The Rise & Fall Of Seiko's Alpinist 1959 to 2021 - Everything You Need To Know: SJE085, SPB209 & 117

We're talking Alpinists all day in today's triple watch review!

In this special episode we'll check out one of the hottest releases from Seiko for 2021—the Seiko 1959 Alpinist Re-Creation Limited-Edition (ref. SJE085). And we'll compare it to two other Seiko watches: the modern (and more affordable) new brown and gold dial (ref. SPB209) and last year's red Alpinist-inspired version (ref. SPB117JI)—a faithful update to the iconic 90s watch.

How do they compare? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What's the story behind their evolution? Will these watches become trendsetters like the emerald green SARB017 or a trio of overpriced flops that will further alienate Seikoholics and fans?

Join me for a look into the rise and fall of the Alpinist, a watch I consider to be one of Seiko's most underrated but important creations.

Check out the Unico Watch Case featured in this video:

Thank you to Moyer Fine Jewelers for lending these watches for review:

Check out the WCWC strap featured in my #wristwatchcheck:

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[j.stephanjohnson]

Every time he says "welcome to the show", he genuinely makes me feel welcome to the show. Thank you for another amazing video.

[klausm]

Watch newbie: "Wow, this hobby is so diverse, there are so many different genres and brands to discov..."
SEIKO: "Don't go away, we've got you covered!"

[TheShane]

Absolutely perfect timing, after a night of drinking and me having no desire to do anything TGV uploads. Looking forward to this video.

[MrFlameEmblem]

The sarb017 was my first mechanical watch which my partner got me for my birthday. By far my favorite piece, serving as a benchmark for others to meet. My appreciation has also grown with all the history I’ve gotten from this channel

[j.paul.joseph]

You hit it perfectly. "For a split second, you think, well I dont really need anything else" in terms of watches. I never feel like my Sarb Alpinist was the wrong choice, no matter the company I am in.

[derekwalter]

Dude, no way! I just got my sarb017 in the mail yesterday and I can't get enough of these video reviews talking about the alpinist. Perfect timing!

[jeffreardon]

Love the black version with the steel bracelet. Bought it about a year ago and still over the moon with it. Has a great, very distinctive look. Last Seiko I wore was back in 1992. As you have said, Seiko knows how to build a wristwatch. One comment; I actually like the steel bracelet. As good as my collection of TH watches w steel.
Thanks!

[SingleTrackMined]

Number 99. I gotta say your videos are so relaxing, informative and entertaining it's always a pleasure to get notice of a new one. Great work, Thank You

[williambrady]

Maybe Mark could do a gold mod on one of these and call it the "Alchemist".

[harisj]

Always loved the SARB017 ever since I saw the review on your channel years back. I think the green and gold combo is hit or miss with most people but I absolutely adore it.

[roberts.]

Thank you so much for another historically contextualized and thoughtful review. I also sincerely appreciate the fact that your reviews aren't sponsored. Ethical, independent journalism doesn't mix with the freebie system that pervades YouTube watch channels -- banners, gongs, buzzers and other performative disclaimers don't cut it in my book. Bravo, TGV!

[Number_]

It was thanks to one of your earlier vids that I was able to pick up an original green dial model (SARB017) before it was discontinued. Still in the collection and still worn and appreciated! In fact, I credit you and your channel for the worldwide appreciation for this model. Thanks TGV.

[joecognac]

I agree with you about putting new straps on a watch. A new strap can make the watch feel like new and re-invigorate your passion for it.

[stefanjohansson]

When I bought my SPB209 two years ago. It was just because I loved the classic look and feel about it. It was actually not easy to find here in Sweden. I placed orders at so many places that still had it on sale only to recive an email telling me that it was out of stock. Finaly I found 2 of them at a Seiko store in Helsinki. (just bought one :-))
But I love this watch. Sometimes you just find the one you know fits you. The Alpinist has a wonderfull story and it has something untouchable about it.
Thanks for a great channel. Cheers from a fan in Sweden.

[ericp.elfman]

I fell in love with the SARB017 some years ago and it stayed with me ever since. Honestly, I can’t seem to get the same feeling from any of those “new” versions.

[jct]

Still have my SARB017 and now even my wife wears it from time to time. Seiko classic for sure that's never leaving my collection. Bought it online for around $480 ... I can't believe what the used ones are going for now ! As always, great review TGV!

[grimsqueaker]

I received my SPB243J (the affordable version of the 1959 re-creation) a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. It has barely left my wrist. I legitimately feel like I could climb a mountain and then walk right into a boardroom without changing my watch and it would not feel out of place in either situation.

[JoaoGomes-ceth]

Love that nostalgic sense of adventure both the alpinist and explorer exude. Great video as always TGV.

[DustandPiers]

Very excited you reviewed the SJE085 - a beautiful watch that I didn't expect Seiko to make. While I think we may be hitting "peak alpinist" (horrible, sorry), and tend to think we'd be best served by nixing the baby alpi's entirely and focusing on the core line and its lovably flawed compass bezel, as an owner of the blue European edition I do enjoy the sort of "alpi for everyone" approach they have going right now. Bravo, and thank you for highlighting the SJE and the King Seiko - they're just gorgeous and deserve more attention.

[markussivonen]

Nice balanced review. Lots of history and interesting information. And with class. No screaming/shouting. Thank you.