Seiko Prospex Alpinist Automatic SPB249J Watch in Silver

Stunning watch. Perfect for smaller wrist sizes.

Seiko Alpinist, Wow, this watch doesn't disappoint. My first Japanese foray having always bought Swiss watches, happy to have this on my wrist.

I purchased this watch after seeing a few online reviews. It is based on a remake of the 1959 Seiko Alpinist 'tool' watch. As such it is well made, has the updated series 6 movement (viewed via an exhibition screw back) and sapphire crystal, rather than the more normal hessalite type crystal.The face is a subtle shade of dark blue, this a very unusual rope style pattern. The hands are beautifully finished with one side being polished and the other satin. This catches the light amazingly and makes reading the time even easier.There is a date window (not colour matched) at 3 o' clock as its only complication.The bracelet is unusual for Seiko, being reasonably good quality build. It has solid links and ends links, but a collar and pin adjustment system. This is easy ... MoreI purchased this watch after seeing a few online reviews. It is based on a remake of the 1959 Seiko Alpinist 'tool' watch. As such it is well made, has the updated series 6 movement (viewed via an exhibition screw back) and sapphire crystal, rather than the more normal hessalite type crystal.The face is a subtle shade of dark blue, this a very unusual rope style pattern. The hands are beautifully finished with one side being polished and the other satin. This catches the light amazingly and makes reading the time even easier.There is a date window (not colour matched) at 3 o' clock as its only complication.The bracelet is unusual for Seiko, being reasonably good quality build. It has solid links and ends links, but a collar and pin adjustment system. This is easy to adjust, but a screw system would be an improvement. The clasp is beautifully milled underneath and the upper part of the clasp is a double push button, folded stainless steel unit. Unfortunately it has a large gap at one end which can catch on clothes etc. Adjustment is via the removal of full sized links only and fine adjustment is made by using two microadjust holes on the clasp. Thus the adjustment is rather hit and miss and cannot be carried out on the 'fly'.The watch case is quite thick due to the exhibition case back and auto rotor, however despite this, it does fit comfortably on my wrist and seems equally at home as a tool or evening watch.With a two year warranty and Seikos excellent reputation I can recommend this watch while heartedly.