Been so tempted to pick one of these up. I didn't notice that they moved the arabics to just 12, 3, 6 and 9, but I think i like it. Really gives the dial a different feel.
Totally agree. I'm sooooo bored at looking at divers, it's good to see something different and I like the way they've chosen to do things a little differently with the arabics, makes a refreshing change. Colour isn't my personal choice but it's growing on me and I can't deny it looks classy. A little outside of my price range unfortunately and the elephant in the room for me - those lugs are going to get scratched for fun in no time.
Such a cool discovery! If I didn't have my 017 Alpinist (which I dearly love), this would absolutely be the "new" Alpinist on my shortlist. Thanks for this review, Shane.
I think a 4:30 date is perfect. When I need the date, I can take the time to focus on it. I've never needed a date a a glance, but time at a glance is a key aspect of watches.
I have been wanting an Alpinist with the green dial, compass bezel, and no cyclops. I thought I was going to have to settle for blue, and was so happy to find this.
Being in the Army for a few years I enjoy map reading and using a compass to make hikes and fishing trips interesting. I'm probably numbered in the few that really use the compass. It's much easier than the old way to navigate using a watch. Great video.
Beautiful Watch, Shane! Your accuracy problem is not an anomaly. The Christmas before last, my wife bought me the SPB155-B1, or, the Baby Alpinist. It was losing 16 spd. I couldn’t stand it, so I sent it to Seiko in New Jersey. When I got it back, it was losing a little over 20 seconds per day. Like you, I l love my watch, and I wear it frequently, but unlike you, I’ll never ever buy another Seiko mechanical watch. I know it’s a psychological problem of mine, but I’m too obsessed with time to get over it. I also have a Hamilton Khaki Automatic watch that alternatively gains or loses about 3 spd; I can live with that.
If the dial was actually as gaudy and flashy as everyone thinks, I wouldn't be able to get away with wearing it in uniform. But I threw it on a green seatbelt NATO and it's practically tactical at that point. But then I throw it on a two-tone Uncle Straps bracelet and it's bling to the max.
Shane, first time viewer here. I really like your presentation style. Your review was thorough and well produced. Kudos! I have both mechanical and quartz watches in my collection. I tend to think of mechanical watches as vintage cars. Mechanical watches are anachronistic at this point. In the same way a 1969 Jaguar XK-E or 1970 Dodge Charger will get you to work, their primary duty in contemporary times is to give us a feeling. A Tesla is faster and more efficient than the Charger and XK-E but also a little dorky. I dont take accuracy into the equation when considering a mechanical watch - really more like wearing the equivalent of a grandfather clock on my wrist. If the watch ran poorly of course I would have it looked at but I mostly want to enjoy my mechanical for what it represents, not it's funtionality. My G-Shock solar bluetooth is a trustworthy and accurate instrument - but I don't get all warm n fuzzy over it - more an appreciation for it's competence. Thanks!
A very thorough review. Watched it many times and finally decided to buy the SBEJ005, same as yours. Am loving it. Mine goes abt +20 secs a day. Will get the Uncle Seiko bracelet too soon. Tq for your nice review!
Thanks for the great review as always. I’m one of those weirdos who likes a date on his watch so much, I don’t care how much the date messes up the design. Thanks again!
You didn’t mention it but the gilt hands and indices give the watch a whole different character vs the others with silver. Kind of a vintage vibe. Works very well with the dark green dial.
Cool and comfortably wearing. Looks sporty and but also fits a suit. On the movement. I had another 6R movement. I found that after a couple of weeks/months of daily wear it becomes more accurate and well within spec. It is mechanical and may need a time to become smooth
Green dial with gold…is working with everything in the wardrobe, all suits, jeans , shirts - all colors. If you want 1 watch collection go with green alpinist. I have the Sarb 017, I use at the office all the time when I have a suite, chinos, shirt and jacket. I use rarely Sarb 033 which lately grew on my because I rarely wear black-white -cognac. For T-shirts and holidays go with a diver- SKX, turtle, Timex pepsi or micro-brand. G-Shock became way to expensive and I think looks like a happy meal toy- Richard Mille 😅
Absolutely beautiful watch, and wild to think we like the same watch brands. I have a CW C65 super compressor in their sand color dial and want to get my hands on an alpinist GMT. Great review!
I have the older SARB017, in the new alpinist's case as well as the GMT, I really hate the caseback. The movement is undecorated so why bother? The older SARB wears far better, and is the reason I still have it over the newer ones. Great looking watch nevertheless Shane.
I think -20spd (even though near spec) is ridiculous, especially with the precision robotic equipment that Seiko and their movement factories have today. You introduced me to the sunburst dialed Seiko SRPE51(?), it went from -6 to -12 after a month wear. This is frustrating, in order to have to change the time every three days. Further to this, I have a couple of micro brands with NH35s, +2spd. Its unfair to the Seiko enthusiast. We deserve better.
Great video as always. Can't remember exactly how but as soon as the other colourways were announced I stumbled across the JDM version with a few days and thought wow that's some watch and no cyclops! If you factor in import taxes (at least for Europe) then it's about the same as what you would pay for one of the other colourways you could pick up locally (except for the limited edition) or even a bit more as there has been some reasonable discounts over Black Friday on these models. It's right up there on my would buy list so here's hoping I can find a good deal during next year.
Interestingly, I just got the Hamilton Khaki King with the champagne dial after initally passing on the SBEJ005 and now Im back to the SBEJ005. Although, Im having a hard time not getting the SPB377.
when you think to use it I actually use a compass feature more then I would think. when I'm waiting in a parking lot or something it can be fun to find out where north is. I also find it extremely helpful when putzing around a nes city to help me keep my bearings. I don't use GPS much in my vehicle. I go c it to distracting sometimes.
I have an Alpinist SPB. It has a 6R movement and works well. The first one I purchased stopped on my wrist the first day I wore it. Still I purchased another and love it. While I like the Alpinist's like the one in the video I think the Seiko Laurel homage is more beautiful. Certainly more true to the original. The popular explorer style Alpinist's sort of seem like a Homage to some Swiss watch brands. IMHO
Howdy Shane, thanks for doing another superb review. I have always liked the Alpinist. I really like the functionality of this watch (24-hour bezel, GMT, Compass readings, and even that micro-sized date :). A few years back, that Sarb lineup was full of great value, but I think like many Seiko's in the low to mid-price range, their movements are their Achilles heel. At $1k+, Seiko needs to give us more accurate movements without us always going under the hood to regulate it. That wide spec range in Seiko, Citizen, and Orient watches is why I migrated to European watches/movements over the years. Though full disclosure, I'm obsessed with accuracy. :) One nitpick on the handset. That GMT hand seems out of place for me. Perhaps it has too big of a presence, or the triangle-shaped design doesn't match the other cathedral hands well. Cheers, my friend.
I was going to pick one up, holding both the black/blue dial versions in my hand. Walked away as the date window was too small for men to read without the cyclops window.
That is a nice-looking watch!! Personally, I really like the classic green dial. I don't think I will ever part with my SARB017 (which is also on an Uncle Seiko BOR bracelet)...
It's hard to tell in the video, are the applied hour markers metallic or just matte yellowish? The metallic markers on the regular alpanist are georgeous.
They have a brushed metal finish. IMO that makes these indices/numerals more legible than the polished markers of previous models, which were more dependent on the angle between the dial and a light source for legibility. They no longer "disappear" in that metallic sea of green.
@@RelativeTimeI should mention that thanks to your video I picked one up in Japan, and I'm loving it to bits! I also can confirm that the warranty is valid internationally, Cheers!
with both casio and Seiko when it comes to jdm watch warranty tell them it was a gift from a realativr visiting Japan. I've found that usually works when it comes to warranty claims. otherwise I've found buying from a jdm shop like sakrua watches will do wonders for you because they are registered with all the Japan brands they sell. they have terrific customer service. even offering me jdm bracelets upon request. some thing I'm going to take them up on to get the rediclously expensive combo bracelet for my prw-61 next year.
Agree-Sakura and Gnomon have both been great to deal with. I have bought both Seiko and Citizen JDM watches from them and always a perfect transaction.
I'm afraid the change of the arabics to 3 6 and 9 doesn't work for me; I'd be tempted to mod a classic dial into this case... now there's a thought Great review video as ever.
Yeah, but better or worse it seems to be a part of Seikos Design language. I'm betting more are coming with it. Maybe this is their compromise for everyone wanting a dateless watch. make it less obvious.
I hate cyclopses and I don‘t mind taking a closer longer look at a tiny date window at all. Unlike the time, you only need the date occasionally and if so, not at a glance. Beautiful watch!
Love the dial numerals, but for me two items would make it better. 1. No date 2. Not having rhe external GMT markings, and instead using the rotating ring for that purpose. But, I get why they did it, as the compass is part of thos model's identity. Like the ingenuity here - and hope many collectors find it just what they are looking to acquire.
A 3 way video comparison would be great. That's cool that you picked up this model. I knew about it, but as an owner of a baby Alpinist and a blue Alpinist, I'm a bit obsessed with any new Alpinist releases. I don't love the yellow-ish fauxtina look vs. the gilt markers of the non-GMT green compass variants. Also, must like on the blue and black models I wish Seiko had taken the opportunity to make the 3/6/9/12 and longer indices lumed. Looking at the scratches on my SPB089, I do wish they had the regular Alpinists had the hardened coating. Definitely look at the prices of the white model before you sell it. I don't think they're made any longer and they're harder to get a hold of, so the prices are higher than the other regular models.
The markers aren't fauxtina, they're brushed (or at least matte) golden metal, as opposed to polished on previous models. Personally, I prefer this style over polished indices for legibility reasons. It doesn't matter in which angle I hold the dial, the numerals are always legible.
Ooh… Looks nice in white. I’m liking the circular calendar over the usual rectangular style. Very Nice. …but yeah I wouldn’t pay $1,000 for it. 😂 Great review. Keep them coming.
So glad this has just come out as im on my way to japan for christmas and this will be on my list! Curious, do you have a view of this vs the c63 sealander you popped up at the start as theyre the two i find myself tossing between?
They made a great looking GMT that is for sure but I do prefer my SSK009 in pure design language and looks. If I hadn't already bought my SSK009 by the time these were released I would of had a harder decision lol but I am glad I bought mine, I love the Alpinist except for the dual crowns but I know they are needed.
picked it up during trip to Japan for the same reason. Never had the original SARB and looked sharp with new movement. Slightly chunky but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to buy it around $800
If they did a GMT with the Baby Alpinest, I'd be all over it. I like the original but not enough to pay that price. The GMT on this line fits perfectly. I just wish Seiko would fix their QC issues. It still hasn't stopped me buying them though 🙄
Thank you! I didn't know that this existed. I really did not like the white date wheel of the plain alpinist. After watching this video, I bought one of these instead off of ebay. So, did your bracelet come from Uncle Straps?
Thank you for your comment . Now Seiko has the limited version of GMT so called”SBP 409 J1”. I want to learn more what is the difference between the limited version which is a white one and the GMT green one as you mentioned in your above description . Thank you.
Farer has some great designs, but I kind of go back and forth on them myself. For me, I think the scratch resistant coating was worth getting the GMT, even though I have the regular one. Haven't sold it yet, but planning on selling the regular alpinist.
No comparison, your JDM colorway Alpinist blows the other two out of the water. I too would select the green version. I may have found my grail GMT watch. And my next Seiko. You are a bad influence, LOL!
I like this color the best also. I wish it was a little bigger. I agree about their movements. I think miyota 9000 series are better & their GMT is a traveler, not an office - if that matters.
Please advise if the numbers are printed. Also, why the is crown in GMT version not signed anymore, though the price is higher. Many thanks for the review and best regards from Egypt.
Well the numbers aren't printed, but I'm also not sure I can say they are applied. These days Seiko is supposedly embosing or pushing the numbers through the back of the dial. So there is depth and substance similar to an applied marker. The only way to really be sure is to take it apart, but they definitely aren't printed. As for why the crown isn't signed.... no idea. From what I've seen over the last few years Seiko is putting singed crowns on the presage line, but not on the prospex line. It's just what they are doing.
The numbers are applied on the GMT version, unlike the more "blobby" numbers on previous versions, which were pressed or embossed in the dial plate. And shouldn't watches that are defaced with yet another damn logo be cheaper than watches that have fewer such annoyances? If one wants to be a walking billboard for a manufacturer, then one should either get paid for it or get a discounted product. People sometimes seem confused by the word "signed". It's just a bloody logo! It's not a handwritten and unique scribble by the old master watchmaker!
A strap company I randomly ran across called Babu. babuhandmadeleather.com/product/brown-tuscany-leather-apple-watch-band-44mm-mens-watch-bands-sw083/ They are based in Vietnam, but have really good leather.
The date? So in this type of watch, the crown always has two positions once it's unscrewed. Pull out just a little bit to the first position and when you rotate One direction it does the GMT hand rotate the other and it does the date. Pull it out further and you adjust the time. Typically, you never want to adjust the date from around 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m..... or somewhere around there. As it can damage the movement. So typically I first set the time by rotating past midnight seeing the date flip over. So I know if I'm an a.m. or then finish setting the time, then push it in slightly and adjust to set the date. The thing with this one to remember is that if you're in that first position and rotating it and the GMT hand is moving then rotate the other way
I like the Alpinist a lot looks-wise, but functionally it has too much "invested" in the compass, which is almost entirely superfluous for me. It just seems a waste of the clever inner rotating ring and the second crown, which in the GMT version would be much better utilised as a second 24-hour scale, allowing multiple time zones to be read.
When i saw the leaked sketches of this watch I was pretty excited. But after examining the watch in reviews and pictures, i think my excitment has faded. The number one issue I have is how the busy outer chapter ring now has a numbered fixed bezel attached, which elevates it to a overly busy dial, that in my eyes is not as visually appealing. Also, I can't come to like these round 4 o'clock date windows. Its like they've tried too hard to hide it instead of integrating better into the design of the watch, making it actually stick out more as being out of place. Another negative is the dial numerals and indicies are not the same gold as the hands but a more yellowy matt paint look which don't complement each other, less simplifying a already complicated dial. Overall, it still has a that basic Alpinist appeal but i think the details on this one are lacking.
The hand / indicie thing is odd. I think it comes down to matte vs polish finish. If I stare straight down at the watch the coloring matches, but tilt it slightly and they start to look different.
I have never understood the appeal of the 6R movements. Beyond the problems with accuracy, all they offer is a longer power reserve. I really don’t care about that. I would like higher beats per hour, but these movements are no better in that regard than the 4R counterparts. I think for the money they want I would probably look for another brand with a Sellita 330 movement. Is that what is in the Christopher Ward GMTs?
Yeah that's what's in the CW. What's cool is that the newer 330-2 has a 56hr power reserve and still 28,800 bph. And I haven't heard anyone complain about the accuracy on those. I've also been very pleased with the miyota 9075 watches, with true GMT.
@@RelativeTime Islander Watch briefly made a GMT with the Sellita 330 called the Republic and I think it is fantastic. Marc took it out of production basically because he put it out right when the NH34 asserted its dominance in value priced caller GMT watches and its sales were sluggish as a result. I thought that was a shame because it really is a good looking and well functioning watch. I hope he might put it out again, but with that Miyota movement.
would be an interesting side-by-side as the Venturer has a very different design approach, the new Miyota "true" GMT movement and is quite a bit less expensive. Granted without the history of the Alpinist. Really enjoy the channel!@@RelativeTime
@@chrisr7463Thanks and Very true. Although prices have crept up a bit on them. I remember when they first debuted they were crazy cheap for a 9075. Like $550 or something. Now they are $720. Which is still good for a 9075. -edit... Wait... I think that the original non-GMT I'm thinking of was $550. Prices haven't gone up too much for the GMT. I think the only other one close to that is the Vario Empire. Also a pretty unconventional 9075.
I almost love this. Almost. I just don't like how the color of the hands don't match the indices. Wish the hands were more aged, or (some of) the indices were more white.
They sort of do. I think it's more a matter of different finishing. Where the indices are brushed in the hands are polished. Because if I look straight down at the watch they look exactly the same, but tilted a little bit and the hands start to shift depending on the light.
Been so tempted to pick one of these up. I didn't notice that they moved the arabics to just 12, 3, 6 and 9, but I think i like it. Really gives the dial a different feel.
Any chance of a review from you?
that's funny. moving the arabics is the one thing that kept me from buying this watch. felt like it lost some of its charm with that
Totally agree. I'm sooooo bored at looking at divers, it's good to see something different and I like the way they've chosen to do things a little differently with the arabics, makes a refreshing change. Colour isn't my personal choice but it's growing on me and I can't deny it looks classy. A little outside of my price range unfortunately and the elephant in the room for me - those lugs are going to get scratched for fun in no time.
My biggest problem with the alpinist line is I can’t decide on which color I want. They all look good to me.
I agree
But black wins me over
It looks rugged and elegant
Black is sporty and chique. Blue is a bit more fashionable and extrovert. Green: retro, outdoor, land living style
I just got mine last week and honestly the green is fairly subtle, in most light situations to me the dial is mostly black
The special editions and regional ones always look really good. I love the white dial alpinist.
I think the green is the best version by a long shot. Great find. Great video.
Thanks!
The green and gold was always my favorite colorway.
Picked this up from the Seiko Dream Store in Tokyo earlier this year for 120000 yen - same price everywhere in Japan. Very happy with it!
Such a cool discovery! If I didn't have my 017 Alpinist (which I dearly love), this would absolutely be the "new" Alpinist on my shortlist. Thanks for this review, Shane.
I think a 4:30 date is perfect. When I need the date, I can take the time to focus on it. I've never needed a date a a glance, but time at a glance is a key aspect of watches.
I have been wanting an Alpinist with the green dial, compass bezel, and no cyclops. I thought I was going to have to settle for blue, and was so happy to find this.
Being in the Army for a few years I enjoy map reading and using a compass to make hikes and fishing trips interesting. I'm probably numbered in the few that really use the compass. It's much easier than the old way to navigate using a watch. Great video.
As an every day/where (especially with a casual suit) watch, this is amazing!
This looks beautiful! Running off to yodobashi camera tomorrow morning and hope they have one in stock!
I purchased the limited edition silver dial. LOVE IT. Worth every penny. My 3 year old daughter constantly ask, what color is that "I love it"
good choice!
Beautiful Watch, Shane! Your accuracy problem is not an anomaly. The Christmas before last, my wife bought me the SPB155-B1, or, the Baby Alpinist. It was losing 16 spd. I couldn’t stand it, so I sent it to Seiko in New Jersey. When I got it back, it was losing a little over 20 seconds per day. Like you, I l love my watch, and I wear it frequently, but unlike you, I’ll never ever buy another Seiko mechanical watch. I know it’s a psychological problem of mine, but I’m too obsessed with time to get over it. I also have a Hamilton Khaki Automatic watch that alternatively gains or loses about 3 spd; I can live with that.
Yes please! A GMT showdown would be great!
Throw in the Rolex Explorer 2 as the outsider/ hooligan
Congratulations on the GMT Alpinist. It’s a beautiful watch. As always great review
Great job on this. Beautiful footage.
As long as the date is colour matched to the dial I really like the new date placement as I usually prefer no date watches.
Its odd at first, but it blends in and you don't notice it much on the wrist.
If the dial was actually as gaudy and flashy as everyone thinks, I wouldn't be able to get away with wearing it in uniform. But I threw it on a green seatbelt NATO and it's practically tactical at that point. But then I throw it on a two-tone Uncle Straps bracelet and it's bling to the max.
Love my 017 keeper, and just missed getting one of these JDM green gmt versions.
Shane, first time viewer here. I really like your presentation style. Your review was thorough and well produced. Kudos! I have both mechanical and quartz watches in my collection. I tend to think of mechanical watches as vintage cars. Mechanical watches are anachronistic at this point. In the same way a 1969 Jaguar XK-E or 1970 Dodge Charger will get you to work, their primary duty in contemporary times is to give us a feeling. A Tesla is faster and more efficient than the Charger and XK-E but also a little dorky. I dont take accuracy into the equation when considering a mechanical watch - really more like wearing the equivalent of a grandfather clock on my wrist. If the watch ran poorly of course I would have it looked at but I mostly want to enjoy my mechanical for what it represents, not it's funtionality. My G-Shock solar bluetooth is a trustworthy and accurate instrument - but I don't get all warm n fuzzy over it - more an appreciation for it's competence. Thanks!
Thanks and welcome!
A very thorough review. Watched it many times and finally decided to buy the SBEJ005, same as yours. Am loving it. Mine goes abt +20 secs a day. Will get the Uncle Seiko bracelet too soon. Tq for your nice review!
Glad I could help!
Thanks for the great review as always. I’m one of those weirdos who likes a date on his watch so much, I don’t care how much the date messes up the design. Thanks again!
Yes, so do I, maybe even day!date!
@@JPLewcun Now you’re just being crazy! Ha! 😅
You didn’t mention it but the gilt hands and indices give the watch a whole different character vs the others with silver. Kind of a vintage vibe. Works very well with the dark green dial.
Cool and comfortably wearing. Looks sporty and but also fits a suit. On the movement. I had another 6R movement. I found that after a couple of weeks/months of daily wear it becomes more accurate and well within spec. It is mechanical and may need a time to become smooth
Just bought the SBEJ005. So hyped to receive it!
Green dial with gold…is working with everything in the wardrobe, all suits, jeans , shirts - all colors. If you want 1 watch collection go with green alpinist. I have the Sarb 017, I use at the office all the time when I have a suite, chinos, shirt and jacket. I use rarely Sarb 033 which lately grew on my because I rarely wear black-white -cognac. For T-shirts and holidays go with a diver- SKX, turtle, Timex pepsi or micro-brand. G-Shock became way to expensive and I think looks like a happy meal toy- Richard Mille 😅
I already have my 017. For this price, I might consider CW Dune GMT, which I think is also a looker.
Absolutely beautiful watch, and wild to think we like the same watch brands. I have a CW C65 super compressor in their sand color dial and want to get my hands on an alpinist GMT. Great review!
Great video I was looking for a green version as well. I would love to see the sealander comparison video.
I have the older SARB017, in the new alpinist's case as well as the GMT, I really hate the caseback. The movement is undecorated so why bother? The older SARB wears far better, and is the reason I still have it over the newer ones. Great looking watch nevertheless Shane.
Really like this watch on the beads of rice bracelet. I have a green king turtle that I put this bracelet on and it looks killer too.
I think -20spd (even though near spec) is ridiculous, especially with the precision robotic equipment that Seiko and their movement factories have today. You introduced me to the sunburst dialed Seiko SRPE51(?), it went from -6 to -12 after a month wear. This is frustrating, in order to have to change the time every three days. Further to this, I have a couple of micro brands with NH35s, +2spd. Its unfair to the Seiko enthusiast. We deserve better.
Great video as always. Can't remember exactly how but as soon as the other colourways were announced I stumbled across the JDM version with a few days and thought wow that's some watch and no cyclops! If you factor in import taxes (at least for Europe) then it's about the same as what you would pay for one of the other colourways you could pick up locally (except for the limited edition) or even a bit more as there has been some reasonable discounts over Black Friday on these models. It's right up there on my would buy list so here's hoping I can find a good deal during next year.
Bought the 377...changed the leather strap to a much darker shade of blue. Looks killer
I think the blue one looks the best out of all the Alpinists.
Interestingly, I just got the Hamilton Khaki King with the champagne dial after initally passing on the SBEJ005 and now Im back to the SBEJ005. Although, Im having a hard time not getting the SPB377.
Would love to see a video comparing it to the CW sea lander as i am trying to decide between this one or the green sealander 😊
Really beautiful watch. The green is definitely my favourite!
when you think to use it I actually use a compass feature more then I would think. when I'm waiting in a parking lot or something it can be fun to find out where north is. I also find it extremely helpful when putzing around a nes city to help me keep my bearings. I don't use GPS much in my vehicle. I go c it to distracting sometimes.
Wow now I don’t know which one I want more. This one or the spb155. I fell in love with that green and this is right up there. Dang it 😂
I have an Alpinist SPB. It has a 6R movement and works well. The first one I purchased stopped on my wrist the first day I wore it. Still I purchased another and love it. While I like the Alpinist's like the one in the video I think the Seiko Laurel homage is more beautiful. Certainly more true to the original. The popular explorer style Alpinist's sort of seem like a Homage to some Swiss watch brands. IMHO
It's on my wrist now. I love it!
Where did you order from? Really want to pick one up but not sure where to find a reputable vendor.
@@Shadylurker85 I got mine off of Chrono24.
I think a comparison video would be great, both comparisons as well as any other you may have in mind, comparison vids are great regardless
Would love that dial on the non gmt model!
Great review... mine was running 23secons slow, and had to regulate it myself. Love the green.
I've now got mine down to 9sec /day, but I might fiddle with it a little more.
@@RelativeTime that's also half of the fun
Howdy Shane, thanks for doing another superb review.
I have always liked the Alpinist. I really like the functionality of this watch (24-hour bezel, GMT, Compass readings, and even that micro-sized date :). A few years back, that Sarb lineup was full of great value, but I think like many Seiko's in the low to mid-price range, their movements are their Achilles heel.
At $1k+, Seiko needs to give us more accurate movements without us always going under the hood to regulate it.
That wide spec range in Seiko, Citizen, and Orient watches is why I migrated to European watches/movements over the years. Though full disclosure, I'm obsessed with accuracy. :)
One nitpick on the handset. That GMT hand seems out of place for me. Perhaps it has too big of a presence, or the triangle-shaped design doesn't match the other cathedral hands well.
Cheers, my friend.
So I have found that out of spec Seiko 6r given 6 months of wear will sometimes fall into spec but if not they are difficult to regulate
I was going to pick one up, holding both the black/blue dial versions in my hand. Walked away as the date window was too small for men to read without the cyclops window.
The date is almost, but not quite pointless.
That is a nice-looking watch!! Personally, I really like the classic green dial. I don't think I will ever part with my SARB017 (which is also on an Uncle Seiko BOR bracelet)...
Congratulations on the classy choice. Practical elegance. Great watch, great review thanks.
Thank you kindly!
It's hard to tell in the video, are the applied hour markers metallic or just matte yellowish? The metallic markers on the regular alpanist are georgeous.
They have a brushed metal finish. IMO that makes these indices/numerals more legible than the polished markers of previous models, which were more dependent on the angle between the dial and a light source for legibility. They no longer "disappear" in that metallic sea of green.
This has to be the best review of the JDM model out there👍
Thanks!
@@RelativeTimeI should mention that thanks to your video I picked one up in Japan, and I'm loving it to bits! I also can confirm that the warranty is valid internationally, Cheers!
@@Steaktim ahh good to know. Hopefully we won't ever need it. Glad you're enjoying it!
with both casio and Seiko when it comes to jdm watch warranty tell them it was a gift from a realativr visiting Japan. I've found that usually works when it comes to warranty claims. otherwise I've found buying from a jdm shop like sakrua watches will do wonders for you because they are registered with all the Japan brands they sell. they have terrific customer service. even offering me jdm bracelets upon request. some thing I'm going to take them up on to get the rediclously expensive combo bracelet for my prw-61 next year.
That's a great tip!
Agree-Sakura and Gnomon have both been great to deal with. I have bought both Seiko and Citizen JDM watches from them and always a perfect transaction.
I'm afraid the change of the arabics to 3 6 and 9 doesn't work for me; I'd be tempted to mod a classic dial into this case... now there's a thought
Great review video as ever.
Yeah I too find a tiny date window annoying as I can't read it so would love if they could make it larger for us that don't have great reading eyes.
Yeah, but better or worse it seems to be a part of Seikos Design language. I'm betting more are coming with it. Maybe this is their compromise for everyone wanting a dateless watch. make it less obvious.
I hate cyclopses and I don‘t mind taking a closer longer look at a tiny date window at all. Unlike the time, you only need the date occasionally and if so, not at a glance.
Beautiful watch!
For better or worse Seiko has started adopting that type of date window in a lot of their new designs.
Love the dial numerals, but for me two items would make it better.
1. No date
2. Not having rhe external GMT markings, and instead using the rotating ring for that purpose. But, I get why they did it, as the compass is part of thos model's identity.
Like the ingenuity here - and hope many collectors find it just what they are looking to acquire.
Beautiful watch!❤
A 3 way video comparison would be great. That's cool that you picked up this model. I knew about it, but as an owner of a baby Alpinist and a blue Alpinist, I'm a bit obsessed with any new Alpinist releases. I don't love the yellow-ish fauxtina look vs. the gilt markers of the non-GMT green compass variants. Also, must like on the blue and black models I wish Seiko had taken the opportunity to make the 3/6/9/12 and longer indices lumed. Looking at the scratches on my SPB089, I do wish they had the regular Alpinists had the hardened coating. Definitely look at the prices of the white model before you sell it. I don't think they're made any longer and they're harder to get a hold of, so the prices are higher than the other regular models.
The markers aren't fauxtina, they're brushed (or at least matte) golden metal, as opposed to polished on previous models. Personally, I prefer this style over polished indices for legibility reasons. It doesn't matter in which angle I hold the dial, the numerals are always legible.
@@Spurdospaerde692 That's really interesting. I guess I'd need to see it in person to really judge them.
Ooh… Looks nice in white. I’m liking the circular calendar over the usual rectangular style. Very Nice.
…but yeah I wouldn’t pay $1,000 for it. 😂 Great review. Keep them coming.
So glad this has just come out as im on my way to japan for christmas and this will be on my list!
Curious, do you have a view of this vs the c63 sealander you popped up at the start as theyre the two i find myself tossing between?
They made a great looking GMT that is for sure but I do prefer my SSK009 in pure design language and looks. If I hadn't already bought my SSK009 by the time these were released I would of had a harder decision lol but I am glad I bought mine, I love the Alpinist except for the dual crowns but I know they are needed.
picked it up during trip to Japan for the same reason. Never had the original SARB and looked sharp with new movement. Slightly chunky but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to buy it around $800
That is a great price. For that, I think the hardened coating alone is worth it over the regular Alpinist.
If they did a GMT with the Baby Alpinest, I'd be all over it. I like the original but not enough to pay that price. The GMT on this line fits perfectly. I just wish Seiko would fix their QC issues. It still hasn't stopped me buying them though 🙄
All I’m saying is, give me a black dial Sealander all day long! Stunning watch!
Hard to go wrong with CW.
Attractive watch. Good find.
ASMR natural. Beautiful seiko .
Thank you! I didn't know that this existed. I really did not like the white date wheel of the plain alpinist. After watching this video, I bought one of these instead off of ebay. So, did your bracelet come from Uncle Straps?
Yeah. Although I got it from Uncle straps a while ago. When I got my first alpinist.
For that price you can get a Christopher Ward GMT.
I'd even choose the Traska GMT over this.
In my experience the 6r movements perform better on wrist than on the timegrapher.
Thank you for your comment . Now Seiko has the limited version of GMT so called”SBP 409 J1”. I want to learn more what is the difference between the limited version which is a white one and the GMT green one as you mentioned in your above description . Thank you.
Pretty much just the coloring, and that it comes with a bracelet.
@@RelativeTime Thanks.
I already bought an alpinist so I'm not sure I want another one. Farer is really tempting me tbh ..
Farer has some great designs, but I kind of go back and forth on them myself.
For me, I think the scratch resistant coating was worth getting the GMT, even though I have the regular one. Haven't sold it yet, but planning on selling the regular alpinist.
@@RelativeTime I can't sell my regular alpinist. It's a special edition one, I would never dream of it.
@@bouvardc.2334 The blue one? Yeah if it's a limited one, don't do that.
No comparison, your JDM colorway Alpinist blows the other two out of the water. I too would select the green version. I may have found my grail GMT watch. And my next Seiko. You are a bad influence, LOL!
If I was spending close to $2000 I wouldn't even consider this watch I'd be looking at the Christopher Ward
I like this color the best also. I wish it was a little bigger. I agree about their movements. I think miyota 9000 series are better & their GMT is a traveler, not an office - if that matters.
I like the 9075 movements better. Setting the date can be a pain, but traveling hour is nicer when actually traveling.
Please advise if the numbers are printed. Also, why the is crown in GMT version not signed anymore, though the price is higher. Many thanks for the review and best regards from Egypt.
Well the numbers aren't printed, but I'm also not sure I can say they are applied. These days Seiko is supposedly embosing or pushing the numbers through the back of the dial. So there is depth and substance similar to an applied marker. The only way to really be sure is to take it apart, but they definitely aren't printed.
As for why the crown isn't signed.... no idea. From what I've seen over the last few years Seiko is putting singed crowns on the presage line, but not on the prospex line. It's just what they are doing.
The numbers are applied on the GMT version, unlike the more "blobby" numbers on previous versions, which were pressed or embossed in the dial plate.
And shouldn't watches that are defaced with yet another damn logo be cheaper than watches that have fewer such annoyances? If one wants to be a walking billboard for a manufacturer, then one should either get paid for it or get a discounted product.
People sometimes seem confused by the word "signed". It's just a bloody logo! It's not a handwritten and unique scribble by the old master watchmaker!
i bought a seiko 6139 new in 1969. accuracy +/-o-2 seconds daily
I think Baby Alpinist GMT w/ arabic @ 3, 6, 9 & 12 will be perfect
Hi Shane who makes the burnt brown leather strap that is on the watch at the end of your video?
A strap company I randomly ran across called Babu.
babuhandmadeleather.com/product/brown-tuscany-leather-apple-watch-band-44mm-mens-watch-bands-sw083/
They are based in Vietnam, but have really good leather.
Hello. Just got this on my trip to Japan. I can’t figure how to set the date and would appreciate help!
The date? So in this type of watch, the crown always has two positions once it's unscrewed. Pull out just a little bit to the first position and when you rotate One direction it does the GMT hand rotate the other and it does the date. Pull it out further and you adjust the time.
Typically, you never want to adjust the date from around 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m..... or somewhere around there. As it can damage the movement.
So typically I first set the time by rotating past midnight seeing the date flip over. So I know if I'm an a.m. or then finish setting the time, then push it in slightly and adjust to set the date.
The thing with this one to remember is that if you're in that first position and rotating it and the GMT hand is moving then rotate the other way
@@RelativeTime thanks I figured it out!
Excellent review!👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Christopher W with COSC and a bracelet for the same price. Not even a question.
Heh, I didn't notice that the arabics had changed right away either. This is probably a better dial even if it makes it more Explorer like
Never been a fan of the 2 crown situation. I actually wish they would have released the gmt without the rotating compass
I think the 1959 refreshes have been doing pretty well, so I wouldn't be surprised if they made a GMT version of that.
I like the Alpinist a lot looks-wise, but functionally it has too much "invested" in the compass, which is almost entirely superfluous for me. It just seems a waste of the clever inner rotating ring and the second crown, which in the GMT version would be much better utilised as a second 24-hour scale, allowing multiple time zones to be read.
When i saw the leaked sketches of this watch I was pretty excited. But after examining the watch in reviews and pictures, i think my excitment has faded.
The number one issue I have is how the busy outer chapter ring now has a numbered fixed bezel attached, which elevates it to a overly busy dial, that in my eyes is not as visually appealing. Also, I can't come to like these round 4 o'clock date windows. Its like they've tried too hard to hide it instead of integrating better into the design of the watch, making it actually stick out more as being out of place. Another negative is the dial numerals and indicies are not the same gold as the hands but a more yellowy matt paint look which don't complement each other, less simplifying a already complicated dial.
Overall, it still has a that basic Alpinist appeal but i think the details on this one are lacking.
The hand / indicie thing is odd. I think it comes down to matte vs polish finish. If I stare straight down at the watch the coloring matches, but tilt it slightly and they start to look different.
With green dial even numbers on bezel may be excused.
Good find !!!
Is the green of this versions dial more similar to the 017 one? Looks brighter than spb121….does anybody knows?
Nice choice. But different hands compared to the printed hour markers? Strange
I think it's more a different finish. In person and looking straight down it looks almost the same. So more brushed/blasted vs polished.
I would be more interested in a non GMT version, seems like Seiko is upper there game final
would you say the green dial here is more like the sarb017 then the green of the spb121 alpinist?
Hard to say without comparing them in person, but I'm thinking it's more like the SPB121.
would you happen to know if you can tell the difference between SBEJ and SPB models?
Not sure, but I don't think you can.
I have never understood the appeal of the 6R movements. Beyond the problems with accuracy, all they offer is a longer power reserve. I really don’t care about that. I would like higher beats per hour, but these movements are no better in that regard than the 4R counterparts.
I think for the money they want I would probably look for another brand with a Sellita 330 movement. Is that what is in the Christopher Ward GMTs?
Yeah that's what's in the CW. What's cool is that the newer 330-2 has a 56hr power reserve and still 28,800 bph. And I haven't heard anyone complain about the accuracy on those.
I've also been very pleased with the miyota 9075 watches, with true GMT.
@@RelativeTime Islander Watch briefly made a GMT with the Sellita 330 called the Republic and I think it is fantastic. Marc took it out of production basically because he put it out right when the NH34 asserted its dominance in value priced caller GMT watches and its sales were sluggish as a result. I thought that was a shame because it really is a good looking and well functioning watch. I hope he might put it out again, but with that Miyota movement.
How about comparing the Traska Venturer ( A travellers GMT/less expensive watch) with the Seiko Alpinist GMT?
The Venture looks good for the price, but I don't have any access to one.
would be an interesting side-by-side as the Venturer has a very different design approach, the new Miyota "true" GMT movement and is quite a bit less expensive. Granted without the history of the Alpinist. Really enjoy the channel!@@RelativeTime
@@chrisr7463Thanks and Very true. Although prices have crept up a bit on them. I remember when they first debuted they were crazy cheap for a 9075. Like $550 or something. Now they are $720. Which is still good for a 9075.
-edit... Wait... I think that the original non-GMT I'm thinking of was $550. Prices haven't gone up too much for the GMT. I think the only other one close to that is the Vario Empire. Also a pretty unconventional 9075.
I almost love this. Almost. I just don't like how the color of the hands don't match the indices. Wish the hands were more aged, or (some of) the indices were more white.
They sort of do. I think it's more a matter of different finishing. Where the indices are brushed in the hands are polished. Because if I look straight down at the watch they look exactly the same, but tilted a little bit and the hands start to shift depending on the light.
A day date Rolex Sub with sword hands would be my design!
That would be intersting to see.
Great bracelet
The extra hand would confuse me. Good looking watch tho.
Does the bracelets from the regular Prospex or SARB017 Alpinist fits this GMT Alpinist?
Yes it does.
where do u buy the metal bracelet on 6:46? thank you
The bigest issue with the alpinist line, is, caccuracy. -15 to +20 is far from cosc.
lt's a matter that seiko dont care!
I think that's the issue with the 6r movements in general. Supposed to be an upgraded movement, but that's not upgraded accuracy.