Seiko SARB033 Review: Does this watch live up to the hype?!
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- Опубліковано 8 бер 2020
- Today we are doing a review of the legendary Seiko SARB033, a watch released in 2008, to see if it lives up to the hype and is still relevant in 2020.
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Seiko SARB033: amzn.to/2VXkDSg
Seiko SARB035: amzn.to/336B7c3
Spring Bar Tool: amzn.to/38eJALX
Some Good Reading: amzn.to/3bsqh47
Is the Seiko SARB033, a watch released in 2008 and discontinued in 2018, still worth purchasing in 2020? The SARB033 has garnered countless rave reviews as being one of the best, if not the very best, everyday watches on the market, however, I chalked a lot of this to Seiko releasing a watch at a time when there wasn't nearly as many options as there are now. Looking across the horological landscape now, there are so many watches that play in the same pool now! Removing the other big names and microbrands from the picture, and limiting the pool to just Seiko itself, the Japanese watchmaker has released several similarly-styled and (hypothetically) better spec'd models since the SARB033's debut in 2008. So how can this watch realistically compete in 2020? Well, I've decided to take the plunge, so we can find out, is this watch worth your time? Stay tuned find out!
If you enjoyed some of the close up shots of this watch, I'd encourage you to visit our instagram (@bevelwerks), where we'll be posting more shots of this watch and many more! Hope you enjoy wrist-checks!
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Bought the SARB033 about three years ago. Sold it after a year. I didn’t like all the reflections and polished hands and markers. Bought the SARB035 about 2 years ago. Like it much more over the 033, however, I was never a fan of the cream dial and I tired of it and just sold it. It’s a really nice watch and an excellent deal for $300-$400. It’s more of a sports watch than a dress watch though (100M water resistance, lumed hands and hour markers). The clasp which sticks up is also a big drawback. Mine attracted lots of scratches despite very little wear. I’d rather get a more dedicated dress watch in the future. Still a great watch if the price is right.
I own the sarb033, perfect watch in size proportion, solid end links, great movement. Only complain i have is that the clasp only has 2 micro adjustment and its a folded metal but I'm just nitpicking, comparing it to a datejust. Lovely legendary piece.
Great vid. Love my 035.
Killer review. Subscribed, look forward to watching more videos! Trying to decide between this, a Seiko SRP773K1, or an Oceanus T200S
Much appreciated! And that’s a tough decision you got there - while all 3 of those are solid options, they also offer something a little different. Personally of the 3, I’d probably lean towards the Sarb but that’s just my taste in watches. I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with any of those - good luck! 👍
Great review, Chauncy. I agree with your assessment. I think this is definitely a modern day classic. I enjoyed my 033 so much that I also bought the 035 with the cream dial. I love that one just as much. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Steve! Appreciate the kind comment and encouragement! Cheers! 🍻
Ive got this one. My number one watch now. Will never let this one go.
Burakius absolutely - definitely one of those pieces that just stay in the collection forever!
Burakius absolutely - definitely one of those pieces that just stay in the collection forever!
The crystal smudges is an interesting problem. I’ve noticed this as well and you’re the first person I’ve seen to point this out in a review. None of my other watches, sapphire or mineral does this.
I just got my 035 in yesterday and I noticed the same thing. No matter how much I wipe it never seems to fully get ride of it.
I bought mine through a Seiko dealer with a years Seiko Warranty and apparently it was one of the last two that Seiko had left.. I paid well over the odds at £600 for them to send it direct from Seiko’s warehouse in Japan, but I have to say, even at that price it was well worth it! At first viewing it appeared a little small on My large wrist.. as most watches I have are 40 mm and Above. But boy is it a Grower! I haven’t worn anything else really, since I got it in July 2019.. it’s a fantastic piece and I fell in love with it from the get go!! I agree with almost everything in your review .. i really wish they had AR Coated the sapphire but its not a major issue. I have it on a Black leather presage strap with blue stitching and a nice Seiko presage clasp ...as the oyster bracelet was just a little small for me.. (weight loss planned lol)
I may have paid well over the odds for it but I don’t regret that for a second and absolutely love this watch!!! And I’ve still got 4 months warranty left! 👍😎😄
I’d had my eye on the 033 for a couple of years and ought to have got one back then. (It would have been cheaper but hey ho!) this watch is a classic! And I recon it’s value will only increase! Mind you I can’t see myself ever selling it! I’ve Purchased many watches at fantastic low prices in the past but just figured on this one I’d take the hit, to ensure I got one and it definitely paid off!
Perhaps in a few years I’ll have an AR Coated Sapphire Crystal fitted.. or then again maybe not? 😉 now I need to track down a Sarb 035 to have the matching set!! 🤣
Haha - agreed in all points! Similar experience for me as well, I’ve had numerous watches and once I got this it was difficult reaching for anything else! Kudos with the warranty too! The lack of AR coating doesn’t bother me so much as it seems to attract fingerprints like crazy - not sure if you’ve had the same experience. I too wish I had snagged it before the price hike but, like you, I still feel it’s well worth it! I’ve contemplated getting the 035... but I just love the black face of 033 and only having the one makes it an easy choice to grab and go. That said, if I could find the 037......... no doubt in my mind I would snag it in a heartbeat (if not priced out of the hemisphere)! Haven’t seen one drop ever on eBay, but I enjoy the hunt as much as I enjoy actually owning the watch, haha! Thanks for sharing and good luck with the weight loss and completing the set!
Awesome vid
Nice quality watch. ✔
Good presentation✔
Keep it up👍
Nice review. Love both 033 and 035s. One minor thing.. The singular of "indices" is
"index" not "indicee". Keep up the great work.
Thanks Toby! Agreed that both are great watches. I think I prefer the 033 more, but happy Seiko gave us the options (and consequently the headaches too, haha)! Also, really do appreciate the heads on my grammar - I'll be sure to be more diligent in the future. Plan to continue making videos, so great getting feedback even like this... Hopefully saves me from looking/sounding too foolish! Thanks again for taking the time to comment! 🍻
Very good review.
I’ve been wearing my 035 every day since I bought it in 2016. I’ll never sell it.
Hi Archer! Appreciate the feedback! While I am pretty enamored with 033 and is darker dial, I absolutely think the 035 is a beautiful watch as well - every time I come across it, I pause and try to convince my wife I need the set, haha. The battles we must fight! Well, hope the 035 continues to treat you well for a long, long time! Thanks again for sharing - be well and cheers!
Bevelwerks,
Thank you for your kind response. One thing to consider: the 6R15 movement has proven itself problematic, and my watch is an example. When I first got my 035, it was running at about +4 seconds per day. It gradually became slower and slower, until after about 27 months I could not wear it anymore, so I had it overhauled. The overhaul stabilized it (the escapement), but it loses about 48 seconds a day, so I have to set it twice a day at +30 seconds. The 6R15 movement is notorious for this type of behavior, and watchmakers have difficulty remedying the situation - even Spencer Klein, who specializes in Seiko watch repairs.
I love my 035, and have resigned myself to tolerate its quirks, but it’s not for everybody. And I will never buy another Seiko watch, or even a Grand Seiko because of issues that have come to my attention about Seiko. The new Seiko watches that I’ve come across do not keep time nearly as well as the old Seikos, say, from the 1960s. Those old watches keep time like ringing a bell once they’re restored. Seiko’s quality control has deteriorated, for whatever reason. And, judging from what I’ve heard, their service is not good, so the consumer has to take a poorly performing watch to a local watchmaker, like I did.
I don’t mean to burst your bubble with this. Hopefully, your watch will perform wonderfully, for as long as you own it. But as one watch enthusiast to another, I would be circumspect about Seiko.
The cream dial is one of a kind, I don't see a lot of watches doing this unique colour, I kinda regret selling mine.
Obviously this SARB033 fits very well with 7inch wrist. It just complements each other extremely well. I doubt that anything bigger will look better in proportion. Thank you for your review.
Sean Liew Thanks Sean! Yep, definitely lucked out with the sizing on my 7” wrist and the SARB033 is nearing perfect in terms of dimensions for me personally. I own several other watches that I adore but the simplicity, proportions and general wearability keeps me coming back to the SARB033 time and time again. Appreciate the support. ✌️
I own a SARB035 and definitely feel the cream dial is more captivating. Seiko prices have gone up so these would be considered huge bargains for those whom picked them up at the $300 price point. This one is staying in my collection forever.
Hi Wilson - the cream dial is absolutely a lovely watch, and I have friends that feel the exact same as you (in comparisons to its darker cousin 033). The prices have steadily climbed for sure - even since I purchased mine, and I think they will only steadily increase as the back stock runs out and its (legitimate) legend continues to be promoted as a phenomenal everyday watch. I think anyone who snagged one for $300 (or even less) must be very happy indeed! Thanks for taking a moment to comment and share your thoughts - wear the 035 proudly brother. 🍻
Great review, thanks! I just purchased one a month ago. It was my first watch since a I was a teenager. Did a few weeks of research and landed on this one due to its clean look, Japanese technical sophistication, great general reviews and nicely priced in under my $1k budget ✊🏻
McInnes Marketing really appreciate the feedback! You picked a great “first” watch... as I mentioned in my video, I really feel this watch is a modern classic where Seiko really hit all the marks. They’ve released countless watches since, and while many can arguably technically better from a specification standpoint, this watch still finds a way to rise to the top. Glad you’re enjoying your new watch and thanks again for the support. 🍻
Bevelwerks thanks! Yes I am loving it so far, very happy with the purchase. I am thinking of getting the Seiko Tic Tac next. Any experience with that piece? Thanks again and keep up the great videos!
That’s great to hear! I have heard of the TicTac and have had it on my “watch” list (no pun intended) for some quite some time, haha. From what I’ve read and seen of it, appears to be another winner from Seiko. While there is a strong FOMO accompanying this piece, I have been able to withstand purchasing as I feel it may be a little too similar to the SARB033 and I don’t necessarily want it competing for wrist time (or at least that’s what I’ve been telling myself right now, haha). Good luck and thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Where did you buy it from??...looking for this watch desperately...
@@mayureshkulkarni99 This is where I bought the watch from amzn.to/2zqiu8p - enjoy, its a great watch!
I sold my 035, wasn’t keen on the cream dial although I do have a bit of sellers remorse. Really want to pick a black dial up though... or an orient star standard contemporary
Buyer’s remorse definitely stings! I prefer the black dial version myself - can’t explain why but I feel the color combo in this instance works more with the overall design... though I wouldn’t shy away from a 035 or 037, haha! Orient star is a nice watch as well... Good luck with the next pick up!
Hello Bevelworks... Great review mate. Your voice is so calm in some kindof spooky way. I want this watch to be delivered to India where I live... Can you suggest any other platform as Amazon is not sending this watch to my Country. If you could that would be a great help as I'm looking for this watch desperately... Cheers!
Hi Mayuresh, I appreciate the kind words! To be honest, outside of Amazon, I think your best bet would be eBay to hit somewhat close to the same price point as I mentioned here. A quick google search of Japanese stores lead me to: cutt.ly/kyv55WB but it’s fairly heft price. I’ll continue to be on the look out though! Good luck with the hunt - I know it can be frustrating but try to enjoy it... it makes the reward much sweeter in the end! Thanks again! 🍻
@@bevelwerksHey there! Thanks for your reply... You Google searched to help me?!! That's so much cool man...thanks, I always find my interest in hunting for a watch... Thanks for your efforts and let me know if you find 'The' deal...I appreciate your work👍
@@bevelwerks Hello again. I'm concerned with one thing... the watch I saw on Amazon Canada website or for that matter in your review has a white boxing...where as sarb ordered from Japan has black boxing... To see this please refer to 'Just one more watch' youtube channel for the review of Sarb033... Are these two different watches?? Please let me know...kindly clarify some queries like, whether both are made in Japan?, and about authenticity too.. Cheers!
Mayuresh Kulkarni Hi there again - I am fairly confident that the watch is legitimate, just a different (latter) production year. I believe in Jody’s review that you reference, he indicates he purchased the watch from a Japanese-direct retailer, so my best guess is that it was likely pulled from back-stock from earlier production. The only other thing I could imagine it could be is that when Seiko opened up distribution/sales to North America, they went to the cheaper/alternate white box shown here and saved the more robust/premium gray boxes for their domestic sales. Either way, there have been several other reviews of the white box version so I wouldn’t be too concerned - especially if your are ordering through Amazon, since I am fairly certain you can return the watch, no questions asked if you encounter anything amiss. Good luck on the purchase - hope it works out for you!
@@bevelwerks Hello again. Thanks for your reply and clarification... Your opinion helps me as you have actually bought the watch and also know about watches... thanks again. Cheers!!
I bought a brand new Seiko 5 with a white dial in 2005 for $45.00. It has been my everyday watch and I am still wearing it today and still looks new. Great Japanese product.
The Seiko 5 line is really a fantastic collection of watches that offer not only great value, but a bounty of variety on the design side which I really appreciate. And as you noted, many of them would absolutely hit the mark as incredible everyday watch. I hope it continues to serve you well for many years! And also appreciate you taking the time to comment and share your thoughts! Cheers Scooter!
Did you ever have it serviced in the 15 years that you've had it or has it been running fine without it?
thanks for your review. I am lady and would like to buy the watch for myself. I appreciated the modeling on your wife's wrist as I have the same size wrist.
No problem at all and glad it can help in your decision making! I think the SARB looks great on her wrist but better on mine! Haha! Hope you can snag one soon - you can’t go wrong with this sizing!
Currently wearing mine! Something I have noticed and want to point out. I have both the sarb033 and sarb035. I sized both bracelets the same and noticed that I got a perfect fit on the 035 bracelet but the 033 bracelet was too tight. Stuck a link back in and used the micro adjust hole and then it’s too loose. Ended up having to buy a Strapcode bracelet for my 033 to get a perfect fit. No idea why this happened but something that I experienced! I love both of these Sarbs though and I can’t forget my sarb017 (alpinist)!!
Thanks for sharing man! No idea there could be so much variation between the bracelets! Hopefully others that are experiencing the same will read your comment here so they don’t feel alone 😂. I’ve actually changed the bracelet on mine - not a strapcode but very happy with it as well now… I’ll probably do a video on it but with SARB seemingly out to sleep now it may no longer be a useful video, haha. Well thanks again for sharing - hope all your SARBs continue to bring you happiness!
Thanks for making this very informative video. Just wondering which seller did you get this on Amazon from? Is it with Prime Luxury fulfilled by Amazon? My concern is that some reviews from Amazon are claiming they either got a SARB033 that was already a returned item or not in brand new condition. Claims of the item not having the protective stickers in place. Appreciate your comment and if you got yours in a condition which is brand new and complete. Thanks!
ATS 17 Thanks very much! Looking at who the seller was for mine, it was listed as Amazon.com Services LLC. The watch came brand new with all the protective stickers - I recall inspecting it fairly thoroughly originally and found no evidence indicating it could have been a used or previously returned item. Depending on the seller of course, the good thing with Amazon is that you can pretty much return it if what you receive is questionable. If you want to snag from an AD, I definitely recommend Long Island Watch, but you’ll be paying a premium over the MSRP for it. Good luck with the hunt... one of the best parts of this hobby!
@@bevelwerks Appreciate you taking the time to reply. Thanks so much for the additional information you shared.
I bought this watch the 1st week of May and the 035 2 weeks later. I'm still enjoying the 033 and will wait a couple of months before wearing the 035. The 033 is the better-looking of the two. It reminds of a the black dial Rolex OP 39mm (no date). Both watches will stay in my collection.
Hi Rich - these watches have been difficult to source as of late, but it sounds like you really lucked out the beginning of this month! I’ve contemplated myself getting the 035, but like yourself I am just a bit more enamored with the 033... and I couldn’t convince myself (or the wife, haha) to put complete the duo... yet. 😉 I agree with you about the similarities with the Rolex, which I think really speaks to how classic looking the piece is but still distinctly it’s own. Appreciate you sharing and hope you enjoy both watch for a long, long time! 🍻
@@bevelwerks Yes, I deliberated on getting the 035. In the end, I decided that I'd regret not getting it once they were gone for good. I also agree is it a wise choice to check with missus before buying that second Sarb. I will say that the 035 looks great in person. Kudos, to your great video. It was macro shots of the 035 beautiful black dial and silver indices that sold me.
033/035/017/065 and love them all. Great review
kissmylilpiggy Thanks so much! I agree, all 4 are really fantastic watches - which of them do you like most? Obviously I am pretty particular to the 033, but I know so many who absolutely love the Alpinist. Again, appreciate you taking the time to comment and the support! 🍻
@@bevelwerks It's the 033 for me as well closely followed by a tie between 065/017 and 035 in fourth. The 033 looks every inch a £1000 watch.
I have the 035 and the 017 and still feel like I'm missing out on this one.
I think with both the 035 and 017 you have quite the stable of fine Seikos. I personally prefer the color/dial combination of the 033 but I wouldn’t necessarily say you’re missing out - especially with the 035. Definitely worth seeing if you can check out from a friend, and see if mesmerizes you!
Hi,
In the links you provided they are at 670/560$ respectively.... is there any other Seiko series currently that fit on this style of watches for around 300-500$? Did Seiko launched a replacement for the SARBs or is there any rumour about it? Thanks!!
TheRazerlg hi there - apologize that the prices have increase since my video. The prices on Amazon are constantly fluctuating, so I wouldn’t doubt that those prices may come down again. That said, the SARB033 and 035 are discontinued, so I suspect that it won’t be long until those higher prices become the norm as the back stock dwindles away. With regards to alternatives in the $300-500 range, you can find several from Seiko itself - I think one you can look into if you don’t mind the relatively increase size is the SARY057. Its been touted as a plausible SARB replacement, along with many of the other watches in the Presage range. I personally haven’t heard anything about Seiko releasing a “new” SARB, and with the current design/pricing trend we’re seeing with their latest releases, it may be awhile before we see something like SARB033. Good luck on the hunt!
@@bevelwerks Thank you very much for the comment. Yeah, those SARY are on my mind right now although they are a bit over priced too right now. I read that Seiko will release new SZSB models as replacement of SARBs but they are bigger (39.9mm), no zaphire, and hollow end links...so sad...thank you anyway :)
There’s two models or two different packaging, do you know the difference
I am wearing my o35 now . It is one of the watches I will not flip . I wish I had the 033 . . They're really going up now . I can get $800 for mine now.
Polished presentation. I have the 035, and while I really like it, I'm always waiting for the 6r15 to start acting up. If it does, I'll have a 4r35 put in it.
Thanks man - appreciate the feedback! I think we are all fearful 😂 but that’s a sound strategy! I’ll pray the 6R15 continues humming for both us! Thanks again for sharing!
I have an 8" wrist, and mine fits beautifully.
What I find curious is that the watch was discontinued in 2018, but your serial number indicates it was made in July of last year. What's up with that?
I noticed that too and with a bit of digging it sounds like while discontinued in 2018, production did not completely halt at that time. Undoubtedly backlog in their production line but that good news for folks still looking for a deal!
where does it denote july of 19? the 971206??
@@SaSpursFan That's correct. The first numeral in the serial number is the year (2019); the second numeral is the month (July).
NB: N=November, D=December
dutchroo wait so mine is: 810411. that mean it‘s 2018 and November?
@@SirMopy Close. It was made in 2018. But 1 means it was made in January. If the second digit was an "N" then it would be November.
Here's the code: 1-Jan 2-Feb 3-Mar 4-Apr 5-May 6-Jun 7-Jul 8-Aug 9-Sep 0-Oct N-Nov D-Dec
Where can i buy this?
Hello Bevelwerks. I'm having so much hard time putting back the bracelet on my Sarb. End links are just not fitting on the watch. Please help me out.
Hi Mayuresh, getting the end links back on can be quite difficult - even after taking them on and off several times on my own SARB it takes a bit of patience and power of will, haha. My suggestion is to fit the end link back between the lugs as best as possible, leaving the spring bar ends exposed at the bottom. Then with your bar tool, try to get to sit in between the lugs. I have your typical bar tool, so it definitely takes some working to get the bar back in between the lugs. If you have the caliper/compass style bar tool, which allows you to pinch-&-protract both ends at the same time, it should go much faster! Hopefully that explains it well enough - good luck on getting your bracelet back on!
@@bevelwerks Hello. I knew you would definitely reply. We have had a great conversation so far and I really appreciate your replies and help.
I feel so happy to tell you that I finally succeeded in putting bracelet back on. I was on it the whole day and I finally did it. I also removed two links, one on each side, so that bracelet now fits well.Not having special tools made it hard but I felt victorious at the end of the day;)
Thanks for your help. Should I call you my friend in Watch world(^_-). Cheers!!
No problem Mayuresh - very happy to help! And very happy to hear you were successful! I certainly love it on a steel bracelet, but I know a lot of folks enjoy playing with on some leather bands. Its definitely a bit of a strap monster in that regard! Thanks again for sharing - and hope you enjoy the watch for a very long time!
I paid £500 Uk in mint condition and it’s superb
I had a question about the Seiko sarb033. I am interested in this watch for purchase, the condition is pristine with box and papers. The seller wants $530.00, so my question is if it’s worth it or should I wait for something else? This would be my first watch. Thank you for any feedback
Apologies I am only seeing your comment now! Just wanted to share my 2 cents should anyone else come cross your comment and finds themselves in a similar predicament - essentially the value here is all about how much the watch will mean to you. $530 is definitely a premium over how much I paid but that’s to be expected with a now discontinued watch as popular as the SARB 033. If I had advised you then I would have asked you to consider looking at alternatives to the SARB - as once you break the $500 dollar mark it’s a watch that starts competing with even some entry level Swiss made pieces that I think would be equally nice… and possibly recommend even some microbrands that may allow you to push your dollar further if chasing specs may be your thing. That said, a SARB in pristine/NIB condition would be difficult thing to pass up! Thanks again for sharing - and apologies again I wasn’t able to get back to you in time! 🍻
@@bevelwerks No worries and thank you so much on your thoughts. I did ended buying the sarb unworn and have not worn it. I also bought the sarb035 for a major steal $350 pristine with all paperwork, but the wife wanted the watch. I’m thinking of selling the sarb 033!
Thank you!
Hei dude when did you buy it? Now the price is abnormal on amz
I bought mine through Amazon roughly 2 months ago. Checking the price on their site now I see its up around the $400 dollar mark - which, while not a huge bargain, is still not a horrible price. That said, prices on Amazon tend to fluctuate... I actually had the SARB in my cart for well over 6 months waiting for it to drop price before making the plunge. You might also be able to find on eBay below the $400 dollar mark, but it may take some diligent searching on your part. Good luck and enjoy the hunt (its one the most enjoyable parts!).
Price is crazy now! USD 700 BNIB!
This watch has a certain charm to it. But my problem is the 6R15 movement, which is so overrated.
Think it’s still worth it for the prices it’s been going for?
Hi David - this is a very "personal" question in that it's all about your own feelings about the piece and what its perceived value is. I do my best to be fairly subjective in my reviews but there is only so many "tech specs" one can list (to compare) before it just comes down to... "do you like this watch?". For me, I feeI that the SARB 033 offers an excellent set of specs, inside what is a timeless design from modern Seiko. I really do love this watch, its both a joy to use and wear. But if you're asking me, would I buy it again for the prices its at now... $500...$600...$700?! At $500, I still think it's a great watch. Once I start to crawl over that mark, it's not that I don't feel the SARB is still potentially worth the $500+ dollars, its that my brain starts contemplating... "if I were to save just that little bit more, I could get X or Y." And these "X" and "Y" watches are usually outside the category that the SARB sits in. So it's never really a fair comparison to set it directly against "X" because "X" is usually a $1000+ dollar watch. Again, this is just how my brain personally works and I apologize if this long-winded response doesn't quite answer your question. Good luck with whatever you decided - in the end, all that really matters is you love what's on your wrist. Be well and cheers!
Been considering the white dial version for awhile and never pull the trigger.
I probably sat with this watch in my shopping cart of a 3 months without pulling the trigger, so I know the feeling! I also deliberated over both versions but eventually went with the black, though I don't think you can go wrong with either. Good luck!
Lets make the choices even harder. You should get sarb037 salmon dial if you can.
But all honesty, you should get both black and white. I have both and it has different personalities if you get what I mean. It is both stunning in it's own way. What I want now is sarb037 salmon dial
Kim N Photography I could see snagging the 037 for sure if I could ever find one! Haha
Sarb is good as outdoor watch? I mean wearing it while running
No, I wouldn’t say this is the ideal workout watch to run with. I’d probably steer you toward a G-Shock - something that is rugged, can take abuse, and has some more useful chronometer functions. The SARB is more of an everyday watch. Hope you find what you’re looking for! 🍻
Thanks
Snatched one on Amazon on sale for $357.. Just had to do it. It is now selling for over $600
Nice! Yeah - last time I checked they were selling well over retail. Only a matter of time before the steals are gone. Hope you’re enjoying the new watch! :)
any alternative for this watch ? that is more budget friendly
I think there are several options out there Hadid, many from Seiko themselves. Two from a different manufacturer, that I am looking at right now, which really intrigue me are the Orient RA-AB0F07B19A and the DENEB. I think both are reasonably sized and have the styling that can easily skirt that sporty/dressy line making them ideal everyday pieces. Good luck on the search - enjoy the hunt!
I say jump on the Sarb035 (cream dial counter part). They are thr same watch and right now on Amazon it is $345 which is really only $50 more than what I paid in 2015 so not bad. Dollar for dollar this is the best watch I own.
Try the Seiko SNKL link. They are under the 5 line of Seiko watches and are a good value prop if you would like something less expensive than the SARB
I wish these Seiko movements weren’t so random/luck of the draw. Bought a brand new sarb that would gain 40 seconds a day. Then bought another one used, kept -30 seconds a day. And the worst, I bought a brand new skx013 with the 7s26 and it lost over a minute
Mason Atkinson Hard to believe. But ok.
Thomas Huth yeah I just felt the need to lie about my Seiko experience.... I love the brand but hate their inconsistent movements. If you seriously don’t think this is a problem just go to watch forums and look up the 7s26 and 6r15 accuracy problems
incice? i think you mean index
Yes. Get it off the bracelet, polish it up, and put it on a nice black leather strap.
I was lucky . I got my bracelet to fit nice .
Great video, but you should really clean the watch better before filming.
Thanks man! Yeah, I do try my best to clean the watch before shooting... I've even started doing reviews with the gloves since I know how smudges can happen just while handling it on camera. I'll try to do better in the next one for sure - it always pays to be more diligent! Thanks again for the feedback!
How much this watch cost u bro.?
Hassan Razak roughly $355 - the prices fluctuate on Amazon all the time, I’ve seen as high as $400+ on this watch and no telling it will go up as the back stock shrinks, though may take a year or so.
I am from Indonesia, can I buy Your SARB033J1?
my wishlist is : sarb033, sarb017, sarx055. All overpriced now...
This watch had been reviewed umpteenth times you still have new things/discoveries/nuggets of gold to say/add?
what a shame... people are selling these for like 700usd new
I wish I knew this watch years ago FML
Yeah, unfortunately the nature of supply and demand... which is even further magnified when we are talking about a very well reviewed and popular piece. I find it slightly surprising there are folks willing to pay the premium, for only that at 2-3x MSRP, it begins pitting the Seiko against some more expensive watches. This is not to say the Seiko is not worth that price, especially if your heart is just set on it, but the wider pool definitely makes it a harder proposition when considering value for money. If you're contemplating the SARB 033, definitely recommend looking at the 035 which I believe can still be had at under the $400 mark. Good luck and thanks for sharing!
At that price I better save a couple hundreds more for the new Alpinist. Twice more beautiful a few hundreds more.
The Alpinist is a very nice watch but I think there are enough distinct differences between the two models (it and the SARB) that I feel you could happily own both without feeling you are duplicating or carrying two of the “same” watch in your collection. Different instruments playing the same song. Doing a side by side, the Alpinist definitely reads as a field watch (which is the intent), and while that can absolutely serve as a fantastic everyday watch, I think SARB’s more subdued details offer it greater level of flexibility. Obviously to each their own! Appreciate the comment!
@@bevelwerks You are right, having both will be my dream! Although in this new Covid19 economy, I may be force to choose just one, I'm still inclined on the Alpinist for my first Seiko. I'm a G-Shock lover myself with half-dozen G-Shocks and a couple of Tissot's, so lets see what happens, time will tell.
I thought I was the only watch lover attempting to make this same decision! I’ll be graduating college this semester and I want to commemorate with a new piece. I have a Hamilton Khaki king, and I love it to death. Debating between 3 pieces: the SARB033, the new alpinist (black on bracelet), and the Hamilton intramatic auto chrono (different from the others, I know). I’d really appreciate any input!
Thats quite a decision you have there DLindy! While I know you may have been asking UFCPR for his thoughts, I figured I’d chime in with my own being the lucky owner of both the SARB and the Hamilton Intramatic Auto Chrono. I don’t own the Alpinist myself but I feel pretty confident in saying that you will not go wrong with whatever choice you make in the end, however my first inclination would be to steer you from the Alpinist only because you have the Khaki King which think shares many of the same characteristics. Being left with the SARB and the Hammy, you’re looking at two watches at completely two different ends of the spectrum (in my opinion). With the SARB you have an absolute banger as a super affordable, everyday watch... its a chameleon, being a near perfect balance of dressy and sporty, and with its humble sizing it vanishes on the wrist. The Hammy on the other hand, to make another ridiculous animal comparison, is like a Friesian horse... it prominently stands out and you know when its on your wrist. Its not “giant red g-shock” on your wrist attention-gathering, but is noticeably flashier in a very classical, beautiful sense. By the very nature of being a chronograph, the added complications to the dial and larger case proportions are going to do that. So knowing only what you’ve shared with me - that you own a Khaki King and that this is meant to serve as a token to mark your graduation, I would lean heavy towards the Auto Chrono. I feel its the superior watch but it was going to an uphill battle for the SARB as your essentially asking it to compete with a watch 4x its price, or even 10x if we compare the original MSRPs. Even then, taking the price off the table, my opinion may be further biased as the Hammy was a gift from my wife and is my favorite watch in my collection. The only reasons that I can fathom, that would make me select the SARB, was if I had something markedly similar to the Auto Chrono in my current collection, OR if I wanted a watch that may work better with a suit (from an ease of slipping under a shirt cuff sense). I’ve never done a review of my Auto Chrono but I’d be happy to put it on my docket of watches to feature if it would help! Thanks again - good luck on your decision and congrats on the upcoming graduation!
@@bevelwerks Thanks so much, I really appreciate the advice/input. I have had a huge interest in the intramatic chrono for over a year now, and it really is the watch that I want. However, I think like many of the people considering the SARB today, there is a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) present. Given the iconic status of this watch and the fact it is discontinued, I can certainly imagine kicking myself two or three years later for not picking one up, even at a $400 price tag. These are all things I'll consider, but I think in terms of a graduation watch, you're completely right about the Hamilton. I'd absolutely love to see you review it on this channel! Thanks again, and keep up the good work.
This watch is ruined by the lack of fully lumed indices. Dial appears all black from most angles, rendering it illegible. Total fail.
While I understand your complaint, I have to respectfully disagree. Having worn this watch a great deal now, I think it’s absolutely legible in all except the rare instances where the combo of flat sapphire crystal and lighting can create some mirroring across the dial. Perhaps the frequency of this would be an issue had this been a field watch or divers watch, but in this case where we are looking at something that’s trying to walk the line between a tool watch and a dress watch. The same argument can be made for the amount of lume used - while not nearly as bountiful as a traditional tool watch, for someone who is going into office and wearing this as an everyday watch, it’s the just right amount to be passable. I will agree that if we were to plot this piece along a spectrum between a tool and dress watch, it would like fall closer to the latter but that doesn’t make it a failure by any sort of metric. Having said that, it’s just a watch and world/internet is full of opinions on these things. I hope you find something that fits the bill for you - good luck and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
This is without a doubt, the 2nd most overrated watch on the planet, next to the SKX. Third: Every Vostok Amphibia.
I'd say they are top 10 for sure.
But too 5 overrated watches are:
1. Rolex
2. Rolex
3. Rolex
4. Rolex
5. Rolex