The Perfect Affordable Watch?

[@JeepSec]

Love mine and wear it frequently. I know many people don't like the cyclops, but just wait a few decades - you'll be glad it's there. Trust me.

[@chriscon8463]

I turned 50 last year & I’m just beginning to appreciate them…

[@joshuathomas512]

the X is my problem

[@arielspalter7425]

Just turned 50. I have always had excellent eyesight and I’ve never worn glasses in my life, and I cannot see dates on watches without those magnifying bumps. I have one on my SSK001 which I really appreciate.

[@gerardowmby7156]

I own it. It looks more like a Rolex with that cyclops.

[@barryallen6927]

You have a phone, you don't need a cyclops, let alone a date complication.

[@KullySK]

My SPB121 is one of the favourites in my collection. I'm always surprised at how polarising the X on the dial and cyclops are, when they genuinely don't bother me at all. Also the SCVF009 (the 90s green Alpinist) also had one. It's not a perfect watch, but for versatility, value and punching way above it's weight; it's fairly hard to beat.

[@WardStroud]

Hey! Imagine my deight:) I'm wearing mine now! First time I unboxed my Alpinist I was sitting outside in the Summer in the Northwest of USA in Oregon. The direct sunlight literally made rainbow flashes off the impeccable hour indices and I've been in love every since. The dewdrop (not a cyclops!) looks more like a jewel than anything else and for those reviewers that complain about the strap... If they actually wore the watch instead of collecting them like hotwheel cars they would see an amazing patina occur with time and wearing... Thanks for highlighting a true classic thats all it's own! Thank you for all the great videos. You make the community more fun and interesting!

[@DarrlnMartln]

I bought my SARB017 Alpinist in 2018. I sometimes get bored with it, so I'll watch a video, such as this one, and appreciate it again.

[@lakshbhambhani8565]

SPB155 baby alpinist here! Absolutely love it on my wrist, its right up my aesthetic. I also didnt like the flat crystal and the cyclops, so this other model was perfect to me. Originally on a bracelet, I immediately bought a leather strap to go with it. Good for a beater, easy to dress up. I've had watch-snobs double take my wrist to check if its REALLY a Seiko!! That is how good these watches look....

[@Jmmm19]

The baby alpinist isnt the spb121...

[@lakshbhambhani8565]

@@Jmmm19 my bad, SPB155

[@TOMISMCC1]

My wife bought me this watch for my 70th birthday. I have 6 seikos and 3 tissots in my collection but this SPB121 Alpinist is in my view drop dead gorgeous. I love the cyclops on the date window. I have changed the Seiko brown deployment clasp for a Hirsch green leather strap.

[@paulbugoni2846]

The SARB017, SKX009J1, SARB 33 and 35 are the 4 Seikos I will never sell; represents Seiko’s pinnacle of bang/buck ratio IMHO. Now charging more for less….

[@Spartacus-hc9xt]

I’ve worn a different version of this model daily for years, absolutely fantastic in every way

[@donchi1234]

I’m planning on buying one…are they durable?

[@Spartacus-hc9xt]

@@donchi1234 yea very, it’s an excellent watch

[@Spartacus-hc9xt]

Yes, extremely

[@mikecollett-white8360]

I have the silver dial model and steel strap which to me makes more sense for an outdoor watch I use to swim, ski and report from the Donbas! I adore it. Unbelievable value for money. Reliable, sturdy, decent looking and pretty accurate. For £600 it’s a steal.

[@silvaanosvs8783]

This is the kind of video I want more of. A proper review of a watch. And a Seiko at that. I got my son this model for his 20th birthday. He seems very happy with it.

[@24934637]

Regarding mountaineering......A HUGE amount of mountaineering is done in the dark, it's absolutely essential. A normal 'Alpine' day on the mountain starts off at about 2am and a large proportion of a mountain is climbed in darkness. The reason for this is rockfall. Once the sun hits a steep mountain, such as the Matterhorn, the ice will start melting, and there is an increased risk of rockfall. Ideally you'd want to be on the summit shortly after dawn, and making your way back down aiming to be in a safe location again by early afternoon at the latest!

[@Spurdospaerde692]

Also, if the sky is clear enough to navigate by the sun, it's likely to be clear enough to navigate by the pole stars at night. Anyway, it's incorrect that this watch lacks index lume. The pips are even clearly visible in the video, when he mentions the supposed lack of lume. The compass ring doesn't have any lume, however.

[@ztobe3822]

Notice that no current Seiko actually has the world "Alpinist" written anywhere on the dial or caseback. Such a shame. They have all this awesome history, and they slap a prospex logo on the dial instead. 🤷‍♀ Still a nice looking watch, but if you can find a SARB017, grab it instead. It's thinner, the dial is cleaner, and the caseback has "Alpinist" written in beautiful script along with the mountain engraving.

[@jordyblaauw5040]

The SARB017 is very beautiful and the "real" alpinist. Unfortunately, it's expensive and relatively hard to to get.

[@matyasd007]

​@@jordyblaauw5040the new one looks better and much more expensive

[@taefer7437]

​@@matyasd007 and an improved movement

[@PierreColombo900]

​@@jordyblaauw5040It's not the real Alpinist, far from it. The SARB017 is just a cheap remake of the SCVF009.

[@DerpEye]

@@taefer7437 The movement still sucks in precision compared to ETA, just like the old 6r15. The watch, today, is absolutely overpriced for what it is. I owned the older version and sold it, twice, because i just couldn't adjust the movement properly.

[@willelliott5052]

I have not actually put the manual compass method into practice, but it seems a little simpler to bisect the shorter distance between the hour hand (pointed at the sun) and the noon marker, and to identify that direction as south if you are in the northern hemisphere, and vice versa.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I own and love multiple Alpinists, although not the SPB121. I admit I did not get it initially when I got into watches and people were going on and on about it, but it only took me a few months to realize why it's great. I adore the overbuilt 200m of water resistance. The design is quite unique and I really consider it to be the Japanese version of the Rolex Explorer. Not because it looks like an Explorer (it doesn't), but because it's a field watch meant for adventure in its own quirky Japanese way. It is a classic.

[@timgenter1264]

Stunning watch and one of the favorites in my collection. I don't want to know anyone who thinks this watch is unattractive.

[@dgdave2673]

Have the SPB210, but at $775 plus taxes, I wouldn’t call this cheap. After regulation I have set it to be with +/-2 secs a day. With the deployant style calf leather strap it’s just wonderful on your wrists!

[@bluenick4577]

You know watchfinder viewers are all millionaires

[@H4is3nberg]

Same, when I heard the price I was like “that’s cheap?!” 😂

[@kfkwAL7]

How did you make the strap work. It’s poor quality and the clasp is like catching your wrist in a door while closing it

[@tineye5100]

The SARB version is my favorite. I love it. Gorgeous and gets lots of compliments. It’s also my wife’s favorite watch of mine.

[@user-tt2pt1tu6s]

I own both a Seiko SARB017 Alpinist and an SPB243 Alpinist. I love them both. Each piece has its own place and time to wear. I find the SARB017 a little "blingy" actually yet still tasteful with its green and gold colorway. While intended as a "field" watch, the high polishing, rather than a more brushed steel finishing, tends to diminish the visual "field" aesthetic of a tool watch yet makes it still versatile enough as a single watch collection. The specs however do deliver on the field watch capabilities. I don't find as many opportunities to wear this one. The SPB243 on the other hand I find extremely versatile allowing it to be worn, in my opinion, in many more scenarios and dress style from jeans and polo shirt to wearing a suit, particularly if you swap the bracelet for a strap. It's a little more subtle in presence than it's elder sibling. It does have enough polishing that still makes it pop. You can't go wrong with either, but if you truly want a "field" oriented watch, the SARB017 or its latest iteration, the SPB121, while a little "blingy" will be your best, more functional field watch option, again in my opinion.

[@BAF605]

There are currently three varieties of Alpinist all with several dial colours and strap/bracelet options. You'll find them offered at amazing prices. I bought a Baby Alpinist for £320. A steal for that money.

[@Zotrax1946]

Yes, I agree, mostly.. I believe most Sarb owners would have liked to have the “holy” Sarb017, which is popularly considered the og 🤷🏼‍♂️. I know I would-if I didn’t own one. That green on the dial is heavenly. The mountains etching on the back-so simple and cool. No magnification on the beautifully framed date window. Perfect watch. Lousy band.

[@deansusec8745]

Do you have a recomendation for a good leather band or bracelet?

[@Zotrax1946]

@@deansusec8745 green suede strap

[@heldersantiago6515]

Yay, I have one! Well mine is actually the Sarb017, which is even better. I LOVE IT!

[@SoloPedal]

I’ll keep my Red Alpinist. It’s amazing how every SPB Alpinist video on KZbin talks about the Alpinist history starting in the 1950s/60s then jumping straight to the SARB. No mention or love for the SCVF 4S powered Alpinist that helped Seiko come back to mechanical watches after the quartz crisis/boom era. The specs the Red Alpinist had were way better than even the SARB. I’ll take the thinner case and a better accuracy hi beat movement over the eye candy and less accurate movements they sell nowadays.

[@H0kram]

Because they don't know about it mate. Most youtubers use the copy/paste technique and praise the same stuff weither it's legit or not. No risk and minimum work.

[@Spurdospaerde692]

Indeed. I don't know how many times I've heard KZbinrs gush over "the original Alpinist, the SARB017". Mate, that was one variant from the 5th or 6th, depending on how you're counting, generation of Alpinists! It was made and sold in the 2010s, for heaven's sake!

[@jpdemer5]

I think it's perfect for a small (2-3 watches) collection. Add a dress watch, and what more do you need? Maybe a diver, for those who think it's mandatory for some reason.

[@WatchandSon]

I've got two, a Baby Alpinist and the new GMT...both are simply brilliant. Full on tool watches that can be dressed up. I believe originally they were made for City types that liked to go wild at the weekend in the snow...do they had to look good on both environments. Great stuff chaps, thanks for sharing.

[@SugarKalamay]

Im from the Philippines and ever since I discovered watches, the SARB017 was my grail watch until it was discontinued. When this arrived, I wanted to get this. This may be affordable in a 1st world country but at over 40,000 PHP (3 months above average salary) is very very expensive. I had a chance to get this but circumstances made me not able to do so. Someday, I will be able to get this but for now, listening to its specifications and how awesome it is will do. Haha

[@H0kram]

It is expensive in the west too, though not as much as in the Philippines if we use the overall metrics of course. " Affordable " is the most subjective and vague argument in sales. That imaginary price can vary from 1 to 20 times depending on who you ask, it is especially true these days with the financial gaps increasing and the decay of the middle class.

[@SugarKalamay]

@@H0kram "affordable" for 1st worlders are vastly different from third worlders. Sometimes i think to myself if i chose the right hobby. Hahahaha

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Well well well!!! An Alpinist ay?! Well I personally would say the Sarb 017 is definitely the best and unfortunately discontinued! Nowadays we e gotta accept the Prospex logo on a vintage looking dial PLUS!!!! The cyclops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@barrettwbenton]

Another fine overview! I've owned an 017 Alpinist for some six years, and love it as much as the day it arrived. I can quibble somewhat about the changes made to its successor (exhibition case back adds thickness and takes away the iconic engraved Alpinist script and mountain logo, the crown loses the JDM-aware "S" engraving, Et Cetera), but the Alpinist DNA, so to speak, remains.

[@Sizzle_Bear]

I have many dial variants of this model. Best watch ever

[@mjtsirhc]

I managed to get myself the original Alpinist SARB017 some years back at it's retail price. I much prefer the 38mm size to the newer Prospex models.

[@cos-9113]

For that price point there are dozens of field watches with Seiko movements that are far more accurate and usually cheaper. You can even get a Christopher Ward that is chronometer certified and guaranteed for just a little more, and one that is more accurate for the same price that, while different, looks just as good. Really like the smaller Alpinist, but until Seiko decides to regulate their movements rather than just assemble them and take what ever results I wouldn’t bother with them. By the way, the compass bezel may just be the most useless item on any watch-anyone who knows how to use them knows the bezel provides zero additional function that the dial doesn’t already provide. And for those that take the term compass bezel to heart, but really don’t know navigation, it will likely get them far more lost than they already are-if you think that bezel helps then the best thing you can do if you need it is to sit tight and hope someone is already looking for you.

[@ShiroKage009]

This is an amazing watch. I enjoy it more than the previous Sarb, though I like that too.

[@Therealgdoesgshit]

I have one the brown dial , feels really premium for the price point like way wayyy more expensive, and also wears smaller and thinner than the suggested dimensions ! Great watch to start or add to a collection! Solid stylish and classic choice

[@Rafik_Emil_Art]

Seiko Alpinist is a Fine watch indeed. if only they hadn't slapped that horrendous prospex logo on the dial, it seems like seiko is pretty determined on using that logo on almost every single watch they make. In fact that prospex logo looks more like a Game console logo. Oh i wish they bring back that iconic red alpinist logo again.

[@waffle911]

Funnily enough there's actually a fitness conglomerate called Xponential Fitness that uses an almost identical X logo. Instead of the stylized interlocking PS of the Prospex logo, though, the cut outline emphasizes an arrow shape.

[@orangeyellow-me1pz]

Everything bothers you people

[@Rafik_Emil_Art]

@waffle911 Exactly,, that's what i mean,, it looks like a gaming or a fitness company logo and most certainly you can find countless iterations of the same logo on Whey Protein Jars. It's so generic, lazy and aesthetically unpleasing, it is an eyesore. I looked up the logo you just mentioned, the resmemblance is uncanny.

[@martyngebhard7311]

Seiko has a habit of discontinuing or changing anything we like

[@rossyoung8892]

I own the cream dial model of the prospex alpinist and have had it for about 4 months, your comment has just reminded that there's even a prospex logo on the watch face, from my own experience you hardly notice it and it really doesn't detract from the look of the watch

[@redbarchetta8782]

I got the brown dial version and love it.

[@stereoslime]

I have the glacier one. Lovely watch. Never letting it go.

[@finesse49]

I like my SARB017 and prefer the no-cyclops date.

[@greigmcsporran8904]

Have the European Edition on the bracelet and I like it. It’s far from perfect, gain’s +20 seconds daily, the inner compass does not align perfectly and has a bit of wiggle when rotated. However, what it lacks in attention to detail, it makes up for with charm.

[@ivanthejokec8831]

Mine had 40s/day. After watchmakers magic is finally usable.

[@prudenceocs27]

Mine is averaging -3 per day. Luck of the draw I guess

[@H0kram]

Typical Seiko's QC. The folks in my usual boutique have given up in checking that, it was too much hassle and Seiko is not cooperative. They will give you the best they can find in their stock but its plain shitty pratice from Seiko. It didn't stop the sales from going up so they sure won't let their conscious interfere with it.

[@drticzon]

I saw this watch at a local Seiko AD recently. I was excited to hear they had one in stock. When I saw it in person, it wasn’t for me. I passed since there were 2 other people who wanted to see it. But they too didn’t purchase it. The deal breaker was the cyclops dial and the cathedral hands….wasn’t for me.

[@SerialWheeler]

I always imagine I'd be selling my Mountain Glacier Alpinist SPB197J1 (not seeing it anywhere anymore, discontinued?), but whenever I put it on my wrist it just gives a very unique feeling. Also, changing straps does magic. Blue rubber strap from the SRPH77 mini Tuna works like a dream, so always change the strap/bracelet on your watch before deciding to sell it on... you might be surprised.

[@themrmarkprior]

I have a 2016 SARB017 and its probably my most characterful watch. I still love wearing it.

[@mattede8744]

I just paid 860AUD for mine and I'm really pleased with it. Always wanted a nice green dial. Don't like the cyclops, never have. Why do they persist in putting them on?

[@Gaeb]

I recently purchased the new GMT version of this watch in black, SPB379, and it has become my daily driver. I put it on a nato strap and I absolutely love it to death, all for less than $1k! Fantastic value

[@raakshas94]

I just bought this two months ago, my first real watch. The accuracy is better than advertised. With a fully wound watch, its +- 5 secs a day, even after a week if its worn daily. However, mine gains about 20 secs if i dont wear it for a day.

[@underwaterlevelz1947]

Been wearing a Marathon Steel Navigator for nearly a year, but seeking to update my look. I love my Marathon, but want something with automatic movement so I am looking at the Alpinist

[@think-e]

Love the alpinist design but the movement is horrible to regulate. There ars so many other options for the same price tag with a sw200 which you can regulate to +-5 Sec!

[@oracle_2010]

Does it still have diashock feature? Considering the inscription has been taken away in this newer model. If not, does it also means that it no longer qualified as an Alpinist? Since the diashock feature might be essential for Alpinist line.

[@Hrethgir]

I like this watch, but would get the Baby Alpinist instead. Basically the same look, but just a single crown and no internal compass bezel. Simplifies the looks and really streamlines it. I have no need for the compass bezel, and the second crown just throws the balance off too much for me eye.

[@nanimuwu]

I have owned this watch for about a month, and it's my first proper watch. It looks excellent, but as someone new into the watch scene I have a few gripes (despite how good it is): The strap is sort of stiff and does not exactly conform to the wrist, as of yet anyway. The numbering on the even digits throw me a bit off. As someone not used to mechanical watches, the loss of accuracy over time, although expected, still a bit annoying. Still a great piece though, and will never look bad.

[@WardStroud]

Hang in there with the strap... it will turn into a stunning echo of your arm someday. I've had mine for 9months and it's turned dark and texturely interesting. I love it! I put in a case at night with a ;pillow that forms it to my wrist to help break it in. Hope this helps!

[@ffxsam]

Seasoned watch enthusiasts will tell you that, in most cases, the strap is a throwaway. I've never liked any stock strap on a watch I've owned (except the Orient Bambino). I always swap it out for something else. FKM rubber is popular these days, for good reason!

[@jonathanblanco3100]

i considered this one for my next watch, but the magnifying window for the date was a deal breaker. Instead I snapped a alpinist deep lake SPB249J1 instead. Gorgeous dial, no rotating besel I wasnt going to use that anyway and packed with specs. It has taken a prominent place within my daily watches.

[@chowda4u]

If you don't mind modding, you could always pop off the cyclops window with a little heat and a credit card.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

​@@chowda4u I've heard something like that before but it sounds risky, can you damage the crystal ?

[@cyanx7]

@jonathanblanco3100 I have the exact same watch since 2022 and it's by far my least reliable piece, I swear it currently adds a full minute or more a day, already sent it to seiko, was running fine for a while, now it's back to wacky timing - how does yours behave?

[@jonathanblanco3100]

@@cyanx7 I haven't noticed issues with it, but I got it in November. So maybe still j. It's infancy. Also I rotate it with other watches so it is usually out of juice when I pick it up again. But I will keep an eye on it from now on. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@cyanx7]

@idkline that could very well be exactly it, thank you for mentioning this. I did use a pouch with a magnetic flap until very recently. Still crazy how it only affected this one and not my spring drive and heuer 02 or a couple of eta/valjoux and a selitta... 👍

[@lympitakisgeorgios8071]

And there is so much more to discuss regarding the history of this watch..!

[@ECThurn]

i would absolutely love this watch if not for the cyclops. i've just never been a fan of them and i wish there was a model without it (unless there is and i'm not aware - and yes i know the sarb017 doesn't but it's discontinued and difficult to find at a good price)

[@GenerationDigital]

Love my SPB119 as my daily beater and the 6R35 movement is pretty close to perfect running just a few seconds fast each day.

[@gerardowmby7156]

Not enough praise in this video. I searched for ten years for the perfect watch and could not find it even in Rolex. This Alpinist ended my search.

[@anilvrao2]

Great watches! I have two Alpinists and cannot think of another watch at this price point that I would rather own. They are beautiful, very accurate for the money, and extremely comfortable to wear.

[@Rosie2009ify]

I bought this watch in NY back in Sept 2023 and I absolutely love it. Incredibly beautiful and clean

[@sparkyatwph]

Love this watch. I saw the cream and jumped , then the green came so I got that. Now I have two!

[@dougstump2520]

I own the model displayed in this video. It's a good watch. Two issues that i wish would be corrected. The strap it comes on is just not comfortable, nor does the color do the watch any favors. I swapped it out for a saddle brown plain leather strap with traditional buckle, and it looks and feels much better. The watch also wears smaller than it's case size, and this watch dial is too pretty to get lost in the smaller size. It would work really well as a 40-41 mm watch.

[@hendriksprikdesign]

Seiko did it again, what a beauty!

[@heloiamerk]

I got a SARB017 and then couldn't help but also get a SPB089. I think those two are my favourite.

[@Makingnewnamesisdumb]

>we don't put sapphire crystals on because it would just add cost, just put your own on. >we don't regulate our watches, just get a watchmaker to do it. May as well build my own watch if I'm goong to spend a bunch of time and effort fixing everything they knowingly do wrong with their watches.

[@Daskalos76]

Nice but what’s the point having a compass in your watch?

[@jasonirving1610]

I have the cream dial version and it is currently my 1 watch collection.

[@gibbonsdp]

I've seen some reviews complain about the strap but without specifying why. It has only a single-fold deployant clasp, which can make it a little tight to get over your hand. And the leather strap is quite thick and stiff, so I found the watch did not sit readily on my wrist (though that may improve with wear).

[@kfkwAL7]

It’s rubbish. The clasp digs in and sits in the wrong place. They should sell just the watch head as everyone buys another strap

[@bbjeremyho]

Loved the previous version but never pulled the trigger in time. Have quite a few tool watches now so would be hard to justify an alpinist now. Do love the internal compass though, so could be swayed. See that Seiko now do more affordable GMT. If they work that into the alpinist while still keeping the same dimensions and same price then it would be very difficult to say no to for me.

[@TeslaRules1856]

It nice but is the movement in the same class as a Powermatic 80 ?

[@huguninpearl]

My dady bought one NKUWAN and he loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when he went out with it.

[@belabohlen6156]

I liked when this was about watches not marketing. Wristwatch revival is a good channel for anyone wanting content about watches again. Also a small feedback, If u wanna show a watch and how it looks worn on the arm, take someone that watch is fitting to and not your hairy arm every single time, stick to tennis watches.

[@christianjlevesque]

Great, now I'm on Seiko's website figuring out which one I like best 😁

[@samuelherron6558]

Just ordered a Balteny 1926 for my 60th...but I have had my eye on this Alpinist for a long time...one day when I have the dosh😅. Btw it's the only watch I'd pay over £500 for and see it's value, functionality and engineering as sublime mix of all it's attributes. I have over 30 watches including a Chinese tourbion and it's a beauty and a Cheap dress watch under £5 which is obviously a quartz and a great time keeper . Lord help me if I ever win the lottery 😂...as the money ceiling would be enhanced for sure. We enthusiasts collect within our constraints, aspire to the next watch with the desire of a patriot 🇬🇧 ... British in my case. But watches and the passion we have for this hobby/ passion transcends borders , countries and economics , race creed or colour. Heirology is imho one of last true forms of escapism and ways to appreciate the amazing engineering prowess of the watchmaker and our fascination with an artist from that speaks volumes to us. Looking forward to expanding my modest collection.

[@sensible202]

The way it sits on the wrist is the worst. It's floating! Seiko is tricking most consumers.

[@NazidKimmie]

I just ordered the SPB409J limited edition, impulse buy I'm afraid but a price I could not ignore!- but I did like the combination of looks, utility and build... with the bonus leather strap it can also go 'semi-dressy' as well so a nice all occasion watch - I'm hoping.... It will be my first automatic watch too so there is that...

[@LtLeopard]

Could you, by any chance, review some more Farer watches? I'm really interested in their chronographs, but next to 0 content about it. Love the vids!

[@kingtaj]

What are the best metals bands for this watch? I'd appreciate any options in the $75-150 price range

[@ThePolosatiyton]

If movement really can be adjusted for chronometer accuracy (or close to it), this is good watch. If not and you get so bad accuracy - it can’t cost more than $200. For me, only chronometer grade caliber is ok. COSC is ok, Rolex or omega standard- what I want to get

[@_______________00]

What? So you think there should only be watches for 200$ and watches for 6000+?

[@ThePolosatiyton]

@@_______________00 i sad that good watches must have accurate movement. If not - it’s bad watches. Movement most important thing imo

[@ClarkAdams-ft6um]

Choosing the perfect affordable watch involves considering various factors such as style, durability, and price. A well-selected timepiece can add a touch of elegance to any outfit without breaking the bank. Some brands offer excellent options in the affordable range, balancing aesthetics and functionality.

[@GeorgeMarshall-hz3ue]

Absolutely! It's not about spending a fortune; it's about finding a watch that suits your personal taste and lifestyle. Whether it's a minimalist design or a sporty look, there are affordable options that don't compromise on quality. Consulting watch enthusiasts or doing online research can help narrow down the choices.

[@StacyOwens-fl2xs]

@david18734 I completely agree. At 55 years old and contemplating a significant watch investment, I've been eyeing the Richard Mille RM 26-01 as a potential addition to my collection. With the intricate features and limited availability, I recognize the need for expert advice in making such purchase. Do you have any recommendations for a trustworthy watch advisor?

[@JuliettaMicheals]

@david18734 This aligns perfectly with my interest in expanding my watch collection. Could you share the contact information of your watch advisor for further guidance?

[@JuliettaMicheals]

@david18734 I just looked him up on google, and I came across his website.

[@JuliettaMicheals]

He looks well-educated and well-read, I'll get in touch with him

[@deansusec8745]

If this one is perfect, with the cyclops and 300$ more expensive, then what is my SARB017?

[@Sabrermk42]

The new watch I bought from an AD was an SPB199J1 in 2020. I wouldn't be without it.

[@petewilson2314]

Had the Alpinist but ended up selling. I felt it was more like a dress watch trying to be a field watch and the 6R35 is not particularly accurate. Also I found it to be a little too thick 13.2 mm. The compass feature wasn't particularly useful for me. I think it's gorgeous but not a keeper for me.

[@truebluemiata]

You're right, a Marmite watch to be sure. And I never touch the stuff. What I'd really like is a faithful recreation of the original Alpinist Champion, perhaps with a 6r movement, in the King Seiko line since that original watch was more svelt with an elegant dial.

[@jspeakman53]

Some quality shortcuts. The original SARB017 hour lume pips have individual gilt surround. The SPB121 doesn’t.

[@matyasd007]

There is no shortcut here. It is a different design.

[@demetriohabonjr.4672]

How much?

[@smkh2890]

I have a Seiko PADI and it stays in its box most of the time. It looks great, but when ever I pick it up, it has stopped! So the time and date are out and have to be set. Too much hassle. 'Automatic' so-called!

[@DerpEye]

I owned the Alpinist. Twice. Since the original green with the 6r15. I ended up selling it both times because it's just not accurate enough considering its price, then, and even more considering its price now. A basic eta2824 is a much better and accurate movement, which can be adjusted easily. If we take into consideration the newer powermatic80 offerings from Swatch group lines, out of the box there's no question which watches would be more accurate. And it's not the Seiko.

[@stefanivic1439]

The Mountain Sunset FTW. Love it.

[@kenhofelich]

Question, Why are these watches never put on a time grapher ? I can read the stats myself. Let's see what they have. That would be a review instead of a sales brochure

[@bananowyjestemsobie]

There's not much point in testing a single unit, is there? For more expensive, COSC or METAS-certified watches, they either meet the specs or they're broken - a warranty issue that has no reflection on the model as a whole. That's what the certificate is for, each individual watch is already tested so you don't need reviewers to tell you how accurate it is. The cheaper ones like this SEIKO have such big tolerances that testing a single watch out of thousands says literally nothing. How do you benefit from knowing where one specific example falls between -15 to +25s/day? The one you buy might be completely different with such a wide range. Imagine the reviewer gets lucky and his watch shows +5s/day. I guarantee some people will rush to buy this "cheap and accurate" gem, only to whine in the comments and on forums when theirs turns out to gain the full +25s/day. It's perfectly whithin spec, but they'll still be disappointed.

[@kenhofelich]

Thank you for the response . Maybe by showing potential buyers that there is a variance in the performance that they would receive. Just my thought Thanks

[@bananowyjestemsobie]

​@@kenhofelichYou're right that talking more about the variance would be a good idea. Maybe if reviewers could sometimes get a few examples of one model to test that would show the differences? One case where I think testing in reviews could be good is with brands that make big claims about accuracy but don't have any certificates. Cheers!

[@ianmorrison9480]

I love the brand, love the baby alpinist, I think the compas bezel on this watch an irrelevant gimmick, how often can you see the sun? I carry a compass if I need to navigate. I would prefer the larger watch without the compass bezel though.

[@Hachithedoggiestofdogs]

Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely a Seiko fanboy, but I ended up gifting my Alpinist to my father-in-law. For me, whilst the case size and general dimensions are perfect, the various design elements just seem to be a mishmash of different styles/functions, that make sense individually, but when all put together, the watch just doesn't seem to have a clear idea of what it's supposed to be. The inner compass bezel was also really poorly aligned and wobbled around the circumference on its rails when rotating. Seiko is my absolute favourite value brand, but I just feel the Alpinist lacks a clear sense of self

[@MENSA.lady2]

At about half that price I will keep my Tissot PR100. The stopwatch facility is useful to me and the accuracy is incredible,

[@luigimiccoli3956]

I bought the Seiko spb121j1 but the strap is to short for my wrist!

[@felipesolari5343]

What about that “compas”?

[@geraint8989]

Demonstrably and manifestly better than any Rolex.

[@jspeakman53]

Better dial on the SARB017

[@gotshpilkes]

Can't abide a compass bezel. Put a clip-on compass on your watchband if you are going off the pavement.

[@christianmaibach1299]

Just bought the 2023 limited black alpinist

[@marioaquilina248]

Why did you say that Seiko were famous for cheap quartz watches ? I agree that Seiko were pioneers in quartz but they always made automatic/mechanical watches including mechanical chronographs. I own mechanical Seikos from the early 60's still running with the original movements.

[@ralphus555]

Had the older model and sold it for a decent profit. Massive regret over that decision. Have the blue Baby Alpinist and the 6R movement failed after the warranty expired. Repaired by Seiko for $300. Ugh.

[@aspexpl]

I'm more a fan of the SPB241, because it's a more simple and elegant design, allowing more versatility.

[@ikirikchi]

Nice watch, but the compass function is quite useless in real life. If only Seiko made a “diving” (timing) inner ring, I would buy it with great pleasure.

[@Awkwardfruitfly]

Sarb017 was the best seiko to date. Value for money wise. What’s everyone think?

[@robertm.9633]

The price hike over the previous SARB is unjustified when all you’re getting is minor movement performance. That’s enough to make me look elsewhere, even if I’m paying more.