Beloved Alpinist Transformed Into True Dad Watch
One of the first posts I commented on after joining Watch Crunch was by @Bradley, who talked about how an Uncle Straps President bracelet changed his SARB017. His post piqued my interest.
I love my SPB121, and have so since I first saw it. I love that it’s over engineered, and I love the green sunburst dial and gilt elements! It is largely responsible for getting me back into watches a few years ago.
The supplied leather strap provides a handsome contrast with the case and dial color. I think it looks great, but it is not the most comfortable to me. And as a dad of a toddler, it needed so much careful, gentle cleaning when, for instance, more than one morning routine resulted in yogurt and toothpaste all over it. (To be fair, this isn’t an issue limited only to the Alpinist. Oh, the joys of the messy toddler phase!) Watch collecting dads of toddlers need at least one GADA watch, but caring about and for the leather strap had become such a chore that I found myself choosing other watches over it…to my dismay because I truly love the watch.
So I took @Bradley’s views under advisement and ordered one.
Fast forward about a week…After having it on wrist, I have two observations: First, the bracelet does change the character of the watch. It’s weight adds substance and feels of quality, and the matched stainless bracelet and case offer a harder, stronger appearance. Yes, now it looks similar to a plethora of sports watches. For a contrarian like me, I’d typically view that negatively. Maybe due to my partiality to the Alpinist, in this case it doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, I like it…a lot.
Second, and more important to me, the bracelet facilitates more varied use of the watch. Instead of worrying about the supplied leather strap getting wet or dirty, the bracelet better handles the challenges of the day. I’ve even had the thought that, with the Alpinist’s 200m of water resistance paired with the bracelet, I can take it into the pool or next time I’m lucky enough to find myself snorkeling, without worry. No more having to take the watch off to protect the strap.
So, H/T to @Bradley for his post, and to Uncle Straps for making a quality product. I am so glad that now I can wear a watch I love much more than before! My Alpinist is now a true GADA dad watch.
Relatively newbie watch enthusiast, with mix of the high and the affordable in my watch box. Is there a job where I can study and talk about watches all day? Husband, dad, GR pro, dog owner, and out a...
The Alpinist can easily be the one and done watch for many people. It’s such an icon in the Seiko line and like a Speedy, easily recognisable by watch enthusiasts. Congrats on an awesome piece 👍
straps are just consumables and are not meant to last. going thru a couple a year is a small price to pay for the comfort. Any aftermarket bracelet is better than factory Seiko supplied ones. I went to cheap nato's that wash easy and look good while being the most comfortable option.
In my opinion, it looks even better on the bracelet. I'm a big fan of the Alpinist. So much so that I'm headed to my AD this week to try one on to see if I can pull of the size on my large (8.5") wrist. I was more interested in the gold but after seeing yours I'm rethinking the direction I might go.
Looks great! I can see where the GADA thing comes in, but why is it a dad watch now? What is a dad watch?
Oh yeah, that looks awesome on the President!
Looks great! I can see where the GADA thing comes in, but why is it a dad watch now? What is a dad watch?
Good question! At least for me, the dad of a rambunctious toddler, it’s a watch that I can wear proudly and with joy and not worry about as we enjoy all the things our son throws at us (sometimes literally) daily. Some people would probably call the type of watch that is meant to handle all thinga as a beater, but I think of a beater watch as one I don’t worry about and don’t care about. My Alpinist is special. It now meets all the needs I have for it, looks great, and stands out among all the smart watches.
Love a good dad watch 🔥
I have done everything a grown man can legally do with my Alpinist and it still looks great. Swimming, skiing, diving, distance running, board meetings. Yes it's a little thick but the case design is so good it wears beautifully anyway
That's a dope combo, I have the same watch and considering this, any more pictures you have of the clasp?
LOVE IT!!
Good question! At least for me, the dad of a rambunctious toddler, it’s a watch that I can wear proudly and with joy and not worry about as we enjoy all the things our son throws at us (sometimes literally) daily. Some people would probably call the type of watch that is meant to handle all thinga as a beater, but I think of a beater watch as one I don’t worry about and don’t care about. My Alpinist is special. It now meets all the needs I have for it, looks great, and stands out among all the smart watches.
That's beautiful. Having read that, I am proud to own and wear a dad watch.
Initially, I wondered if you were thinking along the lines of dad jeans, dad sneakers, or even a dad bod.
LOVE IT!!
Appreciate your guidance! I’m loving the bracelet.
That's beautiful. Having read that, I am proud to own and wear a dad watch.
Initially, I wondered if you were thinking along the lines of dad jeans, dad sneakers, or even a dad bod.
That’s brilliant, but I’m far too shallow to go down that road, ha!
That's a dope combo, I have the same watch and considering this, any more pictures you have of the clasp?
That's a dope combo, I have the same watch and considering this, any more pictures you have of the clasp?
Hope those photos help.
Dad watches must be tough as a dad. Great choice my friend.
Appreciate your guidance! I’m loving the bracelet.
Yes sir! Happy to have provided some guidance! Definitely a killer piece!