In this edition of our watch comparison series, we’re diving into the world of everyday timepieces that perfectly blend sportiness with versatility.
We remain committed to a fair evaluation, focusing on watches that belong to the same category and possess unique attributes worth exploring.
This isn’t just a straightforward matchup; we’re providing an insightful and balanced analysis.
Previously, our discussions revolved around high-end luxury watches, but today we turn our attention to two commendable entry-level options that have won fans across the globe.
On one hand, we have the Hamilton Murph, now represented in a sleek 38mm size, capturing hearts with its Hollywood legacy.
Opposite it stands the renowned Seiko Alpinist, showcased by the latest Prospex SPB121 model.
Both watches occupy noteworthy spaces in the watch enthusiasts’ realm.
SHARED TRAITS: ICONS OF FIELD WATCH DESIGN
Let’s start by highlighting what makes these timepieces stand out.
Each watch is revered for its prowess as a field companion, drawing on unique origins for their design inspirations.
The Alpinist, with its roots in mountaineering, boasts an internal rotating compass bezel, delighting watch lovers with its functionality.
The Hamilton Murph, celebrated for its role in “Interstellar,” has similarly captured the interest of emerging collectors.
Both models showcase dials characterized by high contrast, simplicity, and remarkable legibility—keeping clutter at bay and elevating usability.
Their cathedral-shaped hands are a standout feature, particularly the Alpinist’s eye-catching green and gold combination.
Size-wise, these two watches show close similarities.
The Alpinist has a diameter of 39.5mm, a thickness of 13.2mm, and a lug-to-lug measurement of 46.4mm.
In contrast, the Murph is slightly smaller at 38mm in diameter, 11.5mm thick, and 44mm lug-to-lug.
Despite these small differences, wearing them feels quite similar.
The elegantly curved lugs of the Alpinist enhance its comfort on the wrist.
Notably, the SPB121 is a bit bulkier than its predecessor, the SARB017.
The Alpinist also excels in water resistance with an impressive rating of 200 meters, thanks to its screw-down crown, while the Murph holds its own at a solid 100 meters—adequate for most activities.
When it comes to their movements, the distinctions remain subtle.
The Hamilton Murph is powered by the H-10 movement, offering a robust 80 hours of power reserve, while the Alpinist trails just slightly with its 70 hours.
Nevertheless, both movements are celebrated for their accuracy.
UNIQUE ELEMENTS: PERSONALITY AND WEARABILITY
The most noteworthy difference between these two watches lies in how they feel when worn.
The Alpinist, especially in its distinguished green hue, exudes a sportier vibe with a slightly bulkier appearance.
Its semi-guarded crowns and internal rotating bezel highlight its rugged charm.
On the other hand, the Murph embraces a clean and vintage aesthetic, reflecting the refined lines of a pilot watch, closely related to the Khaki series.
Its finishing touches lean towards understated elegance, opting for fine brushing rather than the high-polished surfaces found on the Alpinist, which gives it a more humble yet captivating character.
While the factory straps have received a mix of reviews, it’s interesting to look at the contrasts between them.
The previous SARB017 strap was often swapped out by owners due to its lackluster quality.
However, the Alpinist now comes with a well-crafted leather strap and a deployant clasp, contrasting with the Murph’s padded strap, which features attractive contrast stitching and a classic pin buckle.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CHOOSING YOUR FAVORITE
As an avid admirer of the Alpinist, I appreciate its myriad of charms.
It’s been my go-to timepiece over the years, resonating with both functionality and personal sentiment.
The SPB121 not only embodies excellent water resistance but also boasts an updated movement that positions it strongly in its class.
Yet, the Hamilton Murph holds undeniable allure.
While the Alpinist’s striking sunburst dial certainly leaves an impression, the 38mm size of the Murph strikes a lovely balance that’s hard to overlook.
After examining both timepieces and their distinct qualities, the choice is clear: whether you lean towards one or the other, you can’t go wrong with either watch as your everyday companion.
However, if I had to make the purchase and set aside my fondness for the SARB017, I would choose the Murph.
Its more manageable size and significant design improvements from the larger 42mm version truly set it apart in my eyes.
Source: Timeandtidewatches.com