In terms of selecting the proper watch to your out of doors adventures, the Seiko Alpinist stands out as a prime contender.

This iconic timepiece has captured the hearts of watch lovers worldwide, and for good motive. On this Seiko Alpinist Evaluation, we’ll discover 5 compelling explanation why the Alpinist is arguably Seiko’s greatest watch.

Key Takeaways

• Whereas finishing the Seiko Alpinist assessment, I believed the watch fell into the Goldilocks class (not too huge, not too small…excellent). That means it was the proper dimension 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 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 affords unbelievable worth for cash, with the SARB017 and SPB121 each representing wonderful decisions relying in your preferences and funds.

Cause 1: The Good Measurement

One of many standout options of the Alpinist is its dimension. Regardless of the way it might seem in images, the Alpinist is definitely fairly compact in particular person.

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

Even if you happen to sometimes gravitate in direction of bigger dive watches, the Alpinist would possibly simply change your thoughts. Seiko has a knack for nailing the proper match on any wrist dimension, and the Alpinist is not any exception. 

Cause 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 standard 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 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 telephone.

The cathedral handset is one other distinctive component 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. Sometimes seen on traditional navy watches, it provides to the rugged, adventurous vibe of the timepiece.

Cause 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 turn out to be legendary. Seiko’s designers have been initially instructed that inexperienced dials wouldn’t promote properly, however oh, how occasions have modified. The trendy model we all know and love at this time emerged in 2006, solidifying its standing because the go-to inexperienced Explorer different.

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

Cause 4: Strap Monster

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

Cause 5: Value and Worth

Whereas the worth of the unique SARB017 Alpinist has crept up lately, it nonetheless represents a unbelievable worth proposition. For those who can snag one in good situation for across the identical value because the newer SPB121 model, I’d suggest going that route. In my view, the Cyclops date and Prospex emblem on the newer mannequin doesn’t fairly seize the traditional allure of the SARB017.

That stated, if you happen to’re new to the world of watches, the SPB121 remains to be a strong selection. With its dependable 6R35 motion, sapphire crystal, and balanced 39mm dimension, the Alpinist may simply be your one-and-done watch. It’s versatile sufficient to decorate up or down, rugged sufficient for out of doors adventures, and carries the wealthy historical past of Seiko’s legendary Alpinist line. At below $800, it’s a worth proposition that’s arduous 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, you’ll want to fastidiously analysis the vendor and look ahead to crimson flags to keep away from getting burned.

Watch Specs

Ultimate Verdict

In the end, what I discovered from this Seiko Alpinist assessment is that it’s a watch that continues to captivate collectors and adventurers alike, and it’s straightforward to see why. With its excellent dimension, distinctive design components, gorgeous dynamic dial, spectacular versatility, and powerful worth proposition, it’s a robust 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 out of doors explorations. Now if solely Grand Seiko would make a area watch this iconic.