Prospex Alpinist Shark-Tooth “Black Series” - Ltd Ed 5500pcs Ref. SBDC185

Seiko introduced the Alpinist wristwatch in 1961 with the intention of it becoming a reliable timepiece for Japanese mountain climbers and other sports enthusiasts alike. The production of this watch was vital because it was the first real attempt at making a sports watch by Seiko. Seiko Alpinist watches started being produced in 1961 and inspired by Yama-Otoko, which is Japanese for mountain men. Mountains cover much of the Japanese landscape, and the mountain men that worked or spent time in the mountains during their free time were supposedly the inspiration of this line of Seiko watches. These men required excellent gear that could handle the rugged terrain and that they could depend on for accuracy.

Seiko Prospex Alpinist Shark-Tooth “Black Series” - Ltd Ed 5500pcs Ref. SBDC185 / SPB337

Original Alpinist hour markers and hands set

The stainless steel case carries the Alpinist's baton

Covered in full black, the stainless steel case of the SBDC185 has a new diameter of 39.5mm, excluding crown and 41mm, including crown. It has a 46.4mm length from lug to lug, with a 20 mm lug width. The wristwatch is not too thick, at just over 13 mm in thickness.

Now, the Alpinist gets a much durable sapphire crystal with a utilitarian magnifying Cyclops. We do not exaggerate how useful the magnification of its date display right here, as the date window gets magnified fully, filling up the size of the Cyclops itself.

The black-out field watch carries the “Alpinist’s baton,” bearing a unique applied indexes with minute numerals and luminous plots flanging them. The no-nonsense matte black dial holds one of the most striking features of this watch, which has an easily recognizable applied pointy metal markers in the shape of a shark’s tooth. Their distinct look adds on the appeal of its dial that further draws back in relation to its 2006’s model. The beauty and slight aggressive look, you got to admire in person.

Seiko luminous glows brightly in the dark

Covered in full black, the stainless steel case of the SBDC185 has a new diameter of 39.5mm, excluding crown and 41mm, including crown. It has a 46.4mm length from lug to lug, with a 20 mm lug width. The wristwatch is not too thick, at just over 13 mm in thickness.

Now, the Alpinist gets a much durable sapphire crystal with a utilitarian magnifying Cyclops. We do not exaggerate how useful the magnification of its date display right here, as the date window gets magnified fully, filling up the size of the Cyclops itself.

The black-out field watch carries the “Alpinist’s baton,” bearing a unique applied indexes with minute numerals and luminous plots flanging them. The no-nonsense matte black dial holds one of the most striking features of this watch, which has an easily recognizable applied pointy metal markers in the shape of a shark’s tooth. Their distinct look adds on the appeal of its dial that further draws back in relation to its 2006’s model. The beauty and slight aggressive look, you got to admire in person.

Seiko's Caliber 6R35 automatic

Since the new generation of professional tool watches in the Prospex line gets the “X” emblem on the dial side, the Alpinist included one. Seiko placed it at 6 o’clock, replacing the previous “Diashock 23 jewels” wordings, as to not throwing off balance of the dial’s entirety.

The main traits of what this the “Japanese Explorer” has to be its internal rotating bezel, which doubles up as a compass for the mountain climbers which the watch was intended for and is operated by rotating the second crown at 4 o’clock.

Lastly, The Alpinist is paired with the 20mm bracelet in matching black colour, fitted on single-lock mechanism that allows for easy removal. Overall the clasp locks with a reassuring click sound and a provides a balance fit on the wrist.

Summing things up, although the all-new full black Seiko Alpinist might be the coolest looking one yet, it’s DNA has came a long way since 1961, springing up from the ever modest beginning as an entry-level sporty explorer watch to become a concurring horological marvel in continuation with the livery today. It’s not difficult to know where Seiko took the inspiration from their explorer’s collection for mountaineering and outdoor activities, in line with the Alpinist concept and moniker, while in addition with the much-needed upgrades that all of us in agreement terms of its value proposition.

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