However, there are some slight gaps to the side. I could have gone either wayġ9 mm lug-width doesn't affect me as I won't be changing the bracelet (I've seen many want 20 mm). I don't mind the broken symmetry, however, and think it's well-executed with the lume'd semi-index. Seeing as this is my first mechanical watch, adjusting the date between periods of not wearing (which will be rare hopefully) might get annoying. Automatic, but it's a trivial detail to me, and I respect Seiko's choice to brand the piece how they see fit.

Sure, I would have rather seen Alpinist vs. I don't mind the X-logo and no Alpinist-I think it's a handsome, modern logo. I didn't love the rose gold / copper looking seconds hand on pictures and videos, but I think it's beautifully suited. I love the polished bevels in the center pieces of the lugs, adds some pizzazz. The off-white color suits the watch well and doesn't look forced-vintage. So cool when going from a light to dark room. I love the roundness of the case-it has a vintage feel but looks classy and timeless. 19 mm lug-width doesn't affect me as I won't be changing the bracelet (I've seen many want 20 mm). I have (dainty) 6 1/4 inch wrists, and I love the way it fits. The sharp indices and even the painted-on black text are all well-executed.

The dial, the polished inner minute ring gives a rainbow-like diffraction. Pictures or videos do not do a watch justice. Although this watch is leagues above my former, it made me realize how good of a value the old one was. You can probably see where my taste lies. Prior to knowing of this piece, the SARX033 was my former grail (within budget). Chances are the next watch I get will either be a replacement G-Shock, or a champagne dial Grand Seiko in a few years to replace this, but this watch had my name on it as soon as I saw the promotional articles.

I'm definitely not a collector and will be wearing this one at any given opportunity when I'm not beating up my G-Shock-but I've already put a little ding in this one, hah. I guess you could call this my first 'enthusiast watch'. I've loved watches since I was kid and over the years have owned a few fashion watches, G-Shocks, and department store quartz but for the past few years, only a single G-Shock and a sunburst silver dial, sapphire crystal quartz Seiko that I love dearly-but will be supplanted by this Alpinist. I think it looks just as great in a white t-shirt as it does in a suit. This watch checks all of the boxes for me: modern meets vintage, elegant but not delicate, detailed but not cluttered, blingy but understated, geometric with natural influence.

Spb 241