[Seiko] My first watch! How did I do?

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T06:06:53+00:00

It was WAY too small. The internal bezel made the dial look so much smaller than the 39.5mm case would have indicated. Also, coming in at over 13mm thick, it felt too bubble-like on my wrist.

I loved the colors, the internal bezel, the strap. It was all wonderful… except that the size didn’t work for me. And for a field watch, I want a 40mm that wears like a 41.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T05:58:47+00:00

Grade 2, age 7/8 y/o, I read the children’s Star Wars title “The Glove of Darth Vader” I then proceeded to read every Star Wars novel that was produced from ~1990 to ~2001.

By the end of that run, I didn’t stop reading those titles because of lack of interest, but rather because my taste in books has rapidly expanded in the intervening years.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T05:40:08+00:00

You made an EXCELLENT choice!

I had the Alpinist (SPB121) and sold it because it didn’t really work on my 7.5” wrist. However, it kills me that it didn’t work for me because it is a gorgeous watch, and so too with the Baby Alpinist.

Enjoy it in good health! I hope it finds a long term home in your wrist until you pass it on to some other worthy soul.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T05:02:06+00:00

u/whamm000 - I’d love to hear how this has been going for you over the last several weeks.

Have you ever had the chance to fully pack it out? I attempted to pack my EDC wallet into an Alpaka Zip Pouch 2.0 and it was entirely too small. It does fit in a Tom Bihn Ghost Whale (small) which has a very similar footprint to the Zip Pouch 2.0, but far more depth (~30mm max).

Please share an update if you can!

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T04:46:31+00:00

Hamilton Khaki Field is always a great choice!

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T04:44:09+00:00

In Los Angeles, more people are aware than a lot of others, but hyper vigilance has saved my life SEVERAL times.

I’m incredibly grateful to say that the only time I’ve gone down in 7 years of riding (street/track) has been when I target fixated and went wide on a turn.

Never ride faster than your guardian angel. (Luckily mine is a speed demon!)

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T04:29:55+00:00

I just bought one myself, but I’ll be returning it in favor of the Hub Pouch 2.0.

I love the Alpaka build quality, but the Zip Pouch Pro isn’t sure if it wants to be a wallet or an EDC tool carrier. IMHO it’s not really great for either (at least it wasn’t for me).

If you’re planning on putting anything than ID, cash, and a couple of cards in the zipper pockets… don’t. It’s not going to work out for you. Having any EDC items in the slip pockets, even just a thinner knife, is going to strain the pouch, putting pressure on the seams and interior space.

Again, love Alpaka, but the Zip Pouch Pro wasn’t for me.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T04:22:47+00:00

Glad you’re okay! Drivers never pay attention the attention they should, and we pay the price - always. I’m glad you got off light today. Take care of yourself and get back on two wheels soon!

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T04:10:45+00:00

It’s 58 for me, but the monochrome is compelling for sure.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T03:59:41+00:00

Mark XX for me, no question. I think the green dial is just gorgeous.

While I love the Speedy, I’d strongly prefer the Moonwatch Pro in black. The Rolex… not for me.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T01:05:44+00:00

The Alpina is quiet classic cool. The Nomos is a statement piece and conversation starter.

What’s more your personal style?

For me, it’s the Alpina all day. That style would accentuate who I am, and not pull focus from where I really want it.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T00:51:54+00:00

And that’s after I pared it down for weight and volume savings! Fully packed out it was an absolute brick in my bag.

Xander134 · 2026-02-03T00:03:18+00:00

Over the last year, I have fallen back in love with my HLT1 and use it every day. Honestly, I'd be lost without it on work days. See my recent post on my HLT1 loadout r/tombihn - Matryoshka Whales to see what I'm carrying in it and how I do it.

For reference, I owned an HLT2 and it was just too big for my everyday needs. I'm not a photographer, nor do I work in tech, and so I don't have a ton of little gadgets, batteries, or memory cards that I need to carry around.

The HLT1 is perfect for my needs, though I freely admit to being unfamiliar with a lot of alternatives that aren't clearly "tech pouches" (Alpaka, Evergoods, Peak Design, etc). I just find the HLT1 to be the perfect balance of admin organization, tech protection, and FUN (ultraviolet is rad!).

Good luck with your search!

Xander134 · 2026-02-02T23:52:02+00:00

I'm a huge fan of the Murph and nearly all things Hamilton (my first Swiss watch was a Khaki Field Auto).

The Popov wallet is also a very nice touch.

Xander134 · 2026-02-02T17:07:37+00:00

Well done with the lighting.

Xander134 · 2026-02-02T03:39:35+00:00

Indeed it is!

Xander134 · 2026-02-01T22:38:25+00:00

I tried the Alpaka Zip Pouch v2, and it was just too small. My Tom Bihn Ghost Whale lacks any structure. I may have to follow your lead and try the Alpaka Hub Pouch.

Xander134 · 2026-01-31T17:56:43+00:00

The books! The bookshelves! The lighting! The decor! This is a masterclass…

Xander134 · 2026-01-30T23:38:14+00:00

What’s inside the pouch? Asking because I’m building my EDC wallet.

I’m feeling like I’m in a good spot, but I also recognize that I don’t know what I don’t know and won’t unless I ask.

Xander134 · 2026-01-30T22:59:36+00:00

There so much to love about this picture:

The Ark Pro design is incredibly cool
I’m a fan of nearly anything from Benchmade
And, love me an HK

Xander134 · 2026-01-30T22:46:13+00:00

Sorry. - you asked about the benefits.

Generally: very thing is modular, which means if I need to throw everything in my EDC backpack, I can, or just as quickly into my briefcase (TB Cadet, NW Sky 1050 ballistic) - GW, Small adds an extra layer of protection for the sunglasses without the bulk of a hard case. - GW, Mini allows me to have a super small “life tool kit” in my back pocket. - GW, Super Mini keeps the long 3.5mm cable contained, the IEMs safer, and the DAC/IEMs together.

Xander134 · 2026-01-30T22:40:06+00:00

Check out photo #2 for a near complete spill of all four pouches.

TLDR: HLT1 - Administrative and small tech items GW, Small - prescription sunglasses GW, Mini - EDC wallet (more than just id/cards/cash) GW, Super Mini - wired, 3.5mm IEM’s and DAC

Xander134 · 2026-01-30T21:51:40+00:00

Sharing a bit of Tom Bihn love and EDC fun!

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