@@chrisstevenson2622 That’s not my experience. My Rolex AD is very good and as a company, Rolex is doing a good job at maintaining quality production at high production volume.
Thank you for this amazingly produced review. Purchased this exact model immediately after watching. I watch a lot of TH-cam watch reviews and you definitely know how to capture a watch’s best angles compared to most reviewers. Looking forward to your next review, and can’t wait to see the watch in person!
I've got the mystic forest dial, it's just stunning. As you said it looks casual on the first look, but when you start paying attention or depending on the light exposure it's just amazing...
Beautiful watch!!! So beautiful, I had to order one. And to be honest, it’s really gorgeous in person as well. I love it. I ordered it from an AD in Asia, it was here in less than a week. I think this one will be a “LONG TERM” favorite for sure! The power reserve is amazing. Also, I paid less than $600 including shipping. I’m very happy with this purchase.
I consider this watch another missed opportunity by Seiko. It's supposed to be a tool watch but it has a 19mm lug width, high polish surfaces, clasp with only two adjustments and no particular reason to be so thick. Beautiful dial but I would classify the watch as a dress watch that is toolish not a tool watch that is dressy.
I'm with you on this, it's a nice flashy watch looking toolish. I have a Longines Conquest that does the same - 30 bar WR, screw-down crown and decent crown guards. But polished bracelet, no knurling on the crown, butterfly clasp and horrors! no lume. It's the blue dial version, black one does have lume.
@@poulwinther I don't have that problem at all, for me the lugs fit just fine. My wrists are wide and thin though, the shape of a wrist make a big difference.
I have the Ginza Alpinist SBP259 and I am looking at the SPB289 Mystic Forest and I highly recommend this series of watches. You get a LOT of value for your money with these models.
Great review on a beautiful watch. Personally I loved the cathedral hands the Alpinist used to have. They matched the hour markers better. The macro shots are beautiful, but also clearly showed that white hair, or is it lint, at the wrong end of the hour hand (visible at 08:40), which is not your fault of course. Personally, I’d go back to Seiko to have that removed or cleaned, if you’re going to keep the watch. Or is it a reflection of your camera set up?
Hi Dave long time I did not see your reviews was busy with music live as the corona is getting weak in Japan and many places are opened. You got a nice T-shirt with the watch logo love the alpinist model hope everything is ok with you
Sigh…another "missed it by *that* much" release from my favorite brand. But it's still crazy-compelling: the watch I'm saving up for is another "homage" from Seiko: either their Presage SPB059J ("Laurel'), or their Presage SSA387J1 (Cocktail Time), both with power-reserve. But, nit-picking aside, and in spite of my already having the Alpinist SARB 017 (which ain't going nowhere), this one tickles my fancy. Yes, the clasp-gap bugs me almost as much as it does you, but I likely could manage in terms of the limited adjustability (slightly over 7" wrists here). Have to seriously think this one over, thanks to you. ;-)
I reluctantly bought the Presage cocktail time. My wife was with me while I was watch shopping and I wanted another Seiko diver. She said I had to many and I needed a dress watch (UGGHH, lesson learned never bring the wife). Well I bought it and hated it. I wouldn't even wear it out.So we went for dinner one night and I gave it a shot. Well I have to say the watch grew on me and now it's become my dinner watch.Good luck my friend !
Very good looking watch. It's got a nice enough bracelet but I'd still put it on a nice strap. Many people complain about the 19mm strap, but nowadays there is a huge selection of 19mm straps available at least in Turkey where I'm based. Of course Turkey is famous for leather goods and there are craft people who will hand-make high quality straps for a very cheap price. I love this. I'm a date guy at a very minimum myself, and prefer day date, but that would have been too much for this one.
The benefit of both brush and polish on the hands is actually even bigger than "fancy versus" practical! Brush and polish come alive/contrast to their backgrounds very differently depending on the light (for example, in bright light a high polish hand actually disappears against a dark dial but is super visible in low light, while the opposite is the case for a brushed hand). Having both means high contrast against the dial all the time. It's a big reason why Grand Seiko hands very often get even more complex, faceting their hands and mixing finishing techniques in super elegant ways.
@@NhatHuyNg so he made the argument that brush=practical and polish=fancy. I was pointing out that it's deeper than that, both are practical in different lighting scenarios.
I have seen this watch in a shop and it is definitely a beautiful watch with perfect dimensions and high quality. I would pick a different colour dial though if I was to buy one.
Been trying to scratch my Rolex itch with lots of discount options and this one is promising. However, for "only" 3x the $, the Ball Engineer II has my vote. Has the same annoying strap width but the movement is amazing, 70 hr reserve, fab bracelet and history too ... however, can't touch the dial on the Seiko. Classic struggle, looks vs substance divided by spare cash. Great review!
Many thanks for the very good review; having a 19 mm width is not a problem, since you are going to use Seiko SS bracelet, which is awsome. A non signed crowned still remains very odd from Seiko at this price point. Overall, it is the best sports, dive and stylish dress watch that could be used all the time, with high accuracy and power reserve.
I can see u looking at notes before cutting out. Really good review but that’s a simple improvement you can make! I’m enjoying your unique watch reviews more and more
Seiko is by far the best bang for your buck out their. By the way I can afford the overpriced Swiss watches, but I really don’t like paying huge markups for a name.
I was disappointed I missed out on the Ginza version but watching this has swayed me. Particularly looking at it close up I think the darker tone will look much smarter at the cost of being only slightly less interesting to look at! Thanks for being a bad influence 😉
Fine review Dave. I love my old SARB017. Recently dumped that horrible fake OEM alligator strap for a nice stainless Oyster and your analogy really came to life….think Japanese Explorer. Yep! BTW……..I do not do business with Joma Shop. Just saying….
by having the inner minute track it makes the second hand look stupid long. they should have shortened it and moved the arrow point up to meet the minute track would look better imo.
The clasp as well as the 19mm size is very similar to the bracelet and clasp on the Citizen NB1059 series - maybe Seiko and Citizen have the same bracelet subcontractor !? :-)
Great job with this review but the Explorer comparison is unwarranted and it's an everyday watch that is meant to be enjoyed and worn to death, not an heirloom.
Agreed. I have 5 Alpinists and two more 59’s coming. The black one on the bracelet has lots over the Explorer, and it has a timing bezel. Thanks for the proper review. Nicely done.
Have to disagree with some of your coverage of the 6R35. The 6R family is known to have a lot of reliability issues which I myself have encountered, the movement in my SPB159 stopped working out of nowhere with no shocks/drops/etc. after less than a year of ownership. It's also known for having very significant positional variance which mine does as well.
I've enjoyed your reviews for a while now, Dave, and keep up the good work! 👍 Gotta point out that Seiko just don't sign the crowns on their tool watches...it's part of the branding, if you like. There are some exceptions to this (PX logo on the MM300, signed crowns on SLA017, SLA037 and SLA043) but they are limited editions which should be coming out of the Grand Seiko factory, really, and they're forced to fit in the Prospex line up because they're recreations of Seiko 60's divers and GS can have no claim on those originals. You can get much cheaper watches in the Presage line-up with signed crowns....you just don't get 'em with Prospex. These Alpinists are spot on though.
It's nice but not £700 plus 20%sales tax nice..I do not know though I really like this! Sadly the movement not being high beat let's it down. I'll be getting a Chinese high beat homage of it..for & under 300.
I feel every brand does at least one thing great on its watches and Seiko is no exception. Seiko absolutely delivers amazing dials, that's their specialty, at all price points too. This watch wasn't even on my radar, but it is now. Thank you.
I'm wearing my snkl23 right now. I still get lost in the beauty of this dial. And it's sub $100. I have it on a shark mesh strap and it looks the business!
It seems absolutely perfect, which means I broke a golden rule of mine and bought it online without even looking at it in real life - it was all because of this review, congratulations. 👌
@@SomeOneOneOne it's perfect, bracelet is high quality, clasp misaligns - it's a bit too high on the wrist and can catch stuff, but nonetheless this has become my favourite piece in the past few weeks, and I do own a modern tag heuer carrera and a seiko spring drive.
@@cyanx7 Awesome! Thx for the Feedback! What do you mean by the clasp is misaligned? Is it not centered on your wrist or do you mean the gap between the clasp and bracelet?
Urgh, 19mm bracelet and their dinky little clasp... So close to perfection. I have the baby Alpinist SPB155 and it's 90% there, but I'm so glad it came with 20mm lugs and is compatible with 3rd party bracelets designed for regular Alpinist.
I have the blue dial 157 and I agree it’s pretty close. I don’t have a bracelet, and natos look okay, but maybe a bracelet will have me wanting to wear it more.
BWC brother man. Yep. The 19mm bracelet with so little taper turned me off to this one. Picked up my SPB155 and it's become "the one." It does everything. I've worn it for 3 straight weeks and I'm over the moon with it.
You can't go wrong with either version of the Alpinist. I personally got myself the baby Alpinist SPB155 instead because I found an AD that was offering 30% off Seiko watches. At $500 then it's a no brainer. Really do love that green dial. The bracelet on this Seiko doesn't seem all that bad. It has a milled clasp just like a Mido Ocean Star 200 but minus the diver extension.
I own the 1959 alpinist limited edition which I picked up for not much more than the non Ltd, I just removed myself from the Explorer wait list despite the fact I was told just another 6 months, I think the piano black, bubble domed sapphire and mountain indices speak to me more than the Explorer now.
I just got the SJE085 too. Super sale at my local AD, but it sounds like you got the better deal. How much if you don't mind me asking? Wanna' sell the original bundt strap?
I have the SJE085 as well and got a pretty good deal, but not THAT good. I’m happy with what I paid, I love this watch!! But, so I stay happy with what I paid - I’m not going to ask what kind of deal you got 😂 Never wear it on the Bundt, but it is awesome on a NATO!
I love the 1959 Limited Edition and would have bought it in a heartbeat, regardless of the price, if it did not have a date. Nonetheless, it is gorgeous… and it is still available at my AD. 😀
There is a "minor" diffrence. The Rolex Explorer tells the time accurately. The Seiko Alpinist with its 6R35, is pretty close to junk. After a year i returned it under guarantee, because it was running one minute late per day. I had to wait more than 6 months to get it back, saying they replaced the entire movement.. I got it back it was running 15-20 secs fast, and after few months of wearing it its losing 30-40 secs per day... It is rather a piece of jewelry, than a real watch. Given that i spent 750 euros on it, i am deeply frustrated and disappointment by Seiko. Only swiss movements from now on for mechanical watches under 4k
Yeah, you got yourself a real stealth stunner. Those dial details! It does look like DNA 🧬 strands as you mentioned when you get down close into the textures. The fact you get one of the newer 6R35 movement for well under $1k.. which they tend to hover around more or less in other watches that have it is great. Thanks for the review and much needed closer look at all the wonderful details of this one. The positives far outweoght any of the negative niggles you brought up, I think.
This video finally convinced me to pull the trigger on this exact model...it is simply stunning,wears like a dream even the stock bracelet is the most comfortable one I've ever worn. It's absolutely a rival for the explorer and the aqua terra!
This watch is absolutely great. One of my problems with Seiko is that most of their upper tier watches are 40mm or larger and a 37mm or 38mm watch is a much better fit for me. So I'm glad this one is on the smaller side.
The bracelet is absolute trash and 19mm lugs dont make it so easy to swap. Only downside.. The watch itself is very nice. I wear it on a NATO with intention to swap to leather for winter
Every Alpinist is Rolex Explorer killer, until it is not. 6R fails to deliver reliability and precision, bracelet fails to impress and ever changing design just waters down the image of the model. It is stunning watch, I have it, as well as Baby Alpinist (which is Explorer killer even more so in my book), but in the end, when you take Rolex in your hands, you realize that only Rolex killer is the price, not another watch.
Very good review of a very good watch Dave. The Alpinist is a true GADA watch, suitable for 90% of situations most folk will find themselves in. If the Explorer, as a one watch collection has a flaw, it's the lack of a date. Sure, aesthetically it's better off without it, as would be this iteration of the Alpinist I'd argue. But functionally it's better with a date comp. And the date is executed well. Although I genuinely prefer it, I don't like the idea of a 6 o'clock date on this piece for some reason. I do wonder if a trapezoidal date aperture (like on vintage Universal Genevè Pole routers) would be an improvement? It would maintain most of the angles on the indices... I've had a 'regular' Alpinist (the SPB123J Champagne w/- gold variant) for two years plus, which I wear on an after market jubilee bracelet. It's accurate to ~ +/-2 spd and by far my favourite 'daily' watch, despite sharing the watch-box with pieces others may consider more desirable. It's a keeper: I will never part with it voluntarily.
If it was perfect in every way who would buy the Grand Seiko. They can nail it but why would they, I see the same in phono cartridges, every $500 gets you closer to their holy grail. Great review, looking to upgrade my 40 year old Seiko, it still works like a charm, bought it new. 😎
Bought this watch after watching your review. It has now become the most worn watch in my collection, even above the PRX. The unsigned crown and the clasp are quite bewildering but it takes nothing away from the wearing experience. The dial is simply unparalleled.
I am very interested in this watch as well. I was wondering if you bought it at a store or online. I am very new to watches and don't want to be scammed or ripped off. Would you be willing to share some info with me?
I’ve owned this watch in the cream dial for about a year now. Despite my issues with the clasp, thickness, and date window, it has that certain je ne sais quoi for me and has become a staple in my rotation (though I’m still waiting for someone to make an aftermarket bracelet with a better clasp).
You could swap the clasp Kevin. You may've already considered this?, but if not, an after market clasp with on-the-fly adjustment from eBay (or any of the other online markets) can transform a bracelet!
Hey Dave another great review and video as always!!! Absolutely love this watch congratulations!!! I own the “Ginza” variant of this and the dial is absolutely amazing! I’m still tempted to get this one too!!
Bracelet is a fail, and at this price, that just doesn't cut it for a Seiko. The design is a bit generic, so it needs to get EVERYTHING right to tempt me.
Great review! But I wouldn't call the 6R their "Premium" offering. The 6R35 sit along side the PM80, in the mid-range tier. The 4R would be their entry level and the 8L would be their premium movement.
@r2l100 Why would you want an 80 hour power reserve? Just think of all that wear and tear as the watch sits unworn. It's about as clever as buying bottled water.
I have the wonderful SPB167J “Sharp Edge” Presage in blue. This New Alpinist features a similarly intriguing blue dial and the same movement at half the price. For anyone interested, you really can’t go wrong here. Seiko’s got a winner with this one!
I've owned rolexes ...a few of them... When I was sailing my Rolex datejust band popped open.... I almost lost it.... People used to ask me what do you want a Rolex? why do you want a Rolex? You should check out a Seiko 5... And I remember being all like oh no that's okay... I want a Rolex..... But I'll be honest when I discovered how amazing my Seiko 5 was.... Buried in 3ft of snow.. for two weeks... I found it and glistening in the Sun... Picked it up and gave it a shake and it went right to work.... If I was to lose a Rolex.... I would be darn that's a lot of money... However if I was to lose my Seiko.... I would be darn!!! There goes my favorite watch..... DeCicco fives fit me well.... I know people complain about how cheap the bracelet feels..... But to be quite honest it is actually very strong.... It is designed to shake and rattle... To keep the automatic movement flowing..... That is the reason for the Seiko 5 rattle .... Japanese do so much with intention and purpose.... They are perfectionist..... The house of Seiko blows my mind.... I will be investing in a Alpinista soon ...thanku
I wish we can reach a point when we stop comparing any watch to a freaking Rolex.
Hahah I agree. It gets the views though and in my case, I’m comparing a lot of things to a white OP39 😅
I own a Rolex and even I agree.
Rolex is an over bloated brand that prides itself on treating their customers like dirt.
@@chrisstevenson2622 That’s not my experience. My Rolex AD is very good and as a company, Rolex is doing a good job at maintaining quality production at high production volume.
@@tockingwatches2377 how come no stainless steel watches can be found at boutiques?
Thank you for this amazingly produced review. Purchased this exact model immediately after watching. I watch a lot of TH-cam watch reviews and you definitely know how to capture a watch’s best angles compared to most reviewers. Looking forward to your next review, and can’t wait to see the watch in person!
Hello my friend ! Is possible to measure only the diameter of the crystal ? Not the diameter of the watch , only the crystal . Thank you in advance
Do u work for Seiko 🧐
I did exactly the same and I love it
Price pls... Here in India it costs around 840usd. Is it worth the price?
I've got the mystic forest dial, it's just stunning. As you said it looks casual on the first look, but when you start paying attention or depending on the light exposure it's just amazing...
Beautiful watch!!! So beautiful, I had to order one. And to be honest, it’s really gorgeous in person as well. I love it. I ordered it from an AD in Asia, it was here in less than a week. I think this one will be a “LONG TERM” favorite for sure! The power reserve is amazing. Also, I paid less than $600 including shipping. I’m very happy with this purchase.
which ad did you buy it from?
The theme is a lake in mountains. The pattern is a metaphor for ripples on a placid mountain lake. Rather than ropes or dna I would think.
The thickness on a clean cylindrical shape works for me. Some of the very best watches like the glashuttes cut that same profile
Great review - I think this looks endlessly better than the previous Alpinist re-issue.
Agreed,I know the "baby" alpinists have their own fans,but I found the design to be a bit too....dated, this design is absolutely timeless
Never forget style and design is subjective.
I consider this watch another missed opportunity by Seiko. It's supposed to be a tool watch but it has a 19mm lug width, high polish surfaces, clasp with only two adjustments and no particular reason to be so thick. Beautiful dial but I would classify the watch as a dress watch that is toolish not a tool watch that is dressy.
I'm with you on this, it's a nice flashy watch looking toolish. I have a Longines Conquest that does the same - 30 bar WR, screw-down crown and decent crown guards. But polished bracelet, no knurling on the crown, butterfly clasp and horrors! no lume. It's the blue dial version, black one does have lume.
@@alanmckinnon6791 For me the main Longines horror is the never ending lugs. They all look exceptional and all wear like crap.
@@poulwinther I don't have that problem at all, for me the lugs fit just fine. My wrists are wide and thin though, the shape of a wrist make a big difference.
@@poulwinther 37 mm should work then.
@@jimwatchyyc It's not really about the diameter. I have 43's that wear much better than 39 Longines'.
I have the Ginza Alpinist SBP259 and I am looking at the SPB289 Mystic Forest and I highly recommend this series of watches. You get a LOT of value for your money with these models.
This review is so well done. Your enthusiasm, pace, videography. I bought the watch!
Great review on a beautiful watch. Personally I loved the cathedral hands the Alpinist used to have. They matched the hour markers better. The macro shots are beautiful, but also clearly showed that white hair, or is it lint, at the wrong end of the hour hand (visible at 08:40), which is not your fault of course. Personally, I’d go back to Seiko to have that removed or cleaned, if you’re going to keep the watch. Or is it a reflection of your camera set up?
Hi Dave long time I did not see your reviews was busy with music live as the corona is getting weak in Japan and many places are opened. You got a nice T-shirt with the watch logo love the alpinist model hope everything is ok with you
Sigh…another "missed it by *that* much" release from my favorite brand. But it's still crazy-compelling: the watch I'm saving up for is another "homage" from Seiko: either their Presage SPB059J ("Laurel'), or their Presage SSA387J1 (Cocktail Time), both with power-reserve. But, nit-picking aside, and in spite of my already having the Alpinist SARB 017 (which ain't going nowhere), this one tickles my fancy. Yes, the clasp-gap bugs me almost as much as it does you, but I likely could manage in terms of the limited adjustability (slightly over 7" wrists here). Have to seriously think this one over, thanks to you. ;-)
I reluctantly bought the Presage cocktail time. My wife was with me while I was watch shopping and I wanted another Seiko diver. She said I had to many and I needed a dress watch (UGGHH, lesson learned never bring the wife). Well I bought it and hated it. I wouldn't even wear it out.So we went for dinner one night and I gave it a shot. Well I have to say the watch grew on me and now it's become my dinner watch.Good luck my friend !
Very good looking watch. It's got a nice enough bracelet but I'd still put it on a nice strap. Many people complain about the 19mm strap, but nowadays there is a huge selection of 19mm straps available at least in Turkey where I'm based. Of course Turkey is famous for leather goods and there are craft people who will hand-make high quality straps for a very cheap price. I love this. I'm a date guy at a very minimum myself, and prefer day date, but that would have been too much for this one.
The benefit of both brush and polish on the hands is actually even bigger than "fancy versus" practical! Brush and polish come alive/contrast to their backgrounds very differently depending on the light (for example, in bright light a high polish hand actually disappears against a dark dial but is super visible in low light, while the opposite is the case for a brushed hand). Having both means high contrast against the dial all the time.
It's a big reason why Grand Seiko hands very often get even more complex, faceting their hands and mixing finishing techniques in super elegant ways.
pretty sure thats exactly what he said in the video. did you miss anything?
@@NhatHuyNg so he made the argument that brush=practical and polish=fancy. I was pointing out that it's deeper than that, both are practical in different lighting scenarios.
@@sylinmino watch the video again, he did mention that the different finishing helps legibility in different lighting conditions.
@@NhatHuyNg ah maybe I glossed over it first time
Incredible camera work and choreography... stunning stunning shots... lovely watch made lovelier by the videography
I have seen this watch in a shop and it is definitely a beautiful watch with perfect dimensions and high quality. I would pick a different colour dial though if I was to buy one.
Nice work.. love the watch.. and you do a wonderful job with the storyline and camerawork/editing.. thank you!
Frank in Colorado
Been trying to scratch my Rolex itch with lots of discount options and this one is promising. However, for "only" 3x the $, the Ball Engineer II has my vote. Has the same annoying strap width but the movement is amazing, 70 hr reserve, fab bracelet and history too ... however, can't touch the dial on the Seiko. Classic struggle, looks vs substance divided by spare cash. Great review!
300% is a lot , you can only get some entry pieces for ball eng.
it reminds me of an omega rail master more than an explorer, i like it
Many thanks for the very good review; having a 19 mm width is not a problem, since you are going to use Seiko SS bracelet, which is awsome. A non signed crowned still remains very odd from Seiko at this price point. Overall, it is the best sports, dive and stylish dress watch that could be used all the time, with high accuracy and power reserve.
do you think this watch also serves as an alternative to the Tudor Ranger?
I can see u looking at notes before cutting out. Really good review but that’s a simple improvement you can make! I’m enjoying your unique watch reviews more and more
My first Seiko was an Alpinist. Still have it on an aftermarket bracelet.
Seiko is by far the best bang for your buck out their. By the way I can afford the overpriced Swiss watches, but I really don’t like paying huge markups for a name.
Used to have the green one on a jubilee. What I really wanted was the blue Hodinki one but price wise they were taking the Michael.
I wondered what David Duchovny was up to...hmm a watch fan...intro music is bangin AOR
at 10:07 there is a fiber on the short end of the minute hand :) and you own it :)
For the money I would go with the Traska Summiteer, but there both great watches. I love the 40mm Seiko 5, black and gilded. For $200 ish.
I was disappointed I missed out on the Ginza version but watching this has swayed me. Particularly looking at it close up I think the darker tone will look much smarter at the cost of being only slightly less interesting to look at! Thanks for being a bad influence 😉
Stunning on that blue leather strap.
Fine review Dave. I love my old SARB017. Recently dumped that horrible fake OEM alligator strap for a nice stainless Oyster and your analogy really came to life….think Japanese Explorer. Yep! BTW……..I do not do business with Joma Shop. Just saying….
Fantastic work with the review, the cinematography was great, definitely a solid budget alternative but why 19mm seiko.
Dave... pretty hot watch... love the micro shots... very well thought out design by Seiko!!!
Great watch. Great video... looks like a stray piece if debris on the minute hand. The pattern work on the dial is Stellar!
by having the inner minute track it makes the second hand look stupid long. they should have shortened it and moved the arrow point up to meet the minute track would look better imo.
Bought the SPB259 and really happy with it.
The clasp as well as the 19mm size is very similar to the bracelet and clasp on the Citizen NB1059 series - maybe Seiko and Citizen have the same bracelet subcontractor !? :-)
Great job with this review but the Explorer comparison is unwarranted and it's an everyday watch that is meant to be enjoyed and worn to death, not an heirloom.
It could also be an heirloom
Nice. I'd happily swap some height and price for a simple 100m WR
Those are some amazing shots of the watch
Fantastic piece! Too bad it's too small for my wrist. Still, love it!
Added to my 'to buy list', thanks!
That intro is so underrated!
I'ts very beautiful, I noticed it in the shop and also had to try it. I would buy it if it would be a big bigger. It's rather small.
Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic. No date and not as top heavy, gorgeous. A little more expensive but not by much.
Agreed. I have 5 Alpinists and two more 59’s coming. The black one on the bracelet has lots over the Explorer, and it has a timing bezel. Thanks for the proper review. Nicely done.
Yeah, a Seiko over a Rolex any time. Right. Are you on any type of mind altering drugs?
Like 200m WR, timing and compass bezel. I love the Explorer, it's my favorite Rolex.
Lorenzo.... My favorite watches makers in the $700 range. He a killer designer. Great specs.
i think the date helps the look. this watch would make less sense if it traded that functionality with the aesthetic.
Is the microadjustment on the clasp tool-less?
They lose me with the cheesy X logo.
I own a Presage and a Seiko5.
That's, or a Alpinist, is enough for me and i'm happy😁
Have to disagree with some of your coverage of the 6R35. The 6R family is known to have a lot of reliability issues which I myself have encountered, the movement in my SPB159 stopped working out of nowhere with no shocks/drops/etc. after less than a year of ownership. It's also known for having very significant positional variance which mine does as well.
As nice as it is, for similar money here in the UK, I’d choose a Christopher Ward sealander.
Personal opinion only.
Wow what a good looking watch
I've enjoyed your reviews for a while now, Dave, and keep up the good work! 👍
Gotta point out that Seiko just don't sign the crowns on their tool watches...it's part of the branding, if you like. There are some exceptions to this (PX logo on the MM300, signed crowns on SLA017, SLA037 and SLA043) but they are limited editions which should be coming out of the Grand Seiko factory, really, and they're forced to fit in the Prospex line up because they're recreations of Seiko 60's divers and GS can have no claim on those originals. You can get much cheaper watches in the Presage line-up with signed crowns....you just don't get 'em with Prospex.
These Alpinists are spot on though.
I hate that Seiko always include date complication, especially on an "explorer alternative".
How would you compare this to the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80? I feel like these are pretty similar, but with a different purpose 😄
imagine if the second hand is in yellow….nice contrast with the blue dial…..
I think the SPB159 on steel bracelet is a closer match to a Rolex Explorer
With current prices for a SARB I'd rather have that with screw down crown and a 70 hr power reserve.
Great review thanks
Great review Dave. Love the watch.
Do U like Seiko Coutura range ? I collect them. Gorgeous
this watch is 1 watch collection. period
Stunning watch.
I’d describe it as Seiko’s version of the Omega Aqua Terra.
This is my Omega Railmaster especially with the rounded case and “track” around the dial.
The aqua terrra is nice, this looks ugly af imo.
Your videos are soo well produced it is a crime that you don’t have more than 70K subscribers! 😱 amazing video! AS ALWAYS!
Get one of these on your channel Gringa. They are beau ti ful!
Thanks Brittany! Must be my boring personality holding me back 🤣
It's nice but not £700 plus 20%sales tax nice..I do not know though I really like this! Sadly the movement not being high beat let's it down. I'll be getting a Chinese high beat homage of it..for & under 300.
I bought one yesterday 18/07/2024 , new from jewellersin Sydney , Au $862 including 10% gst ( £450 )
I feel every brand does at least one thing great on its watches and Seiko is no exception. Seiko absolutely delivers amazing dials, that's their specialty, at all price points too. This watch wasn't even on my radar, but it is now. Thank you.
Absolutely right ! The wait it attracts and reflects light, finesse of the logo and with the 6R35.. that's a win for me !
I'm wearing my snkl23 right now. I still get lost in the beauty of this dial. And it's sub $100. I have it on a shark mesh strap and it looks the business!
It seems absolutely perfect, which means I broke a golden rule of mine and bought it online without even looking at it in real life - it was all because of this review, congratulations. 👌
I did the same.
me too haha
How do you guys like it? How is the fit?
@@SomeOneOneOne it's perfect, bracelet is high quality, clasp misaligns - it's a bit too high on the wrist and can catch stuff, but nonetheless this has become my favourite piece in the past few weeks, and I do own a modern tag heuer carrera and a seiko spring drive.
@@cyanx7 Awesome! Thx for the Feedback! What do you mean by the clasp is misaligned? Is it not centered on your wrist or do you mean the gap between the clasp and bracelet?
i dont understand whats the obsession with signed crowns 😅
Urgh, 19mm bracelet and their dinky little clasp... So close to perfection. I have the baby Alpinist SPB155 and it's 90% there, but I'm so glad it came with 20mm lugs and is compatible with 3rd party bracelets designed for regular Alpinist.
I have the blue dial 157 and I agree it’s pretty close. I don’t have a bracelet, and natos look okay, but maybe a bracelet will have me wanting to wear it more.
No micro adjust means at a minimum needs half links... but no half links, so mega fail.
BWC brother man. Yep. The 19mm bracelet with so little taper turned me off to this one. Picked up my SPB155 and it's become "the one." It does everything. I've worn it for 3 straight weeks and I'm over the moon with it.
You can't go wrong with either version of the Alpinist. I personally got myself the baby Alpinist SPB155 instead because I found an AD that was offering 30% off Seiko watches. At $500 then it's a no brainer. Really do love that green dial. The bracelet on this Seiko doesn't seem all that bad. It has a milled clasp just like a Mido Ocean Star 200 but minus the diver extension.
Why they didn’t go 20 is a mistake imho
I own the 1959 alpinist limited edition which I picked up for not much more than the non Ltd, I just removed myself from the Explorer wait list despite the fact I was told just another 6 months, I think the piano black, bubble domed sapphire and mountain indices speak to me more than the Explorer now.
I just got the SJE085 too. Super sale at my local AD, but it sounds like you got the better deal. How much if you don't mind me asking? Wanna' sell the original bundt strap?
@@Jesse-Rodriguez do you have an insta name if so I can message you on there
I have the SJE085 as well and got a pretty good deal, but not THAT good. I’m happy with what I paid, I love this watch!! But, so I stay happy with what I paid - I’m not going to ask what kind of deal you got 😂
Never wear it on the Bundt, but it is awesome on a NATO!
I love the 1959 Limited Edition and would have bought it in a heartbeat, regardless of the price, if it did not have a date. Nonetheless, it is gorgeous… and it is still available at my AD. 😀
@@edteach3r I know what you’re saying about the date but I genuinely overcoming those shortcomings and getting one, it’s amazing
There is a "minor" diffrence. The Rolex Explorer tells the time accurately. The Seiko Alpinist with its 6R35, is pretty close to junk. After a year i returned it under guarantee, because it was running one minute late per day. I had to wait more than 6 months to get it back, saying they replaced the entire movement.. I got it back it was running 15-20 secs fast, and after few months of wearing it its losing 30-40 secs per day... It is rather a piece of jewelry, than a real watch. Given that i spent 750 euros on it, i am deeply frustrated and disappointment by Seiko. Only swiss movements from now on for mechanical watches under 4k
Yeah, you got yourself a real stealth stunner. Those dial details! It does look like DNA 🧬 strands as you mentioned when you get down close into the textures. The fact you get one of the newer 6R35 movement for well under $1k.. which they tend to hover around more or less in other watches that have it is great. Thanks for the review and much needed closer look at all the wonderful details of this one. The positives far outweoght any of the negative niggles you brought up, I think.
I love Seiko but stop comparing Rolex to Seiko 🤦🏻♂️ They r both in different leagues.
@Just the Watch, awesome review! You made me buy this watch :) It is really good and I think it looks way better than the Explorer :) Thanks!
This video finally convinced me to pull the trigger on this exact model...it is simply stunning,wears like a dream even the stock bracelet is the most comfortable one I've ever worn.
It's absolutely a rival for the explorer and the aqua terra!
This watch is absolutely great. One of my problems with Seiko is that most of their upper tier watches are 40mm or larger and a 37mm or 38mm watch is a much better fit for me. So I'm glad this one is on the smaller side.
It's closer to an Omega Aqua Terra than a Rolex Explorer.
The bracelet is absolute trash and 19mm lugs dont make it so easy to swap. Only downside.. The watch itself is very nice. I wear it on a NATO with intention to swap to leather for winter
Every Alpinist is Rolex Explorer killer, until it is not. 6R fails to deliver reliability and precision, bracelet fails to impress and ever changing design just waters down the image of the model. It is stunning watch, I have it, as well as Baby Alpinist (which is Explorer killer even more so in my book), but in the end, when you take Rolex in your hands, you realize that only Rolex killer is the price, not another watch.
Rolex rolex rolex.. .....is a seiko review stop with rolex...rolex rolex
If you don’t like to watch, GTFO 😤
Very good review of a very good watch Dave.
The Alpinist is a true GADA watch, suitable for 90% of situations most folk will find themselves in. If the Explorer, as a one watch collection has a flaw, it's the lack of a date. Sure, aesthetically it's better off without it, as would be this iteration of the Alpinist I'd argue. But functionally it's better with a date comp. And the date is executed well. Although I genuinely prefer it, I don't like the idea of a 6 o'clock date on this piece for some reason. I do wonder if a trapezoidal date aperture (like on vintage Universal Genevè Pole routers) would be an improvement? It would maintain most of the angles on the indices...
I've had a 'regular' Alpinist (the SPB123J Champagne w/- gold variant) for two years plus, which I wear on an after market jubilee bracelet. It's accurate to ~ +/-2 spd and by far my favourite 'daily' watch, despite sharing the watch-box with pieces others may consider more desirable.
It's a keeper: I will never part with it voluntarily.
If it was perfect in every way who would buy the Grand Seiko. They can nail it but why would they, I see the same in phono cartridges, every $500 gets you closer to their holy grail. Great review, looking to upgrade my 40 year old Seiko, it still works like a charm,
bought it new. 😎
Holy shit, another audiophile :D
@@covacs02 Audiophile here, as well! I run an Ortofon 2M Bronze on my George Merrill PolyTable. 🎶👍🍻
Bought this watch after watching your review. It has now become the most worn watch in my collection, even above the PRX. The unsigned crown and the clasp are quite bewildering but it takes nothing away from the wearing experience. The dial is simply unparalleled.
I am very interested in this watch as well. I was wondering if you bought it at a store or online. I am very new to watches and don't want to be scammed or ripped off. Would you be willing to share some info with me?
Also took me a year to warming up to this series but now I have it…..man, this is what Seiko is all about.
I’ve owned this watch in the cream dial for about a year now. Despite my issues with the clasp, thickness, and date window, it has that certain je ne sais quoi for me and has become a staple in my rotation (though I’m still waiting for someone to make an aftermarket bracelet with a better clasp).
You could swap the clasp Kevin. You may've already considered this?, but if not, an after market clasp with on-the-fly adjustment from eBay (or any of the other online markets) can transform a bracelet!
Hey Dave another great review and video as always!!! Absolutely love this watch congratulations!!! I own the “Ginza” variant of this and the dial is absolutely amazing! I’m still tempted to get this one too!!
Wow that is an amazing camera Dave. Them macro shots are stunning
This watch is cool AF. How does the watch do against magnetism?
Got myself the "bamboo forest" limited to 1000 pieces. I bought it in Thailand, as a souvenir from there, as it's only sold there. Love it!
The 6r35 is not a premium movement. It exhibits appalling positional variance.
Lindo demais este relógio, sonho de consumo. Saudações desde São Paulo/ Brasil.
Bracelet is a fail, and at this price, that just doesn't cut it for a Seiko. The design is a bit generic, so it needs to get EVERYTHING right to tempt me.
Great review! But I wouldn't call the 6R their "Premium" offering. The 6R35 sit along side the PM80, in the mid-range tier. The 4R would be their entry level and the 8L would be their premium movement.
I can’t be the only one who would rather have 28,800 and ~40h power reserve than 21,600 and ~80 power reserve.
@r2l100 Why would you want an 80 hour power reserve? Just think of all that wear and tear as the watch sits unworn. It's about as clever as buying bottled water.
I have the wonderful SPB167J “Sharp Edge” Presage in blue. This New Alpinist features a similarly intriguing blue dial and the same movement at half the price. For anyone interested, you really can’t go wrong here. Seiko’s got a winner with this one!
I've owned rolexes ...a few of them... When I was sailing my Rolex datejust band popped open.... I almost lost it.... People used to ask me what do you want a Rolex? why do you want a Rolex? You should check out a Seiko 5... And I remember being all like oh no that's okay... I want a Rolex..... But I'll be honest when I discovered how amazing my Seiko 5 was.... Buried in 3ft of snow.. for two weeks... I found it and glistening in the Sun... Picked it up and gave it a shake and it went right to work.... If I was to lose a Rolex.... I would be darn that's a lot of money... However if I was to lose my Seiko.... I would be darn!!! There goes my favorite watch..... DeCicco fives fit me well.... I know people complain about how cheap the bracelet feels..... But to be quite honest it is actually very strong.... It is designed to shake and rattle... To keep the automatic movement flowing..... That is the reason for the Seiko 5 rattle .... Japanese do so much with intention and purpose.... They are perfectionist..... The house of Seiko blows my mind.... I will be investing in a Alpinista soon ...thanku