Hamilton vs Seiko

What the heck? James G asked to see these two compared.
Hamilton Khaki King be Seiko sarb033
What would be your pick?

[@antidot556]

I have used SARB033 for more than a year, then i sold it to a friend of mine who was a Seiko fanboy, then i bought a Hamilton Khaki King Automatic with H-40, that was the best decision i made in recent years. It does not matter how they lowered the bph of movement and so on, timekeeping is awesome for more than a year. I guess Hamilton regulates their movements unlike Seiko doing with their 6r15s. Hamilton is built like an armored vehicle comparing to any timepiece at that price range.

[@primecreator]

The Seiko is the better watch for me, but the Hamilton is more interesting.

[@drwindsurf]

Really cool comparison Rob...I can't believe you went the Hamilton over the Seiko - but I really respect that - you being such a Seiko guy. Thank you for another great video :)

[@EmPeral562]

I own the Hammy, I love it but I think i ll pick up a SARB as well

[@ajaxforever5473]

Bought the Seiko Sarb as a present for my sister. She is wearing it every day after that. Every day

[@wb3213]

The Hamilton looks very nice!

[@mhaikal173]

Glad you opted for the Hammy. I just like the fact that the Hamilton has so much more going on the dial (and that Day/date complication placement is just a refreshing look). Obviously we are comparing two different type of watches here, a field and a dress watch. But the fact that the Hammy can be dressed up by pairing it with a stitched leather strap or dressed down with a nato, it just makes it much more versatile compared to the Seiko. Of course you can slap on a nato on the Sarb as well, but imo even then it still looks too dressy with that case finishing and smooth dial. Then again, whatever floats your boat. Now dont get me wrong, the Sarb is one heck of a dress watch but for someone fairly new to the watch world or is adding up to a smaller collection, the Hamilton is a much better deal in this price point especially with the Sarb skyrocketing in prices after being discontinued. Have a nice day!

[@johnnelson9252]

Yep, the Seiko is brighter shining, but in decent light, the Hamilton will tell you the correct time. I realize that many people don’t need a watch to be that accurate, but I do. I have four Hammies and their inaccuracies added up together don’t come close to my Baby Alpinist. It looks great in my watch box, though.

[@mrdisco99]

The SARB033 can be had on Amazon for $318 if you cross your fingers and search at just the right time. They get probably like 10 at a time at that price and then they're gone until the next day to a week or so. That's how I got mine.

[@seanliew7343]

I believe whatever tips the scale for RR for Hamilton over Seiko is because of the full sized day and date complications. I have the similar predicament. The rest is certainly not a deal breaker. If someone really wants to put specs on paper then probably I can honestly say Seiko wins hands down. Don’t choose just get the twos and move on.

[@voiceofexperience]

SARB is more formal / business. These two fine watches are complementary imo. In other words, get BOTH!

[@themightysquid]

Love my Seikos, have the sarb 033, 035, and 017 and have a Hamilton khaki chronograph 40mm. I just ordered the khaki king and understand your point of view. There is a lot to like about it and I usually wear the sarb 035 and 017 over the 033. I have a large choice of Black dial watches to choose from and the 033 just doesn’t have that “pop” that the others have. It looks great on a tan/cordovan strap but I feel the Khaki King is a more interesting watch IMHO. It doesn’t detract from my 033 but is a great addition that will probably get a lot more wrist time.

[@JohnnyTrulove]

Hi. Would you reccomend the Khaki King vs. The Khaki. I have the 3 Sarbs as well. Have been thinking about selling my 42+mm watches. I have the sary055 and I like it but having the sarb035 I love it.

[@eugenethomas4647]

SARB case is way nicer. The shape, the polished and brushed surfaces. Much nicer to look at and probably more comfortable.. I owned the Hamilton khaki Navy Scuba. The case of the scuba looks like the khaki King Day date (they may share a common case) and the dial is pretty much the same. I found the profile of the hammy to be a bit uninspired and the glare from the crystal made it unreadable in sunlight. Also there was a serious lack of lume. If you actually went diving with it, it would be useless. I got rid of it and never looked back. The bracelet was nice though. Anyway, good video but my vote goes to the SARB. Sexy case, in-house movement and iconic status. Seiko for the win.

[@bladerunner_92]

u can take a shower with u`r navy scuba but don`t even try to dive with that watch. they have only 100m water resistance

[@eugenethomas4647]

@@bladerunner_92 yeah I always thought it was funny that they would name a watch "scuba" and give it such a measly water resistance rating. Definitely more of a dress diver with that rating and the lack of lume. Hard pass for me. Joke of a watch.

[@MrBacchus18]

Sarb everyday, all day long. I've had both- still have a sarb. One more problem with Hamilton is they usually don't have any anti-reflective coating, this plagues my black Jazzmaster

[@Lee_K_5555]

Agree completely. I had a Khaki Field Automatic and the reflections on the non-AR-coated crystal made legibility an issue in bright lighting conditions. I eventually flipped it because of this. But I still like Hamilton's products a lot and eventually got a Pilot Day Date (the Interstellar watch). It appears to have an AR coating on the inner surface of the crystal (I can't confirm this in any of Hamilton's literature though), but there is a big reduction in reflections over the standard Khaki field.

[@skateboarding118]

The Seiko is not AR coated either

[@JurgenADV]

Add the Orange Samurai with those two one would really have a very nice and complete three watch collection. Hamilton for day to day, Samurai for when you want to sport it up a bit, and SARB for a bit more formal.

[@RandomRobReviews]

You are 100% correct. They shouldn’t compete but rather coexist.

[@jacc88888]

Interesting comparison. Side by side I prefer the Hamilton; on wrist I think the Sarb just looks more classy and expensive. Strange. Thanks for the review.

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

Seiko SARB033 is my holy grail! I´d love to wear one! For me as a Seiko fanboy nothing can beat this watch.

[@spring9603]

although I'm not necessarily a Seiko fan, I think that it's so much more tasteful and distinguished than the Hamilton, in my opinion

[@RM-pg4js]

Ill take the sarb all day..hamilton is a boring watch

[@matt4398]

I remember when the sarbs were under 300$ in either color

[@manishsoni7689]

How will you gives rank Seiko SARB033 VS Tissot Visodate VS Hamilton Khaki Field?

[@galaga8834]

The dial on the Hamilton is too busy. The Seiko is a much nicer watch.

[@Ecksterphono]

80hr power reserve on the Hamilton? The H-40 movement?

[@themightysquid]

Got 90 hours on mine!

[@NoOne-ki3bm]

Wow!! I respect your opinions, but I am truly shocked you went Hamilton over the Seiko Sarb033 because for me it isn’t even close. I’ve handled both and I bought the Sarb033. The size and design of the Sarb033 makes it an ageless classic. IMO, it’s way, way more versatile than the Hamilton. The Hamilton is a great field watch, but the Sarb033 can be someone’s one watch collection. All you need is a good NATO strap, a distressed leather strap, and a high-end crocodile strap.

[@repo4]

If only the Hamiltons were water resistant as they say they are I would be ordering the 38mm khaki auto now. Sadly, I just don't trust them.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

repo4 why, what happened?

[@CharlieHustle1687]

Seiko has no soul, they just pump out overpriced watches with bad straps. Save your money and get an Omega.

[@Autista1100]

The SARB looks so much better side by side.

[@fiatjustitiaruatclum7557]

Forget the Sarb and Hamilton my eyes were drawn to the orange Samurai the entire time 😋

[@levedia]

especially when lume popped up. Hes right not fair that its a better watch lol I still like the sarb though. Hamilton got double teamed big time.

[@dustinbailey9644]

I know!!!!!

[@bmassche]

Phist! Nice review. I think the hammy edges out the Sarby too.

[@tezzanewton]

I have the Hamilton pilot day date, Interstellar. 100m without screw down crown. It’s a sensational watch. Lume could be better but.

[@arindambasu9850]

Are you nuts? Hamilton is not even in the ball park where the SARB033 is concerned . Seiko rules.

[@t00lnin]

Why? I'd take the Hamilton all day. The specs on the Hammy blow the SARB out of the water. By the way, I love Seiko, but it's a no brainer.

[@senorkaboom]

I have owned my Khaki King since 2015, no problem for me to choose. You chose well, sir.

[@denspike2044]

totally agreed.... love your objective review, not just to please the audience. i love seikos, but compared to quality wise, if coming on same price - hamilton is a better choice.

[@t00lnin]

Hammy all day. Lume goes to Seiko. Power reserve, accuracy, and quality go to Hamiltion. The day date on the Hammy pops right at 12. The Seiko has a 4 hour period of change where the date is either not aligned or in a different language. And... if you opt for the bracelet, the Hammy wins that too. Nice solid clasp and endlinks.

[@repo4]

sarb doesn't show days so there's no "different language". The date changes between 10pm and midnight on mine, so it takes 2 hours, not 4.

[@daddygc5814]

The seiko looks like an old mans watch,i can say that because i am an old man. I'll take the hamilton

[@nortoncmd2681]

I am 72 have about 120 watches to include the Khaki King and SARB.'s 033 and 035. What exactly is an old man's watch.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

I’m a seiko guy and I’m pretty used to them , so for that reason (variety is the spice of life) I would love to have that Hamilton

[@Benjack96]

The khaki king would be perfect if it had 100m water resistant. Granted I'm never going past 50m but I just want that extra assurance.

[@faroles83]

Then Hamilton khaki field automatic is for you. El que tiene el puntero de segundero rojo. Es 10 atm. Es decir que puedes nadar con el. Con un 50m solo te recomendarías que te duches. No más que eso. No es la profundidad que resiste para sumergirse, sino la presión de agua que aguanta

[@jamesg4670]

Thanks buddy this is exactly what i needed to know even tho hammy is a field watch and sarb is a dress/casual watch I think there both great daily wearers than can be dressed up or down

[@RandomRobReviews]

Yeah basically. It really comes down to what one appeals more to you. The sarb will maybe hold value more? Since being discontinued.

[@nortoncmd2681]

It is a Hamilton, not a "hammy".

[@SinnerSince1962]

The only thing I don't like about the Hamilton is the date window. It is narrow and recessed deep. If you aren't looking straight on in good light, the date can be hard to view. Hamilton should have made it wider like the Seiko. When you get to double-digit days, its even harder to see.

[@marc7073]

Does your Hamilton make a slight clicking sound when automatically wound?

[@cagataycakmak2280]

Yes it does. It is also a bit stiff when winding. Nothing wrong with your watch.

[@4everyoung869]

I like the seiko brand but the Hamilton look the best

[@ericlevine3897]

Hamilton all the way.... got my eye on the champagne colored dial.

[@RandomRobReviews]

I still want to try that dial color. Would be epic if Hamilton updated the king with some lume and water resistance

[@elmercamarse]

Khaki champagne > sarb > khaki black

[@charlieisamonster]

I’ve owned quite a few Seiko watches. I have some I’ve owned over 25years. Needless to say I like them. I do pop spring bars on all of them regularly though. I bought a Hamilton khaki mechanical recently. I have to say the khaki is in a league above Seiko in my personal experience.

[@ajgross67]

I had the SARB033 and it just didn’t do it for me, so I sold it. I just picked up the champagne dial khaki king (on the leather strap) and I have no doubt it will be staying in my collection. It is a phenomenal watch and you definitely notice the thinness compared to the SARB033

[@christosnsk]

Only I can say ,I have the Hamilton Khaki King Auto and it's good,reliable and nice looking. I have the strap version .

[@daniellee8162]

Judging my the comments...it sounds like a Alpha M 5 reasons MVMT is better than Rolex lol

[@fungus70]

The Hamilton has more flair while the Seiko is sticking to a very safe design language. Both are very nice watches.

[@jonfavale]

I LOVE the khaki king

[@davidwatson3035]

Had that Sarb for about a year, it just never quite made the grade in terms of quality. The bracelet was poor, but even on a Hirsch carbon, it was still unbalanced and top heavy. I sold it and then the new owner complianed it started losing time badly. It looks nice but is not up to the quantity for the money. I would not buy another.

[@chrisg-gg2iu]

Very interesting comparison given one’s a field watch and the other is a dress watch. I like both Seiko and Hamilton, but between these 2, I agree with you and I’m also more drawn to the Hamilton. The king wears great. I also agree Hamilton needs better lume application and water resistance. I own 6 Hammys and the lume isn’t in the same ballpark with Seiko.

[@washingtonfootballfanwgil8392]

Rob, It's coincidence that I own both. My Ham is champagne dial with a leather strap. I need a nicer strap, any suggestions?

[@ajgross67]

I just bought the champagne khaki king too. I bought a brown ostrich leather strap (I actually bought it for my now sold SARB033) and I think it looks great on that if you want to stick with leather. I also picked up a couple of BluShark AlphaPremier nato’s and I love it on them. I have the green strap, and the blue and think it looks great on them (the green is my favorite). Careful not to get the regular AlphaShark though as it is thicker and won’t fit the tight spacing on the khaki king

[@RandomRobReviews]

Like AJ said, I bet the lighter dial color looks great with a rich ostrich strap. Grab an Erikas strap too, they are perfect for the king.

[@RobBrook]

Great comparison vid. I'd have to go SARB033, but I'm biased from the start :)

[@valueink]

Why did hamilton put nice big clasp with only 2 micro adjustments I dont get it. No half links neither

[@mikepressley3956]

Hamilton all day long!

[@mr.smitty4359]

Great video will be picking up a sarb 33 at bonus time. and my next watch is going to be Hamilton jazz master sea view....

[@Phelipe7San]

I own the Hamilton Khaki Pilot 46mm and it's a monster. IMO, the Hamilton suits for a tool watch and the Seiko is more like an office-ish piece. At the end of the day, both are amazing and provide excellent value for money.

[@vinny8vinny]

Loved my khaki king, gave it to my brother to wear to work. I told him he would love the day/date complication, and the power reserve is awesome....70 or 80 hours I forget.

[@412JFury]

The Hamilton is so much better looking as far as Aesthetics go. It's definitely close to being a good alternative to Rolex Explorer 1. Sadly I was going to get one and tried one on, And to me it felt like a cheap piece of tin. One thing I can say about every Seiko I've ever owned is they feel like they're made from the best materials a watch can have. Obviously except for the sapphire. But I'm pretty sure the SARb has Sapphire. Watching this makes me really want to go try one on again though. It's the perfect looking neutral watch for someone like me who loves leather straps.

[@412JFury]

We'll I was so wrong about the Hamilton. That watch is Flawless and on the top of my list. Funny I ended up buying another seiko while looking at the hammy tho lol.

[@rafaeldiaz7636]

412JFury did you think the bracelet was tinny?

[@JohnnyTrulove]

Hi. I am thinking about the Hamilton Khaki king. I have the sarb033 and love it. Downsizing my small collection and thinking about selling my Seiko sary055 to get the Hamilton.

[@RandomRobReviews]

The King is a nice watch, lume and water resist kinda suck, but overall great watch

[@JohnnyTrulove]

@@RandomRobReviews better to get the king or the khaki. I like the size of the sarb033

[@메롱이지롱-s4b]

same glass but hamilton is more glad than seiko

[@dbrph]

Hamilton khaki king can be purchased on eBay with stainless steel bracelet for $314

[@dbrph]

This price is for a new one.

[@youngtotoy]

i have both but hamilton by a mile

[@abramwinne]

Good comparison 👍

[@shmendrik213]

Definitely the SEIKO!

[@snapfitness1]

By far I'd chose the Hamilton. Style, durability and reliability.

[@jefferyneu3915]

I would take the Hamilton day/date over the Sarb every day of the week! I really miss having a day complication when wearing a date only watch

[@samd.5203]

Both great watches but have to disagree i'd take the SARB everyday over the hammy. Better watch all around, more versatile and it has better water resistance. I've owned both and I still have the SARB and the hammy is long gone. How can you make a $400 field watch and only give it 50 m water resistance that is just unforgivable. For that price for a watch that you're supposed to be able to camp and hike and fish with.

[@wpherigo1]

Definitely agree , Rob.

[@Unam469]

Kindoo

[@MohsinMurad]

good choice, hammy all the way

[@nortoncmd2681]

I hate the word "hammy". It is a Hamilton.

[@varghejo]

SARB or die!!!! This hammy is really nice actually probably the better watch as far as the bracelet and movement are concerned, but the Sarb's case is so unique and just has so much charm that I'd pick it over the khaki king.

[@erichg.6235]

Only 50m waterproof (that means you cant jump in the pool and cant do snorkling with the watch on your wrist) plus poor lume - sorry not a watch for me. Overpriced. Just good looking (I like the day/date) is not enough. Hamilton can't do more than 50 m water resitance - thats a joke for a watch in this pricerange, every 20 Dollar Casio can do this. A field watch you cant read because the lume is that poor? The Seiko is sold as a dresswatch- great lume, 100 m water resistant, the Hamilton is called field watch,, 50 m, poor lume. Find the mistake.

[@stevenwymor1398]

I’ll take the SARB thank you very much. But of course, whatever winds your watch. 😉

[@RM-pg4js]

Seiko All Day. Hamilton is a boring watch. Same design over and over these hamiltons

[@Clever738]

Hamilton looks so much better.

[@mfmantica]

Seiko sounds cheap. HAMILTON OVER AND OVER