Two of the BEST Field Watches Under $1,000 - What Seiko Alpinist is Better? SPB121 vs SPB155
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- čas přidán 25. 10. 2021
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In Seiko's modern catalog, the Alpinist collection of field watches has expanded to include a number of interesting references with heritage stemming from the original 1959 Alpinist. In this video, I'll compare two of the most popular Alpinist models among enthusiasts, the SPB121 and the smaller "Baby" Alpinist SPB155.
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I walked into the store intending to buy the 121 and walked out with the SPB155. I’m liking it a lot.
Just think if they made a Grand Seiko Alpinist with a movement like spring drive. Would sell like hot cakes!
There's an idea! Something that is genuinely an answer to the Explorer would be huge.
You are right! That would be a great idea. That would probably be the ultimate field watch, in my opinion! 😀👍
Sound tempting
But i will never have the money to that version
The beauty of the Alpinist mixed with the spring drive movement would be exquisite
I've got the SPB123, with the cream/champagne dial and gold indices. I kept the original green leather strap on for a while but have now swapped it out for a green NATO and I love it. My first proper watch and one I'll keep for a long time I think
I have learned a lot about watches on your channel over the past couple of months. Thanks Teddy.
I bought the spb155 a month ago. It's been on my wrist every day. It's truly a gorgeous piece and it gets more beautiful every day I look at it❤
I've had the Champagne Alpinist (SPB123J) for ~18mth's.
I wear it on a jubliee bracelet and it is, by far, my favourite everyday watch. The jubliee dresses it up a bit, making it more comparable to a DJ in style than the Explorer it is often compared to. The 39-ish mm case is ideal - even on my 8“ wrist. It's comfortable and robust. It'll take anything that can be expected of a modern tool watch and it's inexpensive enough to wear without fearing damage or theft. Plus it's dressy enough for all but the most formal of occasions.
I bought my Certina DS PH200M at around the same time and both pieces gave me pause to think about the law of diminishing returns. Brand names aren't 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 important to me, so I don't feel the need to wear Tudor or Omega etc., and now Rolex is beyond my means.
So, I'm grateful to both the above mentioned timepieces for reinforcing the belief that I really don't 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 to spend < $1K to have a quality watch on my wrist. And one with solid history, from a significant heritage brand with an in-house mov't.
As an enthusiast I really can't expect more.
Bought my baby alpinist spb155 almost a year ago, so far I’ve found the movement gets magnetised pretty easy, but runs at about +5 secs per day when demagnetised, case bracelet a super solid and take a solid beating, but I can wear it anywhere for anything
Great review! The 155 is definitely a stunner. Versatile and a future classic for sure.
I just ordered the 121 had been thinking about a used one but now with the new one available it just makes sense. As an every day wear. Love the 200 meter as I swim often and love the rotating bezel. I will use it more as a dive bezel. I use rotating bezels all the time to time things like pizza in the oven or a short break from working. Often use to time my drinks during a night out get a drink set the bezel for 45 min get a new drink when it gets there. Keeps me at the right level all night. The timing feature is why I usually where dive watches but hate how they are often huge.
Your presentation is so cinematic !!! stunning visuals
teddy, you are by FAR the best watch related youtube channel
I bought my first automatic watch 1,5 weeks ago, which is a Seiko spb201j1 and I love it, looking nice and very comfortable 👌
Wow. Right in time! Was about to buy the baby Alpinist in green but wasn’t sure if I wanted the compass version…. Thanks Teddy!
My wife bought me the SPB121 to-day for my 70th birthday. I have changed the brown deployment strap to a Hirsch Osaris Green calf leather strap with a gold buckle. It's now a stunning dress / everyday watch. Who's a happy teddy bear !
Teddy you inspired me to purchase the SPB121 thanks for the content! great work.. video is truly professional
Excellent comparison and review Teddy. I prefer the SPB155. Thank you.
I have the SPB121, and I love it so much. I put it on a NATO strap with leather ends and matching colors. It's amazing.
I'm totally with you, I think that will be my next seiko, I like the green dial from the cocktail line that is similar to that one, but dress watches are not my first choice, so spb155 is just perfect!
Yup, that SPB121 is next on my hit list 🙂👍🏼
Thanks for this comparison. Very pertinent.
Can we just take a moment and appreciate the production of this video =)
SPB121 all the way! The applied markers are very legible and they pop being shiny gold colored. The green dial has the best sunburst I’ve seen in a watch, catching the sun beautifully! I got an aftermarket custom made “beads of rice” bracelet for it and it looks stunning as a dress watch.
picked up the SPB121J1 Mountain sunset European Limited Edition this week. First time having a watch with a cyclops but I get used to it rather quickly. The feel of the watch is very good with the leather strap but I will definitely experiment with a bracelet as well.
Just purchased the Alpine with green face and brown leather strap timepiece, arriving tomorrow! excited 😊
Just picked up an spb121 thanks to this. Thanks Teddy
Here's Teddy, with a production quality increasing at a ferocious rate. Another fantastic video mate 👌👌
Got the spb199 for under msrp recently and couldn't be happier, its such a pretty watch!
Ordered the SPB155 - received it about 1 year ago.....forgot about it and just unboxed it. Great watch, totally agree with the positive comments about it. I think its a great explorer killer. Prices for the explorer have gone mad, bringing with it the whole security thing about wearing such a watch on your hand when you go out - SPB155 - hits the spot. I love the look of it, the 70 hour power reserve, clear and simple dial. Job done, well executed Seiko!
I wanted a day-to-day that was rugged with some history and bought the 121 only this week. I hated the original strap and immediately changed it for cordura (the online criticisms of the seiko strap are well justified). The watch now wears perfectly, incredibly comfy, and looks great too. The baby alpinist is a fine watch, but it's too vanilla for my taste, and not the "field" watch I was looking for. I think the 121 could become a decent collectible in future, but for now, I'm just enjoying it on my wrist every day, and the frequent compliments.
Great vid, really helpful, thank you!
where did you purchase your strap
Bought the spb155 yesterday. Loving it on my wrist!
Picked up my Sarb 017 original green Alpinist a couple of months before they were discontinued at around 420 USD. Love it and fits like a dream 😎new ones are almost double the price with little appreciable difference.
I'm jealous! I like the SARB better than the new one for its smaller diameter and lack of cyclops. But now I'd have to pay triple the original price to get one, which I won't do. Maybe I can make my peace with the new one...
I have the OG SARB 017 on an oyster strapcode bracelet, it is by far my most complimented watch of my small collection of 12 watches.
I went for the SPB121 as I wanted a watch that’s something of a cult classic at this point to start off my watch collection, and I have no regrets. I instantly fell in love with it when I saw it in person, and it’s definitely my most worn watch in my small collection. I also still do love how the baby Alpinist looks so I’ll definitely be looking to add it to my collection in the future in a different color dial.
Great history and great review.
I would love to see your take on the other green Alpinist model. The SPB245, the Laurel reinterpretation.
Here in Thailand we have limited edition "Save the Forest" Alpinist honouring Seub Nakasathien and it has a stunning dial you have to check it up.
Your production quality is fantastic - Loved this video, you earned my sub :))
Got married in my Sarb017. I love it and for the reason I’ll always hold onto mine. Really a great quality watch and eye catching watch. especially for the money.
😍The green is so subtle. I want both
I had the spb155, but sold it after a few month, like all other watches of my Collection. Because of the 1 watch, the spb209 with the brown dial, it takes the place of all and i love it. I have different straps, elegant and casual, so i wear my seiko every day. It is highly legebile in low and day light. Thanks for the great content
Got the baby alpinist SPB155 for my birthday. Very comfortable bracelet, and awesome quality for the price.
Funny enough, I _just_ bought the 121 the day before this video. It scratches a lot of itches and I really do like the authenticity of the compass and the style of the applied indexes with the sunburst dial. It feels more like it's own thing than the Baby Alpinist.
But I am not loving the strap. That sucker is getting replaced ASAP. 😅
The perfect watch would be the SPB121 with a domed sapphire crystal and a bracelet.
Many Thanks for the precise comparison; the one without the compass looks much better, more elegant as a daily dress watch, and smaller in size with better contrast in the colours of the dial.
Thanks for the details Teddy. Exactly the guidance i was looking for to pull the trigger on this beautiful Seiko Alpinist variant. An informed consumer is a buying consumer.
My third purchase here, more to come. Thanks to Will (lol there are like 3 Wills there) for processing the order. He's the man
The green color looks so gorgeous.
I gave the green one with brown leather strap to my son today, for his 20th birthday. He was mighty pleased, as he liked this a lot when he first saw it half a year ago.
Love Seiko putting more emphasis on the 38mm sizing.
Would love to see more alpinist comparisons! Possibly the white spb119 and how it compares with the other cyclops models? :)
I had both. Nice pieces. Worth it. 😊
I'm selling my Sarb017 and my Hamilton KFA 38 because I just bought the SPB155. Alone it does what both of them do. It's the best of both worlds, while being able to keep that sweet green dial and gold cathedral hands.
Great comparison video.
Done the same. 👍
Great review.
Im a field watch guy. But im poor so, Timex Explorer Scout is my jam.
I love this 121. Its on my wish list.
Thanks for a great review and really cementing my opinion of a timepiece ive never seen in person.
Actually really like the 121 and will be buying one this month as the 2nd in my collection 👌🏾
First thing I did with my 121 was change to a dark green FKM strap. Perfect upgrade!!
Bought the Baby Alpinist with the blue dial when it first came out and I have it on a Strapcode bracelet. It’s easily the best watch that I’ve ever owned. The honeymoon phase never ended!
I have my SPB089 blue Alpinist on a Strapcode bracelet, and absolutely love it as well. It's a great every day watch.
Would love to own one
Which bracelet from strapcode?
Which strap code bracelet fits that? Straight end or fitted? Strap code makes great stuff. Too bad Seiko won’t make a bracelet with screws Instead of pins. Thanks.
@@Harleyglide03 the regular SARB Alpinist bracelet
Watching it while wearing it
The seiko alpinist have a mesmerizing green..
Love this video Teddy! The woods theme is awesome and suits the watch perfectly! You are a total visual expert with watches I mean it. According to Mr. Wonderful, you are a walking watch rodget!
I have my SPB117 on a Uncle Jubilee bracelet with a pressed clasp. End links are matching so great, but it’s a tight fit as the lug width differs from the SARB.
Got to try on both of these watches today and they are beautiful! Solid watch for the price
Yes, it is a very nice watch, but the caliber is so disappointing!
I went for the 155J1. Had it on the wrist for 4 days. The proportions are epic. The fume dial is insane. The hands are stunning and date window clean. The upgrade movement to a 70 hour power amd the 200m wr make this a proper field watch. Strap is above expectations but you know its a strap monster leather, suede, natos will all kill. Awesome piece.
Do you still enjoy it?
Yes 🎉❤
I got mine yesterday and I am blown away by the comfort and just how legible the watch is.
i just picked up mine today it was the gold crown version with a brown flat leather strap - the clasp thing does take bit of getting use to but it is faster than a traditional normal leather w stainless steel clasp so it should last awhile
i got the black dial version on a bracelet as a graduation gift and it is phenomenal
As far as green Alpinists go, I absolutely love my SPB245! I have it on a brown NATO strap and it ticks all the boxes for me 😋sicc intro btw 👍
Just bought the SPB157 blue dial mini-alpinist and love it but not the strap. Strap is too small for my 200mm wrist. Changed it for a larger Vietnamese made rich alligator strap and it combines wonderfully with this beautiful watch.
Wonderful comparison, thank you. Prefer the “old” SARB017 as not impressed with the accuracy of the 6R35 movement in my other Seikos. Also, adding the cyclops & discontinuing the signed crown are unwelcome changes.
I picked up the SPB155 recently as my new everyday watch and I'm really happy with it. Perfect size, extremely comfortable, really attractive when you look close but not flashy.
Touché, I love this watch too. Wearing it right now :)
The older sarb017 is super comfortable too. I usually like larger watches 41-42 but this always feels great on wrist. One of my favorite watches to wear of course because I got married in mine. How do you feel about the Cyclopes ?
I bought two of these, this green one and the Sunbeam Forest. Swapped out the straps for Zuludiver tropic straps. The deployant straps that come with these fit those tropic straps perfectly. Very versatile watches for an active lifestyle if you don't want to risk your expensive pieces. Cannot fault these at all apart from the shitty leather straps they come with.
The SARB017 or the new ones ?
Probably going to get the SPB159 soon. I think I want it in black.
I've got the 121 on a two tone jubilee bracelet and it's my beloved daily.
Had the 017, unfortunately too small for my taste. Tempted by the new ones, but suspect I'd have the same problem. (also my 4r's run more accurately than my 6r's - turtle, king turtle with the 4r's , Alpinist, Sumo and Willard with the 6r's ) So from my experience wish they were 40mm with 4r's inside...still look lovely tho!
Cheers Mate 👍🏻👍🏻
I own the 121 and paired it with a strap from Teddy's site. The dial puts it over the top for me, besting the 155 due to the extra bit of shine, the depth of the green, and the texture of the applied hour markers. It looks especially great in the sunlight, which seems appropriate for a field watch. I don't care about the compass except as a callback to the classic Alpinist. I have moved from hostile to indifferent towards the cyclops. It's a beautiful watch with a strong movement for the money.
What strap did you get?
@@rollinontwentytwos I can't find it on the site now, but it was a tan colored nylon-leather strap.
Did you not like the strap it comes with?
@@williamkoehler9452 As much as I love the watch itself, the strap did feel a little bit lower quality, especially in the clasp. I actually bought a couple of third-party straps, and I am very happy with them. Again, the watch itself is really great.
@@charlesfox526 100%. Looking at a NATO and another leather as well. I too love the watch itself.
Hello Teddy, I am really enjoying your vidoes. Do you think you could make a comparison video of Seiko SPB155J1 and SPB199J1? I cant decide which one I should buy as everyday watch. Or at least which of those 2 would you pick?
Thank you.
Nice comparison, ty.
Honestly, I like this video by Teddy more than his others for one reason- he doesn’t talk as fast as in others.
Yo bro! the cinematic opening was hype.
Using B Roll that matches the dial. So sick.
Thanks for the video Teddy. For me I ended up paying just under $400 usd including tax direct from Amazon for the Sarb017 new last year just before all stocks in their warehouse are gone forever. Me personally not worth paying double asking price. The cyclopes is a dealbreaker for me
Great comparison, and I imagine one many Alpinist fans have been longing to see here. I love that you covered every aspect of the watch I'd want to know about. I would love to see a video review of the new SPB241/243/245 1959 Alpinists, the 243 being of particular interest to me.
I have the SPB243 and it's fantastic. My three minor complaints about it are
1) It's a bit thick (but so am I!)
2) The lug width is 19mm, bummer for my strap collection
3) The otherwise-great bracelet only has 2 holes of micro-adjust.
Despite that, it's the Seiko "Explorer" that I've always wanted. I love it to pieces.
@@pokysharpy Thanks for the info! I was at an A.D. last month, and they didn't have that new line in, but I am going by another one this weekend. I am hoping they have some to try on. It's definitely in my top 3 for my next purchase. The 19mm lug width doesn't other me much, as I will likely keep it on the bracelet as with my current SPB089 (Srapcode). The 2 micro adjusts are a bit of a bummer, but we'll see. It could still work.
You got me drooling, amazing watch. I think it must be more difficult to match with an outfit. Great video
Great video...as usual! My favorite one will be SPB121. Its dial color along with the applied hour markers make it superior to the 155 in my opinion of course. Still can be found for less than $650. My only problem will be the leather strap that kinda doesn't fit with a field watch but at the same time it's great for wearing shirt and tie. Overall, I like the package at this price.
Im so heart broken they went with a leather strap! I’m planning to move closer to a seaside town and plan swimming with the watch but I’m worried the strap will deteriorate. I might get another strap who knows.
Like the bracelet version. Do not prefer the cyclops on the other one. Great contrasting, Teddy.
Recently had the chance to try on these as well as the SPB209, the brown dial variant. I haven’t been attracted to brown dials before but I gotta say - that version looks fantastic in person! Really can’t go wrong with these IMO.
Good review Teddy! I appreciate the work you put into these great reviews. If they where two thirds of the length.I believe you would get more views. I remember as a High School student my Dad would cross out at least a third of my assignments and he was correct and it taught me a lot about communication. I'm not an college/university man like him, however I work in sales & his advice has helped me a lot. I always look at your reviews when researching watches as you offer unbiased & unbalanced & informative information & I thank you for that. Thank you and I appreciate the great video/camera work, it's second to none my friend!
One can’t deny the history and design of the SPB121, but that baby alpinist is so classy!
I just got the sarb017 from my coworker. Very nice watch.
I've wanted the SARB since I first saw it. As prices have risen on that one Teddy, you have convinced me to go for the 121. The Baby might have to come along in blue if that's a colour option. Great, great review, very balanced and informative and it answered a question that I couldn't even begin to formulate. And new with guarantee will be best. I love the Cyclops too. Hi from an Old Geezer in England. 👍😀
Appreciate you for watching, Mark. All the best from across the pond!
I love my spb121! I have a 7.5" wrist, and it wears a little small. But, the finish on it is lovely, and I regularly get compliments on it. It's accurate and versatile as it can be worn with jeans and a polo or khakis and a button down. It is in my top 3 favorites within my collection.
My favourite allinist which I own it the spb117j. I just prefer the black dial, the whole aesthetic of the watch. Even with the red accents and Cyclops (neither of which Iind at all, I actually quite like them). Would recommend the spb117j if you can find one. It's a great watch.
wow! great video shots! would you please tell me what camera/lense you use for watches close-up?
Love the 121, would like it better with the bracelet of the 155 on it. Will be the next one in my collection, (I'm new to the watch game). Teddy actually had this watch priced at a discount last week and I was slow pulling the trigger, so looks like I will be paying regular price for it.
Excelente video 👏.
Really love the Green Alpinist. Been my dream watch for 3 years. Amazing video anyway! Love that cinematic intro 💚
I missed my chance to buy a SARB017 several years ago, and when I came back it was discontinued and pre-owned prices are ridiculous. Fortunately, the SPB121 has come along and is a worthy successor. I got a very good price on one online so purchased from them (sorry, Teddy! I’ll get the next one from ya!) and have been wearing it daily for the past week to get to know it. So far I’m very happy! My only complaint is that the calfskin strap supplied is very stiff… I may switch out to a nice aftermarket leather strap, but the clasp on the Seiko strap is so excellent I think I’ll give the leather a chance to soften up with wear. All in all, this is a very nice watch and a great value for the price in my view.
I like the look, however never pulled the trigger on purchasing one. Always wish I had when they were more reasonably priced
Love the European glacier version, the SPB197J1
I just bought the spb121 seiko with brown leather strap. I hope to upgrade to a grand seiko in the future
121 for me - it’s one of the few Seikos I'd want to own.
For a field watch or a daily watche, i like the SPB 121 . I will have to learn how to use the compass but it is truly a nice watche .
spb121 looks classy and vintage + worthy for money + It looks good with all outfits. I have ordered mine 🙂
After a few years of using my phone for keeping track of the time I finally pulled my favourite Seamaster, out of the winder but unfortunately the watch made it obvious that it needed a service. OK, no worries, mechanical watches need servicing, but my watchmaker quoted 5 weeks to do the service. He's a busy guy.
That meant I wanted a time piece on my wrist, so after a bit of browsing I decided on the SPB121 and I've been wearing it for a little while now, so what are my thoughts.
Firstly, I chose the SPB121 because aesthetically it's difficult to find a watch that's more different to the Seamaster, and I'm really enjoying that.
What am I not so fond of? Immediately, the cyclops, to the point where I might ask if they can swap the crystal for a plain flat crystal as and when the watch needs a service.
Other than that, the crowns confuse me. Why does one screw down when the other doesn't. They both perform the same function, transferring movement from outside the case to inside the case.
My final niggle is the way that the compass bezel rocks slightly when you rotate the crown.
So, am I feeling buyers remorse? Definitely not, because the things I'm not so happy about have taught me a few things, because I don't like cyclops crystals. The second crown and internal bevel don't really work for me either. Keep the bezel as an external bezel ... KISS
Would I choose the SPB155 over the SPB121 definitely not, but that just my personal preference.
I'm waiting for my pre-ordered spb259 140th anniversary edition. This video only exacerbated the impatience :p