Comparing Two of the Top Field Watches For the Money- Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical & Seiko SPB243
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
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In this video, I'll compare two of what I consider the best field watches for the money on the market. We'll take a look at the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on the bracelet as well as the Seiko SPB243, the newest member of the Alpinist family. If there are any other field watches you feel we should consider in this $500 - $1,000 price range, please let us know in the comments!
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I've handled both in person and side by side, and while the Khaki Field Mechanical is super nice, I take the Alpinist any day of the week. The Seiko's finishing is unbelievably good for its price, leagues beyond the already good Hamilton's finishing. There's just so much depth and nuance to it, even beyond a lot of Longines and Alpinas I've handled far more expensive than it.
I also love how most Seikos slope their lugs so dang ergonomically, so they work for a much wider variety of wrist sizes.
You can't go wrong with either, and I always say the three kings of sub-1000 watches are Seiko, Tissot and Hamilton. But there's also a reason why I keep coming back to Seiko, even while I also wear significantly more expensive brands.
The Seiko "Alpinist 1959" SPB243 in "Deep Lake" blue is absolutely astonishing. Is one of those watches that once you wear it on the wrist it looks completely different. There is some "magic" about it.
I have one and I totally agree,it's just SO nice in every way.
Me too. With the cream color dial.
i Just ordered my "Deep Lake" at 20% discount and paid 624€ (I live Finland) and couldnt be happier i also own original SARB017, "Baby-alpinist" and Tissot PRX Rose Gold my collection is perfected now :-)
Just got my Deep Lake this week. I can't stop looking at it. Beautiful.
Definitely, I picked mine yesterday
I wanted to buy the Hamilton but then decided to go for the Seiko as soon as they released it. Perfect field watch in my opinion. And it looks nice enough to be considered as a dress-watch by most people. I have the green dial version (highly recommend to try it on in a store before buying one. I wanted the grey version but the green just looks so much better irl. It mostly looks black but the green shimmer in light is stunning) and it became the watch i wear the most, because it goes with everything. Truly the best everyday-watch Seiko has in its current lineup. Next i will go for a Grand Seiko Heritage, because it is my grail-dress-watch.
Seiko all day! The hamilton is nice, but that Seiko is just perfect. It does have an “explorer” vibe and vintage charm. I have both the grey dial and creme dial variants. They are now my favorite watches!
The SPB155 for me. I've actually used it in extreme environments and it was brilliant! About +-5 seconds with the movement too.
I will never understand why Seiko feels the need to ruin the movement view by printing Seiko on the glass. That's just plain stupid.
Japanese pride
vg point
Because not everyone think like you do?
@@KentC0813 Stating the obvious we are?
I don’t know why they need a display case back at all.
I love my SPB243, but it is true about the accuracy of the movement and mine reads at -15 to -21 secs per day. My other seikos with 4R movements are doing better.
For those who want to remove the minor scratches on the “clasp” I found that the 3000 grit sand paper matches the finish of the bracelet.
I own the cream version of this Seiko (SPB241) and its incredible. One of the best finished watches under $1000. Although 12.9mm seems a little thick, its really not at all on the wrist. It has the perfect dimensions for my 6.5" wrist. The winding action is nice and easy and the 70hr power reserve beats anything else I own. The 6r35 in mine could use a slight adjustment as its about -10s a day, but my 4r36 is +2s a day so I'm sure it can be regulated to be more accurate. Still more accurate than my Swiss Sellita SW200
Thanks for your opinion, it really helps cause I think I might buy it as my everyday watch. How does it look on a Nato strap? Did you try it?
@@4kxxx944 I have the SPB245 (green)on a single-pass nylon strap and I think it wears better for everyday than the default leather it comes with.
@@stgrichardson thanks
I tried it on my 6.25” wrist, too thick for me!
Ive had the hammy for about six months and I love it. As soon as i saw it offered on the blasted bracelet i pulled the trigger. It’s understated no flash yet screams quality. The crystal is something that you have to see in person, its the nicest part of the watch imo. The bracelet is very comfortable and the movement is dead accurate. I love it
Great comparison and review. They are evidently two very different approaches to a traditional style.
The Hamilton leans a bit more traditional and subdued due to its matte sandblasted finish, and flies under the radar for when you want to wear a watch without drawing attention. Thanks to its compact dimensions, and specifically its 10mm thickness, it almost disappears on the wrist, especially in the 38mm version.
The Alpinist doesn't immediately strike as a field watch thanks to its mix of brushed and polished finishes, and more dynamic sunburst dial. Because of this, I would say this Alpinist is a better direct comparison to the Khaki Automatic - another watch that offers versatility in ways the sandblasted case of the Khaki Mechanical doesn't.
Ultimately, two amazing watches at fair price points that one could own happily as either a one-watch collection, or part of a larger collection.
Great video, sir!! I always appreciate how you state (and display) all of the specs. I’d also love to see weight of watches in grams in these stats. (For future videos ?)
All depends what you want. If I want a dive watch that’s an icon I’ll take the Seiko SKX all day but if I want a military field watch seiko doesn’t even come to mind. Hamilton is the king of military watches with the history to back it up.
True, Hamilton is king, 👍 by the way, I am wearing one right now but the Seiko is not bad either
Seiko has military history.......on the wrong side of ww2
Agreed. I own three Hamilton field watches and don’t even think about a Seiko for that.
Have both….marathon MSAR/GSAR
Seiko has a lot of military background, esp during the Vietnam War.
I have a Ginza edition Alpinist and the Baby Alpinist in my small collection and they wear really well. I agree the design of the Hamilton looks exactly how you'd imagine a Field watch to be, and I think the Alpinists are more of an "outdoors" style.
Congretulations for the video and the channel. I am from Brazil and love your job!!
Overall that seiko is just a better watch, however I just hate the date window on it. For me it's a deal breaker, if only they would stick to that original alpinist design. But that's a preference thing, I know there are some people who won't buy a watch without a date, you can't make everybody happy.
Exactly!!! The date window is so out of place
Completely agree. I've been looking for field watches over the last few weeks and the date window is always a deal breaker
Seiko needs to follow GS with the increase in time only options. Date windows . I get that a lot of people like a date but just as many don't.
I like a date window in certain watches, and I really like it when I have a cyclops above the date window. But, in a watch like this, I think they should’ve matched the original 1956 model without a date window.
If at least the date's background would match the dial, it would be more forgivable.
I love Seiko. It's a great brand. This SPB243 is lovely and the SPB259 even more so. But lately it's getting harder and harder to justify getting a Seiko. When I wanted to add three new watches to my collection I paid less for a Spedmaster Professional, Airman DC4 GMT and Khaki "Murph", new from their respective brand's boutique (AD in the case of the Airman), than what I would have had to pay for the SRQ029, SPB151, SPB259 trio. Seiko used to offer wonderful watches and good value. Whatever happened to that? In the past, if you were a watch guy/girl you'd get a Seiko before any other brand but now you have to look at a plethora of great brands before even considering a Seiko. GMTs and chronographs are few and far between, very expensive and have polarising designs. Most of their desirable models use the basic 6R movement which is subpar for the price. A case in point is the new King Seiko SPB281. A beautiful watch that is 1k more expensive than even the SPB259 which has basically the same movement and arguably a better dial. For example, Longines has a lot of beautiful watches with better movements that are similarly priced or cheaper. A Big Eye chrono is cheaper and way better than any Seiko alternative. For a similar price to that of a King Seiko you can have a Flagship, Heritage Military/Classic and Conquest Heritage. If you have a thinner wrist, a 35mm Conquest Heritage on sale can be found for dangerously close to this SPB243. And that's just Longines. Seiko needs to do more than just bring back iconic designs with basic 6R movements and release limited editions with wonderful dials.
The Seiko absolutely kills it with these new releases. The gray and blue dials look really cool, but the green one knocks it out of the park. Ordered mine today. Never been a fan of the Hamilton pilots watches..too much unnecessary text on the dial for me. Absolutely love your channel, Teddy. Iv'e been watching your reviews for years.......very personable and professional. Totally loved your recent visits to JLC and Longines!
Thank you for showing bigger wrists with smaller watches. I commented I would like this on the 36mm Rado Captain Cook and I m glad to see you guys already done this change. I have big wrists like the camera man (19.4) and wear watches from 34mm and up, so please keep this up. It's great reference for me.
Blue collar work day to high brow evening dinner, my blue dial Seiko SPB249 Alpinist has never felt out of place.
The Seiko here can pass as an everyday watch, so this comparison would be better if it was the 38 mm Khaki Field Automatic. Assuming you can find a nice 19 mm leather strap, the Seiko can be dressed up pretty well. Also, as both a SARB017 and Hamilton KFA (silver) owner, I feel that the KFA's movement, which is related to the one in the KFM, feels very delicate and won't stand up to the abuse that the Seiko movements can handle. The long lugs on the KFA/KFM can be somewhat annoying too. I have yet to try mine on a NATO strap, but it feels a bit strange to throw a NATO on the dressier, silver KFA.
Yeah, Seiko Diashock is no joke. It's kinda amazing how damn durable they are, even in as cheap as their 4Rs.
I had to put my Silver Khaki King Day Date on a leather NATO. The lug to lug was so big that it was just not fitting on my wrist well.
@@AIRFORCEFREAK1 Normally, I can't stand NATO straps but this is the one watch where it shines. Also the Seiko Turtle, for some weird reason.
Trying to decide between this Seiko SPB243 and the Hamilton khaki 38 auto. Both look awesome and quality products
Thanks for sharing. Great perspective.
I have the SPD 121green Alpinist. I lean more towards dress watches. This watch is a two for one. It is strong and good looking. I think the availability of a higher grade movement might be an Interesting idea. In pocket watch days people were able to modify their watch which gave people a sense of making their watch more special.
I own the limited edition Ginza version of the Alpinist and it absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend these Alpinist models.
A spectacular dial. I'm so sad to have found out about it after they were gone from retail.
Ginza model is Super Gorgeous but i hate that Seiko made Giza just for limited edition thats one thing i hate Seiko,They make far too many "limited edition" and some scalpers buy them even 2 pice and sell them Chrono24 or ebay and try to get much more what they themselve paid.thats just my Two Cents on the subject
@@lihaniska87 I totally agree and the prices on the Ginza now are stupid.
Great comparison Teddy. I picked up this Seiko Alpinist model up recently and I love it. It makes an arguement for a one watch collection (just don't tell my wife) and I view it as a poor man's Aqua Terra as it is robust and can be dressed up or down in my opinion ( there's a comparison video😉).
I’ve already reached out to my AD….that grey dial Alpinist is hot! Thx Teddy.
Arrived. OMG! This might be the best looking “Seiko Brand” watch I’ve ever owned. The first thing I did was wind it and wear it. The 70 hour power reserve is pretty amazing. The finish is better than any other Seiko I own. I have a larger wrist, so only one link removed. The ONLY negative I can think of is the lack of micro adjustment (1 location). Not an issue for me…but it should be better. I’m really am glad I watched you video. I love this SBDC147 (International version).
After my Swiss HAQ failed me twice in 4 years (couldn’t keep up with my usage I guess, or I suspect there’s possibly something fundamentally wrong with the ETA F07.411) I think I’ll give an automatic a chance again. Going Japanese with the SPB243 this time I think. The 6R is a proven, reliable and tough movement, and I’ll have a go at putting it through its paces. Hopefully the Prospex name lives up to what it promises.
That B Roll music in the intro was super epic 😂 video production going ⬆️⬆️⬆️
I have what I would consider the bigger brother to this model Hamilton Khaki Field, mine is the brushed stainless 42mm Khaki Field day/date automatic with 100m WR that has the same matte black dial lay out as the model reviewed, I've had it since around launch in late 2018 and I love the look of a vintage field watch and quality Hamilton offer, with the H-30 movement this watch runs within 2 seconds a day, it's as accurate as my Seamaster Planet Ocean, very happy with my Hamilton, it's a great watch.
I love the Hamilton Khaki's...I own a vintage Hamilton military issued field watch from 1981 and its one of my favorite watches.
I’ve been waiting for someone to talk about the SPB243! I snagged one as soon as it was released and love it.
Love the Seiko, and just ordered an SPB243 of my own.
I just purchased a Hamilton Navy Scuba Green Dial on Thursday. I like the older style Seiko Alpinist better. Thanks for your great video's.
These watches are different enough to own both, and to prove it I do! Though the Hamilton is the automatic version which might be a better comparison to the Seiko than the mechanical. The automatic was still cheaper than the Seiko! One thing on my particular models, the Hamilton is approx +7 spd, the movement on my Seiko is +3 spd. It's not a big deal but just something to note and it is a bit of a lottery. However, it is very easy to regulate the Seiko and get it to almost perfection if you are OCD about it. Yes, the lume on my Hamilton auto is not up to Seiko standard. But I love both of them, the Seiko is a bit more dressy, and have a nice stressed leather strap on my Seiko.
I'm not a mechanical watch fan but I LOVE THAT ALPINIST! It not only conjures vintage Explorer/Seamaster but the light amber on dark grey looks one of those (amber on black) that's got a patina by fading slightly in the sun after YEARS of adventuring in 'The Empire'. Add 200m WR and a Goldilocks 'just right' 38mm case and what's not to love??
i have this alpinist and have finally lost my desire to pursue a rolex explorer. this watch does it for me. very nice ... and i love it on the bracelet. With that said, the new Japanese alpinist dials are now available and if I had the option would have got the blue with the rope like texture. really amazing, evoking a gran seiko feel. I also have a Tissot PRX 80 with the blue strap and am considering the Tissot Seastar 1000 in the black and gold 36mm, as my next watch, putting a black silicon strap on it. Rolex, Omega and Tudor are just too overpriced when I can get Seiko or Tissot ... and as you can see with the Seastar 1000, I am warming up to quartz. I love my PRX 80 design so much, i'm going to get a quartz version just as a kick around.
I think the alpinist SPB243 might be my favorite watch of all time
I love my little Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. No date to set, just set the time and give it a wind, so retro!
That baby alpinist has been in my cart for 3 months now! Definitely my next watch. Thanks for great content like always.
Im a big fan of my Babby Alphinist but have the slightly older and slightly cheaper ($700 v $750) SPB-159. He's right about the reflectiveness though. It does run a few seconds slow (4 to 6 range) which isn't the greatest but not quite as bad as his 14 seconds fast,.
Thank you Teddy. It's dark, cold and I'm not well. The distraction is most welcome. I could listen all night and all day. I'm for the Alpinist but looking into the Bulova Hack. 🙏🏻🏴
After getting a Hamilton Khaki Field, which broke due to water damage, i decided i needed a new field watch which was actually rugged. I tried this seiko however it was just a bit too chunky and nearly as reflective as my old hamilton. I found a french brand called Serica and it is superb. If you want hamilton styled but with manual wind, screw down crown (200m), anti reflective and a vintage feel give the Serica 4512 WMB a look. Very good for smaller wrists and more micro adjustments as it comes on a bonclip bracelet.
You've owned the all three watches I'm deciding amongst. This Seiko looks more dressy, the Serica more military (that bonklip bracelet is gorgeous) and the Hamilton more heritage. Difficult to decide
Only dealbreaker for me is the non screw-down crown on the Hammy. Seiko every day!
The Seiko here is an another league vs the Hamilton in everyway but accuracy. I think this comparison should have been done with the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto which has more sophisticated finishing, dial, and automatic movement to compete with the Seiko.
You are right Mark, I have both watches, but the Hamilton is the automatic. The Seiko is more dressy than field for me. Ironically, the Seiko I have is slightly more accurate than my Hamilton. All down to the luck of the draw with Seiko movements, though they are very easy to regulate if it's out by more than 7 spd. I actually managed to regulate a 4R36A to +2 spd on the timegrapher! A COSC Seiko. Lol!!
I like the look of Hamilton watches much much more
@@NL-tq1yr Yes, it depends on personal taste of course. I have both of them, the finishing on the Seiko is far better than the Hamilton but the Hamilton has a very classic look and is a different watch in many ways. The lume is bad on my Hamilton too, which is not ideal for a field watch, whereas the Seiko has all night lume. I am very happy with both of them to be honest though I wish my Hamilton had the Seiko lume!!
Alpinist and it's not even close,iconic name,iconic design with a heritage and history to match.
It comes down to the dials for myself so I would choose Seiko and pay more for a better finished dial that’s not as busy.
YES! I love these comparison videos!
Edit: good video. The 50m of WR is a turn off
The green Seiko Alpinist looks stunning.
I have and love them both, along with more common forms of Alpinists. The Seiko can be adjusted fairly easily, the Hamilton not so much. My Khaki runs -1 sec, which I hate. The Hamilton is also hand wound and it's not dressy at all.
the seiko is beautiful. man if I can justify spending more than 300€ on a watch, I’ll buy it
The watch expertise is inspiring
Hello from Germany. I bought the Hamilton khaki field as we do a lot of trekking in the Black Forest so a good field watch, that's tough, durable and easy to read is very useful. However to say the Hamilton lume is a little bit weak is an understatement. The lume is absolutely terrible and quite useless when you consider this is a field watch. This Seiko is nice but more dressy than field style. I did sell the Hamilton and got myself a G-Shock Mudmaster for the trekking instead. Solar powered, temperature guage, compass, barometre and altimeter, always perfect time, excellent lume but also with a backup light, sapphire crystal, tougher, cheaper, more reliable than any other watch!
I have the limited edition Ginza version of the Seiko here. I actually really like it’s bracelet, which I wasn’t expecting. The best mechanical watch I’ve purchased so far IMO. I don’t notice the thickness at all really, it’s fine. My only caveats are the infamous Seiko accuracy…it started out at around +10 seconds per day, now it seems to be -10 per day. I really wish Seiko would find a way to regulate their movements on a large scale, as they make a lot of them. And the faux-tina which I didn’t think suited the watch, despite its heritage inspired design.
Also, pertaining to the baby Alpinist. That watch was actually what I was initially interested in purchasing at my local AD. I did check it out, then I checked out the grey/brown dialed 1959 Alpinist you showcase here. And the latter just came across as the classier option to me. The former’s textured dial, which was my main attraction to it, on close inspection, just seemed rather cheaply applied, to my eyes anyway. It reminded me of glitter on an Xmas card! Which I found rather disappointing.
The applied indices and more faceted design of the bezel and bracelet on the 1959 did it for me more in the end. Even if I found the dial to be a bit plain at first. So I went home to think about it, then shortly afterwards Seiko released that anniversary Ginza dialed variation, without the faux-tina. And that clinched the deal! They’ve also now released new variants with a vertical “string” like motif on the dials and the same white (with green glow) Lumibrite on the hands and indices as the Ginza. With dial options in blue, green or brown. All very nice indeed! 😁👍
The only thing about the bracelet is the clasp protrusion, it's pretty bad. Another microadjust would be welcome. The finishing and detail is nice tho!
I don't understand why people think of it as fake patina; I look at like beige colored lume, not at all attempt to fake age the watch. And it just happens that beige suits these models to give it a warmer look. I don't think Hamilton or Seiko are thinking 'hey lets make this watch look like it's seen some sun over the years'
I don't mind the thickness either but would definitely pay a couple bucks for a stainless caseback to shave a mm.. if only I could find.
Cheers!
@@kalekalekale yeah, the clasp gap is way too large. Strange they did it that way 🤷♂️
i hated the original seiko alpinist until they bring back the retro inspired newer versions , now looks much better in the dial and markers design . i purchased the ginza alpinist. i will never buy the hamilton just because it never have a screw down crown .
for me, my ginza alpinist started off at +6sec daily , i was so happy , but just for awhile , after some days, it just became like any seiko 4R movement around 10 to 12 sec fast .... abit disappoint for this 6R35???? movement.
@@kalekalekale I love how those tan indices contrast with the coffee sunburst, it's what makes the watch.
Teddy,
Thanks for a clear and concise view of both watches. You captured the pros and cons with no bias. Good on you!
Personally, I would look at the Bulova Hack before I went to Hamilton. Same heritage, but at a lower price point. Of course, I am biased because I collect Bulova watches (including a vintage A11 - the original “field watch” made by Bulova, Hamilton, and Elgin).
Anyhow, a great video!
JR
Watch Check Teddy. You frequently have the coolest white dial watches on!
As to the comparison, I have both and I think there are a number of better comparison examples from Seiko from both looks and performance to that specific Hammy. The SPB243 is bit more of a GADA and my own complaint with it is that the sunburst dial makes it a pain to read in lower light scenarios. Both are great buys regardless though.
I have both Seikos and Swiss watches, I tend to use the Swiss most because they are better at telling the time. If pushed to choose it would be the Hamilton, but I'd find the extra for a Khaki King which is better than either of these.
I just bought the SPB243, same color. It's a better choice than the Hamilton for 2 things :
A more sober dial : more elegant in my opinion.
The date : an important information for me.
Hamilton all the way. However I'll admit to a close second place, liking that Seiko on the wrist with the 200 WR. I would think Seiko could tighten up their timing specs. All IMHO of of course. Thanks for the side by side review.
The Seiko Alpinist is my choice by quite far! 👌
I enjoy the mechanical Hammy. Can be found brand new for under $460 on ebay and also jomashop. I bought by Alpinist brand new on Ebay from a japan seller for $530.00.
The Alpinist is more of a dress field watch, perfect for the gentleman archaeologist supervising a dig in Egypt. I just ordered the cream dial SPB241.
I have to say I would get both of them Seiko and Hamilton makes some very awesome watches
As an owner of a KFM, this is Hamilton all day long - if we are judging them as field watches. The history, looks, thinness, wearability and accurate time keeping win the day. (Yes, the Seiko has polished areas that catch the light. That is nice as an everyday piece. It’s not a good feature for a military field watch.). I would, however, not go for the bracelet. With 20 mm lugs, this is a strap monster. Think of all the NATOs you can buy with the $400 or $500 bucks you saved!
Now, if we are judging it as an everyday wear that you can dress up, then it’s the Seiko. But, that is not what the KFM is going for.
Could you do a review on some of the best or your favorite watch winders
Seiko: 200m water resist, automatic, date. Hamilton: history and design. I have a Hamilton 42mm mechanical khaki but really wish it had better water resistance and date window. Also, the Hamilton 42mm has a different and worse bracelet than the 38mm version. That is annoying and makes no sense.
As a veteran, I really enjoy the Hamilton time piece. Due to the fact that it has the 24 hours on the dial. That's how the military communicates their time. Also, I will be transparent and I am brand bias and loyal to our American roots.
That's so easy to convert time, but obviously for dumb Americans troop 24 hour dial up is needed.
@@SuperAlchemi Shame on you
Pls. Make video for some square dial watches
The Seiko is an attractive watch, but it doesn't look like a field watch.
Something that I have been wondering about; with all the specifications that we are presented with as default, why is weight never mentioned?
Stellar video
i have the seiko sbdc147 and its great... 200 meters, screwdown crown, solid endlinks and milled clasp. and also, NO FOGGING !!!! excuse me hamilton...
Nice. I see Seiko SRPG27 is the better field type to compare with.
Hi Tedddy !
What is your opinion about "Raven watches" from Kansas ?! Take a look at them. I think they are veery interesting.. at least for that price/quality.
Thank you for what you are doing to watch community.. Cheers
I will also say the Khaki Field Auto is the better comparison with 100m WR too. I have used a black dial one as a work at the factory watch a couple of years now and it has proven to be robust and comfortable, and mostly on a variety of single-pass NATOs. Very few better all-rounder watches at the price.
I agree. The Field Sports Style is a much better comparison and costs only $275. If you want Ti the Timex Expedition North Titanium Automatic at 350 seems like a great buy.
The seiko looks kinda tidier, would love it for everyday use around the office. The Hamilton for when you are in the woods, fishing.
What an intro with that cinematic music almost like a little trailer
Seiko Alpinist, no doubt
These "smaller" Alpinists are really thick for the diameter. My wife and I have nicknamed my SPB157 the "chunky monkey".
Odd, that's what I nicknamed my wife.
Both watches have its place on the market. Your macro shots showed very well the finishing differences on case and hour markers. Would have been great to show e.g. an IWC next to it for another few steps up the ladder.
The more fair comparison would be to use the Automatic version of the Hamilton instead if the handwind version.
I realized my Seiko 5 Sports field watch also utilize the 4R36 movement, and from what I measured it’s faster for about 15-20 seconds per day.
It can be regulated better.
I own both (pvd khaki field) and the green SPB245. The Alpinist is far superior all round for a daily wearer. I have mine on a Strapcode straight end beads of rice bracelet to jazz it up a bit.
I would get both; the Seiko is nice enough to be a dress watch, the Hamilton looks like a true Vietnam war era field watch. Different usages.
As a guy with both a Hamilton, and a Seiko Alpinist....I'll pass on both of these. The issue isn't either of the watches, as they are...it's the SIZE of both watches. 38 mm, for me, is just too small. But luckily, both have larger versions available. For me, the 39.5mm Alpinist is close to too small, and the 42mm Hamilton pushes my upper limit, (again, due to lug length). I do enjoy them both, though. Bigger guys, keep looking. You can find nice options in both lines.
Great compare review as always Teddy - but dude, why in the world would they have a 19MM lug… cant wrap my head around that
Another great video, but depressing about Seiko accuracy. I was really keen on an SPB123J1, using the 6R35, but after hearing your results I did some more reading and found others had similar experiences, the movement losing or gaining a lot of time each day. I know these are no Grand Seiko pieces, but surely in 2022 a company like Seiko with it's experience could do better. Even +/- 10s per day would be fine.
Surely a watch should be accurate and the Seiko’s quoted accuracy is terrible .
I got the cream 1959 Alpinist and I picked up a Japanese microbrand called Kuoe. The silly part is 1. My G-Shock can outperform all these field watches in the field. 2. I am supposed to be saving up for a Tudor Ranger…sigh.
Apart from the dial, Seiko wins it for me in every other aspect. That Hamy dial is just beautiful but that L2L, bracelet, clasp, lume, etc. just kills it for me. On the hand remove that date from Alpinist dial or just move it to 6 would be a winner
I think these two watches appeal to two different types of watch buyers. I'm not sure the Alpinist line is thought of as a field watch. It enters into the dressier end of sport watches. Although I have never had an issue with a 50m watch, I have always felt more comfortable with 100m. However, I have had 30m watches that had no issues; either. So, I guess as with most things in watches; it's strictly just a personal preference.
Great video Teddy! Keep up the good work! Please tell us the reference number of the baby alpinist shown at 15:50 onwards. Seems like the SPB211J1 but with a bracelet, although the SPB211J1 seems to be "brownish" while this one seems more black with sharper hour markings without covered by "bezels"... I've searched the whole internet but nothing!
Spb155
@@gchu149 but the SPB155 has a green dial, not black as shown in the video
@@themos_charm I think it’s the lighting. If you check Teddy’s earlier video of the spb155, it looks like how you said. I do wish that it actually looked like this in real life.
ruclips.net/video/7mKQNLzjZLU/видео.html
This seems like it's leaning towards the Seiko side here, a more fair comparison would have been the Khaki Auto on a bracelet. Although it is nice to see a Khaki Mechanical in some detail.
The Hamilton fits as a heritage military piece in a larger collection. The Alpinist is more versatile with dressier looks and more durable specs, thus can serve being a one watch collection itself.
Easy win for the Seiko, it's clearly the better watch - but would expect it to be , it costs more. The Khaki is much more iconic & historic tho. I went for the khaki King myself, both of these are just too small for my tastes.
Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
I’m still waiting on that line of Teddy Watches (TW) I’ll be first in line for one of those!
Watching while wearing the khaki king. Amazing watch and feels and looks much more expensive
Hamilton is a perfect field watch. Strap is a must.
At 10:46 when you say the 6r35 is a replacement for the 4r family of movements with 50hr power reserves, didn't you actually mean the *4S* family? Or maybe even the 6r15, which also had a 50hr PR? The current 4r movements only have 40-42hrs of power at best.
So nice to hear you pronounce, "Lancaster" correctly.
If only seiko can have their accuracy in the +- 5s/day territory. Im still looking at the sarb033/35.
Seiko Alpinist every day. Thanks for the comparison.
Seiko 1959 🤩