAN, Middle East..etc)
$100 (Order under $1000)
$120 (Order under $2000)
$130 (Order under $3000)
$160 (Order over $3000)
Rest of the world (Europe, UK, Latin America…etc)
$130 (Order under $1000)
$140 (Order under $2000)
$160 (Order under $3000)
$190 (Order over $3000)
Insurance
All packages will be fully insured via the courier.
Ship Out Time
Items will be shipped out within 2 days after payment confirmation.
Preparation
As part of our preparation for shipment, we go through the watch to ensure that everything is in working order. Also, for your peace of mind, we will provide a video explaining the functionality and condition of the watch.
Custom Duty
The buyer is responsible for any import customs duty or tax.
Rejected or Returned Delivery
If, for any reason, the delivery is rejected upon delivery or returned to the seller due to issues on the buyer's side (e.g., being unable to provide information for customs clearance when asked or unable to receive delivery, etc.), the total shipping fees, customs duty, and a 10% restocking fee of the item's value will apply.
Special Arrangements
Other shipping options are also possible based on customer's request.
Return Policy
From Time To Times wants you to love your purchase! If, for any reason, you are not happy with your purchase, we offer a flexible return policy.
From Time To Times accepts returns up to 7 days from delivery. To be eligible for returns, items must:
- Return in original condition
- Include all accessories
Please notices:
- To start a return, please contact us via email with your order #
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Customer is responsible to ship the item back based on seller’s instruction
(in order to avoid customs duty) - Refund will be issued once the item is received and condition confirmed
- Refund will be issued to the same payment method used when purchased
- In case of seller’ error (wrong item, missing parts..etc), seller will issue a full refund. Otherwise, shipping, any customs duty and transaction fee (5.9%) will be deducted from the refunded amount.
Please kindly let us know if you have any questions!
Please note
Care
Vintage watches were made many decades ago — some even over a century old. The technology and materials used back then are quite different from what we see in modern watchmaking today. What’s standard for contemporary watches may not apply to vintage ones, and certain activities — like high-intensity exercise — are best avoided while wearing them.
Understanding these differences and handling your vintage watch with a bit of extra care allows you to enjoy it more deeply, and for many years to come. These timepieces have quietly endured the passage of time — think of caring for them the way you might treat a beloved elder: gently, respectfully, and with appreciation.
Research
Vintage watch collecting, unlike acquiring modern timepieces, inherently involves a degree of uncertainty. Both research and personal experience play crucial roles in this journey. If doubts persist even after thorough research, we always advise our friends and clients to refrain from making a purchase. After all, unless one is completely confident in their decision, any lingering doubt can diminish the joy of owning these timepieces—which would be a great pity.
Authenticity
All our watches are inspected by a certified Japanese watchmaker (時計修理技能士1級). To the best of our knowledge, they are authentic and retain their original parts (including the untouched dial), unless stated otherwise. While we do our best, vintage watches naturally carry a level of uncertainty, and opinions on originality can differ even among professionals—so there is always a possibility of error in assessment. To account for this, buyers have one week after delivery to inspect the item and return it if necessary. (see return policy).
Size
Vintage watches are generally smaller than modern watches. Although our measurements are approximate, they provide a good indicator for the buyer to assess whether the smaller size will be an issue.
Water resistance
We suggest treating all vintage watches as having no water resistance, as micro-cracks can develop over time in the case or crystal, even if they are not visible. To preserve their condition, we recommend keeping vintage pieces away from moisture.
Servicing
If a watch is not specifically indicated as "Serviced", we do not have its service history and cannot guarantee its accuracy. We highly recommend it to be serviced by a watchmaker for regular use.
Accuracy
The accuracy indicated in the Condition section is based only on a 12-hour timegrapher test in one position (movement up or dial up). This serves as a reference to help the buyer understand the condition of the movement. We cannot guarantee its actual accuracy, and based on our experience, real-world performance may vary.
Original Accessory
Watch does not included original bracelet / strap / buckle / box / paper unless specifically stated.