The Seiko Alpinist Blue U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 - First Impressions and Unboxing
 

The Seiko Alpinist Blue U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 - First Impressions and Unboxing

4 min read
Tim Vaux

Author

Brands

Grand Seiko

Categories

Reviews

Tim Vaux

Author

Brands

Grand Seiko

Categories

Reviews

One of the most loved Seiko watches is back, with a new dial colour in a limited run...

If you regularly keep an eye on the watch world, you'll most likely be aware of the popularity and cult following behind Seiko. There are many models in their line up, both past and present which are immensely popular in the community. One of which contains the SARB033, 035 and a model called the Alpinist. Last year the Seiko community received the news that the Alpinist was being discontinued.

Find the best straps for the Seiko Alpinist (Blue or Green) here!

 
This resulted in the price of second-hand models rising to meet the demand for this solid, well-built watch and all of its desirable features.

Now, 12 months later it's back in a new colourway, just for the US market and is Seiko's way of celebrating 60 years of the Alpinist in the form of a limited edition release...

Video coverage now live!

Check out the watch for yourself in our video coverage of the unboxing...

The watch itself

The US Edition Alpinist comes in a simple black rectangular box hidden under white cardboard sleeve a simple cut out showing the Seiko branding. Opening the box, a soft black suede-like material has been used. The packaging overall is simple and purposeful. Now for the main attraction.

The Seiko Alpinist U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 Unboxing - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine

The first thing you'll notice when opening the box is the dark blue sunburst dial of the watch. This dial actually looks to combine both a sunburst effect on top of a quite a matt, almost grainy texture. The indices and hands are complete in a highly polished stainless steel finish and well as featuring strong luminescence throughout the dial.

A macro look at the Seiko Alpinist U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 dial - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine

The case itself keeps the same dimensions as found on the previous model, coming in 39.5mm wide, 13mm thick and with a lug to lug of 46.4mm. Both brushed and polished finishes can be found on the watch as well as a solid case back with the fact it is a limited edition model clearly visible.

The Seiko Alpinist U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine

A second crown at the 4 o'clock position can be easily operated which is used to adjust the inner rotating bezel and compass function.

The Seiko Alpinist U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine

The watch feels well proportioned on the wrist. The new colour scheme works well to ensure this timepiece feels just that little bit more sporty. The dial colour is very subtle, feeling almost more of a dark petrol blue/black.

The Seiko Alpinist U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine

And of course, once you change the watch strap out to one of the following straps, the watch is completely transformed...

Suede Simple Handmade Leather Watch Strap in Grey £40 here.

An extremely complimentary colour for blue dialled watches, further emphasising the watches sporty history.

Geckota Contoured Italian Handmade Italian Leather Watch Strap in Chocolate Brown £40 here.

A Chocolate Brown leather strap in my mind is almost a must for watches with blue dials. Easily one of the best combos...

The Quick Release Sailcloth Waterproof Divers Watch Strap £28 available here.

This sporty sailcloth strap is not only waterproof but also insanely comfortable. You don't need to be diving into the ocean to appreciate the quality of this one.

The Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap in Light Brown The Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap

The Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap in Light Brown on the Seiko Alpinist Blue from WatchGecko.

This padded strap option is ideal if you're looking for a strap that will last you all day with no problems.

Stay tuned to the online magazine as well as the YouTube channel for a detailed look at the new US Alpinist as well as our top strap suggestions for the watch.

The Seiko Alpinist U.S. Limited Edition SPB089 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the watch in the comments below. Did you manage to pick one up? What do you think of the new US Edition release?

Looking to add a Seiko to your collection? You'll want to check out our range of hand-picked Seiko watches now available on WatchGecko.

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Tim Vaux

About the Author: Tim Vaux

Tim Vaux is a past contributor to WatchGecko Magazine.

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