Finally An Alpinist Better Than The Sarb017?! (SPB409) 

You saying this is too expensive while saying your Rolex Explorer is perfect, is definitely a contradiction. These will be available for 10% from seiko or probably 20% off from AD’s. To me this watch is worth a 1000, with all its features.

Comparing SPB409 to a Rolex Explorer II is unjust. There’s nothing wrong with Caller GMT, it functions as good as Traveller GMT when you’re travelling around the world. Why pay exorbitant sum of money for a Rolex GMT when you can get a cheaper one with SPB409?

Im wearing one, just got it an hr ago. This thing delivers 🎉

You can now buy true GMT watches under $1K with the Miyota Caliber 9075, which makes this Seiko even harder to swallow.

I have a GMT Pepsi but I feel that tis SPB409 looks solid, compact, functional and amazing! ❤

It looks amazing but the price is just ridiculous.

Saying that this is basically 200 much but saying that a 10k plus watch is worth is contradicting.

But of course it's a limited edition... I actually considered it a few weeks back but I just can't bring myself to get it. It's too expensive for what it is, buying it sends signal to Seiko to keep this god awful practice of price inflation + limited edition releases and, frankly, I have way too many diver-esque watches in my collection. So, I'll admire it from afar...

Absolutely agree...not sure why Seiko still not releasing true gmt at this price range. As for price...just with all seiko, wait a while after release and they will be dropping in prices like flies. Normally with Seiko you can get 20 to 30% off msrp from AD. Never buy from their boutique, they just rip you off with retail prices.

This watch is gorgeous. I just can't wrap my head around that price tag

Hi. Nice video like always Few points 1)Despite your rant, the marketing works. As you said it is selling out. 2)With miyota 9075, you can get true gmt for less than 1k usd 3)one got to enjoy the current collection. Yes, May add a new watch but no need to hurry. Tomorrow some newer alpinist gmts are going to get out.....

I know you’re not immediately involved with them anymore, but Orient all the way. Super happy with what they crank out into the space Seiko moved away (raised its prices) from. I wouldn’t be surprised if Orient gives us some super premium stuff in the $500-$1000 range within the coming years. I’d love to have this Alpinist but I’m not paying $1300 for this - ESPECIALLY with a 4:30 date window.

Debate which you prefer, but for me, "TRUE" GMT would have to relate to the original GMT wrist watch, the Glycine Airman. On that, the hour hand can not be independently set. The traveler will *tend* to cost more because the date has to be able to go forwards and backwards.

Nothing will replace the beauty of my Sarb 017. Fine review Jory. Thanks!

More than the price that Seiko charges is there continued lack of QC out of ailment chapter rings and bezels ran me off years ago! However I bought the spb379 used for 690.00 nice watch I perfer to my explorer.

As a seiko collector I can say I have many alpinest and the true best is 017 and yes I have many from this watch collection don’t want to brag but seiko have lost the way and just keep looking cuz the older the better and I do collect seiko trust me it’s over

I think the cost comments are completely bananas. This is a good value watch in the market, period

Price tag so big you literally drop the f bomb in the video.

So fully agree. And by the way in weeks time they will have unlimited similar in 4 other colors

Mine just arrive, such a beautiful watch

I agree Jory! All the Seiko references I like now in terms of newer releases (SPB363 Akibono Sharp Edge, Masked Rider Seiko 5, SLA071 Seiko Landmaster) are limited editions. They are trying so hard to get people to buy due to FOMO (fear of missing out). Their prices are also continually pushing up, so the value proposition is not there anymore for many of their models. Many good GMT models from swiss brands now in this price range. Mainly from Christopher Ward and MIDO (The Ocean Star GMT is very competitive here). If you save up, the Longines Zulu Time is a beautifully finished watch that is also a truge GMT. I like the looks of this alpinist, white dial, blue hands, it just looks so good! Then I see the price at dealers and then walk away. I want to get more people into watches, but other than the lower end, they are hard to recommend if you are spending this kind of money.

Well, I think models SPB377/9 (which are not limited editions) are even more beautiful, and the old Seiko Alpinist Strapcode bracelets fit these as well). The only point of contention is price. For me, I wouldn’t buy a black or a blue alpinist for $1150, but a green one … I don’t know, maybe. Let’s see.

Limited addition adds no value to the product, but increases price. It’s everything that’s gone wrong with Seiko.

I’m not buying anymore seikos until prices return to some semblance of normal.

I dunno--they seem to have plenty of cool and affordable watches in the mix. The Seiko 5 GMTs are pretty great and you can get them for $350 brand new without even haggling. The solar speed timers are also a lot of fun, and, of course, their endless supply of divers. There are also so many cool things buried in the Seiko 5 line and while their reliance on limited editions is pretty tiring, they do such large runs most of the time that you can still find them easily and at a discount.

this retails for $2,200 AUD (Australian Dollars) - which is in the realm of a Longines. I could even get an Oris for that money if i shop around. - so no - i am not spending that kind of money on a Seiko

What is the “peoples champ” Price range??

I ordered one of these (actually the green dial) on ebay. Then, hours later, I discovered that this movement was not a true/traveler GMT. Luckily, I was not too late to cancel the order, with apologies to the seller. Even though I was paying well under $1,000, it was still too much for me to justify paying for an office GMT.

When it comes to fine imitation watches, gussl delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.

Rolex and Seiko are very smart. Rolex AD: "If you can't afford $10K or more, buy a Seiko" Seiko retailer: "If you can't afford $1.2K for this watch, get a Casio" Casio retailer: "If you can't afford $100, buy a cheap Timex or use your cell phone for time" Reality, Rolex should probably raise their prices, not lower them. Rolex aren't being produced to be reasonably priced. There is no practical value to any watch over $100. The most accurate timepiece is your cell phone.

They have numerous limited models. Also, the Seiko 5 are under 1000

I just picked up a Vario Empire GMT. It uses the Miyota 9075 traveler GMT movement for 600usd. It's a completely different type of watch and completely different style, but just something to compare to a watch costing 2x. How much more would it have cost Seiko to put a 6r64 in it. Seiko is playing up-market but their market competition is doing it better. Microbrands are offering similar for 1/2 the cost.

So...better to look towards CW Sealander, Bulova Wilton and Glycine Airmen for well priced GMT?

I'm in Japan and WAS looking to purchase this piece at just over a thousand,but, you've convinced me to look at either the Longines hydro or maybe even a Ball railroad Marvelight II. Tool watches as they go. Am I getting better value?

Hopefully for the price this watch doesn’t suffer from alignment issues like some other Seiko models like the misaligned bezel on the Willard.

I'm a little confused. Someone correct me. Isn't a "true" GMT like an original GMT Master before the "2"? Ie hour hand and GMT hand are locked in sync and you just use the bezel to track the second time zone. I think the modern Chopard LUC GMT is the same. Would that distinguish a "traveller" movement from a "true"? Or have I got this wrong?

That’s one of the nicest looking watches I’ll never own.

It's a nice watch and the date window is nicely placed. No need to puke over it unless you've eaten bad chicken. 😂

I'd pick the green version over this white 'limited' edition any day. The dial has 3 shades of white - rehaut, dial and date window are all different. This is less pronounced on darker color version such as the blue or green versions. Also there is just not enough contrast between the white dial and grey stainless steel bezel and applied indicies - the green version stands out much better.

A bit too expensive but I still bought one...the blue dial 377. Loving it!

Everything you said… bang on. Seikos have left us true enthusiasts “fans” behind.

Good video. Nice watch. I’m enjoying mine😊

Another T3 masterpiece. Well done my friend.

Hmm prefer a non GMT and cheaper prices. Looks amazing though

A hodge podge of styles. No match for the Sarb017. Not to mention I bought the Sarb033, Sarb035 and the Sarb017 together from new for less than this rather limited Seiko offering.

If one wants a cheaper version of this the blue or black version (SPB377J1) is around 400 USD cheaper. One cannot cry murder for wanting a limited edition and have a budget of a regular. A limited edition should be priced higher as it is only for the collectors, who possess the bank balance to "collect". I would not repeat the feedback you have got for a Rolex comparison.

I would love to get a case with internal bezel, and build my own with an NH34 inside.

I really like this design, including the 430 date window, and it definitely is a quality watch! But this is a $600 watch even with bidenomics, not a $1200 watch.

"It ain't trickin if you got it" and "F*ck you pay me" - Seiko

Really nice watch! I am personally not happy with prices going up on all watches, just look at a Speedy Moonwatch or just your own Explorer 2. That watch easily doubled in price in the last 5 years. To say that your Rolex is 6 or 7 times more expensive but at least you get a true GMT is a bit much no? If you look at this Seiko and your Rolex as a “non-WatchNerd” then most people would prefer to spend the less money and get the Seiko as it’s obviously not that much worse + a true GMT is hardly worth the 7K price premium 😅

I saw this Watch today the first Time in a Window of a Shop. First Impression was wow, nice One. Clear Dial & Colors match great. Second Impression with the Price was not so good. I think €900,- was a good Price. But over €1000,- is a little bit to much 🤔

It's an awesome watch but the price tag is out of order. I am a true seiko fanboi. I rarely wear anything but seiko but dang...the price tags are getting out of control. When the new orient mako is less than some seiko 5s and it is spec'd out in comparison, we've got issues. The world might be coming to an end soon and the predictor for me is the price tag of this alpinist. Hashem save us all.

They're not all over 1000. My rock face alpinist was only 650. Best buy eva. ❤ Seiko

This is a stunning watch with amazing specs. Wish i had a spare 2200 aud

They can't even get a chapter ring aligned properly but they want to be considered "premium"...smdh

spb089 was the perfect alpinist

If not for inscriptions on a bezel, I'd rather buy it. So I took brown dial spb209 instead.

I never buy seiko at full price, if I can’t get 20% off I won’t buy it, I think there real value sits at around 25% off sticker price

This is a nice Alpinist. As a limited edition, I think it just-barely justifies it's price tag. Then, too, I won't be jettisoning my SARB 017 for one, and it sounds like you won't be giving yours the heave-ho either.

I’m not sure true GMT is better than caller GMT by default? They are just different and serve opposite purposes…

Looks nice, agree on price on a caller GMF being high once you get over $800

Good video, my thoughts exactly. I have been contemplating an Alpinist for a couple yrs now and I think I like this one the best, but IDT it's worth the price. ☹️

I bought the green dial variant from Japan. It's less expensive and better looking imo

If they would’ve been smart they would’ve done away with the compass and put the 24 hour in there where you could do + or - gmt.

Hilarious how the description as the beginning does absolutely nothing to distinguish the Rolex from the Seiko. The hypocrisy of claiming value in Swiss luxury brands costing 10x the seiko, whilst bashing seiko for raising prices has not been lost on me. The only reason swiss watches cost as much as they do is marketing and now that the Japanese want to do it whilst still keeping the price 10x less than a Rolex it's not ok. Both Seiko and miyota sell true GMTs for under 1500. How do you then justify paying 11000 for the Rolex?

When they're gone the price tag will seem cheap if the prices drive upwards. I like it and that says a lot about it because I haven't owned or wanted any Seiko/Grand Seiko in over 40 years!

Nice review! I understand your complaints, but I will always love Seiko. I am reluctant to buy watches with fixed bezel (as the Explorer or Alpinist you show) due to the painted black numerals on the steel bezel. I am worried they fade away with use. Indeed, this seems the problem also for the Rolex you show. What a pity. Is there a solution to the fading of the black paint?

The numbers on the bezel is n a crazy angle

SARB017 undefeated. 13.6mm thick on this one is kind of ridiculous

Lol do people not realize Seiko is trying to be more exclusive. That’s the reason for increased prices. Complain about it all you want. It won’t matter as people are still purchasing them.

Love your quasi "Rant" uploads !

Many Seiko's just aren't worth the price.

I like this one with the same intensity I disliked the green one.

Citizen series 8 batman just destroy the Alpinist. Citizen cost 1100€,it’s true gmt with one of kind movement purposely built for that watch ,with incredible finish and Zaratsu polishing!!

I think youre being a little hard on seiko. This is a solid watch for $1000 even if its a desk GMT. You cant compre to the price of a Rolex. I get the sentiment but Seiko needs to move upscale. If they are perceived as a budget brand the chinese will destroy them. These need to move to mid tier so they can say they provide more cachet. Frankly they should stop selling their movemnts to third parties. Sux for us but good for them. This is the exact reason swatch stopped selling their movements. Swiss movemet in a chinese watch kills the Swiss made brand. To keep the enthusiasts happy perhaps they could sell orient movments.

I wish they make an alpinist with a aqua terra style tapered lugs!

Can you then tell us what other GMT watches that comes from a recognisable brand as Seiko (not microbarnds) that offer the same type of caller GMT within the same price point?

It’s Theory of Economic and Culture of Economic 😃

“Why the F did I just spend that much money on a Seiko” lmfaooo

Lovely watch overall but once again the pricing is way off base, and also there are 4 different fonts on the dial. Next!

Well, I like my Sumo GMT. It's true GMT but . . . quartz 🤐. I hope you consider it. Great video as always

As much as I like Seiko and the Alpinists in general, for this kind of money I’ll take a Lorier HYPERION with an arguably superior movement.

If I'm going to spend $1,200 for a GMT watch, it should at least have a Miyota 9075 movement.

No cyclops, thats good, now get rid of the date.

What happened to the brief music after "let's get down to business"?

Seiko use to have value. Now it is just a watch with a boring name. Nothing to brag about. People who do not know watches, will think it’s cheaper than what it is, and people that know watches, will think you paid too much

Seiko makes two models of “true” GMTs that are white in their presage line and are the same price of this Alpinist… one is even Titanium.

Rolex was once people's champion and it was not a big deal if you had one,asking from seiko to give you all the specs for less money is a litle bit selfish,you dont ask that from swiss brands just becouse they have swiss made on the dial

It's hard to say they set the wrong price when they are selling out.

Bumping up the price of watches with an amended 6R movement, two or three times, the price of the original Sarb models. That took the gleam off Seiko for me.

Did they sign the crown like my $379.00 Sarb 017. As for “true” GMT: Zelos running the 9075 …most expensive Zelos offered was $629.00 with the meteorite blue dial…..the one I just bought. I love this watch but……. Thanks Jory

You’re right about the seiko, but keep the Rx out of this 🙌

Hahaha “beep beep beep how the fuck did I spend this much on a seiko” 😂

Rolex explorer 2 lol cmon your complaining about the Seiko not being a true GMT at a 1K price point and saying you would rather have the Rolex lol you could buy all three gmt Alpinest at a 1/4 of the price of the Rolex not to mention most that own gmt's never use the option anyway.

Gorgeous piece. 😍 Price 😵‍💫🤢 I'll just wait for one of the smaller brands to make an homage should I decide to get one.🤔

Just had a horrible realisation: except my Sea Urchin (which let's face it was quite a long time ago now), every single one of my current Seikos is an LE. I am looking at this one because I genuinely agree with all the praise you just gave it. And I'm looking at the SPB119, which lacks the GMT and is literally half the price and honestly the cream face is what got me into this mess. But because I'm an idiot and a sucker for a fixed GMT bezel, my monkey brain is going... yeah, buy this one. Buuuy iiiiit. Despite clearly being a terrible value *even compared to other current Seikos*. Gahh. Joining the "Seiko make cool *unlimited* watches again please" bandwagon as of now.

seiko has killed my love for collecting watches.. if I see a seiko I like 9/10 times its a limited edition.. so why bother. I havent bought a watch in a year and a half now and im good with that lol.

of the 110th limited lineup I think the SPB403 would be my choice but it's $1350, we are getting close the money for a Sinn, stowa, laco, Marathon, Formex etc... higher spec watches. I mean +25-15 a day really? for $1350 Seiko should do better.

Very nice, but it still has the ridiculous compass bezel and the ugly extra crown to turn it.

1:24 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣