We haven't seen their casebacks yet. ;-) I'd say the Alpinist DNA is there nevertheless and you'd have to try hard not to draw a connection.
You might be right, but just look at this thread and on other Watch forums. A lot of collectors refuse to accept the new 2020 Alpinists as true Alpinists because of the Prospex logo and the absence of the logo on the case back. The marketing referring to them as 'Alpinist inspired' didn't help either.
Of course some collectors will buy them whatever.
Apparently, the 'red' Alpinists were Prospex Alpinists: https://thespringbar.com/blogs/guide...lectors-guide/
TBH, I didn't know that the 2020 editions lacked the Alpinist designation -- 'Alpinist inspired' in their case sounds crazy to me, but that's me. But it's interesting what Seiko's method to this madness is, if any.
As a side note, no compass = less chance for misalignments.
I mean if you define the Sarb017 as an Alpinist, which we do, then I don’t see how you cannot define the 2020 version as one as I can verify having owned both that they are virtually identical. As I said earlier in this thread I think the 2020 model would look better with ‘Alpinist’ written on the dial instead of ‘Automatic’, but regardless of that the size, case, design and functionality are 1:1.
Agree with Ken though re the new ‘baby’ models - my first thought was they reminded me of those LE Tic Toc releases from (?) last year. One of the things I love about the Alpinist is it’s a proper sports-dress watch; rock solid spec but with enough shimmer about it to be dressed up. Those ‘baby’ models are all matte/satin/painted, 100% tool looking. Just watch semantics though I guess - doesn’t matter what you call it, if you like it you like it.
FWIW, they seem to belong in the Alpinist range according to Seiko: https://forums.watchuseek.com/f21/20...l#post51165051
We've got the prices for the compass-less Alpinist line:
Last edited by rodia77; 14th September 2020 at 12:30. Reason: fixed image link
Doesn’t appear to be loading on my screen but Sakura have them up for pre order at €567 (10% off).
Some in the flesh images halfway down the page here:
https://klocksnack.se/threads/seiko-...bilder.133847/
The cheap crackle finish dials look better than the product images suggest. Love the white hands against the blue dial.
Fixed the image link, thanks.
They look great in those real life pics, doesn't make it easier to resist.
The Sakura discount is nice but since they ship from Japan pretty much irrelevant for EU/UK buyers, unfortunately -- the import fees will add up to match or exceed the RRP.
Time and tide article up on these now, very tempted by these, curious to know if the hands match the numerals as they seem to look a little brighter in pics I've seen so far.
https://timeandtidewatches.com/intro...j-and-spb159j/
I’ve always loved the alpinist line up, the classic green dial is my favourite ( old version)
I get the red text thing - they would look better I think, but overall still great looking watches. I came to seiko late, so the prospect logo doesn’t bother me at all.
That’s four seikos this year that I'm tempted with... I might get strongly frowned at if I get them all
Collecting them can get a bit addictive. I had these then decided to call it quits and sold the lot.
I never warmed to the 2020 versions and for the money I thought it better to buy the older versions, but it is understandable why someone wanting one or two would be happy to pay the current prices for a brand new watch.
They don't, clearly seen at the real-life pics that Fender linked to earlier: https://klocksnack.se/threads/seiko-.../#post-3388199
I don't like that detail, but I haven't decided yet if it's a showstopper for me.
I’m struggling with the patina’d numerals. Really like everything else about these. I wouldn’t buy one new anyway but I’d like to hold out to see if a future edition has white printed numerals or applied ones like the older version.
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