The Seiko Alpinist SARB017 is a definitive cult-classic, established by its signature emerald green sunburst dial with gilt cathedral hands. Released as a Japan Domestic Market model, it carries the lineage of Seiko's first dedicated sports watch from 1959. Its 38mm case is characterized by a twin-crown layout, with the crown at 4 o'clock operating the functional internal compass bezel.
The watch is powered by the dependable calibre 6R15, an automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve, hacking, and hand-winding capabilities. The combination of a sapphire crystal and 200-meter water resistance, specifications that belied its original price point, secured its legacy as a collectible reference upon its discontinuation.
Established in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori, Seiko is defined by its principle of complete vertical integration, manufacturing every single component of its timepieces in-house. They were the primary catalyst of the "Quartz Crisis" with the commercial release of the 1969 Astron—the world’s first quartz watch—the brand simultaneously advanced mechanical horology, developing one of the first automatic chronographs and pioneering high-frequency movements to challenge Swiss standards.
Seiko's relentless innovation continues with proprietary technologies like Spring Drive, which blends mechanical power with quartz precision. This technical mastery underpins Seiko's legacy in creating archetypal and exceptionally durable tool watches, particularly in the domain of professional diving.
Overall Grade: 8 / 10 | Great Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: Purchased 2018 Contents: Full-set Genre: Sports Watch
Size: 38mm Thickness: 12mm Lug Width: 20mm
Case: Stainless steel, satin brushed top, mirrored bevels, light visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, mirrored dome bezel, internal rotating compass, light visible wear Dial: Green dunburst dial, applied gold-tone markers, lumed Hands: Gold-tone cathedral hands, lumed
Crown: Stainless steel screw down crown, second crown for compass, light visible wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light wear Bracelet: Original leather strap, visible wear Caseback: Stainless steel solid screw caseback, light wear Movement: Automatic Caliber: 6R15