Seiko Alpinist 1959 vs Seiko Land Tortoise Review | Mountaineering Champions

Hey everyone, today we dig into the Seiko Alpinist 1959 Re-interpretation versus the newcomer; the Seiko Land Tortoise. Which is the better field watch? we will find out!
There are no shortage of great Field Watches among the Seiko Alpinist, Hamilton Khaki, Smiths Everest and many other microbrand offerings. Staying competitive is important and lately Seiko has been on fire re-creating vintage watches in a modern way.
Snow Capped Mountain Range by Roman Odintsov via Pexels
Landscape Nature Waterfall by cottonbro via Pexels
#seiko #alpinist #fieldwatch
0:00 Set the Mood
0:30 Intro
1:15 The specifications
2:08 How do they wear?
5:05 How to use a compass bezel
8:55 Macro shots
11:13 Final Impressions
12:50 Lume Comparison

[@OnetoWatch]

Excellent review. A good comparison of two fairly different looking mountaineering watches. Hard to choose between them and possible to go for both! Although the Alpinist 1959 would be my pick, which does look stunning in the colour-way you reviewed. For me I have the Alpinist SARB017 that already has a compass (I also live in England so often not useable anyway! 🌧☁️); I’m a big Alpinist fan; and it is just beautiful looking! ☺️ It’s a shame about the quality issues - not good for us watch nerds!! But 99% of buyers won’t notice nor care. Thanks for the detailed look at these two new Seiko watches and with your quality videography and music it was a really enjoyable 12.52 minutes!! 👏

[@perpetuality]

Thank you my good friend! I echo all your thoughts with the new alpinist and I think had it not included a date I would buy it out of variety and preference. I think I’ve learned to be more careful buying watches after experiencing so many seiko QC issues and it’s a good lesson in patience and care. Really appreciate your comments and I look out for them as always 😃👊

[@OnetoWatch]

@@perpetuality I managed to try on the same grey dial Alpinist 1959 at my AD yesterday - so I’ve just rewatched your excellent review again! 👏 My wrist is an inch bigger than yours at 7.25”, and I will say this watch still wears really well for size. The sunburst grey dial with the applied indices and hand set catch the light so well and are mesmerisingly beautiful 🤩 I do now want to check out the newer blue colour SPB249 ‘Deep Lake’ this has a slight striped pattern and is also sunburst! 💙

[@perpetuality]

@@OnetoWatch Thank you for returning here my friend! The SPB249 is on my radar to review as soon as I can get one. I missed the boat on the Ginza SPB259 now they are going for crazy money- but my country just didnt get that many allocations. I think the Deep Lake and the other green dial variant will be a killer alternative too.

[@OnetoWatch]

@@perpetuality Fantastic, I’m really looking forward to your review on the Deep Lake and the greenish coloured one 👌 It’s a shame that the Ginza was so limited - and therefore difficult to get for genuine Seiko fans like ourselves! 🙄 Always appreciated 🤝☺️

[@robertarevalo5306]

Hello, I just stumbled onto your video. I truly enjoyed it. Really cool shots, background and scenery. Love the music on your introduction. Nice micro shots. I have subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work. Keep the videos coming. Thank you.

[@Honraxxx]

Happy that I found you channel buddy. Great photos and your voice-over just works so good. I wish you all the best!!

[@perpetuality]

Hey buddy! I’m really glad you like the format with the voiceover! Thanks for following along 👊

[@kalekalekale]

Great wrist shots. Surprised not more KZbinrs show a less zoomed in perspective; it offers a much better view of how the watch wears. The dark gray Alpinist you're showing is now competing with the cream dial I thought I was sure I was going to get. Subscribed!

[@apaullo2367]

The land tortoise is nice, it’s even thinner than the 1959 alpinist. Great comparison video! The drone shots at the start are awesome! 😍👍🏻

[@perpetuality]

It’s got a lot going for it! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@liamboncodin1785]

Man, you're channel is very underrated. Keep up the great work!

[@perpetuality]

Liam that is great to hear thank you - will do!

[@nitishchandel9980]

I was expectly looking for this comparison ❤❤❤ thanks bro lots lots of loveeee

[@timefliesby-jleo474]

Subscribed!! Great video, thanks for doing this. I’ve been looking very much in depth at these two for my own collection! Thanks you,

[@perpetuality]

You are very welcome! Really appreciate you watching. Curious to see which you end up with 😃

[@timmanning5357]

Thank you for your review. You have helped me decide my next watch. When I saw the compass bearing bezel I knew this is a much more useful feature than a minute bezel. It's an old Scout trick to determine direction 👍

[@greggusan]

I came here for the Alpinist review, and found I want a Tortoise! Always liked it, but was not sure it would fit on my under 7 inch wrist. Looked great! Cheaper than the Alpinist and excellent specs too. Nice review!

[@perpetuality]

I think it will fit wonderfully on your wrist in my opinion especially if you had the alpinist in consideration. But only one way to find out and that's to try it out in person. Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@nlego5153]

The tortoise is my favorite watch. The more I wear it, the more I appreciate that 70's pillow case, thin profile and perfect wrist presence. The dial size and short lug to lug makes the wear much more in step with a vintage than the Alpinist could ever do. Seiko made a classic here.

[@Not-a-bot222]

I came here for the 1959 alpinist…I left needing the land tortoise 🐢

[@perpetuality]

Mission accomplished! 🙃

[@nickcortez5655]

I own both an Alpinist (SPB121) as well as the Tortoise (SRPG13). My model of Alpinist is actually a 39.5mm case, which works better for me as I have a 7.5" wrist. 38s and smaller look like children's watches on me. I have not noticed any significant difference between the movements' accuracy. Although my Alpinist, which contains a 6R35 movement, seems to be more accurate. It's only about 4 seconds fast per day whereas my Tortoise, with the work horse 4R35 moment is 8 seconds fast per day. Surprisingly, with the offset crown and the contoured case, the Tortoise is more comfortable to wear (once the strap was broken in) than the smaller Alpinist. It wears more like a 40 than a 42. Furthermore, the lume on the Tortoise has better visibility than the Alpinist. Those factors in addition to the brushed case are why the Tortoise is my daily wear watch. It's worth noting that my model of Alpinist has an internal rotating bezel that fulfills the same function as the bezel on the Tortoise. Although my Tortoise is my daily driver, the Alpinist is my casual dress watch. The gold tone applied numbers and cathedral hands as well as the beautiful green face and leather strap make it an excellent choice for wear with a pair of khakis and a polo. I know that this is polarizing, but I love the cyclops on my Alpinist. Both are great watches that fulfill different roles. If one has the available funds, buy both.

[@ericfreutel8240]

great review. Thank you!

[@tiempoconedd5634]

Love your visuals and style of the reviews format!! New subscriber here!!!!! 😙🙌🏻👌🏼💪🏻

[@perpetuality]

Thank you so much! I do miss having the nature backdrops as it’s winter here. Appreciate the kind comment

[@shukhamid3682]

Great comparison video. i was never into seiko land lineup. i usually wear my casio pro trek when hiking or trekking as its more reliable and practicle but that turtle case really make me considering getting Seiko Land Tortoise. The black or the green dial look really nice.

[@perpetuality]

There is something really fun about bringing a watch like the Land Tortoise into the wilderness and I’m in the exact train of thought as you. Thanks for watching!

[@opturanordic2376]

Great review - as always! Love the quality. And of course the Seikos ;)

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Some awesome releases from Seiko. Great job on the video 👍

[@perpetuality]

Thanks so much buddy! Which would be your choice?

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

@@perpetuality honestly I'm still torn on these two models. I can't seem to connect with them. But! If I had to choose, I think I'd go with the Alpinist.

[@manofthehour9938]

Just bought the SRPG15 and 17 at great discount on Black Friday, also purchased 6 straps from StrapCO to go with them. The watch is awesome

[@user-jv4vn4rm4f]

Какую цену?

[@Gartenriese87]

Amazing review 👏

[@perpetuality]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Hard_7_Iron]

The SBDC147 (Alpinist) is one of the best watches Seiko makes. My AD (Asia) got it to me (USA) for less than $600. The best deal i could find. I was amazed how good the watch looks. And the power reserve is amazing.

[@TheMonsterHunterTV]

I love it too. I like the size. I like the fact, that this was seikos first original design, and their first sportswatch. I also like the crazy specs for a field watch

[@brynkirsch5195]

great vid!

[@OneGold_777]

I know this is a year old but great video, pleasing music and interesting b roll

[@stephenhendricks6790]

Sorry for the snide comment considering that the review was well done. Unfortunately, referring to SRPG## series as "land tortoise" models is roughly analogous to referring to male men or female women. Tortoises are land animals just as turtles are amphibious. The Seiko SRPG13 and others in the collection are "tortoises," not "land" tortoises.

[@SteveTheFazeman]

The Alpinist 1959 has the same conservative style as the Tissot Automatics III (black dial/leather strap) that I have. If I decide on the Alpinist, it will be the green dial and leather strap (SPB245).

[@marc4143]

great review, I only wished they used a closed caseback for the alpinist, could make it thinner by a millimeter at least

[@perpetuality]

Thank you for watching! If only we could have both options in the aftermarket variety too

[@donfoley1590]

Very good, with less of the measuring etc 👍

[@mdunawaym]

I'll stick with my 017 Alpinist, although the new models are very nice looking. I was surprised to find a Tortoise last month when I went into my local watch shop. I bought it!

[@perpetuality]

I think that’s the right call. Which color did you end up with?! 😃

[@mdunawaym]

@@perpetuality Blue. The girl who works at the shop texted me to let me know they got a couple new Presages in that she thought I might be interested in. It turns out the the Tortoise was a mistake order for them, so she was surprised when I wanted that one so badly!

[@crossbones8956]

Great review! What strap is on the tortouise?

[@steven3379]

That case just SCREAMS Diver ! So I'd have to go with the Alpinist. The (directions) bezel would be nice on the Alpinist, but it isn't a must have to determine north.

[@J4s0nLi19o1]

Great vid! What's that ivory-colored strap that you put on the tortoise in the beginning by the way?

[@perpetuality]

Thank you! That is a discontinued calf epsom strap from artem straps. I believe artisan straps and delugs might have something similar!

[@J4s0nLi19o1]

@@perpetuality Thanks!

[@pskanp]

Thanks to your video, for a single GADA watch I'm getting more and more inclined towards the tortoise. Only doubt is the color, black or green, because inspite of being a subjective aspect, wondering as to which will look best in real life. Can you suggest?👍🏻

[@w970401e]

Nice vid, where can i get the watch band at 15 sec? Looks amazing! :)

[@perpetuality]

Thank you! That is an Artiple Strap, they no longer make it. I believe Delugs or Artisan Straps have a similar Taupe Calf Epsom strap. Good luck!

[@anthonydevono8833]

Nice watches both I’ve recently bought the green version of the land tortoise and yes seiko QC is is non existent they just churn out the numbers without worrying about inspecting the end product

[@jazzjosen]

I have both of these and much prefer the Alpinist.

[@danielm2827]

Have to buy both

[@kettusnuhveli341]

Sorry for asking but what's your wrist size? I've been trying to decide between this years green alpinist and the land turtle shown in the video! I'm just afraid my 16,5cm (6,5in) wrist will be too small for the mighty 42mm turtle... 😅

[@matyasd007]

The guy has 6/3 inch wrist. I have a 6.5 inch wrist too and wears perfectly

[@jayfunk94]

Hi there ! Where did you buy your very nice wristwatch ? :) Thanks for your reply ! Big fan of your vidéos

[@antman674]

On how to use the bezel on the torroise, if you're not sure which hemisphere youre in, youre in a whole lot a teouble that i dont think fining north is going to help you with! 😂

[@ravedy]

I have the Seiko land tortoise and I have been looking everywhere for a metal bracelet that can fit, mainly corresponding end pieces sort of like the mini turtle bracelets do you know of any bracelets of that style that fits?. Great comparison btw!!!

[@perpetuality]

This is a great question. I will say the case is not identical to the Willard and is thinner so the bracelet is not a direct carry over

[@time4passions612]

Maybe uncle seiko will produce an endlink for his z199 bracelet 🤞

[@ravedy]

Thanks for the replies I will look into it!

[@ZaineaBG]

Hi! Can you tell me where it was made? I know the 1959 is from Japan, but the Tortoise?

[@ravedy]

@@ZaineaBG hello, mine is made in Japan

[@tuanhenry5516]

Tortoise is a pretty good watch. But can you hand winding on Seiko Prospex Tortoise Land?

[@perpetuality]

Yes the watch has hand winding too

[@JD.007]

seems like your bezel rotates more freely than mine. mine is really tight.

[@f1hotrod527]

I was not expecting the alpinist to wear smaller, it is way thicker and larger lug to lug. Why is the Alpinist so thick? And 19mm straps????? Sorry, but the Land Tortoise is just cooler. At first I thought, well, maybe the Alpinist's style is more timeless. But the Land Tortoise looks like a turtle dive watch, and that design has held up very well. The Land Tortoise is just like the DressKX, Seiko made a compromise design that combines more than one type of watch into one. Yet somehow the compromise is better than the base styles they come from. And the color combos of the Land Tortoises are all cool. The blue and the green are just amazing, and the other 2 colors are neat as well.

[@perpetuality]

Couldnt agree more!

[@bernardwadding6290]

Indices cant be stamped, then scratched from being applied?

[@markh2351]

Every example of the Land Tortoise I've examined has dust on the dial. Seiko are also famous for not bothering too much with bezel and chapter ring alignment, although on the Land Tortoise this is substantially improved. In brief, Seiko need to up their quality game if they want to price their watches in the same league as other 'luxury' watchmakers, which they are now doing. For this quality, or lack of, they really should be substantially cheaper. Nice design and sizing though ;-)

[@CNick75]

What’s the aftermarket strap on the tortoise?

[@perpetuality]

It's an Artiple Epsom Strap- it's been discontinued but Artisan Straps has something very similar look at their Calf epsom straps

[@alexnormal3031]

good watch for hunting in Africa

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

Does the lume stay visible whole night??

[@perpetuality]

It faintly stays active halfway through the night it is barely legible. It serves it's purpose

[@mohnnadmercedes8246]

@@perpetuality at least is it readable? Coz i have the 38mm alpinist no compass version and the lume dots markers are hard to read but hands ok, I thought this 1959 would be better coz it have more lume I guess

[@deanwaller8283]

@@mohnnadmercedes8246 ignore what he says,it's legible ALL night long on the alpinist

[@wintermute8315]

@@deanwaller8283 He's talking about the Tortoise, genius.

[@f1hotrod527]

What is the tan strap on the Tortoise?

[@perpetuality]

it is a taupe epsom strap that has been discontinued, you can find similar ones online by searching taupe/tan epsom strap

[@f1hotrod527]

@@perpetuality thank you. It looks great on the tortoise. I need one for mine.

[@fungus70]

The Alpinist looks kinds boring to me whereas the Land Tortoise is so cool. The Turtle is a bit too big for me so the smaller size of this Tortoise is just perfect.

[@shiraz1736]

Wish they did the Alpinist as a no date.

[@Bored-G]

alpinist still my choice..lets be frank, mechanical watch are not for field or adventure anymore..alpinist still has the advantage, a good dress watch, adventure and a tool watch, you can even dive with it simce it has 200m feature. But we all have our own taste.

[@jazzjosen]

The strap on the Tortoise is Impossible to soften up.

[@lowersaxon]

Yeah, as a mountaineer I need a special watch which can withstand the thin air up there. And of course 200 m waterresistance. I very often go diving on the mountains. So, Rolex Explorer or Alpinist or Smiths or this strange Seiko? Well, it seems Seiko couldnt say by to idiotic useless alibi compasses.😅 But you did a nice ad for Seiko. For free?

[@perpetuality]

There’s a watch for everybody- and it’s clear these are not for you. I don’t think many would bring a Rolex to the mountains but I can’t speak for everyone. In any case- I enjoyed making this video and sharing it. Thanks for the view.

[@atimelyperspective5085]

Enough sarcasm to last a lifetime here. You must be fun at parties

[@atimelyperspective5085]

@@perpetuality The great thing about opinions is that you don't have to listen to them. Continue doing what you do best! I like the Land Tortoise, it seems like a value packed watch.

[@perpetuality]

Thanks bud. I’m a supporter of wear whatever the hell you want where ever you want. Regardless of the specifications. It is nice to know the watch is capable however and it’s all in the name of fun