I purchased the SARB035 this past winter. Love it and I'll never let it go. Nice review, but my the crown on mine does not have the gap you mentioned. I did purchase mine directly from Japan, which I would suggest for anyone who plans on purchasing one.
I have the 035 and I'm glad I picked it up. It's a classic for sure. The bracelet isn't horrible but I do have it on brown leather for the winter. The SARB is a strap monster and very versatile with the water resistance and the lume.
Hi Oleg, I have the SARB035 with the off white or champagne dial. I mainly wear a 42mm SKX or similar so buying this off eBay for a steal at £200 was a disappointment as it looked so small. It sat in the watch box for a while before I took it away on holiday to wear on an evening. This is when I really started to appreciate it as it’s elegant while still been a touch sporty. It now has a cork strap which works much better than the bracelet, oh and might I add I’m a bracelet man too! Another excellent review my friend. 👍
Mark Playford Had similar experience- have to spend time on the wrist to appreciate SARB033. Was going to sell mine until I put a silicon strap on it... now it’s practically at the top of my rotation, what a great daily driver piece- comfortable with low key panache👌
My favorite watch. Hard to give any of my other watches wrist time. I also wish the bracelet was a bit better. That garage door opening in the clasp really bothers the hell outta me. Great review.
SARB 033 is a JEWEL! I own both SEIKO SARBS, ORIS, STOWA, ZELOS, GS, LACO. I still wear this watch so much and I STILL love to look at it. It draws my attention every time I use it.
After owning this watch for over 2 years, I am still so impressed with it. I came late to the Sarb party and only bought it after I learned it had been discontinued 2 years prior. Its understated elegance was the thing that immediately caught by eye. It really is quite handsome. Agree that the bracelet is underwhelming, so I swapped it with a Strapcode Oyster. It definitely elevated an already brilliant watch. So glad I paid only $300 (NIB) for it. Prices are crazy now.
I have this watch and I love it. It was running slow so I had it regulated. The lack of micro adjustments is a little bit of a pain, but I think the bracelet itself is fairly decent. The dial, in certain light, has almost a dark brownish gray hue to it. Overall a great watch for the money.
06:02 that first gap is there for the very functional purpose, it lets the bracelet move freely relative to the case of the watch. Very important feature, seen in many seiko watches.
The only "negative" for me is the gap under the clasp. That's it. Mind you, I did buy it for £260 almost two years ago. The crown on yours is bit weird, mine sits deeper in the case.
Great video, Oleg! I own the SARB 033 and I love it. I think not only the design is very classic and versatile, but the proportions are excellent. I have some complaints though: the cristal gets dirty very easily, the bezel is really a scratch magnet and the rotor is a little noisy. Mine has the 6R15R movement and I did had problems with it, running slower than expected. On the other hand, it is interesting to discuss why Seiko has discontinued such a best seller. It was meant as a Japanese Domestic Model back in 2008, when maybe the selling worldwide through internet were not so massive. Now it would compete with other Seiko that they are trying to sell for a higher price, like Presage, Prospex and the new Seiko 5 Sports. Keep on with the good job!
As always, great review Oleg. By chance I wore the SARB033 for work today, it’s a great watch! It doesn’t get the most wrist time, but I fall in love with it again every time I take it out of the watch box. I think its got a kind of Explorer vibe, kind of a Datejust vibe going, which enhances its versatility. Personally, I like the bracelet, but even if you don’t, another pro for the 033 is it’s an absolute strap monster that will look good on just about any strap, bracelet or NATO you care to put it on.
CLASSIC seiko. one of their finest every day/dress watches in my taste. Pure class, and it looks awesome on many different straps. Thanks for this video!
My only 2 complaints about this watch are the gap in the clasp and that lack of AR coating. I have this watch and love it. But I'd love to have a better view of dial without the interference of reflection. With that said, it remains a cornerstone of my collection and sees a lot of wrist time. Great video Oleg....Keep it up!
Nice review - IMO spot on. I paid under $300 four years ago so I have no problem overlooking the watch’s faults. It keeps great time, fits well under the cuff of a dress shirt and is incredibly comfortable to wear. I’ve heard the best versions of Seiko watches are sold to the Japanese market so I bought mine from Seiya Japan who I highly recommend. Btw the Rolex you’re wearing is my all time favorite watch. I hope to eventually own one.
Another great video man. I do concur with all your comments. I love mine, it's like a perfect watch to me. Although the movement in mine does run terribly slow (like a minute a day), I'm sure it would be easily regulated if I desire to get it done.
Just bought one. Love everything about it. NOS from July 2009. Wore it a few days then lobbed it onto my timegrapher. Crown Down 0 s/d. All other positions 6 or less s/d. Wow. Very happy I got a good one.
I have the 35 and agree that the watch deserves to have an anti-reflective (AR) crystal installed. This is probably the most common criticism. A person could replace the crystal themselves but this involves taking out the entire movement and buying a particular piece of equipment to pop out the crystal and then press it back into place after the movement is re-inserted and aligned. If this is to be one's daily wear I would recommend taking this watch to a reputable watch maker (smith) to have this done. Nice video. I like Mr. Bond too.
Great review/comparison in 2019. I have this watch and its my daily driver (and I love it). Which leather strap do you have on it around the 3:30 mark? It's really nice. Thanks for sharing.
Had mine a while now and still love it I got it when ebay had a discount code that took it down to £190 delivered recently it was running slow but a fine adjustment has corrected it and now running within the spec's always looks great
Hey Oleg, this is the watch I ended up selling because of my Lorier Falcon which I will be lending in to you. Also an update: just purchased another Lorier, the Neptune version 2 which I can also lend in to you once I am back from vacation.
I have a hard time spending close to 450 dollars on a 300 dollar watch but I love this watch so much it’s so versatile and fits perfecting into my collection of divers. Should I go ahead and get it or wait till 2020 for the new alpinists coming out?
My question for you is, where did you buy your Seiko watch? How much did you buy it for? And also which site do you trust. I’m interested in purchasing this specific Seiko but I am worried that I may get a fake or unreal Seiko sarb033.
Hi Oleg Don’t have one myself but I still think it’s great value for money. If you want a watch with classic styling and elegance without being willing to use thousands of $/€/£ it’s incredible what you get here in terms of finishing and style. I could compare with my beloved (-vintage) Date Just. What’s the difference? Well, off cause the Rolex has a better movement and the finishing is even sharper too. Not to mention that famous Rolex steel... But the DJ only has plexiglass and it’s Jubilee Bracelet is made of folded links, even more rattling than that on the Seiko. The versatility is about the same and so is the water resistance. Is it worth the difference in price? Only if you’re a watch nut! Unfortunately, I am. But I would nevertheless recommend this Seiko to anyone... If I had one I would prefer to wear it on a nice high quality leather strap, maybe with a butterfly clasp. Doing that you have a watch for a lifetime without breaking the bank😉 Very nice video, Oleg. Keep up the good work👍
Thanks for the review Oleg, a very accurate summary of the pros and (few) cons with the SARB033.....it's a great watch and deserves the love it gets from watch nuts 👍👏. Cheers Noel
If I were to have to start my collection over, this is the first watch I'd get. In fact, I'm considering the SARB035, to go along with my -033, but I consider the cost of a strapcode brushed/polished with sub clasp as part of the purchase price, jumping from 400 to 550. I took the bracelet off within 3 days of purchase, and I don't think I ever put it back on.
Great watch, I showered with it, swam in the lake and dove into the water all time time. No problem with water resistance, a great do it all watch. I agree an ar coating would be a nice addition and a potential mod for new owners. The geneve striping and and signed crowned are great little touches to see from Seiko, along with the sapphire. Years ago I think I paid around 300 usd but I agree it is probably still a nice value at 400 usd
I have the nearly identical predecessor, the Spirit SCVS003 (matte black dial) with the 6R15A caliber. I wear it on a 2 ring NATO. It's good looking enough to have inspired a homage by no less than Rolex (black dial 39mm OP 114300 released in 2018) I got the watch new 13 years ago; it was serviced once by Seiko at age ten. 55+ hours of power reserve. It runs inside COSC specs, +3 per day. Crown down overnight slows down the daily gain on wrist, over a month it gains about 15 seconds.
The Seiko looks great. It is affordable, perfect size, classic design, and reliable. I would love to buy one. The watch should come back into production. That bracelet is not that bad, I still wear my Vostok Amphibia on the original bracelet, just adjusted.
Nice review! I also love this watch. There’s only one negative thing to me: the rotor noise when you shake your hand. Do you guys have the same issue or do I have OCDs? Thanks
I’ve never had good experiences with Seiko movements. I had the 7s26 in the Snkl23 and skx and both lost about a minute a day. I had the sarb033 and it lost 40 seconds a day. I bought all of the watches new. It’s upsetting because I like Seiko but their movements are hit or miss.
Also surprised, my 7S26 is average -.9s/d and +3/-7. Hopefully my 6R15 in the SARB on it's way follows suit! You also can always regulate them, it's very easy and if you're outside +-10 I definitely would open it up and regulate.
Fantastic design, suitable for any situation, 100m w/r makes it a good all rounder especially combined with the sapphire....the price I'm not sure about, for myself that's the only sticking point....that said, if it's the perverbial one watch collection, then it's still a great deal....⌚🏴⌚🏴
And if you guys think its not worth the money, get "baby Sarbs" Snkl41/45. Beautiful watches and for 65$ its a bargain. 7s26 movement is a gamble tho. Got lucky with my snkl41 with a steady +3,6s/day. cheers
Great video! I just bought one today and absolutely love it, its perfect, and I haven't said that about a watch in a very long time. They're going for $375 USD on Amazon in the US right now, which is a great deal IMHO.
Yes! I thought I'd never own a NEW Sarb033. Everything on eBay is at, or just slightly below the $500 mark, which is unreasonable. Amazon's price sealed the deal for me.
Not my style of watch, but beautiful nonetheless. Sapphire crystal is a much-desired option that I wish I could have on many of my Seikos. Thanks for the video, Oleg.
I do still have a soft spot for my Sarb033. However I have always worn mine on a black crocodile leather strap. A friend on mine has a black dial Patek Calatrava, which I noticed looked exactly the same! Now I can’t escape the fact my Seiko is a Calatrava homage..
Firstly throw the bracelet away or buy a superior bracelet l. The watch will fit so much better on your wrist with a leather strap an looks dam sexy with a chocolate brown leather strap. I bought both 033 and 35 with a black, tan and chocolate brown quick release straps and they are so versatile with every outfit. Best everyday watch in its price point and arguably one of the best value for money watches out there hence, why so my reviews have been done on it.
I am a flipper but the sarb035 remains in the collection. The only real negative I see is the lack of adjustment in the bracelet. It is the poor man Rolex date just.
Could someone comment how the bracelet compared to a Tevise or Sinobi? I suppose a Loreo is much better. What would a replacement bracelet that does justice to the watch cost? I often feel this watch could looks a bit more sharp somehow. Slightly different proportions, not sure how but I've seen nicer ones of this style.
The SARB 033 is a great watch. The bracelet is not the best. The gap at the claps and the lack of micro adjustments are really annoying. Put it on a Strapcode and the problem is solved.
Every Seiko I have with a bracelet has only two micro-adjustments. They seem crappy to me. The good news is not an integrated bracelet so it can be swapped out which I have had to do. I am not saying the watch is crappy, they are all decent, it is the bracelets that are not too good.
I think the factory bracelet is decent quality - it’s the design that isn’t so great. The clasp gap and lack of microadjustment were probably deliberately designed into it so that if you wanted a serious bracelet you’d have to buy a more expensive watch. I decided to ‘upgrade’ to a Watchgecko Kirkstead bracelet and I was disappointed to find that it was a crappy Chinese made thing which just felt cheap in the hand and held together with awful split pins. The factory Seiko bracelet feels several steps up in quality, design flaws aside. My SARB033 doesn’t have the gap like yours between the crown and case.
I feel that apart from seiko many watch manufacturers are getting lazy using baton indices far too often.My 1954 omega seamaster peps this up a bit by placing applied numerals at the cardinal points,not unlike your rolex only much smaller.I wish that all watch makers would wake up a bit and enhance their designs a little more............................
That was nice of your friend to lend the watch. Unlike you and Bond, it does look a little boring. I can respect the quality though, that seems a fair price.
All these watches look like 5's to me. As they would to most other people. However size is the bigger issue. They look like a kids watch on my wrist. Might as well buy a Dora the Explorer (2) with a built in night light and compass. All the best Oleg and Bond 😂😂