If I Could Only Have One Watch For The Rest Of My Life...

[@mdunawaym]

I just picked up my 017 after being serviced! I love love love it!

[@joeloverti672]

I purchased a new Sarb017 directly from Japan several years ago. The watch runs fast - about 1 minute a day. I sent it to Seiko repair facility and they returned it untouched. They would not honor the warranty saying it was purchased in Japan and not covered. My thought is if it says 'Seiko' they should have repaired or replaced it. That left me with a bit of bad taste about Seiko.

[@michaelkaliski7651]

Seiko has always appealed and I’ve bought a couple but the one relatively affordable watch that does it all is the Casio Oceanus S100. It is always accurate to the second with radio correction, solar powered, truly set and forget, rugged movement, titanium case and bracelet with sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance. The watch face manages to hide all the high tech functions and reveals just a three hand and date movement. Lume that lasts the night and looks that really can work anywhere from the beach to a posh evening out. There are many similar watches in appearance, but none with the level of finish and sophistication at anywhere near the price of around $500. The Alpinist is a fine looking watch but it doesn’t scream sophistication and certainly not on a nylon strap!

[@jach99]

A Red Alpinist from the 90s, the actual original, the basis of the SARB and Prospex Alpinists, has a much more elegant case(thinner and 37mm) and a 4S15 movement (which is chronometer grade and King Seiko derived and also the basis of modern Grand Seiko mechanical movements). You have to service it probably, but I think the movement and size make up for that.

[@mood1676]

Ive always hated the font on the arabic numerals, but… this watch really checks every box you would ever need in a watch.

[@ailestriker9888]

I am a blue dial diehard. Blue being my favourite colour may have something to do with it which is why I love a blue version of any watch I want

[@benbryson6598]

Sarb017, new prospex ones are great, some of the 90s collectibles are cool, but the 017 is the icon.

[@marvean2519]

Love the baby alpinist. Don't mind the Prospex logo at all.

[@harald2101]

i bought the new Seiko Alpinist SBDC159 Deep Lake a few days ago and for me it's the perfect watch. it fits for everything and i can't stop looking at the dial. i am simply in love with the watch. the new versions of the sarb17 were also in the competition but i don't like the look of the 2 crowns, the cyclops and i don't see the point of the compass. otherwise it would be beautiful too. but the deep lake is truly gorgeous and the metal band is amazing. there is nothing i don't like about this watch!

[@alanb1498]

Love this watch..used to stare at it in the shop windows...but at over 700 euro out of my range at this time.What happened to Seiko..

[@whywecollectwatches]

The Alpinist is a beautiful and functional watch and I only wish I had picked one up before the prices went through the roof!

[@goldenrakelawncare6564]

I kick myself everyday, damn

[@deepb249]

How much is it?

[@fark69]

Is the replacement for the Alpinist which Seiko currently sells that bad?

[@gagazzo82]

@@fark69 the replacement is very good, get one you won’t be disappointed.

[@marcdave9521]

the boldr expedition 1 or 2 is the best alternative, it has all the specs of the alpinist but its cheaper and it has more options, if u want another alternative from a classic brand go for the timex Expedition North® Titanium Automatic 41mm, but its always sold out, so i guess the boldr is the best option

[@reedgrabowski8314]

I credit you for introducing me to the Seiko SARB 017 and piquing my interest in acquiring it. It was your September 4, 2017 video regarding "The Only 3 Watches Worth Buying"; the last watch you spoke about was the Alpinist. By the end of September 2017, I had it on my wrist. How can it not be my favorite Alpinist!

[@WatchWitt]

Wow, I was kind of surprised when you revealed the watch! This has been my obtainable rail piece that I have not quite pulled the trigger on. But I’m looking at the more affordable SPB119.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Haha, I just made an alpinist video called "still the GOAT". Great minds...🧠

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Good to see you here. You do great reviews also.

[@Spiff1887]

I'm still pissed about the Blue dial release the fucksticks at Hodinkee. I love the overall design of the 017 but I'm not a fan of green or gold, but love a blue dial. Too bad by the time I found out about the release they were sold out.

[@darrenhojnacki6636]

SBD 149/SPB245. Green dial, appears black at times and is most like the 1959 version. The green dial though makes it more modern

[@cogsnbanjo]

I think that a more important criteria is a watch that you love to look at and never tire of looking at. For me that's my 2017 Omega Seamaster 300 with the bottomless inky black dial. It's a watch you can wear with anything and still go hiking and swimming in the ocean with. Okay, it's expensive on the pre-owned market but it's a forever watch.

[@realest_isopod6417]

Haven't donned my alpinist in a minute (been daily driving my gshock) but I will do just that tomorrow I think! Should be more appreciative of having one

[@titomangu]

One ref to beat that Sun065p1. Seiko. Baby tuna. GMT Diver. ❤️

[@nxx6325hp]

In 2021 I decided to go with Alpinist HAQ model SBCJ021. Perfect size for me, light titanium. And it has drilled lugs :)

[@yvesleroy5740]

Favourite is latest Rock face European limited ... I am not into green colour 🤣

[@WatchfulWizard]

I agree 100%. I bought the SARB017 back in May of 2018. I love everything about it. From the sunburst green dial to the gold indices and cathedral hands, its my perfect watch too.

[@deepb249]

How much you paid? From where you bought it?

[@mondrayuk]

@The Time Teller The SARB017 is a Seiko flagship and so pleased I have one of these. I have sold all my other Alpinists as the 017 is the one to keep - do not need anything else in that range. My Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGA293 from the Elegance range is where it becomes my best non-Swiss watch I have and beats most of the Swiss movement ones I have.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

This watch has been on my list for ages. Just always find a reason to not pull the trigger…

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

Citizen Promaster Tough titanium with kevlar band only available in the UK. 300m water resistance and ECO DRIVE quartz which will run forever. This is the watch to wear if stuck on Gilligan's Island.A mechanical watch is the last watch to have in a SHTF situation.

[@miguelrosario7302]

Jory, regarding the phrase, “modern classic,” that is an oxymoron. If something is 25 - 49 years old, it is a classic. When an item becomes 50 - 99 years old years old, then it is vintage. When it is 100 years old, or older, then it is antique. For example, my 1994 TUDOR Prince Oysterdate Submariner (79090), blue dial and bezel, is 28 years old; therefore it is a classic watch, NOT a vintage watch. By definition, nothing can ever be a “modern classic;” but a new watch can incorporate classic features - that’s my two cents. By the way, the SEIKO Alpinist is a fine watch; but, as you said, recent and classic ones are overpriced. Great show!

[@Anirossa]

0:39 made me instantly think of my Seiko 5 SRPG with the sand color that I swapped a sapphire onto and put on a fancy vintage style leather strap...

[@madinho]

Bought myself one as a gift when I graduated from High School back in 2020. Fell in love with it at first glance. It’s a really special watch and I get a lot of attention whenever I use it. The SARB017 will always belong to my collection💚

[@deepb249]

Wow they had high schools in 2020!

[@davidschulz5334]

I missed the Sarb017 before prices went crazy and I didn’t feel like playing the used market so I bought a green prospex Alpinist and I loved it. Then I bought a brand new sarb017 dial, signed crown, and black date wheel and converted my prospex. It’s the only watch I need and it would be my choice for a one watch collection.

[@rdbradish]

I was going with the Seiko Orange Monster, 1st Gen!!

[@tinentdan]

I got the blue one without the rotating bezel. I think it is more versatile, and checks all the boxes, including price. 🎉🎉🎉

[@taitai4real]

I pick Casio CA53W

[@terencedavis4141]

I have the SARB017 that I picked up about four years ago for GBP415, pre-owned. It is in immaculate condition and I enjoy wearing it. I also had an SKX013 modified to my requirements with a 4r36 movement and other stuff. This watch was regulated when being assembled and it is amazingly accurate to -6 seconds in 7 days. However, my favourite is my 1999 Omega Seamaster 300 Profesionnal with what is the most comfortable bracelet I have ever worn and that would be my 'only one watch...'. Although I do love my Tag Aquaracer!

[@Peter-2704]

Yesss! I love the SARB017. No other version comes close to this one. Sometimes I weep when I think what Seiko have done to the Alpinist name.

[@MrZFriend]

I have a glacier SE I bought from a guy in Italy. I love that thing! 2:13

[@horseShu_says_so]

I find the Citizen NJ0140-25L as a good alternative. The minute tracker inner bezel is more useful for me than the compass bezel.

[@jamesmcginty6885]

Either the 017 or sarb 035 on my wrist last few years. Just ordered spb147 after 2 years deliberation.

[@chriscon8463]

I picked up a 035 right before they were discontinued. I’m glad I did! I’ve got it on a Strapcode “O” bracelet & it’s a great GADA watch.

[@ReviewThisWatch]

I got the spb155, which is the same without the compass. I don't mind the prospex badge being there. I'd probably prefer it on the crown though.

[@hankhillsnrrwurethra]

YES! Love mine.

[@gagazzo82]

If I could subscribe again, I would! You’re awesome! I have a new Alpinist SPB209. I thought I would want a baby Alpinist (and I still want one), but I had an opportunity to buy SPB209 and I love it. It’s everything you said the SARB017 is (to me). On a black sailcloth strap it looks amazing!

[@cosmodoc]

my favourite one is the SPB209J1, it was on sale for about $400 yesterday in the Uk, I thought about buying it and 3 hours later it was sold out!🤯

[@kevdogg66]

I have the white SPB119J "ghost" alpinist. I usually have it on a jubilee style bracelet. One of my favorite watches.

[@rsrrhino]

Curious what makes the newer model number so negative compared to the sarbo17 in your opinion.

[@markkuzminski3922]

I think that the Alpinist (and derivatives) are among the most handsome of Seiko watches. For me, the ultimate would be if they produced a version with a burgundy dial with gold hands / indices / accents. The brown dial versions are close, but a burgundy would be the ultimate for me. I note reference to a red (90's) dial below - that would be cool!

[@rangersmith4652]

I simply don't play in the over $500 for a single watch game, and Jory's criteria are not my criteria for a single-watch "collection." If I were limited to one watch, I would choose my 2007/8 Citizen EcoDrive Titanium Perpetual Chronograph with the E820 movement (originally it had an E812). It's the first watch for which I ever paid more than $100. It's classy, beautiful, sporty, dressy, accurate, versatile, functional (has an alarm even), comfortable, and reliable. Most importantly, it's controlled by a light-powered quartz crystal. I love my automatics, but I would never select an automatic as my only watch.

[@bryanschairer4375]

Couldn’t agree more. I love this watch and have it on the top of my list. Someday.

[@vulcanpie]

Absolutely love love love that watch it was my gateway drug and the one I had to have a couple of years ago. I love it so much it’s actually my lock screen picture.

[@sabeaniebaby]

Not a Seiko fan, but I LOVE the Alpinist, and especially THIS Alpinist. It is so versatile. Casual! Dressy! Field! Beer drinking! It checks all the boxes except for diving or using it as a pick axe. Really wish I could get my hands on one.

[@sabeaniebaby]

The first Alpinist I was introduced to (via video) was the SPB249 Deep Lake, which I fell in love with ... but this SARB017 has so much more class.

[@Ghostsof1861]

The Alpinist is 100% a Modern Classic!!! I'd also drop the Pressage line in there - destined to be Classics...

[@patrickbernier650]

I used to have the SARB017 but let it go when I had the chance to get the blue Hodinkee version. Strangely, I'm now lurking to get the green back in and sell the blue one. The Hodinkee version is a beautiful watch, but the feeling is not there as much as for the SARB017.

[@carlriver7552]

With all due respect Sir if you were a fellow US Marine like me you'll be wearing the Gshock Frogman GWF-A1000-1A4JF . Good job Sir 👍

[@reedgrabowski8314]

OOOHHH RAAAHHH and Semper Fidelis.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

When I was in the army not everyone wore a G shock. Some had a couple of watches including myself

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

My choice from Seiko would be my Seiko prospex SPB153 but I still want to add the Seiko Alpinist 1959 blue dial to the collection. That's my favorite variant of the Seiko Alpinist love the smooth bezel and framed date window. 3 more watches in almost the same price range that I love is the Squale super 38mm and the Squale 1521 full lumed dial. Also the Certina DS Super 500 PH diver with the Powermatic 80 movement 👌but my favorite watch I own is the Explorer 114270z

[@hootonhoot]

Love that blue throwback too!👌

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

@@hootonhoot Yes 👍 and love that tapestry style dial

[@mytuberforyou]

OK, I get the specs, but for aesthetics I would pick the nearly identical 60's vintage West End Watch Co watch, which I have only seen with a red dial, but affordable and if this design DNA appeals to you, might as well get a real vintage for the same price- or less (IMO). There are so many other Seikos to choose from, your collection can end up half Seiko and Citizen without you even realizing it because of the value proposition they offer. I know because I have at least a dozen Seikos, maybe more. No hate for Seiko- just would go with another brand for this particular look.

[@MlkXiu]

Good choice i like the blue baby alpinist

[@lukewalker1051]

I love the aesthetic of the SARBO17. Just hate the goofy roulette wheel around the perimeter of the watch dial that has no lock down. For that reason, I would never own the SARBO because that free wheeling roulette wheel is GARBO.

[@paulwilberforce9115]

I’ve had the 007 for years and have been obsessed with it , just recently picked up the SPB243J and flip I love it ! New alpinists are ok haha ❤

[@Zotrax1946]

The Sarb017 is absolutely one of my favorites in my collection! I never fell out of love with it💚💚

[@NicksPicksWatchReviews]

For me it's a three way tie between a Rolex Submariner (126610LN), Omega Seamaster 300M (White Dial but on a NATO), or the Tudor Pelagos Blue dial.

[@michaelanthony5441]

The Alpinist is a very beautiful watch, I would have it in the silver, when you we talk about if we had to give up all our watches and be left with that one for everything. For me it my Casio Edifice EFV -100d ..yes it's quartz but, I have done sports , swimming, hiking and even worn it in with a suit. I love the Rolex date just and that Seiko is amazing but, for now living on a budget this Edifice is my Grail. Thanks again for great videos.

[@marcdave9521]

can u make a video on the best seiko alpinist alternatives? genuinely curious on watches that can rival the seiko alpinist at its price point

[@matthewbessey681]

So glad I got mine when I did, just wish I’d gotten the 033 at the same time! Be a tough call between that and my jade monster if I could only keep one watch !

[@briantartell2639]

I like my Alpinist 017, but how can it have such great water resistance with a non-screw down crown for the inner bezel. The main crown does screw down, but I cannot imagine that water would not seep in under the crystal. I would never take a watch without a screw down crown in the water. Date window is tiny and hard to see. IDK, sometimes I look at this piece and think it’s really cool, but it ends up getting very little wrist time.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Bizarre and sad to think that some great things are often discontinued.

[@johnrand9799]

I like the only one watch concept. I am a SCUBA diver so my "only one watch" would have to be a dive watch. If you had to pick one dive watch, what would you consider and what would you ultimately choose? Cheers!

[@ragr5133]

For me it would be the Gshock Frogman. Easy peasy. Not only it's the only ISO certified Gshock for its water resistance, but also it provides tons and tons of features unlike traditional dive watches that can be used for only telling time and dive time through bezel markers which, in my humble opinion, is ancient.... as per functionality goes. I love dive watches with rotating bezel and have a Casio duro marlin as well as a Seiko SRPD51K1. But nothing, NOTHING beats a Gshock, especially the Frogman, in terms of dive watches.

[@ajbones4207]

I picked up the Alpinist SBDC093 and the SBDC087 1, Black and 1, White but with the Prospex X on the dial versions. Considering that my job takes me in to NYC for me it's perfect for casual work and bar hopping in the evenings. It's still sporty and casual dressy. Surprisingly it gets a lot of compliments when I'm out and about. .

[@IanMacLeansnv]

I would love to love it but there is just one thing. The art deco Mercedes hour hand. I find it to be out of place on a watch where the rest of the design is not also art deco. My little outlier quirk. * I have the same objection to many watches that use the same hour hand, so it's not just the alpenist.

[@claytonmedders6907]

Great looking watch, just not sure how I would go with a sub 40mm case. My preferred sweet spot is 42mm

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

My favorite watch from your collection is your silver 6139.

[@Liberty-rn4wy]

What is an internal alternating bezel?

[@fletchoid]

Most of my watch collection is me trying to fill the same craving that the Alpinist gives me because I couldn't afford one, and they are not easily available anymore. What is really stupid, is that I have spent more money than the Alpinist costs, trying to feed that craving. Also, is the opposite of an "In-house" movement an "Out-house" movement?

[@gubberfranzen]

Decided to wear mine again today. Had mine for years and never opened the box it came in. It was supposed to remind me that I don't need more watches. Caved in a few months ago and boy is it good. Original strap is nothing special. Have mine on a two tone bracelet. Aqua Terra would also be a candidate for me.

[@glennrainey1227]

This one is the one. The OG. Thanks for the video.

[@JestersDeadUK]

I got my Alpy a few years ago from eBay brand new from Japan, after watching many hours of KZbinr videos and have never looked back. It's a perfect watch, especially on a Starpcode Jubilee.. End of. Thank you Jory and Urban Gentry.

[@reedgrabowski8314]

Jory and TG were heavy influencers.

[@deepb249]

eBay from japan? I never bought on eBay is there a special eBay operating only from japan selling Japanese products? How do you know you got authentic watch?

[@tomk9237]

I missed out on a 17 when they were affordable so I’m going to get 21J model. Same as the 17 except the magnifier ( I remove it) and caseback. I might get an original caseback if it fits.

[@natemiller770]

I KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO SAY THE ALPINIST!

[@lapomazza5635]

I just LOVE the current Alpinists as well... A bit too dear, yeah, but you can find it new on retail with almost 20%. God tier! 😎😎

[@blurryn]

You should have a look check out the new Seiko PROSPEX SEUB SPB341J, it looks stunning!

[@barrettwbenton]

Oh, Lordy, Jory: First I encounter your spooky Pt. 2 Vero "adventure" (beautifully-played, BTW), and now I rewind to this, and I tensely ruminate: is this going to be a weird choice, is he going to mess with my head again, is he…wait, I OWN that watch…! Yeah: it's *the* Alpinist to have. Partly because I (and you, among others) already own it; partly because Seiko sorta screwed the pooch by their weird (re)introduction by way of the Blue Alpinist, which was "okay" until you turned the thing over and saw the *laser-etched* case-back, which pales in comparison to the engraved case-back of the 017. (Should we even mention the current-edition with the display-back that totally omits *any* Alpinist insignia?) I got mine new (via Long Island Watch) a mere month or two before Seiko officially pulled the plug on the entire SARB line, so it's truly sheer luck that I have one at a non-extortionate price, and it's not going anywhere. (Russel @ The Mad Watch Collector would seem to agree.) Thanks for this little recap.

[@targaflorio3239]

My Panerai 210, Omega Speedmaster Pro and Seiko King Turtle grenade dial Job done

[@jim2950]

I wanted to tell you ,in the South Asian Times, London and Paris is added to Los Angles on watch being robbed from wearers. I guess the only place to wear your expensive watch is in your home! I know let’s all buy the Invicta watches. Not the diver. But the biggest ugliest watch available!

[@thetimist]

Another great episode, Jory! Also that's a tough question - I shall now ponder... 🤔

[@reedgrabowski8314]

And the pondering results are?

[@JamesBachiciChannel]

@@reedgrabowski8314 After some soul searching, I'd have to keep the very first "real" watch I bought alongside my grandpa - my Citizen Skyhawk Blue Angels edition in titanium ref JR3090-58L. Powered by light, multi-city time function, chrono, light, durable, 41mm, but above it all the sentimental value that watch has because of my grandfather (who raised me alongside my grandmother) makes it absolutely priceless for me 🥰

[@jordansnyder9650]

Ahh. I still kick myself for not buying one before they were discontinued. Less than $500 new just a few years ago. Kicking myself.

[@carstenschmidt8228]

What is your opinion about the SPB121J1? Go or No Go?

[@robertmiller8935]

My favorite alpinist is the one I have in my collection The sarbo17 And no it's not for sale!

[@dan12pax]

Recently picked up a SARG007 (predecessor to this) second hand as I couldn’t get a SARB. only downfall is the push pull crown, but it would be my pick.

[@vipeton.8927]

For me Casio F-91W.

[@roycedot]

I've seen the SARB017 listed for less than $600 in the past week

[@livesinshadow4386]

What is the best bracelet option for the SARB017?

[@WatchfulWizard]

For me, I really like the simple handmade Italian leather watch strap in chocolate brown from Watchgecko and for a bracelet, the ZuluDiver premium beads of rice looks great.

[@livesinshadow4386]

@@WatchfulWizard does that zuludiver bracelet have fitted end links to match the 017 ?

[@garycasteel4961]

Try it on a strapcode tapered mesh bracelet. That what’s currently on mine and I love it.

[@stuartcarden1371]

I'd love an alpinist! Unfortunately, like you, I wear my watch on my right wrist but, unlike you, a 3'o'clock crown digs into my forearm horribly, which really limits the watches I can buy. But I do still own a 'modern classic' Seiko...The glorious SKX009! I miss old Seiko!

[@kevinhan721]

Your channel is truly a modern classic along with, of course, HODINKEE

[@williamhill7312]

Great video

[@amonk93]

Found my presage margarita with green Horween shell. Never lost it hehehe it was with my pens and pencils

[@Shaggy-8392]

I like the modern ones with the magnifying glass.

[@derekwalter4238]

It would be the skx007j. Or the gw-5000-1jf. That is all

[@traviswatts6661]

Yet this video may well drive prices even higher ☺

[@alexanderm.s.5169]

Hello Jory, I am a loyal viewer, thanks for all the fine content you produce. Would love to see a show where you invite your dad to utilize his expertise and discuss what psychological factors trigger and drive our watch obsession (and what we can do to escalade this condition even further 🙂). Cheers/Alexander

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Makes me sick 🤮 thinking of all the times I had a new SARB017 in my Cart at under $500 only to remove it 😭

[@thebkstank2095]

Excited to see your dad. Sounds like a smart ass dude. But geez what a clip you chose lol

[@tiangvincent6883]

Definitely the Sarb 017!

[@uchihasasuke7436]

I remember when they were like 300 on amazon :(