SPB121 all the way! The applied markers are very legible and they pop being shiny gold colored. The green dial has the best sunburst I’ve seen in a watch, catching the sun beautifully! I got an aftermarket custom made “beads of rice” bracelet for it and it looks stunning as a dress watch.
Jsut got my SPB121 yesterday and my goodness it’s such a beautiful piece. I can stare at it all day. It’s great that Seiko is giving options for different taste, but the 121 has that classic look for me
I gave the green one with brown leather strap to my son today, for his 20th birthday. He was mighty pleased, as he liked this a lot when he first saw it half a year ago.
I'm selling my Sarb017 and my Hamilton KFA 38 because I just bought the SPB155. Alone it does what both of them do. It's the best of both worlds, while being able to keep that sweet green dial and gold cathedral hands. Great comparison video.
I just ordered the 121 had been thinking about a used one but now with the new one available it just makes sense. As an every day wear. Love the 200 meter as I swim often and love the rotating bezel. I will use it more as a dive bezel. I use rotating bezels all the time to time things like pizza in the oven or a short break from working. Often use to time my drinks during a night out get a drink set the bezel for 45 min get a new drink when it gets there. Keeps me at the right level all night. The timing feature is why I usually where dive watches but hate how they are often huge.
Bought the Baby Alpinist with the blue dial when it first came out and I have it on a Strapcode bracelet. It’s easily the best watch that I’ve ever owned. The honeymoon phase never ended!
Which strap code bracelet fits that? Straight end or fitted? Strap code makes great stuff. Too bad Seiko won’t make a bracelet with screws Instead of pins. Thanks.
I picked up the SPB155 recently as my new everyday watch and I'm really happy with it. Perfect size, extremely comfortable, really attractive when you look close but not flashy.
The older sarb017 is super comfortable too. I usually like larger watches 41-42 but this always feels great on wrist. One of my favorite watches to wear of course because I got married in mine. How do you feel about the Cyclopes ?
I've had the Champagne Alpinist (SPB123J) for ~18mth's. I wear it on a jubliee bracelet and it is, by far, my favourite everyday watch. The jubliee dresses it up a bit, making it more comparable to a DJ in style than the Explorer it is often compared to. The 39-ish mm case is ideal - even on my 8“ wrist. It's comfortable and robust. It'll take anything that can be expected of a modern tool watch and it's inexpensive enough to wear without fearing damage or theft. Plus it's dressy enough for all but the most formal of occasions. I bought my Certina DS PH200M at around the same time and both pieces gave me pause to think about the law of diminishing returns. Brand names aren't 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 important to me, so I don't feel the need to wear Tudor or Omega etc., and now Rolex is beyond my means. So, I'm grateful to both the above mentioned timepieces for reinforcing the belief that I really don't 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 to spend < $1K to have a quality watch on my wrist. And one with solid history, from a significant heritage brand with an in-house mov't. As an enthusiast I really can't expect more.
Ordered the SPB155 - received it about 1 year ago.....forgot about it and just unboxed it. Great watch, totally agree with the positive comments about it. I think its a great explorer killer. Prices for the explorer have gone mad, bringing with it the whole security thing about wearing such a watch on your hand when you go out - SPB155 - hits the spot. I love the look of it, the 70 hour power reserve, clear and simple dial. Job done, well executed Seiko!
I wanted a day-to-day that was rugged with some history and bought the 121 only this week. I hated the original strap and immediately changed it for cordura (the online criticisms of the seiko strap are well justified). The watch now wears perfectly, incredibly comfy, and looks great too. The baby alpinist is a fine watch, but it's too vanilla for my taste, and not the "field" watch I was looking for. I think the 121 could become a decent collectible in future, but for now, I'm just enjoying it on my wrist every day, and the frequent compliments. Great vid, really helpful, thank you!
I've got the SPB123, with the cream/champagne dial and gold indices. I kept the original green leather strap on for a while but have now swapped it out for a green NATO and I love it. My first proper watch and one I'll keep for a long time I think
I own the 121 and paired it with a strap from Teddy's site. The dial puts it over the top for me, besting the 155 due to the extra bit of shine, the depth of the green, and the texture of the applied hour markers. It looks especially great in the sunlight, which seems appropriate for a field watch. I don't care about the compass except as a callback to the classic Alpinist. I have moved from hostile to indifferent towards the cyclops. It's a beautiful watch with a strong movement for the money.
@@williamkoehler9452 As much as I love the watch itself, the strap did feel a little bit lower quality, especially in the clasp. I actually bought a couple of third-party straps, and I am very happy with them. Again, the watch itself is really great.
I went for the SPB121 as I wanted a watch that’s something of a cult classic at this point to start off my watch collection, and I have no regrets. I instantly fell in love with it when I saw it in person, and it’s definitely my most worn watch in my small collection. I also still do love how the baby Alpinist looks so I’ll definitely be looking to add it to my collection in the future in a different color dial.
Bought my baby alpinist spb155 almost a year ago, so far I’ve found the movement gets magnetised pretty easy, but runs at about +5 secs per day when demagnetised, case bracelet a super solid and take a solid beating, but I can wear it anywhere for anything
I had the spb155, but sold it after a few month, like all other watches of my Collection. Because of the 1 watch, the spb209 with the brown dial, it takes the place of all and i love it. I have different straps, elegant and casual, so i wear my seiko every day. It is highly legebile in low and day light. Thanks for the great content
My wife bought me the SPB121 to-day for my 70th birthday. I have changed the brown deployment strap to a Hirsch Osaris Green calf leather strap with a gold buckle. It's now a stunning dress / everyday watch. Who's a happy teddy bear !
@@kialdo07 Just search Hirsch straps. I use a small business called Strapped for Time and they carry the Hirsch straps. The quality over the OEM is fantastic.
I went for the 155J1. Had it on the wrist for 4 days. The proportions are epic. The fume dial is insane. The hands are stunning and date window clean. The upgrade movement to a 70 hour power amd the 200m wr make this a proper field watch. Strap is above expectations but you know its a strap monster leather, suede, natos will all kill. Awesome piece.
Picked up my Sarb 017 original green Alpinist a couple of months before they were discontinued at around 420 USD. Love it and fits like a dream 😎new ones are almost double the price with little appreciable difference.
I'm jealous! I like the SARB better than the new one for its smaller diameter and lack of cyclops. But now I'd have to pay triple the original price to get one, which I won't do. Maybe I can make my peace with the new one...
Got married in my Sarb017. I love it and for the reason I’ll always hold onto mine. Really a great quality watch and eye catching watch. especially for the money.
Funny enough, I _just_ bought the 121 the day before this video. It scratches a lot of itches and I really do like the authenticity of the compass and the style of the applied indexes with the sunburst dial. It feels more like it's own thing than the Baby Alpinist. But I am not loving the strap. That sucker is getting replaced ASAP. 😅
I missed my chance to buy a SARB017 several years ago, and when I came back it was discontinued and pre-owned prices are ridiculous. Fortunately, the SPB121 has come along and is a worthy successor. I got a very good price on one online so purchased from them (sorry, Teddy! I’ll get the next one from ya!) and have been wearing it daily for the past week to get to know it. So far I’m very happy! My only complaint is that the calfskin strap supplied is very stiff… I may switch out to a nice aftermarket leather strap, but the clasp on the Seiko strap is so excellent I think I’ll give the leather a chance to soften up with wear. All in all, this is a very nice watch and a great value for the price in my view.
Being a sarb 035 owner for about 10 years I've always liked the size of it. Never really cared for the017,really never understood it. When I saw a review on the 155 I really found my alternative to a rolex explorer. Could not justify paying the extra for a watch in my opinion does what it should, look,wear great and keep great time.The newer 6r movement is great. Keeps great time. Enjoyed your review Teddy.
Wonderful comparison, thank you. Prefer the “old” SARB017 as not impressed with the accuracy of the 6R35 movement in my other Seikos. Also, adding the cyclops & discontinuing the signed crown are unwelcome changes.
Thanks for the details Teddy. Exactly the guidance i was looking for to pull the trigger on this beautiful Seiko Alpinist variant. An informed consumer is a buying consumer. My third purchase here, more to come. Thanks to Will (lol there are like 3 Wills there) for processing the order. He's the man
Great review. Im a field watch guy. But im poor so, Timex Explorer Scout is my jam. I love this 121. Its on my wish list. Thanks for a great review and really cementing my opinion of a timepiece ive never seen in person.
SPB 121 looks better with a stainless steel band to me, i never understood the leather and nylon straps on a watch that cost more than five hundred dollars. all i see is scrap leather made into a watch strap. but i do love the retro feel to the SPB 121. each to their own. thanks for the video, i appreciate your time sir. u can tell u put in work to put out the best product u can, again thank u.
I'm totally with you, I think that will be my next seiko, I like the green dial from the cocktail line that is similar to that one, but dress watches are not my first choice, so spb155 is just perfect!
As im older and my eyesite is Baby is my choice now. Younger with great eyes i would definitely go for the 121. Only getting domed crystal watches. Tired of smudge magnet flat ones. My Hamilton kahki auto seems smudge proff! Never experienced this before. Amazing Quality. So happy the seiko baby alpinist has No Cyclopse, Not a flat crystal. Good call Seiko. Looks like my next watch choice. Oh. I hope the lume is fantastic.
picked up the SPB121J1 Mountain sunset European Limited Edition this week. First time having a watch with a cyclops but I get used to it rather quickly. The feel of the watch is very good with the leather strap but I will definitely experiment with a bracelet as well.
Many Thanks for the precise comparison; the one without the compass looks much better, more elegant as a daily dress watch, and smaller in size with better contrast in the colours of the dial.
Great video...as usual! My favorite one will be SPB121. Its dial color along with the applied hour markers make it superior to the 155 in my opinion of course. Still can be found for less than $650. My only problem will be the leather strap that kinda doesn't fit with a field watch but at the same time it's great for wearing shirt and tie. Overall, I like the package at this price.
Im so heart broken they went with a leather strap! I’m planning to move closer to a seaside town and plan swimming with the watch but I’m worried the strap will deteriorate. I might get another strap who knows.
Great comparison, and I imagine one many Alpinist fans have been longing to see here. I love that you covered every aspect of the watch I'd want to know about. I would love to see a video review of the new SPB241/243/245 1959 Alpinists, the 243 being of particular interest to me.
I have the SPB243 and it's fantastic. My three minor complaints about it are 1) It's a bit thick (but so am I!) 2) The lug width is 19mm, bummer for my strap collection 3) The otherwise-great bracelet only has 2 holes of micro-adjust. Despite that, it's the Seiko "Explorer" that I've always wanted. I love it to pieces.
@@pokysharpy Thanks for the info! I was at an A.D. last month, and they didn't have that new line in, but I am going by another one this weekend. I am hoping they have some to try on. It's definitely in my top 3 for my next purchase. The 19mm lug width doesn't other me much, as I will likely keep it on the bracelet as with my current SPB089 (Srapcode). The 2 micro adjusts are a bit of a bummer, but we'll see. It could still work.
I bought two of these, this green one and the Sunbeam Forest. Swapped out the straps for Zuludiver tropic straps. The deployant straps that come with these fit those tropic straps perfectly. Very versatile watches for an active lifestyle if you don't want to risk your expensive pieces. Cannot fault these at all apart from the shitty leather straps they come with.
I saw the Baby in Teddy's store. It didn't quite get there for me. I think a huge reason was the bracelet. I looked at the next price tier with the Longines conquest and it really opened my eyes to how much better a bracelet could be. I wish the Alpinist was there, but they didn't have it in stock. It might have gotten there for me. Still open to it, as I ultimately ended up buying the King Turtle, which i freaking love. So i still need a field watch.. 😊
Thé Seiko Alpinist is a very classy watch. I bought one recently. It with the exception of my $49 Invicta two tone blue quartz Invicta are the only none vintage Omega watches I own. I bought the Invicta in case I was In a bad area like Los Angeles and my watch was stolen. better the Invicta instead of my vintage Omegas. The reason for the Seiko is that I fell for it. What separates my Alpinist from a Rolex. Many Rolex are made of steel. So is the Alpinist . The Alpinist has a date so does the date just. Both are pleasing to look at. Now we come to the movement . The Seiko has a 6R65 movement. It is listed as a workhorse. That means durable. The Rolex is a high quality Swiss movement. It is more accurate than the Seiko. The Alpinist that I wear is very accurate. I adjust rarely. But my quartz Invicta , Seiko Is probably more accurate than the Rolex. I set by atomic watch app on my IPhone. Watch complications do not interest me. My IPhone does complications much better. I wear a watch or pocket watch to tell time. To look down quickly to see the time. As you yourself stated repairing watches that have complications is expensive. My watch does not Gong on the hour . My IPhone gongs on the hour. Same goes for timing a frozen dinner. So I am a hybrid. Watch for time . iPhone for anything else.
Just bought the SPB157 blue dial mini-alpinist and love it but not the strap. Strap is too small for my 200mm wrist. Changed it for a larger Vietnamese made rich alligator strap and it combines wonderfully with this beautiful watch.
Love the 121, would like it better with the bracelet of the 155 on it. Will be the next one in my collection, (I'm new to the watch game). Teddy actually had this watch priced at a discount last week and I was slow pulling the trigger, so looks like I will be paying regular price for it.
Love this video Teddy! The woods theme is awesome and suits the watch perfectly! You are a total visual expert with watches I mean it. According to Mr. Wonderful, you are a walking watch rodget!
I have my SPB117 on a Uncle Jubilee bracelet with a pressed clasp. End links are matching so great, but it’s a tight fit as the lug width differs from the SARB.
After a few years of using my phone for keeping track of the time I finally pulled my favourite Seamaster, out of the winder but unfortunately the watch made it obvious that it needed a service. OK, no worries, mechanical watches need servicing, but my watchmaker quoted 5 weeks to do the service. He's a busy guy. That meant I wanted a time piece on my wrist, so after a bit of browsing I decided on the SPB121 and I've been wearing it for a little while now, so what are my thoughts. Firstly, I chose the SPB121 because aesthetically it's difficult to find a watch that's more different to the Seamaster, and I'm really enjoying that. What am I not so fond of? Immediately, the cyclops, to the point where I might ask if they can swap the crystal for a plain flat crystal as and when the watch needs a service. Other than that, the crowns confuse me. Why does one screw down when the other doesn't. They both perform the same function, transferring movement from outside the case to inside the case. My final niggle is the way that the compass bezel rocks slightly when you rotate the crown. So, am I feeling buyers remorse? Definitely not, because the things I'm not so happy about have taught me a few things, because I don't like cyclops crystals. The second crown and internal bevel don't really work for me either. Keep the bezel as an external bezel ... KISS Would I choose the SPB155 over the SPB121 definitely not, but that just my personal preference.
Great video Teddy Bulbasaur. I own SARB017 and while I consider these two inferior, I'd go for SARB155. Turning crown is annoying and useless, and cyclop window is not very clean imho.
i just picked up mine today it was the gold crown version with a brown flat leather strap - the clasp thing does take bit of getting use to but it is faster than a traditional normal leather w stainless steel clasp so it should last awhile
I have the SPB155, and it really is a perfect watch with a gorgeous, super-legible dial. Took it on a Himalayan hike earlier this month and it was the perfect companion. To me, it's the best of the Alpinists.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I walked into the store intending to buy the 121 and walked out with the SPB155. I’m liking it a lot.
What changed your mind?
I bought the spb155 a month ago. It's been on my wrist every day. It's truly a gorgeous piece and it gets more beautiful every day I look at it❤
Just think if they made a Grand Seiko Alpinist with a movement like spring drive. Would sell like hot cakes!
There's an idea! Something that is genuinely an answer to the Explorer would be huge.
You are right! That would be a great idea. That would probably be the ultimate field watch, in my opinion! 😀👍
Sound tempting
But i will never have the money to that version
The beauty of the Alpinist mixed with the spring drive movement would be exquisite
I have learned a lot about watches on your channel over the past couple of months. Thanks Teddy.
SPB121 all the way! The applied markers are very legible and they pop being shiny gold colored. The green dial has the best sunburst I’ve seen in a watch, catching the sun beautifully! I got an aftermarket custom made “beads of rice” bracelet for it and it looks stunning as a dress watch.
teddy, you are by FAR the best watch related youtube channel
Jsut got my SPB121 yesterday and my goodness it’s such a beautiful piece. I can stare at it all day. It’s great that Seiko is giving options for different taste, but the 121 has that classic look for me
I gave the green one with brown leather strap to my son today, for his 20th birthday. He was mighty pleased, as he liked this a lot when he first saw it half a year ago.
I'm selling my Sarb017 and my Hamilton KFA 38 because I just bought the SPB155. Alone it does what both of them do. It's the best of both worlds, while being able to keep that sweet green dial and gold cathedral hands.
Great comparison video.
Done the same. 👍
Great review! The 155 is definitely a stunner. Versatile and a future classic for sure.
Just purchased the Alpine with green face and brown leather strap timepiece, arriving tomorrow! excited 😊
I just ordered the 121 had been thinking about a used one but now with the new one available it just makes sense. As an every day wear. Love the 200 meter as I swim often and love the rotating bezel. I will use it more as a dive bezel. I use rotating bezels all the time to time things like pizza in the oven or a short break from working. Often use to time my drinks during a night out get a drink set the bezel for 45 min get a new drink when it gets there. Keeps me at the right level all night. The timing feature is why I usually where dive watches but hate how they are often huge.
Bought the Baby Alpinist with the blue dial when it first came out and I have it on a Strapcode bracelet. It’s easily the best watch that I’ve ever owned. The honeymoon phase never ended!
I have my SPB089 blue Alpinist on a Strapcode bracelet, and absolutely love it as well. It's a great every day watch.
Would love to own one
Which bracelet from strapcode?
Which strap code bracelet fits that? Straight end or fitted? Strap code makes great stuff. Too bad Seiko won’t make a bracelet with screws Instead of pins. Thanks.
@@Harleyglide03 the regular SARB Alpinist bracelet
I picked up the SPB155 recently as my new everyday watch and I'm really happy with it. Perfect size, extremely comfortable, really attractive when you look close but not flashy.
Touché, I love this watch too. Wearing it right now :)
The older sarb017 is super comfortable too. I usually like larger watches 41-42 but this always feels great on wrist. One of my favorite watches to wear of course because I got married in mine. How do you feel about the Cyclopes ?
I've had the Champagne Alpinist (SPB123J) for ~18mth's.
I wear it on a jubliee bracelet and it is, by far, my favourite everyday watch. The jubliee dresses it up a bit, making it more comparable to a DJ in style than the Explorer it is often compared to. The 39-ish mm case is ideal - even on my 8“ wrist. It's comfortable and robust. It'll take anything that can be expected of a modern tool watch and it's inexpensive enough to wear without fearing damage or theft. Plus it's dressy enough for all but the most formal of occasions.
I bought my Certina DS PH200M at around the same time and both pieces gave me pause to think about the law of diminishing returns. Brand names aren't 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 important to me, so I don't feel the need to wear Tudor or Omega etc., and now Rolex is beyond my means.
So, I'm grateful to both the above mentioned timepieces for reinforcing the belief that I really don't 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 to spend < $1K to have a quality watch on my wrist. And one with solid history, from a significant heritage brand with an in-house mov't.
As an enthusiast I really can't expect more.
Where do you find a jubilee that fits the alpinist perfectly? as it comes with a strap, not a bracelet
They are both great watches, hard to choose! Thanks Teddy, great review as always!
Here in Thailand we have limited edition "Save the Forest" Alpinist honouring Seub Nakasathien and it has a stunning dial you have to check it up.
Ordered the SPB155 - received it about 1 year ago.....forgot about it and just unboxed it. Great watch, totally agree with the positive comments about it. I think its a great explorer killer. Prices for the explorer have gone mad, bringing with it the whole security thing about wearing such a watch on your hand when you go out - SPB155 - hits the spot. I love the look of it, the 70 hour power reserve, clear and simple dial. Job done, well executed Seiko!
Excellent comparison and review Teddy. I prefer the SPB155. Thank you.
I wanted a day-to-day that was rugged with some history and bought the 121 only this week. I hated the original strap and immediately changed it for cordura (the online criticisms of the seiko strap are well justified). The watch now wears perfectly, incredibly comfy, and looks great too. The baby alpinist is a fine watch, but it's too vanilla for my taste, and not the "field" watch I was looking for. I think the 121 could become a decent collectible in future, but for now, I'm just enjoying it on my wrist every day, and the frequent compliments.
Great vid, really helpful, thank you!
where did you purchase your strap
Here's Teddy, with a production quality increasing at a ferocious rate. Another fantastic video mate 👌👌
Love Seiko putting more emphasis on the 38mm sizing.
I've got the SPB123, with the cream/champagne dial and gold indices. I kept the original green leather strap on for a while but have now swapped it out for a green NATO and I love it. My first proper watch and one I'll keep for a long time I think
Can we just take a moment and appreciate the production of this video =)
I own the 121 and paired it with a strap from Teddy's site. The dial puts it over the top for me, besting the 155 due to the extra bit of shine, the depth of the green, and the texture of the applied hour markers. It looks especially great in the sunlight, which seems appropriate for a field watch. I don't care about the compass except as a callback to the classic Alpinist. I have moved from hostile to indifferent towards the cyclops. It's a beautiful watch with a strong movement for the money.
What strap did you get?
@@rollinontwentytwos I can't find it on the site now, but it was a tan colored nylon-leather strap.
Did you not like the strap it comes with?
@@williamkoehler9452 As much as I love the watch itself, the strap did feel a little bit lower quality, especially in the clasp. I actually bought a couple of third-party straps, and I am very happy with them. Again, the watch itself is really great.
@@charlesfox526 100%. Looking at a NATO and another leather as well. I too love the watch itself.
Bought the spb155 yesterday. Loving it on my wrist!
I went for the SPB121 as I wanted a watch that’s something of a cult classic at this point to start off my watch collection, and I have no regrets. I instantly fell in love with it when I saw it in person, and it’s definitely my most worn watch in my small collection. I also still do love how the baby Alpinist looks so I’ll definitely be looking to add it to my collection in the future in a different color dial.
Bought my baby alpinist spb155 almost a year ago, so far I’ve found the movement gets magnetised pretty easy, but runs at about +5 secs per day when demagnetised, case bracelet a super solid and take a solid beating, but I can wear it anywhere for anything
I have the OG SARB 017 on an oyster strapcode bracelet, it is by far my most complimented watch of my small collection of 12 watches.
I had the spb155, but sold it after a few month, like all other watches of my Collection. Because of the 1 watch, the spb209 with the brown dial, it takes the place of all and i love it. I have different straps, elegant and casual, so i wear my seiko every day. It is highly legebile in low and day light. Thanks for the great content
Your presentation is so cinematic !!! stunning visuals
My wife bought me the SPB121 to-day for my 70th birthday. I have changed the brown deployment strap to a Hirsch Osaris Green calf leather strap with a gold buckle. It's now a stunning dress / everyday watch. Who's a happy teddy bear !
With a Hirsh strap and a Seiko.. best combo ever. Enjoy sir
Can you please share the link for the strap you purchased if possible?
@@kialdo07 Just search Hirsch straps. I use a small business called Strapped for Time and they carry the Hirsch straps. The quality over the OEM is fantastic.
Just ordered the SPB121, looking forward to it! I spend some time hiking/hunting and will actually use the compass feature
Got the spb199 for under msrp recently and couldn't be happier, its such a pretty watch!
First thing I did with my 121 was change to a dark green FKM strap. Perfect upgrade!!
I would love to see your take on the other green Alpinist model. The SPB245, the Laurel reinterpretation.
I went for the 155J1. Had it on the wrist for 4 days. The proportions are epic. The fume dial is insane. The hands are stunning and date window clean. The upgrade movement to a 70 hour power amd the 200m wr make this a proper field watch. Strap is above expectations but you know its a strap monster leather, suede, natos will all kill. Awesome piece.
Do you still enjoy it?
Yes 🎉❤
I got mine yesterday and I am blown away by the comfort and just how legible the watch is.
The green color looks so gorgeous.
Picked up my Sarb 017 original green Alpinist a couple of months before they were discontinued at around 420 USD. Love it and fits like a dream 😎new ones are almost double the price with little appreciable difference.
I'm jealous! I like the SARB better than the new one for its smaller diameter and lack of cyclops. But now I'd have to pay triple the original price to get one, which I won't do. Maybe I can make my peace with the new one...
Got married in my Sarb017. I love it and for the reason I’ll always hold onto mine. Really a great quality watch and eye catching watch. especially for the money.
Got the baby alpinist SPB155 for my birthday. Very comfortable bracelet, and awesome quality for the price.
Got to try on both of these watches today and they are beautiful! Solid watch for the price
Yes, it is a very nice watch, but the caliber is so disappointing!
Funny enough, I _just_ bought the 121 the day before this video. It scratches a lot of itches and I really do like the authenticity of the compass and the style of the applied indexes with the sunburst dial. It feels more like it's own thing than the Baby Alpinist.
But I am not loving the strap. That sucker is getting replaced ASAP. 😅
Just picked up an spb121 thanks to this. Thanks Teddy
The perfect watch would be the SPB121 with a domed sapphire crystal and a bracelet.
I missed my chance to buy a SARB017 several years ago, and when I came back it was discontinued and pre-owned prices are ridiculous. Fortunately, the SPB121 has come along and is a worthy successor. I got a very good price on one online so purchased from them (sorry, Teddy! I’ll get the next one from ya!) and have been wearing it daily for the past week to get to know it. So far I’m very happy! My only complaint is that the calfskin strap supplied is very stiff… I may switch out to a nice aftermarket leather strap, but the clasp on the Seiko strap is so excellent I think I’ll give the leather a chance to soften up with wear. All in all, this is a very nice watch and a great value for the price in my view.
Being a sarb 035 owner for about 10 years I've always liked the size of it. Never really cared for the017,really never understood it. When I saw a review on the 155 I really found my alternative to a rolex explorer. Could not justify paying the extra for a watch in my opinion does what it should, look,wear great and keep great time.The newer 6r movement is great. Keeps great time. Enjoyed your review Teddy.
Wonderful comparison, thank you. Prefer the “old” SARB017 as not impressed with the accuracy of the 6R35 movement in my other Seikos. Also, adding the cyclops & discontinuing the signed crown are unwelcome changes.
Thanks for the details Teddy. Exactly the guidance i was looking for to pull the trigger on this beautiful Seiko Alpinist variant. An informed consumer is a buying consumer.
My third purchase here, more to come. Thanks to Will (lol there are like 3 Wills there) for processing the order. He's the man
spb121 looks classy and vintage + worthy for money + It looks good with all outfits. I have ordered mine 🙂
Wow. Right in time! Was about to buy the baby Alpinist in green but wasn’t sure if I wanted the compass version…. Thanks Teddy!
Great review.
Im a field watch guy. But im poor so, Timex Explorer Scout is my jam.
I love this 121. Its on my wish list.
Thanks for a great review and really cementing my opinion of a timepiece ive never seen in person.
SPB 121 looks better with a stainless steel band to me, i never understood the leather and nylon straps on a watch that cost more than five hundred dollars. all i see is scrap leather made into a watch strap. but i do love the retro feel to the SPB 121. each to their own. thanks for the video, i appreciate your time sir. u can tell u put in work to put out the best product u can, again thank u.
Teddy you inspired me to purchase the SPB121 thanks for the content! great work.. video is truly professional
Discontinuing the SARB017 and relaunching it one year later for double the price - Christmas came early for the Seiko shareholders.
And SARB017 owners, like myself.
That SPB155 . 36 mm, crown guard, no date would be one of my dream watches
I'm totally with you, I think that will be my next seiko, I like the green dial from the cocktail line that is similar to that one, but dress watches are not my first choice, so spb155 is just perfect!
As im older and my eyesite is Baby is my choice now. Younger with great eyes i would definitely go for the 121. Only getting domed crystal watches. Tired of smudge magnet flat ones. My Hamilton kahki auto seems smudge proff! Never experienced this before. Amazing Quality. So happy the seiko baby alpinist has No Cyclopse, Not a flat crystal. Good call Seiko. Looks like my next watch choice. Oh. I hope the lume is fantastic.
I have the SPB121, and I love it so much. I put it on a NATO strap with leather ends and matching colors. It's amazing.
I just got the sarb017 from my coworker. Very nice watch.
picked up the SPB121J1 Mountain sunset European Limited Edition this week. First time having a watch with a cyclops but I get used to it rather quickly. The feel of the watch is very good with the leather strap but I will definitely experiment with a bracelet as well.
Using B Roll that matches the dial. So sick.
I had both. Nice pieces. Worth it. 😊
I wish they had not added the exhibition case back. That right there is the reason I searched out the SARB017
Many Thanks for the precise comparison; the one without the compass looks much better, more elegant as a daily dress watch, and smaller in size with better contrast in the colours of the dial.
Great video...as usual! My favorite one will be SPB121. Its dial color along with the applied hour markers make it superior to the 155 in my opinion of course. Still can be found for less than $650. My only problem will be the leather strap that kinda doesn't fit with a field watch but at the same time it's great for wearing shirt and tie. Overall, I like the package at this price.
Im so heart broken they went with a leather strap! I’m planning to move closer to a seaside town and plan swimming with the watch but I’m worried the strap will deteriorate. I might get another strap who knows.
For a field watch or a daily watche, i like the SPB 121 . I will have to learn how to use the compass but it is truly a nice watche .
Great comparison, and I imagine one many Alpinist fans have been longing to see here. I love that you covered every aspect of the watch I'd want to know about. I would love to see a video review of the new SPB241/243/245 1959 Alpinists, the 243 being of particular interest to me.
I have the SPB243 and it's fantastic. My three minor complaints about it are
1) It's a bit thick (but so am I!)
2) The lug width is 19mm, bummer for my strap collection
3) The otherwise-great bracelet only has 2 holes of micro-adjust.
Despite that, it's the Seiko "Explorer" that I've always wanted. I love it to pieces.
@@pokysharpy Thanks for the info! I was at an A.D. last month, and they didn't have that new line in, but I am going by another one this weekend. I am hoping they have some to try on. It's definitely in my top 3 for my next purchase. The 19mm lug width doesn't other me much, as I will likely keep it on the bracelet as with my current SPB089 (Srapcode). The 2 micro adjusts are a bit of a bummer, but we'll see. It could still work.
I bought my first automatic watch 1,5 weeks ago, which is a Seiko spb201j1 and I love it, looking nice and very comfortable 👌
Watching it while wearing it
The seiko alpinist have a mesmerizing green..
Probably going to get the SPB159 soon. I think I want it in black.
😍The green is so subtle. I want both
I prefer the sarb017 dial myself. So much that I spend a year looking for one also not a fan of the Cyclops but that's just my personal taste
I bought two of these, this green one and the Sunbeam Forest. Swapped out the straps for Zuludiver tropic straps. The deployant straps that come with these fit those tropic straps perfectly. Very versatile watches for an active lifestyle if you don't want to risk your expensive pieces. Cannot fault these at all apart from the shitty leather straps they come with.
The SARB017 or the new ones ?
One can’t deny the history and design of the SPB121, but that baby alpinist is so classy!
I would opt for the SPB121, I like the cyclops date window.
I saw the Baby in Teddy's store. It didn't quite get there for me. I think a huge reason was the bracelet. I looked at the next price tier with the Longines conquest and it really opened my eyes to how much better a bracelet could be. I wish the Alpinist was there, but they didn't have it in stock. It might have gotten there for me. Still open to it, as I ultimately ended up buying the King Turtle, which i freaking love. So i still need a field watch.. 😊
121 for me - it’s one of the few Seikos I'd want to own.
As far as green Alpinists go, I absolutely love my SPB245! I have it on a brown NATO strap and it ticks all the boxes for me 😋sicc intro btw 👍
Thé Seiko Alpinist is a very classy watch. I bought one recently. It with the exception of my $49 Invicta two tone blue quartz Invicta are the only none vintage Omega watches I own.
I bought the Invicta in case I was In a bad area like Los Angeles and my watch was stolen.
better the Invicta instead of my vintage Omegas. The reason for the Seiko is that I fell for it.
What separates my Alpinist from a Rolex. Many Rolex are made of steel. So is the Alpinist .
The Alpinist has a date so does the date just. Both are pleasing to look at. Now we come to the movement . The Seiko has a 6R65 movement. It is listed as a workhorse. That means durable. The Rolex is a high quality Swiss movement. It is more accurate than the Seiko.
The Alpinist that I wear is very accurate. I adjust rarely. But my quartz Invicta , Seiko
Is probably more accurate than the Rolex. I set by atomic watch app on my IPhone. Watch complications do not interest me. My IPhone does complications much better.
I wear a watch or pocket watch to tell time. To look down quickly to see the time. As you yourself stated repairing watches that have complications is expensive. My watch does not
Gong on the hour . My IPhone gongs on the hour. Same goes for timing a frozen dinner.
So I am a hybrid. Watch for time . iPhone for anything else.
Yo bro! the cinematic opening was hype.
Your production quality is fantastic - Loved this video, you earned my sub :))
Just bought the SPB157 blue dial mini-alpinist and love it but not the strap. Strap is too small for my 200mm wrist. Changed it for a larger Vietnamese made rich alligator strap and it combines wonderfully with this beautiful watch.
Love the 121, would like it better with the bracelet of the 155 on it. Will be the next one in my collection, (I'm new to the watch game). Teddy actually had this watch priced at a discount last week and I was slow pulling the trigger, so looks like I will be paying regular price for it.
Would love to see more alpinist comparisons! Possibly the white spb119 and how it compares with the other cyclops models? :)
Nice comparison, ty.
Love this video Teddy! The woods theme is awesome and suits the watch perfectly! You are a total visual expert with watches I mean it. According to Mr. Wonderful, you are a walking watch rodget!
I have my SPB117 on a Uncle Jubilee bracelet with a pressed clasp. End links are matching so great, but it’s a tight fit as the lug width differs from the SARB.
After a few years of using my phone for keeping track of the time I finally pulled my favourite Seamaster, out of the winder but unfortunately the watch made it obvious that it needed a service. OK, no worries, mechanical watches need servicing, but my watchmaker quoted 5 weeks to do the service. He's a busy guy.
That meant I wanted a time piece on my wrist, so after a bit of browsing I decided on the SPB121 and I've been wearing it for a little while now, so what are my thoughts.
Firstly, I chose the SPB121 because aesthetically it's difficult to find a watch that's more different to the Seamaster, and I'm really enjoying that.
What am I not so fond of? Immediately, the cyclops, to the point where I might ask if they can swap the crystal for a plain flat crystal as and when the watch needs a service.
Other than that, the crowns confuse me. Why does one screw down when the other doesn't. They both perform the same function, transferring movement from outside the case to inside the case.
My final niggle is the way that the compass bezel rocks slightly when you rotate the crown.
So, am I feeling buyers remorse? Definitely not, because the things I'm not so happy about have taught me a few things, because I don't like cyclops crystals. The second crown and internal bevel don't really work for me either. Keep the bezel as an external bezel ... KISS
Would I choose the SPB155 over the SPB121 definitely not, but that just my personal preference.
Please do a review on the new Seiko Laurel Alpinists as well, would be very much appreciated!
Want to get my hands on those for an extended period. Really like the old-school look.
@@TeddyBaldassarre Me too! Can’t wait to see your thoughts on it, love the videos!
Great video Teddy Bulbasaur. I own SARB017 and while I consider these two inferior, I'd go for SARB155. Turning crown is annoying and useless, and cyclop window is not very clean imho.
ffs bulbasaur lololol
i got the black dial version on a bracelet as a graduation gift and it is phenomenal
Love the European glacier version, the SPB197J1
i just picked up mine today it was the gold crown version with a brown flat leather strap - the clasp thing does take bit of getting use to but it is faster than a traditional normal leather w stainless steel clasp so it should last awhile
I have the SPB155, and it really is a perfect watch with a gorgeous, super-legible dial. Took it on a Himalayan hike earlier this month and it was the perfect companion. To me, it's the best of the Alpinists.
Sweet !! Bringing this watch where it is supposed to go. Up a big mountain 🏔
Was it comfortable to have the steel bracelet on a hike, or did you swap it out for another strap for that specific outdoor activity?
@@royeap3404 I wore it on the bracelet and it was no problem, quite comfortable. It would also work on, say, a green tropic strap when out on a hike.
Just bought the 121. Very nice watch, and I don't mind the strap, though it is a bit odd. I would enjoy it more, however, if the case was 42mm.
The only thing holding me back from getting a Seiko is that they aren't on your website, Teddy! I hope you become a dealer someday.
Really love the Green Alpinist. Been my dream watch for 3 years. Amazing video anyway! Love that cinematic intro 💚
I got the SPB117J1. I wish I had the crown at 4 and the compass at 2. And Alpinist dial logo. And no cyclops. And spring drive. And a full thin back.
My next watch is the spb121 version! I have to wait till after vacation in September after that it’s mine!