On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: Seiko Prospex 'Baby' Alpinist vs. Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38mm

The cathedral handed field watch showdown you've been asking for...
Full Reviews:
Seiko Prospex - 'Baby Alpinist' SPB159: • On the Wrist, from off...
Hamilton Khaki Field - 'Murph 38mm' H70405730: • On the Wrist, from off...

[@mclaughlinja1995]

These are both great watches, but I prefer the Murph - I think the dial is better looking, I like the chunkier minute hand, full 12 numerals and lack of date. Of course it’s totally subjective.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

You’re right about the hands on the Murph, they are more legible. There’s no need for a date function on a military field watch, but on an outdoorsy adventure watch I think it’s welcome. What I can’t get over is the movement: while in the Seiko they put one of their better movements, the Lowermatic 80 in the Murph is, well, lower. Not to mention the push-pull crown.

[@shanephillips8735]

The Hamilton dial and its wearability did it for me, I can't take it off, such a perfect everyday watch.

[@user-wr6nj8du1r]

Prefer the Murph 38, more balanced symmetric dial and shorter lugs and thinner case, also prefer the ETA movement and hamilton’s regulation out of box vs seiko

[@oscarfuentes7866]

Great comparison, I personally prefer the Murph 38 because of the movement, the profile, the full numbers, the cleaner dial and also becaus Interstellar is one of my favorite movies of all time 😅😅 But both are really nice looking watches and the quality of both is excellent at this price range. Can't go wrong with either of them.

[@JulienMR]

I own the green baby alpinist. It's everything you want in a single watch. Crazy quality for this price range.

[@roberts.4582]

Great comparison, thank you! I own the Baby Alpinist and love it. I own the original Murph, which is handsome but wears larger than I'd like. The reduced Murph is now on my short list for 2023.

[@gerard8174]

I think they’re both beautiful, but I slightly prefer the alpinist. The finishing of the case, the distortion of the single domed crystal and the screw down crown are the elements of the Seiko that win me over. Also, where I live the khaki murph is considerably more expensive, about 200 euro difference. Furthermore it’s my experience that Seiko's in this price range hold up in time exceptionally well. Very nice comparison though and a very close match indeed, I enjoyed it. I think I’m gonna pick up the baby alpinist, but then the green variance on the bracelet. Thank you for this nice review.

[@Fetishmale]

Great review we definitely needed, thank you. I feel like the Hamilton has more of a vintage look, where the Seiko was more of a modern design language, but i love them both

[@RTree613]

This is the comparison I wanted to see. Thanks for setting this up!

[@hysanlee]

Great in-depth comparison! I happened to be looking at 38mm watches a month ago and also ended up deciding between the Seiko Alpinist 1959 Re-Interpretation and the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic (almost the same watches of choice from the same series of the same 2 brands!) I love the Murph too but I really prefer a date window, it's just me who'd instinctively look at my watch when I want to know the date. For the Alpinist, I like the 1959 more as it's more classic and with a retro feel than the baby alpinist, part of me was also looking for 'index only' watches as I have 3 pilot/flieger watches already with full numerals on the dial. I agree with everything you went through in the video, but would give a slight credit to the Seiko 6R35 movement for it's nice winding ticks over the ETA movement.

[@squinkygordon1322]

Great comparison between the two watches. Thank you! The Seiko is more of an "all-rounder" with the screwdown crown and 200m water resistance. I wouldn't trust taking the Hamilton swimming with it not having a screwdown crown, despite its 100m water resistance rating. But, I do think the Murph is the nicer looking of the two! The Prospex X on the Seiko, along with the date window really detracts from its aesthetics. I also wish they would've lumed the numbers on the dial. It really seems like a cost-cutting measure to install the lumed indices over top of the dial. That being said, they both are nice pieces and I love that more companies are releasing watches at a vintage size.

[@Momo_8k]

Great comparison! Side by side, the Hamilton lacks the depth of detail that the seiko has- it looks entirely printed. But the no date is more balanced. And I prefer the eta movement, anecdotally.

[@ocb05]

i agree with you except the lacks depth, it has its own depth

[@Bonpu]

"it looks entirely printed" Isn't that what actually defines a military style watch?

[@Momo_8k]

@@Bonpu yes, I cannot disagree with your statement. But looking at both of these next to each makes it more obvious. My reaction would be different if it was being compared to a khaki field...

[@robinhook37]

I don't disagree with the "depth" comment, but to my eyes the Murph just looks so much better: cleaner, more elegant, and more luxurious.

[@galatians22122]

Hamilton is WAY More accurate!

[@ocb05]

Easily Murph 38 for me, totally have no feelings for the Baby Alpinist. Love the retro style yet timeless dial. Not to mention H10 is actually improved and way better than the Seiko 6R.

[@kiresh2473]

I was literally searching for a video that compared this two models thanks

[@tiote_paris6106]

I bought the same baby alpinist from Japan and received it a week ago. So pleased with it. It’s a beautiful dial, the lume is great and the WR just makes it feel like a go anywhere do anything watch. It’s actually a decent strap just needs a bit of time to wear in, but I’m going to swap out the strap for a metal bracelet which I think will look great on it. I love Hamilton, they are really well made and feel more expensive but I think the price of the new 39mm murph is a little bit excessive, especially when you can get any of the alpinist range for hundreds less and they have a compelling history too.

[@Momo_8k]

How is your accuracy?

[@tiote_paris6106]

@@Momo_8k it’s too early to say. I’ve only had it for a week and only worn it a couple of times

[@Momo_8k]

@@tiote_paris6106 If you remember this post, I would love an update! I''ve got a couple Seiko quartz pieces, but I'm afraid of the accuracy variations in their sub 1k pieces.

[@wilman0624]

@@Momo_8k The accuracy on my baby alpinist is + 15-20 seconds a day compared to the +1 on the H-10 on my Hamilton Khaki Field Auto. I also have a seiko with a 6R15 that gains about 6-7 seconds. Although its within spec, I’m really not impressed with the accuracy on Seikos compared to other watches on a similar price range, and probably wont get another one.

[@Momo_8k]

@@wilman0624 thanks very much for your input. Your data aligns with my own experiences w/ ETA, and reinforces that I should not risk buying an automatic Seiko b/c those accuracy values would really irk me.

[@zplapplap]

High quality comparison video, all around. Thoughtful observations and analysis, good voice and articulation, great camera work and visual presentation. Subscribed. 👍🏽

[@AverageBros]

Well, thank you Sir!

I like both of these models very much, I watched many videos, this video was the most interesting one. (After all i think my choice will be Hamilton, but only reason is that i already have 2 different Seiko models and i think Hamilton would be a great alternative for my collection.)

[@lemmontree1]

Thanks! Much prefer the Murph

[@MlkXiu]

Between these two model I would pick the murph, but I would pick the blue or green baby alpinist overall, planning to get blue one soon for myself for Xmas

[@eddiehe7454]

Can't really go wrong w/ either of these watches. I did pick up the Murph 38mm since I am a huge Interstellar fan =D

[@larrydalton2205]

Two fantastic, classic looking watches and a great match for a review. I would be very happy with either. For me it would be close to a toss up choosing. Both have an interesting heritage. Interstellar was a cool movie but that reference doesn't really matter to me. You could certainly mix some of the positives of both watches and perhaps make a better one but who cares, they are both fantastic. It would be close but I would choose the Hamilton for the thinness and balanced dial with all Arabic markers.

[@normang663]

Both great watches and at the end, 100% subjective. My subjectivity is how the father daughter relationship in the movie resonated with me, hence my going with the murph. Objectively speaking, the seiko is a much better watch. Better lume, better movement, better case finishing, better dial attention to detail, 200 WR with screw down crown.

[@PsionicAudio]

Fantastic job. Best lume comparison I’ve ever seen. Subbed.

[@AverageBros]

Thanks for the support!

[@onewaray]

I have the Seiko deep lake alpinist and it looks great with the bracelet. Also my wife gave me the 42 Hamilton day/date (Interstellar) and it's also great. It's hard to say which is better just like the one that you're comparing. I don't get to wear them to work as an A&E nurse (bare below the elbow) but I make sure to alternate them whenever I go out.

[@dhillon7167]

I have the baby alp in blue but now i really want the hamilton!!

[@achillesdanieladam9486]

How it performs? I have heard lot of issues with the movement

[@fuangrat1]

The murph is much more handsome. It looks simpler, cleaner, sharper, balanced with good proportion. It can be both field and dress watch. Will consider to buy one.

[@AlpineTrails]

For me, Seiko's dial makes it easier to dress up. Looks more modern and case catches the light better. Hamilton on the other hand, looks more like a tool watch. a bit more vintage look, bigger even though is the same size case. Whilst most seem to prefer a no date dial, which I agree is cleaner, I must have a date for everyday work so purely based on this I would probably go with the Seiko, but the blue dial.

[@cedricduyongco]

Great comparison video. The Seiko Baby Alpinist is visually more appealing than the Hamilton Murph. I have the green dial version of the Baby Alpinist and it looks great with it's stock stainless steel bracelet.

[@carlkim2577]

The no date wins it for me. I already have a phone for that. I need a watch for pure time keeping.

[@zplapplap]

You have a phone for that, too.

[@Mmarks9156]

Hamilton Murph gets my vote with the cinematic history and love Interstellar, just wish they included the morse code on the seconds hand like with the original release 42mm Murph

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

both very nice, but the Hammy looks sharper and is more refined in it's finishing for sure

[@ahmedhishamdr8485]

I would choose the Seiko over the Hamilton…I didn’t like the ETA noisy movement rotor and the Seiko dial speaks to me more 😊

[@tballz4350]

I own 3 seikos (2 sarbs and skx)so I went w the murph. It has a more classic look and fits better in my collection. I wanted to add a little Swiss in there. I like the baby alpanist. The green n blue are both superior colors to that slate grey

[@giovannibusato9815]

I think the glacier alpinist version or a White Dial one can pair well with the Hamilton. Note a great fan of this dial

[@ampdrum1]

Now this is compelling television!

[@JonGH33]

Great video. It's made me notice that the Seiko hands tend to get lost on the dial whereas Hamilton hands properly pop.

[@1malikalik]

Great point. Now that you mentioned that I can instantly see it. Seiko however is by far a better looking modern iteration of a field watch.

[@CremildaBernas]

This is now my favourite watch channel on KZbin , such great content and done superbly, well done sir and I got my favourite watch at AMZWATCH， it hasn’t left my wrist for weeks

[@miguelmaldonado6049]

Awesome comparison!!! Always looking for what’s new in your channel. My favorite. It’s goes with a reason: you take your time to do an well documented in depth review. I’ll choose the Seiko Baby Alpinist. Actually i’ve got one and Love ❤️ it. But…the New Hamilton Murph will get me some time ahead. Thanks

[@AverageBros]

Thanks so much Miguel, I really appreciate that Sir!

[@Watchmade]

Great comparison. Back in time before the Murph I went for the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic in 38mm. Maybe the more budget Hamilton option, although from the design perspective these ones are more comparable.

[@davidcrandall4958]

A comment on another site asserts that The "

[@JohnnyTaxonomy]

Thank you for doing this specific comparison. It needed to be done. Kudos!

[@r.drizzle7257]

Honestly they both look nice on your wrists. I own the murph but I think it won’t hurt to get both

[@villagranvicent]

Excellent review, love the comparison you did with the light! The only thing I dislike about the Hamiltons are the word "Khaki" on their dials

[@peterzagorski4316]

GREAT REVIEW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@The25Macallan]

I want it to but the Murph but when i see it face to face in the shop i change my kind immediatly. So happy never bought it blindly and going to see it in person.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

I would take the Hamilton Murph over the Seiko Alpinist without hesitation.

[@ntorresla]

There's 300 difference here... what about oris big crown vs hamilton mew murph?

[@mariog7213]

@@ntorreslathat’s a tough one. The Oris does have a bracelet which for me is a big plus but it’s all polished which is a big no no

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

@@ntorresla I own the blue dial Oris big crown pointer date, it is a very different watch then these 2 but I would take the big crown over these two

[@joshuabriggs7114]

And I would take the Seiko. The Hammy is a very nice, very Swiss, refined watch priced too high while the Seiko is a quirky, robust, spec-monster with tons of value!

[@saurus738]

Agree. 6R movement does not offer more advantage than just the power reserve compare to 4R. 6R is just as ugly as 4R with the similar accuracy. Seiko ought to make 6.5R movement, better finishing and accuracy. I own both, I regulated my 4R to its limit(maybe), it works just fine.for everyday use. My 6R (unregulated) just as bad. For the price, most 6R watches from Seiko just offer a better looking watch.

[@looseunit1615]

Seiko Alpinist is nice. The Murphy is balanced without the date. For everyday use I would buy both.

[@darrylwarren4241]

Would and will aren't the same. I bought the Seiko Alpinist this year, I like the Murph but can't justify buying both.

[@rahuldevgun8703]

Superb video … I am the proud owner of both .. n must say alpanist beats hands down the Hamilton .. alpanist feels very solid on the wrist

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Never going to buy a Lowermatic80 myself. I’d take the Seiko any day, each day.

[@popamonkey190]

I love the lume profile on the Hamilton, but the Seiko dial speaks to me. Its definitely a hard choice. Both really great watches.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

It would have been great to see the Seiko bracelet on the Murph.

[@silverhawk911]

If only I have seen the Hamilton Murph earlier than the Seiko Alpinist , I would not have bought the Seiko.

[@noodosoop]

I would get the murph and the regular alpinist with the inner rotating compass. That way you get both watches without having them looking too similar

[@clarenceong2365]

Seiko anyday if they remove that silly date window

[@LBenn302]

Great review. Looking to pick up the green SPB155 pretty soon. I also recommend reviewing the new Christopher Ward C65 Dune GMT. Christopher Ward has been making some amazing pieces and the value is unmatched it really isn’t close. For $900 you can get a C65 Dune that compares to Sinn 556 models at almost half the price- same movement and specs.

[@pannan80]

I would choose the Seiko,unfortunately it costs almost $900 here in Sweden.

[@tiote_paris6106]

Order it from Japan it will be much cheaper but bear in mind you’ll have to spend about €100 on import tax

[@cliffordgriffith818]

The hamilton dial looks more balanced

[@gerard8174]

I agree, but I think the dial of the alpinist is more interesting and I adore the “fumé” effect and railroad track of the alpinist.

[@alainsoubra2847]

Thanks a lot for this comparison as I was precisely wondering which one I should buy… I still don’t know and I might end up getting both eventually 😂

[@erickvalencia5407]

The alpinista offered the black and or blue color, I personally have the blue i find it more handsome. Just saying so you know your options

[@davidcrandall4958]

The H10 mvt in the Hamilton must be sent back to Hamilton to maintain or repair!

[@g-maru8486]

these 2 companies could benefit from a colab. why can't they give us a perfect one, rather than giving us a few lacks here and there.

[@jouzel8951]

Great comparison!

[@cosme17]

Without hesitation I choose the alpinist. Besides Hollywood, I don't see any other attribute to the Murph.

[@uplandtube]

And what attribute you see to the Alpinist?

[@KC-bv9kf]

@@uplandtube screw down crown, better water resistance, easier and cheaper servicing, cheaper…

[@khanhvu6969]

@@KC-bv9kf how about better QC and regulation from Hamilton so you don't have to service them as often. Screwdown crowns are nice but they do wear out over time which leads to awkward winding down the road. I own a Ginza Alpinist LE and I love it, but it runs -15s. Cheaper movement does not always mean cheaper cost to own.

[@jeffd3802]

Seiko hands down.

[@JulienMR]

​@@khanhvu6969if it runs -15s, you can regulate it. Alpinist for me (I own the green one).

[@erickvalencia5407]

Very nice video, also you forgot to mention the the Seiko is polished vs the hami it isn’t so it is more scratch resistant per day but then again. Great review, specially the lights part 👏👏👏👏 I do own 2 alpinist but I’m might get the Murph 42mm soon 😊

[@jamesminshall4601]

The Hamilton is much better looking, I love the dial proportions. I really like the Seiko texture and that it has a date but it’s quite thick, I don’t like the missing numerals but the biggest negative is all the different colours. The hands are a lot lighter, it has a red tip, Seiko in silver, date in white and then a different colour for the markers.

[@billbouldin2969]

Thanks for dropping the science Bro!

[@darrylwarren4241]

I wear the Seiko 159 this would have been a tough decision to make if this Murph had been available.

[@aliveli-hq6zk]

haha liked your banter mate, I will go for seiko but I wish it was thinner but you can't have it all, yes?

[@MrBaxtrax]

More of a khaki field or king with full day date display guy. Also since I'm older bigger numerals are better :) and the field day date and king also includes lume on the second hand. The downside is both Hamilton's mentioned are 40mm "not huge by today's ridiculous standards" but bigger than the 32-38mm traditional vintage watches I generally wear. I would love to see a Hamilton full day date Field or King in 38 even 36mm as even 40mm wears big for me. And would tell Hamilton to take my money if they offered up a day date khaki field bronze case in 36- 38mm.😁 Not everyone wants 44mm of bling and tourbillon's slapped on their wrist, as opposed to a great all occasions watch, with timeless looks, which is something that both Hamilton and Seiko excel at, at reasonable prices for what you get. I'm honestly glad that the Big Bling trend is passing as giant bling watches are just impractical for most.

[@HOBBL3]

Not having a screw down crown lets the Hamilton down big time. A field watch is meant to endure the outdoors, I wouldn't be comfortable with it knowing water could get in. Remember, the 10bar relates to a controlled setting, add in waves, splashes etc and that crown will not hold up at all

[@snapfitness1]

I'd choose the seiko

[@galatians22122]

I've owned both. Sold the Seiko kept the Hamilton. The Hamilton is by far more refined and accurate.

[@smarley678]

I wish Seiko made more no-date models. A field watch should have a simple presentation, and Hamilton does that much better. Seiko’s screw-down crown is an obvious winner as well. I just don’t like field watches with a date!

[@tonyrome655]

The Seiko is technically not a field watch it’s a mountaineering watch.

[@IgorBagayev]

Like the Murph for it's versatility - it almost can pass as a dress watch as well

[@Hoppetakeyama]

Excellent comparison vdo.

[@nyancorp]

The Hamilton looks much better. It has got a clean two-colour look. Whereas the Seiko uses grey, black, white, cream, silver and red.

[@apan1981]

I would take the Alpinist.

[@tobiasnaylor]

Correct me if im wrong, but arent field watches meant for the explorer type person. Surely the higher specs make it more suited for the use case

[@RatInCage-E102]

Make the murph in 36mm and its a perfect watch

[@royg9892]

Could you please check and see if the Seiko alpinist bracelet will fit on the Hamilton please

[@AverageBros]

It does

[@royg9892]

Awesome, thank you for checking is there any way you can post a picture of somewhere, that's the only thing that is stopping me from buying the Hamilton.

[@tTantPisForFrance]

Both watches are nice. I just bought the 38 Murph, i think a big pulling factor for Hamilton is the film heritage they have behind them. Indiana Jones, Men in Black ect and with the recent Oppenheimer film. I think with wearing a Hamilton you get to be part of a speical club that Seiko clearly can't match. Edit: returned the 38 and got the 42. Much better.

[@tegucigalpa4696]

it's just the brand name, the watches made back then don't have anything to do with the matches that are being made now

[@mattclark1278]

Great comparo! I'm looking at both of these and this didn't help a bit lolllll...

[@EarlyNai]

Wow someone made a comparison vid. I like the blue spb but this is close enough. I like both the Seiko and Hamilton >.

[@whereisvanuatu]

Thought I was going to preffer the Hammie, but the Alpinist wins without breaking a sweat.

[@tbprofile1295]

Great review 👍

[@AverageBros]

Thank you 🙏

[@Silverbolt1981]

Comparable they are indeed but the Murph is a better piece imo..

[@sandyentoronto]

Great video, would like to see an OEM bracelet for the Hami or aftermarket, hope you can update us when you try that Uncle Seiko one,

[@AverageBros]

OEM Alpinist bracelet fits well, OEM Khaki Field bracelet is too long and overhangs the lugs

[@davidcrandall4958]

A participant on another site asserts the "New Murph" uses Khaki Pioneer cases!

[@JosephsCoat]

The movement in my baby Alpinist stopped working this week. It’s a year old. Kinda odd

[@mezcalycafe8702]

Prospex > movie prop

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Why make a polished field watch that becomes a smudge magnet? Tough decision for me.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

I’d probably get my ass shot off while attempting to clean it

[@kabirh3626]

Seiko every time!!

[@michaelbedford8017]

You can regulate the Seiko, but you can't adjust it, unless you're a watchsmith.

[@Rikki-Tikki-Tavi]

Can I get the Murph's dial with the Alpinist's date and WR?

[@lamadoo]

The Seiko is too thick

[@The25Macallan]

Seiko have a brighter dial and gives you impression have better coating.

[@marks7646]

Seiko is overpriced. I would go for Hamilton for simplicity and better movement and even its not made from the movie.

[@russellseah2347]

Seiko overpriced?! And the murph not??

[@jjakiefte2165]

@@russellseah2347 Indeed, Hammy's prices are quite ridiculous compared with Seiko .

[@constantinmiron6980]

Seiko, for sure!

[@shmutube]

If the Murph had a pointer date or some other discreet date function, I would really prefer it even if that is a deviation from the movie... I probably get the alpanist and immediately start looking for a replacement dial with loomed numerals... 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@sakar5127]

Put the Orient Star Outdoor black dial NeXT to them and for me it beats both f them! 😁

[@AcmeRocket]

It's 41mm and 50mm L2L. Not a comparison.

[@jeeeeev]

I am now in this predicament. I really want a Murph but damn that price tag tho.

[@jofubar2763]

Murph has perfect dimensions.. seiko to thick, to long lug to lug.. I my country.. used baby alpinist around 400euros, used murph around 800eurs.. I love interstellar and murph, but seiko wins.. murph cost like my month paycheck

[@simonstokes369]

The crown on the murph makes it.

[@aritzartetaerviti2665]

Both but estetically The murph for me