Seiko SPB289 Mystic Forest Alpinist

UtahExplorer

1 year ago

I couldn't resist this one.

I have been attracted to the 1959 Alpinist re-issues, and was just waiting for the right one. Something about the Ginza dial didn't do it for me, and was about to pull the trigger on a blue dial, when I found out about this Boutique Special Edition.

I love the subtle ways this one plays with the light, it is blue green in some light situations, dark green in others, and nearly black in low light. The texture is awesome, and depending on how the light is reflecting, looks like the texture is vertical, and other times horizontal, and some times you can see both. The gold second hand really pops in some situations, and I love the contrast of it.

The crystal is domed, enough to look vintage, and give some great distortion, while still being able to see the time clearly.

I could do without the exhibition caseback if it results in a thinner watch. But it's cool to see the movement, even though it's not highly finished.

It is really comfortable on the wrist, the bracelet is nice enough, but is standard Seiko, meaning not awesome, but usable anyway. I could do with a clasp change, this appears to be the same as the old Sarb watches, and has the gap that everyone hates. If I don't think about it, I don't notice it in day to day use though.

Overall, I love it, and will probably be wearing it daily for the next week to help the movement settle in.

Edit to add: this has 19mm lugs, and I hate that, but the rest outweighs it enough that I'm willing to deal with it. #evenlugwidthsforlife 🤪

#NWA #seiko #collecting #general