The BEST Everyday Watch for $700? Seiko SPB157 Baby Alpinist Review

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While Seiko’s impressive range of affordable dive watches is likely the brand’s best known collection, Seiko’s Alpinist field watches, best exemplified by the SARB017, also have a passionate following. In this video, we’ll do a complete review of the newest Alpinist on the scene, which collectors have already dubbed the “Baby Alpinist” thanks to its overall smaller dimensions. Complete with Seiko’s impressive 6R35 caliber with 70 hours of power reserve, this SPB157 might just be the best watch you can get for $700.
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[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Hi Everyone, Tim has claimed his prize. He decided to go with the Formex Essence on the bracelet. Thanks to you all who participated. We can do more in the future.

[@steveluckett45]

Thanks for the comp, Teddy. I checked my inbox far too frequently these past weeks... Looking forward to the next one!

[@alexsotomayor6137]

Congrats Tim! 👏🏽🖖🏽

[@rafaelandreu]

Congratulations Tim !

[@nxli97]

Very nice choice!

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

Good choice Tim! Congrats! 😃

[@ChrisGaert]

Me: Congrats, Tim! Also me: (Hopes Tim forgets to open KZbin for 48hrs)

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

😂 he has just been contacted. I’ll pin a comment if/when he responds.

[@kingadjust5422]

@@TeddyBaldassarre teddy haphe you phought about getting tha bremont supah marine divah wiph tha jingly jangly jubilee!?!?!

[@dylanlamb8710]

That’s not how you pronounce my name...Tim Widere is pronounced “Dylan Lamb”...😂👍🏻 fun contest...lots of great choices on your site.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Started reading this comment seriously at first until I looked at your name haha. Thanks for taking part, Dylan!

[@flyingspeedtriple]

Love it! Never really understood the hype surrounding the original alpanist, but this one looks stunning without the inner rotating bezel. Another one to add to the list. Thanks Teddy!

[@R8Prototype]

Got this piece as soon as it was available at my Seiko AD. Glad you're featuring it on your channel! You capture the dial so excellently!

[@moritz_8992]

The ambient of the room you’re filming it is always very nice!

[@shawnvegavelez121]

This is more appealing to me because the dial isn't too cluttered. The size is just right.

[@funisfan90]

Just got mine because of this video! Thanks Teddy! Never thought I would get a watch with a blue dial. But after seen all three colors in store, the tasteful blue dial is just so stunning! It looks just as good as it does in the video, if not better.

[@julyjulio86]

Glad someone finally made a review of this watch! I’m heavily leaning towards the green variant on the bracelet. Would love to see a full review to include the bracelet to see if it still falls short as most seiko bracelets tend to do

[@warrenbarnes9653]

I just purchased the green dial version with the bracelet, and I am really enjoying it. It is a substantial watch without being huge. The combination of the bright bezel, reflective crystal and bracelet make it work for nice casual and moderately dressy. Not my choice with a business suit or formal wear, but it works well with what I wear these days 90% of the time. Mine is running slow by about 3 to 4 seconds per day, which I think is OK. Overall, I would recommend this watch as a high quality, versatile every day watch that is not overpriced.

[@rodrigogutierrezreyes4702]

This Alpinist version is just beautiful. The textured dial gives the watch a lot of depth and character. Very well done

[@ravipanjini1253]

Seiko's killing it with the Prospex line right now

[@timmanion7459]

I used to have a SARB 017 . It was a really good watch, but ended up selling it to a good friend who wears it all the time . Seeing Seiko's new offering , I must say , that is 1 beautiful package for the money yku spend. As usual , a good , solid informative video. Thanx Teddy

[@dylanjuneau2394]

I love the format and quality of your channel and I’ve just started my watch collecting with a modest timex expedition with a Barton strap!

[@weirdoevelyn]

Congratulations Tim! Thanks Teddy, the competition was really fun and it made me find some great watches I had not seen before.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks for participating.

[@dereknelson7108]

just came across this looking for seiko recommendations and oh my I haven't seen this one and I am immediately in love. Gonna have to be the next watch I look into getting!

[@TheIndiferentPancake]

Picked up the green dial variant a few weeks back as my daily wearer. Love the size, dial texture and accuracy of the movement. Most of the time (indoors) the green is darker than depicted in the product shots, except in sunlight where it pops. Great watch, definitely reccomend.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Cool, congratulations 👍

[@VladimirLorentz]

I am impressed with the quality of your videos, content, fiming, close ups, and editing make all watches look great ! Keep it coming, it's always a real pleasure. Thanks !

[@danwunderlich4775]

Awesome video, Teddy. And fun giveaway too! Picking out watches under 5k was tougher than I expected! Thanks for what you do!

[@siphotchala5202]

I love the watch. Glad some more people are reviewing it. Been sporting mines all winter. Got the green model to match my wardrobe

[@andreaiacolina]

At first sight I haven't considered this Seiko, but when I saw the green version at the AD I definitely changed my mind. Beautiful finishing and an amazing dial.

[@VikrantLudhra]

Love this watch! These Seikos are a great way to start a collection - I found the dial more interesting to look at than the tissot powermatic you compared it to.

[@cameroncourt3410]

Great looking watch! I'm a teen who has just started getting into watches, and got my first watch (an orient bambino) this Christmas. Your channel has been a great inspiration, keep up the great content!

[@AndrewIGoode]

Great watch. I also just got into them a few months ago and got a Seiko SNE329 for Christmas eve and I wore it that night when I proposed. That watch will always carry that sentimental value

[@Tdr-jv2nc]

That’s a cool watch

[@stevefox8605]

Nice watch, congrats from Cambridge, England 👍🏻

[@cameroncourt3410]

@@AndrewIGoode I've had a look, that's a cool watch!

[@cameroncourt3410]

@@Tdr-jv2nc thanks 👍

[@bamlim4399]

I bought this blue one recently as a self birthday present and it's absolutely worth it (granted I got it for a bit less at about 560usd). Perfect size for my thin wrists. And that dial! That dial is just something else!!

[@mcdo0gal1985]

Whered you buy for that price?!

[@lehatanpc6495]

this watch is better than many 2000 dollar watches. Seiko we missed you

[@skaz1504]

Hard to go wrong with Seiko at any price point, but this one looks exceptional. Thank you for this review, Teddy. Love your content.

[@simonc34]

Thanks for the review, I have Been looking at it for some time now! Gonna have it on my wishlist for my 25th birthday in 2 months

[@kelechinobi3085]

👍🏽 another great review. I’m a total seikophile and I’ve considered this in black dial too ... both awesome. Must admit tho I agree with you that if one wants a “one and done” the Tissot Gentleman is the way to go. This watch would be killer as the daily wearer in a 3-watch collection.

[@dianatramm4938]

Alpinist - compass = perfection.

[@styx4947]

Absolutely agree. And Iam glad they didn't do anything foolish like put a cyclops on the dial.

[@Camelotsmoon]

I was wondering when the bigger watch channels would do a video on these guys! I got my spb159 a few weeks ago for $550 and it's really nice. I was hesitant on the matte dial, but in person it sparkles in the light spectacularly.

[@DavidDatura]

This is my favorite Alpinist. Dial wise, my preference is actually for the graduated grey variation rather than this, still handsome blue dial variant.

[@viceroygunrey4037]

Seiko, as usual, continues to make great watches. Although, imho, the value you get for the money is no longer there with their intention to move up-market.

[@Gabe_Dewey]

Just purchased this as my first automatic watch! I can't wait for it to arrive. I received my Hamilton Khaki Field in black PVD last week and knew I wanted an automatic that has a little dressier and classier look to it. With how much the watch community admires the Hamilton I knew it would be a good choice and I was right. Now I'm hoping the same for this watch because it seems to be loved by watch enthusiasts.

[@petersimpson7313]

Thank you for the review of this great looking Alpinist . I'm a big fan of this watch. In my opinion, first of all it looks amazing .... this watch catches peoples eye. Second the alpinist history make this a great story watch and a perfect every day explores / field watch . Thanks for the review !

[@charlesbaker4026]

I have the spb155 and honestly even with a green color, the gradient dial does look good with a variety of outfits

[@mrwefight2]

I honestly never liked the alpinist.. but this is just awesome..

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

Inner rotating bezel is an even bigger forced affect than a dive style bezel. I am tired of anything diver-y.

[@rage8kage]

the internal bezel was just pointless. This new smaller version is just better classier more waterproof. I just wish they'd went with a better movement then a display back

[@EliMeadAZ]

I liked the watch but the applied numbers just looked tacky to me in most lighting conditions. The new dial is better.

[@rage8kage]

@@EliMeadAZ lol I specifically like numbers on my outdoorsy watches. Easily to read what not. Rolex explorer feels. I especially like it when the whole number is lumed

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@rage8kage Reckon it wears more 34mm

[@ShoxTheRebel]

Huge watch lover. Newish collector. Stumbled upon your videos with Kevin O'Leary today and instantly subscribed. Love the content and glad I found you. Keep it up 👏🏻

[@Rch_P]

Finally, I’ve been waiting for somebody on KZbin to chime in on this watch.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

The world and it’s mother have payed attention to the 42mm whereas the 38mm is more of a pure field watch. Does the 38mm wear like a 34mm

[@jonfavale]

@@oscarosullivan4513 I have a 34mm Rolex and the SPB157 wears closer to a 40 on me

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Beautiful piece! I really like the black/grayish version! They are clean and like you said... go with everything! Awesome video like always

[@freddyyuki9978]

Just baught the special edition and i am super happy with it. Its a beautiful watch!

[@watchesandcaps2566]

I'm actually wearing mine today. Have it on the OEM strap for the first time and it's actually really good.

[@lukasz_zegarkowy]

Congrats to the winner. It was really fun to have a chance to build this collection (even virtually). PS. my proposal was more interesting :P

[@SniperKing261]

What five did you choose?

[@lukasz_zegarkowy]

@@SniperKing261 one Meistersinger, Mondaine Stop2go, Junghans Max Bill Automatic, same Hamilton and a Timex Marlin

[@garethedwards1149]

Great video, plus your website is great, easy to use and amazing selections

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks Gareth! Glad to hear all that time and cost to make it was worth it 😂

[@TheChadWork2001]

Best looking Alpinist so far. Gorgeous dial.

[@chrislee6691]

I really like this watch Teddy they did job on the overall looks and esthetic. One thing I don’t like about some watches is the way they do the script or the amount of information they put on the dial (as you pointed out about another model Seiko), but is true of many watches out there. It’s very minor but for me personally I would have like to have seen this watch without that X on the front. It is very clean, dressy, and vintage looking with all the other details and to me that is a more modern looking detail that is home on the dive watches. I know it is there to signify the technology of the watch, but put it on the back, it doesn’t need to be on the front. Just my take. Great review. Great contest it was a lot of fun to participate you had a lot of cool options, it made it a good challenge to pick the best of each style under a certain price point.

[@nrbrown5985]

I’m glad to see someone speaking the truth. I’ve heard too many people complain about the price of the new Alpinists...but if it were a Tissot or Hamilton with those specs at that price everyone would be drooling over it.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

There are many new Seiko watches where the prices are more of a stretch, this one is completely reasonable to me in every aspect. It is a well-finished watch and hangs with the Swiss counterparts if not beats them. I think many people get caught up in the JDM models or old Seiko 5s that flooded different markets and set a price expectation of Seiko that was actually not true to the actuals. The over production and exchange rates created a unique scenario in the market.

[@FibaFanatic]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Did you review any of the 2020 Alpinists with the Cyclops? If not, any chance we'll get a review of that?

[@F1god04]

@@TeddyBaldassarre to be fair, the new 5 is a solid model. Sure, it’s not the old $70 Amazon special anymore, but I love how they’ve made it nicer, and in about a million finishes. Seiko is doing well, and this is a beautiful watch.

[@ildefons3k540]

Do not buy Tissot shits.

[@flip7081]

I think these are super attractive, and do a good job of pairing down the extras w/o loosing its parentage. I’d like to see applied numbers. The dial’s reminiscent of the TAG Autavia, and side by side in the same blue / stainless color way this Alpanist holds its own, especially for the $!! I do hope that textured dial stays less widely used so it retains an extra special detail. That said, that TAG Autavia in bronze and brown is ridiculously handsome, and I have to own it! I’m not a TAG fan, but that thing?!

[@Comalv]

Great Review! Have the green version and it's probably the best purchase of 2020!

[@johnr1350]

Nice piece and congrats Tim.

[@prithveen7654]

I was waiting for this review so long man! Found this to be a great deal and was wondering why reviewers never reviewed this. Love it ❤️🔥 (My favorite is the black/grey dial though)

[@cMaslow]

Mine is green bracelet

[@strangeboy16]

Would love more giveaways from the teddy store, some really good selection particularly like the options from tissot, hamilton and junghans. I noticed you have bell and ross on your store as well but don't know them as a brand but like their look, should do a review of one of their pieces. Great video as always

[@RedwoodAggie]

This is such a great release by Seiko. I can't think of a cheaper way into a 6R35 movement. All the dive watches with it are much more expensive. I think the Presage models are more expensive too. I love the blue strap, and have a somewhat similar blue one on my SPB089. The gray one is also great, especially when put on a Seiko or Strapcode bracelet. Very Explorer-like that way, and on that topic, how cool would a gray dial Explorer be? It really takes a lot of will power for me not to add one of these to the collection. I just need to focus on a bit more variety though.

[@safder007]

That texture and loom 🤩😍, omg

[@chriswatchreviews4752]

Great video Teddy! I really like this alpinist model compared to the older ones

[@soundscaperecordings1111]

Great shots, love that blue dial!

[@peterashton5941]

Great review of a great watch. Take care and stay safe.

[@chriscon8463]

That’s a beautiful watch. It would have been a great replacement/upgrade for my SARB. 20 more hours of power reserve & a screw down crown doesn’t really justify an extra $300, though. Now that I think about it, maybe my SARB was just underpriced.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

I like it! 😃 It reminds me of the limited edition blue Alpinist. I had a chance to to buy that watch but I didn't like the internal compass bezel with extra crown. This new watch solves those problem, and it looks great!

[@ravijaiswal5173]

I just bought SPB157J1 after seeing your video.It is definitely a great everyday watch.

[@randomocityvideos]

I own the original SARB017 Alpinist and its one of my favorites, but Ive been on the hunt for a classic field watch to pair with my NATO collection. Despite owning an Alpinist already Im considering picking up the charcoal dial version. Though similar, I think there's enough contrast to justify owning both. Can't wait!

[@PukaHeadMan]

Beautiful watch and excellent review!

[@scottlauren3145]

Congrats Tim. That's a dream come true to say the least.

[@cMaslow]

Love this watch. Own the green bracelet version, and love it. Had actually requested Teddy on Insta to review this. Maybe he noticed :D cheers from India

[@olemanolete1]

love it, great video

[@jimbegin6554]

It’s better now. Good review!

[@AndrewIGoode]

My Seiko SNE329 is my favorite watch I own. My grandma got it for me for Christmas and I wore it when I proposed. I call it my Seiko 'Proposal'

[@koshmosh4299]

Teddy, thank you from Moscow with love ✋🏼

[@FuquaRomeo]

We absolutely love giveaways. For many, it may be the only way to end up with a grail watch - especially in this crazy COVID economy. We very much appreciate your detailed reviews and unique generosity.

[@guilessa]

I dodn't know this model. So beautiful!!! Loved the strap too.

[@altamashkhateeb6824]

Please do more giveaways in the future Loved the review still deciding between this and the presage

[@Javi_C]

Congrats Tim!

[@johncarrillo2498]

I purchased this watch recently. The watch has a great quick read dial and case size. The movement is a little fast day-over-day. My one down note is that I had to take this watch to a jeweler to tighten the rotor. For a brand new watch from an authorized retailer, I was disappointed that after short use, I had to have this small adjustment. Overall, good day-to-day piece.

[@gaurav2s1979]

I have it and sure is a great watch but would have been even better if the numerals were raised and applied. As always Teddy really enjoy all your videos, great work.

[@ycfretwork]

Just got one last week. It is an incredible watch.

[@usmcfox09]

Can’t wait to watch the SPB241 review!! 😉

[@MarkSkrzypczak]

This is a stunning watch. I have the green dial Alpinist and paired it with a grey leather band.

[@mdunawaym]

I have the 017, and it's taking time for me to warm up to these new Alpinists, but I'm getting there. :)

[@TimG--]

Nice video mate.

[@danielrs9214]

Really nice watch, perfect dimension, just not sure about the texture of dial, great vid as always!

[@I-Libertine]

Nice choices, Tim!

[@peterlaurence-couzens8913]

Really enjoying my Spb155j since I got it last November. Time keeping since the has been approx + 2.5 secs per day, can’t argue with that! (Set once per month).

[@joeskeptical4762]

*_Applied hour markers and a different hand set are my preferences._* *Great case shape, crystal and general dimensions.*

[@dustytriumph]

Great review. This is the first where I am starting to appreciate the look of this watch. That may be entirely because your videography is so superb. Watching this I think this color is my favorite which surprised me but I am just not loving the pebble texture dial. While watching I was imagining it with a vertically brushed dial. Make mine that way with drilled thru lugs and I'm all in. I'd also prefer a slimmer solid case back since we really don't need to see that movement and the watch would be slimmer on wrist.

[@markcady6882]

Am huge Seiko fan, great entry watches when it comes to mechanical movements....

[@mrjones6770]

This really is a great watch..I have the green on bracelet for 3 weeks now.....none of my other watches get a look in now..and thats a first in many years of watch collecting....and i have 20cm wrists and even though its only 38mm its my most readable watch..love that it has easy to read minute markers because of that excellent colorway and generously made minute track...As for the movement mine started out at +10spd and afther 3 weeks its around +2spd and thats 24/7 wearing with 30 winds every 4th day. Oh and thats another thing..love that i can handwind this thing without causing damage..and its smooth and easy like it should be.....looking at you ETA.

[@xchazz86]

Is the chapter ring and index still misaligned? Sold my Alpanist the moment I got it because of poor qc last time.

[@momoji265]

I wish this came in white like the SPB119 Prospex Alpinist. (Congrats Tim!)

[@Kane-ib5sn]

that's a definite winning watch: a keeper.

[@jimbergmann8633]

Installed a blue Hirsch carbon print leather strap, 300m water resistant, silver buckle. Beautiful.

[@Nicool333]

More giveaways! This channel is chipping away at my bank account. I have 2 sarb s and now need this one.

[@gertvanrooy428]

I was almost sold on the Certina DS-2 spec- and pricewise, but this Seiko bangs that one out of the water.

[@matzmx]

That green shirt and the blue alpinist would go great together. Nice!

[@markturboi]

Super CLEAN looking

[@salembeeman370]

Thanks for the give away. Maybe next time. I think it's hard for the Seiko to compete with the Tissot.

[@thisispw]

Well done Tim, good choice enjoy. Like those Alpinists, great all-rounders and reasonable value compared to many other overpriced Seikos.

[@makes0no0sense]

I have been wating to purchase an automatic watch for a while now. About a month ago i bought this same watch "baby alpinist blue". I found the watch really well built however the 38 mm diameter and the domed face was the reason i returned it. I have a fairly small wrist size still felt this to be small. My wrist size is 6.1 inches. I however purchased a tissot gentleman and found that was the watch for me.

[@ScreaminpirateEDC]

Amazing watch. This is possibly next on my "to-buy" list. 1 question: What camera lens are you using for the b-roll up close!?

[@ktownkanak808]

Hi Teddy. Do these Seiko models have the chapter ring alignment issues, that the lower end Seiko automatics have sometimes?

[@justinbond15]

I just want to mention how awesome the customer service is from your site. I ordered a 39.5mm Oris green dial diver thinking it was 43.5mm. I genuinely made the mistake and didn’t notice until I received the watch. Emailed your customer service the next business day Gabe reached out and took care of everting. Within 5 business after sending the watch back, stickers and everything stick in tact, I got a full refund. If I decided to order another watch, it will most def be from you.

[@stephenhenion8304]

Seiko watches really have "Cred". I like mine! Cant wait to get MORE!!