This is the first watch I ever owned. I did a ton of research into it. Picked it due to its versatility and sturdiness. I love wearing this watch. From jeans to tuxedo tails, it looks good.
On my last trip to Japan I bought a Grand Seiko “snowflake” in Tokyo and this Seiko Alpinist in Kyoto. The high level of customer service and pride they gave me in BOTH watches was the same. The GS/Seiko store treat each watch whether it’s $100 or $10000 with the same pride in craftsmanship.
@USMCRonin Same story with sending a piece off to get serviced. Had a Seiko 6t63 00b0 that needed a new battery, it was a gift from my father on my first fathers day, so it has sentimental value. It's not a super expensive watch, only retailed for about $200 brand new 15 years ago. When I got it back, they had done a gorgeous job polishing and cleaning the entire piece, it looked brand new.
SARB 017 was my first mechanical watch and it will always be in my collection. I bought it in anticipation for the birth of my first child. I finally achieved my grail this year (Tudor BB Pro) but still if I could only keep one watch it would be my alpinist and it wouldn't even come close. The thing just absorbs all the memories and magic.
Is the watch comfortble? Bought a g shock mudmaster a while ago and it feels horribly not comfortble on my wrist, so would you say that this is comftorble `?
I bought this one last year and I absolutely love it and I did flip the strap as well. It also looks good on a variety of straps and you dress it up and down as needed.
I think this watch is absolutely beautiful. I’ve been wanting to get into watch collecting for a while and I think this will be my first piece:) Thanks so much for all your videos, you are wonderful.
I bought my gold case Alpinist a year and a half ago. I have scores of pieces in my watch drawer, but the Alpinist calls out to me every time I open it. It is an all-around great watch! Thanks for your review, Teddy ... I'm glad you liked it so much!
Have the SPB210 version of the same watch, Green and Gold and it’s one of my favorites. I have regulated it myself to COSC level accuracy. Worst in crown down position is +3 sec a day, flat dial up is just +1 sec a day. Not sure if I got just plain lucky! OOB it was almost -10 sec a day.
I had the SARB017 but hated the old fashioned green tone and its shimmer which, in my opinion, looks odd. I sold it and replaced it with this new iteration and I couldn't be happier. The green tone of this one looks much more sophisticated, so the markers do. I would go for the new one any day of the week!
I have been watching this watch for a minute. Exquisite timepieces has it on sale and I bought it tonight! I’m excited! This is my first step into collecting and absolutely love the look of it.
I really enjoyed your comments on this watch. I was looking for an inexpensive watch to wear while my Datejust was off being serviced I looked through Amazon and this watch caught my eye among others including Tissot. I also watched your discussion with Kevin about Tissot. But I kept coming back to this watch. There are several other people discussing this watch on RUclips as well but you explained it the best I think. I went ahead and ordered it this morning and it will be here tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to have as much wrist time as the Rolex does when I get that back in 8 weeks. It seems to be a very interesting looking watch and I won't use the compass feature I doubt but it's nice to know it's there.
Great review Teddy! I love my 121 - it’s now my main watch. It has a unique design and its own cool factor. Accuracy for me is under 5sec/day. It’s a classic watch.
I love mine, the only grip is the strap that just didn't feel comfortable. I swapped that out for a different leather strap with a deployant clasp and it was transformed. Unfortunately the strap I swapped it out to was a black one that doesn't work as well as a brown one for me anyway. For the price it's a cracking watch that is hard to beat.
I really wanted my next watch to be Swiss made and I was choosing between a Marathon GSAR or saving up for a Tudor Black Bay 58, but after watching this video, I'm now considering the Alpinist. Its a beautiful watch and the compass bezel is kinda the selling point for me. I'm an avid hiker, so it would be used for its intended purpose, plus it just looks cool.
So I do a lot of hiking as well -I own this watch, and I've also been searching for a good hiking watch, something that can take a beating and you don't really worry. I looked at the Marathon GSAR and the Muhle Glashutte SAR - which I love. This Alpinist is interesting to me because it doesn't exactly wear as a rugged watch, I wear it to work quite a bit, but it's design heritage is that of an exploration watch. I don't think you could wrong with any of your choices - but if you want something rugged the other watches may do better
Are there any "perfect" watches regardless of price? I don't mean best value, i mean actual best. They always come close, but there is always some shortfall. Is there a perfect one where every single box is checked off? (Case hardened, perfect strap, perfect finish, applied indices, etc) If not, what would constitute the perfect watch? Which ones are closest, and what makes them fall short?
I've owned this watch for two years. I think the dial is striking without feeling dressy. I will admit that I wish it was 1mm larger, but it still works well. I did not wear this as much as other watches until I swapped out the strap for a light saddle brown leather buckle strap, and then it became my daily watch for much of the time.
I own the watch and love it to bits. One interesting thing is that they use the same strap sizing as the grand Seikos so you can essentially change the strap while keeping the butterfly clasp from Seiko. And that made me love the watch a lot more. I do find that some of the unique color options particularly difficult to pair such as the green dials and would love to see what straps you’d recommend for it.
Just got mine. its a beautiful watch! i was afraid the compass complication would look obonixious in person but it looks great! The strap is uncomfortable. always digging into my wrist
This is the first watch I bought when I got into the hobby. I love it I’ve wore from work dressed up in a suit, to swimming in the Mediterranean. I’m so glad I started with this watch. I have “bigger and better” watches I want in the future but I know I’ll never leave this watch in its box for long.
I now have a SBDC091. Yes, it's the Japanese reference number of the same watch. In person, it looks much cooler than on any photos/videos. Changed the strap to a quick-release dark green canvas immediately though. Adding AR coating as well as the cyclops definitely sets the right way for legibility improvement. The dial is not as bright green as I thought it would be, it has a beautiful green sunburst under direct light and behaves as a chameleon under other lighting conditions. The lume is decent as well. And yes, you're right, the design is original and peerless. It doesn't look like a copycat of anything else. The only extra thing I really would love to see here would be a titanium case. Maybe will update this comment later on the actual out of the box accuracy.
Same here. Bought mine just after the end of production was reached and our shops here in Germany offering JDM models were emptying their remaining stocks.
Love the green and gold together and its utilitarian nature. Looking the image of the older model with the black nylon strap, I'd be more likely to change it to something like that for everyday use. Was thinking of the cocktail Seiko in the same colors, but maybe I should save a little more and invest here....
I own both. I don't wear the 017 much anymore since it's rising in resale. I own a handful of new Alpinists. I love them all and often can't decide. Great work watch, great field watch. Really the Seiko Explorer, at a much more reasonable price, and you get a bezel that can be used for timing, and a date complication. I love them all
Just to keep expectations realistic, I have the "Baby Alpinist" with the same movement. When I got it, it was losing about 16 seconds per day, so I sent it back to SEIKO in New Jersey. I got it back some weeks later, and it settled in to a whopping -21 to 24 seconds a day. Hold that next to Teddy's +5 to +8 seconds per day. If reasonable accuracy is important to you, you should keep this in mind.
My all time favorite Watch... the cyclops is more like a dew drop and i'd bet my bottom dollar that its Saphire... it really looks like a drop of rain:) The bezel is so handy for timing coffee brew and pizza etc etc... it is a perfect Watch! ohhhh and to all the reviewers out there that pooh pooh it... if you actually wear it for any length of time that band will patina into something absolutely divine... w
My Seiko green kinetic looks very similar, 100 meters, and was less than 1/3rd the price. I love the Alpinist, but this kinetic (SKA791P1) does the trick, Ill use the savings for a ticket to London.
I have my (thinner, no-cyclops, no prospeX, no display back) SARB017 on a Bonklip bracelet. I like that an already quirky watch that "somehow just works" looks so good on a definitely quirky bracelet too! Alpinists just seem to pair well with any strap...
I purchased this watch after watching this video. I did purchase it from your site Teddy. I really like it for what it is. The only issue I had was that I had never owned a watch with a screw down crown before so I thought there was a problem with the watch. Your customer service team did not explain it to me and even you do not explain it in this video but mention it several times thru out. You really should explain, to the watch novice, what this means and how it works.
I purchased the my SPB121 from your website. I actually really like the watch. I'm fairly new to the mechanical watch world and started my collection with a few of the Seiko Cocktail Time watches along with the Alpinist SPB121. I really like the green and gold on the dial. I'm not normally a fan of gold but those two colors really look good together. I appreciate you explaining the compass bezel because, I had know idea how it worked and I haven't looked it up yet.
Heh. I understand that my opinion is unpopular, but, to me, this one is the ugliest of all. It ticks all my boxes in reverse and then some. As a cerebral exercise, I will now try to cosplay an alpinist adorer for a bit to see if I see anything I’m missing. Because it’s not often that I react so negatively to a watch for aesthetics.
@@johnmartin7158 generally, i like pared down design. there are exceptions of course. my favorite modern seiko is easily the SPB143. but there are lots of watches that are not my taste that i don't loathe. don't know why this is one of them. maybe i had an ex in a past life that wore one :)
I am literally just beginning my watch journey. Prior to this, watches have been purely functional (Timex, Momentum, Apple, Casio). Today, I bought this Alpiner model because it just speaks to me aesthetically and seems super solid for the price. I'm excited to start my collection here.
Own this very model and I love it. I’ve removed the original leather strap as it doesn’t really make sense, but I pair it with a camel yellow leather strap and a green glossy leather strap and boom 💥, it just elevates the watch to a class above in the elegance category. I’m currently using it with an oyster bracelet. 👌Versatility is the name of this watch, definitely a strong GADA contender 👏🏼
I have the glacier blue variant which I had to order from Europe since we can't get that color in the US. It's been with me on every peak I've climbed.
Just got one, it works very well as a "dressy" watch, mostly due to the strap and automatic movement. I'm currently alternating between my Marathon Steel Navigator and my Seiko Alpinist
@@ffxsam steel quartz,the auto wasnt available when i bought it. Its a very durable watch, surprisingly light and comfortable. The tritium is fantastic, i honestly think the lumibrite on the seiko is vastly overrated. The Steel Navigator has had enough wrist time that I am comfortable giving it a strong recommendation. The Seiko Alpinist I am currently wearing, jury is still out but its off to a promising start
@@ffxsam Glad you're enjoying yours so much, mine is quickly growing on me. Like a true watch addict, Im already thinking about what my next piece will be. Im leaning towards a Tissot, maybe a Gentleman's Open Heart
Teddy, now that you discovered and opened the door for the Seiko Alpinist, I want to bring up the Alpinist GMT. The GMT is gorgeous, but only sold in Japan. Now that you are an AD for Seiko, when will the Alpinist GMT be available in the US?
@@Spurdospaerde692 Thank you for clarifying and providing the ref # too. I didn't realize that only the green dial GMT is JDM only. I will check out the Alpinist model(s) sold in the US.
I appreciate the video. I've been loyal to Victorinox watches for years. Today, my son gave me this watch as a gift. I think it's absolutely beautiful. I'm really enjoying this watch.
I've been stuck if I want to get the sarb017 or sp121. Watch buddy says it's not worth getting used watches under 1k but the green dial looks much better from pics on the old one. If anyone has a take if you've seen both or get used watches would love to hear opinions.
Man Teddy! I just visited Asia last month and actually bought this watch at the Seiko. Felt in love with the unique design, and the cyclops is a plus IMO.
I've had my 017 Alpinist for close to six years, and love it just as much as the first time I strapped it on. It epitomized the brilliance and value of the entire SARB line, and has enduring aesthetic and practical charm. (Yes, the original strap left a bit to be desired, to put it gently, but c'mon, that's the easiest thing to remedy.)
I have owned this model past year, but I have sold it. Really liked the size (it can effortlessly slide under the cuff), the elegant, incomparable-to-anything-else style. I have sell it, because it was not as I expected from videos or from well lighted photo studio pictures. The green, was GREEN of course. When the light was enough. When not (normal office light conditions) the green was only a dark, nearly black mass. I like to wear dark/black clothes, so the golden hands/indexes reflected them alot and because the reflections they was DARK or BLACK. In the office mostly the white lume and the date was visible, everithing else was a dark mess with thin golden lines. Like in the video at 4:40, just a bit darker. The leather(???) band was rubbish. It has rub off the skin from my wristbone, so I have purchased a good quality MILTAT Jub style (not the Angus) bracelet. It was perfect, minus the visibility. So I have purchased the SPB123 (cream dial-golden hands/indexes) model, and the visibility are much better (not perfect), the factory (ugly green) leather strap are far better than the SPB121 had, but I do not liked it's colour, I have changed it to a mid-brownish ostrich leg skin strap. And because the Alpinist is so good for me, I have bought the SPB355 too. I have changed the factory strap to the MILTAT Jub and I have to say it is the perfect every day Alpinist for me. The best contrast/visibility, not too much bling, elegant, restrained style/colour dial, steel bracelet.
@@jamalkherry5296 Thank you for your reply, but no. The SARB017 nowadays is just a waaay overpriced timepice. Like the SARB033. The SARB017 has the worst factory strap ever (and without the fast buckle) and for me the lighter dial colour not solved the dark mess problem, just made it a bit lighter overall. I have see the SARB017 in live, for me the cyclops is necessary too. And if you would not pay in the very near future a good sum for the servicing, then do not buy watches with at least 6-7-8 year old movement. My problem are solved, the SPB123 and the SPB355 has good visibility, better than the SPB121 or the SARB017. The SPB123 was cheaper (very good overall used condition), then a used SARB017 in the same condition, the SPB355 (limited, preowned without a scratch) cost me a bit more.
Another thing that makes this watch great is the fact that there are extremely high quality aftermarket accessories available. I was able to find a 3rd party bracelet that fits the case perfectly, has screwed links, milled clasp & micro adjust for less than $100
Watch looks really sharp! I wonder if it would be easy to swap out the strap for a bracelet. I know there is a similar watch by Seiko that already has one, but this one is more attractive.
I bought this model as soon as it was released, and I love it. The strap is a bit too stiff, which makes the watch feel clunky on the wrist. However, a strap change to a black and orange nato from stapsco made a huge difference.
I bought this watch in 2020, not long after it came out. It's a good, solid watch. I like the dial and handset and I appreciate the high contrast of the lume one the hands against the dark green face. I think the exhibition case back is a bit of a waste and it could have been a touch slimmer without it, but it's just another bit of quirkiness. This was my first mechanical watch since I moved beyond Timex watches with quartz watches in the 70s and I like it.
I was able to pick up a new SARB017 for $300 a few years ago and I wear it at least a few days a week (right now, in fact). The SPB121 is nice, but the cyclops kills it for me. A cyclops on *any* normal sized (i.e., not Rolex) date wheel is more than pointless; it's counterproductive! I don't want to exchange ease of viewing the date at different angles for an excessively huge date display!
I loved this watch from the moment I saw it in a video of yours years ago Teddy, right up until I found one in a local store and tried it on. I simply didn’t vibe with it on wrist AT ALL! Luckily I didn’t buy it online on a whim like I’ve done with many, many other watches .
I've got one of the "Rock Face" European Limited edition versions, bought it used, couldn't be happier with it. I agree, it's like honey and mustard or strawberry and pepper: the constituents shouldn't work together, but somehow they do, and that's why I like it. It's odd and weird and I'm into weird looking watches.
You’re right. The SPB 121 doesn’t make sense on paper, but it all comes together very nicely, and making it a surprisingly very versatile watch as well. I have had mine for a year now and I’ve been able to wear it with everyday, casual clothes or something more formal. Specs are also great, runs much more accurately than Seiko’s published accuracy for the 6R35 movement. Still one of the best watches for its price.
A very good looking and robust watch (SPB209). Have exposed it to travelling, sea water and even got mobbed once whilst wearing it so the strap is solid as well (don't ask).
Bought this watch a few months ago, after the last video you did on affordable mechanical watches. Love it whole heartedly. Such a good all around watch, beautiful dial, and the joy of watching the movement.
I like the SPB121 a lot, but when I went to Seiko Dream Square I chose another one - SPB117 Coz I already have several green dial watches😂 The SPB117 is even more cool in my view
after a few weeks i pulled the trigger on this watch and i am not unhappy about it quality item thanks for your info it helped me choose from many watches
Had been considering this for a while now but wasn't sure about the gold markers. When I saw one on eBay for $500 new I figured why not do it. Now that I have it I'm still not sure about those gold markers. I'll give it a little time but it may be going away.
Please review attainable Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches. Great watch and a nice video. The Alpinist is a versatile timepiece; you can wear it in the office or while climbing a mountain :P I own the Seiko Deep Lake Alpinist (SPB249J1), and I really love it. Thanks to this watch, I'm now considering a Grand Seiko.
121J1 here 🙋♂️ Minus the cyclops, minus the compass, plus a domed crystal and a steel bracelet. I feel a much classier everyday watch that can be easily dressed under a suit. Cant get enough of it. Ive had watch snobs double take my wrist in disbelief that its a seiko!!
I was planning to buy an sbp119 (white dial black leather strap) until I stumbled upon and ali express page selling them at the same price as amazon so there are clones going around (this also applies for the cocktal, some 5 sports, and speedtime line up), be advised, stear clear from grey and none certfied second hand market for this one.
I like it Teddy! I wish there was an option with a larger case. If this came in a +/-42mm case, I'd add it to my collection. The 39.5mm case us just a bit too small for my wrists, especially if it wears a bit smaller than that. Still a great looking watch, and I love to concept of the compass bezel (even in a GPS world).
My wife bought me the Alpinist for my birthday. It is a beautiful watch. In the sunlight the dial really is spectacular.
This is the first watch I ever owned. I did a ton of research into it. Picked it due to its versatility and sturdiness. I love wearing this watch. From jeans to tuxedo tails, it looks good.
On my last trip to Japan I bought a Grand Seiko “snowflake” in Tokyo and this Seiko Alpinist in Kyoto.
The high level of customer service and pride they gave me in BOTH watches was the same. The GS/Seiko store treat each watch whether it’s $100 or $10000 with the same pride in craftsmanship.
That’s nice that you felt like royalty in the great service and shopping experience you had.
Meanwhile you gotta wait 6 months just for entry level watch in Rolex stores and you gotta make the decision in under 3 seconds
You mean they are not jerks like some Rolex shop staff?
@USMCRonin Same story with sending a piece off to get serviced. Had a Seiko 6t63 00b0 that needed a new battery, it was a gift from my father on my first fathers day, so it has sentimental value. It's not a super expensive watch, only retailed for about $200 brand new 15 years ago. When I got it back, they had done a gorgeous job polishing and cleaning the entire piece, it looked brand new.
Hey man, I am planning to go to Japan and I would like to buy this Seiko Alpinist. To which shop did you go ?
Thanks a lot
man i was just thinking on buying this watch, then the shop near me restocked, and now Teddy posts this?
@ozicryptoGWhich part is plastic?
What part of it is made out of plastic? And are there any alternatives with a similar design and no plastic?@ozicryptoG
The stars aligned, and your wallet becomes thin. Perfect. Haha
@ozicryptoGyeah same. I wouldn’t consider anything below a Rolex AP or patek. Any other brands it’s just a waste of money 🤡
I picked up a JDM model from chrono 24 got 555 it’s amazing
SARB 017 was my first mechanical watch and it will always be in my collection. I bought it in anticipation for the birth of my first child. I finally achieved my grail this year (Tudor BB Pro) but still if I could only keep one watch it would be my alpinist and it wouldn't even come close. The thing just absorbs all the memories and magic.
I am anticipating the birth of my first child to. I’ve been looking for a watch that would commemorate this memory, I think I found it!
Nice brah
I'm anticipating getting this clock. I need some baby now to comemorate to this memory. Any suggestions?
@@AMM-MMAI’m sorry, I am not understanding what you’re asking?
I am confused between alpinist spb121 and speedmaster 911. Which one should I get?
I've had mine for 3 years and it gets plenty of wrist time; it really is so versatile and personally I love the strap! Love the channel!
My first watch and now I'm hooked on this new world of watches! Love this piece.
I maybe in a minority, but I really like a cyclops on a watch. My aging eyes appreciate it too.
Same here. It's definitely a plus for me.
Love that you opened a luxury watch store but continue to put out videos on attainable watches.
I love this watch so much and it’s totally out of my price range for my age but it’s probably on my dream watch list
This is actually out for delivery to me today. Super excited 😆
Happy days ahead...😊
congrats dude, enjoy wearing it!
Wear it in good health! Great watch!!
You won't regret it! I love wearing that little watch every time I look at it I smile because of how nice it looks and weird at the same time.
Awesome watch !
Bought mine a month ago , easily the best watch under 1000 USD in the market period , the dial is truly phenomenal
Is the watch comfortble? Bought a g shock mudmaster a while ago and it feels horribly not comfortble on my wrist, so would you say that this is comftorble `?
I love the inclusion of different wrist sizes, really helps when thinking about purchasing. Thank you!
Love my Alpinist! It’s a do-it-all and an oddball, at the same time!
I bought this one last year and I absolutely love it and I did flip the strap as well. It also looks good on a variety of straps and you dress it up and down as needed.
I think this watch is absolutely beautiful. I’ve been wanting to get into watch collecting for a while and I think this will be my first piece:)
Thanks so much for all your videos, you are wonderful.
Saw it in a shop today, sooooo tempted.
It has a big advantage over other watches, swiss especially, you wont be afraid to wear the seiko..
I bought my gold case Alpinist a year and a half ago. I have scores of pieces in my watch drawer, but the Alpinist calls out to me every time I open it. It is an all-around great watch! Thanks for your review, Teddy ... I'm glad you liked it so much!
Have the SPB210 version of the same watch, Green and Gold and it’s one of my favorites. I have regulated it myself to COSC level accuracy. Worst in crown down position is +3 sec a day, flat dial up is just +1 sec a day. Not sure if I got just plain lucky! OOB it was almost -10 sec a day.
I had the SARB017 but hated the old fashioned green tone and its shimmer which, in my opinion, looks odd. I sold it and replaced it with this new iteration and I couldn't be happier. The green tone of this one looks much more sophisticated, so the markers do. I would go for the new one any day of the week!
I have been watching this watch for a minute. Exquisite timepieces has it on sale and I bought it tonight! I’m excited! This is my first step into collecting and absolutely love the look of it.
I really enjoyed your comments on this watch. I was looking for an inexpensive watch to wear while my Datejust was off being serviced I looked through Amazon and this watch caught my eye among others including Tissot. I also watched your discussion with Kevin about Tissot. But I kept coming back to this watch. There are several other people discussing this watch on RUclips as well but you explained it the best I think. I went ahead and ordered it this morning and it will be here tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to have as much wrist time as the Rolex does when I get that back in 8 weeks. It seems to be a very interesting looking watch and I won't use the compass feature I doubt but it's nice to know it's there.
I bought this watch yesterday for my graduation. Crazy coincidence. 🤙🏻
Great review Teddy!
I love my 121 - it’s now my main watch. It has a unique design and its own cool factor. Accuracy for me is under 5sec/day.
It’s a classic watch.
I love mine, the only grip is the strap that just didn't feel comfortable. I swapped that out for a different leather strap with a deployant clasp and it was transformed. Unfortunately the strap I swapped it out to was a black one that doesn't work as well as a brown one for me anyway. For the price it's a cracking watch that is hard to beat.
bought one of these a month ago! thanks for pushing the price up Teddy!
SPB209 with the brown dial is my favourite and I think is the one you can dress up and down the most.
I really wanted my next watch to be Swiss made and I was choosing between a Marathon GSAR or saving up for a Tudor Black Bay 58, but after watching this video, I'm now considering the Alpinist. Its a beautiful watch and the compass bezel is kinda the selling point for me. I'm an avid hiker, so it would be used for its intended purpose, plus it just looks cool.
So I do a lot of hiking as well -I own this watch, and I've also been searching for a good hiking watch, something that can take a beating and you don't really worry. I looked at the Marathon GSAR and the Muhle Glashutte SAR - which I love. This Alpinist is interesting to me because it doesn't exactly wear as a rugged watch, I wear it to work quite a bit, but it's design heritage is that of an exploration watch. I don't think you could wrong with any of your choices - but if you want something rugged the other watches may do better
Are there any "perfect" watches regardless of price? I don't mean best value, i mean actual best. They always come close, but there is always some shortfall. Is there a perfect one where every single box is checked off? (Case hardened, perfect strap, perfect finish, applied indices, etc) If not, what would constitute the perfect watch? Which ones are closest, and what makes them fall short?
Added to my collection of 2...other is a Hamilton Field Kahki which I love. Swapped the Alpinist band for a green rubber strap for a more casual look.
I’ve got mine on a Two-tone jubilee bracelet and it’s stunning
I love mine. I got it for $555.00 shipped from Japan. It’s an great daily
Link please!!
@@nadeje8 go on 24 chrono, I’m not posting a link to a competition site on one of my favorite RUclipsrs.
Yesss how?????
@@nadeje8 24 chrono, Japanese exchange rate is wild
@@joseguevara863 24 chrono
I've owned this watch for two years. I think the dial is striking without feeling dressy. I will admit that I wish it was 1mm larger, but it still works well. I did not wear this as much as other watches until I swapped out the strap for a light saddle brown leather buckle strap, and then it became my daily watch for much of the time.
I own the watch and love it to bits. One interesting thing is that they use the same strap sizing as the grand Seikos so you can essentially change the strap while keeping the butterfly clasp from Seiko. And that made me love the watch a lot more. I do find that some of the unique color options particularly difficult to pair such as the green dials and would love to see what straps you’d recommend for it.
Just got mine. its a beautiful watch! i was afraid the compass complication would look obonixious in person but it looks great! The strap is uncomfortable. always digging into my wrist
I never had a cyclops until I got my Seiko GMT and I wasn’t excited for it, but now I have one I really like it.
It's one of my favourite pieces in my extensive collection; it's seeing quite a bit of wrist time. I swapped the strap for a stainless bracelet.
This is the first watch I bought when I got into the hobby. I love it I’ve wore from work dressed up in a suit, to swimming in the Mediterranean.
I’m so glad I started with this watch. I have “bigger and better” watches I want in the future but I know I’ll never leave this watch in its box for long.
I now have a SBDC091. Yes, it's the Japanese reference number of the same watch. In person, it looks much cooler than on any photos/videos. Changed the strap to a quick-release dark green canvas immediately though. Adding AR coating as well as the cyclops definitely sets the right way for legibility improvement. The dial is not as bright green as I thought it would be, it has a beautiful green sunburst under direct light and behaves as a chameleon under other lighting conditions. The lume is decent as well. And yes, you're right, the design is original and peerless. It doesn't look like a copycat of anything else. The only extra thing I really would love to see here would be a titanium case.
Maybe will update this comment later on the actual out of the box accuracy.
Glad I bought my SARB 017 years back for less than $400.
So do I 😃
Same here. Bought mine just after the end of production was reached and our shops here in Germany offering JDM models were emptying their remaining stocks.
Me too, never getting rid of it, may get a the black dial one.
339.99 on Massdrop in 2016.
That’s how I got mine lol@@luobomu9747
Love the green and gold together and its utilitarian nature. Looking the image of the older model with the black nylon strap, I'd be more likely to change it to something like that for everyday use. Was thinking of the cocktail Seiko in the same colors, but maybe I should save a little more and invest here....
I own both. I don't wear the 017 much anymore since it's rising in resale. I own a handful of new Alpinists. I love them all and often can't decide. Great work watch, great field watch. Really the Seiko Explorer, at a much more reasonable price, and you get a bezel that can be used for timing, and a date complication. I love them all
I too have the 017 thinking about picking up a new model, probably the black dial one as it to me is the Seiko Explorer.
@@paulbugoni2846 I have that one too
Just to keep expectations realistic, I have the "Baby Alpinist" with the same movement. When I got it, it was losing about 16 seconds per day, so I sent it back to SEIKO in New Jersey. I got it back some weeks later, and it settled in to a whopping -21 to 24 seconds a day. Hold that next to Teddy's +5 to +8 seconds per day. If reasonable accuracy is important to you, you should keep this in mind.
My all time favorite Watch... the cyclops is more like a dew drop and i'd bet my bottom dollar that its Saphire... it really looks like a drop of rain:) The bezel is so handy for timing coffee brew and pizza etc etc... it is a perfect Watch!
ohhhh and to all the reviewers out there that pooh pooh it... if you actually wear it for any length of time that band will patina into something absolutely divine...
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My Seiko green kinetic looks very similar, 100 meters, and was less than 1/3rd the price. I love the Alpinist, but this kinetic (SKA791P1) does the trick, Ill use the savings for a ticket to London.
What an amazing watch and what a spot on review! Great job Teddy!!
I have my (thinner, no-cyclops, no prospeX, no display back) SARB017 on a Bonklip bracelet. I like that an already quirky watch that "somehow just works" looks so good on a definitely quirky bracelet too! Alpinists just seem to pair well with any strap...
My dady bought one NKUWAN and he loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when he went out with it.
I purchased this watch after watching this video. I did purchase it from your site Teddy. I really like it for what it is. The only issue I had was that I had never owned a watch with a screw down crown before so I thought there was a problem with the watch. Your customer service team did not explain it to me and even you do not explain it in this video but mention it several times thru out. You really should explain, to the watch novice, what this means and how it works.
I got the SBP121. I modified it and got rid of the cyclops, I personally like it much better without it. Great watch, in general.
I purchased the my SPB121 from your website. I actually really like the watch. I'm fairly new to the mechanical watch world and started my collection with a few of the Seiko Cocktail Time watches along with the Alpinist SPB121. I really like the green and gold on the dial. I'm not normally a fan of gold but those two colors really look good together. I appreciate you explaining the compass bezel because, I had know idea how it worked and I haven't looked it up yet.
This piece is simply gorgeous. In my opinion, the green dial with that strap gives it such a timeless, classic look.
Heh. I understand that my opinion is unpopular, but, to me, this one is the ugliest of all. It ticks all my boxes in reverse and then some. As a cerebral exercise, I will now try to cosplay an alpinist adorer for a bit to see if I see anything I’m missing. Because it’s not often that I react so negatively to a watch for aesthetics.
@@yleexotWhat watch appeals to you.
@@johnmartin7158 generally, i like pared down design. there are exceptions of course. my favorite modern seiko is easily the SPB143.
but there are lots of watches that are not my taste that i don't loathe. don't know why this is one of them. maybe i had an ex in a past life that wore one :)
I am literally just beginning my watch journey. Prior to this, watches have been purely functional (Timex, Momentum, Apple, Casio). Today, I bought this Alpiner model because it just speaks to me aesthetically and seems super solid for the price. I'm excited to start my collection here.
I had to get one... This watch is just more beautiful than most other watches, incredibly versatile and a compliment getter machine.
Own this very model and I love it. I’ve removed the original leather strap as it doesn’t really make sense, but I pair it with a camel yellow leather strap and a green glossy leather strap and boom 💥, it just elevates the watch to a class above in the elegance category. I’m currently using it with an oyster bracelet. 👌Versatility is the name of this watch, definitely a strong GADA contender 👏🏼
I have the glacier blue variant which I had to order from Europe since we can't get that color in the US. It's been with me on every peak I've climbed.
Just got one, it works very well as a "dressy" watch, mostly due to the strap and automatic movement. I'm currently alternating between my Marathon Steel Navigator and my Seiko Alpinist
Nice! Did you get the mechanical or quartz steel navigator? How do you like it?
@@ffxsam steel quartz,the auto wasnt available when i bought it. Its a very durable watch, surprisingly light and comfortable. The tritium is fantastic, i honestly think the lumibrite on the seiko is vastly overrated. The Steel Navigator has had enough wrist time that I am comfortable giving it a strong recommendation. The Seiko Alpinist I am currently wearing, jury is still out but its off to a promising start
@@underwaterlevelz1947 I love the Alpinist. Such a cool color combo, and it's really versatile. Huge fan. It's my favorite in my collection.
@@ffxsam Glad you're enjoying yours so much, mine is quickly growing on me. Like a true watch addict, Im already thinking about what my next piece will be. Im leaning towards a Tissot, maybe a Gentleman's Open Heart
I own this one. Bought it from Teddy! Absolutely gorgeous and I get a lot of compliments on it when I wear it
I currently don’t own any nice watches but I’ve been eyeing this for a while. It’s my favorite looking watch in this price range.
Teddy, now that you discovered and opened the door for the Seiko Alpinist, I want to bring up the Alpinist GMT. The GMT is gorgeous, but only sold in Japan. Now that you are an AD for Seiko, when will the Alpinist GMT be available in the US?
The GMT is available worldwide, didn't Teddy already post a video about it? The green version of it (SBEJ005) is however JDM only.
@@Spurdospaerde692 Thank you for clarifying and providing the ref # too. I didn't realize that only the green dial GMT is JDM only. I will check out the Alpinist model(s) sold in the US.
I appreciate the video. I've been loyal to Victorinox watches for years. Today, my son gave me this watch as a gift. I think it's absolutely beautiful. I'm really enjoying this watch.
Bought one from you guys a couple months ago such a unique watch yet super versatile. Great watch
I've been stuck if I want to get the sarb017 or sp121. Watch buddy says it's not worth getting used watches under 1k but the green dial looks much better from pics on the old one.
If anyone has a take if you've seen both or get used watches would love to hear opinions.
I imported this from Japan upon release. It’s a great watch, but the strap is terrible. I would highly recommend replacing it if you were to buy this.
Man Teddy! I just visited Asia last month and actually bought this watch at the Seiko. Felt in love with the unique design, and the cyclops is a plus IMO.
I've had my 017 Alpinist for close to six years, and love it just as much as the first time I strapped it on. It epitomized the brilliance and value of the entire SARB line, and has enduring aesthetic and practical charm. (Yes, the original strap left a bit to be desired, to put it gently, but c'mon, that's the easiest thing to remedy.)
I have owned this model past year, but I have sold it. Really liked the size (it can effortlessly slide under the cuff), the elegant, incomparable-to-anything-else style. I have sell it, because it was not as I expected from videos or from well lighted photo studio pictures. The green, was GREEN of course. When the light was enough. When not (normal office light conditions) the green was only a dark, nearly black mass. I like to wear dark/black clothes, so the golden hands/indexes reflected them alot and because the reflections they was DARK or BLACK. In the office mostly the white lume and the date was visible, everithing else was a dark mess with thin golden lines. Like in the video at 4:40, just a bit darker. The leather(???) band was rubbish. It has rub off the skin from my wristbone, so I have purchased a good quality MILTAT Jub style (not the Angus) bracelet. It was perfect, minus the visibility. So I have purchased the SPB123 (cream dial-golden hands/indexes) model, and the visibility are much better (not perfect), the factory (ugly green) leather strap are far better than the SPB121 had, but I do not liked it's colour, I have changed it to a mid-brownish ostrich leg skin strap. And because the Alpinist is so good for me, I have bought the SPB355 too. I have changed the factory strap to the MILTAT Jub and I have to say it is the perfect every day Alpinist for me. The best contrast/visibility, not too much bling, elegant, restrained style/colour dial, steel bracelet.
the sarb017 and strapcode fixes your problems. Trust me i went through the same thing.
I felt the same. The green is not enough on the dial. It looks different in the video than in person. Plus, I dislike the cyclops.
@@jamalkherry5296 Thank you for your reply, but no. The SARB017 nowadays is just a waaay overpriced timepice. Like the SARB033. The SARB017 has the worst factory strap ever (and without the fast buckle) and for me the lighter dial colour not solved the dark mess problem, just made it a bit lighter overall. I have see the SARB017 in live, for me the cyclops is necessary too. And if you would not pay in the very near future a good sum for the servicing, then do not buy watches with at least 6-7-8 year old movement. My problem are solved, the SPB123 and the SPB355 has good visibility, better than the SPB121 or the SARB017. The SPB123 was cheaper (very good overall used condition), then a used SARB017 in the same condition, the SPB355 (limited, preowned without a scratch) cost me a bit more.
@@myselfandpesitYou can remove the cyclops of you want.
@@myselfandpesitsarb017
The beautiful colors and that hour hand just winds me over just gives me out door leaf 🍂 style. Wins me over all the time.
Another thing that makes this watch great is the fact that there are extremely high quality aftermarket accessories available. I was able to find a 3rd party bracelet that fits the case perfectly, has screwed links, milled clasp & micro adjust for less than $100
Watch looks really sharp! I wonder if it would be easy to swap out the strap for a bracelet. I know there is a similar watch by Seiko that already has one, but this one is more attractive.
StrapCode has bracelets that are shaped to fit this watch, check 'em out!
I have an SPB117 and I absolutely love wearing it! Such a fun and unique piece that wears well with everything
what would u suggest as a replacement bracelet to go from leather to metal and keep an elegant style with a hint of sporty?
Check out the Hexad III from Strapcode. I bought that one and it looks amazing with this watch.
awesome. thanks for the reply
I bought this model as soon as it was released, and I love it. The strap is a bit too stiff, which makes the watch feel clunky on the wrist. However, a strap change to a black and orange nato from stapsco made a huge difference.
I bought this watch in 2020, not long after it came out. It's a good, solid watch. I like the dial and handset and I appreciate the high contrast of the lume one the hands against the dark green face. I think the exhibition case back is a bit of a waste and it could have been a touch slimmer without it, but it's just another bit of quirkiness. This was my first mechanical watch since I moved beyond Timex watches with quartz watches in the 70s and I like it.
I was able to pick up a new SARB017 for $300 a few years ago and I wear it at least a few days a week (right now, in fact). The SPB121 is nice, but the cyclops kills it for me. A cyclops on *any* normal sized (i.e., not Rolex) date wheel is more than pointless; it's counterproductive! I don't want to exchange ease of viewing the date at different angles for an excessively huge date display!
Own both sarb 017 and the new one (in white gold combo),and they are beautiful.Not sure if the price hike is worth it,but like the new one well.
I loved this watch from the moment I saw it in a video of yours years ago Teddy, right up until I found one in a local store and tried it on. I simply didn’t vibe with it on wrist AT ALL! Luckily I didn’t buy it online on a whim like I’ve done with many, many other watches .
One of the best Seiko and easy one of the best Watches ever in the Price range!
I've got one of the "Rock Face" European Limited edition versions, bought it used, couldn't be happier with it. I agree, it's like honey and mustard or strawberry and pepper: the constituents shouldn't work together, but somehow they do, and that's why I like it. It's odd and weird and I'm into weird looking watches.
You’re right. The SPB 121 doesn’t make sense on paper, but it all comes together very nicely, and making it a surprisingly very versatile watch as well. I have had mine for a year now and I’ve been able to wear it with everyday, casual clothes or something more formal. Specs are also great, runs much more accurately than Seiko’s published accuracy for the 6R35 movement. Still one of the best watches for its price.
A very good looking and robust watch (SPB209). Have exposed it to travelling, sea water and even got mobbed once whilst wearing it so the strap is solid as well (don't ask).
Looks like a great watch and I had my eye on it for a while but just not the watch I'm looking for ATM. What do you think about the GMT version?
This is my first watch in my collection 🤩
literally just bought the 121 from you guys. Can't wait to get it.
Alpinist, Gentleman automatic or Conquest quarz? 🤔Which one to buy?
Longines VPH
All very nice. Would come down to looks and utility for me.
just got one of these last week as a graduation gift. Couldn't be happier with it.
Congratulations! And such a great gift.
Bought this watch a few months ago, after the last video you did on affordable mechanical watches. Love it whole heartedly. Such a good all around watch, beautiful dial, and the joy of watching the movement.
I like the SPB121 a lot, but when I went to Seiko Dream Square I chose another one - SPB117
Coz I already have several green dial watches😂 The SPB117 is even more cool in my view
I've been looking at these every day for like two weeks and here you come with this video...
Good vid Teddy.....do more vids from your new store when featuring the watch of the week. I will be making the trip later this year...very excited .
after a few weeks i pulled the trigger on this watch and i am not unhappy about it quality item thanks for your info it helped me choose from many watches
I recently picked up the SPB123 cream / champagne dial, and it’s been great. Very unique design, and wears nicely
The spb210j1 is absolute beauty.
Had been considering this for a while now but wasn't sure about the gold markers. When I saw one on eBay for $500 new I figured why not do it. Now that I have it I'm still not sure about those gold markers. I'll give it a little time but it may be going away.
Please review attainable Grand Seiko Spring Drive watches. Great watch and a nice video.
The Alpinist is a versatile timepiece; you can wear it in the office or while climbing a mountain :P I own the Seiko Deep Lake Alpinist (SPB249J1), and I really love it. Thanks to this watch, I'm now considering a Grand Seiko.
121J1 here 🙋♂️
Minus the cyclops, minus the compass, plus a domed crystal and a steel bracelet. I feel a much classier everyday watch that can be easily dressed under a suit.
Cant get enough of it. Ive had watch snobs double take my wrist in disbelief that its a seiko!!
Bought this watch from Teddy. Fantastic watch.
I was planning to buy an sbp119 (white dial black leather strap) until I stumbled upon and ali express page selling them at the same price as amazon so there are clones going around (this also applies for the cocktal, some 5 sports, and speedtime line up), be advised, stear clear from grey and none certfied second hand market for this one.
I like it Teddy! I wish there was an option with a larger case. If this came in a +/-42mm case, I'd add it to my collection. The 39.5mm case us just a bit too small for my wrists, especially if it wears a bit smaller than that. Still a great looking watch, and I love to concept of the compass bezel (even in a GPS world).
This was my first watch and I love it! Threw a OD green nato on it and wear it everywhere, every day!