When vintage watch and auto aficionados think of iconic Seiko watches designed by the legendary Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro they automatically think of the iconic Seiko “Ripley” famously worn by Sigourney Weaver in the Alien film franchise.
Rarely do Alba's other watches – like the 1992 Alba Field Gear V654-6000 chronograph here, on it's original leather strap and with original hang tags – come to mind. But these very much should.
Although there is nothing linking the Field Gear model here to Giugiaro, the unique design of this chronograph bears some of his design cues - a matte black case, contrasting dark colors on the dial, funky chronograph pushers.
Most aficionados are aware of the sisterly relationship between Seiko and Grand Seiko - but like Honda and Acura, both share a parent company but one is much more finely finished and has more prestigious offering. Aside from Grand Seiko, Seiko has a family of sub-brands, including Alba, Pulsar, and Lorus. Of these nieces and nephews, Alba is the most interesting.
A subsidiary of Seiko, Alba was founded in 1979, and it's watches were and continue to be primarily aimed at Asian and Middle Eastern markets in the hope of creating long-term customer loyalty, which can translate loyalty to Seiko proper as the demographic ages and purchasing power increases.
This Alba Field Gear chronograph comes on what strongly appears to be it's original leather strap, and with black nylon strap, springbar tool, and rugged travel case.
1992 Alba Field Gear V654-6000 Chronograph
DIAL: Silver Alba K2000-signed dial features contrasting red, black, and white colors. A crown at the 10 o'clock position controls the inner tachymeter ring, which works as designed, while the date function at the 3 o'clock position works as designed.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 41mm x 43mm; caselines remain sharp. Caseback inscriptions are crisply legible.
CRYSTAL: Crystal is fully intact, no deep scratches or cracks.
BAND: This Alba comes on a new new-old stock stainless-steel Stelux bracelet, which will fit up to an approx. 8.50 inch wrist (and includes its original box, pictured); this K2000 also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko V743 hacking quartz movement, manufactured in October 1997.
CROWN: Unsigned stainless-steel crown.
