Last week’s Prospex chronograph expansion from Seiko had us drooling over those nostalgic Datsun-themed Speedtimers and the time-only revivals of the ‘70s-era originals, but the Japanese brand wasn’t done. Now they’ve decided to put a subtle spin on one of our favorite outdoor watches ever, giving the humble Alpinist a deep blue “Night Sky” dial inspired by the way twilight hits the mountains in the evening. However, you’ll have to be in Europe to buy it.
Unparalleled Mountain Heritage
Since 1959, the Alpinist has been much more than an affordable alternative to the Rolex Explorer. Originally designed for Japan’s rugged “Yama-Otoko” mountain guides, the field watch has established an aesthetic identity all its own, and while still keeping its desirable proportions and 200m of water resistance.
Mountaineers needed something reliable that could handle extreme conditions while keeping them oriented in treacherous terrain. That’s where the signature compass bezel comes in, controlled by a second crown at 4 o’clock. Point your hour hand at the sun, find the halfway point to 12 o’clock (that’s south), and you’ve got basic navigation sorted.
Focusing on What Works
Luckily, with the Night Sky edition, Seiko opted to keep everything about the Alpinist the same — save for the dial color, which keeps things calm with the aforementioned dark blue color and some elegant vertical brushing. You may be familiar with the green or black versions of this watch, but the blue strikes the perfect chord for both the outdoors and everyday wear. The rose gold accents on the seconds hand and compass markers add just enough warmth without feeling too assertive. This is a truly beautiful watch.
Seiko keeps the 39.5mm stainless steel case with its 13.2mm, all while maintaining the 200m depth rating. Also returning is the AR-coated sapphire crystal over the dial, the cathedral-style hands with LumiBrite, and, of course, the in-house 6R35 automatic movement with 70 hours of power reserve.
This time around, you get two straps in the box, including a textured navy blue leather strap for dressier occasions and a woven nylon strap better suited for the outdoors.
Spec Sheet
Model: Seiko Prospex Alpinist Night Sky SPB531J1
Case Size: 39.5mm
Case Thickness: 13.2mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Seiko Caliber 6R35 automatic
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Straps: Navy leather and textured nylon
Limited Edition?: Yes, 3,000
Pricing & Availability
Available exclusively in European markets next month, the Night Sky is limited to 3,000 pieces at £780 (~$1,036). However, Stateside customers will likely be able to nab the watch on the secondary market, albeit for an inevitable markup.
Recap
Seiko Prospex Alpinist Night Sky SPB531
Seiko keeps things simple with the new Night Sky edition of the Alpinist. Available in Europe only, the outdoor watch gets a handsome deep blue dial with rose gold accents, but keeps the same proportions and capability.
