Otherworldly! 2020 Seiko Alpinist Unboxing & Early Impressions SPB119J1 / SBDC089 ProspeX
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- Gnomon still has some in stock, but not sure if they are an Authorized Dealer. So at that price, the smart thing would be to wait until the price comes down.
www.gnomonwatc...
I also just noticed that someone on Amazon (USA) is selling the original SARB017 for $399. Which is not a bad price considering Gnomon has it listed for ~$550. Although I don't know anything about the seller on Amazon. amzn.to/39IvlQ9
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Hamilton Khaki King: • It's Good to Be the Ki...
Akura Wayfarer: No Review.
Yet you can see the grey one here: • What Happened to the A...
And more of the Red in my top 10 video at the end: • Relative Time's Top Te...
Today is something special. An unboxing and early impressions video of the new 2020 Seiko Alpinist. Which is now part of the ProspeX line. Specifically the white or cream dialed version. Reference SPB119J1 / SBDC089. Originally I was going to wait until the prices dropped, but my will power crumbled earlier this week.
It's a fantastic watch that's 39.5mm wide and uses Seiko's new 6R35 movement. A slight upgrade from the 6R15 that now has a 70hr power reserve.
I should have the full review out in a few weeks. Yet I want to take my time to get it right. Yet in the meantime let me know what nickname you think this one should have. I'm partial to the Ghost Alpinist.
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links, I am an Amazon, Armilla, Aliexpress, Spinnaker, eBay and Phoibos affiliate so I would earn a small commission on qualified purchases. But most of the time Amazon is just the best source to link something just to get a look. I always encourage you to shop around and find the best price.
#relativetime #alpinist #2020alpinist
Table o Contents:
0:00 Intro & Background
1:55 Unboxing
2:42 Look at the dial
5:15 Things to know
I usually don't do unboxings, but I wanted to make an exception for this one. Unboxings always seem to be rather slow, so I did this one a little differently as an experiment. Multiple camera angles, and a story while starting it.
6:56 Says (hallo) "weenie".
🤣
Yep i got the same one white cream. for british pounds 👍👏
The N. E. W. S line up just great with all the indices. Phew, You almost had me worried. 😂🤣
I would love to see a rant from the calmest watch reviewer on CZcams!
That would be great to see. I wouldn't blame him either. That would drive me mad.
Calmest? He sounds like he's about to slam a fireman's axe into Paul Allen's back
@@Munkenba Look at that subtle off-white coloring dial. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a Prospex watermark.
@@kevinpsychedelik2365 hahahaha that fits perfectly
@@Munkenba That’s crazy, because the entire time I was watching this video I was thinking “man this guy sounds like Patrick Bateman”...haha
The "crumbling will", a bane for all of us watch lovers!
As always, Shane, you're spot-on. Re: "I tell you, freakin' Seiko" - That sums up my reaction to the mis-aligned markers perfectly. One should not be faced with the problem of figuring out what went wrong with dial/chapter ring alignment when shelling out over $600 for a watch. They get so close, yet come so only so far.
Freakin Seiko man...lol preach
I like the white model the best, but I prefer the the older style without the cyclops, looking forward to the complete review.
That is absolutely truly gorgeous watch. Great simple, classic, timeless vintage looks. Also, that white dial is just amazing. Seiko nailed the balance between the dressy and functional field. HOWEVER, the inner bezel markers not lining up as you mentioned is---UNFORGIVABLE. For me, especially at that price, it is a deal breaker. They really need to fix this. Such a bummer for a gorgeously executed watch.
The rotating bezel is a bit sloppy sometimes can be moved laterally as you apply side pressure or rotate its crown. I believe it’s this looseness that throws off the alignment. You can see the whole thing move sometimes, very slightly.
Your unboxings already feel like really good reviews/intros to a watch someone would want to buy
You're really underrated!
Thanks! Still feels odd making them unboxings at times. I've gotten more used to doing more detailed final review that I'm not sure where I should stop with an unboxing.
Looking forward to the full review! I really like the look of the black dial on the stainless bracelet. That compass bezel alignment issue is a real head scratcher.
The black dial "Shark Tooth" one is really cool. Only one with a bracelet and different dial.
Personally, It looks good but the white and silver doesn't convince me. Personally, I like more the White/Ivory dial with the golden hands and markers because it looks more visible... I love the new black one with steel bracelet, that one would be my next Alpinist, maybe🧭🏔️🌎💕.
The black looks really nice and I was tempted with it's shark tooth markers. Yet I liked the dial layout of this one better.
Nice to see this brief rundown. I think I might be the only watch enthusiast that has ZERO enthusiasm for the Alpinist. It looks fine. It's got the cool crown-actuated bezel. It comes in more than one color, now. It just doesn't grab me. Hope you enjoy yours.
Nope not alone in the zero interest.
A beautiful watch!... As far as the direction indicators alignment is concerned.. The magnetic poles are moving too... So no worries! 😂😂😂
Looking forward to the full review!
I almost got the SARB017, as my first mechanical watch but I went with a SARW019 instead I never regretted it in the least.... However I do like the new version!
Thanks for the video!
First of all I enjoy your reviews a lot. Your voice is great and as it was mentioned in other comments you are very calm and I appreciate that :) Keep it up.
In you review you said that there is some misalignment and that is is super common for Seikos. That is true. Since I have started collecting I had 6 Seikos and each one of them had some kind of "problem". I have recently purchased black Alpinist (still waiting) and King Turtle which arrived few days ago. The turtle is almost perfect but few markers on the bazel are a little bit off, but it is not as bad as your alpinist, you can hardly see it even if you concentrate on that.
I must say those Seiko's QC issues bothered me a lot in the past but then I realised that Seiko taught me to appreciate a watch even if it is not a perfect one. I can now live with a small misalignments or with some tiny-tiny speck under the crystal thanks to Seiko. When you look at watches under even 2 000 you can always discover some kind of imperfection and I am happy that Seiko taught me this valuable lesson - nothing is perfect and I can live with an imperfect watch.
Simply beautiful, great shots. Can't wait for the review. Also my SARB017s compass ring suffers from the same alignment issue. It's off ever so slightly, just a friendly reminder that it's a real Seiko.
It's good and bad to hear that some of the SARB017 had simmilar issues. A few others have also chimed in, so maybe this is just how it goes with the design.
I bought the watch few weeks ago, when i saw it in picture it was kind of a love at first sight.
Since i only had black dials and painted indexes the watch is more than welcomed,
It is casual, dressy and elegant . The size is perfect, looks like a 38 mm case.
I put a brown vintage leather strap from Colareb on it and it looks awesome.
I have the same chapter ring misalignement issue as your model, but it doesn't bother me
since the prints on the bezel are tiny, unlike a diver's bezel.
No watch is perfect but this one is sweet ;-)
If you spin the bezel to a random point I imagine you wouldn't notice the tiny misalignment if the points weren't directly in line with any indicies. Also, the type is so small and dense it wouldn't disrupt the look at the bezel pretty much looks the same no matter what way it points.
After wearing my Hamiltons, the alpinist just felt so thick and top heavy on my wrist. Can’t wait for your review ! If I did get one again, it would be the cream dial with gold hands.
Jared Wagner Just received that one (SBDC093) and it’s fantastic!
I would love to see them side by side. Does the SBDC093 have the orange markers on the bezel?
Relative Time Yes it does, may be the same part on both...really enjoying the piece- just put it on a Barton’s coffee brown alligator band (with gold buckle), man what a stunner!!
@@willardhooton920 Awesome!! How does it wear? Immediately after I wrote my comment I started searching for the best price while deciding which watch in my collection I will sell to afford it. The gold hands against that dial look incredible!
Jared Wagner It wears great- slightly thicker, but it adds to the wrist presence...highly recommend, as it looks fantastic in the flesh - modern classic that feels really vintage and old school at the same time. You will not regret getting this one...could be best Alpinist combo EVER!
Another excellent review, I always look forward to a new one and will look forward to your full review of this watch
Beautiful ! Mmm as to a name i think if i owned it i would call it the "Ivory" because idf the dial. I own a SRAB 017 and i love it.
What do you make of the cyclops? Personally i think its a bit too much on a watch of this size.
Great Vid as always.
Darren.
Didn’t realise Patrick Bateman did watch reviews. I’ve also just got this watch, very pleased with it, an upgrade on the Sarb017 which I sold a year ago. Good job with the review.
Thanks! I think this watch will pair nicely with the bone white coloring of my business cards. 😎
But seriously, how's the alignment on yours?
Relative Time After watching your vid I had to check straight away! Happily it’s just about perfect, but the fact yours isn’t shows that Seiko still have an issue with consistency in their QC department even at this price point. You can forgive it on a £90 Seiko 5, not so much on a £600 Prospex!
I’m really pleased with the watch though. I had an 017 and loved everything about it but in the end couldn’t live with the gold & green. This colour way is ideal. Plus, the movement is a decent upgrade, the compass on mine feels tighter (017 used to move on its own!), the cyclops has good magnification. I prefer the dial text on this - some people don’t like the X logo but I don’t like watches that have the number of jewels written on the dial as the 017 did, think its looks cheap.
If I could make any tweaks to this new watch, I’d replace the word ‘Automatic’ on the dial with the word ‘Alpinist’, and give it a signed ‘crown.
👍👍
Great video your camera is very steady and we have time to look at the watch
Thanks!
Great vid!!! I enjoyed the extra effort you put into this unboxing! Keep up the great work!
Thank you!
Honest and clear overview. I do agree with that there is always "something going on" with Seikos. Probably the Seiko with the "least" complaint I have encountered from the reviewers is the SARB033. Maybe it's time for you to get hold on that and see for yourself.
More power to you sir
At some point I might, I've only heard good things about them.
Wow... Best review on the new alpinist I've seen so far. Well done! You've earned a subscriber.
Thanks and welcome! Rather than just do the floating hands I try to get as many great up close shots as I can to show everything off.
Doesn't seem much to be had over the SARB17. It is hard to wait and we appreciate getting the review! Your other review on the Glycine airman base 22 GMT sent me on a hunt, but now that I have it. It's a real superstar in person! I really dig your style of review, look forward to the next one
I much prefer the ExplOrient. I'm really debating getting one.
It's a great watch. Trick might be finding one for a good price.
I have that little clock and my compass-bezel is perfectly aligned
When you mentioned the misalignment I ran to get my new black Alpinist. I already have a ever so slightly misaligned 12 o’clock lume pip, although only maybe by a quarter of a millimeter. But luckily mine is bang on the money, phew, cos my OCD was starting to ping. I gave my 017 to my wife and was going to also get the new green one for myself but after seeing the one you have, I think I’ll get that instead.
Yes, I have a black one and no alignment issue. I like the compass function, but I'm unlikely to use it frequently.
Bill McQ I’m just talking about the 12 o’clock pip. It’s fixed and only slightly out, I can only tell when using a jewellers loupe, but OCD will prevail haha
So you can actually get a bearing off a watch like this? I know it’s a dumb question but I don’t get what you mean by the hands not lining up perfect with the N-S-E-W markers? Sorry to bother you with a question like that
Pause it at 7:36 and you can see what I mean. Nothing wrong with the compas functionality, its that the bezel isn't lining up with the dial.
If I have North on the bezel lined up in the middle of an hour indicator. Than south which is directly opposite should also be lined up in the middle of that indicator. Yet it's off to the right a little.
Which means something isn't quite assembled right. If it was then lining up N, S, E, or W with one indicator should also line up all the other indicators.
It's only a little off, and not a huge deal. Yet kind of annoying on a watch that costs almost $700.
I would love to buy one of these new Alpinists, and (indeed) the cream white may be the best of the lot. However, I already have the old green Alpinist on a great Strapcode bracelet that i bought two years ago for $400 + $170 for the bracelet. I love having spent every fricking penny of almost $600. The watch is gorgeous in an elegant very understated way, and I wear it everywhere, from shorts & tshirt to tuxedos. And guess what? THE CHAPTER RING(S) ALL LINE UP! I haven't bought a new Seiko that involves a chapter ring in over a year. I have bought a couple of outstanding microbrands with awesome design, execution, and quality control. (The (Long Island Watch) deep blue Islander Diver with Sapphire bezel insert and lume from the Seventh Celestial Kingdom for TWO HUNDRED NINETY-NINE DOLLARS comes to mind, and there are other worthy candidates. Not to mention Orient and Citizen who are not beset by either the greed or poor quality control thqat Seiko seems to have internalized of late. Of course, a reasonable person woukd say that Seiko cannot indefinitely continue to jack up the MSRPs while cutting back on the quality control, but empirical experience says otherwise. Has Seiko been taken over by Stanford and Tokyo U manufacturing-accounting MBAs? I don't know--what does the data from the field say?
Seiko still has a lot of great entry level Seiko 5s, but it seems like they killed off a lot of their great $300-$500 watches and replaced with similar entries that are $600+. Which they are free to do, but it seems like they are abandoning that $300-$500 range to microbrands.
On another note how do you like the strapcode bracelet? I've heard they fit the new ones, so I might have to find out.
Anent the recent green dial Alpinist and the unique Strapcode bracelet that is made to fit it: the original Seiko brown leather strap was excessively mediocre but looked great, with the browm strap and the greeen dial..With some misgivings I ordered the one, only Strapcode bracelet that was specific to the Alpimist just as soon as it stopped being out of stock, fully intending to get a proper brown leather (alligator?) strap to alternate with the Strapcode bracelet. I gave up on this notion as soon as I got the bracelet installed. on the watch.
,The bracelet just looked too damned good on the watch. It discretely screamed "$2500 watch" even thpugh I knew jolly well I had dropped barely $600 pm the tout ensemble. The more I gazed at the watch with that particular Straapcode bracelet. the more I came to realize that a brown strap, even a brown alligator strap, was something for the poor people, and not consistent with the obviously understated good breeding, old money snd exquisite taste to which I aspired.
Screw the brown alligator strap. It just wasn't for the likes of me, now that I had the bracelet.
As to the bracelet itself, it is a joy to behold and wear, and it is built like a tank. Hell, it looks like a tank traad. It os easily the most comfortable bracelet I personally have ever encountered. The bracelet ticks all the boxes: milled clasp, screw pins on the individual links, SIX MICRO ADJUSTMENTS, and fit and finish are beyond reproach.
To think that live in an era in which mere money can buy this kind of luxury and good breeding. Take me now, Lord, for I have seen it all.
The Strapcode bracelet is beyond reproach, It is exceedingly comfortable and it makes the Alpinist + bracelet look like a $2500 watch. The bracelet has a milled clasp. screw pins on the individual links, SIX MICRO ADJUSTMENTS, and the fit & finish is awesome.
Ya gotta problem with this?
I think the endlinks on the Strapcode bracelet extend the lid-to-lug too much for my 7.75” wrist :(
Nice initial thoughts on your new alpinist, looking forward to the full review. I have watched a few alpinist reviews and have noticed the compass mis alignment, but you are the first to mention it, possible deal breaker so needs more discussion. Regardless hope you still enjoy the watch.
Nice! I look forward to your full review.
Nice piece but I noticed that ghost vostok right away
Nice colorway choice! Appreciate the review!
I have that same watch . Love it . I always want to look at it
Great review by Patrick Bateman!
I got some new business cards. Wanna see?
@@RelativeTime look at that subtle off white colouring. The tasteful thickness of it.
The white one is superb.....but that misalignment would drive me CRAZY.
Even with these flaws, I want an aplinist so much! New or old, don't care
Arctic Alpinist would be my vote.
The Arctic...... I agree. Nice choice.
THE PHANTOM ! 😱
Great review. I've always wanted the original Alpinist but this seems too pricey for me.
One problem however. The unboxing. Every watch that turns up at my house. Looks like a four year old opening his first Christmas present.
It has added value with improvement of the movement, and 70 hour power reserve.
Loved your commentary. Subscribed.
Thanks & Welcome!
Your adjustment on the West “ W “ is not correct, retry , adjust properly and you will have correct results on East “ E “ . The problem with some of you is - you’re far away from Japan’s Quality in “ reporting “ . QA ing.for many years , and not in Japan , no bias.
Sweet spot for me is the champagne/gilt SBDC093 ...throwing vintage vibes!
They look amazing in the sunshine!
Shane, just curious after a year did you flip the Apinist or is it still in your collection? I had to laugh because you seemed surprised with the alignment issues. C'mon it wouldn't be a Seiko without poor QC.
Give in to the Alpinst! You cannot resist the power of Seiko! I have the original green one.
It's definitely a little disheartening that at the increasing prices the QC is still such an issue. Thanks for the video.
Agreed. Still trying to determine what the cause is. If it's the dial, or the bezel, or just a little bit of slop as you turn it. Not sure, but sounds like a fair amount of Sarb017s had it as well.
One odd thing I noticed today is that if I rotate it all the way around so that S is at the 12, its a lot more lined up than if N was at the 12. Not sure whats with that.
Congrats. With the soft ivory tone and white rehaut. That's my preferred.
That Akura is beautiful. You were surprised that Seiko was out of alignment? Too funny))) 😉
Hi Shane, congrats on the new watch. I like and dislike the same things as you regarding the new Alpinist. The dial color is gorgeous but somehow there is too much going on. Same as the old one in my opinion, which is why I never drank that Kool Aid. Now my Sarb035 is another story...
Indices and numerals are stamped into the dial from behind then painted, rather than applied.
Someone else mentioned that and linked me some footage of the rear of a SARB017. I don't think anyone has checked with these new ones, but it would seem to reason it's the same. Although for the price increase Seiko should of applied them.
Guys, the lineup on my original SARB017 compass ring is the same. It’s just a bit of too an fro slop as you turn it. Never bothered me 👍.
You may be right. I watched a lot of Sarb017s when I originally wanted one, but I don't really remember anyone ever mentioning it. Yet a lot of people have commented just as you have.
I like this watch and Seiko which I own several of, but ah, Seiko found a way again... misaligned inner rings and bezels - it's kind of a "classic feature". Don't get me wrong, I know it's an issue and how tormenting it can't be for somebody with watch-tier OCD - last week I took my new watch for a service because of a misalignment between hour and minute hands: when hour hand pointed strictly at hour marker, the minute hand was pointing at 2 minutes marker instead of 0/60, which is within tolerance, but still bugged me. Watchmaker didn't give me weird looks, because before that he was resetting a second hand on one of my quartz watches to hit the markers, and before that he swapped hands on another watch with custom ones, because in my eyes original hands were a bit to thin and 1mm too short. I know it sounds kinda crazy, but...
Right as these were released there was a drop in the original Alpinist. I ended up buying the older one on amazon for $386 instead, along with a strapcode bracelet. My bezel is aligned but it moves easily... with just a minor bump on the crown. I think I like the date magnifier better. ...Great review
I saw that as well, really good price. If I had seen that first I probably would of got an sarb017.
You chose wisely. So much better than the leprechaun colorway. Also, the gradient color dial is pronounced: fu-MAY.
Thanks for the tip. I'm guessing it's french in origin than. Does that mean when writing it should be Fumé not Fume?
Relative Time correct! The “e” gets an acute accent. Cheers.
Looking forward to the full review.
The Alpinist “Ghost” is really good looking... The newer discontinued Alpinist didn’t have “Alpinist” written on it. It was “Automatic” written in cursive. The older older alpinists, like the quartz one, had “Alpinist” written on the dial. I really dislike the Prospex logo.
Lovely watch. I have the old sarb017 and have that mid aligned bezel thing too. It's weird that seiko can misalign a circle...
I can not decide between one or the black one. Would you still choose the same?
I would, but that's mostly because I don't have too many white dial watches. That and I like the hour arabics on the dial, rather then the minute.
Very nice video. First timer here and new sub. I personally like Ghost Alpanist. I own the 017 and love it. Trying to decide between this and the Sarb035. Which one is "creamier" in color? Would love a side by side video of the two. Looking forward to your review.
Thanks and welcome. I've never seen the Sarb035 in person, so I couldn't say. Although if I get an opportunity to get a shot next to each other I will.
Can you measure+compare both the old and the new Alpinist plz? I wonder whether the dial has actually grown.
I don't have the older one. If I did I would. Supposedly everything is the same though.
Excellent video! I'm tempted with the Alpinist and would probably go cream 👍🏻
Great watch and addition to my small collection of white dial Seiko’s. The strap is somewhat small though. I guess that it wasn’t intended for an American over 6 feet tall with big wrists. Cured that with a near identical Hadley-Roma that accepted the stock deployant clasp so I’m very happy.
The mis alignment is the wabi-sabi (beautiful imperfection) element I appreciate in their watches - good to see Seiko driving the OCD tribe mad - enjoying the mayhem. Can't wait to scratch mine up with battle scars.
Very well presented, thanks.
Thanks! 👍
I've started wearing watches after college when I started my first full time job. I've only bought cheap casio digital watches because I use them when I exercise too might buy this for when at work
I started again last couple years in college. I thought it would look more professional when interviewing, then it sort of took off from there.
That is a beauty! I like the white rather than the green.
I don't know if its a layout/mathematical thing with the dial layout but as I compare my other watches the non-quadrant markers never perfectly line up along the center point of the dial. If you set the north marker at on of the major hour markers (the quads 12,3,6, and 9) the major directional hours should line up but hit any of the other hour markers the east, west and south marks will be slightly off. The same thing is observed with a 24 hour GMT sub-dial or 60 click bezel. I'm sure some big brained follower of yours will chime in, spatial geometry was never my thing.
Your exactly right. I still have to look at this more, but I think whats going on with this one is the dial is just slightly rotated to the left. Not a lot, and on most watches it wouldn't be noticeable, yet here because of the detailed bezel you can see somethings up. If it is, it's only a couple degrees, it just looks blown up due to the macro shots.
The cause could be something as simple as one of the screws that holds the movement to the dial is too tight, which can cause the dial to shift slightly to that direction. I'm curious, but honestly not curious to open up a brand new $700 watch.
Don’t think it’s mathematical as the dial is 360 degrees (circular), as is the degrees of a compass. That said, I have an 017 that is off the exact same way! Also have the new SBDC093 champagne/gilt, and thankfully the compass ring reads spot on with that piece.
Just found a black one for $400 and jumped on it. That one btw should be the Arctic Alpinist
Had to check out the Akura Wayfarer and it's so sad it was still born
Agreed. Still hoping it comes back somehow.
Ghost Alpinist - Very good video!
Thanks. I'll be working on the full review soon.
Ummmm, is the strap is upside down? Or is that just part of the deployant clasp?
It's how Seiko (and Orient) does their depolyant clasp. I thought the same thing when I pulled it out of the box.
Another great video. I caved as well, just bought the cream with gold hands and green strap from Sakura watches.
Nice! I'm sure that would look fantastic on a bracelet too. Strapcode says theirs should fit, and Uncle Seiko sent me one to try out. I wish it had solid endlinks, but it looks great on a beads of rice bracelet.
instagram.com/p/B815PhCHApO/
I have the sarb 017, but this is my fave of the new Alpinists.
You ever notice any alignment issues on your 017?
Relative Time no none. I’ll take a look today though and get back to you. Have you?
It's a baby datejust. Looks great in white.
Check it out on a bracelet.
instagram.com/p/B815PhCHApO/
Dude I love your uploads, you sound like Patrick Bateman from American Psycho doing watch reviews!
Thanks! I've been getting that a lot lately. 😎
Looking forward to the review! As a bracelet guy, it would be cool if you also bought a Strapcode metal bracelet for it (if they make one).
That way you could also do a Strapcode aftermarket bracelet review at the same time. There really aren't many of those on the CZcams.
I like your videos a lot. Great quality and honest opinions, and a nice a calming voice. You remind me of a young Charlie Sheen :)
Thanks. Years ago I'd occasionally hear I looked like Emilo (Charlie's brother). At least back when Emilo had hair.
I might get one of the bracelts. I think I heard that they fit the new ones as well, but I'll try to double check that first.
Ghost alpinist sounds the best
The Alpino.
That's a good one. Although makes me thing of Al Pacino.
brill watch love the cream and green dials.... am temped to get one but £650 here in uk cheers
Give it time, I'm sure they will come down. Although I don't think they will ever get as low as the Sarb017s were. My guess is they will be around $500 ( £400) by the end of the year.
i will wait a while see if prices come down.. £400 sound a good deal ... cheers
It’s a nice looking watch, but not sure it will ever take on the classic, iconic status of the sarb017 Alpinist. Of course, the colour scheme and real functionality of that green and gold watch are divisive, but it has the heritage of a watch that was originally designed years ago for people who actually trekked up mountains, well before GPS was even an idea. As far as the new models are concerned, I personally do not like that somewhat obtrusive cyclops (I think Seiko should have offered a non-cyclops model) and notice the “S” engraved crown has disappointingly fallen by the wayside. Having said all that, I’m sure Seiko won’t be short of buyers for this new range, and consequently will be easy to flip without a loss.
Bill McQ it should also be noted that the sarb017 is still available for US$400, so in the context of the price of the new line, it’s pretty much a no-brainer to grab a 017 at half the price (especially if someone was going to buy the new green and gold model). Unless, of course, an extra 30-hour power reserve is an absolute necessity for some reason.
Really smitten with this white version despite its small issues. It took a little while for me to put my finger on what makes the dial so attractive, but I think in large part it comes down to how the applied indices and numerals have that soft polish easing to their finish. They seem to melt into the dial. I don't recall seeing that detail on many
Damn......that alpinist is gorgeous.
How is been your experience with the movement 6r35 Of this Seiko Until now ? I will really appreciate your response thanks .
So far so good. Not much different from when I made the video. Accuracy seems the same, and the extended power reserve is nice, but don’t quite think it’s the 70hrs they say.
@@RelativeTime thank you I appreciate your response :) as I been thinking on getting one
That second hand is like WoW!!
Check it out with a little bit of green glow.
instagram.com/p/B8pbMcwHwY1/
Winter wonderland
It’s the printing along the bezel. It’s not been calibrated properly when it was printed. I’d return that watch. No way would I keep that with misalignment. This is why I only buy Seiko in person when I can inspect them. Their quality control is virtually non-existent. They just don’t seem to care, but are happy to keep increasing their prices.
I'm not sure if it's the printing. It might just be that there is a fair amount of slop in the bezel mechanism. Turning it left and right I can see it jump a forward and back a little. The odd thing I've also seen is that if I rotate it so that S is at the 12, it's more aligned than when N is at the 12. Still not perfect, but definitely looks better.
I've surprisingly heard from a number of SARB017 owners who say there has the same thing. Funny I don't remember any other reviewer mentioning it, but maybe it's just something in the design.
Relative Time: OK then that is very strange. My OCD would not be happy with that issue.
Beautiful watch, I too am a huge fan of cathedral hands.
Digging that watch. Especially the Cyclops. Nice job and thanks. Had to edit do to the chapter ring misalignment. Pff, seems like such a simple thing to get right. Oh well. They'll sell the heck out of them anyway
I'm sure they already have. It's not a huge misalignment, just annoying for the price. I'll look into it more but I suspect the dial might be slightly rotated to the left. Maybe one of the screws holding it is too tight.
I also want to check some other photos and videos to see if other's have the issue as well. I noticed that the photos on Gnomon do. I also noticed that the photos on Hodinkee are rotated in such a way that it's hard to tell.
www.hodinkee.com/articles/three-alpinist-watches-seiko-prospex-introducing
The conspiracy theorist in me want's to think they did that on purpose so no one would notice. 😎
To quote Moe
On the Simpsons
When he saw the Hope cubic zirconia
“WHAT AN EYESORE”
Long live the Simpsons!
I really like the 017 and when I saw the new one with a Cyclops I thought yep gotta have it. But I'm kinda partial to the green dial and the date wheel on the new one is white where the 017 was not and I can get a 017 for about half the price of the new one. I'm not sure a Cyclops and a bit of a better movement is worth the extra $300.
mark bronson I have both, and you should definitely save $300 and get the SARB017👌
If you can get a Sarb017 for around $350-$400 that would be the way to go. That's what they used to cost before they were discontinued. Right now Gnomon has the 017 for $530.
I'm in the market for new addition to my collection. Waiting for your review of this one!!!
7:26 omg deal breaker. WTH Seiko?
Indeed.
I've got the black dial with metallic bracelet. I do see what you're saying about the compass...a bit annoying. It's not really more than a $600-650 new watch. But at that range should hold pretty good value in the future.
How do you like the bracelet?
@@RelativeTime Not bad. In a similar price range I prefer the one on my Casio G-Shock gold B5000
The internal bezel is not 100% set. It shifts laterally depending on which way it turns. It's an inherent "flaw", for lack of better term, in all the Alpinists. Actually, often many watches with internal rotating bezels will have this slight alignment issue, in my experience. I think it needs the slack to be able to rotate the internal bezel with less resistance. If tolerance too tight, I imagine it could lock up or not rotate as smoothly in operation.
Although i really like the new black dial alpinist, as with any of the alpinist since the sarb017, i have major OCD and the fact the bezel can often never be truly centered, let alone set as the crown that rotates it does not lock and it always gets knocked and moved. I could not justify the purchase of another alpinist since I sold my blue alpinist.
If seiko had upgraded and improved the compass crown to be lockable, I probably would have a new alpinist by now.
Khrono Kraze I think you missed the point. North south East and west are not equidistant from each other on the bezel so when north and west are lined up, East and south are not.
@@nicks8026 no, I understand. I think the alignment issue could still be what I said. The bezel ring shifts around and one or more sides could line up but others do not. Additionally, or alternatively. could be a printing error.
@Khrono Kraze Right now I'm guessing the dial isn't lined up perfectly with the case. That it might be slightly shifted to the left. Probably not enough that you would normally notice, but with the compass bezel it makes it more obvious that somethings up.
Which I've read can be caused by something as simple as over tightening one of the dial holder screws. So that it pulls the dial a little in that direction. I'm going to try and look into this a little more. As well as see what other photos and videos show.
I hope seiko make sarb033 model with blue dial. Will be amazing
That would be really nice!
I actually like the orange lettering (at least from my screen view, may look diff in person). Cyclops I don’t like on that style of watch. Think it would look better without. Will wait for your full review, with the Bonus rant (but really dude, you? rant? 😂). It’s all those amazing straps you will put on it that I cant wait for....love your strap choices.
I love the cream dial, but I'm not a fan of the cyclops. Just as I was getting over the cyclops, the compass misalignment showed up, and I went back to being disinterested in the Alpinist.
Still trying to figure out whats with bezel. Odd thing is I noticed if I rotate it so that S is at the 12, it's more lined up that if N is at the 12. Not sure how that works.
As for the cyclops, not a huge fan in general but so far it's not bothering me.
@@RelativeTime I'd assume that the markers are not painted correctly on the bezel, but who knows what wizardry Seiko has worked up to ensure bezels don't align.
I think the Ghost Alpinist sounds cool.
I bought my Seiko Alpinist for 20% below retail over a month ago in green. I saw the three styles in person at my local jewelry store, decided on the green after seeing them in person. I liked the sundial effect on the green dial. My only dislikes are time keeping, definitely not super accurate, mines mostly plus 15 seconds a day. Definitely like the 70 hour reserve. Also dislike the band, it’s a really hard to break in leather, I switched to a nato after a week. Brown/grey leather nato with the green dial looks great. My dial also does not line up, the compass is slightly off from the face markers. Definitely annoying. Also whenever you unlock or lock the crown my compass ring moves slightly. Almost like the whole watch inners have some play. But I guess I shouldn’t be so picky on a $600 watch, just felt it could have been amazing with a little more effort. I also wish it was slightly thinner, only seems a bit bulky due to its smaller diameter and lug to lug length. Overall I really like the watch for its price point but for myself doesn’t look or feel like a more expensive watch.
That's pretty much where I'm at, but gonna give it more time for a full review. In some ways it's good (and bad) that I'm not the only one with alignment issues. At least now I know mine isn't a random mistake.
Where did you get that cool wooden chess board???