Seiko Baby AlpinistvsZelos Swordfish 3

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Seiko Baby Alpinist at true scale

Baby Alpinist

Zelos Swordfish 3 at true scale

Swordfish 3

Diameter

38mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

46mm

n/a

Thickness

12.9mm

12mm

lowest

Water Resistance

200m

200m

Power Reserve

70h

n/a

MSRP

$725

$399

lowest

Movement

Seiko 6R35

Seiko NH35

Case

5 specs
Category
Field
Diver
Diameter
38mm
40mm
Thickness
12.9mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
n/a
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Curved
n/a
AR Coating
Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
n/a
Dial Color
n/a
Bronze
Lume
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Seiko 6R35
Seiko NH35
Power Reserve
70h
0h
Jewels
24
0

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$725
$399
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Seiko Baby Alpinist

Owners widely praise the Seiko Baby Alpinist for its attractive design, legible dial, and comfortable 38mm cushion case that wears smaller than its dimensions suggest. Reviewers and owners alike highlight the watch's excellent value, particularly when on sale, and appreciate its finishing, including outstanding brushing and a gorgeous reflective dial with applied indices. Some reviewers note the internal rotating bezel action is good for the price, though not as refined as higher-end models, and one owner would prefer a numbered bezel. A drawback mentioned by one owner is the lack of AR coating, and accuracy is reported by one source as approximately -10 seconds per day. The stock strap is frequently described as stiff and uncomfortable, though owners find success with break-in or replacement. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko Baby Alpinist highly for its comfortable wearability and attractive finishing at a fair price.

From video reviewers

The watch's bezel action is smooth and precise. The watch's lume is somewhat lacking, with the hour markers not being as bright as they'd like. Reviewers disagree on the ideal case size, with some preferring 38mm and others 41.4mm.

Zelos Swordfish 3

Owners widely praise the Zelos Swordfish 3 for its strong value, with reviewers highlighting the textured sandwich dial, Seiko NH35 movement, 200m water resistance, and surprisingly good bracelet. The titanium construction is noted for making the watch compact and comfortable, weighing 117g. Some owners find the dimensions fine on paper and based on experience with other models. One reviewer flagged that legibility can suffer in bright light and bracelet edges are sharp. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Swordfish 3 highly for its incredible value and fun design, particularly with unique dial options.