Seiko Alpinist "impulse buy"
So, this happened.... I was running some errands, when I decided to drop by my local Seiko AD and have a look at what he had in the store. The first thing that really cought my attention was the current Turtle SRPE93, which looked too big, but when it was in wrist, it was just an amazing watch. I also spotted an Alpinist SPB123 and immediately felt like I wanted another Alpinist, after selling my SPB197 last year. However, the SPB123 was not my style, with it's beige dial and green leather strap.
When I got home, I checked my local German watch forum, just to have a look at what Alpinist might be for sale there. That's where I found a SARB017 from 2015, box & papers, with an additional steel bracelet (not on the picture). The price was really great and the watch was only put up for sale the evening before... So I tried my luck.
The seller was from somewhere near Munich and I asked if he would send it over to me. He offered to hand it over directly, due to having business in Munich this week, to which I gladly agreed. A few hours later he asked me if I had time today, so we met up.
If there are two watch series, that I am a fan of, it's the Omega Railmaster and the Seiko Alpinist. I find these watches just speak to me. So it felt right to get one of the OG modern Alpinists.
I wasn't sure if I'd like the green and gilt combination, the pictures and videos, however, don't do it any justice. The watch is so much nicer in real life.
The leather strap is crap and the bracelet it came with isn't a good fit, so it's going to live on the Milanese for the time being.
I'm really happy with the case back, since one of the only gripes I have with the Prospex Alpinists (besides the cyclops) is the unnecessary thickness, due to the see-through case-back.
I guess this could be considered an impulse buy, even though I have been looking for a good Alpinist deal for a while now.
Happy to be back in the Alpinist Club!
Beautiful watch!
Amazing purchase and I agree, the pictures don't do justice to this dial!
If you're looking to swap straps you can check out our curved rubber straps that fit perfectly the SARB017 or some nato's and epsom leather. You can also preview all of them on your watch before purchasing!
https://sartorialestraps.com/pages/straps-for-seiko-alpinist
Don't forget to use the special watch crunch discount: WC15
Amazing purchase and I agree, the pictures don't do justice to this dial!
If you're looking to swap straps you can check out our curved rubber straps that fit perfectly the SARB017 or some nato's and epsom leather. You can also preview all of them on your watch before purchasing!
https://sartorialestraps.com/pages/straps-for-seiko-alpinist
Don't forget to use the special watch crunch discount: WC15
Awesome! Will definitely keep you guys in mind!
Also please let me know, if you ever make any Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 38mm straps 🙏🏼
Awesome! Will definitely keep you guys in mind!
Also please let me know, if you ever make any Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 38mm straps 🙏🏼
is that the 19mm lug width?
is that the 19mm lug width?
Jup
Jup
We've been having more and more demand for 19mm, I'm looking into many options will keep you updated once we get stock, are you more interested in rubber, leather or nato?
We've been having more and more demand for 19mm, I'm looking into many options will keep you updated once we get stock, are you more interested in rubber, leather or nato?
For the Aqua Terra definitely rubber... As the Omega robber is around 700€, and that's not reasonable in my eyes 🙈
For the Aqua Terra definitely rubber... As the Omega robber is around 700€, and that's not reasonable in my eyes 🙈
hahahhaha fair enough, I'll check out rubber, it'll most probably be a straight end one
I prefer this much more over the one with cyclops. Beautiful watch, enjoy it!
Fantastic find Mark! 🙌🏻
I prefer this much more over the one with cyclops. Beautiful watch, enjoy it!
100% agree... The watch looks way better without one. When I had my SPB197, I also removed the cyclops and the watch was way more balanced (as balanced as an Alpinist can be anyway 😂)
Fantastic find Mark! 🙌🏻
Thanks Mike, I'm really happy I found one for a reasonable price 😉
hahahhaha fair enough, I'll check out rubber, it'll most probably be a straight end one
Cool. I'd prefer curved ends, but as a first step a good straight rubber strap will also be nice 👍🏼
I remember purchasing this piece back in 2015 when it first came out, and how much I loved it! I cant believe how much they've increased in price... I purchased new for $450ish 😭. I've since sold it but I will remember my days with the 017 fondly. Congrats on the pickup! Wear it in good health my friend 🤝
What a beautiful colour. 👍
This is the best alpinist. Too bad they changed it. Congratulations on buying a real classic.
Thanks man, also prefer this to the new ones.... It's just the details, but it does make a difference
I like that SPB197. My all-time favorite Alpinist is the blue-dial frost one, but… idk if I could justify spending $1 500 just for a difference in dial and compass bezel
Yeah, if they weren't going crazy on the used market, I'd love to have an Alpinist collection... But with each going towards or over 1k, it's not worth it imo
Welcome back. Hands down my favorite watch.
I have a similar buying story. When I first got into collecting, the Alpinist (SARB017) really was one of my first loves. Found one on ebay in great condition. Impulse bought it. Nearly threw up from paying so much (about $450, which is still among my most expensive watches).
5 years later and it is one of my most worn, most complimented, and nicest watches I own. ENJOY!!!
Nice! Great to see this amazing watch recording the long term love it deserves!
Nice! The SARB017 is one of the founding members of my collection. It’s a strap monster, so have fun with that!
Yeah, looking forward to trying some natos and sailcloth straps
The sarb017 is the king of seikos! It has everything u could ever need really. Wear mine constanly and to work everyday..never skips a beat and takes one too!..
And you can go diving with it, if need be 😄
Got mine in 2018 for 350.00 ..350 gets you nothing special at seiko these days..the sarb017 was a true winner and still is
350 just about gets you a SRPE93 today, which is an amazing watch btw... Proper divers watch, relatively affordable, super comfortable and great Toolwatch looks. The only downside I can think of is the crystal, but that shouldn't be a big deal to mod.
Strangely for me.. I like it a lot!
Not usually your style? the colors, or the case?
Hey great to know you exist!
Always looking for strap option in Canada.
Had a Quick Look but nobody really makes options for this alpinist style, do they… it’s awful 19mm lugs
Side note - this style of Alpinist was the original style, that actually preceded the green gold Cardinal points style Alpinist!
I was looking into the Laurel Reissue (reinterpretation, revival, remake, whatever it's called). But somehow can't get myself to pull the trigger on it. Something about the case shape and the missing "Alpinist" printing
Hey great to know you exist!
Always looking for strap option in Canada.
Had a Quick Look but nobody really makes options for this alpinist style, do they… it’s awful 19mm lugs
Side note - this style of Alpinist was the original style, that actually preceded the green gold Cardinal points style Alpinist!
Thanks buddy! We’re working on introducing a 19mm curved rubber soon!
Hey great to know you exist!
Always looking for strap option in Canada.
Had a Quick Look but nobody really makes options for this alpinist style, do they… it’s awful 19mm lugs
Side note - this style of Alpinist was the original style, that actually preceded the green gold Cardinal points style Alpinist!
Oh didn’t know that I thought the green gold was the og, thanks for the info!
I was looking into the Laurel Reissue (reinterpretation, revival, remake, whatever it's called). But somehow can't get myself to pull the trigger on it. Something about the case shape and the missing "Alpinist" printing
I know right! I was watching it as well. I thought they whiffed on that design, what a shame. Maybe the next version they try (who knows when) will get that right. The latest 62MAS 6L37
My wish list: 20mm lugs, a vintage regular looking leather strap, that new 3mm thick 6L movement, skip the word 'Automatic' and put Alpinist on the dial!
I know right! I was watching it as well. I thought they whiffed on that design, what a shame. Maybe the next version they try (who knows when) will get that right. The latest 62MAS 6L37
My wish list: 20mm lugs, a vintage regular looking leather strap, that new 3mm thick 6L movement, skip the word 'Automatic' and put Alpinist on the dial!
And possibly even make it hand wound!!
Excellent choice
Congratulations on a nice pickup. I love green and gilt. I think the watch would make a nice brown watch strap sing.
Thanks man! Yeah they've increased a lot.... But since they're JDM and no longer being produced, I guess the price was bound to increase.
That being said, I got mine for less than a modern Prospex Alpinist, so I'm delighted about that!
Yeah it’s inevitable once a model get discontinued but I’m glad you got in a great price! 👏🏻