Best Japanese Watches Under $500 & Triple Review - SARG011, SARB065 "Cocktail", SDGM001 "Brightz"
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- Опубліковано 25 тра 2016
- *21,600 BPH (Not 28,800, sorry slip of the tongue)
Today I share the results of a recent poll held in the Facebook group to see what was the best Japanese watch under $500. I also review a cracking bunch of JDM Seiko watches including SARG011, SARB065 "Cocktail", SDGM001 "Brightz" and compare it to my own favourite the SARB033. To view the unboxing and initial impressions of these pieces, check out the following video...
• Quadruple Stowa & Seik...
To buy the Seiko SDGM "Brightz" I recommend...
www.longislandwatch.com/Seiko_...
To buy the Seiko SARB065 "Cocktail" I recommend...
www.longislandwatch.com/Seiko_...
To buy the Seiko SARB011, I recommend....
www.longislandwatch.com/Seiko_...
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Great review TGV, I was looking forward to this. Love the cocktail time
Thank you so much for posting that video. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I was especially pleased to see the Seiko SDGM001 ( The Brightz) as it, along with its very dark brown /black brother the SDGM003 are very underrepresented on UA-cam. As you know, having examined all four watches closely, the Brightz surpasses the other three excellent watches, by a country mile in every respect bar movement in which it's their equal. Mind you, at twice the price so it should. I enjoy pretty much all of your videos very much indeed, having been a fan more or less from the start. I hope and pray your success continues and whatever dreams you may have are realised. Stay safe, stay well, stay happy!
Going back and watching some older TGV videos. Really do like that SARG001. So much so that I bought one shortly after seeing this video. Great work as always, Governor !!!
You're killing me TGV, every video of yours that I watch I find another watch to add to my list 😂. Keep up the good work.
LOL, Matt, its not just you my friend! My list is growing too!!!! :D
Thank you my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video series TGV. I've have just started my horological journey and your videos have been an education. Pity I began looking at watches just after Seiko stopped producing the SCVE003, a red one is on my 'find' list. The 'Cocktail' is a stunner.
Published on May 26, 2016....
2 years and 4 months finally sourced and ordered a SDGM001..... thanks so much for the review! Can't wait to get it
I've been enjoying my SARG011 now for a week! Love it! Great watch. Thank you for the great review!
Hooray! So glad to hear.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video! I like the SARG011 a lot, it's unique design and small details ie. the red on the seconds hand and the frame of the date window are priceless. Your reviews are great, as it just shows you appreciate watches of this range the same way you appreciate Haute Horology pieces.
I've owned a SARG011 for a few months now. Initially I was a little underwhelmed. I could not find a nato that suited it. When I put it on a two piece caramel leather strap however, it sang. It is a lovely watch.
The SARB065 dial is stunning, I'd easily take it over the Brightz. I'm a sucker for domed crystals too, so it's gotta be the Cocktail for me.
One of the best strap I have seen on the "Cocktail time", complements it really well.
Best regards,
Daniel
Bro, I have been looking at the SDGM00 Brightz series for 10 months now and was waiting for you to review it. I'm glad you did, I'm definitely going to get it. Spot On Review, You never fail bro. I watch your channel more than TV lol. Keep them coming G. Happy Memorial Day.
DO IT! You will not regret it, it is amazing!!!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks for the reviews, TGV! Problem for me is going to be to choose what to get! I plan to buy a JDM Seiko on my upcoming trip, but there are so many to choose from! My fear is that I'm going to like the SDGM003 best, and it's really more than I'd like to spend, but it looks sooooo cool. Not that I'm going to decide until I see them in person, but I almost wish you had said the Brightz wasn't worth the extra money! Oh well, first world problems, as I'm extremely fortunate to be able to travel and have the money to spend on any one of these.
Very nice. Good to see some nice thoughts on the SDGM...
My 6R15, after the first couple weeks, has been running +3 seconds to +4 seconds per day.... which I think is fantastic.... Very underrated movement....
amazing review! I love japanese watches for some reason, maybe since they seem to offer so much for their prices.
and i like the way you did your hair it fits you well.
Thank you Ethan, the was my "morning" hair from when I woke up, decided to leave it as it looked kinda cool LOL
Best regards,
TGV
Brightz is one of Seiko's lines, like Prospex, Dolce, and Presage. I think that's moonstone on the crown.
The SARB065 was designed with a famous Japanese bartender, Ishigaki Shinobu. That's why it's called the "cocktail time".
Hardlex is actually closer to sapphire in hardness than ordinary mineral crystal. Mineral crystal is a 5 on the Mohs Hardness scale, sapphire is a 9, and Hardlex is a 7 or 8, depending on the grade.
I've bought from SeiyaJapan, they're great and I've never been hit with import taxes (I live in Northern California). However, Long Island watch is having a 10% off sale right now which is resulting in amazing prices.
Thank you BL, excellent comment. Seiyan are good, I bought a few from them too, but as you so rightly say LIW have some great prices, I have to stay aways from the site, especially as I am saving for my mid term grail!
Best regards,
TGV
Proud owner of the SDGM003, the black/maroon version. It oozes quality indeed. The stone on the crown is an onyx :)
Loved the video as always TGV. It was real nice to actually see the impressive of the finishing of the Brightz. It would be a nice battle between the Brightz series and The Citizen Signature Collection, just a suggestion. Keep up, great great video. Thanks.
Thank you Pedro, great idea for a video! :D Love Citizen, they have some stunning watches in their Signature collection, good call.
Best regards,
TGV
wow fell in love with the cocktail watch, def gonna be saving up for that!
You will not regret it.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Hi tgv great vid, wow my favourite hhmmmm the bright's lovely piece, pure class, fantastic review as alway's, all the best my friend Ryan. ONWARDS AND UPWARDS.
great review. loving those seikos. can't wait for the ball skin diver review, I put my squale 1521 on a similar bracelet to the skin diver and it looks amazing
Thank you Jason. Cant beat a 1521 on something like that. cool!
Best regards,
TGV
I just ordered the black Brightz version the SDGM003 from Japan, can't wait for it to come out of customs. I'm not a collector so this will become my daily driver! Glad to see al these great reviews of the SDGM's! Thanks for making these high quality video reviews! (y)
You will love it and you are very welcome, enjoy the watch!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Hi Tgv, thank for a great review of these fantastic watches. Being of limited means I was considering the sarg as my next purchase but now am really interested in the brightz so may have to save a bit longer as it looks like a gorgeous piece.
Thank you, you really cant go wrong with each but if you can, save and go for the Brightz, its worth it.
Best regards,
TGV
Just checked out the SGDM003 - very nice! The thing about a dress watch is that places that you're going to want one are more formal or important events. It's these types of situations that I would want to wear something a little more high end. A good value dress watch is a bit of a contradiction IMO. But then if it's only something that you wear occasionally, then cheaper makes sense. I suppose that's why the Rolex datejust has sold so well for all these years. A perfect dress watch that can be worn in all situations too.
Awesome review. Really very helpful n' I enjoyed very much.
Nice to see the SARB017 was at the top, to me that watch is beautiful,. I recently purchased a Tissot Le Locle with the white dial., what strap would you recommend for it?
Delightful channel chap. I have been a fan of Seiko craftsmanship for some time and have recently acquired a stunning SSA345J1 to add to my collection. I find the OEM strap is not to my particular tastes so to speak. Any suggestions on a few straps and colours that I may include to go well with charcoal shoes, and dark taupe and tan shoes? This is my first watch with a dark gray dial and I wanted to reach out and glean your opinion. You add immeasurable value to the horological community and I look forward to your continuing content. Cheers.
Fantastic reviews, TGV. I've been eyeing the Cocktail Time for a bit, but not sure now because of the size. It's certainly a little bigger than I first thought.
Thank you Chris, had it been 38mm and a bit thinner it would of been perfect, but then again, those who want the larger sizes wouldn't be happy. Shame they don't do different sizes.
Best regards,
TGV
it's a real pleasure to see all this watches togheter in one video. congratulations Tristano
Thank you Davide, glad you like it :D
Best regards,
TGV
Another great video! Man, I love that Brightz!! I may have to pick up a SARG011 though. I really like the big lumed numbers.
Thank you JC, sure you will love it. Very tooly!
Best regards,
TGV
excellent video TGV! im currently living in Japan, but somehow i havent had the opportunity to go check those models directly at the shops lol... so, it was really nice to see them all on this video! thanks a lot! keep the good work! cheers!
Wow, I envy you, but then again if I lived there I would be broke as I hear they have fantastic watch shopping over there.
You should definitely check them out.
Best regards,
TGV
yes i try to control myself as much as i can lol... yes, ill try to make some time to go check them! cheers!!!
nice video sir , I would like to suggest making a video explaining the terms you use like what is the difference between the different mechanisms and different types of watches
Hey! great great videos, of course I knew about Seiko and all Japanese brands, but I learnt about the Citizen marina militare which is so nice so I bought one, now I need the SKX of course and the Alpinist!!! Greetings from Mexico! BTW, now I will treasure the Seikos and Orients my father brought from Japan!!!
Fantastic video review! My favorite quote, "There is a Seiko for everybody." So true!
Thank you Mike,
There certainly is!
Best regards,
TGV
It's nice to see the SDGM series get some much deserved respect.
Good job.
I got that SDGM (aka the Grand Cocktail) a few years ago. I have to say that when I put it next to my Grand Seiko Snowflake, it holds up very well, at least in appearance. Obviously, the Snowflake is titanium instead of steel, and it has a Spring Drive movement, but the finishing appears very similar for a watch that cost 1/6 as much.
@@t185bear,
I agree. Since my comment from four years ago, I have acquired a spring drive with a champagne dial. It is amazing how well the SDGM holds up in comparison.
The snowflake is a stunning watch, excellent choice.
more reviews of entry level pieces! yay
keep it up!!!
Always, I try to cover all ranges and always will ;-)
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
You're killin' me - I already ordered a SARB033 and now you've got me thinking about the Brightz! :)
yeah, that brightz is great looking but certainly not as much of a great value proposition as the SARB033
Hi TGV - Great line up of Seiko's. It was very helpful to me to see them compared. I wish the SARB033 came in a 40-42 size for my wrist size. The Brightz is a very nice watch with a well built case. The second hand color of the SDGM001 reminds me of the gauge indicators on my car's instrument panel. Kind of neon red/orange as you say. Maybe that's what they were going for. Cheers!
Thank you John, if you like the SARB033 but want it in 40mm, you should go for the SDGM003, it's even better then the SARB003 quality wise, black dial and with so much more. Spot on with the observation of the colour, totally see what you mean.
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks for the review. Love the brights and the sarb.
You are most welcome,
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Nice video TGV, I am looking forward to seeing the new Seiko,Presage range when it finally arrives here in Australia. Cheers.
Thank you Bobo, dying to get my hand on a Presage too!
Best regards,
TGV
My favourite UA-cam channel. Thank you.
Lol Tristano @20:18 'A throwback to a more elegant age' Reminds me of star wars 'An elegant weapon from a more civilized age' You are the Obi Wan of YT bro
Beautiful watches! The SARB065 is one of my wanted watches. But with my low budget at the moment I'm enjoying my Seiko 5 & Citizen Eagle 7. Saving up though
Thank you, keep saving my friend!
Best regards,
TGV
I wonder who got the Alpinist ball rolling haha! Super excited to see the Ball skindiver review coming up. Another great video Tristano.
Thank you Justin, You are the original Alpinist strong man!
Best regards,
TGV
very nice review. loving the cocktail, absolutely stunning.
Thank you Joshua,
Best regards,
TGV
Excellent video, Tristano. I didn't know too much about the "Brightz" and you have explained it marvellously. It catched my eyes, but I didn't search about it. A step up following the path of a GS, Rolex (appearance)?.
The four watches are winners.
Till your next video, "ciao".
Thank you Carlos, very kind of you, these Seiko watches are their best kept secret, but the secret is out!
As for the GS, check my latest video ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
Another video that goes to solidify why you are fast becoming the leader in the youtube horological pack my friend.
Very kind of you to say my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
great reviews, love my sarb033 - what strap is yours on ?
Sportsmatic 5 / Seiko 5 is my favourite.
Great video TGV. The dials on the cocktail and the brightz are outstanding. My pick would be the brightz followed by the cocktail. Id like to see them both made in 38mm with no exhibition back which may enable a thinner case. Gotta love Seiko.
Thank you Brian, I agree, in 38mm they would be to die for!
Best regards,
TGV
Love SARG011! Amazing dial, hands, domed crystal! Do want! Going to order this soon.
Don't blame you, such good taste, you will not regret it.
Thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Seiko are the masters of the complete range of watches for everyone's pocket....I love them!!
Your sarb003 is very nice but I prefer 40mm+ sizes with my 7.5 inch wrists...
Regards Pat
Liked the video just reading the title for watches to review...good stuff!
Haha, thank you my friend :D
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Just ordered the SARB065 today. It will be the first Seiko in my collection. Can't wait to get it!
Bet you will love it, Enjoy!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Hello, I'd like to know from who should I buy the Seiko SARB033 and where I can get that strap you have for it. Love your setup!
My favourite is the SARB033, which also happens to be my favourite out of your entire collection! :D
My Presage SRP467 sports the 4R36 movement, which basically derives from the 6R15, but with a different spring that gives about 41h of power reserve.
As you said, ther's one Seiko for everybody, and that's why they're so popular.
I would like to know who it was a long time ago that decided dress watches should be lume free. I know that I don't wear a dress watch only outside in the sunlight. I wear it in dim rooms as well. Anyhow, great presentation. Keep them coming.
I often think this, I probably wear dress watches more for evenings out rather than daytime so it does often strike me a little odd when people say it's a dress watch so doesn't require any lume. I'd rather have even a fine line of lume than none at all.
You have to love SEIKO, My favourite is your favourite,the Brightz is fantastic, good job TGV.
P.S. Nice haircut
Great reviews as usual. It would be good if you can get your hands on a PRESAGE SARX033, and do a comparison with the SDGM001 "Brightz". I'm serious split between which one of these two to get. Recently got the SARG011. Its a good everyday watch.
YESSSSS dying to get my hand on those, stay tuned. great choice.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
TGV! Could you do a video on Steinhart and your thoughts on the brand? I know you've covered Squale, but it would be interesting to see a comparison between the Ocean 1 and the 1545! Cheers.
Another great video TGV. Unfortunately, LIW is OOS on all 4 watches right now. Bummer!
WOW, that was quick, I better return these asap so they can find happy new owners.
Best regard,
TGV
Tristano great video as usual but i wanted to ask of you on what you think about the brand bulova and if you could review a bulova watch maybe sometime in the near future.
Thank you SM, I literally just answered this very question. I love Bulova, their former HQ is just down the road from here in Queens, stunning Art Deco masterpiece, google it and you will see, amazing.
Best regards,
TGV
Can't wait to get my hands on the Brightz... Beautiful and finely finished piece that only costs $700!! The price to value on it definitely beats many high end luxury watches out there
Sorry I don't Facebook, but I would add the Seiko SARX027. The enamel work on the dial is beautiful. Yes, it may look dated to some people. But, it reminds you of the beautiful pocket watches made by Hamilton, Waltham and such.
Is that a Citizen Promaster NY0040 u have on at minute 25:28 ? Besides that awesome review as always, thnx alot. U made me want to buy a SARB033. Greets from Berlin.
Hey, can you said something about new coctail Seikos, because a lot of talking about them.
Thanks in advance
I just ordered the silver dial with blue hands! Just a beautiful watch I think
Do you know if the SARG011 has any gold plated components in the movement?
love the SARG011, SARB033 and the Alpinist. I think green is a great color for watches and also for straps - as far as I can remember you used one from COLAREB when you reviewed the alpinist. nice video, great review as always. oh, just tried to join the facebook group for the third time.........cheers.
Whats you FB profile name? My admin team are very careful who they let in as we get a lot of spammers.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
hI TGV, my profile name is Ana Isidro. cheers.
Hi,
I have relatively small and thin wrist. Do you have any recommendation on which dress watch is suitable for me? I really like the Seiko Brightz style.
Many thanks
loving that vintage blue strap, reminds me of what I did on my Mido Baroncelli Heritage, great taste as always my friend
instagram.com/p/BFwuzW0JbQb/?taken-by=averagebros_insta
VERY COOL!!!!
Thank you Mark,
Best regards,
TGV
Very classy!
Oh my! The Brightz is awesome piece to have without breaking the bank. Oh dear another one added to my list.... Thanks for your picks TGV!
Thank you, so true what you say about the cost PTH!!! So true indeed.
Best regards,
TGV
Another great video. I understand that Seiko has superior quality. I own an SKX and FFF modded version. However; there are just so many models. I cannot get a handle on them like I can with other brands.
Very true, I always seem to find more Seiko every day.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Nice pieces, I am impress, these watches are gorgeous. I am getting a Seiko Monster for my birthday although I was in a dilemma, between getting a monster JDM (Szen006) or a regular SRP581 for half the price, which in my opinion this last one with a better movement. I guess I will wait for a Monster Limited Edition
Just bought myself a brand new Seiko SARB065 Cocktail time, Can you Please Recommend a Steel Bracelet for it, I would like a Seiko original bracelet strap but I don't think Seiko make any to fit.
hi, which model is the blue COLAREB strap on the SARB065? thanks.
WOW. That SARB065 looks so nice. I love the blue second hand. Huge fan of blue hands. Buying it for myself for my birthday :)
Awesome review. Also, which weather station is that?
If you had to choose between the movement in the sdgm and an eta 2843-2. Which one would you choose? Which one is more durable and has better time keeping ? Do you know which one is cheaper to service?
Hi TGV! I couldn't fix my mind whether I go for Brightz or Cocktail time coz movement is same...!!! please give me your priceless opinion. Take care.
Loved seiko for years but have grown lately to appreciate the orient line which i didnt know about a year ago. Fantastic quality and in house movements for the price. Theres something for everybody with this line. I have the explorer, gains 1 sec a day, and the v3 sun and moon, gains 4 sec day. I also have one of the first citizen ecodrives on titanium. Watch is 15+ years old,in regular rotation and still going strong.
Really want the grand seiko...that or the ball fireman. So far i havent spent more than $400 for a watch.
Getting quite addicted to this hobby...
I could have lent you my Alpinist for the review. Its funny I see my building in almost all you intros... :)
Great vid as usual.
Regards.
Thank you MM, I have in fact already reviewed it, but thank you for the kind offer.
Which building is it?!?!? :D Sorry, being nosey.
Best regards,
TGV
+The Urban Gentry
I know! I enjoyed a lot...
2:11 big white one on the left... :))
Love the cocktail time. Can the crystal be swapped out for a slightly domed sapphire? That might shave off .5-1mm from the heavily domed stock crystal, giving the watch a more proper (slimmer) dress watch look.
Hi TGV. I am considering to buy the SARB 065 as a b-day present for myself. I have been reading a lot of reviews about it, and was happy when you announced that you were going to review it. My other option is the Orient Classic Star. How would you compare both watches?
Thank you Cesar, hmmm, both exceptional watches, I would chose the Cassic Star as I love the power reserve, but this has the better dial. I will see if I have time to do a duel,
Best regards,
TGV
I have a Seiko SNK375 (Speed Racer) and it looks great, but it's running a bit fast. I should probably get it looked at soon.
Just received my Turtle SRP today. It's really fantastic
can you review the Orient "Producer" watch i'm loving this watch right now!
Wonderful! I guess I stopped watching after the SARB and never payed attention to the SDGM part of this.
I own the sarb033 and the sdgm001 both. I wear the sarb on a high quality black leather strap and it looks a million. The sdgm doesn't need a bracelet change because it is a superb bracelet. Especially considering the price of the watch. Put a different, higher grade movement in the sdgm and it is "almost" Grand Seiko-ish. Yes i said it. The finish and quality is that great. The sarb and thesdgm are both keepers in my collection. As is the skx007 the blue sumo and the shogun. I cannot help it but i love JDM Seiko's.
Nice!!! Funny you mention GS, check todays video ;-)
Excellent comment, thanks for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Proud owner of the SDGM003, the black/maroon version. It oozes quality indeed, and just as a side note, it is indeed an onyx on the crown :)
Enjoyed the Video TGV.... It's strange how changing a strap can make a massive difference!! Like a haircut... Seiko really are on there A - GAME , with these!! Cheers TGV!! BMJ ENGLAND
Thank you Benjamin. so true abut a change of strap, gotta respect seiko :D
Best regards,
TGV
What band are you wearing on your SARB033 in this video? Thanks and keep up the good work!
+1
It's a canvas or sailcoth strap, you can find tonnes of them out there.
www.holbensfinewatchbands.com/eulit-canvas-black/
nice video and i would vote for my favorite SRP275J1 or SARB035
Thank you, great choices
Best regards,
TGV
I have my Seiko Référence SRP705K1 on a beautiful brown Colareb strap (found Colareb through you). Changes the watch completely.
So glad to hear, enjoy it, Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video I adore Seiko's am loving the Brightz
Thank you Philip!
Best regards,
TGV
curious to hear your thoughts on the SARG009 which a lot of people calls the Seiko Explorer.
have the SARG011 as I feel in love with the 'red' second hand, but lately the clean black and white look of the SARG009 has piqued my interest and very reminiscent of the Explorer I.
love my SARG011 and see my self keeping it on the long run but l'm finding that I want a smaller field watch so an Explorer 14270 or 114270 is my end watch goal.
Hmmm. I always thought hardlex was tougher than sapphire but just not as scratch resistant. Learned something new. Great vid.
Thank you, I actually dropped my flighty once on concrete, it chipped but didn't shatter, its a lot tougher then people think.
Best regards,
TGV
Think the sarb033 is worth the $489 it’s retailing for now that it’s discontinued? Or waiting to see what seiko puts out next.
A thorough review for having done 3 watches at once. Well done.... The Alpinist SARB017 (re: FB opinion poll) really is a jack of all trades: Its dressy, its tooly, its smart, its water resistant to 200m. Its stunning on perlons, brown crocodile leathers and dark blue straps. Sometimes it's hard for me to decide whether to wear it or my Rolex Datejust. They feel almost interchangeable.
Thank you, you hit the nail on the head there,the Alpinist certainly is the jack of all trades.
Best regards,
TGV
Another great video, go on, go on, go on!
Thank you Giorgio :D
Best regards,
TGV
TGV, what is your wrist size ? Looking to buy the SDGM001 for my 30th and I think the size looks good on your wrist. I have 6.75 inches wrists. Thank you
Spot on love them all! Just wish they had screw down crowns. Not a deal breaker, I need to get one!
Thank you Jim! Yes it is a shame, but as you say, not a deal breaker.
Best regards,
TGV