The Best Iconic Automatic Watch Under $500 Duel - Seiko "Alpinist" SARB017 Vs. Hamilton Khaki King 

Everything about the Alpinist screams "hiking in the Scottish highlands" to me. That heathery green, the gold, the shape of the hands and the font of the numerals. So beautiful! Makes me want to grab my wool sweater, cap, hiking stick and trusty dog and stroll about the hillsides. I spent 3 weeks doing just that a few years ago and this watch always takes me back. Excellent and very fair duel, even to such a Hamilton fan as I am!

Don't fear the green, people... It doesn't HAVE to match everything you wear, it can also contrast. Not every watch has to be black, white, silver, or blue. Hell, I'm looking for a dark purple perlon for my SARB017!

Just added a black dial Hamilton Khaki King to my small but growing collection. Watch enthusiasm hit me late in life ( I'm 49) about 3 years ago. But in those 3 years I've acquired the Hamilton ( just this week) a Bulova Precisionist Tonneau, a blue Victorinox Inox, a black Movado Museum ( much like the one I bought back in the 80's) and a Lew and Huey ( microbrand) Spectre in fireball orange ( which is the watch I get complimented on the most). Trouble is, the more I learn about watches, the more models I want,( like the Alpinist) and the more I question the choices I already made. ( like the Movado). Regardless, I am learning so much so quickly now that I've discovered your channel.

I just want to say thank you for making such joyful videos. Believe it or not your videos gave me something to look forward to when i was in a very dark place.

If the Alpinist was made by a Swiss company it would cost $ 2000. or more ....

I own the Alpinist. It is my first really grown up watch and is also my everyday carry at a blue collar job. I bought it because it seems a bit more rare and unique being a JDM, is a true mechanical movement (in the pure sense of the word, I realize it is an "automatic" in watch terms). Heres some upsides, and some downsides; After owning it for a year, I must say, it is very accurate, and despite my work has managed to stay new looking and is very resistant to being accidently banged against metal parts. I do try to take care of it and remove it if I am doing something particularly nasty, but I'm still amazed that If I were to sell it after a year of daily wear, I could still say it looks to be in excellent condition with no noticeable scratches. The Sapphire crystal is still perfect, the bezel probably has some wear, but you'd need a magnifying glass to find it. Looking at it right now it looks store new. BUT, that being said, I have discovered some downsides. It is very difficult to see the date numbers in low light or from an angle. It would really have benefited from a magnifying bubble, bigger font, or a more raised face. Also the crystal itself, which is coated, is still hard to see thru under some lighting conditions. It would make a great signal mirror tho, with it's optically flat and highly reflective sapphire crystal, which goes along with it's mountaineering theme I suppose. The much touted lume to me is fairly worthless. If I had a light to charge it, I would just use the light to see the time, and the bright doesn't last too long. I'm Irish, and I like that it is green, especially on St. Patricks day :) and it's a nice green at that, which has a nice sunburst effect. When I get my next watch, I will probably go for an aviator or diving style because I want my next watch to be EASY to read the time and date on. Style is great, but I miss function. Also it occurred to me that although the crown is a screw down, the other knob which controls the revolution of outer compass graduations is NOT a screwdown, and this makes no sense to me since it transmits motion to the interior of the watch. How is it as waterproof as the screw-down crown? Also the compass feature seems more thematic than useful. I'd rather have a calculator of some kind or a diver type bezel for timing something. I recommend the watch, just being honest about the detractors after a year of daily use. Databyter

I have seen the Alpinist on at least two of your videos. I decided to pull the trigger and order one. Oh my Gawd! This watch is so much better in person than it is in any picture or review. It looks and feels amazing. Coming from a diet of Timex and Casio, I can see the quality; I can feel the difference. Before it arrived I was feeling a bit of buyer's remorse. I was thinking that there was no way this watch could be worth 400 ducats. But once I held it in my hands... love at first sight! I will never be a "collector," but this watch definitely will be in my hands forever. It is exactly everything you said it was, and more. I just wanted to say, "Thanks." Watching your videos made me understand that there is a depth to horology, and I gained an appreciation for wristwatches that I never would have believed possible.

I'm getting into the watch world recently, I was hesitating between the SARB017,and the Khaki Field Auto, but finally I decided to get them both second hand! I'm a very happy owner and still can't say which one I prefer... The Urban Gentry, your passion for watches is very communicative, I love your channel. Your intros are wonderfully made! Best.

Both are great watches. I'm more into khahi king or khaki field with black dial and red second marker. You make this 20 + minutes vid feel like a 3 minutes one. Great job Mr. TGV. Pura vida!

Seiko should pay you commission because I've fallen in love with the Alpinist from watching your videos and pending a few pay checks, for a responsible purchase, I'm hunting one down and pairing it with a tan possibly croc/alligator leather strap...

Always happy to see a Seiko or Hamilton

I couldn't make up my mind so I bought one of each. Thank God you weren't reviewing cars.

Most definitely the Seiko! I absolutely love the green face!

One of the best memories for me recently, was with my brother in Japan. We looked around for the types of watches we could get, comparing prices, where to look, yada yada. I was considering either a divers, a Giugiaro design, or one of the dressier Presage units. But after checking all the shops we only found one that had any Alpinist left. We bought them then and there, one each. My brother and I, a matching pair of Seiko Alpinists. I snagged the one with the nicer serial number though, not that it matters to many...

Having picked up both of these watches within the last few weeks, it was very interesting to listen to your thoughts and comments on them. Thanks for putting these two "head-to-head"!

Great Video, planning on picking up the Hamilton this week. In love with the champagne face, more versatile than green with the attire I wear.

I currently have them both. I am currently VERY happy with my whole situation.

The Alpinist is my dream, I swear one day I'll be able to afford it. So elegant, and unique!

Just got the Alpinist.... LOVE it! Put it on a Espresso brown Blue Shark Nato and it looks amazing!

GREAT REVIEW! Had to be done, and only TGV could do it justice. Bravo.

I need both! Great video once again TGV.

Fascinating battle TGV. I never would have thought to pit these two against each other.

You, man... Blame on you! I recently purchased my first mechanical and was because of your channel. And was an Alpinist. What a beauty, I'll never regret buying it, despite the effort maked. Cheers, TGV. I owe you one.

I own a nice Seiko diver and love the look of the alpinist, but after seeing the Hamilton in person last week I've decided to buy one. It really blew me away in a way I didn't expect

wow, you also like overcast weather... i thought i was the only one! great stuff... and love the intro!

Hamilton Khaki King with that Champagne dial for mine. So unique. Such an icon. Really can't do better for mine when talking bang for buck entry level Swiss. 80 hour power reserve. Gorgeous.

Just ordered a Hamilton. Not this model but it might be my next purchase now. The Champagne color is beautiful. And, I appreciate the Hamilton history you provided. Thank you. Great review.

If you have Netflix you have to watch House. I personally think it was the best show on cable It made me a Hugh Laurie fan. Also, what a great duel on two of my favorite watches. My favorite color is green, and the Alpinist calls to me. And how can you not enjoy looking at the Khaki King on your wrist! Great show!

Great choice for a comparison. I've yet to get my hands on an Alpinist but it's high on the list of must haves for me. Take care👍

I have been looking at both models for a while, to choose one as my next bday present. This video has been really helpful. Thanks TGV!

Got me some naturally emerald green eyes, so I'd say that the seiko is just about the perfect for me.

Love them both. Just got the Hamilton earlier this week. Love the very smart looking tool watch aesthetic. Thanks so much for your videos!

Just bought the Alpinist :) since its being discontinued and because I'm a snowboarder I had to get it! Awesome video, thank you and cheers!

Inspired from your videos and the Urban Gentry Website I bought the Alpinist and it’s a must have and I love it. Can’t take it off and it’s getting more of a daily driver kind of thing. Thanks for such an awesome contribution to the horological world and remarkable reviews and suggestions. You’re a gentleman.

Love the seiko,the green and tan looks great! Combat and class,nice combo. I'm getting my son the classic Casio digital in gold! We gaudy like that! lol!

I had my Hammy (khaki king with black dial) for about 7 years now, never knew it was such a legend when I first purchased, it was my first proper watch and I loved it since!

I have the Khaki with just the date complication & the Alpinist as well. Love them both 😎

I thought I accidentally clicked on a wrong video and immediately closed the video. What a surprising intro!

HOUSE!!! Excellent show. You should check it out on Netflix. I've watched every single episode.

I purchased my Alpinist boxed, previously used but in mint condition with the strap never used at all..obviously.!. The aesthetics of the piece with it's green dial make it such an exquisite piece but because of the colour co-ordination with varied straps, once you find the right one like a Colareb, Nato etc, it brings out that contemporary edge and looks so divine. Love my SARB Alpinist. Just waiting on the SARB065 now to add to my collection.

Ordered the Alpinist a few weeks ago, unfortunately it wont be here until the end of the month but i can wait, so happy i saw your review on it.

I just have to love your timing on videos. I just started considering to buy the alpinist and with this video i had the opportunity to see it in all its glory. And as always nice video ;)

it's TGV....he's always going to choose the Seiko

Love my Khaki King, first Hamilton and my new every day. Thanks for introducing me to it, your review tipped my over the edge, I absolutely love it! Keep up the excellent work!

Great video. Having tried both, I ended up choosing the khaki king black dial (no regrets). Tested the power reserve this week and lasted 80 hours as advertised.

Absolutely love your work TGV, always fair, always the gentleman. Personally I am IN LOVE with the Alpinist. Serving in the military I love the fact I can get a watch with such rich history and practicality, beat it around ops (A nice alternative to my infallible G-Shock if the exercise is not to ridiculous), yet be able to don it in my formal attire. Also my father was a seaman, where as I am in infantry, he wore a Seiko Diver his entire life, and to be able to have the opposite from the same family, just like our service, is something quite special. Keep it up, highly enjoy following your channel. Legend.

Woww! The nato strap on the Seiko is dazzling... Simple chique... very good taste.

The Hammy for weekdays; the Alpinist for weekends. Problem solved.

your review of skx009 got me fall in love with the 007, now this review i really need a alpinist im in love with it

Geart comparison. You sold me on the Alpinist when I saw your review. I brought one a month later and love it. Great intro. I will be picking up a Hamilton Field watch this year to add to the collection. Maybe manual wind though. Great video, thanks.

It has to be the Seiko in my opinion that silver/green colour way is absolutely stunning! Would look even nicer with a dark forest green NATO strap. Although both watches are superb and would be happy with either. Great content as always TGV!

ok i did not expect that intro; well done, sir

Great intro! I was thinking about buying this Hamilton earlier today, now I saw this...really appreciate your video since this is the only review video on the cream dial version so far.

If that's the weather you like, come to Detroit! We've been having it for far too many weeks. Also, love the F91W. And I do believe this is good for FIRST! Watching now, of course...

Got the SARB017 last year and love it. Got the matching bracelet to replace the hideous strap it came with. But, I've been looking at the Khaki's for awhile and will be adding one before too long. Great duel.

Hamilton Khaki King for me! Classic sport to dress occasion watch. Love the Silver/Champagne Dial, on the hit list!

Outstanding comparison of two wonderful watches. I love the history I learn from your videos

Great music selection at the beginning. Remember “I ain’t got TIME to bleed”

This is one of my favorite channels on youtube! KEEP GOING!

I enjoy your channel, thank you for the great work. I got my alpinist, mostly because of this video, and absolutely love it. It is gorgeous, solid and elegant and I wear it with a bond nato strap. Moreover, almost two months after purchasing, it runs slow by merely two seconds per day. Amazing!

Love the seiko,but the green dial,does not tick my box,the stylish day date on the Hami did it for me,great vid again. 😆

Hi TGV, As you might know, I'm not the most enthusiastic Seiko fan on earth. There are only a few Seiko watches I really like. And the Alpinist is one of them! Several times I was so close to pull the trigger... ;) Best regards, Claus

Torn between these two as my next purchase. Wish they were still under $500 though, both are nearly double that price now!!

I love my alpinist! Now seeing this quite new one without scratches in your video i want another one!! Mine is already bashed and banged about 😂

I've been thinking about buying an Alpinist for some time now, but been umming and aaahing like a bufoon... I think you've just pushed me over the edge to buy one! Many thanks TGV ;)

Excellent as usual TGV. The Alpinist is no 2 on my wish list after a gigantic casio.But seeing it here makes me think I should switch. Pure class sir.

Awesome video! But if I could make one minor suggestion, you should upload these videos in with mono audio, because for headphone users, your audio is bouncing left and right a lot. But otherwise, great video, big fan of the channel

If you live in the UK? A company called TSS watchworx do a Tan leather Aviator which perfectly matches the vintage feel of the Alpinist, and with wear acquires a patina which becomes the period feel beautifully. It also knocks the Hirsch into a cocked hat for quality at half the price. Plus they have a beautifully polished matching deployment clasp available. Highly recommended!

TGV, great video but I have to stop seeing them because I end up buying a bunch of great under $500 watches and than never can save up for my grails! I have the black dial Hamilton and love it on a bond nato. Cheers

Excellent video and both watches are beautifully outstanding. The Hamilton’s cream color dial is easier on my eyes and definitely easier to read, but Seiko’s screw down crown and 200m water resistance is a huge plus. This is a really difficult choice to make.

Perfect timing! My Khaki King arrived today!

they are both gorgeous. Buy both!

I've owned the Alpinist for about a year. Didn't even notice the file work on the crown until this video. Feel like I need a jeweler's loop, now.

That Alpinist is such a beautiful watch, I will have it, after I get my Hamilton H77746333 Frogman. I do wish you would do a review on this "Hammy" at some point. I have always loved it, but you don't see many around.

Bought the Alpinist last December as a Christmas gift to myself, absolutely love it and it's become my go-to watch. Despite the green/gold/silver color combination I'm surprised how well it goes with a wide variety of strap options. My favorite being a british racing green nato or a green forest Camo strap.

Thanks for this mate. My vote for next watch duel on the channel is , sinn 104 vs squale 1521 re-duel for best everyday watch

I had a feeling the Alpinist would win even before I started watching this video :)) Great duel. Always love seeing Seikos/Hamiltons on the show!

This video helped me make the decision to go with the Alpinist over the Khaki King when I was deciding a couple of weeks ago. So far I love the Alpinist, although I will be getting the Hamilton in the near future. I switched out the stock strap for a green canvas one and really love the look of it. Thanks for the great content.

Sarb is the absolute winner for me! As I said, the bold design but yet classy is just perfect for me! Thanks for the amazing duel TGV!!

I absolutely love the Seiko, the Hamilton is lovely also but something about the green dial with the gold hands. Just beautiful!

Great video! It would be nice if Seiko would release another black dial version of the Alpinist. The Khaki is a great watch as well!

Great as always. It would be a tough choice. The Seiko Alpinist one of the most classic field watches they have ever produced. I have the same basic movement as the Hammy in my Tissot, and it's a great, accurate movement. But, the 6r15 movement is also a more proven. Very fun one, thanks!

Love the green on the seiko. Once I start working in the upcoming months it will definitely be added to the collection.

Seriously ... I had my Alpinist for a week TGV, The Mrs robbed it from me and I can't get it back I'm really surprised your better half didn't rob that one :D

I couldn't decide, bought both. I put the Hamy on a nice black Mr. Sailcloth strap and, yes, I put the nice brown Hamilton strap on the Seiko. Looks grand! Both are top shelf. The Hamilton is a bit more dressy and the day/date comp is super. The Alpinist is just so...so....green. Really unique.

Awesome video man! You keep me so entertained and impressed and I'm thankful for it. Awesome channel, wishing you all the best and kindest regards

Hi TGV, Glad to see another duel video! Each of these pieces have very respectable merits. While I am usually partial to Seiko, I am more inclined to purchase the Hamilton in this case. The Alpinist certainly has a fantastic movement and is comparable to the swiss movement in the Khaki King; however, aesthetically, I am drawn to the Hamilton. I do not usually predicate my decisions based on the aesthetic appeal along; in this context, we have a clear view of all factors that come together to create these fantastic pieces. That said, the Hamilton would be a lot more functional for me over the Seiko. I personally believe that the movement in the Seiko is more impressive in the sense that it is made in-house and it achieves a smoother movement with the same amount of vibrations. 80 hour power reserve is not a huge selling point for me. You present a great argument with respect to both of these watches. I think I would have a hard time choosing between the two now that I have watched the entire video! (even though I mentioned I would be more inclined to purchase the Hamilton). Thanks again for the educational insight into two great watches! Cheers, Nathan

Hugh plays a great villain too, wearing an IWC Spitfire in the Night Manager. I think I would go with the Alpinist, but the SARG 007 is more to my taste colour wise. Great vid!

You are too right about the alpinist's strap, lets down the whole watch. It was a challenge to find a good match. Finally settled on a Colareb olive leather.

I have both of these [actually the field auto] in my shopping basket at similar prices but different vendors. A new strap is needed either way. I'm struggling between the personal downsides lack of water resistance v green dial. It's going to get dunked in water and covered in soil at some point in the garden. I rarely wear green or browns.

Excellent comparison. By the way the Alpinest with the 6R15 actually is more anti magnetic than the Hamilton. I didn't know the updated the movement of the Hamilton Khaki King. My Hamilton Khaki King has the standard old 2824-2 with a 40 hour power reserve. Well done on the comparison. Keep up the excellent work.

Great video! I’m leaning toward the Hamilton. The Seiko is a little more flashy than I like. However, it is a gorgeous watch. I also love the internal rotating compass bezel.

Awesome video...nice touch with the Predator tune at the beginning!

Still going for the Seiko. That strap looks amazing on it! Fantastic video!

You really need both of these in your collection!

Another brilliantly detailed and informed video TGV Thanks

38mm is becoming a more preferred size over the Hamiltom 40mm. I finding myself changing my big bulky watches for a classy 38mm now days, I see and read more people giving up their oversized watches for the smaller form factor.

Great review again TGV, both great watches. I just bought the Alpinist, as a nature photographer i need something tough and durable, i hope i made the right choice, by the the way i got a skx09 too, and that's your fault :-)

YOU HAVENT SEEN HOUSE???? Catch up TGV... It’s his best work yet.

Great review. I actually just ordered the Alpinist. They are getting pretty hard to come by and wanted one to round out my Seiko collection, and also nice to add a green dial to my collection. I used to own a Khaki and it is a really nice watch. I think if I only had one watch, I would want the Khaki, but the Alpinist with that green dial is just super cool and unique and nice to have in a collection.