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Seiko Baby Alpinist: A Mighty Value Proposition
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A Personal Favorite
Reviewing watches is a real perk of being a “watch blogger.” Getting to try on new pieces, give them a test ride, and then write about them really gives you perspective about the industry and how it is constantly moving.
And timepieces come in all shapes and sizes, from dive watch to flieger, from affordable to grail-level hyper horology. I’ve been lucky enough to try on and wear many watches, some well beyond my financial reaches, and I always smile when I put on my Baby Alpinist.
Let me be clear—the Seiko SPB155, also known as the “Baby Alpinist,” is one of the best watches I’ve ever owned. I’ve had it for nearly five years now, and it’s my most worn watch year over year, and for good reason.
History
There is some serious pedigree in the Seiko Alpinist line. The name comes from the 1959 debut of the first “Laurel Alpinist,” a tough field watch designed for Japanese mountain climbers. It was the first real sports watch made in Japan.
The design changed over the years, most notably in the SARB017 with its cathedral hands and green dial, which became a collector’s cult favorite.
The SPB155 is a contemporary reimagining of the Alpinist heritage, but it eliminates one of the more controversial features: the compass bezel and rotating inner ring.
The smaller (38mm) iteration is a simple, useful field watch that remains loyal to its heritage. “Baby” is just a nickname. It is a mature development of one of Seiko’s most celebrated lines, and it does so without compromise.
Case
At 38 mm across, 46 mm lug-to-lug, and 13.2 mm thick, the SPB155 is the ideal size; however, because of the way the case hugs the wrist–and the way the lugs angle, it wears thinner.
Seiko gave this mid-range piece a surprisingly high level of attention to finishing, with polished and brushed surfaces alternating smoothly. For someone like me who actually switches straps frequently, the drilled lugs are a minor but useful addition.
Although the spirit of the watch is more land-based, its screw-down crown and 200-meter water resistance give it legitimate field/dive hybrid capabilities. It is small, adaptable, and doesn’t demand attention, but it does.
Dial
The SPB155 truly shines—literally—on the dial. The matte sunburst green interacts with light in a way that is never ostentatious and always feels new.
Although the hands are simple, they are sharp and readable, and the applied numerals and markers add some depth. Seiko’s LumiBrite is the lume, and it lasts all night even though it isn’t dive-watch bright.
In contrast to the older SARB models, the date window is tucked away at three o’clock, and the crystal is not tarnished by a cyclops lens. This style is more refined, less elaborate, and cleaner.
Movement
The Seiko 6R35 movement, a powerful caliber with hacking, hand-winding, and a substantial 70-hour power reserve, is ticking inside the Seiko “Baby” Alpinist.
I average about +10 seconds a day, so it’s not exactly a Swiss-made chronometer, but it’s consistent and, more importantly, robust and dependable. I’ve worn this watch while swimming, traveling, snowboarding, and hunting.
It has withheld everything I’ve thrown at it. And that kind of quiet dependability is important in a world where specifications are everything.
Straps
Although not excellent, the stock bracelet is functional. It has a deployant clasp and is made of solid stainless steel, but like most Seiko bracelets in the mid-range, it feels a little dated and lacks ample microadjustment. Nevertheless, this watch is a strap monster.
With a lug width of 20mm, you won’t struggle in finding a wide variety of straps to change up the feel of the timepiece; I’ve worn the SPB155 on canvas, leather, NATO…it truly works with everything.
Brown leather, tan suede, and olive nylon are among the earthy colors that complement the green dial the best. Half the fun of owning this watch is switching out the straps!
On-Wrist Experience
When I don’t want to think about what to wear, I wear this watch. It’s the one I take before going on a hike over the weekend, going to the farmer’s market, or spending the day writing at the coffee shop.
It is understated but not uninteresting, tough yet sophisticated. Every time I see it in the light, I am reminded of the reason I initially fell in love with watches, even though it never feels overly precious.
Beyond that, it’s worth mentioning that green is my favorite color, some I am extra partial to the mesmerizing allure of the SPB155’s dial.
But if you don’t like green, then I urge you to get the SPB157, which features a blue dial, or the SPB159, which features a gray or charcoal dial, on your wrist. I think you’ll be as surprised as I was the first time I tried on the “Baby” Alpinist. It was love at first wear!
Price and Availability
The SPB155 is priced at about $725, and the best way to purchase a new watch is always from an authorized dealer, as you are ensuring the watch will arrive with a full warranty.
Explore the
Biggest Pre-Owned Collection of Luxury Watches
Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized dealer for Seiko, and you can view all of the color and size combinations on our website from the convenience of your home. Of course, if you find yourself in Naples, Florida, please stop by our showroom Monday through Saturday from 10AM-5PM.
You may save a little money if you buy the “Baby” Alpinist pre-owned, but its high value indicates how much enthusiasts value it. Although high demand keeps stock somewhat low, it is not a limited edition or discontinued model because it is a part of Seiko’s Prospex line.
I’ve never looked back since I got mine from my local AD. The green still feels like the collection’s spiritual center, even though there are now a few dial variations, including charcoal (SPB159), blue (SPB157), and even some limited regional editions.
Conclusion
One of the few watches that does nearly everything perfectly is the Seiko Baby Alpinist. It is well-built, well-sized, and strikes a good balance between contemporary functionality and vintage charm.
Yes–it’s bracelet leaves a bit to desire, but the overall package is superb for a watch that retails well under $1000. Even though it doesn’t aim to be a statement piece, it makes a statement.
It indicates that you value simplicity, history, and quality. And I want a message like that on my wrist. I still reach for it more than anything else in my watch box—maybe because in a world of ever-increasing cost, the Seiko SPB155 offers a mighty value proposition.
About Exquisite Timepieces
Established in 1998, Exquisite Timepieces is your one-stop shop for all things luxury watches! We are an authorized dealer for 60+ luxury watch brands including Omega, Hublot, Seiko, & Longines! We are proud to showcase one of the world’s largest pre-owned watch collections, including renowned brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. Check out our brand new watch arrivals here and popular pre-owned listings here.
