This makes it feel more bold and masculine, but Seiko got the proportions and ergonomics right, with a lug-to-lug distance of 46.5mm that should fit well on wrists of various sizes. The other element is a thickness of around 13mm, meaning it's got a noticeable presence. The wide bracelet is one part of an equation that makes the Alpinist wear more prominently than its 39.5mm diameter would suggest. Seiko fans who remember the cheap feeling Seiko folding clasps of the past will be happy to find a solid and satisfying version on the SPB117: It's a sturdy three-link bracelet with an all-brushed, utilitarian feel and no taper from the 20mm lugs right to the clasp. It's also the only one offered on a bracelet.
![seiko prospex compass spb seiko prospex compass spb](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/llEaD7ogxOs/maxresdefault.jpg)
The SPB117 has a different dial design than the rest of these watches, though it too originates with the 1990s Alpinists. Now housed within the Seiko Prospex line, there are several dial variations of the SPB Alpinists, including green, blue (mostly sold out), white, cream and the black SPB117 shown here. The Alpinist was at one time perhaps taken for granted, but the announcement of its discontinuation saw interest in it suddenly spike ahead of the current (SPB) series's introduction.
![seiko prospex compass spb seiko prospex compass spb](https://thespringbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/61fbGYKIWtL._UL1200_.jpg)
It had the inner rotating compass bezel controlled by the 4 o'clock crown, cathedral hands, as well as the dial designs reproduced in the newest releases - a tried and true design, it would seem.
#SEIKO PROSPEX COMPASS SPB SERIES#
That's when a series (the SCVF) referred to by collectors as the "Red Alpinist" was introduced, and it included most of the elements we now recognize as classic. While those early models looked more or less like dress watches of the era, however, the distinctive style and features of the Alpinist as we know it today date to around 1995. The name and the outdoor-oriented concept of the Seiko Alpinist date to 1961, when Seiko made a watch under its Laurel sub-brand - particularly significant as the brand's first dedicated sports watch. Their flagship product, the Averau, offers a Swiss automatic movement in a 42mm case for around $590. It also offers a lot of value for less than the Alpinist at $625, and features a Swiss automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve.Īnother option comes from Echo/Neutra, an Italian indie brand with a mountain climbing theme. For example, Hamilton's Khaki Field King is 40mm wide with rugged, outdoorsy features, but with its crown guards and day-date displays, comes across as more modern than the classic military field watch. Seiko at one time owned the budget price range for mechanical watches, but as large Swiss and indie brands have pushed to offer better value, Seiko's prices have risen - creating a pretty crowded arena and a lot of good choices. The Rolex Air King ($6,450) also comes to mind for its character and aesthetics. That said, the Rolex Explorer would certainly qualify as a much costlier ($6,550) alternative with an outdoor and mountain-climbing history, as well as a moderately sized (39mm) case. Though the Alpinist could never quite be formal, it's versatile and features some elegant touches that seem borrowed from dress (or pilot) watches and give it a more interesting vibe than that of a mere lackluster tool.Īlternatives: It's easiest to think of the Alpinist as a kind of field watch (though not of the military kind), since mountaineering watches aren't so much a genre. At its core, however, the Alpinist is an outdoor watch, sufficient for swimming (even diving) with a water resistance rating of 200m or camping/hiking/mountain climbing with its compass bezel. Who It's For: Though aimed at collectors and enthusiasts, the Alpinist would readily serve as a satisfying option for someone wearing the same single watch day-in and day-out. With premium features like sapphire crystal, the new models revive and refine the popular designs of the not-too-distant past and feature an upgraded in-house movement with an impressive 70-hour power reserve. It's as robust as about any Seiko dive watch in its price range but is more versatile thanks to its smaller size and restrained design. It's got an unusual place in Seiko's wider range, with design elements not found in other models as well as historical appeal as the brand's first sport watch line. Notable: The Alpinist is a timepiece with personality and a story. Equipped with a new automatic movement and premium updates, the latest generation of this classic outdoor watch offers charm, value and a hell of a tough product that the modern outdoorsman can take anywhere.
![seiko prospex compass spb seiko prospex compass spb](https://timeandtidewatches.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Seiko-Alpinist-.png)
![seiko prospex compass spb seiko prospex compass spb](https://static.fratello.com/2020/09/Seiko-Prospex-SPB157J1.001.jpg)
Originally intended for Japanese "mountain men" of the 1960s, its refined flourishes suggest, however, that these rugged mountaineers were also urbane. Seiko can be trusted to make a serious tool watch, and the Alpinist is no exception.