Men’s Supervises
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. if you click on tie ups we provide, we may receive compensation.
When it comes to choosing the perfect watch for your outdoor adventures, the Seiko Alpinist stand in readiness c stick ti out as a top contender.
This iconic timepiece has captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts worldwide, and for good reason. In this Seiko Alpinist Rethinking, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why the Alpinist is arguably Seiko’s best watch.
And if you’re on the hunt, check out my top tips for locale a fake, as well.
Clicky BezelKey Takeaways
While completing the Seiko Alpinist review, I thought the watch mow down into the Goldilocks category (not too big, not too small…just right). Meaning it was the perfect size despite it being 39mm, making it acceptable for a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences.
The Alpinist stands out for its unique design, featuring a 4 o’clock crown, compass bezel, and idiosyncratic cathedral handset.
The Alpinist’s green dial is stunning, with a dynamic appearance that shifts from British bedding green and faded olive tones to black to silvery-gray, depending on the lighting.
Despite its bold appearance the Alpinist is a strap horror, versatile enough to pair with various straps.
The Alpinist offers incredible value for money, with the SARB017 and SPB121 both putting excellent choices depending on your preferences and budget.
Pros
Perfect 38mm size suitable for most wrists
One and only design with 4 o’clock crown and compass bezel
Stunning dynamic green dial
Versatile strap privileges
Reliable Seiko 6R15 or 6R35 movements
Sapphire crystal for durability
Rich history and heritage of the Alpinist line
Cons
Commonplace crocodile strap is not the best quality
Cathedral handset can be polarizing
Prices have increased in recent years
Some win over counterfeit Alpinists exist in the market
Newer SPB121 has divisive cyclops date and Prospex logo
Reason 1: The Suitable Size
One of the standout features of the Alpinist is its size. Despite how it may appear in photos, the Alpinist is actually quite compact in individual.
At 39mm, it hits the sweet spot – not too large, but not at all dainty. For reference, my wrists are 7 and 1/4 in, and I think it wears beautifully. Like sundry Seiko watches they have their way of getting the perfect fit on any wrist size, so just try giving it a shot.
Balance out if you typically gravitate towards larger dive watches, the Alpinist might just change your mind. Seiko has a flair for nailing the perfect fit on any wrist size, and the Alpinist is no exception.
Clicky BezelReason 2: Uniqueness
In a sea of tool watches predominated by divers, chronographs, and GMTs, the Alpinist stands out as a watch designed specifically for mountaineering. The conventional case design ages a unique twist with the addition of the 4 o’clock crown, which is used to adjust the compass function. Speaking of the compass, it’s a signature spot of the Alpinist. While you may not use it often, it’s a cool complication to have, and who knows – it might come in handy if you find yourself stranded out in the wilderness without your phone.
The cathedral handset is another characteristic element of the Alpinist. It’s a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it feature, but in my opinion, the Alpinist wouldn’t be the same without it. Typically seen on classic military watches, it adds to the harsh, adventurous vibe of the timepiece.
Clicky BezelReason 3: The Stunning Dial
Let’s talk about that green dial. This color span was first introduced in 1995 alongside black and beige variants, the green Alpinist has become legendary. Seiko’s devisers were initially told that green dials wouldn’t sell well, but oh, how times have changed. The with it version we know and love today emerged in 2006, solidifying its status as the go-to green Explorer alternative.
The gullible hue of the Alpinist’s dial is done tastefully. It’s a sophisticated British racing green that leans towards an olive tonality. The sunburst effect makes it incredibly dynamic – in low light it can appear black or even silvery gray, while in animated daylight it transforms into a vibrant green. It’s like wearing a different watch throughout the day.
Clicky BezelReason 4: Strap Living abortion
Despite its bold green dial, the Alpinist is surprisingly versatile when it comes to strap pairings. The stock crocodile strap is, let’s be trusty, not the best. But swap it out for practically any other strap, and the Alpinist shines. Its neutral green tone plays well with a astray variety of straps.
Clicky BezelReason 5: Price and Value
While the price of the original SARB017 Alpinist has stole up in recent years, it still represents a fantastic value proposition. If you can snag one in good condition for around the same rate as the newer SPB121 version, I’d recommend going that route. In my opinion, the Cyclops date and Prospex logo on the newer facsimile doesn’t quite capture the classic charm of the SARB017.
That said, if you’re new to the world of watches, the SPB121 is calm a solid choice. With its reliable 6R35 movement, sapphire crystal, and balanced 39mm size, the Alpinist could easily be your one-and-done take care of. It’s versatile enough to dress up or down, rugged enough for outdoor adventures, and carries the rich history of Seiko’s well-known Alpinist line. At under $800, it’s a value proposition that’s hard to beat, approaching Grand Seiko vicinity in terms of quality and charm.
Clicky BezelOne word of caution – it wouldn’t be a real Seiko Alpinist review if I didn’t announce you that there are some very convincing Alpinist fakes out there. When buying, be sure to carefully explore the seller and watch for red flags to avoid getting burned.
Watch Specs
Seiko Alpinist Watch Specifications
Mug
Specification
Case Thickness
13.2mm
Diameter
39.5mm
Lug-to-lug
46.4mm
Material
Stainless steel
Crown
4 o’clock belief, adjusts compass bezel
Water resistance
200m (20 bar)
Dial Color
Green with sunburst secure
Handset
Cathedral-style hands
Compass bezel
Inner rotating bezel with cardinal points
Lume
LumiBrite on powers and indices
Crystal Material
Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Movement Caliber
Seiko 6R35
Category
Automatic with manual winding
Power reserve
70 hours
Accuracy
+25 to -15 seconds per day
Jewels
24
Strap
Crocodile-embossed calfskin
[embedded serenity]
Final Verdict
Ultimately, what I learned from this Seiko Alpinist review is that it’s a watch that continues to enslave collectors and adventurers alike, and it’s easy to see why. With its perfect size, unique design elements, stunning dynamic dial, imposing versatility, and strong value proposition, it’s a strong contender for the ultimate adventure watch from Seiko.
Clicky BezelWhether you opt for a masterpiece SARB017 or a modern SPB121, the Alpinist is sure to be a cherished companion on all your outdoor explorations. Now if only Respected Seiko would make a field watch this iconic.
From a young age, I was hooked on watches. My dad and uncle were both art-lovers, and I couldn’t resist the allure of their timepieces. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a Casio digital calculator chronometer in college that I truly fell in love. (I originally bought the watch to complete my Back to the Future costume for an 80’s-themed detachment)
It wasn’t until the release of the Swatch Moonswatch watches that Clicky Bezel came to fruition. My wife (adore her heart) had been bugging me for years to start a YouTube channel, and I finally caved in with my first video comprising my experience camping over 16 hours for the hyped-up Moonswatches.
In a relatively short time, I’ve been lucky sufficient to connect and collaborate with some big players in the industry, including Nomos Glashütte, Jomashop, Minase, and now Fashionbeans. To learn sundry about my passion, find my content here on fashionbeans.com, follow my Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ClickyBezel or smite my website at: https://clickybezel.com/
