The first sensation upon fastening this Alba is the rhythmic, cooling texture of the horizontally ribbed steel. It feels less like a watch and more like a singular band of liquid Mercury wrapped around the pulse, catching the light in sharp, silvered intervals. The low-profile 5mm case sits perfectly flush against the skin, offering a weightless presence that remains discreet beneath a cuff until the light hits the Frost-white dial, turning the entire piece into a shimmering metallic horizon.

As a sub-brand of the Seiko group, Alba utilized the rigorous engineering of its parent company to push the boundaries of accessible minimalism in the early 1990s. This V400-057A reference reflects the industrial design language often found in high-end Daini-factory pieces, where the integration of the 13mm bracelet into the 20mm case creates a bold, sculptural silhouette. By utilizing a high-precision Japan Quartz heart, Alba achieved a level of thinness that was technically daring for the era. Accompanied by its original box, it stands as a pristine artifact of a time when Japanese design favored sharp geometry and unbroken, monochromatic surfaces.

Technical Summary

Case width: 20 mm
Lug to lug: 28 mm
Lug/Bracelet width: 13 mm
Max wrist size: 18,5 cm
Case material: Polished Stainless Steel
Dial: Frost-White with Applied Silver Batons
Crystal: Hardlex Mineral
Movement: Japan Quartz (Cal. V400)
Production era: Circa 1990s
Condition: Very Good Condition