Love the UC BoR aesthetic, but the clasp was its downfall. it would flip open randomly during active use, then finally the bolt under the clasp either came loose or broke off never to be seen again. the search for the perfect BoR continues!
I have owned the two Strapcode offerings for the Sarb. The Strapcode options IMHO are too big and bulky with very thick and heavy links that overpower the small Sarb head. Plus, large male end links add to the bulk. I returned both. Solid and well built…for a dive watch. Uncle Seiko says the beads of rice now has solid end links, but the price is up to $99 plus shipping. I may have to try the BOR from Uncle.
My Ghost Alpinist arrived today, photos and videos don't do the watch justice, it is 10x more gorgeous in the flesh and guess what? Mine came shipped direct from Seiko Japan with no quality issues, the bezel lines up no matter where North is so I'm a very happy chap 😁👌 I am looking at a strap-code brushed bracelet so thanks for this video👍
The only bracelet I’ve worn with beads of rice style is on my Dificianos. I find them to be one of the most comfortable bracelets I wear, especially given how tight I prefer to wear my watches. That bracelet dresses up the Alpinist nicely.
Love the beads of rice but was let down by no solid end links I’d of bought one at the end of ur video if it had ,I also have the black Alpinist on bracelet and have to say it’s pretty good but the beads of rice looks brilliant but not for me cos of ends ☹️what a let down
My "midnight" alpinist is on the way SPB117. I found a good deal on a barely worn pre owned piece. I gotta say the solid end links or lack of is a deal breaker for me. The strapcode oyster is expensive but the best option imo.
Another great video. I own an uncle Seiko bracelet, the quality is superb! Keep it up brother and that alpinists looks beautiful on the president style Bracelet!!
Agree with you on the Uncle Seiko BOR bracelet. Solid end links would make this perfect for me. Your review has convinced me that choosing the Beads Of Rice for my SARB017 was the right choice as it looks fantastic....as always, you hit the mark......Enjoy your videos.
Morning Shane. I have a StrapCode two-tone jubilee on my SARB017. The quality is excellent and the clasp is wonderful. I have several StrapCodes on other Seikos in the collection and they are all very nice. No experience with Uncle Seiko bracelets, but anything with a flimsy, pressed clasp doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade.
Right after I finished editing this I ordered a strapcode, but not for the Alpinist. Saw this one for the Orient Kamasu and decided to try it. www.strapcode.com/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b114
That's great to hear. The Strapcode endlinks on their oyster bracelet fits very loosely on my SARB017 Alpinist, otherwise excellent quality if not a little too hefty given the small case.
I went for a Strapcode Angus and love it. The solid end links fit very well with no determinable gaps and I like the chunkier look of the Angus compared to the standard Jubilee.
Another fantastic review! Thank you. For me, through my experiences with both Larry Bouligny aka "Uncle Seiko", and his products, there is no reason to shop anywhere else. For Seiko new & vintage (as well as other companies) bracelets, there's no reason to shop anywhere else.
I bought the OEM oyster bracelet a while back for my SARB. I just love that look. I also used a SKX013 jubilee with Watchgecko end links which was good but not as good as the oyster. I am tempted to try an Uncle Seiko bracelet for my Sarb033.
If the clasp is a deal-breaker for you on the "tapers-down-to-16mm" bracelets from the Unc, I recommend using a 16mm clasp from strapcode/miltat. I did this with an Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet that i modified the endlinks on to fit to an Orient Star Standard Date, and it makes a huge difference compared to the stamped clasp. I do wish that Uncle Seiko offered optional clasps for the 16mm clasped bracelets.
It is my understanding that the case design of the “new Alpinist” has not changed as it related to strap/bracelet fitment. I would imagine that the stock Seiko metal bracelet that will be supplied on the new “black alpinist” would be the same Seiko oyster style bracelet that has been available for the Sarb017. This bracelet has been well defined/reviewed on numerous TH-cam channels. Basically it is the same as the stock Seiko metal bracelet provided in the now discontinued Sarb033/035 with slightly different end lengths. These Seiko bracelets for the Sarb017 are available but they are expensive (around $170) and the clasp only has two micro adjustments.
Love your reviews on this watch, I’m seriously considering it. Bit of a newby here so please bear with me for what may be a stupid question. In your last review you mentioned that you didn’t like the fact that the strap was reversed, ie the loose end of the strap pointed at you rather than away. I wouldn’t like that either, but would the solution not just be to flip the orientation of the strap, or does that not work?
Thanks. It would work, but might be a little more awkward to use. As the buckle wound be opening up backwards as well. If you really like the strap, another option would be just to swap it to a normal buckle.
Too bad about the clasp on the president. Do we have any idea why Uncle Seiko opted for the stamped clasp extensions on the president but milled on the BoR? Cheers.
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I own this and I somehow find jubilee bracelets engulfing the entire watch. I use the bracelet when I put it on but I prefer a leather or any other variations...
Great vid as usual , I have the prospex alpinist green dial with the uncle seiko beads of rice bracelet , believe me it looks killer and the quality is exceptional , highly recommended .
Have "beads of rice" on Heuer Autavia. Very comfortable but no adjustments save on clasp so I have it maxed snug. Still attractive. Your "beads" had it looks like pins which is good. Have a Jubilee style on my Squale, but screws loosen with wearing. Will loctite. Saw a clip lamenting a "sag" with Jubilee bracelets with adjustments for large wrists. Good review would go with beads.
Being that the Uncle Seiko beads of rice bracelet has hollow endlinks, I wonder if it could be made to fit the SARB035? I think that would look amazing.
I know this is an old post but in case anyone reads it, the Uncle Seiko SARB017 BOR bracelet has milled clasp and solid end links now. ALSO, the Uncle Seiko SARB 033/035 BOR bracelet has the same milled clasp and solid end links and it is absolutely fantastic on my SARB 035. Looks comparable to Shane's fantastic pictures of the new white Alpinist in this review. I used to occasionally put leather straps on my 035 but since the BOR went on a few months ago I'm not taking it off.
@@larrydalton2205 that’s awesome. I cobbled myself a bracelet together out of 3 bracelets for my 035. I’m using Uncle Seiko solid jubilee endlinks, a solid screw link jubilee bracelet from Island Watch, and a butterfly clasp from a different jubilee bracelet. I usually don’t go for butterfly clasps but with this one the bracelet fits perfectly. I still want to pick up an Uncle Seiko BOR for my SARB soon though.
Definitely prefer the Beads of Rice - not sure why, but to my eyes it seems a better match to the Alpinist (despite the little issue with the end link dimensions).
Great reviews, I discovered your channel recently. Calm and cool style of presenting it! Information about the original bracelet from Seiko: It is possible to order one in addition to the leather straps for the green and Creme versions. I did it yesterday by ordering the same model you have chosen incl. the bracelet for the black one for 160 EUR list price in Germany.
Doesn't Watchgecko make alternative bracelets for the Alpinist? I considered getting a two tone President for my Alpinist from them, but I settled for Stapcode's jubilee.
I have a number of their straps, but I didn't even think to check Watchgecko. Looking now they have some endlinks for a few seikos, but they don't list the alpinist. Look like they are more for the divers.
Relative Time I did some digging, turns out they used to do bracelets for the Alpinist, they just don't anymore. You can still find old reddit posts where people show off the Alpinist Jubilee they used to sell. Not sure how good the quality was, I somewhat regret not getting their jubilee over the Strapcode one, as the Strapcode bracelets tend to be chunky and heavy. Still an excellent bracelet though, pretty top shelf stuff. If it wasn't for corona I'd offer to send my OG Alpinist, if for nothing than your personal comparison.
Thanks, that's good to know. I actually just ordered a strapcode, but it's not for the Alpinist. They have an interesting new one for the Orient Kamasu. So that should at least give me an idea of the quality.
Thanks for doing the bracelet review! Very informative to lots of watch collectors. I trust you’ll say a couple of words about the Strapcode one once it comes. The beads-of-rice does indeed look classy and comfortable. It would just bother me knowing that the endlink isn’t a perfect fit :) But that’s just me. By the way, now I’ve got a Strapcode Super-O Boyer bracelet for my ”green” Kamasu. Really solid bracelet all over, with tight fitting solid endlinks that were nonetheless surprisingly easy to attach. Elevates the watch to a whole new level. It also makes the watch pretty heavy, we’ll see if that becomes a problem in the long run.
While I was putting this together I noticed the new Retro Razor bracelet for the Kamasu. I haven't seen anything quite like it and I wanted to try out strapcode anyways, so I ordered that right after I finished. www.strapcode.com/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b114 I'll see how much I like that before getting more strapcodes, but at the very least I'll do a short video on that just to show it off and give my opinion on it. I'm pretty surprised at how fast they shipped. I chose the cheapest option and I think it's supposed to be here in a few days.
Relative Time wow, I have never seen that type of bracelet, either! Kind of makes me want to order that, too. But I think I can wait for your review before that :) I would be interested to hear how you find the weight in every-day use: does all that extra steel make it too heavy. I haven’t been wearing watches outside the apartment because of current hygiene instructions, so I don’t know if the Strapcode turns out too heavy. I also like to wear my bracelets quite loose. I think a faster micro adjustment system might be good for these heavier bracelets to accommodate for wrist swelling. Although, that would add to the weight even more.
I've got a couple, but never made any video on them. In fact one my favorite bracelets I got from them. A shark Mesh that I had on my Citizen NY0040 for the longest time. www.watchgecko.com/butterfly-h-link-shark-mesh-316l-stainless-watch-strap Only reason I don't have more is delivery fees from the UK add up after a while.
@@RelativeTime Yes, that shark mesh looks great. I've had my eye on Geckota for a while and they look just as good if not better than strapcode and uncle seiko. I hear you on those delivery fees. You always have great content, keep it up!!!! Cheers!
I’ve been considering buying the newer alpinist. This video may have helped convince me. I have their BOR bracelet for my SKX011, and it’s spectacular. It ads to the watch.
I am often surprised by the relative cheap prices of aftermarket long-lasting metal bracelets compared to the heavy cist of leathwr and rubber afternarket straps. Any reason why?
Thanks for that review - Seiko does amazing watches for the money, but their bracelets are not as impressive. It’s good to know of the alternatives out there.
I try to. I don't know of one but I'll try and look. According to strapcode their Alpinist fit a khaki field. So I tried the uncle Seiko on my Khaki king, but didn't work. So I've been thinking about it anyways.
Relative Time thanks Shane! Love the videos and meant no harm about responding to comments, I normally don’t go into comments on videos, so I was not sure if you did. Your Khaki King video is what made me dive into the Champagne dial vs. Black... take care!
@@RelativeTime Thanks, I checked it out but did not like it as well as I thought I would. I like my two tone gold/stainless jubilee better with the green dial.
I've tried to get Uncle Seiko to make a modern hefty version of the president, but he refuses to. He says he seles more of the vintage cheap feeling ones. Nothing worse than taking you watch off and it feels fake because the bracelet is so cheap feeling.
I just don't care for bracelets in general. So as far as these guys go, well, no thanks. I'll take leather straps any time instead of a SS bracelet. Thanks for the video! Very well done, as usual!
The Uncle Seiko beads of rice bracelet now comes with solid end links. Just got it for my SARB017 and really love the way it looks.
That's good to know. They are really great for the price.
Love a beads of rice bracelet. Tried a Rado captain cook on one and it was great. Hoping my next watch is gonna have one
Love the UC BoR aesthetic, but the clasp was its downfall. it would flip open randomly during active use, then finally the bolt under the clasp either came loose or broke off never to be seen again. the search for the perfect BoR continues!
The Uncle Seiko BOR is what I chose for my original Alpinist. It’s terrific
and I think BOR bracelets are the most comfortable bracelets you can get.
Agree with the beads of rice, totally stunning. The president is actually pretty cool too. Some really nice options for the Alpinist.
I have owned the two Strapcode offerings for the Sarb. The Strapcode options IMHO are too big and bulky with very thick and heavy links that overpower the small Sarb head. Plus, large male end links add to the bulk. I returned both. Solid and well built…for a dive watch. Uncle Seiko says the beads of rice now has solid end links, but the price is up to $99 plus shipping. I may have to try the BOR from Uncle.
My Ghost Alpinist arrived today, photos and videos don't do the watch justice, it is 10x more gorgeous in the flesh and guess what? Mine came shipped direct from Seiko Japan with no quality issues, the bezel lines up no matter where North is so I'm a very happy chap 😁👌
I am looking at a strap-code brushed bracelet so thanks for this video👍
Where did you order it?
The only bracelet I’ve worn with beads of rice style is on my Dificianos. I find them to be one of the most comfortable bracelets I wear, especially given how tight I prefer to wear my watches. That bracelet dresses up the Alpinist nicely.
Love the beads of rice but was let down by no solid end links I’d of bought one at the end of ur video if it had ,I also have the black Alpinist on bracelet and have to say it’s pretty good but the beads of rice looks brilliant but not for me cos of ends ☹️what a let down
My "midnight" alpinist is on the way SPB117. I found a good deal on a barely worn pre owned piece. I gotta say the solid end links or lack of is a deal breaker for me. The strapcode oyster is expensive but the best option imo.
I feel the same way, they can have my money
Another great video. I own an uncle Seiko bracelet, the quality is superb! Keep it up brother and that alpinists looks beautiful on the president style Bracelet!!
Agree with you on the Uncle Seiko BOR bracelet. Solid end links would make this perfect for me. Your review has convinced me that choosing the Beads Of Rice for my SARB017 was the right choice as it looks fantastic....as always, you hit the mark......Enjoy your videos.
Morning Shane. I have a StrapCode two-tone jubilee on my SARB017. The quality is excellent and the clasp is wonderful. I have several StrapCodes on other Seikos in the collection and they are all very nice. No experience with Uncle Seiko bracelets, but anything with a flimsy, pressed clasp doesn’t seem like much of an upgrade.
Right after I finished editing this I ordered a strapcode, but not for the Alpinist.
Saw this one for the Orient Kamasu and decided to try it.
www.strapcode.com/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b114
That's great to hear. The Strapcode endlinks on their oyster bracelet fits very loosely on my SARB017 Alpinist, otherwise excellent quality if not a little too hefty given the small case.
I went for a Strapcode Angus and love it. The solid end links fit very well with no determinable gaps and I like the chunkier look of the Angus compared to the standard Jubilee.
Another fantastic review!
Thank you.
For me, through my experiences with both Larry Bouligny aka "Uncle Seiko", and his products, there is no reason to shop anywhere else. For Seiko new & vintage (as well as other companies) bracelets, there's no reason to shop anywhere else.
It's just those hollow end links and clasp on the president, I am looking to go for the oyster so strap-code it is👍
I bought the OEM oyster bracelet a while back for my SARB. I just love that look. I also used a SKX013 jubilee with Watchgecko end links which was good but not as good as the oyster. I am tempted to try an Uncle Seiko bracelet for my Sarb033.
If the clasp is a deal-breaker for you on the "tapers-down-to-16mm" bracelets from the Unc, I recommend using a 16mm clasp from strapcode/miltat. I did this with an Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet that i modified the endlinks on to fit to an Orient Star Standard Date, and it makes a huge difference compared to the stamped clasp. I do wish that Uncle Seiko offered optional clasps for the 16mm clasped bracelets.
Thanks for the videos! What size spring bars did you use?
It is my understanding that the case design of the “new Alpinist” has not changed as it related to strap/bracelet fitment. I would imagine that the stock Seiko metal bracelet that will be supplied on the new “black alpinist” would be the same Seiko oyster style bracelet that has been available for the Sarb017. This bracelet has been well defined/reviewed on numerous TH-cam channels. Basically it is the same as the stock Seiko metal bracelet provided in the now discontinued Sarb033/035 with slightly different end lengths. These Seiko bracelets for the Sarb017 are available but they are expensive (around $170) and the clasp only has two micro adjustments.
Love your reviews on this watch, I’m seriously considering it. Bit of a newby here so please bear with me for what may be a stupid question. In your last review you mentioned that you didn’t like the fact that the strap was reversed, ie the loose end of the strap pointed at you rather than away. I wouldn’t like that either, but would the solution not just be to flip the orientation of the strap, or does that not work?
Thanks. It would work, but might be a little more awkward to use. As the buckle wound be opening up backwards as well. If you really like the strap, another option would be just to swap it to a normal buckle.
The new version now has a solid end link :)
Great to know!
Do you think uncle Seiko bracelet would work on Hamilton khaki field? Thanks
Too bad about the clasp on the president. Do we have any idea why Uncle Seiko opted for the stamped clasp extensions on the president but milled on the BoR? Cheers.
I own this and I somehow find jubilee bracelets engulfing the entire watch. I use the bracelet when I put it on but I prefer a leather or any other variations...
Great vid as usual , I have the prospex alpinist green dial with the uncle seiko beads of rice bracelet , believe me it looks killer and the quality is exceptional , highly recommended .
Planning on buying a BoR for my baby alpinist.
Great review. I also love your photography!
Have "beads of rice" on Heuer Autavia. Very comfortable but no adjustments save on clasp so I have it maxed snug. Still attractive. Your "beads" had it looks like pins which is good. Have a Jubilee style on my Squale, but screws loosen with wearing. Will loctite. Saw a clip lamenting a "sag" with Jubilee bracelets with adjustments for large wrists. Good review would go with beads.
I don't have an Alpinist but I do love a good strap/bracelet review. Thanks, Shane. 👍 👍
Being that the Uncle Seiko beads of rice bracelet has hollow endlinks, I wonder if it could be made to fit the SARB035? I think that would look amazing.
Maybe. I know he already has a couple bracelets for the SARB035. So I wonder if the end links are just swappable.
I know this is an old post but in case anyone reads it, the Uncle Seiko SARB017 BOR bracelet has milled clasp and solid end links now. ALSO, the Uncle Seiko SARB 033/035 BOR bracelet has the same milled clasp and solid end links and it is absolutely fantastic on my SARB 035. Looks comparable to Shane's fantastic pictures of the new white Alpinist in this review. I used to occasionally put leather straps on my 035 but since the BOR went on a few months ago I'm not taking it off.
@@larrydalton2205 that’s awesome. I cobbled myself a bracelet together out of 3 bracelets for my 035. I’m using Uncle Seiko solid jubilee endlinks, a solid screw link jubilee bracelet from Island Watch, and a butterfly clasp from a different jubilee bracelet. I usually don’t go for butterfly clasps but with this one the bracelet fits perfectly. I still want to pick up an Uncle Seiko BOR for my SARB soon though.
I’m not an Alpinist fan, but it does look good on both. Too bad no solid end links.
BOR bracelets are usually very comfortable, I have one on my Doxa.
Definitely prefer the Beads of Rice - not sure why, but to my eyes it seems a better match to the Alpinist (despite the little issue with the end link dimensions).
Great reviews, I discovered your channel recently. Calm and cool style of presenting it!
Information about the original bracelet from Seiko: It is possible to order one in addition to the leather straps for the green and Creme versions. I did it yesterday by ordering the same model you have chosen incl. the bracelet for the black one for 160 EUR list price in Germany.
Thank you for the great review.
Doesn't Watchgecko make alternative bracelets for the Alpinist? I considered getting a two tone President for my Alpinist from them, but I settled for Stapcode's jubilee.
I have a number of their straps, but I didn't even think to check Watchgecko. Looking now they have some endlinks for a few seikos, but they don't list the alpinist. Look like they are more for the divers.
Relative Time I did some digging, turns out they used to do bracelets for the Alpinist, they just don't anymore. You can still find old reddit posts where people show off the Alpinist Jubilee they used to sell.
Not sure how good the quality was, I somewhat regret not getting their jubilee over the Strapcode one, as the Strapcode bracelets tend to be chunky and heavy. Still an excellent bracelet though, pretty top shelf stuff. If it wasn't for corona I'd offer to send my OG Alpinist, if for nothing than your personal comparison.
Thanks, that's good to know. I actually just ordered a strapcode, but it's not for the Alpinist. They have an interesting new one for the Orient Kamasu. So that should at least give me an idea of the quality.
Thanks for doing the bracelet review! Very informative to lots of watch collectors. I trust you’ll say a couple of words about the Strapcode one once it comes. The beads-of-rice does indeed look classy and comfortable. It would just bother me knowing that the endlink isn’t a perfect fit :) But that’s just me.
By the way, now I’ve got a Strapcode Super-O Boyer bracelet for my ”green” Kamasu. Really solid bracelet all over, with tight fitting solid endlinks that were nonetheless surprisingly easy to attach. Elevates the watch to a whole new level. It also makes the watch pretty heavy, we’ll see if that becomes a problem in the long run.
While I was putting this together I noticed the new Retro Razor bracelet for the Kamasu. I haven't seen anything quite like it and I wanted to try out strapcode anyways, so I ordered that right after I finished.
www.strapcode.com/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b114
I'll see how much I like that before getting more strapcodes, but at the very least I'll do a short video on that just to show it off and give my opinion on it.
I'm pretty surprised at how fast they shipped. I chose the cheapest option and I think it's supposed to be here in a few days.
Relative Time wow, I have never seen that type of bracelet, either! Kind of makes me want to order that, too. But I think I can wait for your review before that :) I would be interested to hear how you find the weight in every-day use: does all that extra steel make it too heavy.
I haven’t been wearing watches outside the apartment because of current hygiene instructions, so I don’t know if the Strapcode turns out too heavy. I also like to wear my bracelets quite loose. I think a faster micro adjustment system might be good for these heavier bracelets to accommodate for wrist swelling. Although, that would add to the weight even more.
You need to take a look at Geckota bracelets!
I've got a couple, but never made any video on them. In fact one my favorite bracelets I got from them. A shark Mesh that I had on my Citizen NY0040 for the longest time.
www.watchgecko.com/butterfly-h-link-shark-mesh-316l-stainless-watch-strap
Only reason I don't have more is delivery fees from the UK add up after a while.
@@RelativeTime Yes, that shark mesh looks great. I've had my eye on Geckota for a while and they look just as good if not better than strapcode and uncle seiko. I hear you on those delivery fees. You always have great content, keep it up!!!! Cheers!
I’ve been considering buying the newer alpinist. This video may have helped convince me. I have their BOR bracelet for my SKX011, and it’s spectacular. It ads to the watch.
I am often surprised by the relative cheap prices of aftermarket long-lasting metal bracelets compared to the heavy cist of leathwr and rubber afternarket straps. Any reason why?
Good question. Honestly not sure. With leather there can be some human craftsmanship involved, that's the only thing that immediately comes to mind.
It’s hard for anything to look bad on an Alpinist, but I was impressed by the “Rice” style.
I wish it tapered more.
Thanks for that review - Seiko does amazing watches for the money, but their bracelets are not as impressive. It’s good to know of the alternatives out there.
I’m not sure Shane responds here, but anyone got suggestions for a nice looking aftermarket bracelet on a Hamilton King Khaki (Champagne dial)?
I try to. I don't know of one but I'll try and look. According to strapcode their Alpinist fit a khaki field. So I tried the uncle Seiko on my Khaki king, but didn't work. So I've been thinking about it anyways.
Relative Time thanks Shane! Love the videos and meant no harm about responding to comments, I normally don’t go into comments on videos, so I was not sure if you did. Your Khaki King video is what made me dive into the Champagne dial vs. Black... take care!
I would like to see the beads of rice bracelet on the SARB017
They have some pictures on their site of a SARB017 with it.
@@RelativeTime Thanks, I checked it out but did not like it as well as I thought I would. I like my two tone gold/stainless jubilee better with the green dial.
BOR make the Alpinist look really nice.
I've tried to get Uncle Seiko to make a modern hefty version of the president, but he refuses to. He says he seles more of the vintage cheap feeling ones. Nothing worse than taking you watch off and it feels fake because the bracelet is so cheap feeling.
Very nice! 😃
Who the fuck wants folded end links uncle seiko!
I just don't care for bracelets in general. So as far as these guys go, well, no thanks. I'll take leather straps any time instead of a SS bracelet. Thanks for the video! Very well done, as usual!