SARB033: 5 Years Later & Why It's Better Than New $500 Seiko Watches
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- Опубликовано: 24 апр 2020
- Have Seiko lost the plot when it comes to their affordable level watches? In today’s video I look back at the SARB033 to see why it is still the best value and greatest quality "do it all" watch under $500. If I could only have one automatic watch at this price point, the SARB033 would be my first choice.
Why do I consider it better than most of Seiko’s new releases, and why do I believe it will become a future classic? Is it more than a hunch that soon it will be discontinued? What did Seiko get right with the SARB033 and not with their newest releases? Join me for answers to these questions and a fresh look at this quintessentially Gentry watch classic.
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Хобби
This intro was a stone cold killer!
like always
The production value on these vids is legit.
Only reason i clicked lol
Seiko-paths!
For 2 years I have had a SARB035, in Argentina they are not very common, and I am very happy with it. I get a lot of compliments.
Acabo de comprar el mismo reloj para usarlo en Colombia. Me emociona muchísimo, es mi grial
Let's face it: the old Sarb line was "too good" for the asked price. Finally even Seiko realized that they can raise prices, capitalizing on their grown fame and reputation. I'm afraid they learned too
well from the swiss...
Is it, is it? Compared to the Tissot Visodate, the Aplinist was the better choice because it was a little cheaper. Now they are more significantly more expensive at $1000. If the SARB033 goes the same way, selling for north of $500 it will simply be not worth it. Is a SARB033 worth $1000? No, not even close. SARB033 or an Oris? Come on Seiko are you smoking crack?
Agree, it was a market anomaly. Over time, things normalise!
Luca Marsicano the lack of fully lumed indices completely ruins the sarb033. The indices are almost always washed out in the light due to their polished surfaces
Ferien7 Why do they need to fully lume? To me the whole point of lume on a dressy watch is that you can briefly glance at your watch at night to check the time. Full lume aesthetically is ugly and on a dressy watch ruins the look.
Agree totally...
Discontinuation of SARB and SKX range signaled the end of era when Seiko was able to produce quality watches accessible to many.
Bought mine because of your videos. Wearing it now 3 years later:)
3 Years of pure class!!!
Thank you AJT, that always makes me happy to hear.
Best regards,
TGV
I absolutely love my Sarb033. I actually bought it as a Christmas gift to my self, based on your recommendation TGV. My go to ways to wear are on the bracelet or a very nice Colareb strap!
Cheers
- Jared
SARB033: Pure Class
I was gonna buy it then i saw it is a 38mm..dam ! Almost cried
@@RM-pg4js whats your wrist size?
I've had this watch for longer than two years and I still love seeing reviews about it. Thank you TGW for making me buy it when it still was at its original retail price!
Just pulled the trigger on an 035. Something about it reminds me of my father's off white datejust, I remember being very young and watching him put it on every morning. It is however its own thing, not an homage of anything, and I like that. This is my second mechanical watch after getting a 007 back in 2017. Cheers
I have had my 035 for 2 months now and it is awesome. Lot o' wrist time. Looks great with a Hadley-Roma MS 834 Alligator-Grain Leather Brown Watch Strap. (from Holbens.) It also looks great on a dark green leather or perlon. If the oe bracelet fits, you are lucky, but it does need more micro adjusts. I have seen mixed reviews of strapcodes replacement. Cheers!
@@nicktrnka1480 how's the springbars on ur 035? is the tip of ut springbar bent? or straight?
Now, Orient is what Seiko used to be. I just got an Orient Star Elegant Classic and I'm still marveling at how beautiful and accurate the watch is.
Seiko owns Orient from what I heard. I might be wrong
@@SergioRodriguez-oy9uz I think they got acquired by the Epson group, but are still focusing on their own markets with their designs. I have noticed that the newer Orient Stars come with a movement with a 50 hour power reserve. Just like the 6R15? I'm not entirely sure of the relationship though. The Orient Star I did own had low amplitude on the watch just as every single Seiko movement I used to have, but it had better accuracy in terms of positional variation. I still think that Orient Star is highly underrated and might be able to fulfill the spot that Seiko is leaving behind.
@@SergioRodriguez-oy9uz , You're not wrong. Both brands are in the same japanese company.
Maybe the company are planning to do something like the Rolex/Tudor dynamic, with Seiko/Orient.
Sergio Rodriguez
Seiko Epson corporation owns the assets of Orient, but Orient is an independeny manufacturer
I like the concept or revisiting watches, especially after several years. It reminds one to value what’s already in the collection rather then always looking for something new. More please! *thumbup
I just re-bought the Sarb033, after many more expensive watches I just missed it. Looking forward to it's arrival.
Once again, excellent video TGV!
Kurt Marion me too! Sold it cause I’m a bracelet guy but hate the stock bracelet. Have replaced it with Uncle Seiko president bracelet and ohhhhh baby.
Never been that early to the party - still love my SARB035!
White is the best looking for sure.
I just hacked the system and got SCVS003 with better bracelet.
Same here. No regrets whatsoever for picking up that little beauty for a great price
does ur springbars crooked? or straight?
For me it was the CEO saying they are moving more upmarket. Seiko knows that bang for buck performance they are leaving money on the table and you can't do that when profit is how your survive. Also they can't keep a giant corporation making watches for a niche when everyone has gone to fashion watche styles. Great watch. Fantastic video, that introduction was amazing. Looking forward to the next video. Keep up the good work.
"Slow-release charm"... what a perfect way to say it. I've always loved the SARB033, checks all the boxes for me. I hope I can pick one up soon.
Love the intro! Wow! I bought my Sarbie three years ago, after seeing your review. I just love it. I would like to thank you for that. Grazie mille, fratello! I agree 100% with all your conclusions. Keep the good work! Cheers!
Bought this watch a couple of years ago after discovering this channel. Of the four watches I have bought since getting back into watches this is the only one I have never had a moment of doubt about. I can safely say I will never part with it.
does the tip of ur springbars are bent? or straight?
Always killer intros TGV keep up the good work 👌
Bought mine at £230 a month before it was discontinued. Such value with the sapphire crystal and 6R15 movement. Seiko is getting a bit greedy with prices. The Sarb is currently on a black crocodile strap with a deployant clasp and is a perfect winter watch.
Where did you find one for 230?
Mr Villain EBay and it was brand new. Bought at the bottom of the market.
@@fredo1070 400+ now then! lol
230 quid? What a bargain...
@@Neil.C57510 The buyer is a lucky man. But why did you sell it?
Love this guy's integrity man. He truly appreciates the value of a watch, irrespective of its price. I have an SNZG15 which is one of my cheapest and most favourite watches. Love Seiko, love UG
Still love mine 3 years later and was you in fact that inspired me to get one in the first place so glad to see it still within your household and videos 👌
@@henryyonarto I suspected the same a few months ago. After seeing your question I thought it was time to for me to calculate the accuracy over a 24 hour period, and it turned out to be -35 seconds. Doing the same test again after 12 hours found it to be +1 second. I have left the watch sit face up during these tests, and probably overwound it on the first test since it was starting from no movement and zero spring energy. I will continue to retest, and do some wearing tests. My watch is just over 2 years old, and has a few minor abrasions on the bracelet but is otherwise is in good condition. I should treat it better, but purchased it as a daily watch to enjoy, that gets worn when I remember and sometimes forget for a few days. I really love the simplicity and beauty of the watch, and for the price is great compared to other more expensive pieces of other brands that have a similar beautiful aesthetic. When I look at other watches to purchase, the ones I love actually look much like the SARB033, so I am after a next watch that has a different look that I love too. I also was seduced and introduced to this watch by TGV. Enjoy your watch.
how's the springbars? is the tip of it are bent? or straight?
Seiko was the king of value. Now that's gone, and although their watches are still pretty good, when asked for 900€ suddenly you're talking Breitling and Longines territory and the competition is a lot stiffer. Plus, old customers like me are likely not very pleased at the price hike for worse specs. New watches don't compare favorably with the old ones. If they made an SKX with no date and a ceramic bezel for 500 they'd kill the market.
Seiko can compete with them other brands none of them other brands 😴 have got spring drive
Keep the day date and I agree and for $500 it better haved hacking and handwind.
Andromahlius divers should have a date. No day, though. Also, a new skx would need an aligned chapter ring and bezel, 0 qc issues, a thinner case (12.5mm total), applied indices, hacking, hand winding, sapphire crystal, solid end links, solid link bracelet, milled clasp, tapered bracelet, and much better accuracy. Otherwise, it’s just more junk like the 5kx.
i don’t think seiko is a fun of ceramic... and it’s expensive as well....
@@Ferien7 A matter of taste I suppose, I'd want a diver without a date specifically because all of my divers have one, why buy more of the same ?
This one brings back old memories, this is a watch that you never get tired of. I’m going to fire mine up tomorrow. Thanks TGV.
A month ago I shrugged my shoulders at Seiko, and now I own 2 and can’t wait to get ahold of more (hello Capt. Willard!). Thanks for another great video, keep opening eyes and sharing your passion!
This video is what made me discover the SARB033; I've now had mine for close to five months and to this day I can't help but stare at it for often way too long... couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Thank you TGV!
I know you've always said scratches and dings adds character to a watch. Those close-ups really drive that point home. They look awesome.
In the sub-500 market, I will be paying more attention to Orient.
I think this is one of those watches where scratches don’t look good. The finishing and stepped lugs on the case is quite fine, and dings on that look not just messy but damaging. The shiny bezel scratches easily too which is a shame. Closeup shots always make it look more like patina than it does to the eye. I enjoy wearing it though.
@@dustycups agreed, scratches and dings look better on a diver or field watch per example. Even my Khaki King looks messy with them because it´s more of a dressy field watch.
Love that you decided to revisit the SARB. This watch was the first “nice watch” I have ever had and I’ve been impressed with it all these years. Glad I followed your advice years ago and picked one up. Happy to be a longtime Gentry member!
does the tip of ur springbars are bent? or straight?
It is easy for me to forget other and more luxury watches with my Sarb033. The design, build, versatility and function is outstanding...and the price makes you wonder how it is even possible! Great video TGV and that intro was perfection by the way! 🔥🔥🔥
I bought the SARB033 last year because of this channel and it still remains my one and only watch in my collection.
Got one after your first review and love it. This and my marathon navigator find themselves getting the most wrist time. Stay safe and healthy TGV!!
TGV, you're going to make a full Seiko lover of me yet!
BTW, I mentioned a couple months ago that I was considering a Stowa. I ended up going all the way for a Grand Seiko SBGN005 Quartz GMT! Love it!
Thanks for all the great vids and info!
I have learnt so much about horology and watchmaking from this channel. You are one of my favorite channels, don't ever stop.
Brother, I just love your intro´s, they are amazing. Plain and simple.
Interesting piece. Excellent review. Keep up the good work. Regards.
Fantastic intro, your production level is second to none. Your reviews truely are an oasis, especially during these strange times. " it is bad when one thing becomes two. One should not look for anything else in the Way of the Samurai. It is the same for anything that is called a Way. If one understands things in this manner, he should be able to hear about all ways and be more and more in accord with his own."
Bought one for myself (and my best man) for my wedding two years ago. More in love than I was back then (yes dear, of course I mean you....🤫)
I picked up a Seiko SARB033 at the start of 2020 for my birthday, have to say got it for an absolute steal. My favourite watch I’ve ever owned. Such a fantastic piece. Great video btw :)
That intro was Epic! Amazing as always good sir!
Fantastic intro TGV. Love the maroon strap. The white dial 035 is the kipper's knickers too. Please keep the videos coming during lockdown -- you're keeping me sane.
I'm getting more gentlemanly with every video I watch ⌚, I love everything about this channel im so pleased I found this channel!
Thanks TGV for revisit of this classic SARB!!! Your first go round convinced me and pulled trigger on the 035 model from Mark at LIW. Paired with a brown alligator strap and never looked back - still gets the lion share of wrist time. Cheers!
I first learned about the SARB033 from your channel and jumped at the opportunity to buy it. Since then every time I come across another video of yours mentioning this magnificent watch I get a little giddy. Thank you sir!
Classic film at the opening with Tatsuya Nakadai. "Seppuku" (aka Harakiri) from 1962. Highly recommended.
That spectacular intro though followed by a beautiful Seiko Sarb033 - Great review brother :)
This is absolute heaven to mention Seiko. Keep the Great videos goin.
What an intro man, one of the best!
Thank you so much :D
@@theurbangentry Which of the Kurosawa films is that from TGV?
I saw glances of Hara Kiri 'death of a Samurai' but there were others.
I recommend the original and the remake.
It's a Kobayasi film, not from Kurosawa
I got the cream dial version and I wear it almost everyday. Still can’t stop looking at it. Now I want to get the black dial!
I bought and love my sarb 035 because of you. Thanks for the good work.
Well, I didn’t think I’d see another video about the sarb from you. Thanks for doing this! Your enthusiasm for this watch is why I own a 33 and a 35. You referred to this as an every day watch and it certainly is. Something about it, for the price it’s very close to perfection.- for me
What an intro TGV! Smashed it once again 🙌🏻
Of the many reviews of this great watch, THIS is the best one ever! Thank you! I absolutely LOVE my SARB033. Keep up the great work
does the tip of ur springbars are bent? or straight?
I have been eying this watch for two years. I saw this video and clicked play. As I was listening I was browsing amazon and noticed the sarb033 was on sale. At that moment I knew the watch overlords were telling me it was time. I love your content, I love your enthusiasm and now I love my new Sarb033 that just showed up today. Keep up the great content and stay safe my watch brethren.
How lucky. I've been looking for a while and can't find one (under £500)
This was the first mechanical watch I've got (as a birthday from my wife). It was after much thought and consideration that this one made the most sense of them all at that price range (was around 250 eu): sapphire glass, 100m water resistant, 6R movement, view through back, proper JDM, very hard to fault tbh. And you were one of the main drivers for me to get into it, so thank you very much for that
Hi TGV, my Sarb033 still has keeper status for me. Thanks for the introduction back in 2015! Take care, John
does the tip of ur springbars are bent? or straight?
This was my first watch EVER thanks to you, 5 years ago. Thank you!
I got the watch because you recommended it in one of your videos and i love it to bits!
So happy to hear that Daan, it makes me profoundly happy to know that.
Best regards,
TGV
I got one of my friends to buy a sarb, now he's every night on ebay learking for good deal on vintage watchs... lol
Nice🤣🤣🤣
Way to go! Now he's gonna go broke, lol.
Spreading the "disease", I see. Good work.
Hahah. Sounds like!! Sarb035 and I’m hooked!
Like a Devil, your lured him into the lust of watches 😈
Finally bought one after years of seeing you praise it. Wearing it now on a motoring inspired black rubber strap with orange stitching and it actually looks perfect... Also perfect on leather as in your video - amazing versatility. It just works, and price was still reasonable. Thanks for democratizing this JDM model and bringing it to us. Your intros are still the best also.
does the tip of ur springbars are bent? or straight?
Picked one up two months ago.... and haven’t stopped staring at it since. Love my 033. 👍
does the tip of ur springbars are bent? or straight?
Terrific intro! The SARB033 is a classic. Great watch, great video.
I love my SARB033 and I learned about it from you :) I ordered it from Seiya Japan a couple years back and I'm super happy with it. I use Cape Cod polishing cloths to buff out the minor scratches and it always looks like new. Thinking of exploring some strap options soon, though I still love the metal bracelet it came with. I like the color matching you did here with the strap. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful watch world, godspeed sir!
The sarb033 is everything you say it is! Absolutely love mine and it's the watch that started the addiction!
Love that Sarb. It's an everyday watch, not just a dress watch which is why I love the design. The current trend seems to be all about Dive watches, particularly amongst the microbrands. Which is fine,, but I personally prefer this style. I do think people tend to forget watch companies are in the game to make a profit so Im not surprised Seiko prices have increased. It is a shame they seem to have dropped the ball in keeping their quality up. I honestly don't think the shareholders will be crying just yet....just my opinion of course, and it may change. Whatever the watch, whoever the wearer, take pride and enjoy 👍
Another excellent point, you are so right about the divers, I guess it's because its the most popular genre.
I especially like you last point, you are a true gent Chris, thank you.
Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
Haven't tuned in for years. Congrats on your channel success.
I LIKE pin and collar link connectors. The tiny screw link connectors are intricate and stylish, but they're also a LOT more likely to come undone and drop your watch on the ground.
I've just had bad luck with the tiny screw connectors. They're a PITA.
I think that if I didn't have a Datejust, I would be more than happy with a SARB 033. Without a doubt. So classic.
--Michael
sorry but I'll take the datejust.
leicanoct No, the 36mm. I love it. I have a 7.5" wrist and it fits so well. Smooth bezel, oyster bracelet.
drgeek100 Yeah, it is hard to beat I guess. And the bracelet is fantastic.
MichaelMichaelMotorcycle I am looking to add a 36mm datejust to the collection with the jubilee and fluted bezel for something different.
Totaly agree. If somebody is not a bracelet guy, than field kinda evens out...Rolex could be better, but how much?
Another great video TGV! Excellent dialog and editing. Thank you.
Not gonna lie I bought mine back in 2017 in Tokyo when I was on holiday when I started watching this channel have not regretted it in the slightest since. I may own Rolex, AP, Patek these days but in all honesty the memories of my journey with the sarb is worth more than all the hype of those high end brands.
This watch is going to be impossible to find now. You have a knack for encouraging people to feel they need any watch you pay attention to including me.
I saw the sarb017 from your video while I was in Korea and immediately ordered one. Thank God it got it before they discontinued it. And now got a flighty a week ago. Loving it a lot. Indeed the end of an amazing era
Congrats on both, what more could you need!
Welcome to the Flighty club,
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Loved this review!! One of my all time favorite watches!! Thank you TGV! 😍👍
Lovely, thank you for showing this off in an thorough and well structured way
Again I have to thank you for teaching me so much about this wonderful brand. Now I own an SKX, Turtle, Alpinist and a GS. Love the purity, elegance and affordability of the SARB033 ... but I'm good! Well done.
Not in a bad way, but I could just sleep to your reviews while you talk and the music is in the bacground. So comforting 😅 as usual, your reviews been top class since i started watching back in 2015👌🏻
Great intro, great review!
I had put mine sarb on wrist while watching this video :-). What a beautiful watch.
Thanks for all of your fantastic work! You have taught me so much about watches and I have grown so much by watching your videos! You have inspired me to create my own channel. Thanks TGV!!
Although working with Swiss watches everyday, I always find my self recommending seiko to clients, I think seiko finally realised they can charge more. Hopefully quality stays the same or even better for the higher price target, not sure about the new seiko 5 divers atm but it may need some time to settle in for people to like them. Keep up the good work TGV !
TGV your Seiko/Samurai intros are total black belt...some man!🍻
Thank you so much :D
The intro was fantastic, bravo!
I bought my sarb 033 about 5 years ago because of your videos and have it on my wrist now! Probably my favourite watch
What a great, nostalgic video my friend.
The sarb 033/035 have all the hallmarks of a quality daily wear time piece. The current prices are reflective of it's actual value. When it was still in production it was an absolute steal.
Keeping my explorer I and also my sarb033, thanks to your past videos that I was introduced to this watch. Decided to sell my Hamilton Khaki Field for this hidden gem last year before it’s fully gone from
being discontinued. No regrets, never looked back. Seiko is like a whole different watch making world at the Far East set apart from the well known Swiss watch making industry. Really appreciate their wholly independent watch making ideology and hope it to be the same for many years to come.
I've had my sarb 033 one week on your recommendation. Love it. Currently on a grey nato strap. Very happy with accuracy so far at plus 16 seconds after 7 days.
does the tip of ur springbars are bent? or straight?
I'm actually disheartened to see the direction Seiko are going in with their pricing and model line. Slapping the prospex logo everywhere, reducing watches with a cursive dial font. Higher prices for 4r calibres instead of 6r calibres (monster 4th gen and the sarb033 replacement). Same with presage branding on the new cocktail time which also has a 4r instead of 6r. Seiko is 95% of my collection and it actually frustrates me to see once accessible watches such as a second gen monster (£150-£200) go for £600+ used... I even missed out rebuying my own skx009J which the seller hiked up to £250 when I sold it to him for £150...
A great post as always 👍🏾
Seiko is still awesome. Completely in-house, tons of history, recognizable design characteristics and boundary-pushing innovation. A TRUE manufacturer of watches. They will always be my favorite brand.
That said, a lot of their new releases do not entice me as much as the watches I’ve loved in the past: skx, sarb, flighty, etc.
Well, I could not of said it better myself!
Thank you Taylor, you hit the nail on the head.
Best regards,
TGV
Same, but, I think that's changing; I'm waiting eagerly for the SPB153J1, their green homage to their own 6105 diver, and, maybe the SPB143J1, the anthracite dial homage to their own 62mas diver (these are the more affordable ones, not the overly pricey ltd. ed. re-issues with the impractical Grand Seiko movements. Someone at Seiko has been listening finally. Read somewhere that there may have been a shake-up upstairs at Seiko.
With way more expensive downgraded watches with horrible quality control and all! LOL
@@varanid9 Still, these are over a grand.
one year ago i bought a sarb033 in the price of $400 in China ,last week i browsed in the same shop ，what i found is the price is raised to $550 ，thanks for your recommend 。
When I purchased a SARB035 (creme dial), I adored it so much, within a week I had a SARB033 on it's way to my doorstep. Timeless watches that are not going anywhere in my lifetime, but my wrist.
Smashing intro TGV.
I presently have six Seiko watches In my collection. That’s down a couple from a year or so ago. They are still my favorite brand Overall, but I must say I haven’t been Enthused with the direction they seem to have gone of late. They have upped prices By 30% + on some Releases. Re-Releases of existing lines have minor upgrades or changes that certainly don’t justify the cost increases Which in some cases have doubled. The so-called 5KX release And subsequent ‘killing’ of the SKX Sent me in search of watches from other brands. I buy too many watches… But this year none of my purchases have Seiko on the dial.
I am holding this watch in my hand whilst watching your video, it is truly a fantastic watch and one of my favourites :)
Ahhh TGV,
The war room looks down-right
comfy cozy!
Kindest Regards to you and yours.
Back in the day I bought the famous
SARB's.... 017, 033, and the 065.
I missed on the 021 now fetching
ridiculous mark ups.
Oh well, I have never regretted
these purchases and thank you
for the heads-up so long ago.
They're becoming more attractive as
time passes on.
Cheerio !!
I absolutely love my SARB035, and your comments about it are spot on. When I compare it to my Longines, Tissot, and Hamilton watches, this one is just so much more refined in execution. It’s close to the Rolex I used to own. And I’m happy to have picked one up while I could, thanks to your reviews.
Sarb033 /035 are amazing. I had a different take on the new alpinist in my video review of it. But great vid tgv and that intro was so fire!!!!
Late to the party but ordered mine and getting it this upcoming week, cant wait!
Great intro for a great review seiko was my second watch after the ubiquitous Timex. Loved the Wolf & Cub manga books nice, although the usagi yojimbo saga would have worked as well.
I like your style Kevin ;-)
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
This watch is my no.1. I own it since 2017. It is so versatile and classy. Superb finish, like more $$$ watches. Present and future classic...
I love the use of “Seiko” in the intro! If I’m correct, it’s the first time you’ve done this and I thought it was incredibly great!
Well observed, I actually used segments from Victor Hugo poetry in the recent Yema intro, as he was from the French City where Yema was founded, I don't think anyone noticed lol.
Thank you Evan,
Best regards,
TGV
That level of detail is one of my favourite parts of your content. It’s the little things that make the whole video mesh together in a wonderful way. I wish you all the best in these peculiar times.
The Urban Gentry that’s amazing ☺️