Seiko Alpinist Review: 5 Reasons Why It’s An Ultimate Adventure Watch

Relating to 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 fans worldwide, and for good motive. On this Seiko Alpinist Evaluate, we’ll discover 5 compelling the reason why the Alpinist is arguably Seiko’s finest watch.

Key Takeaways

• Whereas finishing the Seiko Alpinist assessment, 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 gorgeous, with a dynamic look that shifts from British racing inexperienced and pale 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 varied straps.
• The Alpinist gives unbelievable worth for cash, with the SARB017 and SPB121 each representing wonderful decisions relying in your preferences and funds.

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 particular person.

At 39mm, it hits the candy spot – not too massive, however by no means dainty. For reference, my wrists are 7 and 1/4 in, and I feel it wears fantastically. Like most Seiko watches they’ve their approach of getting the right match on any wrist measurement, so simply strive giving it a shot.

Even in the event you sometimes gravitate in 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 is not any exception. 

Purpose 2: Uniqueness

In a sea of device 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 novel twist with the addition of the 4 o’clock crown, which is used to regulate the compass operate. Talking of the compass, it’s a signature characteristic of the Alpinist. When you might not use it usually, it’s a cool complication to have, and who is aware of – it would come in useful if you end up stranded out within the wilderness with out your telephone.

The cathedral handset is one other distinctive factor of the Alpinist. It’s a little bit of a love-it-or-hate-it characteristic, 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 Gorgeous Dial

Let’s discuss that inexperienced dial. This shade pairing was first launched in 1995 alongside black and beige variants, the inexperienced Alpinist has turn out to be legendary. Seiko’s designers have been initially informed that inexperienced dials wouldn’t promote properly, however oh, how occasions have modified. The fashionable model we all know and love as we speak emerged in 2006, solidifying its standing because the go-to inexperienced Explorer various.

The inexperienced hue of the Alpinist’s dial is finished tastefully. It’s a classy British racing inexperienced that leans in direction of an olive tone. The sunburst impact makes it extremely dynamic – in low mild it will possibly seem black and even silvery grey, whereas in brilliant daylight it transforms right into a vibrant inexperienced. It’s like carrying a unique watch all through the day.

Purpose 4: Strap Monster

Regardless of its daring inexperienced dial, the Alpinist is surprisingly versatile on the subject of strap pairings. The inventory crocodile strap is, let’s be sincere, not the most effective. However swap it out for virtually some other strap, and the Alpinist shines. Its impartial inexperienced tone performs properly with all kinds of straps.

Purpose 5: Value and Worth

Whereas the value of the unique SARB017 Alpinist has crept up in recent times, it nonetheless represents a implausible worth proposition. In case you 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 allure of the SARB017.

That mentioned, in the event you’re new to the world of watches, the SPB121 remains to be a stable alternative. With its dependable 6R35 motion, sapphire crystal, and balanced 39mm measurement, the Alpinist may 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 beneath $800, it’s a worth proposition that’s laborious to beat, approaching Grand Seiko territory by way of high quality and allure.

One phrase of warning – it wouldn’t be an actual Seiko Alpinist assessment if I didn’t let you know 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 crimson flags to keep away from getting burned.

Watch Specs

Closing Verdict

In the end, what I realized from this Seiko Alpinist assessment 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 parts, gorgeous dynamic dial, spectacular versatility, and powerful worth proposition, it’s a robust contender for the last 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 area watch this iconic.