I’ve watched hundreds if not thousands of watch reviews. I believe this is the first time coming across your channel and it definitely won’t be the last. Liked and subscribed. Your review was perfect, well thought out, beautifully narrated and explained. 10/10 well done.
This was exactly what I needed. I found a NB1050-59A brand new for 407 CAD (306 USD) on Buyee (Yahoo Auctions Japan), and I was debating between it and a local preowned SARB035 for 600 CAD (451 USD). After watching this video, I purchased the Citizen! I don't care much about the "recognition", I just want the better watch... Not only the Citizen has a better movement and case coating, I can buy it new haha. Thanks!
Hi! I appreciate this video, as a Sarb033 owner myself, I recently came across a review of the Citizen nb1041. I think it's the absolute sarb alternative currently in the market
I have the Sarb and no need for anymore watches of this style (as I have others with a similar style). But that movement looks so good on the Citizen to me.
Very accurate assessment, IMHO. The only area where our opinions differ slightly, would be in terms of the bracelet. I realize that this is subjective, but personally, I find the SARB's "clasp gap," to wholeheartedly be a deal-breaker. The Citizen does have it's own issues in this category, but from my perspective, is tolerable. To each, their own. Please keep up the great work. Cheers....🥃
@@watchify1775 I'm weird in that i prefer a white date wheel on my black dials, unless its PVD. Black date wheels on black dials blends in too much, and since they date window usually replaces an index of sorts, off-balances the look over all (the white-backed date window fill sin visual-weight-wise for the missing index)
Great review! When you buy a Sarb033 its important to choose the 6R15D instead of 6R15C because its more realiable. Its possible to switch around the clasp end links so you can fit a diver clasp
Perhaps because the NJ0150 is around half the price after tax outside Japan. However it is only 50m WR and features the inferior Caliber 8210 as opposed to the 9011 of the NB1050. Citizen only aims at the luxury segment in Japan.
Hello, I own the orient star heritage. Since you are japanese, id like to ask your thoughts an feelings on this star watch. I myself adore this watch. I have it on a engineer bracelet. Since i did not like the leather strap it came on. An the bracelet makes it perfect. Have you seen the star heritage being worn in japan at all?.
@@silverghost4206 I think your comment was directed to the original poster (I am not Japanese :) but I will say that I have looked at Orient Star models from time to time but never found a design I wanted to buy for my collection. The Heritage model does look nice though and has some pretty good specs for sub 500$.
@@watchify1775 Sorry, yes my comment was for the original commentator. I understand, i do love orient as a whole but i do not like some of their design choices. But when orient does it right they do RIGHT. I wish they would go back to their older designs. From 8 to 15 years ago. Their older formula was just so perfect. An they should bring back royal orient. I do not wear seiko watches. But i would consider Grand Seiko if that day ever came. I purchased 1 seiko watch. It was the seiko turtle blue dial. I had nothing but bad experiances with the watch. Mis aligned bezel insert, the movement was running noticable too fast... The same story... With seiko.
You can find these online for under $400. Not sure i agree with the 3 score for citizen in terms of brand, everyone who knows Seiko should know Citizen.
Dauphine hands get boring if used on every single dress watch. I like the baton hands alot on the citizen. I like to see difference, an being your own. Personally, i am tired of dauphine hands.
Well. we know Seiko's Brand recognition & Reputation are more popular, but the Seiko to be included a category of war crime company... and Citizen has a great enterprise philosphy. That's the reason why I bought nb1050-59e
@@watchify1775 I have all 3 colors. I also have the SARB033. Believe me, the Orient Stars are in a completely different league. And it is the cheapest. You’d be blown away when you hold it. Check Orient Star Standard reviews on youtube.
What other bracelets would be available to replace the stock bracelet on this Citizen? BTW, good video comparison. I own the black dial of this Citizen watch. Hope to find a good bracelet to replace that wears like the sarb female end link bracelet.
I don't think there are any replacement bracelets made to fit this citizen. You would have to find a 19mm straight end link bracelet or a leather strap. I haven't tried this watch on a strap yet but I'm thinking it won't look good with the long lugs
I have the white dial version of the Citizen (NB1050-59A) and I'm running a superfine mesh bracelet from Strapcode on it--gives it a very refined vintage King Seiko vibe.
No denying the sarb is a cult classic but that citizen... i have to get one in my collection. I only with the bracelet had more taper. 19 to 16mm at the clasp would be perfect. Ill probably just through it on a horween strap anyway.
It has the advantage of being a more recently released watch. If Seiko reissued the sarb033 with Diashield, 6R35 movement, and a few other upgrades, I think it would be a hot seller.
No I don't think so. I'm pretty sure most see thru casebacks are mineral crystal as having sapphire on a part of the watch unlikely to ever get exposed to scratches would add unnecessary manufacturing costs
@@rubbernecker2263 I have had good experiences with Sakura watches. www.sakurawatches.com/citizen-collection-nb1050-59l. They are plentiful on eBay USA site as well.
JDM watches piss me off massively !!!! The manufacturer is treating customers in other countries like shit; we are 2nd class citizens and are not allowed to buy the best products. A few years ago I was close to buying "the citizen" when I was informed that I needed to find a Japanese company (or persons address) to buy the watch on my behalf. Likewise when the watch needed servicing they would not accept it from my UK address and would not return it to a non-japanese address. This is a terrible way to treat your customers! Like most reviewers you never mentioned how accurate these watches are in the real world. For the amount they cost I do not find the stated accuracy to be good enough. I never would have thought that in 2022 automatic watches would be so popular given how accurate and robust even the cheapest quartz watches are.
This Citizen would be aboslutely perfect for me, if it weren't for the hands. I really don't like that style of hands. Prefer those sharp hands of the NB1060 and Seiko SARB. A shame the NB1060 is basically twice the price for what it looks a pretty similar watch, aside from a couple of details.
For brand recognition eputation I stand by that. Seiko's have appeared in many more films, are the older company, and at least in my opinion, Citizen still has that mall watch vibe but they are improving!
citizen's sunburst blue looks nice but the sarb wins, sarb looks better, hands look better, movement is better, case is much better, crown is much better.
The sarb has a junk 6r15 movement whereas the Citzen has a 9000 series miyota movement (much more reliable, accurate and better decorated). Nb1050 has duratect coating too. Sarb = Garb ⌚🚮
@@fabionunes9528 You must have never owned a SARB? If not please loan a SARB. SEIKO watches have a soul that's unmatched. Explaining why SEIKO SKX, SARB, TURTLE and Flightmaster have the largest cult following of all the Watches. The Only CITIZEN watch that has a historical provenance is the CITIZEN MILITARE NY0040...That is an icon handsdown and can go toe to toe with SEIKO SKX and some ROLEX.
I’ve watched hundreds if not thousands of watch reviews. I believe this is the first time coming across your channel and it definitely won’t be the last. Liked and subscribed. Your review was perfect, well thought out, beautifully narrated and explained. 10/10 well done.
Wow - Thanks! 😁
This was exactly what I needed. I found a NB1050-59A brand new for 407 CAD (306 USD) on Buyee (Yahoo Auctions Japan), and I was debating between it and a local preowned SARB035 for 600 CAD (451 USD). After watching this video, I purchased the Citizen! I don't care much about the "recognition", I just want the better watch... Not only the Citizen has a better movement and case coating, I can buy it new haha.
Thanks!
How was your shopping experience from Buyee? I’m planning to get it shipped to Canada too.. any taxes did you pay on our end!?
I really like that Citizen. Great comparative review, thanks.
Hi! I appreciate this video, as a Sarb033 owner myself, I recently came across a review of the Citizen nb1041. I think it's the absolute sarb alternative currently in the market
I also noticed that you synced both watches which is a great touch and speaks highly of your meticulous style.
I subscribed and liked 👍
Oh Ok - I'm glad I did that! Thanks!
@@watchify1775
You welcome brother 🙏
Wish you well and looking forward for more GREAT content.
Thoroughly enjoyed this one
Excellent comparison! Thank you for producing this video.
You are very welcome. Thanks for the comment!
I have the Sarb and no need for anymore watches of this style (as I have others with a similar style). But that movement looks so good on the Citizen to me.
Very accurate assessment, IMHO. The only area where our opinions differ slightly, would be in terms of the bracelet. I realize that this is subjective, but personally, I find the SARB's "clasp gap," to wholeheartedly be a deal-breaker. The Citizen does have it's own issues in this category, but from my perspective, is tolerable. To each, their own. Please keep up the great work. Cheers....🥃
Thanks!
Great video. Thanks for the comparison.
Thanks!
Gray dial too! 59H. Just ordered one recently.
Nice. I didn't know about that one !
That's great comparison!
Thanks! 😁
I have both, Sarb feels taller, citizen is flatter and wears slightly larger, thanks in part to 38.5mm width. Citizen is also slightly sportier.
That's a nice summary - thanks
The Sarb dial wins on the date window. The black window with white numerals shouts class
Forgot to mention that. The black dialed citizen has a white date wheel for some reason
@@watchify1775 I'm weird in that i prefer a white date wheel on my black dials, unless its PVD. Black date wheels on black dials blends in too much, and since they date window usually replaces an index of sorts, off-balances the look over all (the white-backed date window fill sin visual-weight-wise for the missing index)
Great review!
When you buy a Sarb033 its important to choose the 6R15D instead of 6R15C because its more realiable.
Its possible to switch around the clasp end links so you can fit a diver clasp
Oh ok. I didn't know that. Thanks!
Mine is the C version. I got it in 2015.
I agree, movement is an important factor and you can clearly see the Citizen's second sweep is smoother than the Seiko's.
Awesome video! Not sure why citizen seems to be pushing their NJ0150 model over this clearly better designed NB1050
I wasn't aware of the NJ0150 line. The yellow one looks kinda cool but specs are not as good as the NB line.
probably because the NJ0150 has an integrated bracelet--those are all the rage! Lol
Perhaps because the NJ0150 is around half the price after tax outside Japan. However it is only 50m WR and features the inferior Caliber 8210 as opposed to the 9011 of the NB1050. Citizen only aims at the luxury segment in Japan.
Oh this isnt even close,that miyota absolutely SMOKES the 6r in the seiko,sorry but this one is a hamds down win for the citizen.
Great review. Very timely.
Cool - glad to help !
I have both I thought finish is way better and compact than sieko ✌♥nice comparison
Is the citizen noisy?
A great comparison to these 2 would be the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander and the Tissot Gentleman
Not sure about the CW, but the Gentleman is way too big for this comparison
The c63 is a great watch. I love mine but i think the value proposition from the citizen is much better.
Great review.
I'm Japanese, but I miss the fact that this wonderful "NB1050-59L" is not well known in Japan.
I decided to buy it. Thank you.
That's cool. Japan market seems to get the better watches. Maybe Citizen should advertise this watch more there!
Hello,
I own the orient star heritage. Since you are japanese, id like to ask your thoughts an feelings on this star watch. I myself adore this watch. I have it on a engineer bracelet. Since i did not like the leather strap it came on. An the bracelet makes it perfect. Have you seen the star heritage being worn in japan at all?.
@@silverghost4206 I think your comment was directed to the original poster (I am not Japanese :) but I will say that I have looked at Orient Star models from time to time but never found a design I wanted to buy for my collection. The Heritage model does look nice though and has some pretty good specs for sub 500$.
@@watchify1775 Sorry, yes my comment was for the original commentator. I understand, i do love orient as a whole but i do not like some of their design choices. But when orient does it right they do RIGHT. I wish they would go back to their older designs. From 8 to 15 years ago. Their older formula was just so perfect. An they should bring back royal orient. I do not wear seiko watches. But i would consider Grand Seiko if that day ever came. I purchased 1 seiko watch. It was the seiko turtle blue dial. I had nothing but bad experiances with the watch. Mis aligned bezel insert, the movement was running noticable too fast... The same story... With seiko.
@@silverghost4206sarx presage sharp edge or sarx035.. You're welcome.
I moved off the SARB035 right before the prices skyrocketed 🤦🏽
Citizen's is always better than Seiko since the beginning of time
But with bigger size and most male endlink
Not recommended for small wrist
Crown and Rehaut on the Citizen is a no go for me, also the Seiko hands are fabulous!! Sarb wins in my book
Citizen has clear AR and has duratech coating.
@@denisdaly1708 It's a competent watch. It will however never become a classic watch as the Sarb.
@@JeeGee114 sarb is a classic and worth 300. Citizen has better finishing though.
hi, how many centimeterts is your wrist? tyvm
16.51 cm
You can find these online for under $400. Not sure i agree with the 3 score for citizen in terms of brand, everyone who knows Seiko should know Citizen.
If only the Citizen had dauphene hands!
Then people would really call out Citizen for trying to copy the SARB. I like the baton hands on this Citizen
Dauphine hands get boring if used on every single dress watch. I like the baton hands alot on the citizen. I like to see difference, an being your own. Personally, i am tired of dauphine hands.
They were clearly going for a Rolex datejust type look.. and they nailed it.
Well. we know Seiko's Brand recognition & Reputation are more popular, but the Seiko to be included a category of war crime company...
and Citizen has a great enterprise philosphy. That's the reason why I bought nb1050-59e
Seiko has committed war crimes? 🤔
@@watchify1775 So has Mercedes. That's just a stupid thing to think about.
Citizen best.
Forget both. Check the Orient Star Standard
That's a good recommendation. I'm not as familiar with Orient Star as regular Orients
@@watchify1775 I have all 3 colors. I also have the SARB033. Believe me, the Orient Stars are in a completely different league. And it is the cheapest. You’d be blown away when you hold it. Check Orient Star Standard reviews on youtube.
What other bracelets would be available to replace the stock bracelet on this Citizen? BTW, good video comparison. I own the black dial of this Citizen watch. Hope to find a good bracelet to replace that wears like the sarb female end link bracelet.
I don't think there are any replacement bracelets made to fit this citizen. You would have to find a 19mm straight end link bracelet or a leather strap. I haven't tried this watch on a strap yet but I'm thinking it won't look good with the long lugs
I have the white dial version of the Citizen (NB1050-59A) and I'm running a superfine mesh bracelet from Strapcode on it--gives it a very refined vintage King Seiko vibe.
@@jayeyesacks1604 Nice ! I hadn't thought of that combo
No denying the sarb is a cult classic but that citizen... i have to get one in my collection. I only with the bracelet had more taper. 19 to 16mm at the clasp would be perfect. Ill probably just through it on a horween strap anyway.
Man.. I mean… just look at them… the answer is right there in front of one’s eyes
The citizen It's way superior When you hold Both of these watches You know the citizen quality It's way superior
It has the advantage of being a more recently released watch. If Seiko reissued the sarb033 with Diashield, 6R35 movement, and a few other upgrades, I think it would be a hot seller.
@@watchify1775 I totally agree with you but imagine if the Seiko will have the update they would sell like 1200 plus
@@watchify1775 except the miyota is a better movement than the 6r35
Prefer the citizen as the movement is 4hz and superior.
Does case back use sapphire crystal ?
No I don't think so. I'm pretty sure most see thru casebacks are mineral crystal as having sapphire on a part of the watch unlikely to ever get exposed to scratches would add unnecessary manufacturing costs
Seiko is better but for a higher price, for me citizen is the best value for money
This Citizen sells for about $375 USD now😉
@@rubbernecker2263 I have had good experiences with Sakura watches. www.sakurawatches.com/citizen-collection-nb1050-59l. They are plentiful on eBay USA site as well.
Citizen vs Seiko is like Omega vs Rolex..
It's a pity Citizen didn't use dauphine hands with this one. They would've worked well.
You just gave me a mod idea
@@watchify1775 I had the same mod idea, did you try it?
JDM watches piss me off massively !!!! The manufacturer is treating customers in other countries like shit; we are 2nd class citizens and are not allowed to buy the best products.
A few years ago I was close to buying "the citizen" when I was informed that I needed to find a Japanese company (or persons address) to buy the watch on my behalf. Likewise when the watch needed servicing they would not accept it from my UK address and would not return it to a non-japanese address.
This is a terrible way to treat your customers!
Like most reviewers you never mentioned how accurate these watches are in the real world. For the amount they cost I do not find the stated accuracy to be good enough.
I never would have thought that in 2022 automatic watches would be so popular given how accurate and robust even the cheapest quartz watches are.
That is a risk with JDM watches for sure. Luckily, I have never had a serious issue with one 🍀
The quartz hype was high in '80 and '90,but it's going away, especially for dress watches.
Citizen momernt from Miyata, 6 angle speed is much more stable, I won't compare like you do.
This Citizen would be aboslutely perfect for me, if it weren't for the hands. I really don't like that style of hands. Prefer those sharp hands of the NB1060 and Seiko SARB. A shame the NB1060 is basically twice the price for what it looks a pretty similar watch, aside from a couple of details.
Yeah that NB1060 is a great looking watch. I considered it but was turned off by the price. Manufacturing of that lacquered dial drives up cost.
No it's really light
Giving 5 to Seiko and 3 to citizen is so unjust
For brand recognition
eputation I stand by that. Seiko's have appeared in many more films, are the older company, and at least in my opinion, Citizen still has that mall watch vibe but they are improving!
Please specify the size of your wrist?
6 3/4 inch
citizen's sunburst blue looks nice but the sarb wins, sarb looks better, hands look better, movement is better, case is much better, crown is much better.
The movement is complete garbage compared to the 9000 4hz series in the citizen. Go play with your Disneyland Minnie mouse timex kiddo.
I don't want to talk about a fantastic stupidly discontinued Watch. 0033.
The sarb has a junk 6r15 movement whereas the Citzen has a 9000 series miyota movement (much more reliable, accurate and better decorated). Nb1050 has duratect coating too. Sarb = Garb ⌚🚮
The CITIZEN is a great ALTERNATIVE but not a SUBSTITUTE of the SARB.
The SARB is on a whole different stratosphere
why?
@@fabionunes9528
You must have never owned a SARB? If not please loan a SARB. SEIKO watches have a soul that's unmatched. Explaining why SEIKO SKX, SARB, TURTLE and Flightmaster have the largest cult following of all the Watches.
The Only CITIZEN watch that has a historical provenance is the CITIZEN MILITARE NY0040...That is an icon handsdown and can go toe to toe with SEIKO SKX and some ROLEX.
@@1malikalik not any reason why it's better....
Another boring looking retread.
🤔🤨
LOL the Seiko is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better. Citizen looks hella cheap. Not enough detail.
What are you even talking about
@@yarrrthekraken why isn't seiko QC better? Doesn't need to be they got the fanbase lol