Seiko Alpinist SPB243 vs. Traska Summiteer 38 - Need Opinions!

Seiko! 😍

I find the Traska a bit more appealing, though both are nice watches. If I have an option to go no date, I’ll typically venture to that side of the pool. Additionally, I like that the Traska has drilled lugs and I’d assume a superior bracelet. Just my 2 cents! Good luck on the decision ahead, you can’t lose 🤙

Traska seems to have more of an explorer vibe and as bevelwerks has said probably a better bracelet. However of the two I’d get the Seiko for the heritage. If I was spending my money though I’d save a bit long and get a Longines conquest 39mm. 

Movement wise, both uses workhorse type movement so you're good there. Bracelet, Traska wins this by a country mile. 

For me it falls down into when you want the watch? Traska tends to sell well and they don't make them in big batches so if you want one get it when it's available. 

A Seiko Alpinist is a very good everyday watch with solid build quality and they are plentiful. Good luck to you and hope this helps.

Now I said Traska, because that’s what I like. You said you have a love for Seiko, and you should pick that one. 

Maybe to clarify with more advantages disadvantages for both. Because I had a similar comparison about a year ago (it was not with a Traska but with multiple brands) with my lovely Seiko SPB245J1

Seiko's adv. and disad. over Traska

+ More WR

+ More precise movement (6R35s are really good, mine is +5 / -7 secs a day)

+ Better power reserve (70hrs+ over 40hrs+)

+ Much wider service network

+ For its price, phenomenal sunburst dial and more attractive indices and hands.

- Odd lug width (19mm is pretty hard to find proper straps, trust me it will be a pain.)

- Thicker body (won't be noticed with its original bracelet, but when you go with a strap it feels like a little thick)

- Not too much but a little less comfortable bracelet.

Hope it helps a little more. Probably you've already though about but you can still consider a Tissot PRX, some of the Hamilton Khaki (which i couldn't like somehow any of them, but maybe H70455133) or some Certina DS Caimano or DS-1 Powermatic 80.

Good luck with the graduation 👍🏻

I love the Conquest as well! I might consider spending a bit more, still have a few months to decide. Thanks! 

Thanks! The bracelet is definitely one of the main reasons I was leaning towards the Traska. The timing was a bit of a debate too, I contacted Traska and they said they’d have some available in February, so to assure that I’d be able to get one I’d have to buy it right away whereas with the Seiko I can wait until may. I wouldn’t mind buying the Traska in Feb but it’d be a bigger purchase than if I waited. We’ll see. 

Agreed! Always buy what you prefer. 

Stunning picture! That’s why I love the Alpinist, I was also thinking long term and I heard so much about how well finished they were. I’ve thought about the Hamilton’s but for some reason they don’t really do it for me. Beautiful watches but not my thing. 

Thanks! I have considered the Lorier Falcon but I find them to be a little too small. personally I wouldn’t go under 38mm for my wrist which is why I ended up with these two options. 

First of all, congrats for your graduation!

I have a question for you, did you consider SPB155 OR SPB157?

I am asking because the SPB243 has this white date window on a dark dial and cream marks...

The SPB155/SPB157 also has this vintage vibe and, as little as I know, both has the same movement and specs.

Other question, for what do you plan to use the watch? Are you looking for a filed aesthetic or a real use of the field watch? 

Filed Aesthetic: Seiko

Real use for a field watch: Traska (unscratchable little thing)

I also have the Conquest, and for a comparison between Seiko and Longines, Conquest feels like much much better than anything on this price range. It would be the best thing you can buy with that money and trust me you can find it with a really good discount ;)

Agree about the Hamilton. And that Seiko series are awesome, however i've seen your comment about Conquest. If you have the change don't think a second, Conquest is very very good :) 

Thanks for the info! I'll definitely consider it! 

I like the Traska better. 

Firstly, congratulations!

Secondly, I voted for the Alpinist.  To me, it comes down to the fact that this is a symbol of your graduation, and if it was me, I'd probably end up keeping that sentimental symbol around for as long as possible. (IME sentimental watches tend to stay in the collection.)

I admire Traska, and especially their dive designs, but feel the summiteer is trying too hard to capture Explorer vibes - from the name to the numerals on the dial, etc.  While that's fine, of course, (standing on the shoulders of giants and all that - and you want an Explorer-style watch), I feel it might not age well. Eventually you might have an Explorer and then end up with friction in the collection. Or you might, after time with it, just feel it is "explorer-like" and that's what it becomes: a homage, or a tribute - instead of what it should be: a representation of your major milestone!

The Alpinist, on the other hand, is truly doing its own thing - reaching into its own heritage and bringing that storied legacy forward.  Sure, it has got some Explorer mythos overlap, but far less overtly and definitely not visually.  It's a confident piece with a strong identity, and is part of a legacy that has inspired a dedicated community of folks who love and appreciate it...  Cheesy, but inspirational (IMO) nonetheless! 

The Alpinist can live happily alongside an Explorer, or any other watch, without feeling too samey, and might therefore be easier to keep, wear, and appreciate over the long term.

Either way you go, though, congratulations again!

Thank You! Also, I couldn’t agree more with your take on the Traska. I‘m really not a fan of homage watches (to put it lightly) and that’s why I was hesitant about pulling the trigger on it. Despite having its own design features, the overall design language is still somehow too similar to an Explorer. It‘s not a direct copy thankfully, but it’s trying too hard to be one. That’s why the Alpinist spoke to me more. Its and extremely capable and versatile watch with its own history. I’ll keep you posted on what I decided to buy when the time comes!