The Seiko Enthusiasts Have Wanted For Years - Alpinist GMT Review

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In this video, I provide my complete thoughts on the new Seiko Alpinist GMT, a complicated model enthusiasts have been asking for since the original SARB017 made its monumental debut. As a little bit of a spoiler alert, I think Seiko knocked it out of the park with the SPB377 and SPB379, but what do you guys think?
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Timestamps

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Just a small correction, determining direction in the Southern Hemisphere with the sun and the compass bezel is actually a little bit different than we show in the video. Sorry about that!

[@俊毅陳-v6p]

Had my brother fetch me the regular green dail Alpinist during his vacantion to Japan, loving it.

[@MartinSmith-qt3cc]

How much??

[@peterkalos6271]

I love the way they integrated the gmt into the alpinist design language. And getting rid of the cyclops looks more like the original sarb

[@edrader]

original sarb was not original alpinist, tho

[@hamidhussain307]

I always loved the Seiko alpinist and now I love this alpinist GMT even more. The cathedral hands, power reserve along with the GMT tick many boxes. Only thing I wasn’t too impressed with is the date window at 4 o clock position. Maybe it was better suited at 3 o clock position.

[@claytonmarkin7863]

I’ve never seen a 4 o clock date window that I’ve liked, ever. Either 3 or 6, there are no other good places

[@3581tossit]

@@claytonmarkin7863 disagree, placing it at 4 keeps the dial more balanced

[@archygrey9093]

I find the compass feature is actually quite useful for more than just a compass, for example you can set the north mark at the minute hand and use it to see the time elapsed

[@imbanett0]

haha became a legend diver

[@ArtifexBarbarus]

If only it weren't so easy to knock the 4:00 crown :-)

[@3581tossit]

the blue model is absolutely beautiful. well done, Seiko!

[@williamthomas6106]

I don't know, even Teddy seems a little hesitant getting 100% behind this one. The Seiko 5 Sports GMT was a grand slam, and I absolutely love mine. And for the price I paid for mine, the compromises made were more than reasonable. At over $1100.00, those compromises aren't as easily accepted. a 3hz movement? An iffy band? An office GMT complication? All these are easily overlooked when the watch is in the $350 to $500 price range. Not so much on a watch costing over twice as much.

[@Micksteroony]

Yeah for a few more hundred $ you can get a true, 36mm GMT from Farer - with a top grade Sellita movement and only 11m thick!

[@BM-si2ei]

Agreed. There are a half dozen or more options using the Miyota 9075 that come in just under to well under this price point. Many of them have significantly better finishing and watch-enthusiast nods like on the fly micro-adjust clasps. I'd happily plunk down $350 for the Seiko GMT if I didn't already have a true GMT watch. $1,100 is far too much with far too many better options.

[@bradl2636]

Totally agree. It’s a ripoff.

[@osamu_90]

Agreed. I like Seiko but this one is disappointing outside of its looks.

[@cloggedpitot1]

@@BM-si2ei What would you rec as an alt? I like the looks of the blue dial but they are pricey.

[@hankhillsnrrwurethra]

Got my GreenSeventeen in 2014 and there was tension that it would go away and never be seen again, in those days. I've been through a few straps and bracelets with it. Thinking about a shell cordovan strap for our tenth anniversary next year :) This version is no slam dunk for over a grand. Seiko continues to go insane.

[@annikinstarkiller600]

Shell cordovan works perfectly with it

[@dblh84]

So does rich Corinthian leather.;)

[@jimt7292]

Good review. For me, there is always one or two reasons why I won't pay the price for a beautiful Seiko, like this one. You noted them. Given all the movements that they have manufactured over the many years, not to have their movements regulated much tighter is had to understand and it is the reason I stopped by Seiko watches. Way too many other options out their these days that come less priced and you get more for your $.

[@bradl2636]

Last Seikos I bought were SARB017 SARB033 and SARB035 I haven’t seen any since that made the cut.

[@zumalot]

I believe Teddy advised that one model was running at -11sec/day. Sorry, but that is unacceptable to me and for that money well it is a shame a nice looking Seiko is not more accurate when it can be with tighter regulation. Over the years I've managed to nail down +5 and better on the old 7s26. Many of us fanboys did this to get an awesome, easy on the wallet timepiece. If a Seiko movement is capable of a certain accuracy then why can't they get it closer? It is just sad when the first thing a new Seiko owner does is 1) check for alignment issues 2) check accuracy and as already stated, people are spending some bigger money for these timepieces. Love the channel, Teddy.

[@rtfh61]

With a GMT watch it's very easy to determine North. When you point the GMT hand (set to local time) at the sun, the 12 o'clock marker of the watch face points north (in northern hemispheres)

[@robertposteschild2353]

lol... exercise some common sense. If you already know the time of the day and you can see the sun, you already know where north is. The GMT is irrelevant.

[@dissy1994]

This is a gorgeous watch from the front - but once you turn it on the side it just looks too thick for me. It's gorgeous though in every other way! Love the white dial limited edition too.

[@zainalazzan]

Honourable mention, Teddy! There’s actually a JDM Green model which looks really good too.

[@MadMax76er]

Not a fan of a near 4 o clock date window but putting it in a circular window and aligning the the text straight does make it look a whole lot better

[@adamscottv]

I think it's a clean solution given the other design elements.

[@KikoMachine999]

Bought the 377! Mesmerizing blue sunburst dial! Love it!

[@LindaBui-s3o]

Been watching your videos for a while now and was inspired to start a collection. Started with the amzwatch, its specs for price and clean looks, now am looking for a dress watch to add.

[@ehrenkrause9861]

6:22 I use my sub 17 the compass feature all the time when I'm outdoors It was the purpose I bought this watch when I go camping and hiding. The GMT function would be an added bonus for me especially when I travel. Right now I'm on Kauai The compass feature helps with my bearings when I'm going through the forest

[@CompassIIDX]

Why not bring an actual compass?

[@ehrenkrause9861]

@@CompassIIDX why carry extra tool what time is used for navigation anyways. ☺️👍

[@brainloop99]

​@@CompassIIDXWhy not bring a watch with an actual compass function in it? Even a dirt cheap triple sensor casio will do instead of this.

[@zainalazzan]

⁠​⁠@@brainloop99why do we need to tell the guy to change something when he’s clearly happy with what he has and uses it for? To the original commenter, I’ve got tonnes of respect for you and the fact that you actually USE this feature on your watch. You’re awesome 😄

[@mattmcgriff5952]

From whom are you hiding?

[@behonestwithyourself3718]

I like this one! I had my eyes on the Hamilton Feild expedition but now im not sure.

[@M82RKY]

Love it in black! I have the cream 2020 Alpinist and love it, just isn’t very versatile in terms of its colour but most wouldn’t care about that.

[@kbar11]

Got myself the green dial GMT alpanist and I am very happy with it, wish the green dial was the same as the one that came out in the 2000s but its a nice olive green still. Got a braclet on it or a nato strap for when I take it hiking or swimming.

[@agaperion]

If you're actually using the compass, the adjustable (office) GMT hand makes more sense. Think, people. It's a field watch at heart. Form follows function.

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

The disappointment is the price. I think that's a universal thing for seiko buyers or prospects buyers. Seiko become so big by selling to the masses and delivering quality for money. Now they went to the higher end market and priced out the majority of buyers. Someone at seiko isn't thinking about the actual clientele

[@Drbudweiser]

You could say that about pretty much any current Seiko. They are going hard to charge more.

[@yapzunxuan1]

Ngl, but spending 1.1k usd for a Seiko....Well, is not that bad, but just not that great

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

@yapzunxuan1 when it's a 6r movement and you could buy a longines or oris or something... I think they are in steep competition at that price range, but I agree it's not horrible, horrible, just like 20% overpriced in my book.

[@bradl2636]

Too expensive considering the lack of features

[@adamscottv]

You can get these two models for $800-850 street. Not exactly rich. I think it's a fair price for what it is.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

Definitely a tool watch with adventure in mind... Not my favorite design but definitely a great one to throw in your pack when heading to the woods.

[@stratkat9714]

Hey Teddy! When are you stocking this new Alpinist GMT, as i do not see this on your Seiko page.

[@Whizzer_]

My favourite Seiko GMT (not mentioned here) is the Sumo Prospex solar diver GMT SBPK001

[@andrehernandez3193]

I really like the font you used in the text box specs. It looks really good!

[@runnerwatch2280]

I might buy it second hand. I appreciate and like the applied logo and 3,6,9,12.

[@micheledb]

This would be the perfect watch for a pilot IF it was a true GMT. GMT for layovers in different time zones, and compass bezel for a quick visual reference to runway orientation and wind: eg taking off from runway 23, you would line up 230 with the marker at 12, you see immediately the opposite runway (050 would read at 6 o’clock, so runway 05) and when given the takeoff (or landing) wind, a quick glance would show pictorially where the wind is coming from

[@HRM.H]

Really interested to see if they fixed the accuracy issues with the 6R35

[@Brian-vu5pk]

Me too. My Willard has the 6R35 and it is horrible. Loses 1-2 minutes a day.

[@Rch_P]

Likewise. I eventually had to sell my SPB147 because the 6R was so erratic. No demagnetizing or fine tuning could tame it.

[@Brian-vu5pk]

@@Rch_P My $300 Presage keeps better time.

[@fvlok]

Vostok for the win

[@Ferien7]

Nope lmao

[@RedwoodAggie]

I think both of these look great, though I am guessing that small date will be hard for my aging eyes to read. There's a bit more of a Japanese explorer vibe with the 3/6/9/12 numerals on these too. I am okay with the look/position of it vs. getting rid of or intruding on one of the numerals. My only other wish is these came on bracelet. My only actual complaint is the finishing looks like it leaves a bit to be desired considering the price. I imagine something like a Farer Lander would look better up close. These are definitely no brainers though. For fans of the green Alpinists, the green GMT model is apparently JDM only, with the model number SBEJ005. I think we have the SARB Alpinist situation all over again.

[@allegedkurd]

I'm not sure why people hate on the date window so much. It's there if I need it, but if I look at the dial to check the time, I don't notice it the same way as I do on some.

[@eagleonefr]

Hi Teddy, do you plan to make a video about Pequignet? Cool brand with house-made mechanisms!

[@javopu]

I just want the cocktail time line whit sapphire Cristal. Please Seiko 🙏

[@dblh84]

Since I recently received my traveller's GMT with a 9075 for right at a grand, this is a very hard, relatively overpriced pass.

[@turbyoulance]

Close to the best U tube you have ever presented IMHO. Not a fan of the date window at 4 myself. On SEIKO and as an alternative for a gift at a lot lower price is this > Seiko, NEW Seiko SUR557P1.Worth a GOOGLE . USD about $200+ but no color variant's that I know of yet. Cheers.

[@robcameron9351]

1M on the horizon, Teddy!! Excited for you.

[@mattd9330]

Thanks for the very thorough review. Lack of a signed crown and bracelet option are deal killers for me I am afraid.

[@draakisback]

These are nice but I can't say I like the date or the thickness. I have the original alpanist on a metal strap and I love that watch, but I just can't justify getting a GMT that is slightly thicker.

[@llud840]

Excellent little wayfinding tidbit. Well done, as always.

[@BitcoinKal]

I’ve got the Seiko Prospex SPB259 140th Anniversary Ginza Alpinist 😊

[@ehrenkrause9861]

Oh snap. I'm on a week long vacation and I was actually talking about getting it affordable GMT when I travel on vacation and then this pops up😮. Looks nice. 🤔

[@philippestrickler3461]

I truly love the design of these new SEIKO . Beautiful DIAL, perfect casing . I have no doubt about the calibre reliability. It is sport style and i think that it is the perfect watche to wear every day . Of course you can by another watche for dress opportunity . I am sure that SIEKO will sold millions of Alpinist Watches.

[@shiraz1736]

I really think seiko should differentiate their sub branding using the crown rather than having Pressage or Pro-spec on their dials. And I really hope seiko is working on having a third selector on the one crown to operate the compass bezel that would be sweet.

[@Red_Beard_Actual]

Apples to oranges I realize: Same disappointment every time with “upgrading the brand” is the strap/bracelet. Longines failed with the Zulu timer, this one fails with the crap strap. It’s unacceptable at $1k plus to deliver a poor quality strap option

[@MujtabaLokhande]

Hey, I’m from India. Huge fan of yours! I’ve been building my collection. It has Seiko, Casio, Timex for now. And my fav watch is must de Cartier. Will buy it someday in my life!

[@MujtabaLokhande]

Thank you so much Teddy!

[@CompassIIDX]

@@MujtabaLokhande That's not Teddy, it's a scam bot.

[@henrikl1394]

Why not in green 😞

[@Spurdospaerde692]

SBEJ005. Or were you wondering why Baldassare didn't review that one?

[@NotThatSlow]

Does it really need to say "Automatic 3 Days" on the dial?

[@Spurdospaerde692]

Nope, but as long as it doesn't have "DIASHOCK 23 JEWELS" printed in large, white, Times New Roman lettering across the dial, like on the SARB017, then I suppose Seiko actually learn from their mistakes. Albeit slowly and gradually.

[@Blayzn18]

Awesome video. Of course I'm biased because I'm wearing my SBP409 right now! I'm so happy to get the limited edition and it comes on a bracelet! It's my forever watch. Fits me perfectly not just in size but also lifestyle. When you look at it by the numbers it's a chonky boi but because of the shape of the case back it wears much slimmer. My other watches aren't getting much wrist time anymore!

[@rashmit]

4 o' clock and 4:30 date windows are there since long time and no had a problem then. Nowadays, since a couple youtubers voiced their opinion and so the sheeps are just following them! These hypocrites who are complaining about the symmetry are also the ones who glorify pizza slice power indicator on a Grand Seiko!

[@syedrehanfida]

Thank you so much for these informative videos. It covers much more than just the watch review.

[@gitargr8]

Man I'm glad they nixed the cyclops for the Alpinist GMT. Dunno what the hell Seiko has been on lately that every damn release needs to have the sapphire cancer bubble.

[@faujian35]

Can you comment on the contrast and brilliance of the dial and hands on it, by keeping these two watches (blue and black dial) side by side?

[@M3huehue]

Thanks for this i was just looking for a gmt. I wish the new 38mm seiko 5 has a gmt version.

[@jasonwalker3014]

Hope you get some Seiko Pressage srpk46 or srpk48. I want to add a gold watch to my collection and these are in my price range.

[@slayergut]

Love this, love the non traveller gmt. But the price and not having the bracelet is very annoying.

[@ShalisaDume]

AMZWATCH is a must for me as a watch collector

[@skiparsenal]

Wish they leaned into the GMT-ness and replaced the compass bezel with a 2nd 24-hour bezel instead. The compass feature is a neat little quirk of the Alpinist but the function is really situational, even on its intended use case. A 24-hour rotating inner bezel would have been more useful.

[@harryh536]

The problem of the compass bezel is people who know how it works don't need it. Like do they really need to be reminded where the rest of directions are?

Counterpoint: the GMT hand lets you use the compass bezel much easier, no need to take the half angle as with a 12h hand

[@ronseg123]

Hi teddy. When are you going to do a review of the MM200 GMTs? Spb381, spb383 and spb385 🙂

[@bitta3084]

@teddybaldassarre, great review as usual. Around this price, and excluding Chinese brands, what would be the best automatic GMT around? This Seiko? The Nodus Sector? Any others? Thanks.

[@TheWayOfAlex]

Dimensions and price point kill it for me.

[@Ahmad-vw5uw]

Many thanks Teddy for the comprehensive review; belive it is a very reliable watch for Sports, Diving and Adventures. Having a 6R-54 Movement with 72 hours power reserve and built in Compass, it is almost a perferct wach. However; a signed crown with Stainless Steel bracelet would have been much better. Best Regards from Egypt.

[@bigbodykarate6403]

can we get some B roll of the blue on an aftermarket bracelet or a strap , i feel if you show off how much of a strap monster / bracelet monster these could be itll help , im on the fence until i see the blue on a bracelet online .

[@tysolomano5754]

Well I mean there were the Seiko Red Alpinist GMT from the early 2000s ref SBCJ021. It’s probably the best watch in my collection.

[@onoff5604]

If I were using this while hiking/camping (traveling but not by airplane) why would I want a "true" (first class airline traveler) GMT, vs. one that I can set based on compass headings, map locations, etc.(and in same places track high and low tide with the normal hour hand and use the GMT for time)? And so long as the lower-beat movement is well made, I'd rather have a longer-lasting less-wearing seiko tank movement that can go 50 years without a service if I'm stuck in the woods. Why critique this like it's a supposed to be a brag-at-the-opera show-dog watch? Lets do some off the trail orienteering (without the show dogs).

[@ianforber]

Nice watch but for that price I’d go for the Farer GMT

[@theopachs7247]

I see they’re still not making the compass bezel line up.... it’s pretty though!

[@mtmatt6111]

Is the crystal domed so this accounts for some of the thickness of the watch?

[@ConspiredPictures]

I think it loses some of the dressiness that makes the alpinist so nice for any occasion. The brushed GMT bezel really brings down the versatility for me. I’ve been eyeing the Hamilton Jazzmaster GMT that I think hit it out of the park

[@BeyondTheLineProductions]

I like the SBP 121 look way better and hoping someone can help me understand why I would or should get this GMT over that one?

[@mikhaildeanogumedov4778]

I don't like how the 24-hour scale seems like an afterthought. Like someone on the design team just said, "Just scratch it on the bezel. It's fine. They'll love it." It looks like an alpinist with an identity crisis. I'd much rather that they got rid of the sliding compass and placed the 24-hour scale in there. All analog watches can be used as a compass anyway.

[@OlongJohnson91]

I struggle with my dilemma Shogun or this one? 😃 Price is not a big different..

[@erikknudsen2971]

Love it. A rather unique looking field watch.

[@antoniopedre7384]

If seiko made an Alpinist gmt with a traveller gmt calibre, I would definitely buy one.

[@keremates2749]

What about white version?

[@carlmercado2474]

Damn, I thought my grail watch being the Explorer 2 is unattainable. But this changes thing!

[@Noud-od5tx]

I would look into the christopher ward c63 sealander, also very beatiful and around the same price

[@F80mthree]

@@Noud-od5txgreat watch! Christopher ward has been killing it.

[@ghillytheexplorer1251]

Yeah if you like a nice homage explorer 2 the c63 gmt with the white dial is ur best choice

[@davidphillips7255]

What I want is a new Kinetic to replace my old one. It was one second fast a MONTH!!!!! for a decade.

[@johnmartin7158]

I want a nuclear watch that is deadly accurate to no more than a second either way in a century.

[@Madshadowgolem]

How about bringing back a mechanical chrono now? Seems like a good time for that.

[@vsrrn67]

is this considered as a pilot's watch?

[@miggygetright6344]

This is a beauty but a 1.1k id think one would rather just double down and get a GS or a Tag Heuer, or maybe get a lesser known brand at that price point like Baltic, for example.

[@ob3443]

If you’re follow the recommendations of Seiko on how to keep a Seiko mechanical watch more accurate (which includes daily winding) , this one will be almost on the second accurate.

[@gannidema8745]

Can you do a review of Steinhart Triton 30 ATM please?

[@francoisbm6785]

great review. I wish Seiko stay more true to the original design though. The original is not a 3-6-9 dial. The way it is with new date window it is copying Bell & Ross design too much to my liking. No need to see this movement, would shave some height too. I actually wish for a GS Alpinist.

[@jpshomes5432]

Is there STILL an alignment feature/failure with Alpinists ?

[@fvlok]

This looks fantastic

[@ClevaTreva]

Don't forget there's a JDM version - in GREEN! : SBEJ005

[@MegaBlackley]

39.5 is just a tad small. The lowest I'll go is about 41mm.

[@luigimiccoli3956]

I didn’t understand the explanation of how the compass works!

[@NetRatStudio]

Thank you for the video, Teddy. The watches look worse than I expected them to, I prefer the "nonGMT" design. Also, these type of compasses are absolutely useless, otherwise I like the alpinist. These got too thick. They dropped the even hours and went with 3-6-9-12, which makes the "alpinism" vanish for me. Is it really necessary to write "automatic 3 days" on the dial? Come on, Seiko!

[@OperationNonsense]

before i even watch this video, let me guess at the start - this watch does not have a true GMT movement, this is merely a "dual time zone" watch, not a GMT watch. i would be shocked if you can get a true GMT movement at this price level.

[@AKSD1985]

Great video as always. They definitely need to release the green alpinist in gmt form.

[@leekangswee651]

They did. Its available as a JDM release.

[@BeyondTheLineProductions]

Sorry I don't understand why is this better than the spb121 (I love the green gold and brown leather)

[@kentherradura3713]

Office spec and price makes this watch short with its delivery. I don’t think the power reserve is worth but if they made it a traveller gmt would’ve not only justify the price but could’ve got away with an extra €250+ on the current msrp.

[@karbonkevin919]

Are these shock resistant?

[@OrlandoCorrea-k2i]

Beautiful.the blue one ho mi god.❤

[@Mrswordfish109]

Tried this on today. I still prefer my classic green alpinist. I thought I would love the GMT but meh, didn’t do anything for me..

[@arthurjin0722]

Teddy, can u make review on SPB411J1 please? That thing looks nice~

[@Paperfiasco]

man... I BADLY just wish they gave us an option for non-exhibition casebacks. I just want the classic Alpinist engraving on steel, I don't to see the movement behind this one... damnit.

[@ronpower7790]

Unfortunately I can't stand thick watches...wish that it still would be 12.5 mm like the old SARB017.

[@latinballa88]

Nice, but not for more than $600-ish. Also, Seiko… please find a way to make your watches less chunky 🙏

[@Megatraum504]

shit bracelets too. even mentioned in this review as if it is a feature lmao

[@CompassIIDX]

Yep. I see 13+ and I check out pretty much immediately.

[@Timalways]

Need a green dial for this gmt version.

[@darryllongley4025]

What's with gmt watches Can't see the point of an extra hand just for the sake of it

[@Spurdospaerde692]

Apart from the practical function for frequent travellers who are poor at counting? Well, it looks nice. And, in this case, as far as the compass ring is useful at all, a 24 hour hand set to local standard time makes that function more precise. All in all, a GMT complication makes more sense in the Alpinist than in most other watches.