How has the Seiko Prospex Alpinist Evolved? (1961-2020)
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- Опубликовано: 29 янв 2020
- A Review and Discussion around the Seiko Alpinist. The Discussion looks at the development of the line, how it originated in the 1960's and how its brief timeline lead to the modern Alpinist and the introduction of the new Prospex pieces to the family.
#SeikoAlpinist #SARB017 #SBDC087
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I finally saw one of these in person (green one). Wow. It looks cheesy in photos, but is really charming in reality. I totally get the hype now.
I always thought the SARB017 was a goofy-looking watch online-couldn't understand the appeal. Then I bought one just to see what the fuss was about. Once on wrist, I got it. The watch has such an undeniable charm: I don't know if it's the size, the two crowns, the green and gold, it all just works. Feels extremely high-quality and "dense" too.
I wore it during my entire pilgrimage on the Camino De Santiago, which I hiked with my father the summer before I started law school. I will likely never sell my Alpinist.
Another great video thanks @IDGuy
Always a pleasure, Mister Beaver! I hope you're well!
Great analysis, IDGUY. Personally, the Green-Gilt SARB017 makes total sense to me, because when I see the hands and dial, I’m immediately taken back to the 1940s and 50s. The watch pays homage to the era of daring explorers like Tinzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary, and it was an era when sports watches and dress watches weren’t clearly delineated. Just look at what watch Tenzing wore. It wasn’t a Rolex Explorer, but a special Oyster Precision, a piece that would by today’s standards be categorized as a dress watch with a sporty case, much like the SARB017.
Oh, the famed Oyster Precision... I love the simplicity of those pieces (and can't wait to share my Smiths Everest Review - spoiler - I think every watch enthusiast should own one. I'll be working on the write-up next week) And I really dig the Cathedral hands and that feeling of "Trench-pilot-watch" styling. The Colours are just too jarring for my taste (call me old fashioned haha!) Thanks a ton for the comment as always brother! I'm glad you enjoyed the discussion
A much needed review, nice one🇬🇧
Such a pleasure Fayim. I haven't discussed Seiko for a very long time, so working through the classics is still a must ;)
SARB 017: Today's classic; tomorrow's icon.
A beautiful review.
Those early 90's Alpinists are beautiful. Have the SARB017 and never selling it!
I so don't understand why they never made them mainstream... just imagine how well they would sell today in our community? Thank you for the comment, brother!
This is a gorgeous rugged timepiece just like the man who will wear it incredible incredible incredible incredible Seiko you do it again!!!!!
At first, I did not like the watch, I didn't understand the hype. But after seeing the watch on the metal, encouraged by your review, I pulled the trigger on the SPB117J1 a few days ago. Excellent video!
One of the reasons the Alpinist is so beloved in the watch community is its case sizing. Note the SRPA95 doesn’t get the same attention.
Ah! I see! A very contemporary size for all wrsits, I totally get that (should have mentioned it in the video) and the SRPA95 looks like a tank... Thank you for the insight Mark!
that's because the SRPA95 is hideous. The Alpinist, as IDGuy said is strange, it's weird... but it's also balanced, it has a busy dial but with the right spacing, it has very nice colors, case and crowns... and it fits insanely well. Whoever tried one can attest how nicely it fits 99% of wrists (something that cannot be said about rolex explorers, for example). It was awesome at 400$, it's overpriced at 800$. The community gets a bit too polarized on some models (see SARB033, SKX, etc) but the reason is that those pieces brought immense value, wrist presence and tech specs for a low cost.
That SSASS version looks absolutely amazing...
Love these videos! (Do one about the glycine airman pls ;))
Great review. Compass scale on the internal rotating bezel is very close to useless. If they only changed the scale, this would be an incredible piece - 12 hour GMT, countdown timer, or even a standard diver scale. All so very useful!!
Great vlog
An excellent review of the Alpinist, one of the most beloved watches in our hobby. Your videos continue to be the gold standard on RUclips. Well done as always sir.
Thank you so much, Blueshirt (as always). I really enjoy bringing these videos out with no real build-up (always keeping us on our toes) And it was so fun talking about Seiko again! Hell, the next few weeks are going to be so varied...
Blueshirt Buddah How is this a review when the person doesn’t even see these watches in person? All images are just taken from the web.
It’s like rating food without trying it.
the cream dial is stunning , but boys that date wheel background needed to be cream too.
I have the new Black Alpinist. It’s awesome. I gave my 017 to my wife and now I’m going to get the new Green Alpinist.
What’s your opinion on the cyclops? An improvement over the 017?
@@hombreleon mate, I like it but other people don’t. But I also like the “candy bar cyclops “ on the King Turtles too.
IDGuy, I have no experience with compass bezels, but I know that you find north by reflecting the crystal in the sun somehow. Do you think the sunburst dial finish would affect this in any practical way?
I have one, I love it. Could easily understand why others don’t. Everyone’s a critic
Good looking!!!!!
Im loving it
I got a SPB117J1 on a Jubilee bracelet. It really made it come to life.
The SARB017 defies traditional logic of what is good design or not. It's just beautiful in it's quirky way. not many else like it.
I like the direction of the updated black dial Alpinist. The silver indices reduce the formalness of the watch, but overall the watch still seems like a nice, finished piece, instead of a stark tool. I have to say though, as someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, white dials are easier for me to read in various outdoor light conditions.
wow. what a video!
I'm in love for the black ref !!!
The best seiko model
Seriously though. The SARB017 really took off.
The SSASS dials are a beauty
Imagine how popular this model would be today in our community? Ice blue with Orange highlights? Maybe we should sign some petitions to bring it back...
The SARB017 will always be my first mechanical watch. It gives me confidence, while at the same time it's saying: "I tell you time. Now tell me: 'what am I?'"
A classic keeper.
Although not my first mechanical watch, the SARB017 was my first automatic watch. It will always endure in my collection.
I will be honest, even now I don't really see why it has such a big appeal hahaha! I need to get one in hand. But I really like how it takes on the Sports-Dress styling in such a unique way. Brilliant comment Bob, thank you!
I've seen a recent review of the 017 version which i would say is the definitive version.......
Does green and gold work well as a pairing? HECK YES! GO PACK GO!!!!
I was just thinking today, how cool would it look with brushed gold indices and batons? Thanks for the comment Jared!
Wooo!
Thank you Gel! Love your films, except Braveheart and Patriot - You played the FREEDOM card too liberally ;)
Forever!!!! Art
Adore my 017, beautiful watch.. Like the new cream dialed one, but dislike the cyclops - not a fan of dates on watches anyway tho.
Don't like the blue, too anonymous & the new black one is trying too hard to be a Seiko Explorer..
I like the dressy style but with rugged construction, so much more appealing to me than the overdone divers.
Interesting video as always, Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻
Rocking a diver in a suit has always been a marketing stunt.
@@freddyfox5002 agree with you mate 👍🏻🦊
Nice video...I have been bitten by the Sarb17, but do like the new black dial edition...however I would not call this new model an alpenist, rather a new field variant. I may have to add the SARB17 to my collection before they disappear. I prefer the older model.
8:17 Anyone know the model number of the blue Alpinist? Thanks!
I like the black dial version.
Great review. Definitely a wonderful, eccentric watch. I thought I'd sell mine, but persevered and now I love it. It grows on you, like all the best designs. The green and gold represents warm sunshine and the safety of grass-covered, lower slopes on a mountain. If you've spent time in lethal weather above the snowline, it makes sense. For me, a great winter watch, now ruined by the tacky Playstation/X Box alike Prospex logo and the cyclops. The unnecessary PS logo is particularly glaring on this watch - sharp, crass and angular, slap in the middle of a classically styled face.
Seiko's sudden fascination with cyclops needs to end. All new Prospex watches are being fitted with a cyclops for some reason I cannot fathom...
Did anyone ask for this? Because from what I've seen most people don't like cyclops.
It is a very peculiar choice... I don't know enough about the family, but do any other pieces adopt them? Maybe it's Seiko's way of trying to the more "Explorer-esque" Who knows. But hey, it's not difficult to get them off sapphire with the right instruments (and temperature) ;)
@@ID-Guy These alpinist were part of the prospex line and featured cyclops', it was the sarb017 which broke that tradition
You'll understand when you get older.
Seiko alpinist had Cyclops since 90's. This is not a sudden seiko fascination ; it's just you who made a sudden discovery.
Cyclops are fugly. Errrrgh.
How do you believe the new alpinist will effect the prices of the SARB017?
Seiko is number one
Strange piece...the green and gold reminds me of the leather and wood paneling of a gentlemans club, not a tool watch!! The blue works...oceanic...but the black is the tool watch!! Two things that put me right off....wavy mercedes hands and the bloody cyclops...and you know why ; )!!
Hahaha well said, Vaughan. I'm still not sold on its aesthetics entirely (and do like what they have done with the modern line) but the sheer jump in price leaves a bad taste in everyone's mouths. There's been some great debate on what they could do to the line (and chucking the cyclops is definitely on the list) Thanks as always for the comment brother!
What mercedes hands? Maybe use your eyes?
Just as I had experienced disappointment with the skx replacement Seiko delivers a restorative with the black alpinist.
SKX replacement?
@@dparis2172 No, it's uniquely Seiko with a quirky compass for us desk explorers. And a great size for most.
Perfect balance
Rugged yet dressy. Perfect for the trek to the casino at St Moritz!
It must look so classy against the snow... Thanks for the comment as always Shaun!
To comprehend the design of Alpinist dial one should look into the culture of Japanese on how they have complicated taste in term of maintaining the cultural context married with contemporary.
symmetrical-wise, the alpinist line would look nicer if they place the cyclop date window at 6.00, particularly for the tilted arabic indices.. just my 2 cents
Excellent video with a nice bit of history. However, I didn't understand why you'd need to belabour the point about riding the line between the dress watch and the sports watch. The industry is awash with obvious and much loved sports watches that get used in dressed-up settings:
DateJusts and DayDates, Explorers, AquaTerra's, Carrera's, one could even make the case that it applies to Globemasters and Engineers. Then there are plenty of smaller brands like Sinn (556l) and Archimede (Outdoor) that offer similar concepts. Even the venerable JLC Reverso started its life as a sports watch, mind you. And I'm not even remarking on the slew of field and pilot's watches that are a bit more under the radar.
A sports watch, yet dressy, seems to be the desired choice for quite a few of us. So I never say the Alpinist as anything but a sports watch, and treated it as such. In fact, I treat my Grand Seiko this way, as it has a metal bracelet, 100 m WR and very rugged 9F quartz movement.
So I wonder who you have been talking to that finds the green Alpinist polarising for any other reason than colour-scheme.
That said, I'm eyeing the silver and cream versions to add to the collection.
Archimede
The Black and Green as nice to me but the dial is just too small on the wrist...
I enjoy mine very much, so I don't need this new version. I like that the compass bezel is also green, but I don't like that white date wheel. It's an eyesore.
The understated alpha man watch..... A real sasquatch
👍🏼
Always a pleasure, Sir.
Black and cream aren’t new to this Alpinist case - if you research better you will find them...
They had been discontinued before the hype for the green SARB017 and fetch even a higher and more rediculous price as the blue Hodinkee version...
You are quite right. They were the SARB013 cream dial and SARB015 black dial with no numerals with the 6r15 movement.
Thanks man, I am not learned in this area at all. I thought that the black and cream variants only came with the 90's editions of the pieces! Thank you for clearing up the info. And the Blue Hodinkee version... I need to go and scoff at the prices quickly
Wow. You clearly haven't done much research. There was a black, silver indices SARB015 and a cream, gold indices SARB013 that were brought out when the SARB017 was released. They had a shorter run, but were still brought out a the same time. In 2020 there is a new one. A silver/cream dial with silver indices. That and the blue one from last year are the only new ones in recent times. The "red" series, the SARB series and the 2020 series still all came out with similar colourways.
I would love to see an alpinist with a 6L movement
And that is basically an ETA competitor? Some were saying that they would love to see this watch with GS branding and some crazy dials... imagine.... The GS Alpinist Snowflake... Thanks for the comment James!
Any model with the 6L35 upgrade will at least double the price...
@@ID-Guy Yes, it is a competitor to the ETA 2824 and the 2892. I think It would help fill up the gap of the seikos that are priced between a 1500 to 2500 USD.
@@leyay7540 but that is what seiko is missing. All their 1500 to 2500 USD regular watches still uses the 6R movements
@@jamesho5515 In my opinion the 6L35 isn't worth the big premium. Technically it isn't far superior to the 6R except considering the thickness. I agree Seiko should improve the movements of mid-tier models, but the 6L35 isn't my favorite answer to that.
Now search for "Archieluxury Alpinist" for an (less thought through) opinion of someone who fell on the "disapprove" side of the mentioned divide in the community on the alpinist.
I'm going to do that right now! Even after working on the video, this piece still hasn't sold itself to me. Maybe I'm in the camp that still prefers that more "defined" approach to Sports and Dress watches... so I can totally see why some find it off. But I also love comedy ;) Thanks as always W. Rectum!
Archie’s Alpinist bit is pure, raw comedic genius 😂
No one takes that seriously. Archie had never even seen one in person.
I don’t think that Seiko considers the “2020 Alpinists” as actual Alpinists, as the word has been abandoned...pity!
BTW- I just received the SBDC093 (Champagne/gilt) and I’ll tell you, it’s a thing of beauty👌
Willard, I couldn't agree more. None of the newer versions can hold a candle to the mid-90's models, which only seem to increase in vale in the used market.
It appears that Seiko, like Rolex, are attempting to move "upmarket" and are shifting their brands up in price, whilst simplifying the 5 to fill the "fashion" slot.
@0:55 LOVE the COOL 'Alpinist' font they used on the Champion, et al - with the bold assurance of *WATER PROOF* . No 'Alpinist' dial lettering modernly. IDGuy, I think you showed but didnt mention the cream dial with the grey hands - SBDC089. That said, the *black dial rules* - and wisely devoid of the off-putting 2/4/10 numerals. Doesn't 3/6/9/12 somehow seem a better choice of numerals?
Suggesttion to Seiko designers: Lose the corporate 'X' and the word 'Automatic' on the dial then put back 'Alpinist' as it was done so well...I will hold off comment on the Cathedral hour hand looking too much like a swimming sperm cell. Zenith version is sharper: timeandtidewatches.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Zenith-Pilot-Type-20-Extra-Special-Silver-1-.jpg
The sharktooth alpinist isnt a new design. Black compass alpinists always had the sharktooth indices. The red sharktooth alpinist was the reference scvf007, the sarb sharktooth alpinist was the sarb015. The spb117/sbdc087 merely continued the sharktooth tradition of the black alpinists.
After some 40 years of not requiring it, does Seiko think we all went blind suddenly?
I owned the blue LE and flipped it because it looked nothing like the initial press photos - something Seiko screws up regularly - it was way too blingy in person. The green and gold leprechaun colorway is not for me. It has an 80s vibe I can see being paired with a brown polyester suit. The black Prospex model with indices instead of arabics... that's calling my name.
I wanted this and a skx007 until I found the citizen ny0040
Your Citizen needs a discussion. Just when I think I'm on top of learning about the "watch game" so I get thrown another curveball haha! Thank you for the comment R&W!
IDGuy ill send you mine if you want it’s the more rare blue dial
We need a nihongi 008
Before I retired, I was unable to wear wrist watches at work for a variety of reasons. Since I retired my interest in watches has grown, and I have the start of a collection. Unfortunately the watch I really want (Seiko SARG005) is out of production and hard to find at a decent price. The more expensive Alpinist in any color would satisfy my "need", but the price is a bit steep for my budget. So, the Alpinist style watch goes on my "holy grail" list. I may skip the 2020 version in the faint hope that someone realizes that cyclops are annoying and ugly.
The Alpinist isn’t a watch I’d pay 💰 to be serviced down the road.
Maybe that's why it was so great when they were really affordable? The hype factor for the Green Alpinist might have gotten to Seiko's head. Just wait! Soon they will be limiting supply of them ;)
Seeing people's comment about elevating the Alpinist to GS and Alpinist Snowflake. This makes me thinking. How about GRASSLAND ALPINIST?
Btw, the black dial is looking cool. The reason it looks like navigation is because of the black dial is used on total utilitarian watches for wars.
The French Renault Alpine is pronounced Alpeen, with the stress on the ee. When I first heard a French friend mentioning this Seiko, I thought he said Al-Penis, some strange sort of Arabic-British insult. Anyway, back to watches.......
Hahahaha! Love it. And hell, don't get me started on the Original Alpine... What an absolute gem (I've seen two mint classics in the flesh) It's a shame that the modern recreation never really shone. Imagine a rear engined Alpine again? Thanks for the comment Lester (great commentary)
I never understood the obsession with this piece. The cathedral hands are gaudy and the green/gold dial hurts my eyes. It probably angers me because it could otherwise be a nearly perfect watch... At least the newest black dial version looks much better, now if only those hideous cathedral hands were replaced with something more in line with the rest of the dial I'd say it's well worth the money
The vintage models I think are very attractive, I am sorry if you don't like this but the new one is nothing special. The price is a lot of money for what you get. Not even sapphire crystal. The vintage ones are really nice. It's just a basic watch with a rotating bezel. I am pretty much done with Seiko and their rediculous prices on their newer models.
What is the deal with these new prices? I said earlier in a comment that soon they will be limiting their supply hahaha! When Seiko gets stingy...that's when you know something is up. Thanks for the comment as always Scott. I just thought this new addition feels more "defined" as a direction for the Sports side of things, but I haven't checked out the prices. Now with the Prospex branding everything gets inflated
@@ID-Guy I was not mocking your review, it was nicely presented as always. My gripe is its pricing. Their new sarb dress watches seem to be around 600 dollars. I can get better watches from Hamilton and Tissot which I think are much better watches for less money.
Ditto.
It is definitely sapphire crystal, as are all models in the Prospex range. Research before you comment, Scott.
Iam not a huge fan of the cyclops but if it had always been there, i think I could live with it. But to just pop one on totally out of the blue is ridiculous
It's not out of the blue at all. He even shows you in the video how it was introduced on the Red Alpinist range in the 1990's.
The Red Alpinist still legend.
Is this a Prospex or an Alpinist?
It's a Prospex, hence the Prospex symbol on the dial. If it were an Alpinist, it would say so on the dial. This is a Prospex in Alpinist clothing (ugh).
That x is drawing the eyes on it. I dont like it, whoever design it needs to go back to design school.
If you look closely the X is made up of a P and an S (Professional Specification) or ProSpe"X". I reckon it's quite a cool take on the logo (unique in any case) Thanks for the comment, brother
Agreed. The 'X' in combination with the cyclops makes the new addition look like a cartoon compared to the 017.
Depends who is looking at it.
Cyclop is an unique feature invented by Rolex. It’s not appropriate for other watches including Seiko
Don't like the new black version. They should have used the same design aesthetic as the other new ones.
They should have just reintroduced the model with a black dial and the same numeral layout (that would've looked great) and I get why many won't like this new format. It does go against the original dial design in almost every way. Life is all about balance ;) Thanks for the comment Jim!
The black has never had the same design. Either in the "red" series, the SARB series or the new 2020 series.
@@TheViolentTeddy Yes, so it would have been nice if they had changed it so that it did, thats what I'm trying to say :)
Channel Saport
4:26 so does Rolex Explorer, Air-King and Milgauss etc. it's not *that* unique to mix styles like that
Yea, but this doesn't cost $6k
I think the 1990's red Alpinists are the coolest.. The new prospex line are an abomination lol especially for that price.
Yup: why spend $800 on a new model when that will buy a REAL 90's Alpinist in good (though not pristine) condition.
Congac ostrich band
This whole issue with whether the Alpinist is a dress or sport/utility watch. Honestly, who the heck cares? Nowadays you often see people wear a dressy watch with bermudas and loafers, and a dive watch with a suit. So long as the overall aesthetics is not too extreme, like a 50mm Invicta with a tux, just wear what you like and feel good wearing.
the older model has a better design.
Seiko-overpriced inaccurate movements. They lost me a long time ago!!
even the seiko 5 keeps better time than my Omega. This watch keeps nearly perfect time.
It's a hideous thing.... it's like they took some watch parts, thrown into a box with glue, shook it up and come up with this..a hideous thing that can't hold time..
It got ugly and the price nearly doubled.
It's not a great deal anymore.