I may be in the minority, but I like this new date implementation. It’s discreet and blends into the background until you need it. I’d like to see Seiko refresh the standard Alpinist line with this new dial layout. Thin it down to 11-12mm and you’re onto a winner (I’d even sacrifice 100m WR no problem).
i just seen your video. i got mine yesterday from Beaverbrooks. its a blue dial. plan to replace the strap with nato strap. i find the original strap stiff. wearing it today for break in period. love it already. i have avenger gmt and certina gmt. this one is light weight. i could not afford rolex gmt, so i will stick to this.
Why do TH-camrs still compare modern day pricing to the “good old days” for Seiko from 8-10+ years ago? Those days are long gone and the watches aren’t made anymore. This just keeps feeding into the parroting effect. And I find it funny when enthusiasts, who weren’t into the hobby back in the good old days, parrot these thoughts. Also, this is a new GMT movement not the old time/date movement. Of course it’s going to cost more.
There’s nothing worse than a 4.30 date on the slant. At least this is horizontal. It’s a classic design. But $1k+ with a glorified NH34 movement and $10 leather strap is taking the Allp!ss. It saddens me.
It’s not a NH34 - and it’s not a 10 dollar strap, Jesus Christ people are obsessed with micro brand crap that they are afraid to buy a decent watch from a heritage beandb
A NH34? I can get that on a San Martin and that has better finishing and costs a fraction of what Seiko is trying to bilk us out us. A hard pass for me.
Please note that changing the date when the hands are above 9 and 3 will damage the gears. Below 9 and 3 is the way to do it. Ideally 6:30 is the safest way to change the date. Chears
it was fine in this video since it was 10am. it's really only bad around the time in the PM/AM when the date changes, as long as you're way before/past that it's fine. in this case it was fine.
I've always wanted an Alpinist, a green watch, and a GMT, so getting the SBEJ005 JDM version on a trip to Japan earlier this year was a no brainer for me. Was it on the expensive side? A little, even at the ~$850 tax-free price tag in Japan. Was the strap garbage? Definitely -- I switched it out for a Delugs band almost immediately. Would I have preferred a traveler GMT? Maybe. Overall though, the blend of ruggedness, functionality, and above all the beautiful green dial makes it one of the favorites in my collection.
So, I just picked mine up in green as a birthday gift, since for my purposes, it's EMINENTLY practical. It's a field watch with a lot of the things that a field watch usually lacks (water resistance is a big one) it let's me know what time it is back home where my family is without having to do math, and my only real complaint is that the leather strap isn't very "field" worthy in most of the environments I work in. But let's talk about some things I feel you've missed. The 6r54 movement (rather than SR54 as you said) is a better movement overall than the NH or 4r34 movement that people are used to. Secondly, for actual navigation, if you've got a map with compass headings written along your plotted course, you can still use the compassion bezel to roughly follow those headings along with your pace count, since they're marked along the inner bezel. There's just a couple of things that I think were missed here, and I think some of the angry comments could be quelled by that, but I think overall, you did a decent overview.
Great review! I always heard about the Seiko Alpinist but never knew much about it. I agree though, at that price I'd go for a christopher Ward GMT personally.
If it was a flyer gmt and $800 I’d already have one. I can’t justify that price when so many competitors are half that. Heck, my Seiko 5 Sports GMT at $400 is a caller gmt but well worth the price.
I’ve tried this on in person and it doesn’t do it for me. It sits to tall on wrist. I really like it and maybe I need to try it on a bracelet or a different strap to get a better feel.
It's a silly comparison. The Alpinist SARB017 you're comparing to, was originally a somewhat obscure model that became an enthusiast darling because it was a notorious bargain. In fact, 8 years ago in TGVs review, he basically said it would still be a value at double the then current price! That said, the original watch used an older generation of movement and wasn't (more importantly) a GMT! So, basically, if you accept that the street price is basically going to be under a grand and a regular Alpinist is going to be ~$700. Then the price looks much more reasonable. Indeed, only two things kept me from buying one: First, the thickness and Two, I've had several GMTs and I realized I have no use for them! GMT is a nice gimmick, but it's a gimmick that holds little interest to me! Thanx.
I agree. I think the review overlooks the fact that an Alpinist SARB017 is between $600-800 in used condition. The warranty, updated movement, and hardened case convinced me to order this one. Their previous rerelease version of the Alpinist with that cyclops is just unacceptable. 🤣🤣
@@mikerichardson60 Cheapest currently on Chrono24 is £659 - Brand new with papers. Many (all New with papers) around the £670 mark. Glad you didn't have to wait long...
Great and very honest review and thats always appreciated! On the other side, I really dont see the value here… I got the SARB017 back in 2019 for around $375 + tax. I cannot help but notice all the misaligned on the dial, compass, lume etc and at almost $1200 thats just unacceptable. I can look over those issues on my sarb bc of the price but here thats not the case. There are so many better options out there with mainstream brands and also some micros. Have to shoutout Wise Adamascus GMT ($720 only) with far superior finishing, movement, bracelet, clasp, dial, just everything really. Even though I love Seiko, I think most of their watches in the 1200-1500 range are not a good value anymore.
No it hasn’t, the original SARB17 was never 400 dollars on the sticker price, it was a grey market price at a time when the grey market was flooded and the brand was super devalued considering how much contribution they’ve had to watch making / exploration and technology. Not to mention the old Sarb had a worse movement, no gmt function and an extra horrid strap and was JDM only.
Hey Harrison! I want you to watch Marc from Long Island Watch’s latest video on his channel about Seiko’s price increase and then provide a comment about the price of this watch. I think that can be a nice follow up video to this one!
I watched the video. The points he makes are fair as explanations for some price increases for MSRP. That being said, my point is only that MSRP for this watch is a bit high compared to the rest of the market in my opinion
@@HarrisonElmoreI’m pretty sure that wasn’t your”only point”. You went on and on comparing the price of the newly released Alpinist gmt to the “widely available for x dollars just a few years ago” Alpinist.
@@MattSeesGray where do you see anybody mad at anybody? His job is to make videos and the comments section is a place literally to say your opinion lol. if you dont tolerate others opinion it just make you literally an intolerant.
Tiege Hanley: Get your first box 40% off (+ FREE gift), and 20% off for life, at www.tiege.com/hnnew
I may be in the minority, but I like this new date implementation. It’s discreet and blends into the background until you need it. I’d like to see Seiko refresh the standard Alpinist line with this new dial layout. Thin it down to 11-12mm and you’re onto a winner (I’d even sacrifice 100m WR no problem).
i just seen your video. i got mine yesterday from Beaverbrooks. its a blue dial. plan to replace the strap with nato strap. i find the original strap stiff. wearing it today for break in period. love it already. i have avenger gmt and certina gmt. this one is light weight. i could not afford rolex gmt, so i will stick to this.
Why do TH-camrs still compare modern day pricing to the “good old days” for Seiko from 8-10+ years ago? Those days are long gone and the watches aren’t made anymore. This just keeps feeding into the parroting effect. And I find it funny when enthusiasts, who weren’t into the hobby back in the good old days, parrot these thoughts.
Also, this is a new GMT movement not the old time/date movement. Of course it’s going to cost more.
🎯
I'm glad there are some sane people left on this planet. The aliexpress parrots are insufferable
In Europe, Seiko wants 1,2k Euros or 1280 Dollars. Insane
That date wheel!!!$
There’s nothing worse than a 4.30 date on the slant. At least this is horizontal. It’s a classic design. But $1k+ with a glorified NH34 movement and $10 leather strap is taking the Allp!ss. It saddens me.
It’s not a NH34 - and it’s not a 10 dollar strap, Jesus Christ people are obsessed with micro brand crap that they are afraid to buy a decent watch from a heritage beandb
13.6 mm thickness. Omg😢
I really just want a laurel alpinist gmt, I don’t love this alpinist design
That a compass??????? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 my g shock has a legit digital compass
A NH34? I can get that on a San Martin and that has better finishing and costs a fraction of what Seiko is trying to bilk us out us. A hard pass for me.
It is not NH34. It is a 6R34. Not available for microbrands.
@@matyasd007 thanks you. Is the 6r34 close though or not? Just wondering.
$1150. no chance thats what Seiko's got.
Please note that changing the date when the hands are above 9 and 3 will damage the gears. Below 9 and 3 is the way to do it. Ideally 6:30 is the safest way to change the date. Chears
it was fine in this video since it was 10am. it's really only bad around the time in the PM/AM when the date changes, as long as you're way before/past that it's fine. in this case it was fine.
I've always wanted an Alpinist, a green watch, and a GMT, so getting the SBEJ005 JDM version on a trip to Japan earlier this year was a no brainer for me.
Was it on the expensive side? A little, even at the ~$850 tax-free price tag in Japan. Was the strap garbage? Definitely -- I switched it out for a Delugs band almost immediately. Would I have preferred a traveler GMT? Maybe.
Overall though, the blend of ruggedness, functionality, and above all the beautiful green dial makes it one of the favorites in my collection.
So, I just picked mine up in green as a birthday gift, since for my purposes, it's EMINENTLY practical. It's a field watch with a lot of the things that a field watch usually lacks (water resistance is a big one) it let's me know what time it is back home where my family is without having to do math, and my only real complaint is that the leather strap isn't very "field" worthy in most of the environments I work in.
But let's talk about some things I feel you've missed. The 6r54 movement (rather than SR54 as you said) is a better movement overall than the NH or 4r34 movement that people are used to. Secondly, for actual navigation, if you've got a map with compass headings written along your plotted course, you can still use the compassion bezel to roughly follow those headings along with your pace count, since they're marked along the inner bezel.
There's just a couple of things that I think were missed here, and I think some of the angry comments could be quelled by that, but I think overall, you did a decent overview.
6R54 movement, not SR54. Good video, cool watch 👍🏻
Great review! I always heard about the Seiko Alpinist but never knew much about it. I agree though, at that price I'd go for a christopher Ward GMT personally.
The “Explorer” style bezel Seiko infact started with the Navigator.
Ahh I hadn't heard that. I'll make sure to note that in the future
If it was a flyer gmt and $800 I’d already have one. I can’t justify that price when so many competitors are half that. Heck, my Seiko 5 Sports GMT at $400 is a caller gmt but well worth the price.
I don't know of a more pretentious way you could have unboxed the watch,
but I'm sure you'll find a way..
I’ve tried this on in person and it doesn’t do it for me. It sits to tall on wrist. I really like it and maybe I need to try it on a bracelet or a different strap to get a better feel.
It’s a beautiful watch, but $1,150 is crazy. Also, I feel like 13.6mm thickness would be like wearing a golf ball on my wrist.
It's a silly comparison.
The Alpinist SARB017 you're comparing to, was originally a somewhat obscure model that became an enthusiast darling because it was a notorious bargain.
In fact, 8 years ago in TGVs review, he basically said it would still be a value at double the then current price!
That said, the original watch used an older generation of movement and wasn't (more importantly) a GMT!
So, basically, if you accept that the street price is basically going to be under a grand and a regular Alpinist is going to be ~$700.
Then the price looks much more reasonable.
Indeed, only two things kept me from buying one: First, the thickness and Two, I've had several GMTs and I realized I have no use for them!
GMT is a nice gimmick, but it's a gimmick that holds little interest to me!
Thanx.
I liked your post, but watches themselves today are just gimmicks 😂! So if you like it buy it.
@kleitosaliagas5668 Sure, but to me it's not worth the extra cost and the added thickness.
I agree. I think the review overlooks the fact that an Alpinist SARB017 is between $600-800 in used condition. The warranty, updated movement, and hardened case convinced me to order this one. Their previous rerelease version of the Alpinist with that cyclops is just unacceptable. 🤣🤣
Get the green JDM version. Nothing finer. 🤩 Cheaper, too.... $700 ish.
Ahhh nice!
Cheaper yes but not $700. Please tell me where you find the JDM version for $700? I'll wait right here.
@@mikerichardson60 Cheapest currently on Chrono24 is £659 - Brand new with papers. Many (all New with papers) around the £670 mark. Glad you didn't have to wait long...
@@ClevaTreva sorry bud but the first world shops in USD not pounds. So as I stated that's $860 USD just as I figured..good effort though
@@mikerichardson60 Sorry your currency is so weak against the prices there. Your loss…
Got one for 630 quid new.
Great and very honest review and thats always appreciated!
On the other side, I really dont see the value here… I got the SARB017 back in 2019 for around $375 + tax. I cannot help but notice all the misaligned on the dial, compass, lume etc and at almost $1200 thats just unacceptable. I can look over those issues on my sarb bc of the price but here thats not the case. There are so many better options out there with mainstream brands and also some micros. Have to shoutout Wise Adamascus GMT ($720 only) with far superior finishing, movement, bracelet, clasp, dial, just everything really. Even though I love Seiko, I think most of their watches in the 1200-1500 range are not a good value anymore.
Fantastic video. I must say, quality control has improved, but the price tag on these Seikos has really gotten steep.
Dude it’s more than doubled in price? Whaaat!!?
No it hasn’t, the original SARB17 was never 400 dollars on the sticker price, it was a grey market price at a time when the grey market was flooded and the brand was super devalued considering how much contribution they’ve had to watch making / exploration and technology. Not to mention the old Sarb had a worse movement, no gmt function and an extra horrid strap and was JDM only.
I love the alpinist and have the SPB199J1 and PB259J1 some of my favorite watches , however find the GMT dial way too busy
I still can’t believe I got a king turtle with ceramic bezel sapphire crystal etc for 350 usd a few summers ago. Seikos prices are bananas right now
Thank you for the review. Excellent as always. QUESTION: Who makes the 3-watch case you showed at the beginning of the video?
Last thing expected. Lotion ad in a watch reviewer 😂😂😂😂
If the hour hand is pointing to the sun, the gmt hand is pointing north.
It's not worth it. You're on point.
Hey Harrison! I want you to watch Marc from Long Island Watch’s latest video on his channel about Seiko’s price increase and then provide a comment about the price of this watch. I think that can be a nice follow up video to this one!
I watched the video. The points he makes are fair as explanations for some price increases for MSRP. That being said, my point is only that MSRP for this watch is a bit high compared to the rest of the market in my opinion
@@HarrisonElmoreI’m pretty sure that wasn’t your”only point”. You went on and on comparing the price of the newly released Alpinist gmt to the “widely available for x dollars just a few years ago” Alpinist.
Great videography
Thank you 🙌
I dont see you using this watch or keeping it in your collection - it is just a excuse for a video you expect to capture enough views with it?
Yeah…agree. He and a couple of other guys are now just schilling watches for the Exquisite jewelers.
Why do people get so mad at TH-camrs for trying to get views? It’s literally their job lol.
@@MattSeesGray where do you see anybody mad at anybody?
His job is to make videos and the comments section is a place literally to say your opinion lol.
if you dont tolerate others opinion it just make you literally an intolerant.
Seiko is losing their marbles. I'd also much rather get a microbrand with a Miyota 9075.
1:44 I believe it is stamped, not applied
Seiko is way out of its league at this price. They need a reality check.