Finally An Alpinist Better Than The Sarb017?! (SPB409)

[@peterkalos6271]

You saying this is too expensive while saying your Rolex Explorer is perfect, is definitely a contradiction. These will be available for 10% from seiko or probably 20% off from AD’s. To me this watch is worth a 1000, with all its features.

[@jeffmagic32]

300 tops

[@borassictime918]

They’re both over-priced - massively so when you know the actual cost of production. And for those about to say it costs to design them, I’d observe that the design costs of both the Alpinist and Explorer 2 designs have long since been amortised. You pays your money and you takes your choice…or not.

[@jeid3822]

I have to get one 😊

[@JohnBowl14690]

It really depends on how you look at it. You can get a nice looking Seiko quartz, which keeps better time than any Rolex or Seiko mechanical for $180. Rolexes are supposed to be extremely overpriced. Seiko is more of a value watch, so paying $1200 for a Seiko will bother people.

[@2gunzup07]

​@@JohnBowl14690grand seiko are not cheap

[@WatchMalaya]

Comparing SPB409 to a Rolex Explorer II is unjust. There’s nothing wrong with Caller GMT, it functions as good as Traveller GMT when you’re travelling around the world. Why pay exorbitant sum of money for a Rolex GMT when you can get a cheaper one with SPB409?

[@falkenvir]

Why get SPB409 for 1000usd, for the same office GMT you could get SSK001 for 350usd?

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

The 6r movement's are terrible you want an amazing Seiko? Grab a Tuna with the Legendary 7C46 high torque movement and you'll thank me later

[@KikoMachine999]

I think the alpinist looks better than the explorer II in my humble opinion.

[@meekhinglim4829]

totally agreed with you

[@WatchMalaya]

@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Mind sharing the Tuna reference please?

[@hqt946]

Im wearing one, just got it an hr ago. This thing delivers 🎉

[@orangedan5424]

Absolutely agree...not sure why Seiko still not releasing true gmt at this price range. As for price...just with all seiko, wait a while after release and they will be dropping in prices like flies. Normally with Seiko you can get 20 to 30% off msrp from AD. Never buy from their boutique, they just rip you off with retail prices.

[@nerychristian]

I agree. I'd rather spend a little more money and buy a quartz Grand Seiko GMT watch.

[@kungen1117]

It looks amazing but the price is just ridiculous.

[@alamohamed8485]

Hi. Nice video like always Few points 1)Despite your rant, the marketing works. As you said it is selling out. 2)With miyota 9075, you can get true gmt for less than 1k usd 3)one got to enjoy the current collection. Yes, May add a new watch but no need to hurry. Tomorrow some newer alpinist gmts are going to get out.....

[@zwerko]

But of course it's a limited edition... I actually considered it a few weeks back but I just can't bring myself to get it. It's too expensive for what it is, buying it sends signal to Seiko to keep this god awful practice of price inflation + limited edition releases and, frankly, I have way too many diver-esque watches in my collection. So, I'll admire it from afar...

[@erico2203]

Saying that this is basically 200 much but saying that a 10k plus watch is worth is contradicting.

[@LombardoJoe]

I know you’re not immediately involved with them anymore, but Orient all the way. Super happy with what they crank out into the space Seiko moved away (raised its prices) from. I wouldn’t be surprised if Orient gives us some super premium stuff in the $500-$1000 range within the coming years. I’d love to have this Alpinist but I’m not paying $1300 for this - ESPECIALLY with a 4:30 date window.

[@whyler1]

For dresswatch, Orient is great. But I'd much rather buy a diver or field watch from Seiko. Those feel better built.

[@LombardoJoe]

I only own a black/gold Kamasu as a diver, no Seikos. I really do love it and got an aftermarket matching PVD metal bracelet that feels pretty heavy and nice - but I admit I have no real frame of reference to compare Seiko immediately to it. Seiko makes great stuff for sure, I was speaking more directly to the fact that they used to do it for much cheaper.

[@swzarsa]

Lol the 4:30 window is distracting!

[@nerychristian]

Orient has a sub brand called Orient Star. They make more upscale watches.

[@LombardoJoe]

@@nerychristian Yeah… I’m not as big a fan of what they’ve got out in that lineup. I’d like to see more of what regular Orient designs but with better movements, maybe better quality on linked bracelets. Just a personal opinion.

[@PurebredInnovator]

I agree Jory! All the Seiko references I like now in terms of newer releases (SPB363 Akibono Sharp Edge, Masked Rider Seiko 5, SLA071 Seiko Landmaster) are limited editions. They are trying so hard to get people to buy due to FOMO (fear of missing out). Their prices are also continually pushing up, so the value proposition is not there anymore for many of their models. Many good GMT models from swiss brands now in this price range. Mainly from Christopher Ward and MIDO (The Ocean Star GMT is very competitive here). If you save up, the Longines Zulu Time is a beautifully finished watch that is also a truge GMT. I like the looks of this alpinist, white dial, blue hands, it just looks so good! Then I see the price at dealers and then walk away. I want to get more people into watches, but other than the lower end, they are hard to recommend if you are spending this kind of money.

[@BennyLlama]

This watch is gorgeous. I just can't wrap my head around that price tag

[@fortyyearfitness]

What is the “peoples champ” Price range??

[@DonaldPerley]

Debate which you prefer, but for me, "TRUE" GMT would have to relate to the original GMT wrist watch, the Glycine Airman. On that, the hour hand can not be independently set. The traveler will *tend* to cost more because the date has to be able to go forwards and backwards.

[@danielstidham8936]

More than the price that Seiko charges is there continued lack of QC out of ailment chapter rings and bezels ran me off years ago! However I bought the spb379 used for 690.00 nice watch I perfer to my explorer.

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

Limited addition adds no value to the product, but increases price. It’s everything that’s gone wrong with Seiko.

[@MeestroDavid]

I dunno--they seem to have plenty of cool and affordable watches in the mix. The Seiko 5 GMTs are pretty great and you can get them for $350 brand new without even haggling. The solar speed timers are also a lot of fun, and, of course, their endless supply of divers. There are also so many cool things buried in the Seiko 5 line and while their reliance on limited editions is pretty tiring, they do such large runs most of the time that you can still find them easily and at a discount.

[@harrycee656]

I just picked up a Vario Empire GMT. It uses the Miyota 9075 traveler GMT movement for 600usd. It's a completely different type of watch and completely different style, but just something to compare to a watch costing 2x. How much more would it have cost Seiko to put a 6r64 in it. Seiko is playing up-market but their market competition is doing it better. Microbrands are offering similar for 1/2 the cost.

[@BobMarley-pm1xb]

Nothing will replace the beauty of my Sarb 017. Fine review Jory. Thanks!

[@heldercomp]

Well, I think models SPB377/9 (which are not limited editions) are even more beautiful, and the old Seiko Alpinist Strapcode bracelets fit these as well). The only point of contention is price. For me, I wouldn’t buy a black or a blue alpinist for $1150, but a green one … I don’t know, maybe. Let’s see.

[@MiguelBricaBrac]

Hopefully for the price this watch doesn’t suffer from alignment issues like some other Seiko models like the misaligned bezel on the Willard.

[@swzarsa]

I'm in Japan and WAS looking to purchase this piece at just over a thousand,but, you've convinced me to look at either the Longines hydro or maybe even a Ball railroad Marvelight II. Tool watches as they go. Am I getting better value?

[@kieranmcmahon6117]

As a seiko collector I can say I have many alpinest and the true best is 017 and yes I have many from this watch collection don’t want to brag but seiko have lost the way and just keep looking cuz the older the better and I do collect seiko trust me it’s over

[@nerychristian]

Yeah, ever since Seiko decided to get rid of the SKX and SARB line, they seem to have lost what made them attractive to begin with. Seiko used to be synonymous with "best bang for buck" watches. Now most of their sub $1000 watches look less attractive. They ruined the SKX by putting an ugly 5 logo on there. They ruined their affordable dive watches by putting the ugly Prospex logo on their watches. They ruined their dress watches with that ugly Presage logo. Buying a lower end Seiko is a hit and miss. You never know if the bezel will be aligned.

[@runninondeaftime]

Price tag so big you literally drop the f bomb in the video.

[@franciscolopez8331]

So fully agree. And by the way in weeks time they will have unlimited similar in 4 other colors

[@andrewe.8321]

I’m not buying anymore seikos until prices return to some semblance of normal.

[@seanthomxx2694]

So...better to look towards CW Sealander, Bulova Wilton and Glycine Airmen for well priced GMT?

[@willelliott5052]

I ordered one of these (actually the green dial) on ebay. Then, hours later, I discovered that this movement was not a true/traveler GMT. Luckily, I was not too late to cancel the order, with apologies to the seller. Even though I was paying well under $1,000, it was still too much for me to justify paying for an office GMT.

[@mariocueva8700]

this retails for $2,200 AUD (Australian Dollars) - which is in the realm of a Longines. I could even get an Oris for that money if i shop around. - so no - i am not spending that kind of money on a Seiko

[@nerychristian]

I'd rather buy a Grand Seiko quartz GMT

[@user-gv3vq7jg5h]

just picked one up for 1700 aud. some retailers happy to drop. Some are pretty fixed.

[@rdatkins89]

Mine just arrive, such a beautiful watch

[@MaartenAnna]

I would love to get a case with internal bezel, and build my own with an NH34 inside.

[@KikoMachine999]

A bit too expensive but I still bought one...the blue dial 377. Loving it!

[@neel3297]

They have numerous limited models. Also, the Seiko 5 are under 1000

[@henryorcustus3412]

I'd pick the green version over this white 'limited' edition any day. The dial has 3 shades of white - rehaut, dial and date window are all different. This is less pronounced on darker color version such as the blue or green versions. Also there is just not enough contrast between the white dial and grey stainless steel bezel and applied indicies - the green version stands out much better.

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Good video. Nice watch. I’m enjoying mine😊

[@borismedovar9968]

If not for inscriptions on a bezel, I'd rather buy it. So I took brown dial spb209 instead.

[@brianmsahin]

It's a nice watch and the date window is nicely placed. No need to puke over it unless you've eaten bad chicken. 😂

[@0017Bulldog]

Another T3 masterpiece. Well done my friend.

[@adrianhargreaves2854]

Everything you said… bang on. Seikos have left us true enthusiasts “fans” behind.

[@denisdrga6709]

Really nice watch! I am personally not happy with prices going up on all watches, just look at a Speedy Moonwatch or just your own Explorer 2. That watch easily doubled in price in the last 5 years. To say that your Rolex is 6 or 7 times more expensive but at least you get a true GMT is a bit much no? If you look at this Seiko and your Rolex as a “non-WatchNerd” then most people would prefer to spend the less money and get the Seiko as it’s obviously not that much worse + a true GMT is hardly worth the 7K price premium 😅

[@Wwool]

spb089 was the perfect alpinist

[@indranil2u]

If one wants a cheaper version of this the blue or black version (SPB377J1) is around 400 USD cheaper. One cannot cry murder for wanting a limited edition and have a budget of a regular. A limited edition should be priced higher as it is only for the collectors, who possess the bank balance to "collect". I would not repeat the feedback you have got for a Rolex comparison.

[@ollyw2897]

That’s one of the nicest looking watches I’ll never own.

[@JeeGee114]

A hodge podge of styles. No match for the Sarb017. Not to mention I bought the Sarb033, Sarb035 and the Sarb017 together from new for less than this rather limited Seiko offering.

[@iam_nick]

Hmm prefer a non GMT and cheaper prices. Looks amazing though

[@user-ns1ny6mt9q]

When it comes to fine imitation watches, gussl delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.

[@giovebe]

Nice review! I understand your complaints, but I will always love Seiko. I am reluctant to buy watches with fixed bezel (as the Explorer or Alpinist you show) due to the painted black numerals on the steel bezel. I am worried they fade away with use. Indeed, this seems the problem also for the Rolex you show. What a pity. Is there a solution to the fading of the black paint?

[@GLife555]

I saw this Watch today the first Time in a Window of a Shop. First Impression was wow, nice One. Clear Dial & Colors match great. Second Impression with the Price was not so good. I think €900,- was a good Price. But over €1000,- is a little bit to much 🤔

[@borjastick]

When they're gone the price tag will seem cheap if the prices drive upwards. I like it and that says a lot about it because I haven't owned or wanted any Seiko/Grand Seiko in over 40 years!

[@nuzzo300]

I really like this design, including the 430 date window, and it definitely is a quality watch! But this is a $600 watch even with bidenomics, not a $1200 watch.

[@corduroyepps4700]

"It ain't trickin if you got it" and "F*ck you pay me" - Seiko

[@2timchen]

You can now buy true GMT watches under $1K with the Miyota Caliber 9075, which makes this Seiko even harder to swallow.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

They can't even get a chapter ring aligned properly but they want to be considered "premium"...smdh

[@user-ie6yp5sl6j]

They're not all over 1000. My rock face alpinist was only 650. Best buy eva. ❤ Seiko

[@roycedot]

Looks nice, agree on price on a caller GMF being high once you get over $800

[@barrettwbenton]

This is a nice Alpinist. As a limited edition, I think it just-barely justifies it's price tag. Then, too, I won't be jettisoning my SARB 017 for one, and it sounds like you won't be giving yours the heave-ho either.

[@nicolavorgna1623]

“Why the F did I just spend that much money on a Seiko” lmfaooo

[@watchnorthlondon]

I'm a little confused. Someone correct me. Isn't a "true" GMT like an original GMT Master before the "2"? Ie hour hand and GMT hand are locked in sync and you just use the bezel to track the second time zone. I think the modern Chopard LUC GMT is the same. Would that distinguish a "traveller" movement from a "true"? Or have I got this wrong?

[@blairdalgleish8247]

I never buy seiko at full price, if I can’t get 20% off I won’t buy it, I think there real value sits at around 25% off sticker price

[@JohnBowl14690]

Rolex and Seiko are very smart. Rolex AD: "If you can't afford $10K or more, buy a Seiko" Seiko retailer: "If you can't afford $1.2K for this watch, get a Casio" Casio retailer: "If you can't afford $100, buy a cheap Timex or use your cell phone for time" Reality, Rolex should probably raise their prices, not lower them. Rolex aren't being produced to be reasonably priced. There is no practical value to any watch over $100. The most accurate timepiece is your cell phone.

[@AlexMi77]

I’m not sure true GMT is better than caller GMT by default? They are just different and serve opposite purposes…

[@gianni_drm]

This is a stunning watch with amazing specs. Wish i had a spare 2200 aud

[@scuffed_links]

It's an awesome watch but the price tag is out of order. I am a true seiko fanboi. I rarely wear anything but seiko but dang...the price tags are getting out of control. When the new orient mako is less than some seiko 5s and it is spec'd out in comparison, we've got issues. The world might be coming to an end soon and the predictor for me is the price tag of this alpinist. Hashem save us all.

[@tico481]

I bought the green dial variant from Japan. It's less expensive and better looking imo

[@gregmcray]

Mind sharing a link?

[@swzarsa]

I also live in Japan and have been eyeing this piece for the better part of 3-weeks hoping for a favorable price drop. My last quote was around $1034USD and can be better if the YEN drops again.

[@4by_yotaguy373]

Good video, my thoughts exactly. I have been contemplating an Alpinist for a couple yrs now and I think I like this one the best, but IDT it's worth the price. ☹️

[@KyleFromDuPage]

Many Seiko's just aren't worth the price.

[@MattMorris481]

If they would’ve been smart they would’ve done away with the compass and put the 24 hour in there where you could do + or - gmt.

[@spydermanki]

Can you then tell us what other GMT watches that comes from a recognisable brand as Seiko (not microbarnds) that offer the same type of caller GMT within the same price point?

[@jerryglasses2229]

I think youre being a little hard on seiko. This is a solid watch for $1000 even if its a desk GMT. You cant compre to the price of a Rolex. I get the sentiment but Seiko needs to move upscale. If they are perceived as a budget brand the chinese will destroy them. These need to move to mid tier so they can say they provide more cachet. Frankly they should stop selling their movemnts to third parties. Sux for us but good for them. This is the exact reason swatch stopped selling their movements. Swiss movemet in a chinese watch kills the Swiss made brand. To keep the enthusiasts happy perhaps they could sell orient movments.

[@deanspeer1]

Love your quasi "Rant" uploads !

[@JJS432]

Lol do people not realize Seiko is trying to be more exclusive. That’s the reason for increased prices. Complain about it all you want. It won’t matter as people are still purchasing them.

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

No cyclops, thats good, now get rid of the date.

[@pk1342]

Hilarious how the description as the beginning does absolutely nothing to distinguish the Rolex from the Seiko. The hypocrisy of claiming value in Swiss luxury brands costing 10x the seiko, whilst bashing seiko for raising prices has not been lost on me. The only reason swiss watches cost as much as they do is marketing and now that the Japanese want to do it whilst still keeping the price 10x less than a Rolex it's not ok. Both Seiko and miyota sell true GMTs for under 1500. How do you then justify paying 11000 for the Rolex?

[@joshsher6327]

If I'm going to spend $1,200 for a GMT watch, it should at least have a Miyota 9075 movement.

[@armandocardenas6094]

I like this one with the same intensity I disliked the green one.

[@mattkanfer7256]

Hahaha “beep beep beep how the fuck did I spend this much on a seiko” 😂

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Seiko makes two models of “true” GMTs that are white in their presage line and are the same price of this Alpinist… one is even Titanium.

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Gorgeous piece. 😍 Price 😵‍💫🤢 I'll just wait for one of the smaller brands to make an homage should I decide to get one.🤔

[@annikinstarkiller600]

SARB017 undefeated. 13.6mm thick on this one is kind of ridiculous

[@jazzman5598]

Did they sign the crown like my $379.00 Sarb 017. As for “true” GMT: Zelos running the 9075 …most expensive Zelos offered was $629.00 with the meteorite blue dial…..the one I just bought. I love this watch but……. Thanks Jory

[@PabloMontero1976]

Well, I like my Sumo GMT. It's true GMT but . . . quartz 🤐. I hope you consider it. Great video as always

[@Roomfulofgear]

Lovely watch overall but once again the pricing is way off base, and also there are 4 different fonts on the dial. Next!

[@marvean2519]

As much as I like Seiko and the Alpinists in general, for this kind of money I’ll take a Lorier HYPERION with an arguably superior movement.

[@timraster]

What happened to the brief music after "let's get down to business"?

[@raymction947]

I wish they make an alpinist with a aqua terra style tapered lugs!

[@sjscorpiomark]

of the 110th limited lineup I think the SPB403 would be my choice but it's $1350, we are getting close the money for a Sinn, stowa, laco, Marathon, Formex etc... higher spec watches. I mean +25-15 a day really? for $1350 Seiko should do better.

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Bumping up the price of watches with an amended 6R movement, two or three times, the price of the original Sarb models. That took the gleam off Seiko for me.

[@danielhovet5675]

The numbers on the bezel is n a crazy angle

[@dado380]

Citizen series 8 batman just destroy the Alpinist. Citizen cost 1100€,it’s true gmt with one of kind movement purposely built for that watch ,with incredible finish and Zaratsu polishing!!

[@efenli]

It’s Theory of Economic and Culture of Economic 😃

[@erikiverson1762]

It's hard to say they set the wrong price when they are selling out.

[@nerychristian]

Are they really? Or are people buying them in order to flip them on the grey market?

[@danielhovet5675]

Nothing is better than the sarb017

[@hamishmaude390]

Can you re-shoot the Tom Ford watch video with your more recent direct language? 😂

[@Joellercoaster]

Just had a horrible realisation: except my Sea Urchin (which let's face it was quite a long time ago now), every single one of my current Seikos is an LE. I am looking at this one because I genuinely agree with all the praise you just gave it. And I'm looking at the SPB119, which lacks the GMT and is literally half the price and honestly the cream face is what got me into this mess. But because I'm an idiot and a sucker for a fixed GMT bezel, my monkey brain is going... yeah, buy this one. Buuuy iiiiit. Despite clearly being a terrible value *even compared to other current Seikos*. Gahh. Joining the "Seiko make cool *unlimited* watches again please" bandwagon as of now.

[@wonderwatch2239]

You’re right about the seiko, but keep the Rx out of this 🙌

[@dustydee9233]

seiko has killed my love for collecting watches.. if I see a seiko I like 9/10 times its a limited edition.. so why bother. I havent bought a watch in a year and a half now and im good with that lol.

[@buck3173]

Rolex explorer 2 lol cmon your complaining about the Seiko not being a true GMT at a 1K price point and saying you would rather have the Rolex lol you could buy all three gmt Alpinest at a 1/4 of the price of the Rolex not to mention most that own gmt's never use the option anyway.

[@karicdarko]

Rolex was once people's champion and it was not a big deal if you had one,asking from seiko to give you all the specs for less money is a litle bit selfish,you dont ask that from swiss brands just becouse they have swiss made on the dial

[@cyrea1]

Watched the video earlier this morning, I'm a newbie and really enjoying your content. Been thinking about this for a while now because (as a newbie) I struggle with the pricing structure of many watchmakers (not that I begrudge anyone from making a living) and the seemingly incessant drive of companies to move up market. We're seeing this move by companies in my area in everything from grocery stores to gas stations. So, I wonder if the grand plan for Seiko is to position GS as a direct competitor to the "luxury/high luxury" brands, Seiko as a competitor to attainable Swiss makers, and Orient as the affordable option.

[@johndesmond1987]

Very nice, but it still has the ridiculous compass bezel and the ugly extra crown to turn it.

[@jeid3822]

It's even more beautiful than your ❤ ROLEX sir