Is The 'New' Seiko Alpinist Worth The Extra Money?

[@hvijayan]

re: 6:45 - interesting Jody that you see this as more suited to a larger collection. I've always thought the opposite, i.e. the appeal of the Alpinist being its versatility (á la the Explorer), and I can imagine a universe in which it's part of a much smaller collection. I'd be able to get away with this at the office, then with a t-shirt at the weekend, and then pretty much anywhere else out in the wild with 200m of water resistance. Hell, I reckon this and a G-shock would see me through most situations in life...especially if I learned to use that compass bezel. Thanks for continuing to churn out the quality content!

[@johnharrington2400]

The rare combination of outdoor and dress, not boring but not overdone, like countless others. 200 m, a swim, camping, fishing, hiking, dress watch. That white dial will never get old. A wonderful watch in every way. Love it.

[@marchills4131]

I have the prior gen Alpinist, the SARB017. I think the green sunburst dial and gilt hands/markers are beautiful. For those who perceive a paradox between this Seiko's dressier design cues and its tool watch attributes, I would reference early 20th century field watches, which often had these baroque design cues, especially the cathedral hands. I enjoy it *because* it's so different and defies easy categorization. That and its compact dimensions; a good fit for my smaller than average wrists.

[@rorymcclellan3740]

Plot twist; Jason's head exploded when the display sticker was pealed off.

[@Bob.martens]

One step forward, X steps back.

[@vwlukas]

And which one is forward?

[@Bob.martens]

@@vwlukas The leather strap is now mediocre instead of crap.

[@mpommer2]

COMPASS EXPLAINED: Line up the sun's angle halfway between the hour hand and 12 o'clock. That makes 12 o'clock due south (or in the southern hemisphere north). That's it!

[@mpommer2]

@Antony Mort As far as I can visualize the geometry, I think that works out to be the same thing.

[@craigweston5371]

One of the details I appreciate on my sarb017 is the tiny applied lume plots with gold polished edges. Sadly these have have been replaced with just painted on lume. Cost cutting, whilst increasing the price!

[@Bob.martens]

None of the reviewers who were so impressed with those dots on the SARB017 seem to have noticed the're gone.

[@Dinrad360]

How big of a difference is applied-on lume vs painted?

[@groges7999]

Yeah but 50% more power reserve, display casebook and deployment clasp are much more significant improvements than this small detail

[@paganizonda51]

I don't agree when you say it has to be part of a large collection. I love my SARB017, on a NATO strap, it is a great sport watch, and on a leather strap, it's very dressy and would go nicely with a shirt. That's the closest to perfect every-situation watch I think

[@Konsaliki]

I've always considered the alpinist as being either a perfect one-watch-collection watch or, as you stated, a watch buried in an extensive collection. The quirky middle ground it sits in doesn't leave much room in between those two extremes. That's why I like it.

[@anthonysmith2982]

That's well said. Personally I don't get why it's considered to be such an odd looking timepiece. The SARB017 or its 2020 equivalent never spoke to me. That green... 🤢 But the pre-SARB Alpinists of the 90's and the other 2020 variants, especially the cream and gilt dial SPD123 spoke to me immediately upon release in January. I bought one just a few weeks back at a healthy discount I'm happy to say, and I ʟᴏᴠᴇ it. It's currently on a perlon for the Australian summer but will mainly live on a Jubilee bracelet. It's way more versatile than I expected. I really like the piece. A lot!

[@nickbyrne1962]

One of my “best buys” this year was picking up one of the old SARB017 green models for GBP £215. The supplied strap was pretty horrible, but a dark brown vintage leather Colareb strap works nicely on it.

[@SilverSergeant]

Agree on the supplied strap. I immediately put an Uncle Seiko BOR bracelet on my SARB017.

[@yousefgeorge3060]

Where’d he get it!

[@nickbyrne1962]

YOUSEF GEORGE A commercial seller on eBay had about a dozen of them at this price about 6 months ago.

[@yousefgeorge3060]

@@nickbyrne1962 damn

[@tydish]

I've heard there's some fakes floating around online going for $200 or so. Be careful.

[@WardStroud]

Jodi! Most watches that have cyclops…look like a cyclops, this watch has a dewdrop. I’ve actually had people ask me if I had a drop of rain on my watch! it’s elegant. It’s perfect and I love it.

[@matthewrikihana6818]

I was once an Alpinist doubter until this year. Once I got the cream and gilt Alpinist I fell in love with them. A SARB017 and a SBB123 soon followed. The steel bracelet is especially silky to wear and the Cyclops is functional. With the compass crown the Alpinist is a stand out in a horological crowd. without it, there's a risk of becoming run of the mill. The Helm Vanuatu still rules my wrist but for a day out or evenings entertainment Alpinist is good watch company. Cheers Jody.

[@thomascarlisle5602]

I have the previous version and love it! I consider it a field watch with sapphire crystal and excellent water resistance. Good for hiking, hunting, and camping as well. And it has a compass!

[@willardhooton920]

Even boating👌

[@Visitor555]

So now end of April 2021 Sarb017 is more expensive than new Alpinist with 6r35. The choice is clear, new alpinists are better everywhere, better movement and better sapphire with AR coating, also who apreciate display casebacks as me to enjoy the movement is another plus.

[@WORMGERM]

5:15 I'm not waiting until the end of 2021 for a review of the baby alpinist.

[@albertmanuel5028]

I have the champagne one with the gold hands. It’s a beautiful watch; paid $615 US through Sakura Watches in Japan. And, it’s part of an 8 watch collection.

[@gerardogarcia-trio3572]

The best to use as a compass are the ones with a GMT hand: you just synchronize it with your local solar time, point it to the sun and you have the North at 12 (a 24h watch works too, of course). Well, that's in my hemisphere, no idea about yours. (Only if Australia exists and it's not a conspiracy of the round earthers in which you, Jody, are probably involved).

[@SPavlo]

...which Seiko had in the early 2000’s’, with its original Prospex Alpinists (8F56 quartz), aka GMT, the only where the compass bezel made real sense. PS: Australia is real, I heard, like it’s just on the reverse, B track of the LP plate.

[@davidinghram2494]

I recently almost chose an Alpinist watch for myself. I ended up choosing a Casio Oceanus S100 instead. No regrets. At 74, I had no thoughts of future resale, I have other watches for that.

[@Miginath]

I agree with you. This is definitely a niche piece for someone who has already ticked the boxes with other pieces. I like the internal bezel.

[@rickewilde]

Congratulations to Scotland on qualifying for Euros. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ericgrace9995]

I like it when Scotland gets to any final. It's so much fun watching all those hopes getting crushed....

[@ericgrace9995]

And here we are... But Scotland have achieved eternal fame. Whenever the best 10 goals ever scored in the European Cup are selected, Scotland will be there , with 2 of them being scored against Scotland !

[@Ian-dd5dm]

It's interesting reading the comments and opinions when you get something that divides opinion. It is a querky watch which doesn't categorise easily so I just think your either have the for's or against and nothing in between. On the cyclops that looks amazingly clear and well magnified. I started wearing reading glasses a couple of years ago and now don't even bother setting the date on my watches when I put one on as I can't read it without specs on (so why do I buy watches with a date?). So I see a Cyclops and date window you can actually read as a good feature.

[@007jjr]

I bought the black dial face with the stainless bracelet two weeks ago. I am over the moon with it. 39.5mm is the perfect diameter and the 20mm lug width is nice. Very comfortable and light weight which is key for me. Reminds me of the R Explorer which I will never buy. This will be my go to watch for quite while. Busier dial, but still like it and the unique compass crown looks good. This is the watch I have been looking for and has that Explorer feel for me! Great show! Jeff/Boston MA

[@scottsj4625]

Jody, I think you did a very good job with the review and being honest about It. I like the older model better. I don't think the new one is worth 700.00 I also hate cyclops as I think it ruins the symmetry of the crystal. That is just me, everyone has their own opinion. The biggest issue is the price for me. If it was 450.00 I would say that it is worth it.

[@earthenjadis8199]

Also, how to use the compass (Southern Hemisphere): 1) Keep the watch level with the horizon and point the 12 o'clock index at the sun 2) Make an imaginary angle with the sun's 12 o'clock position and the hour hand as it currently reads 3) North is right in the middle of that imaginary angle (rotate the Alpinist's inner compass ring to that position to indicate north) 4) Use the 1 o'clock index to orientate the sun during daylight savings

[@tommym1966]

I have the old one that I purchased new for around 330 gbp back in 2017. It was great value at that price. Seiko charging double for the new one, even allowing for the upgrades, is taking the mickey.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Jody, thank you so much for the shout-out and for coming on the podcast! Take care and talk to you soon 🙏 Miguel

[@simonthomas5113]

I have the non compass "new" one SPB155J1, steel bracelet, dark green sunburst with gold hands. The legibility is just so good because its a darker green than the earlier ones. It beats a Laco Flieger I have in low light before the lum kicks in. The accuracy is really good as long as you don't leave it crystal up by the bed side overnight.

[@simonadkins9929]

I wanna buy a t shirt with your head on it saying “ hello & welcome “with outstretched welcoming arms & on the. back “so there you have it , they’d sell millions Jody ... well me & me Mrs would buy a couple & the woman across the road is Scottish so she might

[@realtimeryan]

This is my daily beater atm (champagne dial with gold indices). I have put it on a strapcode endmill bracelet and am enjoying it thus far with whatever im doing, from behind the desk to cutting wood. Hasnt let me down yet!

[@willardhooton920]

Nice combo! Went with the classic champagne/gold as well!

[@LiangTiTan]

Love the alpinist since the '90. I bought the black one and its has the most wrist time of all my watches.

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

For the money I would buy a Certina or Mido. I like the Seiko but it costs a bit too much for what you get.

[@ericgrace9995]

Going back through your old releases ...and here's a like and comment to feed the algorithm. This one is on my list

[@ElijsDima]

As for the money value... TBH I think the days of any Seiko watch being good value for money are long gone now. Seiko in general has become an expensive brand.

[@Billeh556]

My mini turtle, brand new @$280 usd is still a hell of a deal.

[@marchills4131]

The Seiko 5 SNK805 was my first automatic and my "gateway" to watch collecting. I got it for something like $40 on sale. Now *that* was good value. I agree those days are long gone.

[@SilverSergeant]

I agree for the most part, but the new 40mm Seikos (SRPE61, for example)are pretty decent.

[@Billeh556]

@BackdriftNightfall agreed. Usually 20-30% discount!

[@ElijsDima]

I got the white dial ("ghost") new Alpinist about a month ago. It's a really nice watch. The only thing I've noticed that's not so great in day-to-day use is.. the lume is not that good, it doesn't last through the night (esp. now, near dark winter months) so in early early morning or waking up middle of night, no clue what the time is. Also, usually I hate date magnifiers; on this watch, in the metal, I love it. It actually *works* and overall, just a nice GADA watch. The compass bezel I use as a timing bezel, orange triangle being the "reference/start" point.

[@coffeedudeguy]

Spring Drive Alpinist, let's go!

[@gavinfroggatt1760]

The SARB017 is fetching silly prices in the UK some as high as £800, nevermind daft secondhand prices, Sekio have lost their way, and still misalignment issues!

[@anthonysmith2982]

I think that you sort of argued against yourself there. The first thing an experienced watch dealer will tell you is that the secondary market is the best indicator of what a watches value is. If the secondary market is buoyant that means that the piece IS priced at what the market considers fair. It often says that those who buy them aren't flipping them too... I think that some concerns over Seiko's pricing is justified so I don't outright disagree. I'm just saying that if the secondary is the true indicator, the SARBs and Alpinists seem to be priced accordingly. Hope that makes sense! 🙂 Cheers mate.

[@henryjacob5167]

@@anthonysmith2982 The market for these ultra overpriced Seikos shrinks by the day. I despise car analogies, but at this point, it's like trying to sell a Toyota Camry for Audi S7 money. This is how you lose enthusiast support, and they aren't won back easily.

[@michaelbest5505]

Thanks Jody, I'm always looking for Just One More Podcast.

[@jeditrek]

Nice review of the new Alpinist. I have the Sarb017 and also the SPB123. I love the old and new Alpinist. I agree about waiting for a good sale to pick up the new models. Retail price is just too expensive.

[@sch-corp]

I got one of the SPB123Js for $699 in a recent StarBuy sale, right on the limit of what I would want to spend on one of these, but pretty happy with it nonetheless. I reckon the $900ish that they usually sell for is a bit of a joke, though!

[@hirambodon7086]

I picked the sarb017 and it fit my small collection just fine. I guess that makes sense though, I'm pretty polarizing too.

[@riverfishing2051]

Great review as always. I went with the SRB Alpinist (green/gold) just before the new line came out. The prices dropped just before the JP rollout and I got it at a very good price. Swapping out different straps, I struggled to get the look I wanted out of it for a long time until finally buying the Strapcode bracelet. It truly transformed it. I have a 7.25" circumference wrist and it just gave it the perfect gradual proportion and tapering. Casual or Dress, it works. I do not care about the sun dial complication functionally, but it does give it a unique look.

[@watchesandcaps2566]

I make it a point to learn how to use every function of any watch I have in my collection. It never hurts to gain more knowledge and you never know when you'll end up using it. Not to mention the compass feature is very easy to learn, just takes a 5 minute watch of any of the 20 youtube videos on it and you're set for life. No reason to remain ignorant of something when the information is easily accessible.

[@dustycups]

It's not really a function on this watch, you can't use it to do any navigation. You can use any watch to roughly find north anyway. The "compass" bezel is aesthetic only.

[@NedimHadzihasanovic]

Jody, I don't agree at all it's for the larger collections, on the contrary it's a perfect one watch collection. Change the strap and it can be watch for the beach, office or weekend. And that's the true strength of the Alpinist line. And the curved case is simply beautiful. Dive watches are not everyone's cup of tea, especially for smaller wrists, and generally added weight.

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

My favourite is the SPB245J, the 1959 tribute one, triangle and bar indices, no compass inner bezel... looks refined and classy.

[@TheBoldHairspring]

Just unboxed the Glacier LE edition Alpinist and the dial is insane. Love it!

[@timelesssneakersandwatches]

Great video Jody! Shout out to my boy Miguel! @SoCal Watch Reviews, Killing it! Can't wait to hear and see the episode. Also I have to say I'm a huge fan of the new new SPB155. I think that one will eventually join the collection 😍

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Thanks Omar!

[@theRumourmonger]

Just picked up the European limited edition SPB199J1 and I love it! 😍

[@M82RKY]

I have this watch, payed £530 and fitted a super oyster strap code bracelet, looks fantastic. Now..... Cyclopse removed so no issue, bezel misalignment has been solved and it was very simple. Overall such a fantastic watch and super versitile, IMO better than the Khaki.

[@dgdave2673]

How did you solve the bezel misalignment?

[@JDRevene]

I’m loving the baby Alpinist in photos and videos, hoping to see one in the metal soon.

[@Michael-4]

I've always wanted the old white dial but this might tick that box for me.

[@looisc]

I have this exact model and I'm considering selling mine. The case back juts out a bit too much for my liking. Had mine since January.

[@giusepperocchi2979]

Consider wearing it dial up, that way you don't have too see the case back.

[@gilangdhanianto945]

@@giusepperocchi2979 lol

[@WhatIsItReallyAbout]

It's worth noting that deployant clasps are not comfortable for the smaller wrist. The hinge tends to hang out of the side and prevents the leather from conforming to the wrist correctly. So they've effectively made their watch less accessible.

[@iangraham705]

I don’t really get the point of them, you aren’t getting a more accurate fit and it just adds extra bulk

[@stusims6567]

I still prefer the original green dial alpinist! I love the green with the gold hands. It’s just such a beautiful color scheme! Great review as always Jody!!!

[@fifthwrist2167]

Thanks for the mention and thanks even more for coming on, it was a lot of fun. I'll buy you a Stalin when we next get up your way. Cheers

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

Personally, I’d like to see the new Alpinist on a bracelet for the price point. I wish it did not have the Prospex emblem on the dial. It takes away from classic look of the dial. The cyclops window comes in handy as you age. I know I certainly didn’t care for them when I was younger, but now I appreciate it.

[@robertnorth1681]

Last time I criticized the compass bezel, I was hammered by a troll. That means I will, with great pleasure, observe that the compass bezel, IMHO, is lame. Just sayin.

[@jamesshives5679]

Well, good news for you, they make a version without the compass bezel now.

[@alanthompson9240]

I still love my 017. I wear mine on a nato, mostly, or metal mesh.

[@coffeelawyer]

I don’t know if Seiko designed that bezel so that North and South line up that way, but magnetic North and South are not exactly 180 degrees apart

[@revictimator]

Another great video! I must say this might be, actually , the perfect small collection explorer for this collector. Just pop a NATO on there!

[@gervers]

The watch may not be for me but today’s t-shirt is awesome! Gotta love all things Star Wars! I wonder if you could shoot a Womp Rat from the X wing?

[@anthonysmith2982]

I fell in love with the other cream dialled variant (SPD123) at first sight. I hung back all year and ғɪɴᴀʟʟʏ pulled the trigger about 3 weeks back. I lucked out and found one BNIB for $700AUD (that's about $500USD) and I couldn't be happier. It's not perfect, the green strap is ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ good, especially compared to the shite Seiko usually deliver, however the clasp has an odd shape and digs into the underside of my wrist; a common complaint apparently. But It wears really well on my 8“ wrist. It's going on a perlon during the summer and I'll pick up a Jubilee bracelet too. So, I love it. As much as I hate to say it, it is worth the $900AUD or so that you can find it for pretty easily. I think their scarcity on the secondary market proves that. And it's certainly every bit as good as the entry level Swiss watches I paid the same $ or more for. Mines been running at a steady +1-2 spd when on wrist and about +5 when sitting dial up, more than acceptable. I have a feeling that this year's version of the Alpinist may just end up being a future classic.

[@davidhobson7851]

I’ve just pulled the trigger on the 123 although it was a toss up with that and the white dial one reviewed here

[@willardhooton920]

Love my 123 - rugged toughness and extreme class!

[@anthonysmith2982]

@@davidhobson7851 You made the right choice I reckon David. There's something special about the cream and gilt dial. Especially with the green strap, although I find it a little uncomfortable. I wear mine on a Jubilee bracelet. It's fantastic. I found out via an 'Average Bros.' video that a Parnis Jubilee bracelet fits and is the best alternative, mainly due to its depth. It suits the lug profile perfectly. It has a few sharp edges across the top, but overall it's really good. Especially for about $40. Enjoy the watch mate. Cheers, Anthony

[@anthonysmith2982]

@@willardhooton920 Couldn't agree more. My favourite watch purchase of 2020. Cheers mate. Anthony.

[@tonyhoward7840]

yeah, a little pricey, still like the older green dial without the cyclops

[@ghenghiskhan39]

You're right about the strap on the 123. I picked one up for a great price not long ago and the strap is so supple. Unfortunately it has the same issue with the compass markers not being aligned.

[@jeff1176]

Great info. I was thinking of getting one of these, may just get an older model instead.

[@danielmeier8321]

you have to point the our hand towards the sun, and put the north marker exactly between your hour hand and 12 oclock. Your compass bezel is then dialed in. I think this is how it works at least

[@alcrinz3419]

The squinty compass was the first thing that caught my eye when I bought my used 017 a few months back ...love the watch but that half mill of squintyness infuriates me ...glad you pointed it out , thought it was just mine 👍

[@kubilaymeydan1457]

The squinting of the bezel is normal, it's used for the compass function.

[@AlexanderB.]

That's what we're getting from Seiko these days. A re-issue of a discontinued watch at a premium price 🙄 I still hope they are re-releasing the SARB033 in a similar way at some point. I will be buying one I reckon 🤫 Cheers mate!

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Really curious to see what they'll change there, too.

[@praetor47]

reissuing the SARB33 would plummet the secondary for the "original" to actually sane values, and make it worth considering again. at current prices, it's absolutely insane, and you have better options in the entry level swiss brands for similar (or lower) prices, not to mention a plethora of micros. had one, it was okay at 300, but boring and overhyped enough that i flipped it relatively quickly (and made a small profit to boot... which was the happiest that watch made me in the ~6 months i owned it)

[@anthonysmith2982]

Hey Alex. I actually disagree with that mate. Nobody seems to complain about the prices that, say Yema charge. And Yema is a company with maybe half the history and pedigree of Seiko. Yema re-issue watches with (by ᴍᴀɴʏ accounts) problematic and totally unproven in-house mov'ts, mostly at prices ʜɪɢʜᴇʀ than Seiko asks for one of its ᴘʀᴇᴍɪᴇʀ watch lines - a line that has a direct lineage stretching back nearly 60 years, with in-house ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ and decades worth of proven reliability under its belt. The SARB line was ridiculously underpriced, that does not make any following and similar offerings from Seiko, that offer legitimate upgrades (and, granted, some unfortunate, but ultimately unimportant cost saving measures) rediculously overpriced! I think $900AUD or below, which is the price one can easily access this piece at, is about what one should expect to pay for a completely in house and Japanese manufactured timepiece from one of the world's most celebrated watch brands TBH. Cheers bud. A.

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

@@praetor47 Fair enough, I wear my 035 almost every day and can't imagine another watch giving me the same pleasure in its price range. I love that cream dial, it's more interesting to me than the black dial, which my SNKL23 surpasses in my opinion at a smaller price, even.

[@blintorzabat5798]

@@Christian_from_Copenhagen And I thought I was basically alone in preferring the SNKL23's stunning dial! THAT one's days have to be numbered.

[@mrbacchus6127]

I agree completely with your conclusions. Under $500 and these Alpinists are decent deals. I also hate that the bracelet is only available on the black variation, why Seiko?

[@Strideo1]

Seiko is starting to milk the cash cow these days. Prices are going up but the quality isn't going up that much in proportion to what they're asking.

[@mrbacchus6127]

@@Strideo1 Agree and not just Seiko, many other brands and micros are doing it.

[@TJuvis]

I really do adore this version of the Alpinist in particular, but I already own a Seiko with the compass complication and there's absolutely no need for said complication in my needs as a daily driver. Plus the price you have to pay for a 'misaligned' compass and no signed crown just makes me feel quite neutral about the watch. But thank you Jody for the detailed review!

[@JeffDalziel]

wrist check I'm wearing my Sieko Alpinist, cream dial, rotating inner bezel. Love it!!

[@stevenaston249]

Recently when looking for a new Seiko to add to the collection looked at the Alpinist, but decided on a SRPD9711 Zen Garden, with it's snowflake face. No regrets, beautiful face and a strap monster!

[@keys-bw9bc]

Thanks for this video, very informative, I recently purchased the SARB017 from Amazon on Amazon Day, for about 400.00 U.S. before Taxes. I was flopping between SPB121 and the SARB017. I am very happy that I chose the SARB and saved myself 350.00 U.S.. The newer SPB121 is pretty much out of stock everywhere, but apparently Seiko is shipping more stock mid December. The other dial colors except for the limited edition blue dial are still widely available. Therefore, finding a SPB121 for 500.00 new is very unlikely. The watches available on Amazon were a result of Amazon buying up the old stock from Seiko. The packaging can vary depending on which market the watch was originally intended for. The watch I received was an Absolutely perfect U.S. market watch without any alignment issues. The Sunray Green Dial is mesmerizing and a joy to wear. The Strap however is horrible, stiff and plasticky. I immediately replaced it with a brown vintage style Fluco strap. I did post a review on Amazon with photos.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Never owned one, never had one in but I somehow know that I need one!

[@weerobot]

Casio Royal Dance...lol....Come Aliexpress Give us a Cool Alpinist Homage...esp green one...

[@karlsenula9495]

I could definitely get behind that ... classic SARB 017 look with an NH35 movement and a variety of color options.

[@alexandersmith855]

Merkur has a Laurel Alpinist tribute If you like the 'O'est of OGs. They call it the Conqueror.

[@alexandersmith855]

Merkur has a Laurel Alpinist tribute If you like the 'O'est of OGs. They call it the Conqueror.

[@thang1011]

I paid 699 aud for this, and the inner bazel is aligned perfectly so i think is is worth the price :)

[@vwlukas]

Seems like you got a fake one

[@anthonysmith2982]

@@vwlukas Ha! That's funny.

[@anthonysmith2982]

I paid the same.(StarBuy? 🙂) My bezel alignment is good too. It's not 100% spot on 100% of the time, simply due to the lateral mov't inherent in the function, but it's lined up really well almost all of the time, I don't see the big deal anyway TBH. The compass crown doesn't allow for anywhere near the amount of mov't I expected either. Again, I don't see the issue. Personally I'm happy to have any excuse to play around with my timepiece during the day!

[@realtimeryan]

Picked up mine from Starbuy also and the compass is aligned almost perfectly!

[@anthonysmith2982]

@@realtimeryan It's frickin' bargain at $700 I reckon. A great piece. I was saving for either a Ball Engineer III Marvelight or an Oris Pointer Date. Hadn't decided yet. But when this popped up at $700 I thought it with a Strapcode Jubilee offered pretty much everything that I liked about the Oris - especially when I applied the law of diminishing returns... And I'm now about $1k in front for my big 2021 purchase! Perfect!

[@collectingtengu4905]

I have the green version for a few months now and it became my second favorite watch in my collection. I keep it more dressier and did not get the strap change to a bracelet. May be if one already has the predecessor it would not make really sense to go for this one.

[@AlonNahary]

The white cream dial is gorgeous. Much better than the old green.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I agree on the complaints, and the value. I'd only pick one up on a solid sale at this point. There may be some jewelers with some around this time/next week. I've seen 30 or 35% off in places. The X logo does not bother me, but I'm still disappointed they stopped the signed crown, and are just doing that with Presage. Come on, Seiko! Still, that black dialed version is kind of dreamy. If I didn't have an SPB089 already, I'd be talking myself into that one.

[@mikey2864]

No. Compass - the only thing that could tempt me with this one, and the pedigree. Useful for accurate bearings inshore. Although this functionality is right there, and readily available to any one with *any* watch with hands! (and a visible sun). Never been lost in the outback?

[@dp1313-m3r]

I got a seiko SRPD35K1 and put a dark brown canvas strap on it and couldn't be happier. I got it for $300, No cathedral hands, it has day/date, no cyclops, expedition back with emergency ground to air signals, internal compass bezel, 20 bar and great lume. It's just not sapphire, but i figure if i really ever scuff it up, i can replace the hardlex with a sapphire in the future.

[@adelb2300]

Another step back is the see through case back, the old one with the Alpinist logo, was much cooler!

[@TomsManShed]

5:15 "Expect a review at the end of 2021" ....that's a long time to wait Jody :)

[@willardhooton920]

Caught that too, lol!

[@fondajames]

So glad I got an 017. Its perfect and a near daily for me

[@Post_Leako]

I'm really excited to see the GMT version of this watch that just leaked, especially given that it'll maintain the 39.5mm size. Would really love to see a Seiko 5 GMT that's under 40mm.

[@snkmonkey]

i would buy one if they had a timing/diving inner bezel. And not that stupid cyclops, but i guess thats personal tast.

[@ExpeditedProductions]

Tast is defo important.... definitely agree that it isn’t quite my bag either

[@alexandrupantis2580]

try a boldr expedition

[@devono7230]

The cyclops window comes off easy.

[@thomasbailey4139]

I dont understand the hate.. I really like it. Cant think of anything else sub $1,000 that compares...

[@SilverSergeant]

Having bought a new SARB017 less than a year ago for $399.00 USD on Amazon, I just can't convince myself to pay that much for this new Alpinist.

[@alexk8599]

Omg how did you find one so cheap??

[@SilverSergeant]

@@alexk8599 It was on Amazon......but the prices have skyrocketed since then.

[@kayblis]

@@SilverSergeantFunnily enough, I just picked this new model up for $400 USD from yahoo auctions.

[@AaronGood]

I may be the only person that genuinely feels nothing either way for these. I think because I've been witness to so many strong opinions that I'm just like... Okay. I don't dislike it, but neither would I run out to buy one. Great review, Jody!

[@spencer.watches]

I'm the same way. As long as I've known about it, I've just shrugged and moved on. Not my thing, but I don't hate them. Then again, I'm wearing a square, gold 80s Timex at the moment, so perhaps you should take my opinion with a grain of salt... 😂

[@Andrew-J316]

Agree that it's a watch for a large collection! Never understood the hodgepodge this watch is as a classy dress watch with Alpinist name and compass bezel with 20BAR WR. To each his own though. Thanks for the review!

[@alangray6961]

So you're talking football in podcasts. Lots of football talk here in the last few days.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ElijsDima]

Another note, never have I ever paid so much money for a watch and gotten such a lackluster packaging. Seiko's Price-to-Packaging-Value ratio is insanely bad, and tbh it does cause a slight disappointment on arrival.

[@M82RKY]

Fuck the box.....

[@cameron4994]

I have a feeling a lot of people are unaccepting of change, you used to get a really good watch for an amazing price, Seiko realised they were giving you a lot for your money and are now giving you and upgraded model and charging a fairish price for them. These models are gorgeous you can't deny that, and upgraded in several ways from the older model. Just a lot of people stuck in the past making a grumble because Seiko finally realised their worth I feel.

[@emreisiklar]

It is a very nice watch..... right size with a character

[@edwardgreenaway1808]

Good looking out with the shout outs. I follow all of them. Great review. I like them but I will stick to my SARB017 all things concerned. Maybe when the price comes down. I kind of like the no compass one.

[@josemavalmateu791]

With Seiko's new upscale prices for really not much better improvements, also icons like the SKX retired, is really helping the AliExpress flock of watches to rise, Steeldive, San Martin, Heimdallr... thank you Seiko.

[@jhatgotagat300]

Flash forward to 2024 the sarbs have gone mental in price and my gf picked one of these up for 560 usd for a Jdm green dial, by her self😆 wild how watches work sometimes give it some time and these mental prices turn into steals! Rather happy to have my first prospex

[@redbarchetta8782]

I'll be using it hiking in Washington State so I'll be using the compass at times. :) BTW, the Scouts taught how to use them.

[@mrlong6267]

My brother Paul was going to buy a green one.

[@BigBodyBesNYC]

Jason watching that last sticker he saved like 🥲