I have been considering buying one of these for a while now but it was your video that made me pull the trigger. It's such a beautiful, unique looking watch. It's already got a cult following and is surely destined to be a timeless classic. I would be so disappointed if Seiko stopped producing these so I am glad I have got one coming. Thanks for the video! I really like your content, keep up the good work!
Strangely, after weeks of only wearing my PADI turtle I got my SARB017 out of the watch box this weekend and instantly fell in love with it all over again. I've put it on a Darlena dark brown leather strap which I think adds to the "gentleman explorer" air Seiko were trying to emulate.
I'm with you on the gap of the Seiko OEM bracelet. Even though no one would notice it, every time my peripheral caught the gap, I would have to tell myself, "the thing has to go". I'm like you, it has to look and feel right if I'm going to wear it.
I have six watches with Seiko movements in my collection: one 7S26, four 4R35/36, one 6R15. All have been flawless to date. I did kill one by slipping on a patch of ice and smashing it against the hard concrete of my driveway one frosty morning, but that wasn't the movement's fault and it is currently at a watchmaker having a new 4R36 movement installed. The Alpinist is an interesting watch. Beautiful design, elegant face, but I think a bit difficult to match with appropriate clothing colors. I've seen many for sale with statements from the owners that they aren't getting worn as often as they had anticipated. Of course, many people don't care about matching their watch to an outfit so it would be a non-issue. For me, I think the watch would wear a bit too small on my 7-1/4 inch wrist with that internal compass bezel reducing the overall width of the watch face so I don't think I'll ever own one, but I do acknowledge that in the world of Seiko enthusiasts, the Alpinist deserves its excellent reputation as a very handsome timepiece.
Nice one! Definitely a great one for the collection.. i also had to get one, it took me about 6 months of thinking about it. So i finally had to pull the trigger too
Definitely a great one! That's why i couldn't not get it, and just went with it. Such a good buy, unique watch, and a really nice watch for anyone's collection IMO. It's another fun Seiko to have! :)
I put a Miltat Angus Jubilee on my Alpinist and ADORE it. It looks great and is very comfortable. Totally upgrades the Alipnist to other-worldly great!
Sold my alpinist and missed it the day i dropped it off at the post office. You motivated me to rebuy it haha! I gotta go pick up the new Ginault Blue and Gold thats in the mail first. Great channel just subscribed!!! Best Regards, WCS
I have two 6r15 watches, the Alpinist and the SBDC025 third gen Monster. I've had both for around 4-5 months now. But watches run a little bit slow - my Monster was bought used from Japan and it initially lost 20s/d but I got it regulated and it actually kept itself well within COSC certifications for many weeks - I last synced it well over a week ago and it is currently about 3s behind my reference clock - same with the Alpinist. I might get them regulated again so that they run ahead but all in all the 6r15 timekeeping capabilities is certainly dependable and with some initial regulation you can have a serious winner on your hands. Little bit of trivia today; many people are disappointed in Seikos JDM offerings because of you open the caseback on many of the models (SARB033/35, Sumo, Third Gen Monster for example) it will say "China Case" on the inner caseback - my Alpinist actually says "Japan Case" with a Seiko Instruments logo, so to actually get a Japanese watch with the case actually made in Japan is a great value in my opinion.
Not really, it would run for a few minutes then stop ended up returning it. The replacement I bought has been running flawlessly for the last two years
i have the seiko bracelet too and the bit poking out was annoying until i changed the links around so there were less on one end; which makes the clasp not point up as much as it is sloping down instead of up now.
I’ve had a SARB033 and an SARB017 Alpinist for over a year now with no issues. I’ve debated buying that exact OEM bracelet for my Alpinist but I can never find anyone selling it used. I don’t want to purchase it new because I know I’m going to best the heck out of it, so I wouldn’t mind if someone already did.
So have you kept the weight off? I’m getting a strapcode super o with ratchet clasp but now I’m afraid the clasp will be too long and bulky... Also I’m making a weight loss goal right now in order to get a watch too.
Yeah i even have the same problems even try to sell it but i found many watch makers and collector wants to buy it from me and gave me decent amount of money , but i didnt sell it untill now !!
The 6r15 movement in my Alpinist is running at astonishing levels, +2 seconds/day. Chronometer standard really. I'm shocked at how accurate it is. Only my Glycine Airman is more accurate in my entire collection, and that only by 1 second (ETA 2892 movement).
Love my Alpinist but the strap is unadulterated trash. Jeez Seiko charge me a few more dollars and equip a decent strap. Congrats on hitting your goals.
I can attest to that. I heard the exact same thing about it being trash, but having broken the strap in, it is MUCH better and feels way better now. That didn't stop me from buying the Angus Jubilee SS bracelet for it though. haha
A few months ago I asked Ginault (via email) if I could get just the bracelet and at that time they weren't selling them separately. I wanted to try it on my Explorer II since I'd read others had done that with good success. Anyway, too bad it won't work on the Alpinist.
Let us know what you find..ive been looking for an upgrade from the stock bracelet for this gem of a watch..imagine it came with a blue dial with silver indices...everyone would own one or the other!!
I wish I had 1/10th of the tens of thousands of dollars wasted on people buying bracelets for this watch - including "official" bracelets - that don't work on the Alpinist. I have an email from Seiko saying only the leather strap is meant to fit this watch. Did someone say watch geeks?
Yes, this watch only came in a leather strap. But the SARB015 and SARB013 (the white and black versions) came with a bracelet. That is the bracelet that people are calling the OEM bracelet.
You can't buy those watches from Seiko anymore, let alone the bracelets. And the SARBO17 is headed for extinction too. And Random Bob says he got his bracelet "used."
You've chosen an excellent piece there. A true watch for all seasons & reasons.Had mine 2 years and still loving it.
I have been considering buying one of these for a while now but it was your video that made me pull the trigger. It's such a beautiful, unique looking watch. It's already got a cult following and is surely destined to be a timeless classic. I would be so disappointed if Seiko stopped producing these so I am glad I have got one coming. Thanks for the video! I really like your content, keep up the good work!
Strangely, after weeks of only wearing my PADI turtle I got my SARB017 out of the watch box this weekend and instantly fell in love with it all over again. I've put it on a Darlena dark brown leather strap which I think adds to the "gentleman explorer" air Seiko were trying to emulate.
I am on the hunt for great leather, will wear that this fall.
I'm with you on the gap of the Seiko OEM bracelet. Even though no one would notice it, every time my peripheral caught the gap, I would have to tell myself, "the thing has to go". I'm like you, it has to look and feel right if I'm going to wear it.
I have six watches with Seiko movements in my collection: one 7S26, four 4R35/36, one 6R15. All have been flawless to date. I did kill one by slipping on a patch of ice and smashing it against the hard concrete of my driveway one frosty morning, but that wasn't the movement's fault and it is currently at a watchmaker having a new 4R36 movement installed.
The Alpinist is an interesting watch. Beautiful design, elegant face, but I think a bit difficult to match with appropriate clothing colors. I've seen many for sale with statements from the owners that they aren't getting worn as often as they had anticipated. Of course, many people don't care about matching their watch to an outfit so it would be a non-issue. For me, I think the watch would wear a bit too small on my 7-1/4 inch wrist with that internal compass bezel reducing the overall width of the watch face so I don't think I'll ever own one, but I do acknowledge that in the world of Seiko enthusiasts, the Alpinist deserves its excellent reputation as a very handsome timepiece.
Stay tuned for more options.
I"m using it as an incentive for a weight loss goal too!
The strap on it for this review is very nice. Great watch. I'm considering buying one.
Nice one! Definitely a great one for the collection.. i also had to get one, it took me about 6 months of thinking about it. So i finally had to pull the trigger too
It's crazy, no idea why I waited so long. It's such a great watch.
Definitely a great one! That's why i couldn't not get it, and just went with it. Such a good buy, unique watch, and a really nice watch for anyone's collection IMO. It's another fun Seiko to have! :)
Had my Seiko SQ4004 since 1977 still runs and keeps good time.
I'm 9lbs away from my personal weight loss goal and I think I just figured out what's gonna motivate me to not back track during the holidays!
I put a Miltat Angus Jubilee on my Alpinist and ADORE it. It looks great and is very comfortable. Totally upgrades the Alipnist to other-worldly great!
Sold my alpinist and missed it the day i dropped it off at the post office. You motivated me to rebuy it haha! I gotta go pick up the new Ginault Blue and Gold thats in the mail first. Great channel just subscribed!!!
Best Regards,
WCS
Watch Collecting Strategy I too, am repurchasing the Alpinist! On its way from Japan right now.
I just got mine today!!... probably gonna save it before i use it. Now i need to find straps for it.
I have two 6r15 watches, the Alpinist and the SBDC025 third gen Monster. I've had both for around 4-5 months now. But watches run a little bit slow - my Monster was bought used from Japan and it initially lost 20s/d but I got it regulated and it actually kept itself well within COSC certifications for many weeks - I last synced it well over a week ago and it is currently about 3s behind my reference clock - same with the Alpinist. I might get them regulated again so that they run ahead but all in all the 6r15 timekeeping capabilities is certainly dependable and with some initial regulation you can have a serious winner on your hands.
Little bit of trivia today; many people are disappointed in Seikos JDM offerings because of you open the caseback on many of the models (SARB033/35, Sumo, Third Gen Monster for example) it will say "China Case" on the inner caseback - my Alpinist actually says "Japan Case" with a Seiko Instruments logo, so to actually get a Japanese watch with the case actually made in Japan is a great value in my opinion.
I also had a 4r36 in a monster fail within a couple weeks of use
Did you figure out what issue was?
Not really, it would run for a few minutes then stop ended up returning it. The replacement I bought has been running flawlessly for the last two years
One of the most hyped watches of all time
Do you still own the Sarb17, and if so would you buy it again if given the oppty? I'm looking at this Sarb17 and drooling
I don’t own. They are great and many people have them as keepers. Try one out
@@RandomRobReviews Thanks Rob. Love your channel!!
i have the seiko bracelet too and the bit poking out was annoying until i changed the links around so there were less on one end; which makes the clasp not point up as much as it is sloping down instead of up now.
I’ve had a SARB033 and an SARB017 Alpinist for over a year now with no issues. I’ve debated buying that exact OEM bracelet for my Alpinist but I can never find anyone selling it used. I don’t want to purchase it new because I know I’m going to best the heck out of it, so I wouldn’t mind if someone already did.
i am torn between both those watches and will probably end up buying both. Alpinist is gorgeous but I don't love the stock band as well
You can also buy the Strapcode bracelets for the alpinist.
Does it come in white dial?
So have you kept the weight off? I’m getting a strapcode super o with ratchet clasp but now I’m afraid the clasp will be too long and bulky... Also I’m making a weight loss goal right now in order to get a watch too.
Hey Random Rob, may I ask what seiko bracelet that is?
I like the bracelet you have on the watch in this video.
Great review, may i know the exactly weigh of this Alpinist?
My alpinist will sometimes gain insane amounts of time when I'm being active, sometimes gaining 3 hours in under an hour. Anybody heard of this?
Yeah i even have the same problems even try to sell it but i found many watch makers and collector wants to buy it from me and gave me decent amount of money , but i didnt sell it untill now !!
🤣🤣
I Love Horology , I think you’re right.
Logan Newcome , shouldn’t do, as you approach the speed of might time slows down.
Did you try the tisell bracelet on the alpinist?Thought about doing it myself
The 6r15 movement in my Alpinist is running at astonishing levels, +2 seconds/day. Chronometer standard really. I'm shocked at how accurate it is. Only my Glycine Airman is more accurate in my entire collection, and that only by 1 second (ETA 2892 movement).
Where were u able to find the oyster bracelet for your aplinist?
Love my Alpinist but the strap is unadulterated trash. Jeez Seiko charge me a few more dollars and equip a decent strap. Congrats on hitting your goals.
I have heard it's decent once broken in. I will never know, haha. Will find a nice leather before fall time.
Or charge less with no strap. I think watches should be sold with no strap as an option.
I can attest to that. I heard the exact same thing about it being trash, but having broken the strap in, it is MUCH better and feels way better now. That didn't stop me from buying the Angus Jubilee SS bracelet for it though. haha
Fantastic watch. How is the 6R15 movement working?
Too soon to tell, seems to be running near zero or touch fast. Will let you know where it settles
So, how is it working now?
how is it still working?
Still selling the Jubilee? =)
Still got it Rob?
What is the IWA Facebook group? Thanks!
wht is the mm of the bracelt?
20mm
What’s the “IWA” Facebook group
Thank God I don't have the Seiko disease. I will stick to my Swiss watches.
Swiss Watch Craze , but it’s only a craze!.....it won’t last.
No failures here
Keeper. Lmao
Some people keep them…….
HAHAHAHAA You said "keeper" LMAO
put the ginault bracelet on , or make a vid of you attempting the fit.
I tried right after recording, won't fit. The Ginault lugs push the bar too far away from the sarb holes. Will continue the search.
A few months ago I asked Ginault (via email) if I could get just the bracelet and at that time they weren't selling them separately. I wanted to try it on my Explorer II since I'd read others had done that with good success. Anyway, too bad it won't work on the Alpinist.
Let us know what you find..ive been looking for an upgrade from the stock bracelet for this gem of a watch..imagine it came with a blue dial with silver indices...everyone would own one or the other!!
Green NATO strap 👍
great idea to have a watch reward for a weight loss goal - I shall do so!
I wish I had 1/10th of the tens of thousands of dollars wasted on people buying bracelets for this watch - including "official" bracelets - that don't work on the Alpinist. I have an email from Seiko saying only the leather strap is meant to fit this watch. Did someone say watch geeks?
Yes, this watch only came in a leather strap. But the SARB015 and SARB013 (the white and black versions) came with a bracelet. That is the bracelet that people are calling the OEM bracelet.
You can't buy those watches from Seiko anymore, let alone the bracelets. And the SARBO17 is headed for extinction too. And Random Bob says he got his bracelet "used."
Love the Alpinist but that Rolex Sub knockoff has got to go! Homage watches are the worst :-/
Yawn.....