Seiko Alpinist SARB017 Green

The Seiko Alpinist SARB017 Green is one of the most recognizable modern Seiko enthusiast watches and a model that helped turn the historic Alpinist name into a worldwide cult favorite. Introduced for the Japanese domestic market in 2006 and discontinued in 2018, the SARB017 traces its lineage back to the original 1961 Laurel Alpinist, Seiko’s first watch developed specifically with Japanese mountain climbers and outdoor adventurers in mind. Its stainless steel case measures approximately 38mm across and is defined by a rich green sunburst dial paired with gold-tone applied markers and cathedral-style hands. A second crown at 4 o’clock operates the rotating internal compass ring, giving the watch one of its most distinctive visual and functional features. Despite its refined appearance, the SARB017 is a legitimate outdoor watch, offering a sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, date display at 3 o’clock, and an impressive 200 meters of water resistance.

Inside is Seiko’s in-house Caliber 6R15, a 23-jewel automatic movement operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour and providing approximately 50 hours of power reserve. Unlike many entry-level Seiko automatics of its era, the 6R15 offers both manual winding and hacking seconds, making the SARB017 a notably capable package for its original price point. Its unusual combination of a jewel-like green dial, gold accents, compact case, compass bezel, and rugged construction earned it a reputation as a watch that could transition easily between the outdoors and more formal settings. With the original SARB017 now discontinued and its successors incorporated into Seiko’s Prospex collection, the green Alpinist has become a defining neo-vintage Seiko reference and remains particularly desirable for collectors seeking the original pre-Prospex version of this now-iconic design.

Reference: SARB017

Bracelet: Brown Leather Strap

Case Size: 38mm x 12mm Thickness

Lug Width: 20mm

Case Metal: Stainless Steel

Movement: 6R15 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Compass

Box and Papers: No box or papers - watch only

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.65”

Case has light normal wear. Strap has minimal light wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Watch runs within spec.

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.

The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition. 

The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.