Prospex Alpinist Cream Gilt Ref. SBDC093

Seiko introduced the Alpinist wristwatch in 1961 with the intention of it becoming a reliable timepiece for Japanese mountain climbers and other sports enthusiasts alike. The production of this watch was vital because it was the first real attempt at making a sports watch by Seiko. Seiko Alpinist watches started being produced in 1961 and inspired by Yama-Otoko, which is Japanese for mountain men. Mountains cover much of the Japanese landscape, and the mountain men that worked or spent time in the mountains during their free time were supposedly the inspiration of this line of Seiko watches. These men required excellent gear that could handle the rugged terrain and that they could depend on for accuracy.

Seiko Prospex Alpinist Cream Gilt Ref. SBDC093 / SPB123

Fast forward to 2006, Seiko released the Alpinist Green Ref. SARB017 along with another two that were often forgotten; the SARB013 (Cream white) and SARB015 (Black dial) vairents, and they were an instant success. The popularity of the SARBs were due to the diversity and uniqueness of the watch. It can be worn in any situation, business or casual.

The green dial of the SARB017 and gilt markers along with its one of a kind case design have hit home-run for many watch enthusiasts for almost a decade and a half until it is about to run dry.

Did Seiko eradicate such a purposeful everyday sports watch due to its long run? At first, that’s what many of us have beliefs and not hoping for, but Seiko surprised us once again with the new Seiko Prospex Alpinist Cream Gilt SBDC093/SPB123J1 equipped with their latest 6R35 caliber and several upgrade features while being the derivative of both its brethren- the combination of the cream coloured Alpinist Ref.SARB013, in addition with the Green Ref.Sarb017 gilt markers and handset.

Original Alpinist hour markers and hands set

Let’s start with the prominent upgrade of the New Alpinist. The old nomenclature Alpinist SARB013 Black used the 6R15 automatic movement during its launch. Well, since the 6R15 produced in 2005, the Seiko Sumo range adopted this movement since day one, and have relied on it until 14 years later, where Seiko decided that they should refresh the collection with the latest engine- the 6R35.

The newest Seiko Prospex Alpinist Cream Gilt SBDC093/SPB123J1, rarest of the other three, joins the pioneers (along with the new Sumos and Presage) to have a new movement; powered by Seiko’s latest automatic caliber, 6R35, which is an upgrade from the workhorse 6R15. It still operates at 21,600 BPH (3 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. Its main updates are the increase of jewels to 24 and a power reserve of 70 hours from 50 hours on previous versions. All of it can be seen through its open case-back.

The case of this Ref. SBDC093/SPB123J1 has a new diameter of 39.5mm, excluding crown and 41mm, including crown. It has a 46.4mm length from lug to lug, with a 20 mm lug width. The wristwatch is not too thick, at just over 13 mm in thickness.

Beautiful case with internal rotating bezel

Now, the Alpinist gets a much durable sapphire crystal with a utilitarian magnifying Cyclops. We do not exaggerate how useful the magnification of its date display right here, as the date window gets magnified fully, filling up the size of the Cyclops itself.

The stainless steel case carries the “Alpinist’s baton,” bearing a unique applied golden indexes with minute numerals and luminous plots flanging them. The retro milky cream dial has a sunburst finish that holds one of the most striking features of this watch, which has an easily recognizable applied markers and cathedral handset. Their distinct look adds on the appeal of its dial that further draws back in relation to its 2006’s model. The beauty and retro look, you got to admire in person. The warm sunburst cream dial with its golden treats allows this sports watch to sway towards more elegance, with certain enduring vintage charm to it.

Seiko luminous glows brightly in the dark

The main traits of what this the “Japanese Explorer” has to be its internal rotating bezel, which doubles up as a compass for the mountain climbers which the watch was intended for and is operated by rotating the second crown at 4 o’clock.

Lastly, The Alpinist is paired with the forest green 20mm leather strap with cream coloured stitchings, enhancing a certain vintage and nature touch of yesteryears.

Seiko's Caliber 6R35 automatic

Summing things up, the all-new Seiko Alpinist came a long way since 1961, springing up from the ever modest beginning as an entry-level sporty explorer watch to become a concurring horological marvel in continuation with the livery today. It’s not difficult to know where Seiko took the inspiration from their explorer’s collection for mountaineering and outdoor activities, in line with the Alpinist concept and moniker, while in addition with the much-needed upgrades that all of us in agreement terms of its value proposition.