As a shark's tooth Alpinist, this watch has inherited traits from the earlier Alpinist models. Namely the dauphine hands together with its triangle markers. As can be seen, the SARB015 gives off an elegant look enough to accompany you to most casual occasions whilst retaining its sporty nature

This sixth-generation model of the Alpinist also uses the 6R15B movement and was introduced in 2006 together with,the SARB013 and SARB017. All of the 2006 models use an 6R15B Automatic Diashock 23 Jewel movement, provide 20 Bar water resistance and have gold plated hands and numbers. These three models are the longest-running models and continue to gain popularity because of their elegance and versatility. There are only a few subtle differences between the three watches. For example, both the cream and green versions use a more traditional hand system with a cathedral hour hand while the black version uses a more modern look which compliments the intense colouring.

The case shape changed from earlier models and is a variant of the SKX-series divers watch with the protected crown at the 4 o’clock position. Seiko Alpinist watches are exceptional for several reasons but most notably their craftsmanship and the rich history that goes along with the Alpinist line.

Legendary SARB

With the Presage and Prospex line-up using the 6R movements - and even releasing the 6R35 - Seiko seems to have waved goodbye to the SARBs beginning 2016. Prices of course have moved up the scale.

While the inherent value of these new releases certainly is debatable, the SARBs are especially now a great buy (even if prices are rising here too).

In 2006, when the SARB013, SARB015 and SARB017 were introduced the SARB017 became an instant success, somewhat later the SARB033 launched in 2008 and developed a cult following.

Each SARB identification number represents a different colour or model, numbers close to one another differ in color like cream, black and green. The SARB017 (green) became by far the most popular because it is unique and can be worn in literally any situation, business or casual. The other two variations (especially the creme SARB013 - discontinued 2009) are now much harder to find, possibly making them more valuable today. The SARB033 however easily matches the green Alpinist and the inky black dial SARB021 is a Zaratsu show stopper rarely seen (no lume of course). The SARBs 001, 002 and 003 on the other hand excel in Vanac like facetted glass and brutish case lines. In all, there are many variations in this product line, but executed with such precision and such quality of application and materials that one can rightly label them legendary.

All of the early 2006 models used an 6R15 Automatic Diashock 23 Jewel movement and provided 20 Bar water resistance. The Alpinist range (to pick a few SARBs) had gold plated hands and numbers. They were the longest running models and continue to gain popularity because of their elegance and versatility. There are only a few subtle differences between them. For example, both the cream and green versions use a more traditional hand system with a cathedral hour hand while the black version uses a more modern look which compliments the intense colouring.  

Seiko as of 2013 upgraded the 6R15B movement to 6R15C and even 6R165D. The upgrade includes:

1. Added one jewel on main plate, barrel hole (6R20 has that jewel already)
   
2. Modified ratchet sliding spring
   
3. Modified date indicator maintenance plate
   
4. New balance wheel
   
5. New barrel
   

So, early production of 6R15C has 23J, the late production of 6R15C has 24J. Adding a jewel and modifying the ratchet spring are all related to the upgrading of the barrel (to higher power reserve, so higher torque). The modified date plate is due to complaints of date misalignment. Seiko with this upgraded balance wheel might aim to increase long term stability. The previous 6R15s all have difficulty maintaining long term (1-2years) stability in accuracy.

SARB production dates

2006-2: SARB 001, 003, 005

2007: SARB 001, 003, 005, 007, 009, 011, 013, 015, 017

2008-1: SARB 001, 003, 005, 007, 009, 011, 013, 015, 017, 021, 023, 025, 027, 029, 030, 031

2008-2: SARB 001, 003, 005, 007, 009, 011, 013, 015, 017, 021, 023, 025, 027, 029, 030, 031, 033, 035, 037, 038

2009-1: SARB 001, 003, 005, 007, 009, 011, 013, 015, 017, 021, 023, 025, 027, 029, 030, 031, 033, 035, 037, 038, 039, 041, 043, 044, 045, 046

2009-2: SARB 013, 015, 017, 021, 023, 025, 027, 029, 030, 031, 033, 035, 037, 038, 039, 041, 043, 044, 045, 046, 047, 048, 049, 059, 061, 063

2010: SARB 015, 017, 021, 023, 033, 035, 038, 045, 046, 059, 061, 065, 066, 070, 071

2011: SARB 015, 017, 021, 023, 025, 033, 035, 038, 045, 046, 059, 061, 065, 066, 070, 071, 072

2012: SARB 017, 021, 023, 033, 035, 059, 065, 066, 071, 072

2013: SARB 017, 023, 033, 035, 059, 065, 066, 070

2014-1: SARB 017, 033, 035, 065, 066, 070

2015: SARB 017, 033, 065

2016: SARB Discontinued