During a weekend in early December 2022, strolling through the shopping streets of the sad city of Liège, I pass by a window of an AD Seiko. Stopping to contemplate the different models on display, I flash on the dial of this Seiko Prospex Alpinist “Rock Face”. At that time I do not know the model and not wanting to bother my partner, I do not take the time to go back to try it. I nevertheless take a photo, telling myself that I would go do some research on the internet once I get home. I finally forget to go do this research. For Christmas, I am in Paris at my sister's in the 6th arrondissement. I decide to go for a walk in the neighborhood on the 24th in the morning. I knew that there was a Seiko showroom in the neighborhood, I decide to go there. Being alone and having all the time in the world, I go through the door of the store. I walk past the various shop windows until I come across the famous Rock Face. I decide to try it on. I like it a lot. I don't know if it's the very friendly salesman, the "limited edition" aspect, or the Christmas atmosphere, but I compulsively decide to take it. 2 years later, I somewhat regret my purchase. The beauty of the dial that had hypnotized me that day is still there, but it no longer erases the negative points of this watch: - The limited series is in reality too "available", can quickly be easily found in new condition with a discount of almost 20%. Certain effect of the Seiko Prospex policy of launching more and more limited editions. - The two bracelets provided do not satisfy me. The blue leather feels very cheap when worn, an unpleasant impression of imitation leather. The fabric bracelet with leather interior, however, lacks flexibility and quickly becomes dirty. - The watch, which keeps a rather contained diameter of 39.5mm, is disproportionately thick: 13.2mm. The case back is particularly thick and the lugs start too high on the case. - The case quickly gets scratches, despite a rather anecdotal wear. Quite disconcerting for a toolwatch. The quality of the steel is far behind my Victorinox STAINLESS. - The precision clearly does not seem to me to be there, without having had it tested. I realize that the watch takes several tens of minutes of advance between two wears, remaining on a winder. All these defects and the presence of many alternatives in my collection now make me want to get rid of it. Which goes to show that, for a long and serious relationship, it is better to take your time in your search and think twice, than to fall for an aesthetic love at first sight.

Here is the latest one which is a Seiko Alpinist the latest Prospex model reissue of the famous and much coveted Sarb017, with its green sunray dial and its gilt indexes! My model came out with the famous cyclops on the date which spoils a little this sublime dial, without further ado I modified all that and with a little trick I removed all that to give Caesar what is Caesar's! 😉 Even if the date is white it does not shock at all, the watch is now to my taste with the crazy charm of this so emblematic model. You will see in the photos before and after the removal of the cyclops, good reading thank you.

Watch ordered without having tried it, I learned to appreciate its style. The cyclops was not mandatory but adds originality. Original strap in low quality leather, I opted for a leather strap that suits it perfectly. A field watch that goes with many different styles.

It's always a pleasure to wear my Seiko Alpinist. It has a very discreet, slightly cream dial, a contained diameter! Chic and sporty at the same time. The cyclops for the date, the applied indexes, the screw-down crown, a real toolwatch, class in addition. I love this watch! It would have been perfect with a correctly adjusted movement... however I forgive it, it gives me a lot of pleasure.

For the 140th anniversary of the brand, Seiko has released a new Alpinist limited edition Ginza. It is a reinterpretation of the Alpinist model that appeared in 1959... I had a real crush on this version. I love its look, the dial of this marvel is a real killer. Its 38 mm diameter is perfect. Very pleasant watch to wear. The 6r35 caliber is very precise 1s/d. You will have understood, I am under its spell. To date, it is the prettiest in my modest collection!

My first Japanese watch. I had to have a Seiko in my collection. This one ticked all the boxes, green is my favorite color, its green sunray dial is magnificent, and perfectly set by its gold indexes and numbers. The cathedral hands complete the set and make this dial the essential element of this timepiece. The 39mm size will suit most wrists. Seiko should take inspiration from it for its Presage range. The 20 ATM water resistance makes it a real tool watch. The mountain being one of my passions, the "alpinist" heritage obviously speaks to me. However, I find many flaws in it. It is thicker than its previous version sarb017. There is no longer a claw on the crown. The cyclops was dispensable. The white background of the date too. Finally, the precision is poor, 25 seconds for mine. The problem is known. In short, a lot of annoying details but nothing that is a deal breaker for me. With its dial, damn it, I forgive it everything.

A sleek watch, with beautiful details! This watch is the reinterpretation of the Seiko Alpinist from 1959. A magnificent anthracite sunray dial, the applied triangular indexes recall the mountains and their off-white color makes them stand out. Transparent case back, which I love. 70-hour power reserve, 20 bar water-resistant: perfect! Brushed bracelet with touches of polishing on the facets of the links, which gives a beautiful effect. It is forgotten when worn, the bracelet is pleasant, but only 2 adjustment holes on the simple buckle. The case is in 38, a bit small for my taste, but it remains a detail compared to the satisfaction it gives me.

In my watch box for almost 3 years, this watch is part of my daily life as the perfect everyday watch. Its limited edition dial (Mountain Sunset) sets it apart from the others. On a steel bracelet, it accompanies me to the ends of the earth thanks to its robustness and waterproofness. And on a leather strap, it is very easy to wear with a suit, a shirt or a more casual outfit. Its versatility is its strength. Although adventurous by nature, its polished bezel gives it a resolutely vintage dresswatch look. The cherry on the cake is the transparent back that allows you to admire the 6R35 caliber with its 72 hours of power reserve. The main flaw for me is the following: the precision of the caliber, remember to check this aspect, despite the quality of the latter, Seiko tends to tolerate too much drift ... mine went back to after-sales service, now it's ok: +10sec/day.

I purchased this watch at the very beginning of 2023 because I wanted an elegant, understated and robust daily watch. Quite classic in style at first glance, it actually reveals a lot of modernity in its details. Quite different from the brand's very first "Alpinists", it remains for me the most elegant in the collection. Its two crowns at 3 and 4 o'clock have two different functions, one for winding and setting the time, the other for operating the compass cleverly integrated into the bi-directional internal bezel. Displaying very good technical specifications such as its water resistance to 200m, its 6R35 caliber ensures very good precision with very low daily drift for a watch in this price range. Its 39mm case, almost entirely mirror polished, gives it a beautiful elegance. Finally, its very beautiful iced brown dial displays superb reflections in natural light, helped by magnificent "cathedral" hands and gold indexes. All of this forms a very beautiful marriage, sober and chic, ideal for everyday use.

The Alpinist is the perfect everyday watch, versatile, it will reveal itself depending on the strap you put on it. In metal, it is perfect for vacations, or for a casual outfit. In leather, we would happily associate it with a tweed jacket, flannel pants, elegant but sporty. An iconic Seiko, which reinvents itself thanks to the color of its dial. Its strong points: the contained diameter, the waterproofness of course, the versatility, the slightly baroque hands, the (f)utile complication compass. Points for improvement: it would deserve to be thinner (like all watches), the cyclops, the compass crown that does not lock, the very curved folding clasp not suitable for a large wrist.