Seiko Alpinist SPB339J1 Review
The term GADA (go anywhere do anything) watch can be a little subjective to define. I often view it as a timepiece that can walk between the line of dressy elegance and robust sportiness. The original SARB017 Alpinist was one of the OG in that space for under $500. As the Seiko inflation kicked in and more entry Swiss brands started to offer sub 1k everyday automatic watches (Tissot, Certina, Mido, etc), the Alpinist suddenly got a lot of competition.
However, this SPB339J1, a limited edition exclusive to the Chinese market can picked up for 4000 RMB, which translates to about 570 USD. And after shipping and duty, this is a sub $700 limited edition Alpinist (The Ginault bracelet adds another $250). This combo in my opinion is one of the best GADA setup in 2023.
As there are many Alpinist review out there, I'm just going to mention the 2 unique aspects of this watch.
Dial:
The vibrant blue and silvery white dial is meant to invoke the imagery of glacier mountaineers. The community has given a nickname for this piece called Blue Dragon. The transition between the two colors of white and blue is beautifully done. It really adds to the glacier mountaineer motif. It is the only Alpinist with this type of dial effect. Under certain lighting conditions, the vibrant blue color can transition to somewhat of a purple hue. The texture itself can add some silvery pop under direct sunlight kind of like when you see fine snow crystals refracting sunlight.
Bracelet:
When this watch is paired with the Ginault 94530G bracelet. It transforms it to the perfect GADA watch under 1k. There is a reason why many consider the Rolex Explorer as the ultimate GADA watch, as it combines timeless elegance and effortless ruggedness. I think a big factor is its elegant tapered Oyster bracelet. This bracelet also includes the famous glide lock feature which adds on the fly micro adjustment. The links are screwed and everything is just solidly put together.
YouTube:
Seiko Alpinist SPB339J1 Review
Yes
No
- Textured gradient dial
- Rare
- 200m water resistant
- Sapphire crystal
- 2 straps with 2 deployant clasp
- Decent lume
- 70 hrs power reserve
- Cyclops
- Date wheel not color matched
- Both strap option not really water friendly
- Movement finishing is a little lacking
- Packing box is very generic for a limited edition
Collecting shaped watches, anything but round
Seiko's Alpinist is a true classic indeed! It's too bad that they've generally suffered from price inflation over the past several years, as you've pointed out ...
Nice write up. I like the Ginault selection. I opted for the US Jubilee, both are better than the supplied straps, which seem to be run too long for my taste and they are a bit stiff. The watch itself is awesome. Hoping they keep the trend going with these vibrant dials.
Nice write up. I like the Ginault selection. I opted for the US Jubilee, both are better than the supplied straps, which seem to be run too long for my taste and they are a bit stiff. The watch itself is awesome. Hoping they keep the trend going with these vibrant dials.
Yea, hopeful to get more amazing textured dials to trickle down from GS. Just saw a similar texture dial on the SBGY011 in addition to the SBGH295
Hmm, Seiko Alpinist or Hamilton Khaki? Im weighing my options.
My Alpinist is very much treated as a GADA. Kayaking, camping, swimming and hiking are all on its menu. And I get a taste of it’s heritage on the Ginza paving stones on its dial 😉