I like the OEM bracelet compared to all the aftermarket bracelets available that I have come across. Strapcode end links don't fit properly (don't have a smooth transition with the lugs), bracelet is too heavy for a 38mm sport watch, and have divers clasps that in my opinion, overwhelm the watchhead. Strapcode bracelets sell for about $90-100, and the OEM can be had for about $140, so you aren't really saving much in the long term. Granted, it's pricey but it's an OEM bracelet.

I have my Alpinist currently on a Strapcode super oyster with polished centet links and submariner clasp, and it sure does look good.

Again, Thank God I watch your video. And thanks for your honesty

I have both the original bracelet and a strapcode oyster for my Sarb017. I agree with you that the OME is a little light, but I am old enough to remember the bracelets that Rolex made back in the day, and it is reminiscent of those.

I agree with what you said, for me the end links is the killer on strapcode bracelets and the clasp. The way the center of endlink is pushed in rather than sticking out as you mentioned on the oem is a huge deal, completely changes the way the watch looks, also the clasp on strapcode is just way too big. They’re high quality, but not elegant. If they made a near copy of the oem but just fixed the issues you mentioned I’d be all over it. Right now I don’t think there’s a great option for this watch bracelet wise. The oem is the best but you’re right way too much money for what you get, it should be $60. I have the sarb033 and I think the bracelet is perfect other than the clasp gap which is just inexcusable. It fixes all the issues you mentioned and it’s the nicest bracelet I have, high quality and elegant.

Hey Patrick! I have to agree that the only real reason to buy this bracelet is the OEM obsession, as you mentioned. I bought one for the same reason and I can confirm that it is inferior to the Strapcode Super 3D Oyster in every way except for the articulated end links. The side-to-side gaps on the end link fit do make it much easier to install/remove than the Strapcode, but that's really the only advantage and the wobble drives me crazy otherwise. If I were going to just wear my Alpinist on a bracelet, I think I would switch back to the Strapcode and just leave it on there. Regarding the end link design of the Strapcode, I actually did reach out to them -- Strapcode has excellent customer service in my experience, btw -- and I showed them side by side photos of the OEM end links compared to how they do theirs, and explained how the extra articulation makes the bracelet more comfortable and smaller-wearing. They did say they would forward my comments to their engineering team, so that's something....however, I'm not holding my breath, especially now that the Alpinist is officially discontinued.

Hey Patrick, love the videos lately. Was curious if you plan on doing any videos of the new Seiko SPB077. Seems like an interesting addition to the Seiko diver line.

Have you compared it with the M0TZ411J0 that comes with the current no compass alpinists and the black dial compass alpinist?

Do you know how this bracelet compares to the SARB033/035 bracelet?

I found out that this bracelet fits the sarg001/3 and sarw015/7/9 seiko models. Does this mean that all alpinist bracelet fit these cases? (looking for bracelet for sarw so any help is appreciated)

Just (finally) received my SARB015. It has this bracelet and it's a link too tight for me, with no extra links. The quality didn't seem that great (My SDGM003 bracelet is amazing). If I can find an extra link or extender that works, I'll give it a try. Might grab a Strapcode Super O brushed and Polished, looks real nice. Right now I have it on my Barton Canvas, one of my favorite straps.

I’m waiting on Miltat to come out with a solid two tone Jubilee bracelet with screw down links. Bought an Engineer bracelet for my Tuna and haven’t been disappointed with it. Just my dos centavos folks.

Great content man!

Good advice from yourself and folks in the comments. Miltat AKA StrapCode ones are great. But since I change straps on my watches a lot. I decided to go even less expensive. I have a WatchGecko Two-tone 5-link-D-shape with the alternative curved end-link coming in at roughly £47.70 (after 10% discount) or I found a non-branded Alpha Explorer 369 Oyster style bracelet from Homage-Watches-UK on eBay for £30. Which seems to be the same level of quality as this Seiko one. Both completely change the look of the watch and as you said at the start of the video looks like the earlier models of Alpinist.

I have my splints currently on a super Louis Vuitton polished central links bracelet Italian handmade gorgeous 💯I stole it from the jewellery store when I was in Dubai last year $900.00 it look really really nice

You do very good reviews

Timely review considering prices on these continue to skyrocket. Your review brought to my attention issues with this bracelet that were previously unknown to me. It seems most people seem to justify its value with catch-phrases such as ‘OEM’ and ‘female end-links’ and while those two are usually the criteria I am looking for in a bracelet, I always found the price prohibitive. I’ve literally had one of these sitting in my eBay cart for months but could never follow through due to it. Luckily, I recently got a deal on a used Alpinist equipped with a 3d oyster bracelet and much to my surprise I have been thoroughly satisfied. Cheers!

looks like the same bracelet I have on my Seiko Sarg013 which in my opinion is a far more handsome watch. And i'm always surprised that it wasn't more popular. My bracelet is a bit cheap feeling like a lot of Japanese watches however it is well finished and has a nice drape to it.

That's classic Seiko always taking the cheep road. I love my Skx007j, but I'm not getting my hopes up that Seiko will improve. Have my Skx on a super oyster strap code bracelet.

I have that same bracelet on my alpinist and i am very happy with it. I value your opinion and love your content but i just felt you pointed out very small/ minor issues that i wouldnt have even picked up on myself. Anyway- i think its a great addition to any alpinist, its beautiful, smooth and feels light & great on the wrist.

I really hopefully Seiko management can watch your video.

If I recall correctly, didn't you like the Alpinist but only recommended not to buy it at jacked up prices?

Considering putting on M165111H0

available on taobao for 60 bucks where i got mine. i love it. strapcode bracelets add length to the lug to lug measurement, and my small wrists hate them for that because i can't buy any of them even though i'd love to try some of them like the angus jubilee

How much do you want for an extra link? I have a SARB015, which is the one with the different dial that came with this bracelet, and I need one extra link to make it fit comfortably. It would be easier to find Sasquatch than a link for this stupid bracelet.

Hi there, as all your vid. well done! I feel the same problems discussed with the bracelet for SARB017, is present in the SARB033/5. I would have loved to find a better steel bracelet for my SARB035. Any suggestion? Thanking...

You sell it?

Like Patrick, there’s lots of people with CDO! Yeah. OCD where even the letters have to be in conjunction with the alphabet! 😂

I've also heard that there's a Sinn bracelet (104?) that has end links that will fit the Alpinist...does anybody know if that's true? If so, which bracelet is it?

First party product master race! That said, I probably wouldn’t buy this one with its many issues.

how much does it weigh?

You don’t like the sarb017! Did I hear that right?

The bracelet on my srpa21 is a lot better than this one and came with the watch. The bracelet that came with my lorier neptude is also a lot better than this. Sometime people complain about the seiko bracelet in general and honestly I never had problem with one but over time I went to leather and zulo and got tired of bracelet. Check bracelet from uncle seiko.

I bought two.

No half-links, no half-links, Seiko you're *killing* my affection with no half-links. Booo!!

But that's not the OEM bracelet for the SARB... The reference for the actual OEM is D3A7AB.

Interesting but I’ll keep mine in leather

Great video, it sure looks nice but I can't justify the price so I put mine on a 3rd party mesh strap to dress it up or a Hadley Cordura for more of field look.

Do you know the weight of this bracelet? :)

I have mine on the strapcode 2 tone super oyster. Highly recommend.

MiLTAT bracelets are better and cheaper than Seiko OEM.

Dislike the alpinist, tho I recommend a strapcode (got my turtle on one) they're not expensive & decent quality. Cheers 👍

I totally agree with your assessment of the Seiko bracelet. There are just too many options for a much better bracelet to think of a substandard OEM from Seiko. Way too expensive for what you get.

But I do like this first-party one :)

You’re dead nuts on that bracelet. I own the SARB017, SARB033, SARB035 and the SARB065 with the same complaints. Another Seiko flaw. Excellent time pieces on crappy leather straps & bracelets. Leaving me to ponder, does Seiko do the same on their high end pieces? I’m not taking that chance. Either Seiko steps up to the plate or it’s brand is going to go down the toilet with so much competition out there. Word of mouth can make or break a company. I don’t care who you are. Look at Sears, American Motors, Tag Heuer and hopefully not Breitling. If Seiko executives are watching, “Squat or get off the pot”

90% of the time, I prefer branded OEM straps and bracelets so I would heavily favor a Seiko bracelet over a Strapcode one even with the ridiculous premium for OEM parts of inferior quality. It's a good thing I am not too keen on the Alpinist!