Choosing Between Seiko Alpinist Watches: SPB197J1 vs. SPB117J1

I like the older reference with numerals better. 👍

I would go for the SPB197J1 for two reasons both related to the dial: the color and that there are numbers on it. And even if it is more expensive, this is still a good price from my perspective!

I would go with the SPB197J1 without hesitation. Absolute stunner 🤩

For me Alpinist means cathedral hands and 2-4-6-8-10-12 numerals. It’s just part of the design and it works because it’s good design.

The black dialled Alpinist somehow feels very incongruent, it wants to be dressy and minimalist but it can’t because of the double crown and the compass bezel, and it tries to be an Alpinist but it clearly fails at it because of it’s too blingy appearance…

The blue one looks more special to me, it's the kind of dials Seiko excels with.

The black one, while looking great as well, is more tool-looking, a bit simpler, and probably easier to match with straps if you want to.

I guess it also depends on what else you have in your collection. If you want something that stands out a bit or something more "every day" or "under the radar".

I would go for the blue one because I like watches that have something to call my attention: mainly color or dial finish. If you found a good one, I would take the chance.

I just don't like the "Shark tooth", so there's my bias. Any other reference, including the Laurel Alpinist reinterpretations and quartz GMT's, look better to me.

Blue is my champion.

Now find one without a compass and then it's perfect. 😅(jk)

Yep, I've made the choice! Went with the first one and paired it with an Uncle Seiko Jubilee strap. Now, I just need to remove the cyclops 🙂

Black is striking and the red writings elevate the dial

I have and love the 117. I have a weird hatred of the 2,4,6,8,10,12 layout on any watch 🤮, whereas the shark tooth indexes look 👌🏻

You will get both opinions if you ask this question. It’s really a personal matter I think in the end.

But in terms of popularity I guess the 197 being in limited supply will become more demanded in the future.

I'm partial to blue.

Get the one you like most. You'll regret it later if you don't buy that one. Furthermore, the blue with numerals looks better than the black one (but that's my taste)

I had the 197, an can highly recommend it. Very unique. You can find a black dial on a thousand other watches 🙈

Prefer the GMT versions tbh

The SPB197J1 is definitely the one I would go with - like the dial color and markers much better. Should be very versatile.

If the SPB197J1 is the blue face dial I would jump on it for that price. Not an easy watch to find. You can pick up the black face dial at a later date. No brainer for me. If you don’t like it you can sell it and not lose a dime. I might take it off your hands if it’s in good condition.

I'm partial to the blue but the shark tooth is a reference to seikos red alpinist from decades ago. So even if you hear that it isn't an alpinist, it's design actually came out before the cathedral hands. In any case, looks like you made your choice and it was a good choice at that

As someone who has owned both, the 197 is extremely beautiful in person - far more so than the 117. Buuut… because of the dial color and polished indices, it’s a little less legible at times than the 117. If I were to buy one again tho, I would go 197 b/c it’s just that special.

Go blue 💙

Both look great. It’s the SPB117J1 for me though

For me, the Glacier Blue dial of the 197 is where I'd land. I don't envy your decision as both pieces are really nice!

Have you seen the rock face version or the ice one with blue numerals? So many good ones!! I like the black more from your photos but depend on if you have other watches w a blue or black dial then pick a new dial color. All will be good! I love mine the original green one but then solve it to buy a vintage king seiko.

Deal = Done. I have purchased the SPB197J1 for 880 euros in perfect condition.

The correct choice!🎯👏😎

The glacier blue was one of my first watches when I began this hobby. Great all around watch with nice specs. The blue also pops in the sunlight but is otherwise muted, so works in lots of situations.

Did you dismiss the beautiful green dial ? :) it's the best in my opinion

i like that one too. But not as versatile for me

I’m partial to blue dials, and that is probably one of the nicest blue dials, ever.

Both!!!!

TRUST YOUR JUDGEMENTS

The blue is harder to find and just more dial interest