Is The New Seiko Alpinist GMT SPB379 The Perfect Alpinist? Owner’s Review
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- 2023 has once again been the year of the GMT with the release of the Longines Spirit Zulu Time in the much anticipated 39mm size, the all new Longines HydroConquest GMT, and my favorite Seiko Marine Master 200 GMT SPB383. I have loved GMT watches for years after owning the likes of the Rolex Explorer II, Tudor Black Bay GMT, Tudor Black Bay Pro, Grand Seiko SBGM221, Zodiac Super Sea Wolf GMT Sherbet, and more.
But from the very beginning right up to now, one of my favorite watches I own is the classic green dial Seiko Alpinist SARB017. I love the case, dial, and overall experience immensely so imagine my excitement when I heard that Seiko released the Alpinist GMT SPB377 and SPB379. I knew I had to get one. And now I have one.
In this video I’m going to get into the details, all the dimensions, how the new Alpinist GMT wears on the wrist, the dial, the case, the movement, and more now that I’ve been wearing the watch for the past few days. (It’s pretty fantastic).
Big thanks to Taylor at Edward Arthur Jewelers for getting me this Alpinist GMT so quickly! Feel free to reach out to him : edwardarthur@comcast.net with "THE WATCH IDIOT" in subject line
OR Give them a call at (410) 449-5592 and ask for Taylor and let them know The Watch Idiot sent you! (Hopefully I'll be able to get more review units for more videos for all of you
(Any communication in the comments from any other youtube account aside from my official youtube account @thewatchidiot IS SPAM. I will never ask you to begin communication with me on whatsapp, telegram, etc. All communication will begin through the official The Watch Idiot email seen here in the description)
AWESOME STUFF- I own and love every product listed so I want to spread the love!
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(These are all affiliate links! There is no additional cost to you but I might be paid a small commission if you use the link and make a qualifying purchase. Every penny made goes right back into the channel, so the support is very much appreciated!)
TIME STAMPS:
The Alpinist GMT - 00:00
DImensions/ Specs/ On The Wrist - 00:49
The Dial - 03:20
The Case (and strap) - 06:13
DIMENSIONS:
Case width: 39.5mm
Lug width: 20mm
Lug to lug: 46.3mm
Bezel width: 37.8mm
Dial width: 32.7mm
Case thickness: 13.2mm
Midcase thickness: 5.9mm
Bezel height: 3.1mm
Crown diameter: 5.9mm
Crown height: 4mm
Weight: 68 grams
Water resistance: 200m
Crystal: sapphire
Movement: Seiko 6R54
Power reserve: 70 hours
CONTACT ME:
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thewatchidiot@gmail.com - Jak na to + styl
Excellent work on figuring out that the existing aftermarket alpinist bracelets fit. I bet you just increased the sales a bunch!
So glad you're enjoying the watch!! Thank you for the shout out!!
Fantastic watch. You are building quite the seiko gmt collection.
Dude! I got an original 017 on an Oyster….signed crown, sapphire……….what a watch. I have a gorgeous Zelos GMT rocking the 9075 and the blue meteorite dial…….and I’m wearing my Ocean 39 GMT w an ETA 2893-2 desk GMT (my favorite watch Steinhart makes) so what a timely review! Thanks
Nice review and quite a Seiko collection. Have the SPB210 and I love it.
It is a beauty for sure and I love that Seiko is expanding their GMT options. With that said, I think this might be a tad too crowded of a dial for my taste. I will stick to my regular Alpinist for now.
Great review as always!
They just made a green dial version but I got a green baby alpinist which I highly highly recommend. I can't take it off! I'm getting this watch also but I want the black dial you have. It's the most explorer-esk. Much love!
Wow this watch has it all, great review.
Thanks for the review, great seeing all the straps. Which strap was at 4:29?
I really like this jet black dial and new version overall. I can't wait when i try it on. Probably i not buy it as previous one but who knows 😅
The seiko reverse strap with the short end is done to keep it in the middle of the wrist. I make my metal bracelets short on the same end for the same reason.
Fantastic review for such a fantastic watch!
For the spring bars, is it using the Seiko's fat spring bar (with thicker tips)? or the usual normal spring bar?
Never been a big fan of the Alpinist aesthetically, but this one looks amazing.
Yeah the older alpinists are definitely a love hate watch so I agree this is definitely a cleaner look!
This is making me changing my mind. Originally for SPB409 (Alpinist GMT Limited Edition in white dial), now I’ll confirm order for this instead. That black dial is simply irresistable. Thanks man!
The white dial version is a good one for sure and it was my second choice but yeah this black dial version is just too good to pass up and thankfully I'll be able to get a strapcode bracelet for this soon and still save about 300 dollars!
@@thewatchidiot thanks bro, waiting for both to arrive here in Kuala Lumpur. Will make a decision then. The 3,000 pieces limited edition for SPB409 is appealing, on top of the bracelet + leather strap inclusion. Will see whether it’s worth paying the extra money. Cheers!
Love the review, gonna get one myself. I tried to check out your strap links but can’t seem to find the strap shown at 4:30. That was instant love! Please let me know which strap that is? KR
Great video, thanks for posting, can you tell which bracelet you have on it? at 1:13 and throughout?
This is probably THE Seiko that many were waiting for. Great watch, reasonably priced and well made. I may have to jump in one these but may keep that capital toward a potential Grand Seiko SBGM221 GMT purchase next year. Hmmmmm….!
Yeah Seiko did a really good job with this one! I like that they managed to change things up enough to feel different but not so much that it doesn't feel like an alpinist. Oooooooo I used to have the SBGM221! Such a good watch I still miss that cream dial!
No contest, put the money towards the SBGM221. COSC or better than COSC GS movements make a big deal in my opinion as well as the higher quality luxury watch.
It can be $200 cheaper, i don't think this needs to be north of $1k
@@ngythe1king Are there other models with those specs at $1k ?
@@ngythe1kingyes
Nice review👌. I am interested in the Strap at 4:36. Can you share a link to the strap option?
Thank you in advance
Hi ! I love your review on this Seiko Alpinist GMT. Is-it possible to put the SPB117J1 Alpinist bracelet on this Watch (Blue Version)
This is really clean, and will suffice as a beautiful replacement for an explorer ii until the time comes, excellent review!
I really want the blue version of this watch (the black looks awesome but I already have an Explorer). There is a green gilt (SBEJ005) one (maybe is JDM only right now) that is really tempting though too
My hierarchy for these Alpinist GMTs:
1. Silver/white
2. Blue
3. Black
Unfortunately I have an aversion to thicker watches...wish they could have squeezed in the movement in the SARB 017 case with the steel back. That one had perfect proportions.
Beautiful piece ⌚️
Thanks! Seiko did well with this one
If you were getting a new watch today, would you pick the PROSPEX SPB121 in green or the PROSPEX AUTOMATIC | SPB379 in black? I'm with you on the green almost being a pre-requisite but the new black version looks polished as well.
So the strapcode / uncle Seiko bracelets for the sarb017 fits this Alpinist gmt?
Lovely watch! I notice you love GMTs, do you ever miss your 216570? I’m considering acquiring one, but I trust your opinion and wonder why you let it go?
Great video as always TWI! Beautiful watch for sure and loved your side-by-side shots and comparisons! Would love to get you one of our watches to check out some day and just say the word and we'll make it happen (really think it would be right up your alley)! As always, thank you for your support and I hope all is well on your end!
Cheers,
Ben
Is the strap shown at around 4.34 an Artem sail cloth strap? With grey stitching?
SBEJ005 is a green dial alpinist GMT. JDM version
JDM Alpintst GMT is green. I am thinking about buying it.
Perhaps you mentioned, but where did you get that metal bracelet for the Alpinist?
what metal strap did you change for the SPB379?
Did the inner rotating bezel line up with the track?
Seiko just gave up on bracelets and now equiping sport watches with leather straps.
FYI, SBEJ005 is the green dial version.
what metal straps will fit on the watch?
What Seiko model is the one on the left at 1:18 video and what brand is that black strap at 4:33?
How much does it weigh now on the president bracelet? I read that the white dial limited edition was 156g, which is a bit heavy for my every day preference.
Good review! What’s the first slight brown leather strap?
That one is definitely one of my favorites, it's just the right shade in between brown and gray! Here's the link: amzn.to/3RQyiqV
So your black one has raised indices, numerals and logo? Interesting. Other press material seems to suggest that the black one has printed items (see fratellos images). Guess you just need to check in person first to see what you are getting
It's gorgeous, no doubt! I just couldn't justify the post £1k price tag for it
You’re getting all the new GMTs 😆
So, of the 3 (spirit zulu time, hyrdroconquest, alpinist), which one’s your favorite?
Lol it's been a crazy year for GMTs for sure! I can't keep all of them of course but actually right now my favorite is the MM200 GMT (the missing fourth😬). I want to experience these long term to get a better sense of them but so far I don't know which ones will go!
Can’t believe I missed that video! Good luck in picking one. It’ll be a tough decision
When is the longines gmt vs spb383 video going up?
Yeah I'm excited to do that one it'll be soon! Not exactly sure of the date tho you'll have to stay tuned
3:31 is this a Strapcode bracialet?
Ah that particular one is actually the Uncle Straps president bracelet for the alpinist!
I am looking for president bracket for spb155j1 can you suggest where can I buy 1 online that will fit perfect. TIA
Good luck finding the president bracket!
Maybe I need to rewatch but, no mention of the price? $1,200!?!?
Love it from a distance but up close it looks sort of cheap to me. At $1100 I thought the finishing would be a bit better.
Insane price.
The watch looks tiny on a slightly larger wrist. Would have been better if it was ~2 mm bigger in diameter
It’s cool, but I’ll be honest, I prefer the mm200 gmt
It would be perfect if it didn't had that additional crown at 4
They sell it in green. JDM!
The Watch Idiot comes through with the aftermarket bracelet scouting report.
I was seriously considering the linited edition white one just for the bracelet.
Now I know my Uncle Seiko bracelets for SARB017 are compatible.
Makes the choice harder me for me now, but glad I’m not locked into the limited edition and the potential FOMO.
Almost a perfect watch. I don’t like when a model loses the design characteristics that made it stand out…. The even numbered indexes. Wish they hadn’t gone with the 12, 3, 6, 9.
Nothing is lost. Alpinists have been around since 1959, of which a few SKUs from the 1990s and 2010s had evenly numbered numerals. It's not a tradition or something. Most of the rest had large index markers at the four cardinal positions, and here we have numerals at these positions. Personally I like both styles of placement, but this feels more in character with the original purpose; a legible adventurer watch.
Speaking of which, I'm pleased to see numerals and indices with flat and matte-brushed top surfaces. The rounded, convex and mirror polished indices/numerals on a metallic/sunburst background of e.g. the SARB killed legibility by being dependent on the watch being turned just the right angle to read it in less than perfect light. Also, I think it cheapened the look by emphasising that the markers were embossed in the dial instead of applied on it.
I'm not sure why so many on CZcams et c seem to think of the IMO quite overhyped SARB017 from 2006 specifically as "the original Alpinist", perhaps they're very young and/or get all their opinions from the hivemind of influential watch youtubers. Or they're looking to sell their watches.
Some other things I like better with these 2023 GMT Alpinists, (particularly the green SBEJ005 that I own):
The date. I find the discrete round window to be much less obtrusive and more harmonising with the rest of the dial than that rather large rectangular window framed by golden paint of old. The downside is that the smaller date is less legible, but most of the time I'm in no more of a hurry to know the date than that it's not a problem to spend two seconds of squinting at it.
That whole long spec sheet printed in white with a cheapo Timesy typeface across half the pretty green dial has both been shortened and set in a more discreet and suitable typeface and colour. When I look at the SARB from a distance, I can see that ugly white text long before I can tell the time. If I hold the watch at the wrong angle (which is most of them in moderately low light), the text is the only thing visible. No more with the SBEJ005!
No rattling 6R15.
Diashield coated case.
AR treated sapphire, and a slightly domed one at that (a personal preference of mine).
The white of the chapter and compass ring isn't so prominent any more. Not sure why (I don't have my SARB017 at hand now), maybe the print is finer now, maybe it was more "American teeth" chalk white before, maybe it's due to the ever so slight change of green hue on the dial.
I love that dash of red on green that comes with the GMT hand.
The bezel isn't mirror polished anymore. It didn't stay mirror polished for long on previous models, anyway... Circular polishing is more practical, yet the new bezel is still elegant IMO. Ironic, considering the new GMTs have Diashield.
A nicely finished strap, although I'll swap it for a colour I like better anyway.
I neither mind nor love the Prospex "X" which seems to be popular to complain about. In gold, and placed under "SEIKO" on the dial, it's at least more discreet than the white one placed below the hands' axis on the 2020 Alpinists. To me it's just a logo, now combined with the Seiko wordmark. Like the crown logo, combined with the Rolex wordmark, for example. I don't think it's an inherently ugly logo.
I just got this watch 3 days ago. Lets start with the negatives; If you look at the dial at an angle while reflecting light off of the dial surface, not the crystal surface, you can see divots at every index markers. It would seem Seiko punched out small holes on the dail for the index markers to sit on. The divots make the watch look cheap. Interestingly, I don't see these divots on the SARB17 or later alpinist watch. What the hell, Seiko? On my watch, the bezel does not aligned...yes its a fixed bezel and it doesn't aligned......WTF Seiko? The positive; accuracy of the movement is good so far. Amplitude is in the low 200s. I am getting around +1 per day when worn. However, I am getting +25 on dial up and dial down positions. All other positions are between +5 to -5. When comparing the view of the movement from the open caseback with a Seiko5 GMT, I can't tell the difference between the 2 movements (6R54 vs 4R34) if the rotor is ignored. If anyone knows the difference, please chime in.
See the divots on the dial surface on link below.
www.watchuseek.com/threads/a-gmt-version-of-the-alpinist.5517454/page-3#post-57360098
As a fellow watch idiot. I just got my green alpinist gmt.
It’s a beautiful watch but way too expensive. If it were $100-200 more than what I paid for my SSK001 I’d probably buy it. At its current price not a chance.
Everything besides the round date window...terrible.
@thewatchidiot this watch is amazing 6 months later new video "why I sold my Alpinist" 🤣
Who actually honestly uses a gmt function? And a compass????
We buy watches with things like that because they're cool, not exactly because we need them.
The aesthetics of those needless ructions as you put it adds to it. Nowadays a lot of functions we don’t use on different apparatuses.
@@TheGrenadier97 💯✅
Ridiculously small, especially on your wrist.
The Alpinist must be GREEN! Any other color dial on this model is sacriligeous. If Seiko stops fooling around and offers this new model with a green dial. I'm a buyer. even though they foolishly changed the date window.
Perhaps this new model is available with a green dial. Hard to tell with this guy's garbled rhetoric.
They have Green GMT Alpinist, SBEJ005
Be real . Overpriced junk. Almost 1k for a watch that looses so much time is unreal .
Overpriced, to thick and probably misaligned