The JDM Alpinist GMT No One Knows About! Seiko SBEJ005 Review
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- Green GMT Alpinist, SBEJ005 (on eBay): ebay.us/IVtfVP
Original Ghost Alpinist Review: • Giving Into The Ghost ...
Whenever anyone asked me what kind of watch I'd design if I could, I would always answer the same. A GMT Alpinist. It would be a watch that combines two of my favorite types of watches, a Field and a GMT with a unique twist. To my surprise, this year Seiko announced exactly that, a GMT alpinist. So I had to check it out.
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00:00 What I Always Wanted
00:23 Hidden JDM Gem
01:53 The Design
05:33 Cleaner And Better?
08:02 Green, No Way!
09:37 LUME
09:56 It's Not Backwards
11:17 6R And Seiko Shenanigans
14:12 Bottom Line 
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Been so tempted to pick one of these up. I didn't notice that they moved the arabics to just 12, 3, 6 and 9, but I think i like it. Really gives the dial a different feel.
Any chance of a review from you?
that's funny. moving the arabics is the one thing that kept me from buying this watch. felt like it lost some of its charm with that
Picked this up from the Seiko Dream Store in Tokyo earlier this year for 120000 yen - same price everywhere in Japan. Very happy with it!
Such a cool discovery! If I didn't have my 017 Alpinist (which I dearly love), this would absolutely be the "new" Alpinist on my shortlist. Thanks for this review, Shane.
Congratulations on the GMT Alpinist. It’s a beautiful watch. As always great review
Being in the Army for a few years I enjoy map reading and using a compass to make hikes and fishing trips interesting. I'm probably numbered in the few that really use the compass. It's much easier than the old way to navigate using a watch. Great video.
My biggest problem with the alpinist line is I can’t decide on which color I want. They all look good to me.
I agree
But black wins me over
It looks rugged and elegant
Black is sporty and chique. Blue is a bit more fashionable and extrovert. Green: retro, outdoor, land living style
I just got mine last week and honestly the green is fairly subtle, in most light situations to me the dial is mostly black
Great job on this. Beautiful footage.
I think the green is the best version by a long shot. Great find. Great video.
Thanks!
The green and gold was always my favorite colorway.
I have been wanting an Alpinist with the green dial, compass bezel, and no cyclops. I thought I was going to have to settle for blue, and was so happy to find this.
Great video as always. Can't remember exactly how but as soon as the other colourways were announced I stumbled across the JDM version with a few days and thought wow that's some watch and no cyclops! If you factor in import taxes (at least for Europe) then it's about the same as what you would pay for one of the other colourways you could pick up locally (except for the limited edition) or even a bit more as there has been some reasonable discounts over Black Friday on these models. It's right up there on my would buy list so here's hoping I can find a good deal during next year.
This looks beautiful! Running off to yodobashi camera tomorrow morning and hope they have one in stock!
I think a 4:30 date is perfect. When I need the date, I can take the time to focus on it. I've never needed a date a a glance, but time at a glance is a key aspect of watches.
Just bought the SBEJ005. So hyped to receive it!
Really beautiful watch. The green is definitely my favourite!
Yes please! A GMT showdown would be great!
Throw in the Rolex Explorer 2 as the outsider/ hooligan
This is the ultimate GADA watch. I just ordered mine. Super excited. Afraid I'd be itching to pack up and go on a trip around the world or something. This watch is just the most perfect companion because you got the Seiko dependability, yet it's not so expensive that you'd be totally screwed if something happened to it. And it works for every imaginable occasion, some in a pinch with the right strap of course. I can't think of another watch as versatile, practical and functional. Could do without the compass if it'd mean a thinner case but other than that, perfect.
Beautiful Watch, Shane! Your accuracy problem is not an anomaly. The Christmas before last, my wife bought me the SPB155-B1, or, the Baby Alpinist. It was losing 16 spd. I couldn’t stand it, so I sent it to Seiko in New Jersey. When I got it back, it was losing a little over 20 seconds per day. Like you, I l love my watch, and I wear it frequently, but unlike you, I’ll never ever buy another Seiko mechanical watch. I know it’s a psychological problem of mine, but I’m too obsessed with time to get over it. I also have a Hamilton Khaki Automatic watch that alternatively gains or loses about 3 spd; I can live with that.
Absolutely beautiful watch, and wild to think we like the same watch brands. I have a CW C65 super compressor in their sand color dial and want to get my hands on an alpinist GMT. Great review!
As an every day/where (especially with a casual suit) watch, this is amazing!
Great video I was looking for a green version as well. I would love to see the sealander comparison video.
I purchased the limited edition silver dial. LOVE IT. Worth every penny. My 3 year old daughter constantly ask, what color is that "I love it"
good choice!
Congratulations on the classy choice. Practical elegance. Great watch, great review thanks.
Thank you kindly!
Shane, first time viewer here. I really like your presentation style. Your review was thorough and well produced. Kudos! I have both mechanical and quartz watches in my collection. I tend to think of mechanical watches as vintage cars. Mechanical watches are anachronistic at this point. In the same way a 1969 Jaguar XK-E or 1970 Dodge Charger will get you to work, their primary duty in contemporary times is to give us a feeling. A Tesla is faster and more efficient than the Charger and XK-E but also a little dorky. I dont take accuracy into the equation when considering a mechanical watch - really more like wearing the equivalent of a grandfather clock on my wrist. If the watch ran poorly of course I would have it looked at but I mostly want to enjoy my mechanical for what it represents, not it's funtionality. My G-Shock solar bluetooth is a trustworthy and accurate instrument - but I don't get all warm n fuzzy over it - more an appreciation for it's competence. Thanks!
Thanks and welcome!
Love my 017 keeper, and just missed getting one of these JDM green gmt versions.
Howdy Shane, thanks for doing another superb review.
I have always liked the Alpinist. I really like the functionality of this watch (24-hour bezel, GMT, Compass readings, and even that micro-sized date :). A few years back, that Sarb lineup was full of great value, but I think like many Seiko's in the low to mid-price range, their movements are their Achilles heel.
At $1k+, Seiko needs to give us more accurate movements without us always going under the hood to regulate it.
That wide spec range in Seiko, Citizen, and Orient watches is why I migrated to European watches/movements over the years. Though full disclosure, I'm obsessed with accuracy. :)
One nitpick on the handset. That GMT hand seems out of place for me. Perhaps it has too big of a presence, or the triangle-shaped design doesn't match the other cathedral hands well.
Cheers, my friend.
Thanks for the great review as always. I’m one of those weirdos who likes a date on his watch so much, I don’t care how much the date messes up the design. Thanks again!
Yes, so do I, maybe even day!date!
@@JPLewcun Now you’re just being crazy! Ha! 😅
So glad this has just come out as im on my way to japan for christmas and this will be on my list!
Curious, do you have a view of this vs the c63 sealander you popped up at the start as theyre the two i find myself tossing between?
Cool and comfortably wearing. Looks sporty and but also fits a suit. On the movement. I had another 6R movement. I found that after a couple of weeks/months of daily wear it becomes more accurate and well within spec. It is mechanical and may need a time to become smooth
Beautiful watch!❤
when you think to use it I actually use a compass feature more then I would think. when I'm waiting in a parking lot or something it can be fun to find out where north is. I also find it extremely helpful when putzing around a nes city to help me keep my bearings. I don't use GPS much in my vehicle. I go c it to distracting sometimes.
Glad to see they have a Green Alpinist GMT. I am a sucker for the classic, but he price and movement are throwing me off, too. This would be great at sub $800, even with the questionable movement.
Excellent review!👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Really like this watch on the beads of rice bracelet. I have a green king turtle that I put this bracelet on and it looks killer too.
I think a comparison video would be great, both comparisons as well as any other you may have in mind, comparison vids are great regardless
As long as the date is colour matched to the dial I really like the new date placement as I usually prefer no date watches.
Its odd at first, but it blends in and you don't notice it much on the wrist.
Wow now I don’t know which one I want more. This one or the spb155. I fell in love with that green and this is right up there. Dang it 😂
Green dial with gold…is working with everything in the wardrobe, all suits, jeans , shirts - all colors. If you want 1 watch collection go with green alpinist. I have the Sarb 017, I use at the office all the time when I have a suite, chinos, shirt and jacket. I use rarely Sarb 033 which lately grew on my because I rarely wear black-white -cognac. For T-shirts and holidays go with a diver- SKX, turtle, Timex pepsi or micro-brand. G-Shock became way to expensive and I think looks like a happy meal toy- Richard Mille 😅
Ooh… Looks nice in white. I’m liking the circular calendar over the usual rectangular style. Very Nice.
…but yeah I wouldn’t pay $1,000 for it. 😂 Great review. Keep them coming.
Great review... mine was running 23secons slow, and had to regulate it myself. Love the green.
I've now got mine down to 9sec /day, but I might fiddle with it a little more.
@@RelativeTime that's also half of the fun
Good find !!!
I have an Alpinist SPB. It has a 6R movement and works well. The first one I purchased stopped on my wrist the first day I wore it. Still I purchased another and love it. While I like the Alpinist's like the one in the video I think the Seiko Laurel homage is more beautiful. Certainly more true to the original. The popular explorer style Alpinist's sort of seem like a Homage to some Swiss watch brands. IMHO
It's on my wrist now. I love it!
Where did you order from? Really want to pick one up but not sure where to find a reputable vendor.
@@Shadylurker85 I got mine off of Chrono24.
You didn’t mention it but the gilt hands and indices give the watch a whole different character vs the others with silver. Kind of a vintage vibe. Works very well with the dark green dial.
I already have my 017. For this price, I might consider CW Dune GMT, which I think is also a looker.
ASMR natural. Beautiful seiko .
That is a nice-looking watch!! Personally, I really like the classic green dial. I don't think I will ever part with my SARB017 (which is also on an Uncle Seiko BOR bracelet)...
This has to be the best review of the JDM model out there👍
Thanks!
@@RelativeTimeI should mention that thanks to your video I picked one up in Japan, and I'm loving it to bits! I also can confirm that the warranty is valid internationally, Cheers!
@@Steaktim ahh good to know. Hopefully we won't ever need it. Glad you're enjoying it!
Would love to see a video comparing it to the CW sea lander as i am trying to decide between this one or the green sealander 😊
So I have found that out of spec Seiko 6r given 6 months of wear will sometimes fall into spec but if not they are difficult to regulate
They made a great looking GMT that is for sure but I do prefer my SSK009 in pure design language and looks. If I hadn't already bought my SSK009 by the time these were released I would of had a harder decision lol but I am glad I bought mine, I love the Alpinist except for the dual crowns but I know they are needed.
Bought the 377...changed the leather strap to a much darker shade of blue. Looks killer
I think the blue one looks the best out of all the Alpinists.
Love the dial numerals, but for me two items would make it better.
1. No date
2. Not having rhe external GMT markings, and instead using the rotating ring for that purpose. But, I get why they did it, as the compass is part of thos model's identity.
Like the ingenuity here - and hope many collectors find it just what they are looking to acquire.
Is the green of this versions dial more similar to the 017 one? Looks brighter than spb121….does anybody knows?
A 3 way video comparison would be great. That's cool that you picked up this model. I knew about it, but as an owner of a baby Alpinist and a blue Alpinist, I'm a bit obsessed with any new Alpinist releases. I don't love the yellow-ish fauxtina look vs. the gilt markers of the non-GMT green compass variants. Also, must like on the blue and black models I wish Seiko had taken the opportunity to make the 3/6/9/12 and longer indices lumed. Looking at the scratches on my SPB089, I do wish they had the regular Alpinists had the hardened coating. Definitely look at the prices of the white model before you sell it. I don't think they're made any longer and they're harder to get a hold of, so the prices are higher than the other regular models.
The markers aren't fauxtina, they're brushed (or at least matte) golden metal, as opposed to polished on previous models. Personally, I prefer this style over polished indices for legibility reasons. It doesn't matter in which angle I hold the dial, the numerals are always legible.
@@Spurdospaerde692 That's really interesting. I guess I'd need to see it in person to really judge them.
I was going to pick one up, holding both the black/blue dial versions in my hand. Walked away as the date window was too small for men to read without the cyclops window.
The date is almost, but not quite pointless.
I'm afraid the change of the arabics to 3 6 and 9 doesn't work for me; I'd be tempted to mod a classic dial into this case... now there's a thought
Great review video as ever.
really wish they did the baby alpinist gmt. would love a 3/6/9/12 dial black gmt without the compass bezel.
with both casio and Seiko when it comes to jdm watch warranty tell them it was a gift from a realativr visiting Japan. I've found that usually works when it comes to warranty claims. otherwise I've found buying from a jdm shop like sakrua watches will do wonders for you because they are registered with all the Japan brands they sell. they have terrific customer service. even offering me jdm bracelets upon request. some thing I'm going to take them up on to get the rediclously expensive combo bracelet for my prw-61 next year.
That's a great tip!
Agree-Sakura and Gnomon have both been great to deal with. I have bought both Seiko and Citizen JDM watches from them and always a perfect transaction.
If they did a GMT with the Baby Alpinest, I'd be all over it. I like the original but not enough to pay that price. The GMT on this line fits perfectly. I just wish Seiko would fix their QC issues. It still hasn't stopped me buying them though 🙄
where do u buy the metal bracelet on 6:46? thank you
Thank you for your comment . Now Seiko has the limited version of GMT so called”SBP 409 J1”. I want to learn more what is the difference between the limited version which is a white one and the GMT green one as you mentioned in your above description . Thank you.
Pretty much just the coloring, and that it comes with a bracelet.
@@RelativeTime Thanks.
Yeah I too find a tiny date window annoying as I can't read it so would love if they could make it larger for us that don't have great reading eyes.
Yeah, but better or worse it seems to be a part of Seikos Design language. I'm betting more are coming with it. Maybe this is their compromise for everyone wanting a dateless watch. make it less obvious.
Great bracelet
It's hard to tell in the video, are the applied hour markers metallic or just matte yellowish? The metallic markers on the regular alpanist are georgeous.
They have a brushed metal finish. IMO that makes these indices/numerals more legible than the polished markers of previous models, which were more dependent on the angle between the dial and a light source for legibility. They no longer "disappear" in that metallic sea of green.
picked it up during trip to Japan for the same reason. Never had the original SARB and looked sharp with new movement. Slightly chunky but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to buy it around $800
That is a great price. For that, I think the hardened coating alone is worth it over the regular Alpinist.
would you say the green dial here is more like the sarb017 then the green of the spb121 alpinist?
Hard to say without comparing them in person, but I'm thinking it's more like the SPB121.
I think Baby Alpinist GMT w/ arabic @ 3, 6, 9 & 12 will be perfect
Nice watch
I have the older SARB017, in the new alpinist's case as well as the GMT, I really hate the caseback. The movement is undecorated so why bother? The older SARB wears far better, and is the reason I still have it over the newer ones. Great looking watch nevertheless Shane.
Hi Shane who makes the burnt brown leather strap that is on the watch at the end of your video?
A strap company I randomly ran across called Babu.
babuhandmadeleather.com/product/brown-tuscany-leather-apple-watch-band-44mm-mens-watch-bands-sw083/
They are based in Vietnam, but have really good leather.
In my experience the 6r movements perform better on wrist than on the timegrapher.
A day date Rolex Sub with sword hands would be my design!
That would be intersting to see.
Does the bracelets from the regular Prospex or SARB017 Alpinist fits this GMT Alpinist?
Yes it does.
Christopher W with COSC and a bracelet for the same price. Not even a question.
i bought a seiko 6139 new in 1969. accuracy +/-o-2 seconds daily
Heh, I didn't notice that the arabics had changed right away either. This is probably a better dial even if it makes it more Explorer like
would you happen to know if you can tell the difference between SBEJ and SPB models?
Not sure, but I don't think you can.
All I’m saying is, give me a black dial Sealander all day long! Stunning watch!
Hard to go wrong with CW.
For that price you can get a Christopher Ward GMT.
I'd even choose the Traska GMT over this.
I think -20spd (even though near spec) is ridiculous, especially with the precision robotic equipment that Seiko and their movement factories have today. You introduced me to the sunburst dialed Seiko SRPE51(?), it went from -6 to -12 after a month wear. This is frustrating, in order to have to change the time every three days. Further to this, I have a couple of micro brands with NH35s, +2spd. Its unfair to the Seiko enthusiast. We deserve better.
Please advise if the numbers are printed. Also, why the is crown in GMT version not signed anymore, though the price is higher. Many thanks for the review and best regards from Egypt.
Well the numbers aren't printed, but I'm also not sure I can say they are applied. These days Seiko is supposedly embosing or pushing the numbers through the back of the dial. So there is depth and substance similar to an applied marker. The only way to really be sure is to take it apart, but they definitely aren't printed.
As for why the crown isn't signed.... no idea. From what I've seen over the last few years Seiko is putting singed crowns on the presage line, but not on the prospex line. It's just what they are doing.
The numbers are applied on the GMT version, unlike the more "blobby" numbers on previous versions, which were pressed or embossed in the dial plate.
And shouldn't watches that are defaced with yet another damn logo be cheaper than watches that have fewer such annoyances? If one wants to be a walking billboard for a manufacturer, then one should either get paid for it or get a discounted product.
People sometimes seem confused by the word "signed". It's just a bloody logo! It's not a handwritten and unique scribble by the old master watchmaker!
I like this color the best also. I wish it was a little bigger. I agree about their movements. I think miyota 9000 series are better & their GMT is a traveler, not an office - if that matters.
I like the 9075 movements better. Setting the date can be a pain, but traveling hour is nicer when actually traveling.
Hello. Just got this on my trip to Japan. I can’t figure how to set the date and would appreciate help!
The date? So in this type of watch, the crown always has two positions once it's unscrewed. Pull out just a little bit to the first position and when you rotate One direction it does the GMT hand rotate the other and it does the date. Pull it out further and you adjust the time.
Typically, you never want to adjust the date from around 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m..... or somewhere around there. As it can damage the movement.
So typically I first set the time by rotating past midnight seeing the date flip over. So I know if I'm an a.m. or then finish setting the time, then push it in slightly and adjust to set the date.
The thing with this one to remember is that if you're in that first position and rotating it and the GMT hand is moving then rotate the other way
@@RelativeTime thanks I figured it out!
Nice 😊
Thanks 😊
Does anyone use the internal compass bezel to time things?
I have. Just use North as your marker. It's not as obvious as a timing bezel, but you can do it.
If I was spending close to $2000 I wouldn't even consider this watch I'd be looking at the Christopher Ward
I hate cyclopses and I don‘t mind taking a closer longer look at a tiny date window at all. Unlike the time, you only need the date occasionally and if so, not at a glance.
Beautiful watch!
For better or worse Seiko has started adopting that type of date window in a lot of their new designs.
With green dial even numbers on bezel may be excused.
Did you say this is a caller GMT?
I would be more interested in a non GMT version, seems like Seiko is upper there game final
How about comparing the Traska Venturer ( A travellers GMT/less expensive watch) with the Seiko Alpinist GMT?
The Venture looks good for the price, but I don't have any access to one.
would be an interesting side-by-side as the Venturer has a very different design approach, the new Miyota "true" GMT movement and is quite a bit less expensive. Granted without the history of the Alpinist. Really enjoy the channel!@@RelativeTime
@@chrisr7463Thanks and Very true. Although prices have crept up a bit on them. I remember when they first debuted they were crazy cheap for a 9075. Like $550 or something. Now they are $720. Which is still good for a 9075.
-edit... Wait... I think that the original non-GMT I'm thinking of was $550. Prices haven't gone up too much for the GMT. I think the only other one close to that is the Vario Empire. Also a pretty unconventional 9075.
When i saw the leaked sketches of this watch I was pretty excited. But after examining the watch in reviews and pictures, i think my excitment has faded.
The number one issue I have is how the busy outer chapter ring now has a numbered fixed bezel attached, which elevates it to a overly busy dial, that in my eyes is not as visually appealing. Also, I can't come to like these round 4 o'clock date windows. Its like they've tried too hard to hide it instead of integrating better into the design of the watch, making it actually stick out more as being out of place. Another negative is the dial numerals and indicies are not the same gold as the hands but a more yellowy matt paint look which don't complement each other, less simplifying a already complicated dial.
Overall, it still has a that basic Alpinist appeal but i think the details on this one are lacking.
The hand / indicie thing is odd. I think it comes down to matte vs polish finish. If I stare straight down at the watch the coloring matches, but tilt it slightly and they start to look different.
A Seiko mechanical with a strap=$300 add a GMT function +$100, add compass ring function +$100, add 72 hr power reserve +$100 adds up to a $600 Seiko. For the poor accuracy of this watch, $600 is a fair price. I paid about $300 for my 017 Alpinist that is running + or - 1 sec a day. Seiko is in it for the money grab these days.
Nice choice. But different hands compared to the printed hour markers? Strange
I think it's more a different finish. In person and looking straight down it looks almost the same. So more brushed/blasted vs polished.
The extra hand would confuse me. Good looking watch tho.
Ill buy your white one
The emperor’s new clothes, or should I say watch? LMAO!
If the numbers were lumed I’d be all over this thing!!
Never been a fan of the 2 crown situation. I actually wish they would have released the gmt without the rotating compass
I think the 1959 refreshes have been doing pretty well, so I wouldn't be surprised if they made a GMT version of that.
I almost love this. Almost. I just don't like how the color of the hands don't match the indices. Wish the hands were more aged, or (some of) the indices were more white.
They sort of do. I think it's more a matter of different finishing. Where the indices are brushed in the hands are polished. Because if I look straight down at the watch they look exactly the same, but tilted a little bit and the hands start to shift depending on the light.