A JDM affordable grail with a stunning urushi dial - Seiko SARX029 Review

[@davidbarclay3651]

Your life in Japan has filled in so much information that others have missed. Excellent.

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

Dude, that shot with the light flickering from a fireplace was next level! Great job.

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

A friend leant me this watch awhile back and the dial was so impressive. Congrats on picking up this beautiful piece!

[@JusttheWatch]

I watched your review before buying it!

[@terrychute8486]

I own 3 rolex and I can honestly say not one of them has a dial as sexy as that it's so deep and rich stunning

[@timesupgr.8471]

Seiko & Grand Seiko have the best dials. No competition

[@jschoenzy9416]

I own this watch and agree with everything stated here, it is something special. Another detail to notice is how the crescent moon counterbalance eclipses the o in seiko, skip to 12:40 to see what I mean. It's a nice touch.

[@yogiyoda]

Cool! Starting a little early at like 12:34 will let you catch the transition at 12;40 a bit better

[@joshuaychung]

That is an amazing detail. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@LectioDivina33]

Great videography, review and taste with this watch. I walked into my local seiko/grand seiko boutique back in late 2019 and fell in love with this JDM 2016 seiko presage saxr029. So much so I bought it from Seiya Japan. I have worn it practically every day working from home and suited and booted in the office. It's a perfect watch for me. The Presage line started in 2016. 1) You are correct the bezel does get scratches but as I love this watch so much I don't mind it. 2) The crown is fine but they change to an onion crown from 2017 onwards with this exact same style watch but in white SARX049 & SAX095 & SARX061 or blue SARX059 & SARX053. 3) The crocodile leather is so soft and subtle but on a wrist at a keyboard everyday the crocodile starts to come off. So I bought the presage bracelet for this 1 year ago and I actually prefer it. You can buy it from gnomon or seiya san from seiya Japan can get it for you. 4) The 6R15 is better than the 4R35 but if you want a higher beat movement with the same black urushi dial and gold maki-e hand set look to the other 2 models that came out with this back in 2016 SARW013 / 6R27 / 28,800 pa/h or SARD011 / 6R24 / 28,800 pa/h but the dials are not as minimalistic as the SARX029. I love this watch 1) Because it reminds me of the Credor Eichi II minimalistic dial and the crecent moon seconds hand at a much more affordable price and of course the combination of a hand painted deep black urushi dial with gold maki-e hands and silver printed roman numerals just works so well together. 2) That the same urushi laquer was used to protect samurai armour and seiko used this in their marketing which you can still find online. 3) The upturned gold crescent moon was used on the helmet of the famous Samurai Matsume Date and I believe seiko didn't use the upturned crescent moon by accident seeing that it ties in with the urushi used on samurai armour. Enjoy this affordable grail as I haven't found one yet to beat it. Cheers.

[@karlsenula9495]

The hands contrast stunningly on the dial. Great review ... the more and closer I look at it the more gorgeous and well thought out the design elements become.

[@jimipane2013]

It's the outstanding craftsmanship on the dial that makes me still wanna buy Seiko watches.

[@timesupgr.8471]

My wife just bought me my first JDM at Bic Camera in Tokyo. It’s so beautiful, I can’t stop looking at it.

[@dakeugeman3124]

Grabbed the SARX029 after seeing this video - arrived yesterday - absolutely stunning watch and when the light catches that urushi dial, you can see the "pooling" of the lacquer on the surrounds of the date window! Thanks for the heads up, definitely didn't want to miss out on this one.

[@roderickwilliams1290]

Just ordered one. Looks stunning. I have many lacquerware items as i live in Asia and this will be a great personal addition to my collection. Have been looking at presage for a long time but this one really grabbed my attention. Great review.

[@jacc88888]

I’ve been interested in this model for a while but never seen a review on it. I normally never buy any watch with Roman numeral markers as they look too formal for my taste but the way they’ve done this is very classy and of course the Urushi dial is the icing on the cake. Incredible to get a hand-made finish like this for that price.

[@Hashkatina]

Sold. I have to add this to my collection. Great video. Beautiful time piece!

[@ericfreutel8240]

I’ve purchased several wonderful watches I did know about beforehand - thanks to your terrific reviews. I will be buying this JDM. Thank you for your wonderful reviews . Most appreciated. 🙏🙏

[@TheManFromUNCLEIllya]

Yes, I’m guilty of purchasing this watch after seeing this review too. And totally love it! It’s amazing the amount of comments I get about this when I wear it out.

[@cctoronto]

I bit as well, I only pull the trigger on very good high Q values like this. Good video, good watch, I’m certain.

[@oalaqeel]

This is why Seiko is great.this watch is class. My father gave me his 1977 Seiko5 ... I love it. It is still working with a +2 spd without any service.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Always love to hear these stories!

[@lordshin73]

Must be nice....

[@Koishishibaman]

I just recieved mine today. Wow! Handsome watch. In the sun it just pops. A forgoten gem! Thanks for the tip.

[@davidbarclay3651]

Thanks Dave. You are so right. I got one, it’s on the way.

[@folderbc]

I, like a lot of people here, also bought one of these after seeing this video. The black dial in person is truly remarkable. Stunning. Thanks for letting us know about this piece ☺️

[@jananilcolonoscopu4034]

Even with their prices rising, Seiko still punches well above its weight. Enjoyed the review here.

[@deividasnavickas]

it's almost 8 years old watch....

[@jananilcolonoscopu4034]

@@deividasnavickas well the original post was a general appraisal of Seiko's current quality, not restricted to this, or any single Seiko piece.

[@davidbarclay3651]

Mine just arrived. Runs great +1sec/day. If you close the clasp, with the watch face up, press the ends of the clasp down to flatten it more. I've had to do this with all my Seiko Alpinists. It fits much more comfortable on my 7.5" wrist. I have it on the third hole instead of the second, with looks better.

[@mementos24]

New to the watches hobby, my first one was a blue dial Seiko SRPG29K1F and I just pulled the trigger on this one, brand new for 700 usd. Like with any new hobby, I have been consuming a lot of content about the topic and it is the first time my heart stopped for one. Loving the overall look and the craftmanship with the Urushi Dial, thank you so much for you video.

[@Nefville]

One thing and this is incidental to why Seiko uses a 3hz beat rate (longer power reserve) but on most high end/ high horology watches they use much larger balance wheels and a slower beat rate. Standard for high horology is 2.5 to 3hz (18000 to 21600 bph). High end watchmakers do it for a number of very interesting, chronometric reasons as well as for the aesthetic of a slow beating balance wheel. BTW Awesome review Dave, really captured that dial in all of its glory.

[@melody3741]

Same. The daytonas smooth travel is cool but my seagull 1963 with 21600 the red chrono hand is so cool to watch ticking around.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Yep, I much prefer a lower beatrate. Longer lifespan and less waste of parts.

[@MLsnacksnstuff]

The urushi dial with the gold indices and hands is truly stunning. One of the few watches which made me gasp. Lead me to pick up a SARW013 the same evening.

[@markwolfson2023]

Thank you for picking out a star among the schools of 'Seiko fish.' The prices are going up as we speak.

[@Leveleup543]

I purchased the SARW013 as my graduation gift a couple years ago. Fantastic watch

[@adamt1564]

Great review--the watch is an absolute beauty! Would like to see a 38/39 mm version.

[@R.J._Lewis]

If you're worried about the strap being dry, just put some leather conditioner on it. It's not a bad idea to do that anyway before you ever wear it, especially if it's a fine leather. Sometimes the straps are made way before they're ever attached to a watch and they sit in a box somewhere just drying. The same with a pair of nice leather shoes: it never hurts to appply a little conditioner!

[@slowbluesmaster]

Alternatives: SARX019 (identical but with a white enamel dial) and SARW013 (black enamel dial, 6R27, additional power reserve indicator and sub date display, located at 9 and 6 o'clock respectively), the latter being my favourite.

[@paulbugoni2846]

Just got the sarw013-amazing bang per buck!

[@jonandresen1483]

I have one, great watch. Bought it Wako store in 2018. Later got a Presage bracelet that fits it perfectly. Superb on the bracelet.

[@barrettwbenton]

How interesting that I discovered this video so late: I recently picked up Seiko's SARW025, essentially a tribute to the original Seiko *Laurel* , in roughly the same price range as that terrific SARX029. While it lacks the urushi dial (still looks amazing, though), it does have the 6R27 movement, which has a 28,800vph beat rate, as well as sporting both a date subdial *and* power-reserve subdial. I'm still amazed to have gotten hold of this - like the SARX, it does offer a deeper taste of GS goodness for far less money, perhaps even more than the fabled SARB 033 and 035. (I *do* have an 017 Alpinist from that series, and that's not going anywhere.) Great review, as always!

[@anonimushbosh]

Fantastic watch, superb review. You should do way more like this. The 'I got this design-by-numbers watch for free' type review has its place (and pays some bills) but this is on a whole nother level.

[@MatthewMorse]

That gold date window border is such a perfect detail.

[@stevenmelnick9316]

You should review the Seiko SARA015/SJE073. Snowflake dial, legacy credor movement (6L35), and grand seiko level finishing. Sleeper affordable grail that you can still get for around 1200-1500. Case profile is also incredible

[@glennevans6213]

Great review. You did this watch justice, it's absolutely stunning.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Few companies produce dials like Seiko. They’re something special. The precision, elegance, and way these dials reflect light and pop us unmatched by most luxury watches. I personally prefer the SARY135 which is simply stunning.

[@user-iz9co4qf6z]

Seiko for me is the best watch brand for this reason. For the price you can't beat them

[@spincast01]

Thanks for the vid, Dave. This is definitely a contender. Lots to choose from as an affordable grail at this price point. I've got my eyes on other Seikos, Hamilton, Yema, Zelos, Tissot, Charlie-Paris, Revue Thommen, dare I say Bulova?? That SARX09 has some unique features tho... thanks again for the tip.

[@ciresolstice]

That dial application is amazing! truly beautiful with the handset and numeral printing.

[@doug7745]

Just got a Seiko 5 sport on sale and I have to say I am amazed at the quality of this watch.

[@shahnhughes4558]

Thanks for the heads up on this watch. Found one for 570.00 And I couldn't be happier! Amazing Watch!. They are disappearing fast!

[@rekor]

where?

[@Realrac63l]

Excellent review! I really enjoy my SARC029 and agree to everything you said about the light play on the dial and that croc strap!

[@Sabundy]

Geez....that is an absolutely stunningly beautiful watch ⌚ 😯

[@LambentOrt]

That's a really beautiful watch. Such a timeless look.

[@protoman2260]

I wanted to get a grand Seiko and I was so close to getting one but as time has past I simply can’t afford one in any reasonable amount of time. So coming across this video and how this watch has a unique dial similar to how grand Seiko has unique dials I’ll hopefully be getting this watch soon which will complete my little collection.

[@kevinorr6880]

Actually just found this for $543. Still a bit too much to show the wife when cars need fixing…

[@MrJamesDuffy]

I have seen it preowned for ~$350 in Japan recently so that could be an option if you don't mind buying preowned.

[@jjakiefte2165]

where did you find it for that kind of money?

[@BartMan59]

Please share the purchase web-site

[@jimwatchyyc]

Who needs a car when you can have a watch to tell you how long it will be before the next bus is scheduled to arrive.

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

Hard to find, or from a well known source? Just asking from Australia, where pricing is almost double this price, converted to USD.

[@ElectroMac74]

thanks for educating us , thanks for opening our eyes on this beauty

[@idcjake10]

I have this exact watch on an official presage steel bracelet to keep it more casual and I get compliments on it all the time.

[@jesperscheel-bech998]

Love your channel and approach to affordable. I'm really getting the "JDM bug", and would love if you did a video on how to stay up to date on JDM releases!

[@erwinsteneker4078]

Whenever I read JDM I think, this is going to cost me too much money, while simultaneously view it as a great deal! 😂

[@NoName-bb2pu]

I'm a big watch guy, but over 1000$, I'd give only to Swiss/German watches. Seikos seem very poverty spec to me, looks even worse. For maybe a super high end Grand Seiko with gold I may pay 500$, rest not more than 10$

[@WatchmakerErik]

@@NoName-bb2pu you're a watch snob in other words.

[@Mcguyver67]

@@WatchmakerErik Bro, I can't agree more, is a humongous insult to many Seiko die hard fans around the world.

[@HRM.H]

@@NoName-bb2pu lmao tell me you know nothing about watches without telling me you know nothing about watches

[@NoName-bb2pu]

@@HRM.H if you know the brands I own you'll fall off the chair

[@WatchmakerErik]

This watch is awesome. Hopefully I'll be able to afford one before they are all gone.

[@Miginath]

If you are concerned about the strap drying and cracking then maybe consider using some leather conditioner similar to what would be used for leather dress shoes.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

It’s beautiful… And I’ve been a fan of that wine for years. I can’t believe Seiko actually put a real croc strap on it… I’m not so sure I’d pay 750 but if I can find it near the $500 mark, I will pull the trigger! Thanks for the great review!

[@graciousideals1509]

What a sleek, classical watch! The gold bordered date window is a very nice touch. I was debating between this and Citizen NB1060. Ultimately, if the watch didn't have the split second hashmarks, and the counter balance was cut in half it would have been a clear winner. Call me nitpicky, but for $800, there has to be no doubts.

[@woonfaseng8737]

great dial. i saw this watch before previously online. the gold is stunning . it looks much like a higher end presage which cost about 2000 USD

[@GrahamGlasby]

A beautiful watch in every way. Thank you for sharing.

[@HardikRathod27]

Stunning watch! Thanks, Dave.

[@jk23_]

My friend just brought this to me from his trip to Japan. This thing is awesome. Even my Carrera pales besides it 😮

[@shahnhughes4558]

Just a heads up, the bracelets from the SPB121 alpinist/SARB017 fit the SARX029 Urushi. So all the Strapcode bracelets ETC... work! Pretty stoked as I had a Two-tone that came with my Alpinist I never used that looks great on the Urushi!. You gave me the heads up on this watch and I'm very grateful for that. Maybe the last affordable Great Seiko. This will be a highly sought after watch in the future. These dials are limited artworks by master artisan. Isshu Tamura

[@aaronlbuchanan9861]

I love Seiko, beautiful watch. Great review, thanks for sharing. My grail is almost any GS with a spring drive.

[@rayleeaustralia]

So the alternative to Seiko is another Seiko. I agree. Seiko makes some mighty fine watches

[@balesjo]

I have several Seiko Presage watches. Their Urushi dial and the Arita porcelain dial are amazing as the dials that you'd expect would be limited to the Grand Seikos. My only with is that for the upper tier Presage watches, Seiko would use a higher tier movement. When you begin to see the MSRP creep into multiple thousands, you really expect to see a bit better than the 6R35 which is found on many Seikos that are far less expensive. But you can't get around the fact that Seiko produces some of the most beautiful dials you can find in the mass produced market.

[@wintermute8315]

Eh, 70 hour reserve really comes in handy. It's a good movement.

[@lamentate07]

Yes. Seems odd to pay that much attention to the dial and case finishing only to skimp on the movement.

[@UltraDoug]

Wow, yeah this is a really nice piece for the $. I’ve been looking for a special Seiko. Thanks for the review! 😎👍🏼

[@tastas8554]

Just found the channel and it looks like Urban Gentry has some healthy competition, nice work mate 👍

[@voxer99]

I normally hate Roman numerals on watches but this looks good.

[@rajgill7576]

The entire presage lineup is great value for money

[@ericiidx]

What a beautiful dial! I suppose I'm a sucker for "plain" black dials. And what a great value, considering the current USD -> JPY exchange rate. If you ever decide to do anything about the state of the leather, I highly recommend "Bick 4" leather conditioner from the brand Bickmore. It's the lightest, most "invisible" leather conditioner I've ever used, it's cheap, and it works wonders. Safe for use on exotic leathers, and won't discolor.

[@18-tube-wattamp64]

Second that Bick 4 recommendation. I use it on better shoes and boots when I don't want to see the color change any. Apply a little with a soft cloth and wipe off the excess. I won't say "no discoloration", but I haven't seen anything with less discoloration: good stuff.

[@jpdemer5]

Mink oil is what's recommended for alligator leather - it's inexpensive and readily available.

[@terrychute8486]

Nothing plain about that dial it screams beautiful

[@littlsuprstr]

This is definitely the one Seiko I'd wear.

[@lawrencev.athill7502]

Very interesting synopsis young, great review.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

Seiko will never hurt you it does what it says

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Great review Dave!

[@fbcpraise]

Great selection, Dave.

[@danielmcbriar1672]

I bought my affordable grail. Yema Navygraf but the Seiko is beautiful 😍

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Incredible value for money 👊 specially the designed is magnificent, not bad at all..love the Roman numbers,great for dress watch.....thank you again for reviewing this piece love it..grail for me a would be some of older Alpanist....

[@ajcallaway123]

That's a lovely case.. all round stunner.

[@Javi_C]

I like the Diamine Oxblood fountain pen ink you got there! 😊

[@JusttheWatch]

My buddy is trying to get me into fountain pens and hooked me up with a bunch of cool stuff!

[@hiyukelavie2396]

The thing I hate about Seiko is that they make so many interesting models that it's more or less impossible to choose just one You pick up one, and then spot another one that's just as interesting. So you pick up that one too, but spot yet another one you want. Soon your entire collection will be nothing but Seikos

[@HFV_Junkyardin]

I have an orient bambino that if grown to dislike for a hand full of reasons. It was one of the first watches I ever bought, and I’ve never really been happy with it. This may be the prefect replacement for it.

[@Awkwardfruitfly]

This is worth getting if you missed out on the sarb033 or the sarb017

[@stephenschroeder6567]

One year late to the review - agreed it is great looking and shockingly still (3 April 2024) for sale at Sakura Watches for $718 USD. If I already didn't have something I like better, I would grab one.

[@Csibu89]

again, one more watch i never knew i needed but now i kinda do :D

[@unghole]

I'll be headed to Japan in April, do you have favorite suggestions on where to shop for JDM watches? Specifically we'll be in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Tokyo. Thanks!

[@justinlowe337]

This watch is really beautiful to see. I love the rounded edges around the date wheel and hands connection in the center. Really gives it a finishing detail that one has to wonder if it was intentional! I had to look this watch up just to see new iterations (and old). Thanks for doing a review on this

[@knguncle3]

great recommendation. I've always wanted to get a SARB033 but it's way too expensive now, and hard to find. the SARX029 seems a much better choice than the SARB033

[@alexlee4588]

Well done. Been following. Now subscribed. Great presentation skills. And truth coming through. Cheers. Best.

[@JusttheWatch]

Thanks man!

[@BobbyLegs]

Great watch and great review!!!

[@MrShanebizzle]

Great video man thanks! Great looking watch

[@BartMan59]

At the time of your vid, it was available but not anymore. I am lucky to have this JDM piece. A stunning piece, however, IMHP I don't care for the indentations on the dial for the pinion and date window.

[@csuwatson04]

That dial is absolutely stunning. This is definitely in the running for my new affordable grail watch. I'm looking for my 1st automatic watch and I could use a black dress watch. Sakura has it for $681, but my only concern is that it's a 7 year old "new" watch. Is that a valid concern?

[@kickstothehead3705]

Personally I think that Rolex stone dials from the 70’s were the best I’ve seen to work a stone that thin without breaking them is an art from I love stones me and my Fiancé mine and polish stones it real is an art from way more meticulous to get a stone that thin and polished is on another level

[@runcoweezrun8143]

S & T = Seiko & Toyota = Seiko on the Wrist & Toyota on the Road = The rest is History 😎

[@gori277]

Great pickup. 40.5 is a little too big and over 12mm is also a little too thick for most people’s idea of a dress watch but all the rest is 💥

[@terrymoser2028]

Thank you for your informed information!

[@therascals8237]

That's a beautiful watch! Can you do a short update video on it 1 year out?

[@bobsmith1405]

Going to Shinjuku tomorrow. Im looking for a couple of JDM watches to flex with when I go to the states. I will look for one of these and see if I like it.

[@energeticzombie]

how much handwork does it take to create a dial, cant be that big of a deal...

[@perrybucsdad]

Just curious... between this watch, and the the Seiko Prospex Alpinest SPB249J11 that you reviewed a but longer ago, which do you like more and why? The are both gorgeous watches, but just curious your opinion.

[@theHerathrig]

If the leathers too dry use a leather conditioner or leather cream, it should bring the leathers suppleness back.

[@marcjames3487]

A classic elegant beauty. I love the crispness of the dial. I use restoring shoe polish on some of my cow leather straps ~ would that work on crocodile ?

[@michaelhsia4006]

Check out the SARX049. Same with different colors - white face and blued hands AND has a slightly more angular crown profile that you may like.