Alpinist
Built for Japanese mountain climbers in 1961, the Alpinist line combines an inner rotating compass ring with field-ready legibility. The mid-2000s SARB revival trio (cream SARB013, black SARB015, green SARB017) shared a 38mm case, 200m water resistance, and the 6R15 caliber. Discontinued in 2019, and rising on the secondary market since.
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The SARB Alpinist trilogy was discontinued in 2019 and immediately became the most-regretted Seiko cancellation in recent memory. All three share the 4S15 hand-wound movement, compass bezel, and field-watch intent -- but dial color and finishing vary enough to matter when choosing.
- 1Open
Green dial, the canonical Alpinist -- if you buy one SARB, this is it.
- The case for it:
- The green dial against the silver chapter ring is the image collectors associate with the Alpinist name. It photographs well, wears well at 38mm, and the compass bezel functions. Secondary market prices have risen but have not yet corrected to irrationality.
- Consider instead if:
- The SARB013 gets the most attention, which means it gets the most fakes and the most sellers with inflated expectations. The SARB015 delivers the same movement and case at a lower price with a more distinctive dial.
- 2OpenSeiko Alpinist SARB017 · SARB017Consider
White dial with cathedral hands -- the dress-leaning Alpinist.
- The case for it:
- The SARB017 is the most formal of the three: cathedral hands, white dial, and a look that works without a field context. If you want the Alpinist movement and case with a more versatile visual, this is the correct choice.
- Consider instead if:
- The white dial ages more visibly than the green. Long-term patina is unpredictable and service records on secondhand examples are often absent. Inspect the dial carefully.
- 3OpenSeiko Alpinist SARB015 · SARB015Consider
Brown dial, underappreciated, trades at a discount to the green -- good value.
- The case for it:
- The SARB015 is the least celebrated and therefore the easiest to find at a fair price. Same movement, same case, same compass bezel. For buyers who prioritize value over resale optics, this is the rational choice.
- Consider instead if:
- The brown dial has a narrower audience on resale. If you expect to sell, the SARB013 is safer. If you are buying to keep, the price discount on the SARB015 is a genuine advantage.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-28. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.