One of the biggest variations between the two is that the hour markers are applied on the compass equipped models and printed on these new gradients dials. And the finish of the dials is textured (knock-down) versus smooth sun-ray finishing on the three Alpinists watches with compass bezels.Īdditionally, the smaller, less complicated Alpinist references share the same prominent, skeletonized, luminescent cathedral hour and minute hands, and baton seconds hand (red-tipped on these new references), and generally the same look with the exception of different chapter rings. For these new models, the dials a graduated, with lighter hues in the middle that are darker towards the peripheral. The aforementioned models we initially covered, with the rotating bezel, allowing you to more easily visualize all the directions, but either watch uses the same principle.įurther differentiating the two sets of Alpinists wristwatches are the dials. Plus, like with most standard watches, you’re still able to hold the watch horizontal, with the hour hand aimed at the sun, and then halfway between the hour hand and 12 o’clock is your due south bearing, which allows you to then determine all four cardinal compass points. While you’re losing the awesome inner bezel compass with these minimalist Prospex Alpinist references, you’re also trading that for a marginal size reduction which means the watches will better fit smaller wrist sizes. Both styles measure the same 46.4 mm lug-to-lug. By comparison, the three new Prospex Alpinist references (SPB155 -green, SPB157 – blue, SPB159 – black), are housed in slightly smaller cases measuring 38 mm x 12.9 mm. Those three references (SPB121 – green, SPB119 – cream, SPB117 – black) come in stainless steel cases measuring 39.5 mm x 13.2 mm and share the exact same caliber 6R35 movement. We previously wrote about the 2020 Prospex Alpinist models, that most notably feature a rotating inner bezel with a 360-degree compass scaled printed on the flange, controlled by a second crown located at 4 o’clock. Seiko introduced two new Alpinist model lines this year, both inspired by past designs, and equipped with modern Japanese mechanical movements. Seiko SPB149J1 featured in this post is provided by K2.Ĩ45 Geylang Road, Tanjong Katong Complex, #03-K1.The Seiko Prospex Alpinist collection was inspired by the company’s 1959 watch collection by the same name, which is considered Seiko’s first sports watch. For that price, it should come with a signed crown. The watch also came with a blue silicon strap.Ĭrown: Not sure why there’s no “X” or “S” on it. Perect for me as I’m not a fan of ceramic inserts.īracelet: I am not a bracelet person but it is a nice bracelet with solid end links and a nice folding clasp. Not a must-have for me as it adds to cost of the watch.īezel insert: It has either steel or aluminium and has circular brushed finishing on it. It feels smaller on the wrist because the diameter of the bezel is roughly 39mm and it has a small dial.ĭiashield coating: gives the steel a slightly darker tone but not to the extent of making it too dull. Size: 40.5mm diameter is a bit small for my liking. At least they didn’t use the arrow head style hour hand like they did in the SPB051. No issues with the choice of hands and the shape of the hour markers. Everything is good except it would be nicer if they make the bezel thinner.ĭial: Nice blue tone that is not too bright. The watch looks modern as it should and is very nicely finished. Let me tell you what I think of it.ĭesign: Obviously, this is a modern interpretation of the 62MAS from 1965. This watch is limited to 5500 pieces worldwide. This time round, I had the opportunity to handle the limited edition Seiko Prospex SPB149J1.