By Siam 
Whether you’re scaling Mount Makiling or trekking the forests of Sierra Madre, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist is your best bet for an outdoor watch in Seiko’s esteemed lineup of timepieces.
Back in 1959, Japan’s mountaineering community began clamoring for a watch built for the outdoorsman. The vaunted Seiko Laurel Alpinist was born. Tough, water resistant and ready for action, the Laurel Alpinist became a much beloved fan favorite.
Now part of the Prospex collection, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist is one of the most sought after Seiko Prospex in the Philippines.
But what makes it special? Let’s find out.
Never Get Lost With the Compass Ring
An enduring feature of the Seiko Prospex Alpinist is an inner compass ring inside the bezel of the watch.
It works on a very basic principle that has been used by explorers and sailors. The position of the sun relative to time is an indicator of your cardinal direction.
In the Seiko Prospex Alpinist, the compass ring can be controlled by the crown at the 4 o’clock position. By laying the compass level horizontally and turning the watch to point the hour hand at the direction of the sun, you can determine South by finding the midpoint of the hour hand and the 12 o’clock position. With the extra crown, you turn to the compass ring so that South is at the midpoint and voila, you have a working compass in your hands. This works in the Northern Hemisphere like the Philippines or Japan and in reverse for the Southern Hemisphere if you ever find yourself outdoors in Southern Africa or Australia.
With this feature, plus robust construction and the 20 bar water resistance, the Seiko Alpinist is the perfect Seiko outdoor watch.
Take to Nature With Your Seiko Prospex Alpinist
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist has many interesting variations you can choose from. Here, we collected some of the best timepieces under the Seiko Alpinist collection.
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB379J1
- Movement: Caliber 6R54 Automatic with Manual Winding
- Power Reserve: Approximately 72 hours (3 days)
- Case: 39.5mm Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 20 bar
- Function: GMT, Day Display
Our first Seiko Prospex Alpinist is the SPB379J1. Featuring a deep black dial and a matching black calf leather band, this is an easy watch to mix and match with your outfit for the day.
Note the extra 24 hour hand with the matching 24 hour indices on the bezel as this is a GMT watch that allows you to keep track of time in another timezone. Handy for when you travel to another timezone to sate your adventurous spirits.
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB377J1
- Movement: Caliber 6R54 Automatic with Manual Winding
- Power Reserve: Approximately 72 hours (3 days)
- Case: 39.5mm Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 20 bar
- Function: GMT, Day Display
Or maybe the Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB377J1 is more your speed. Bearing the same features as the SPB379J1, this Seiko Alpinist has a blue dial with a matching blue calf leather strap and is a very popular watch among watch enthusiasts.
Like the SPB379J1, this has an extra GMT hand so you’ll know the time whether you’re scaling Mount Batulao or halfway around the world when you try to ascend Kilimanjaro. And because it’s a Prospex, it’s built tougher than your usual watch, keeping you on time and in the right direction with the compass ring.
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB117J1
- Movement: Caliber 6R35 Automatic with Manual Winding
- Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours (3 days)
- Case: 39.5mm Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Curved Sapphire
- Clasp: Three-fold with push-button release
- Water Resistance: 20 bar
- Function: Day Display
Or you may want something that isn’t too heavy on the field watch aesthetic. Instead of a leather strap, the SPB117J1 has a stainless steel bracelet paired with a beautiful black dial reminiscent of the SPB379J1.
Under the hood, you have the 6R35 movement keeping things moving without a GMT hand. If you’re not in the market for the GMT feature, this may be the watch for you as you explore the beautiful Sierra Madre forestry preserve. And with a fully functioning compass on your wrist, you’ll never get lost as you marvel at the rich biodiversity of the country.
Ascend to New Heights With The Seiko Alpinist
There are many things to like about the Seiko Prospex Alpinist. Its unique combination of durability, reliability and the extra feature of a compass ring, it’s the perfect adventure watch in the Philippines.
You can scale mountains with this watch collection but because of its versatility and stylish looks, you can go to a dinner party or to the office without looking out of place.
And if you’re ready to embrace the life of an adventurer, head on over to the Official Seiko Philippines Boutique to get your Alpinist today.
Go higher than ever with the Seiko Prospex Alpinist.