Seiko Alpinist, a watch that is perfect for outdoor activities, is one of the top contenders.
This iconic timepiece is loved by watch lovers around the globe, and it’s not hard to see why. In this Seiko Alpinist Review, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why the Alpinist is arguably Seiko’s best watch.
The Key Takeaways
- While completing the Seiko Alpinist review, I thought the watch fell into the Goldilocks category (not too big, not too small…just right). The watch was just the right size, even though it is 39mm. This makes it perfect for wrists of all sizes.
- The Alpinist stands out for its unique design, featuring a 4 o’clock crown, compass bezel, and distinctive cathedral handset.
- The Alpinist’s green dial is stunning, with a dynamic appearance that shifts from British racing green and faded olive tones to black to silvery-gray, depending on the lighting.
- The Alpinist, despite its striking appearance, is a strap-monster. It can be paired with a variety of straps.
- The Alpinist offers excellent value, with both the SARB017 & SPB121 being excellent choices depending on preferences & budget.
- The perfect 38mm size for all wrists
- Unique design with crown at 4 o’clock and compass bezel
- Stunning dynamic green dial
- Straps with multiple options
- Seiko 6R15 and 6R35 Movements are Reliable
- Sapphire crystal for durability
- Alpinist heritage has a rich history
- The stock crocodile belt is not of the highest quality
- The Cathedral handset is polarizing.
- Prices have increased over the past few years
- There are some Alpinists that look like the real thing, but they’re not.
- SPB121 with cyclops dates and Prospex logo.
Reason 1: Perfect Size
Alpinist has a unique size. In person, the Alpinist looks much smaller than it does in photos.
At 39mm, it hits the sweet spot – not too large, but not at all dainty. My wrists measure 7 and 1/4 inches and it fits perfectly. Seiko watches are known for their ability to fit wrists of any size.
The Alpinist may change your mind if you are used to larger dive watches. Seiko watches are known for their ability to fit any wrist size perfectly, and the Alpinist doesn’t disappoint.
Reason 2: Uniqueness
Alpinist stands apart in a sea dominated by tool watches such as chronographs, divers, and GMTs. It is designed for mountaineering. The conventional case design gets 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 feature 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 a distinctive feature of 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. This feature is usually found on classic military timepieces and adds to their rugged, adventurous look.
The Dial: Reason 3.
Let’s talk about that green dial. Green Alpinists have been a legend since 1995, when they were first introduced along with black and beige variants. Seiko’s designers were initially told that green dials wouldn’t sell well, but oh, how times have changed. The modern version of the Explorer we love today was released in 2006. It cemented its position as the best green alternative.
The green hue of the Alpinist’s dial is done tastefully. It’s a sophisticated British racing green that leans towards an olive tone. The sunburst effect makes it incredibly dynamic – in low light it can appear black or even silvery gray, while in bright daylight it transforms into a vibrant green. It’s like wearing a different watch throughout the day.
Strap Monster: Reason 4.
The Alpinist’s bold green dial is surprising versatile in terms of strap combinations. The stock crocodile strap is, let’s be honest, not the best. The Alpinist is a winner when you swap out the crocodile strap for any other. The neutral green tone goes well with most straps.
Reason 5: Price & Value
The original SARB017 Alpinist is still an excellent value, even though the price has risen in recent times. If you can snag one in good condition for around the same price as the newer SPB121 version, I’d recommend going that route. In my opinion, the Cyclops date and Prospex logo on the newer model doesn’t quite capture the classic charm of the SARB017.
That said, if you’re new to the world of watches, the SPB121 is still a solid choice. Alpinist’s sapphire crystal and reliable 6R35 watch movement make this a one-and-done timepiece. It’s versatile enough to dress up or down, rugged enough for outdoor adventures, and carries the rich history of Seiko’s legendary Alpinist line. At under $800, it’s a value proposition that’s hard to beat, approaching Grand Seiko territory in terms of quality and charm.
One word of caution – it wouldn’t be a real Seiko Alpinist review if I didn’t tell you that there are some very convincing Alpinist fakes out there. If you are buying, make sure you do your research and look for red flags.
Watch Specs
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Case Thickness | 13.2mm |
| Diameter | 39.5mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 46.4mm |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Crown | 4 o’clock position, adjusts compass bezel |
| Water Resistance | 200m (20 bar) |
| Dial Color | Green with sunburst effects |
| Handset | Cathedral style hands |
| Compass bezel | Inner rotating bezel (cardinal points) |
| Lume | LumiBrite hands and indexes |
| Crystal Material | The inner surface of the sapphire is coated with an anti-reflective layer |
| Movement Caliber | Seiko 6R35 |
| Type | Automatic with manual winding |
| Power reserve | 70 Hours |
| Accuracy | +25 to -15 Seconds per Day |
| Jewels | 24 |
| Strap | Calfskin embossed with crocodile |
Final Verdict
Ultimately, what I learned from this Seiko Alpinist review is that it’s a watch that continues to captivate collectors and adventurers alike, and it’s easy to see why. With its perfect size, unique design elements, stunning dynamic dial, impressive versatility, and strong value proposition, it’s a strong contender for the ultimate adventure watch from Seiko.
No matter if you go for the classic SARB017, or the modern SPB121 model, Alpinist will always be there to accompany you on your outdoor adventures. It would be great if Grand Seiko made a fieldwatch as iconic.