So, I'm seeing a lot of folks don't read the *show notes/description.* Which is fine. However, to answer some questions regarding price: folks are selling these on eBay/Forums/Online Vendors for exorbitant prices. The larger issue is that *more folks* are listing these at ever *MORE* ridiculous prices, which gives everyone else the idea to *raise their prices* and... Well, you see where this is going. It doesn't matter if they *sell* or *don't sell.* The domino effect has already started. Hopefully, as I stated at the end of this video, prices will level out reasonably enough to where purchasing this makes sense again. I stated in the description, there are still a few listings at $500+ on Amazon (April, 2018)! That's where I bought mine (for $350). Yup... Thanks for watching!

If Seiko had used silver instead of gold, we simply would not be talking about the Alpinest at all! The green and gold are that which make this watch iconic- which, I believe, it truly is today.

2 and a half years later, purchased it anyways...love it! :)

Green is one of the basic neutral tones...at least Mother Nature uses green in almost all other color combinations in the landscape.

love the issues that are pointed out. always appreciate your in depth reviews. keep up the great work Pat!

Loved watching this, this was your most entertaining review yet! Also LOVE the Alpinist!!

It's $1000 NOS with papers now. Insane, but I might get one.

Patrick great style guide on the straps. It was interesting to see the Alpinist with those other color straps. Many I would have never, thought to pair with but they looked great. I fell immeditaely in love with the green distressed leather strap from Colareb when I saw it in one of TGV's videos, then began to love the way it looks with both Oyster and Jubilee bracelet straps. It is truly remarkable how it really can look different just be changing straps.

I absolutely love my alpinist.

Great review Patty. Loving the content and insight.

after watching your review, i like my alpinist more and i also just noticed the golden date frame.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this beautiful watch. One thing I’ve noticed that might help you to love this watch even more : I’ve put mine on a leather NATO strap, and .... it reduces the noise of the movement drastically, and it’s pretty indeed. I hope this helps. I have to say it also look awesome on the leather strap you have chosen for it.

Definitely love your brown leather strap on this! Thank you!

Have this for around a month now. this was the only watch that my friends took notice directly when I wore a new watch (I already wore 2 new junghans watches and they failed to notice them). You will appreciate the green dial when you see it in person. It's special, seriously.

Hey Pat, I got my Alpinist about a year ago, and I bought a Strapcode metal bracelet for it. It looks killer now and it will always be with me. I did pay $380 for it and it comes to about $500 now. I think that at $500 on Amazon it is still a great buy!!!

I have a brown and a green leather nato so far. Love this watch.

great video. I am actually thinking of getting one

I was in Japan recently and was open minded about picking one up. I found one at a normal price but it just didn't sing to me and I dont really want to buy just to sell at profit. I bought an SKX J model instead and I love it. Even though I have a seamaster and a Sub the Seiko just looks great!

Feel like your thoughts on this video is spot on. Was able to grab a new one at $355.00 last month and am enjoying its wrist time. I've swapped it among three different straps and for me it ticks all the boxes.

It's interesting regarding the movement noise. I've noticed the alpinist is more audible than my Sarx033 and previous SBDC051, so have the 6R15. I wonder if it's the diashock or caseback design on the alpinist that makes it more noticeable.

What a beautiful watch. Great video once again.

Judging by the comments its a "marmite" watch - I wouldn't want one as a gift myself but it'd be boring if we all liked the same thing! Interesting to hear your perspective tho. Cheers Pat 👍

I agree with you, that I usually don't worry too much about colours matching, however another option is to go monochromatic. The alpinist goes nicely with a plain white shirt, and goes extremely well with black everything. In fact plain black accentuates the green and both metallic colours; the silver case and gold numbers/indices. Love your videos. Keep up the great work.

Don't worry bout me. I am keeping mine! i love it and plan to hand it down my one boy who loves green. As for clothing? I wear it with everything. It especially contracts well with my purple shirts. It's just good looking. I am a Middle School teacher so my fashion, and lack thereof, gets kids attention. Who cares if it matches. I like wearing it!

Dark and navy blue straps also go well with green dials. Also, in low light, the gilt hands and numerals catch whatever light is present really, really well. So I really don't agree with those people saying that it's difficult to tell the time in such conditions. Finally, the watch actually measures quite a bit over 39mm at it's narrowest diameter, despite Seiko's own specs stating 38mm.

I think you should have your watch looked at, at a repair shop. I've had my Alpinist for about a year. It's never ever been noisy. I love everything about it.

Great video... again! I love this watch. I purchased it about a year ago for about $325. I have mine currently on a brown harris tweed Vario strap and it looks amazing. I agree about the gold and green paring. I love the compass feature... but that is my one complaint, it moves so easy and should be a screw down.

I agree the dial face, indices, hands are the best thing about this watch. Getting it in sunshine and it pops.

This watch is so beautiful the way it is. So distinct and unique that it has it's niche admirers. They can bring some color options with the new if they are planning one

This makes me feel better. I’m thinking about getting an undone neptune in rose gold/green dial. But was worried about the green/gold combo. It’s looks awesome though.

i've got a brand new alpinist, in the box. bought it soon as news broke and before price went nuts. sitting there because i'm wondering how to wear that thing....great video! time to take off the plastic and start rocking the green.

great video! Just bought one with a strapcode jubilee.

Nice review Patrick. You know what? After check many youtube channels dedicated to horology I realized that the watch aficonados are the most passionete and some of the most coolest guys in youtube. Thanx for sharing your pasion and your knowledge.

Great review Patrick, Thanks. Mine is on the way, i paid $460usd. I like the brown leather band you have on yours. Cheers

I did find matching a strap a little difficult ended up buying the official bracelet. I have only a couple of unnoticeable scratches to the bezel after a couple years so no problem there. These two part reviews you do are very clever you can address comments from the 1st video very well.

Got mine in December of 2016 and it's my favorite in my collection. It's even got me so far as considering selling my current collection of watches (aside from the Alpinist) and seeing if my interest in buying watches remains. If not, my Sarb017 will be my one and only watch and I'll start investing my money in other hobbies. And I agree that it matches well with most outfits, the watch is so pretty itself that it just doesn't matter what colors your wear.

This is an fantastic channel. Thank you so much. 500 dollar is still a decent price for a new item ;)

Interesting comment re. the green color. I am also into hats, especially (vintage style) fedoras. In the hat world green is considered one of the more universal colors to wear. I concur and think this watch goes well with most clothing. Really funny comments re. some of the color and style combinations I see daily in public!

Ye I was baited by the title but I liked the Idea of the Alpinist taking over a collection. I had an Orient Mako II which was my first automatic watch and I used that thing tons. Even destroyed the crystal at work once then got all the tools and replaced it with a sapphire crystal. Then one day I saw the Alpinist on Amazon and had to have it. After months of saving up it was all I ever wore when I got it. Eventually I realized I hadn't worn my Mako for months. So I ended up choosing to sell the Mako and just be a 1 watch guy.

2 years on and this watch is still 🔥

I've been considering this watch for about 12 months now. My instinct when I heard it was being discontinied was to buy. I saw one on ebay for over $2000 ASD yesterday which is just ridiculous. Guess I'll wait and see if the prices settle at a more reasonable level. Loved the review. Keep it up.

I just purchased the Alpinist at the end of March 2018. The cheapest price I could find was on Amazon at $544. Wish I had seen the one you got for $350! But, I don't regret having paid that much because I really like the watch. It's a great change-up from all of my other pieces, which sport white, silver, black and blue dials. I think it is a unique looking piece. Also, the size is perfect for my 6.5-inch wrist. I am a fan of the 6R15 movement. I' love wearing the Alpinist and your thought about it being too perfect might just apply here.

Just discovered your channel, watched a few vids, great work! Will follow with interest.

I agree , once I had this watch the SPB210 version, I instantly knew why this should be a Seiko in your collection or if this would be the only Seiko in your collection. Just plain awesome 👏

I was looking at this watch in the $350.00 dollar range, then the news hit it was being discontinued ,I bought my Sarbo 17 for 425.00. I believe the watch is valued good in this range.

I also jumped on the Alpinist band wagon when they first were discontinued (luckily was able to purchase it for $375). The detail of the case brushing/ polish is fantastic. I actually like the mix of brushed and polished surfaces. I do like the polished bezel, but I have heard that the watch bezel dings/ scratches easily. I believe that with the quality and features of the watch, $500 is a fair price. The watch was a bargain at $350! In any case, great review Patrick!

Thank God I read your review before I buy this watch. The movement and the scratch prone are really major concerns.

Way late to this video, but love the content. I’m currently pining over the spb121j1, as it’s almost identical to the sarb017 but with the upgraded 6r35 movement and the addition of the Cyclops for the date and the see through case back. I see the sarb017’s are going now for insane prices, sometimes over $2k. I wonder if the spb121 will follow the same trend. Either way, I just find the styling of these green alpinists absolutely stunning and really want to add one to my collection. I really enjoyed your little style guide section of the video. It further sold me on the wearability of the watch because I have also read a lot of people complaining about it not being compatible with people’s wardrobes.

This watch is amazing!

Easily one of the most articulate, perceptive and rational reviews of the Alpinist published so far and your very salient point on the inflated price bubble should be noted . This is a watch to be worn and enjoyed day to day and as an owner I agree yes it is a little scratch prone, and the compass chapter ring could do with being of a much stiffer resistance/ friction lock.The noisy rotor however does seem to be a variable as in our group we have many examples (my own piece included) where its barely noticeable. Dress wise on a good leather vintage aviator it will go equally well from with a business suit (where it ceases to be an accessory and becomes a feature), to dress down casual and with age and patina on the strap, even the small scratches bestow a provenance on the combination. Alternatively paired with a good stainless bracelet (my own choice being the Strapcode Oyster which imho doesnt overpower the watch like the Jubilee option?) It becomes smart on any occasion, practical and durable. Yes I know theres an awful lot of hype about this piece but in honesty it does have a quality whether by design or accident of becoming a strangely comfortable companion to live with. Not everyones cup of tea,.. but theres an awful lot of us out there who love ours.... ;)

Interested in your point about the rattle. I've never been aware of a rattle, but after your comment I tried it under different conditions, close to my ear etc, but couldn't hear it. On the price I wondered if some were putting much higher prices on a couple of watches so that the lower high prices would be jumped at.

The compass bezel doesn't need to be screw down. Water cannot get into the movement or watch case from that crown. Plus, 6r15 movements can be noisy or perfectly silent.

The polished bezel is incongruous for a supposedly semi rugged tool match . Good point on it being proned to scratches

Hey I have a question about its accuracy how good is the time keeping? I have a Seiko Stargate 200 m divers watch that gains about 7-10 seconds a day and when I got it it would loose about 1o seconds a day and I got it adjusted several times to get it where it now is.

Paid 39,000 Yen for one straight from Japan, right after the announcement of discontinuation.

I disagree about the noise I find mine very quiet and it runs two seconds fast a day, but the tiny date box and compass are totally redundant. A really versatile watch which I've worn with a suite as well as jeans and polo shirt. Nice vid Patrick.

Broke down and bought the expensive SBDC093 (Champagne/Gilt) - unbelievable beauty! Crock band for dress, one-pass nylon NATO for outdoor adventure... yes, this can be the one “do all” watch with style and class!👌

I really love how the watch looks and I'm therefore interested in buying one. Do you think it would fit a 6 inch wrist?

these are selling for around $950 CAD ($730 USD) in my area now

I bought the Alpinist a couple of months ago from Japan. It still sits in its box and has never been worn. Before buying, I really liked this watch and I just had to have one. But upon receiving it, though, I was disappointed. To me, it just didn't have the same presence as seen in photos and videos; to me it wears smaller than its 39mm size. But now it's hard to part with the Alpinist because it is a very well made watch for its price point, and it does have a certain panache that isn't found in other watches. Alas, there are other watches I'd like to own and I won't buy another until I decide what to do with this one.

whoa, I'm watching this at the same time that is on the watch!

The scratching on the bezel is worrisome but I have a cheap but cool Orient with a high polished bezel and it was wrecked with scratches also. I had this acrylic fish tank scratch removal kit with a few very fine sand papers like 8000 and started polishing it wet and it came out like new. Just a thought if you need to get a scratch out it works well.

Regarding your experience with the polished bezel- EXACT same happen to me. First day I wore it I was gesticulating at a draftsman's desk and smacked his steel desk lamp with the watch. Nice hairline scratch a 10:30. I try to look past it. Data point- I bought mine via Amazon for $410 back in Oct '17.

Good job calling out the easily scratched bezel! I love my SARB017; it's my first mechanical watch. After a month of daily wear I noticed a lot of minor scuffs, then one day I bumped a concrete wall. The minor contact gouged the bezel right alongside the crystal, but the crystal still looks perfect. It bothered me for a time. So much so that I bought another Alpinist for $400 (delivered) just before they were discontinued. Well, I've gotten over it. I just love the classy, shiny bezel too much, and I know that if I replace my watch the new one will be scuffed within a month. Heck, you could drop my Alpinist in a bag with 100 others and I can pick mine out by the dings and scratches. I've decided to sell the new watch and get a Hamilton Khaki King instead. The silver dialed one is almost as beautiful as the SARB017... almost.

The 4r movement is better than the 6r by all accounts. I have a 4r39a Seiko that was bought for me. I scratched the Hardlex in the first week and don't wear it much. I am too clumsy for Hardlex and too broke for saphire. I wear a cheap Komandurskie mostly. So cheap, tough, blue and simple. Suits me.

Nice review Patrick! Given how the prices for this watch are behaving I may have to sell it - it's so rare that one can actually profit on a watch! RE: Style - I have worn this watch in semi-regular rotation since I really need to be in the mood for a green dial. In my opinion it works best on silver/gray as they tone down the green which gives it a broader neutrality. My favourite strap options are a light gray zulu, phenomenato gray but its at its best on the oem bracelet. If you're into leather straps(I'm not) tan in my experience plays with the green and gilt best.

you can buff out high polish scratches with dialux paste and a dremel. but you can't match seiko's brushing work

The green sunburst dial is the beauty of this watch. Its the cherry on the cake. This watch is primarily a field watch which is somewhere between a field to a formal watch. But not really a dress watch. The green color goes well wth a Polo/Khaki wardrobe in summers. The OEM brown leather strap is perfect for the watch. The complain about the absence of lume holds up since i treat this watch as a field watch. The 6R15 movement is surprisingly accurate. The compass crown needs a screwed down crown. The rest is pretty much okay. Great videos but i miss the Clock, Stock & Barrel days. Also, u need to up ur wardrobe game. Ditch these orange tees for Polo shirts, solid casual shirts and maybe even a jacket once in a while. We all know that Seiko is increasing prices on the 6R15 movements and thats why 3 SARBs hv been discontinued in addition to the SARG009.

Whats the brown leather strap you just grabbed from your collection? Suits the Alpinist so well.

I got into the Alpinist game late, paid $468 for one from Japan. Personally, I think its an amazing looking watch a real head turner.

20bar is rated for diving, would you recommend 100ft/30m of water on a non screw down crown?

I love the first band you showed with olive green and red line, could you tell us where you got that?

Yes, but you missed one thing, and it might bother everyone lol, but for the most part, I felt the same way tho, EXCEPT for one thing. I kinda like hearing mine wind up when I move my hand. It's kinda steampunkish, but it did completely freak me out at first. I thought something was loose, but it grew on me. Something I think you missed is the compass bezel. If you move north to the 6 o'clock position, you'll notice some of the cardinal directions don't line up where they should be (symmetrically). (Not talking about how they move throughout the day.) Also, something idk about, but should the hour-hand be dead on the number when, for example, its 12 o'clock? Cause I'm pretty sure my hour hand is not aligned. Other than that, I freakin love this watch.

Where is that brown leather strap from?

$425 on Amazon in 2020. Not into straps. Invested another hundred in an angus jubilee and it looks like a million. Luv my Alpi!

I’ve had a SARB017 for several months. It is a great watch. It was a steal at $360, but it is still a good deal at $500 new. You can’t another watch with a 6r15 for under $650.

A great Swiss alternative is the Oris Big Crown Green Dial.

Great Seiko watch!!!!!!!!

great review Patrick. I love the green dial but other than that, have never been drawn to this model. the internal compass is totally irrelevant. it's easy to find NORTH with any watch if you can see where the sun is sitting in the sky.

Even at 500 it is still cheaper than a Presage or Prospex with same movement. I would say the next Alpinist won't have the 6R15 movement or it will be way more expensive.

You say the price for the Alpinist is high. I bought this watch new in Norway last year, and I had to pay the equivalent of about $760. Yeah, Norwegian prices are ridiculous, but that’s the norm here in Norway. However, I love my Alpinist, and wear it every day. Changed out the original strap with a Hirsch LUCCA Tuscan in brown. Great combination 👍🏻👍🏻🇳🇴

One correction: Modern lume doesn’t patina like radium. It keeps its color forever.

I hate the Alpinist. I've got the Alpinist - wear it every day. For me, nothing else compares to its superb combination of unique looks, quality and value (Explorer, lovely - not at that price). So I am done with watches.Thanks a bunch, Seiko. Cheers Jez

I think you missed it a little as to the price. The Alpinist was under priced to start with, that's why Seiko discontinued it along with the rest of the SARB line. Everything with the 6r15 movement is now priced higher. I say if you want one buy it and buy it now. The Alpinist will hold it's value because of its uniqueness and versatility along with the fact it does have that 6r15 movement. Once the cat was out of the bag about this beautiful watch demand has done nothing but climb and now it's no longer made. Supply and demand will dictate the future value.

Not sure why people worry about getting a watch wet that has a 20 bar water resistance! I often wear my Sarb 033 in the shower to clean it and also swim with it. The Sarb 033 has a 10 bar rating without a screw in crown. With a 20 bar rating there is zero chance of water getting into this watch with normal day to day use! The pressure at 200m below sea level is extreme. At sea level there is a pressure of 14.7 PSI at 200m below sea level it increases by 290 PSI.

Excellent review and I agree with all your pros and cons. I do have to say that I own a sarb033 and an 017 and to be honest I like the 033 more, it just feels more expensive, well built, better size, more refined, Rolex even and I quite like the bracelet other than the huge gap at the clasp. Anyyyyyways I’m curious as to why you think the prices will level out at $500 usd, the monster was similar in popularity and supply and it is hitting $400-600 for a used one for the gen 2/3 and I think the alpinist is a much superior watch. I also have to agree with you on the bezel, I had to get it refinished first week I bought it and I put a bit of a gouge in it and now have another scuff, both at 12. It’s absolutely beautiful finishing but it’s just not practical. Anyways I have to mention again how amazing the sarb033 sits on the wrist, it truly is absolutely excellent, other than the lume in the hands I think plain hands like the Sary equivalent look a lot more fitting.

'Apologies if this has already been covered in the Comments but I presume the screw-down winding crown seals into an internal seating, whereas the compass crown pinion engages in a rack around the compass scale, which is (again presumably) outside the water-resistant movement housing.

Hi Patrick! Good day! Can I know what's the name of the leather strap that you've used? I really liked it for my SARB017. Thanks in advance!

I love mine. This price is getting out there. I don’t try to match it with my clothes, should stand out. Brown leather looks good, BUT A SCREAMING GREEN NATO, that’s my favorite.

TWEEEEED! Just wear tweed and this works perfectly!! :-)

Hi does the watch keep accurate time ?

Ive heard they are being sold again,if so ill buy one,these are great looking watches

As of August 24, 2020. The Sarb 017 is available on Amazon for $445.99 with free shipping.

Hmm. Starting the vid with the watch showing 6:00:00 is a *very* stylish approach. You should turn that into a persistent thing for all your reviews, Pat.

I don't like the dial, hand design and lack of symmetry. Not sure if the compass has any function?

They are on ebay for under 500 right now New! Several are at $489 I do love mine but do agree with visibility for some like myself (older gents) I sometimes cannot see the freaking date at all, but other than that great watch!

The price is still going up 3 years later. I paid $500 for it, it’s actually the cheapest I’ve ever seen for the last little while

This was one of those watches that was super hyped but at the same time I was never interested in. Not fond of green watches, not enough lume and the compass feature is pretty useless for the overwhelming majority of people. A 2nd time zone or countdown bezel in lieu of the compass would’ve at least made it livable.

There should be love at first sight and this is one Seiko that had my attention.

I love the style of the Alpinist. However, I don’t see the utility of a compass internal bezel. I would use a bezel made for elapsed time, even when not diving. Before me hearing started fading with age, the loud movement would have driven me nuts. Now I doubt I would hear it at all. I agree, the hands on the Alpinist are a good stylistic fit. Keep up the great reviews!