The Rise & Fall Of Seiko's Alpinist 1959 to 2021 - Everything You Need To Know: SJE085, SPB209 & 117
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- We're talking Alpinists all day in today's triple watch review!
In this special episode we'll check out one of the hottest releases from Seiko for 2021-the Seiko 1959 Alpinist Re-Creation Limited-Edition (ref. SJE085). And we'll compare it to two other Seiko watches: the modern (and more affordable) new brown and gold dial (ref. SPB209) and last year's red Alpinist-inspired version (ref. SPB117JI)-a faithful update to the iconic 90s watch.
How do they compare? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What's the story behind their evolution? Will these watches become trendsetters like the emerald green SARB017 or a trio of overpriced flops that will further alienate Seikoholics and fans?
Join me for a look into the rise and fall of the Alpinist, a watch I consider to be one of Seiko's most underrated but important creations.
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Хобби
Every time he says "welcome to the show", he genuinely makes me feel welcome to the show. Thank you for another amazing video.
The sarb017 was my first mechanical watch which my partner got me for my birthday. By far my favorite piece, serving as a benchmark for others to meet. My appreciation has also grown with all the history I’ve gotten from this channel
You hit it perfectly. "For a split second, you think, well I dont really need anything else" in terms of watches. I never feel like my Sarb Alpinist was the wrong choice, no matter the company I am in.
Thank you so much for another historically contextualized and thoughtful review. I also sincerely appreciate the fact that your reviews aren't sponsored. Ethical, independent journalism doesn't mix with the freebie system that pervades RUclips watch channels -- banners, gongs, buzzers and other performative disclaimers don't cut it in my book. Bravo, TGV!
Watch newbie: "Wow, this hobby is so diverse, there are so many different genres and brands to discov..."
SEIKO: "Don't go away, we've got you covered!"
LOL!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you Klaus,
Best regards,
TGV
TGV you forgot the Baby Alpinists
Seiko needs to make more manual wind watches and sub 38mm
@@oscarosullivan4513 Yes, I agree. Manual wind movements are unneccessarily overwhelmed by the dominance of automatics. With a manual wind you get an even better connection to the inner workings of your movement. With STOWA for example, thanks to their approach of customization, you can pay a little extra to switch from an ETA 2824-2 to a 2804-2. We need more of that.
@@oscarosullivan4513 around 22-minute mark?
It was thanks to one of your earlier vids that I was able to pick up an original green dial model (SARB017) before it was discontinued. Still in the collection and still worn and appreciated! In fact, I credit you and your channel for the worldwide appreciation for this model. Thanks TGV.
Love the black version with the steel bracelet. Bought it about a year ago and still over the moon with it. Has a great, very distinctive look. Last Seiko I wore was back in 1992. As you have said, Seiko knows how to build a wristwatch. One comment; I actually like the steel bracelet. As good as my collection of TH watches w steel.
Thanks!
Love that nostalgic sense of adventure both the alpinist and explorer exude. Great video as always TGV.
Maybe Mark could do a gold mod on one of these and call it the "Alchemist".
Or Obsidian
@William Brady That's brilliant idea 👍
@@MaroMarenio Thanks
Such an underrated comment!
That's an awesome idea
Number 99. I gotta say your videos are so relaxing, informative and entertaining it's always a pleasure to get notice of a new one. Great work, Thank You
🙌🙌🙌 You have no idea how happy that makes me, thank you so much Brian.
Best regards,
TGV
Absolutely perfect timing, after a night of drinking and me having no desire to do anything TGV uploads. Looking forward to this video.
dude alcohol lmao
😁😁😁
Always loved the SARB017 ever since I saw the review on your channel years back. I think the green and gold combo is hit or miss with most people but I absolutely adore it.
Another fantastic video, TGV. You make it hard to stop myself from opening a new tab and buying the watch while your video keeps rolling!
Definitely a watch that is on my grail list. Thank you as always for the fantastic content!
My favorite Alpinist is still the SARB017. Nothing before or since has come close in my heart. TY TGV for ALWAYS providing a GREAT video. Thank you for ALL you do for the watch community.
Another great video by TGV. Wonderful editing as well!
I fell in love with the SARB017 some years ago and it stayed with me ever since. Honestly, I can’t seem to get the same feeling from any of those “new” versions.
I received my SPB243J (the affordable version of the 1959 re-creation) a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. It has barely left my wrist. I legitimately feel like I could climb a mountain and then walk right into a boardroom without changing my watch and it would not feel out of place in either situation.
Same here,I bought the deep lake version and it's simply blown me away with how incredibly beautiful and versatile it is,as you say,it's the watch you can wear climbing a mountain or trekking through the woods,and then you can simply put on a shit and step into the boardroom
I agree with you about putting new straps on a watch. A new strap can make the watch feel like new and re-invigorate your passion for it.
Nice balanced review. Lots of history and interesting information. And with class. No screaming/shouting. Thank you.
Great video, presentation, show and analysis as always. A pure pleasure. Thank you!
Dude, no way! I just got my sarb017 in the mail yesterday and I can't get enough of these video reviews talking about the alpinist. Perfect timing!
WOW, congrats, one of, if not the best Alpy IMO.
Wear it with pride my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
What about when it stops working and needs a service costing $200?
@MbrBuy what about it? That's up to you if you don't want to enjoy something because it might need servicing one day, but I don't choose to let that influence what I enjoy
I've been waiting for you to make this for years!!! 🤗 Fantastic video, thank you!!
Beautifully video and editing and the length was good. I’m happy that for once it a watch I don’t have to buy as i got one early in my collection. Thanks as always for being so positive!!!!
Thank you so much Stephen, I very much appreciate it!
Best regards,
TGV
Nice video again TGV! Love the knowledge! I actually owned the green dial alpinest with cal 4s in my collection that was made in 1996, pure classic design and amazingly high level of accuracy, 4s was complemented by my watchmaker when it went to service. As it’s still is one of the best movement that was produced after the quartz crisis.
I got my first alpinist, the sbdc087, and I couldn’t be more pleased. The movement is very precise, the dial in matte black with the two red highlights give it a subtle hint of colour that I think complete the look. I could do without exhibition case backs entirely, and the bracelet has nicely finished edges on the clasp that make it very comfortable. I’ve a sizeable wrist and was concerned that the dimensions may be an issue but it has great presence. Great review as usual, well researched and excellent videography.
Really like those reviews: history, design, specs, great video editing and you can’t upstage the intros. 👌😎
First class review and video, the explorer looks fantastic on that strap, and the Seiko watches are wonderful too
Every time I see a Tristano video I say: "WOW, how can you produce such a wonderful video, so informative, so interesting, so well made, so much passion transferred from the videos.". Very congrats Tristano, you channel was and continue to be WOW. Ciao!
Still have my SARB017 and now even my wife wears it from time to time. Seiko classic for sure that's never leaving my collection. Bought it online for around $480 ... I can't believe what the used ones are going for now ! As always, great review TGV!
Thank you TGV for the video. Very nice, like always. I really like the Seiko in general.
I love these videos, top work as always.
Great video mate, keeping me going at work!
When I bought my SPB209 two years ago. It was just because I loved the classic look and feel about it. It was actually not easy to find here in Sweden. I placed orders at so many places that still had it on sale only to recive an email telling me that it was out of stock. Finaly I found 2 of them at a Seiko store in Helsinki. (just bought one :-))
But I love this watch. Sometimes you just find the one you know fits you. The Alpinist has a wonderfull story and it has something untouchable about it.
Thanks for a great channel. Cheers from a fan in Sweden.
Very excited you reviewed the SJE085 - a beautiful watch that I didn't expect Seiko to make. While I think we may be hitting "peak alpinist" (horrible, sorry), and tend to think we'd be best served by nixing the baby alpi's entirely and focusing on the core line and its lovably flawed compass bezel, as an owner of the blue European edition I do enjoy the sort of "alpi for everyone" approach they have going right now. Bravo, and thank you for highlighting the SJE and the King Seiko - they're just gorgeous and deserve more attention.
The Seiko Flightmaster made me aware of your videos.
Very nice work Sir, always a pleasure, always informative.
Best regards from Germany. 👍
Very interesting video and well put together. Love my baby Alpinist, perfect size for the slender wrist and less chance of QC issues.
Can’t wait, TGV! Excellent photo featuring the Alpinist on Instagram earlier. Watching the video now with my son! Can’t wait. Thanks much!
Thank you my friend, knowing you are enjoying this with your son makes me so happy. I am sure you are a great father, passing this shoddy and tradition on it surely proof of that.
Please say hello from me!
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you TGV! Stay healthy and well! Nick
Wow! Love the look of that vintage Champion Alpinist! Fantastic! The 2019 blue version is also such a great looking watch. Another great vid, TGV! Onward and upward!
That SPB209 _BROWN_ Alpinist is awesome. Put it on a Strapcode and it really is a do-it-all watch for like $900. Only the light champagne and gold dial can is close to it. All the other Alpies are second tier.
How about bringing back the “ Duels” from the old days of the channel? I would love to see these go up against the khaki field,explorer, etc…. I agree the “ Tiger Eye” is the best release I’ve seen so far however I just can’t quite pull the trigger due to the QC issues as of late that Seiko refuses to acknowledge! A real shame that they totally flipped the quality versus price aspect that made us all fall in love with the sarb line so long ago!
Don’t worry they will start losing sales if we coordinate a boycott and Yemma is another offender
Your videos and reviews TGV always calm me down and give me a moment of peace and clarity, whilst sipping on an English Breakfast tea, or Expresso (Italian wife :)), or Earl Grey. Great intros, great music, great video shots, great scripts, great voiceover, just ... great! :) Take care my friend. Barry
Amazing video, TGV! Can’t wait to see the new one with Mark, as well as your 2021 SOTC coming up around Halloween!!!!!
Intro work is superb. Best I’ve seen on RUclips by far
Awesome video as always! Awesome intro!!! I’ve snowboarded a few of those mountains in Japan when I lived there! If you ever get a chance go! northern Japan is breath taken !
Another amazing video! I've always wanted an Alpinist and I think the one that's for me is the new green re-issue. The SPB245. I'm a hiking enthusiast and I think it'd be right at home when I'm going through the mountains. Cheers from Canada!
Thank you! OMG this is perfect for you. If you get one, please take a wrist watch check with your phone and send it in, I would love to see that. Safe travels my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Thank you for replying! Now that one of my favourite watch RUclipsrs has given me the approval. I have to get it now. My girlfriend won't be happy but I don't make the rules.
I am so glad to see your subscriptions continue to increase YGV.
Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧
Loved this video! I own the black Alpinist and it’s my go-to watch many days. And I’ve bought two Seikos from Moyer; fantastic selection and service! Keep the Seiko videos coming. Ciao,
Here’s my TGV video-watching cycle: I watch a few minutes of a TGV video…then I switch over to Amazon for a few minutes…then I switch back to the video & watch a few more minutes…and it’s back to Amazon again. This cycle is continuous & it takes me an hour to watch a 27-minute video.
Same here.
Great expose of a watch that has always been on my radar (especially as it coincides with my birth year) but also touches upon the love/hate relationship many of us have with Seiko. BTW, loved the inclusion of the yellow digital clock! As I told Marc recently if you use the AC adaptor it keeps the backlight illuminated. And the thing is crazily accurate! After almost two weeks away I checked it and it was bang on time!
wow that’s really cool, I wrote a comment on the last video about that watch, really amazing content tgv !
Great video TGV, pure class…!
Another great historical perspective, TGV! Unfortunately, they've now priced me out when it comes to owning a Seiko Alpinist.
I learned about the SARB,s and the Alpinist a few years ago. Just when Seiko discontinued the 017. The green dial and gold indices is so well executed. The 017 emerald green is for me the most outstanding. I had just bought my first auto (Seiko 5) that time and was just finding watch channels here on YT. TGV, Mark have been favorites and helped me learning and understanding. I really enjoy your channel, thank you
Tigereye :) the blue-grey dial i have to get used to them, but when you showed the re-issued 1959 i think i have a problem.
Great video and coverage on the Alpinist line, TGV! Very impressed and gained much understanding on its development. Would you also consider reviewing SRPD33K1? It seems like a more modern take on the Alpinist, with a modern twist of design and implication of the inner rotating compass bezel. Onwards and upwards on the content!
The Alpinist seems to be haunting me!
I picked up a 'Mountain Sunset' earlier this year and I'm now fancying the white dial on a Strapcode Oyster bracelet.
Such a versatile little watch, love it 👍🏻
@6:45 The most gentle way of saying "I told you so, didn't I"?
Great content as always TGV, the Alpinist will some day find a way into my wardrobe I'm sure
O&U
André
I recently got the SPB159 “baby alpinist” and have been totally blown away. It’s finishing was top notch and out of the box running amazing. I love the 38mm case size, but you are right I really dislike the the leather straps these come on.
I'm a diehard SARB017 lover and fan. I very much like the tiger eye colorway, but the green will always have my heart. I actually really enjoy the compass bezel, it's unique and establishes the purpose and identity of the watch as a mountaineering tool, not a diver. It's actually what drew me to the watch over the sea of divers available and really does set it apart.
As always fantastic informational video.
Thank you so much Joe!
Best regards,
TGV
What a fantastic video this was. I loved the explanation of mountaineering culture in Japan. My grandfather was a so-called “yama otoko” and my grandmother was a mountaineer as well (less common for the time).
Another great show from TGV! I've always been a fan of 42mm+ cases, and the "small" size of the Alpinist has been the ONLY reason I don't have one in my collection.
Darrin!!!! Lovely to hear from you, what a pleasant surprise!!!!
I hope you are keeping safe and well. Are you still in NYC?
Thank you for stopping by,
Best regards,
TGV
Ah! Another video! Makes my day every time
Superb vid! I just done an unboxing review of the new Cream dial 1959 Alpinist and I love it!
Another beautiful intro and great video, the green Alpinists is on my "to get" list. I've got a picture of it next to my wifes "to do" list. She is starting to enjoy watches too, maybe we can share this one.
Thank you Claude, deeply appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
SARB17 here. It’s not my only watch. But it could be. Love all the variations of alpinist. So versatile
Your videos and their familiar themes have become a kind of reassuring safe space in these turbulent times.
Okay yeah I saw this a year ago but I wasn't thinking about it. That entry was absolutely fabulous!!!!! 40 seconds of pure gold.
Amazing timing. Literally just bought a SPB201J1. Can't wait for delivery.
I have the SBDC089 cream white version. I ordered it the second they became available and hadn’t noticed the misaligned compass bezel on mine until your previous review pointing that out. I was disappointed but after some time I still appreciate the watch for what it is, and truth be told I haven’t and don’t foresee myself using the compass function. I almost sold it recently and couldn’t do it. I think it’s a keeper despite the short comings. As always thanks TGV for such a thorough and insightful review! Be well!
It was as good a video as I had hoped, Tristano. Truly enjoyed the review and leaning more about Seiko and the Alpinist watch collection. I am quite impressed with the “TigerEye” color way (second the motion regarding the name as well), but I just can’t pull the trigger on any of the pieces. While it is a historically significant piece, it just doesn’t speak to me. There are so many pieces that fulfill the same spot in the WatchBox that can be had at better value for money, better quality, or both! I am glad Seiko brought it back for those who yearn for it….I am just not one of them. My son and I thank you again for all your hard work bringing us such wonderful videos. Hope you are yours are well! Onward and upward, my friend!
26:44 "Well, I don't really need anything else..."
Great observation TGV! That is exactly what I thought when I saw the Mini-Alpinists...and that is exactly why I didn't get one!
I might get the blue one
@@oscarosullivan4513 That's the one I was looking at when I thought, 'if I get that watch, I can't really justify owning anything else.'
@@renngretsch Seems right
An excellent history on the Alpinist. I had wanted the vintage 1959 since the time l first saw it but never able to find one in good condition. I glad to see the reissue and just got myself one.
Just purchased the Seiko 1959 Alpinist Re-creation from the good people over at Arizona Fine Time (got a really great deal as always). I have to say it is as gorgeous a watch as TGV says. Since I have a 7 1/2 inch wrist, the bund strap really works for me - I was worried that the 36.5mm case size would look a mite bit small - but fortunately the bund strap gives it the proper wrist presence. Really smart of Seiko to release it where you can wear it with/without the bund and appeal to a broader set of wrist sizes. This one is definitely a long term keeper.
Congrats Mel!!! Very good point about the bund, I wonder if that was another motivation for making it smaller with that strap? Anyways, glad to hear you are so pleased, that is all that matters!!!
Enjoy and thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Glad you are doing an episode about the new Alpinists after the white-gold Prospex! I currently own the 117, and although it has some negatives and possibly some QC issues, I really appreciate how it becomes my one-watch-collection watch really quickly, it does everything really well, and as days goes by I almost feel like I don't need my other watches! (except for some beaters here and there for that working in the studio days, and dive when I go swimming, and chronographs for that one time I timed my coffee maker, some dressier watches, and.... oh dear, I still need those watches! Nevermind 😂)
T.G.V., about 7 years ago I bumped into a video of yours about the SARB017. That was the defining moment that got me into this amazing hobby. Because of your video I bought a SARB017 and have been an avid collector since. Thanks for introducing me to such an amazing watch and to the hobby of horology itself!
Love this review. I have the baby tiger eye dial alpinist and love it. I also love the tiger eye name as you can tell. All great points on the muddy water that is Seiko these days.
Went in thinking i was gonna leave in a couple of minutes. Watched the whole video u got me again
Another fantastic video on an absolute Seiko icon 👏👏👏👏
I really want to love the Alpinist but just can’t seem to get it to click. The price increases over the last few years make it all moot at this point anyway but I’ve never been able to get the Alpinist to work for me. The baby Alpinist just doesn’t do it in the same way as the core model. I’ve always thought that if I could get a bit more functionality out of that internal bezel (a timing bezel or a second time zone as you mentioned) would probably do it I think.
Thanks TGV! Gave me another vintage Seiko to look for. I'll always take a vintage Seiko over anything new they offer.
great review!
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Recently picked up a alpinist mountain glacier , absolutely stunning piece
ALPINIST > EXPLORER
Great episode and spot on. Too many versions which, to my eye, at times have went a tad Seiko5 at times. Bravo!!!
Great show T! I did fall for the 1959 at first but not having ‘Alpinist’ on the dial and squeezing in a date window makes a mockery of what they were trying to do ?! Best strap ever without the Bundt part! But no floating keeper means there is a big flappy end for us small wristers;( the price (IMO) is not right;) I currently have a Sarb 017 and an SPB121 ! Head to head there’s only one winner ;) all the best and have a great week! PS loved the contextualisation segment, deep info and appreciated it a lot!
Love your intros, you should do a track listing. Always looking for stuff like this as background listening while I work. Looking forward to it, assuming you're happy to oblige 👍
Great video, Cheers
Awesome video! That brown dial I have to say would be might pick. I usually prefer black dials but this brown variation is nice. Cheers my friend!
In a shallow, vapid, historically ignorant, impatient, short-attention-span world, your little corner of RUclips is the brightest thing I've seen in years. I've already learned more about watches than I've ever known and I can think about them intelligently (rather than impulsively and ignorantly) now. You do Britain proud and America and the rest of the world as well. All that and you are the antithesis of snobbery. I hope you can keep doing this work.
Great vid as usual. Please keep spoiling us. Maybe time for a pilots watch next? Would love to hear your views on the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle watch? Bought mine 15 years ago and still love it.
When watching your videos, I was gearing up to start a collection and get an Alpinist, then the prices skyrocketed. At the time I got a Presage instead, better value for me, but still want one. Do a video on Citizen Tough, it’s a great line. Thanks!
These intro's man... YOU'RE KILLING ME WITH THESE INTRO'S!!!!
these intro's are always Pure PERFECTION!!!
Cheers from the Netherlands :)
Thank you so much, you a very kind for saying so.
Best regards,
TGV
P.s. I love the Netherlands!!!
Great video!
There is no equivalent to your reviews. A work of art to enjoy with a good Italian coffee ☕️ Cheers
I just saw the 1959, tiger eye, and the new gold colored case Alpinist in the store today and though to myself, weird how has TGV not posted anything about these yet? Got home and was pleasantly surprised. Purchased a green Alpinist a few months ago (new prospex version) and just climbed Mount Fuji with it!
Great intro TGV, hope you have had a good week 👍
Thank you Dave, same to you!
Best regards,
TGV
Tiger eye is spot on regarding the colors. I offer up my moniker for the spb209, the Browpinist :)
I don't know why but the Sarb017 is my most coveted watch. The shape of the case with the position of the 2 crowns, the internal bezel, full polish, it just ticks all the boxes for me. It is the watch I want most over all others. I like the brown too
I was lucky to scoop SARB017 and SARB033 on my trip to Japan from a small shop in Tokyo in 2020.
Both were already discontinued that time, so I felt so lucky as the owner had last 2 and the other 3 pieces. Should have bought them all.