The Next Watch Trend Revealed: New $500 Seiko Mini Samurai SRPL15 & Alpina 39mm Seastrong GMT Diver

Today we review two new releases for 2024 that collectively, along with a special cameo wristwatch check that's also a new release for this year, reveal to us what's shaping up to be the next big trend in watch design. First up to bat is a tough, super capable, ocean-going GMT diver from the inventor of the Swiss sports watch as we know it, and the most underrated brand the country has to offer—aptly named the Alpina Seastrong Extreme GMT in 39mm. Secondly, we have a wonderfully refined update of an even more modest and compact Seiko Samurai professional diver—the Seiko Mini Samurai ref. SRPL15—as well as a new 70s inspired automatic chronograph based on a long lost prototype—the Chronosport from Nivada Grenchen. Join me for an in-depth review of the Alpina Seastrong Extreme and the Seiko Mini Samurai, including all the positives and negatives of each, and how they are both part of a new trend that is going to take over in the next few years and become the dominant style, alongside a continuing move towards smaller watches. What do you think about the watches in this video? Are they a hit or a miss? And what do you think will be the next hot trend? Please share in the comments!

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[Rafik_Emil_Art]

I wish the Ultra thin watches become trendy again, lately i was introduced to the Seiko Lassale from the 80s and Oh boyyy, , they're so slim, so well made as well as elegant and their design is so unique. I hope they become the next trend.
That Nivada Chrono sport looks great. Great Video 👍👍👍

[lonestar]

I’m so saddened that I’ve only been watching TGV for the last year or so. The tail end of his career is absolutely the best. I’ve went back and watched his earlier shows and loved them. The aesthetic evolution and concise critique and education of watches have been superb. Bravo old chap. A true icon of YouTube and the watch enthusiasts everywhere!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[creato]

I'm glad you're covering Alpina, they sure deserve more attention!

[bradenolszewski]

Seeing the Chronosport on the wrist makes it look 10x better. Can’t wait for that video to drop!

[amilyester]

Got an Alpina Seastrong Gyre in 36mm. Really enjoy it. There's dozens of us out there, dozens!

[Javi_C]

Great way to end a Sunday! Thanks for uploading TGV.

[cjam]

One thing that Seiko nearly always does really well is legibility (as per this one) which for some is potentially the most important aspect of a watch. Great video as always sir 👍

[nikolaijust]

That Longines Flagship at the end there is beautiful

[wescobts]

As always another great video. I'm a Gen 2 Samurai owner, and am just so happy with it. Yes the new generation looks nice, and am certain Seiko magic adorns it. I am perfectly fine with Hardlex, and 4R movements. The Alpina is a fine watch as well, but the cost does present competition. I'm positive that either watch would serve it's owner for a lifetime.

[PhantomObserver]

I have the black mini-Samurai. I will say this: I had a hard time turning the bezel when my fingers were wet. I suspect the knurled bezel may be a bit too thin for my wet fingers to get a grip. I do like the dial and marker layout, and it runs a little fast but I've learned not to expect consistency from the factory-set 4R movements, so it's something people can learn to live with.

[garnetnewton-wade]

Thank god for The Urban Gentry! Many watch shows on YouTube seem to be an endless lists of watches we should or shouldn't buy offering repetitive bits of information. It's wonderful to have a show for real watch (Horology) enthusiasts that actually tell us something new.

[vladpiranha]

I'm glad to see the Nivada Chronosport getting some attention. It really does embody the spirit of adventure at the center of the company's image. It does it all.

[paperback]

Thanks for featuring Alpina! I have more than a couple. Imho they produce more misses than hits, but the hits are really good.

[johnviano]

Hi TGV! Happy Labor Day Weekend! Thanks for the great Seiko update! Cheers! John

[grenphelps]

I've recently purchased a new Seiko, but it was the King Sumo PADI, maybe a future review for this forgotten watch, great, spec, sapphire, ceramic bezel, 6R35 movement, very comfortable and wears a lot smaller than it actually is.... it's got the grenade dial in black, for me it's the perfect Seiko diver 👌👌

[alvinmick]

I must say that the Nivada Grenchen chronograph looks really sharp. I’ll be looking forward to your dedicated review of it.

[ronniejarvis]

As big a Seiko fanboy that I am, the micro brands and entry level Swiss timepieces are giving such good value that I can’t buy a new Seiko.

[honzi]

It's been great following you and hearing some original thoughts on quite important subjects rarely covered in the "watch world". Keep up the great work! Cheers

[nanoreaper]

I am not really trend chaser look at a watch and say would I personally like to wear that watch.. if yes purchase if no pass don't care if it is late coolest thing, because for me a watch is a tool personally lately I have been rotating between the Squale 1521 in Bronze and a 2008 Breitling Emergency Ti Blue 43 mm. and a Doxa 300T Shark Hunter. But your Reviews are always existential and wax philosophical which is why I like them

[RedwoodAggie]

Thanks for taking a look at both of these watches. The Alpina definitely deserves more attention. I wish they were more easily accessible. I looked up stores in Texas and came up with only one in the state, 5 hours away. I really like the look of their new diver/GMT models in this Seastrong Extreme line. It stands out as interesting design that is not only looking back. The Samurai is a nice update. I hadn't noticed the date color on the maroon one, which is disappointing. I was thinking of picking one up at some point.