# Seiko Prospex Alpinist Automatic SBDC117 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist SBDC117 is a rugged field watch blending vintage 1959 heritage with modern tool-watch functionality, featuring a distinctive green sunburst dial, inner compass bezel, and small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock, powered by the in-house automatic 6R35 movement offering a robust 70-hour power reserve, making it ideal for outdoor adventurers and collectors seeking an affordable, versatile daily wearer with 200m water resistance.

## Overall Watch Rating: 6.6/10.0

**Dials & Design Metric (9.2/10.0)** - Its iconic green sunburst dial with cathedral indices and compass bezel delivers timeless field-watch appeal comparable to premium alternatives like the Omega Railmaster.

**Versatility Metric (8.5/10.0)** - Excels across casual, adventure, and light professional settings with 200m resistance and legible design, much like the Hamilton Khaki Field.

**Material Metric (8.5/10.0)** - Stainless steel case with brushed finishing and durable Hardlex crystal provides solid build quality on par with other mid-tier tool watches from Sinn or Marathon.

**History & Innovation Metric (7.8/10.0)** - Draws from Seiko's legendary 1959 Alpinist lineage with thoughtful updates like extended power reserve, establishing it as a benchmark in accessible field watches.

**Movement Metric (7.5/10.0)** - The 6R35 automatic delivers dependable accuracy and 70-hour reserve with hacking/hand-winding, performing similarly to a workhorse Sellita SW200.

**Brand Metric (5.5/10.0)** - Seiko's Prospex line offers enthusiast-grade reliability in the mid-tier, akin to Citizen or Hamilton for practical daily drivers.

**Functions Metric (4.7/10.0)** - Basic timekeeping with date window meets everyday needs but lacks the extras found in multifunction pieces like a GMT-equipped Bulova.

**Rarity Metric (3.7/10.0)** - Common production and accessible pricing place it below limited field watches like the limited-edition Zodiac Super Sea Wolf.

**Complications Metric (3.9/10.0)** - Simple date complication suffices for a field watch but trails more elaborate models like the Longines Spirit with additional indications.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 9.9

## WM Collector Grade: A+

## Performance Insights: Excels in dials & design, versatility, and materials for standout aesthetics and usability, while rarity and complications are modest, providing exceptional value far below its implied price.

## TPS Interpretation: Exceptional Value: This Alpinist punches well above its weight with heritage design and modern specs, offering luxury-level appeal at entry-luxury pricing.

## Watch Data
[Picture URL] - https://www.seikowatches.com/content/dam/seiko/jp/prospex/sbdc117/SBDC117_1.jpg; [backPicture] - https://www.watchuseek.com/photo/data/550/3_SBDC117_back.jpg; [lumePicture] - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Seiko-Prospex-Alpinist-SBDC117-Lume.jpg; [Nickname] - Alpinist; [Brand] - Seiko; [Model] - Prospex Alpinist SBDC117; [Country] - Japan; [Product Link] - https://www.seikowatches.com/jp-ja/products/prospex/sbdc117; [reviewLink] - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/seiko-prospex-alpinist-sbdc117-hands-on; [Movement Type] - Mechanical Automatic; [Movement Name] - 6R35; [# Secondary] - 600; [watchDescription] - Vintage-inspired field watch with green sunburst dial, compass bezel, and 200m water resistance; [caseWidth] - 39.5; [lugToLugLength] - 46.4; [thickness] - 13.2; [lug] - 20; [waterResist] - 200; [powerReserve] - 70; [beatFrequency] - 21600; [lume] - Lumibrite; [jewels] - 24; [caseMaterial] - stainless steel; [watchGlass] - Hardlex; [Bezel] - fixed compass; [caseback] - solid screw-down; [Crown] - screw-down; [Strap] - calf leather; [Shape] - cushion; [Dial] - green sunburst; [Seconds] - yes; [Date] - yes; [Calendar] - no; [Chiming] - no; [Chronograph] - no; [Compass] - yes; [dateCompilation] - no; [DigitalDisplay] - no; [Dress] - no; [Field] - yes; [GMT] - no; [Mechanical Alarm] - no; [Moonphase] - no; [Tourbillon] - no; [worldTimer] - no; [powerReserveIndicator] - no; [Diver] - no; [Pilot] - no; [racing] - no; [Skeleton] - no; [Vintage] - yes; [StyleFormal] - no; [StyleCasual] - yes; [StyleSports] - yes; [StyleTravel] - no; [StyleAdventure] - yes; [StyleCollector] - yes; [StyleTool] - yes; [StyleStatement] - yes; [StyleVintage] - yes; [StyleSmart] - no; [StyleCustom] - no; [TPS_new] - 9.9; [TPSgrade] - A+; [TPSimpliedPrice] - 1450;

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**