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On the subject of selecting the right watch on your outside adventures, the Seiko Alpinist stands out as a high contender.
This iconic timepiece has captured the hearts of watch lovers worldwide, and for good cause. On this Seiko Alpinist Assessment, we’ll discover 5 compelling the explanation why the Alpinist is arguably Seiko’s finest watch.
And for those who’re on the hunt, take a look at my high suggestions for recognizing a pretend, as effectively.

Key Takeaways
- Whereas finishing the Seiko Alpinist overview, I assumed the watch fell into the Goldilocks class (not too large, not too small…good). Which means it was the right measurement regardless of it being 39mm, making it appropriate for a variety of wrist sizes and preferences.
- The Alpinist stands out for its distinctive design, that includes a 4 o’clock crown, compass bezel, and distinctive cathedral handset.
- The Alpinist’s inexperienced dial is beautiful, with a dynamic look that shifts from British racing inexperienced and light olive tones to black to silvery-gray, relying on the lighting.
- Regardless of its daring look the Alpinist is a strap monster, versatile sufficient to pair with numerous straps.
- The Alpinist provides unimaginable worth for cash, with the SARB017 and SPB121 each representing glorious selections relying in your preferences and finances.
- Excellent 38mm measurement appropriate for many wrists
- Distinctive design with 4 o’clock crown and compass bezel
- Beautiful dynamic inexperienced dial
- Versatile strap choices
- Dependable Seiko 6R15 or 6R35 actions
- Sapphire crystal for sturdiness
- Wealthy historical past and heritage of the Alpinist line
- Inventory crocodile strap shouldn’t be the very best quality
- Cathedral handset may be polarizing
- Costs have elevated in recent times
- Some convincing counterfeit Alpinists exist out there
- Newer SPB121 has divisive cyclops date and Prospex brand
Purpose 1: The Excellent Measurement
One of many standout options of the Alpinist is its measurement. Regardless of the way it might seem in photographs, the Alpinist is definitely fairly compact in individual.
At 39mm, it hits the candy spot – not too massive, however under no circumstances dainty. For reference, my wrists are 7 and 1/4 in, and I feel it wears fantastically. Like most Seiko watches they’ve their means of getting the right match on any wrist measurement, so simply attempt giving it a shot.
Even for those who sometimes gravitate in the direction of bigger dive watches, the Alpinist may simply change your thoughts. Seiko has a knack for nailing the right match on any wrist measurement, and the Alpinist isn’t any exception.

Purpose 2: Uniqueness
In a sea of instrument watches dominated by divers, chronographs, and GMTs, the Alpinist stands out as a watch designed particularly for mountaineering. The traditional case design will get a singular twist with the addition of the 4 o’clock crown, which is used to regulate the compass perform. Talking of the compass, it’s a signature function of the Alpinist. Whilst you might not use it usually, it’s a cool complication to have, and who is aware of – it’d come in useful if you end up stranded out within the wilderness with out your cellphone.
The cathedral handset is one other distinctive aspect of the Alpinist. It’s a little bit of a love-it-or-hate-it function, however for my part, the Alpinist wouldn’t be the identical with out it. Usually seen on traditional navy watches, it provides to the rugged, adventurous vibe of the timepiece.

Purpose 3: The Beautiful Dial
Let’s discuss that inexperienced dial. This shade pairing was first launched in 1995 alongside black and beige variants, the inexperienced Alpinist has develop into legendary. Seiko’s designers had been initially informed that inexperienced dials wouldn’t promote effectively, however oh, how occasions have modified. The fashionable model we all know and love right this moment emerged in 2006, solidifying its standing because the go-to inexperienced Explorer different.
The inexperienced hue of the Alpinist’s dial is finished tastefully. It’s a classy British racing inexperienced that leans in the direction of an olive tone. The sunburst impact makes it extremely dynamic – in low mild it might probably seem black and even silvery grey, whereas in vibrant daylight it transforms right into a vibrant inexperienced. It’s like carrying a distinct watch all through the day.

Purpose 4: Strap Monster
Regardless of its daring inexperienced dial, the Alpinist is surprisingly versatile in terms of strap pairings. The inventory crocodile strap is, let’s be trustworthy, not one of the best. However swap it out for virtually some other strap, and the Alpinist shines. Its impartial inexperienced tone performs effectively with all kinds of straps.

Purpose 5: Value and Worth
Whereas the worth of the unique SARB017 Alpinist has crept up in recent times, it nonetheless represents a improbable worth proposition. For those who can snag one in good situation for across the similar value because the newer SPB121 model, I’d suggest going that route. For my part, the Cyclops date and Prospex brand on the newer mannequin doesn’t fairly seize the traditional attraction of the SARB017.
That mentioned, for those who’re new to the world of watches, the SPB121 continues to be a stable selection. With its dependable 6R35 motion, sapphire crystal, and balanced 39mm measurement, the Alpinist might simply be your one-and-done watch. It’s versatile sufficient to decorate up or down, rugged sufficient for outside adventures, and carries the wealthy historical past of Seiko’s legendary Alpinist line. At below $800, it’s a worth proposition that’s onerous to beat, approaching Grand Seiko territory when it comes to high quality and attraction.

One phrase of warning – it wouldn’t be an actual Seiko Alpinist overview if I didn’t inform you that there are some very convincing Alpinist fakes on the market. When shopping for, make sure to rigorously analysis the vendor and look ahead to pink flags to keep away from getting burned.
Watch Specs
Function | Specification |
---|---|
Case Thickness | 13.2mm |
Diameter | 39.5mm |
Lug-to-lug | 46.4mm |
Materials | Chrome steel |
Crown | 4 o’clock place, adjusts compass bezel |
Water resistance | 200m (20 bar) |
Dial Colour | Inexperienced with sunburst impact |
Handset | Cathedral-style palms |
Compass bezel | Inside rotating bezel with cardinal factors |
Lume | LumiBrite on palms and indices |
Crystal Materials | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on interior floor |
Motion Caliber | Seiko 6R35 |
Sort | Automated with handbook winding |
Energy reserve | 70 hours |
Accuracy | +25 to -15 seconds per day |
Jewels | 24 |
Strap | Crocodile-embossed calfskin |
Closing Verdict
In the end, what I realized from this Seiko Alpinist overview is that it’s a watch that continues to captivate collectors and adventurers alike, and it’s simple to see why. With its excellent measurement, distinctive design components, beautiful dynamic dial, spectacular versatility, and robust worth proposition, it’s a powerful contender for the final word journey watch from Seiko.

Whether or not you go for a traditional SARB017 or a contemporary SPB121, the Alpinist is bound to be a cherished companion on all of your outside explorations. Now if solely Grand Seiko would make a discipline watch this iconic.

From a younger age, I used to be hooked on watches. My dad and uncle had been each collectors, and I couldn’t resist the attract of their timepieces. Nevertheless it wasn’t till I stumbled upon a Casio digital calculator watch in faculty that I actually fell in love. (I initially purchased the watch to finish my Again to the Future costume for an 80’s-themed celebration)
It wasn’t till the discharge of the Swatch Moonswatch watches that Clicky Bezel got here to fruition. My spouse (bless her coronary heart) had been bugging me for years to begin a YouTube channel, and I lastly caved in with my first video masking my expertise tenting over 16 hours for the hyped-up Moonswatches.
In a comparatively quick time, I’ve been fortunate sufficient to attach and collaborate with some large gamers within the trade, together with Nomos Glashütte, Jomashop, Minase, and now Fashionbeans. To study extra about my ardour, discover my content material right here on fashionbeans.com, comply with my Youtube web page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ClickyBezel or go to my web site at: https://clickybezel.com/