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

In the case of selecting the proper watch on your outside adventures, the Seiko Alpinist stands out as a high contender.

This iconic timepiece has captured the hearts of watch fanatics worldwide, and for good purpose. On this Seiko Alpinist Evaluation, we’ll discover 5 compelling the reason why the Alpinist is arguably Seiko’s finest watch.

Key Takeaways

• Whereas finishing the Seiko Alpinist evaluate, I assumed the watch fell into the Goldilocks class (not too large, 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 beautiful, 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 various straps.
• The Alpinist provides unimaginable worth for cash, with the SARB017 and SPB121 each representing wonderful selections relying in your preferences and funds.

Cause 1: The Good Dimension

One of many standout features of the Alpinist is its dimension. 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 in no way dainty. For reference, my wrists are 7 and 1/4 in, and I believe it wears superbly. Like most Seiko watches they’ve their means of getting the proper match on any wrist dimension, so simply attempt giving it a shot.

Even in case you sometimes gravitate in the direction of bigger dive watches, the Alpinist may simply change your thoughts. Seiko has a knack for nailing the proper match on any wrist dimension, and the Alpinist isn’t any exception. 

Cause 2: Uniqueness

In a sea of software 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 characteristic of the Alpinist. When you might not use it typically, it’s a cool complication to have, and who is aware of – it’d turn out to be useful if you end up stranded out within the wilderness with out your telephone.

The cathedral handset is one other distinctive element 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 basic navy watches, it provides to the rugged, adventurous vibe of the timepiece.

Cause 3: The Gorgeous Dial

Let’s speak about that inexperienced dial. This colour pairing was first launched in 1995 alongside black and beige variants, the inexperienced Alpinist has turn into legendary. Seiko’s designers had been initially advised that inexperienced dials wouldn’t promote nicely, however oh, how occasions have modified. The trendy model we all know and love right now 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 classy British racing inexperienced that leans in the direction of an olive tone. The sunburst impact makes it extremely dynamic – in low mild it could seem black and even silvery grey, whereas in shiny daylight it transforms right into a vibrant inexperienced. It’s like carrying a distinct watch all through the day.

Cause 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 sincere, not the very best. However swap it out for virtually every other strap, and the Alpinist shines. Its impartial inexperienced tone performs nicely 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 implausible worth proposition. Should you 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 basic attraction of the SARB017.

That stated, in case you’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 could easily 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 underneath $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 evaluate 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 purple flags to keep away from getting burned.

Watch Specs

Closing Verdict

In the end, what I discovered from this Seiko Alpinist evaluate is that it’s a watch that continues to captivate collectors and adventurers alike, and it’s straightforward to see why. With its good dimension, distinctive design parts, 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 basic SARB017 or a contemporary SPB121, the Alpinist is certain to be a cherished companion on all of your outside explorations. Now if solely Grand Seiko would make a subject watch this iconic.