Seiko Battle! $100-$500 - SNKL v SARY v SARB v SARX

[@willardhooton920]

Team SARB033 here- Brilliant fair and balanced comparison!

[@JohnSmith-lj5vd]

Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

[@SiCutler]

Snkl23 owner here from England. That cost per point should be on EVERY video. Great job as always

[@jake-ishere3362]

Then U should also depict a “ cheapy feeing” co- officiant ... sure it looks more expensive than it is , but surely doesn’t feel anything but cheap

[@jake-ishere3362]

The older versions were much much better , and felt higher quality ... my first mechanical watch was a used 10$ SNKK47 or the “SEIKONAUT” ... it has a broken crystal but ran good ... I modified the integrated bracelet , fit a new set of hands , re lumed the dull Seiko 5 lume ... custom 6.5mm end links , and custom worked Uncle Seiko Razor bracelet w/ Rolex style clasp from strapcode ... Of course it sat in a box for four or so years before my skills were honed and I was able to do such work, but it was my first dive into serious modification and it came out fantastic I wish I would’ve kept it! Especially now since you’re worth a whole bunch more than $10!!!!

[@martinstephenson4311]

There should also be a comfort category, the SNKL23 would win by a mile.

[@joninawhitecoat]

I've got an SNKL23 and a SARY055 (White/silver dial). The SNKL is so pretty, the dial is stunning. The SARY feels like a proper grown-up watch. The dial again is stunning, it has a very subtle sunburst effect, the watch has a nice weight to it and it's the perfect size.

[@0017Bulldog]

Jody, looking back on this video, this was a turning point for you. The level of analysis was awesome and the in-depth thinking about the scoring was unprecedented. You are forever one of my favorites.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks mate!!

[@kevindehinkelai7464]

That SNKL is so pretty and top for value Gotta love the Seiko 5

[@scottv781]

Thank Jody! I have the SARY and the SARB. I find the SARY a little too big for my 6.75 inch wrist. Between the 41+mm diameter and the long lugs, it doesn't fit well under shirt cuffs, and for some reason it just looks really big. I also can't get the bracelet to fit right due to the lack of adequate micro-adjustments. Fortunately, it looks great on leather. It's the one watch in my collection I would consider parting with, although given it's value, I won't. I absolutely love the SARB. When I first got it, I thought it was too small, but after wearing it a while, it's become one of my favorite watches. And contrary to your opinion, I absolutely love the bracelet; it's thin and wears very comfortably. If I were a one watch guy (which I'm definitely not), this would be it! They're both fantastic watches and would recommend them to anyone looking for a good, affordable, everyday-type watch. However, I would suggest taking wrist size into consideration heavily when choosing.

[@imsgoalie1]

@ 9:15 you note the model you're looking at has a larger power reserve, and credit it to a larger hair spring. I'm sure it was just a slip of the mind, and you meant to say a larger main spring. But I thought it was worth noting in the comments for anyone learning about watches... The hairspring is what is oscillating, wound and unwound, controlling the ticking and tocking of the escapement, and thus the operation of your watch. It's actually pretty interesting to learn what variables affect how the hairspring operates. The mainspring is the spring that stores the power that keeps your watch going. This is the spring you're winding when you hand wind a watch, and it unwinds slowly over the duration of your power reserve. Point being, it's a larger main spring that will give this watch a larger power reserve. Cheers. Edit: cleaned up some spelling errors.

[@bigc208]

If the SARY would’ve had lumed hands and indices it would’ve been perfect for me. As it stands now I’ll have to make do with the SARB and replace the bracelet. Those SNKL little nippers are fun. Can have a box full of those for less than one Rolex service! Puts it all back in perspective.

[@samd.5203]

I'll take the SARB every time. that watch is perfect in every way as far as I'm concerned. Especially since I got mine for $230 USD. great video, good comparisons.

[@Greeneyes3005]

I paid £600 from a Seiko dealer with a years warranty for my Sarb 033.... worth every Penny! Tbh honest I haven’t taken it off in over a year! I just can’t seem to choose anything else from my collection... one negative is that if you happen drop it onto a hard surface... I’ve done that twice now... then it runs crazy fast for around half a day and then settles down again and goes back to keeping amazing time... so DONT KNOCK OR DROP IT lol when I say drop I mean onto a bedside table etc not into the floor from height!! Mines on a crocodile brown leather strap using a presage clasp . He’s bang on about the original bracket.. very balanced reviews here.. but Sarb 033 is a fantastic watch! I’d never want to part with it...

[@scottsj4625]

One of the best comparative reviews I have ever seen. I have a few Seiko's myself. One of my favorite brands. I do not have a sarb level. One I am not sure if I am going to sell or get a new strap is the Seiko 5 with the two micro adjustments I can not make a good fit. Either too loose or to tight. Was under 100. Looked great in photos. It has a cheaper movement where you can not hack and wind it. I wish I could afford a Grand Seiko with the spring drive. But those are a few thousand dollars. Out of reach right now. I really enjoyed all your hard work on this video. Well done !!!

[@willypavius6783]

Really happy to see some love towards the SARY057 from KZbin reviewers. This is a fantastic wristwatch. I have the SARY056 (silver and rose gold with brown sundial). I also have the SARB033 and SARB038 who are also stunning.

[@oes2546]

I've got the sary. Very comfortable due to the substantially curved lugs in combination with it happening to have exactly the right lug-to-lug distance for my wrist. The most comfortable bracelet watch I've ever had. (Maybe except for my Seiko 5 snxs79 due to it being light as a feather.) I got it instead of the sarb because I feared it would look a bit small, and I think I made the right choice.

[@kissmylilpiggy]

I've got the 033 and it's not as small as people might think (7.5" wrists here) it's a comfortable bugger and sits on the wrist even better than the SNXS79/73 and they are my two most loved 5's

[@frankdulonbarre7032]

Agree with your comments. I also have the Sary057 and the size should not be smaller

[@MrBouch66]

Great comparison and a fair amount of effort on your behalf! Cheers!! To note, my recent purchase of the SNK809 with the 7S26 movement has SEIKO stamped on the movement.

[@nastasiaj]

SARB just looks the best. There's a reason it's so highly sought after.

[@hammalamiri12]

I own a SARX 047, It came with an awful strap but the finishing and dial is awesome plus a nice matching aftermarket leather strap has converted it into one amazing watch. I sold my SNKL mainly because of that nasty bracelet and because of it's recessed crown, it was so fiddly to operate and with no manual wind meant I constantly had to change the day, date and time when I wanted to wear it after it had stopped. The SARX line is fantastic IMO.

[@Tangylives]

I actually like the Seiko 5 bracelets. I don't really have any arm hair so that doesn't affect me and the loose rattle makes it pretty comfy, a bit like the stock SKX bracelet.

[@realStefanLowe]

I have a SARB033 with the 6R15C movement. After a few months the time is all over the place. Not even my local SEIKO Boutique has been able to regulate it to specs. I have never had this kind of issues with any other watch.

[@patrickiredale4359]

I like everything about the SNKL including the size and price. I have a similar older model and my arm hair must be tougher as it’s all still intact! Good comparison though. 😎

[@RS-hj2fz]

The Seiko 5, in all practicality, is all you need.

[@williamsipe1151]

That was an outstanding comparison, and one I've been eagerly awaiting. Great work as always!

[@mrkitewine7700]

I have the SNKL and SARB (035), the Snkl is like a toy in comparison. Also, since all Lume pips are the same on the SNKL, it is not always clear where the 12 is.

[@fizixguru101]

Really appreciate differentiating the categories I had wondered about for such long time

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

Did an upgrade over your SARX and bought a Longines Conquest 300 Automatic in 39mm You get it with lume on the black and white dial, but I preferred the blue sunburst dial... Double the price, but you can find them easily 2nd hand for the price of the SARX... Own the SNKL805 which I modded slightly and love this little beast... On a leather NATO it is light, comfortable and a perfect everyday watch in my truck... . You can regulate these Seiko movements into COSC specs very easy - when you are patient enough... Spend today 3 hours to regulate the NH38 of my Phoibos Wavemaster to +2.0sec/day and 0.1ms beat error...😇

[@Bhethar]

"I love watches" that's an understatement mate, you are the watch god 😂💪

[@stevenharper6888]

Awesome video! Gotta be the best and fair comparison I’ve seen. . Cracking job fella!

[@biturboism]

Imported a set of His & Hers set of semi-skeletonised SARYs from Seiya Japan. We love them! I did change the bracelet of mine to luxury leather & clasp and it’s a killer dress watch!

[@scottlauren3145]

This is still one of your best videos. I feel that Seiko will always be my favorite brand of watch.

[@TheBadGuy1974]

Do a comparison with the Sarx and an Rolex Explorer/Date Just the cost per point would be interesting.

[@Scripticus]

For more than $500, I would expect the SABX second hand NOT to be put on backwards. When the seconds hand is at the top (24:32), you can see the minute hand showing in between the minute marks. Otherwise, great job as always. Thanks very much, Jodi !!

[@michaeltesterman2109]

I have a SARB033 and could not get a proper fit with the 2 micro adjustments on the clasp. Replaced the bracelet with a Strapcode Angus Jubilee and it takes the watch to the next level in both fit and style.

[@rupertholland4751]

How about a comparison video of the SARB vs Datejust?

[@MrAhuraMazda]

Heres your review: Datejust shits on a Sarb in every way imaginable. Sarb, which has been reviewed ad nauseam, is "good for money", despite the fact that theyre unregulated and Seiko charges an arm and leg to service them if you get a bad one. There's you review.

[@gregsolovieff6711]

MrAhuraMazda187 And Rolex charges 2 arms, 2 legs, torso and head for a watch and servicing!

[@sinesaii]

Great video. I would love an update with the current automatic dress lineup

[@daymondtalley9500]

I have Snkl23 and SARB033. Love them. Snkl23 is about +6 seconds a day.

[@freddy7366]

Exactly what I was looking for. Comparisons for these watches. Well articulated. Keep up the good work mate!

[@agilewolf]

Combinations of these would be ideal - SARX case with SARB hands. The SARV (lume) and SZSB (crown guards) models would be the next ones to include! The SARX with the larger dial looks the best and appears larger than the SARY.

[@StoccTube]

Great $/point comparison. Good job

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Picked up that SARY in a duty free shop in Narita airport and this review reminds me why I'm glad I did. It hits all the sweet spots for me!

[@alskc123]

What an informative comparison and a very easy to understand presentation. Great video!!

[@williamparker2922]

Great video as always Jody

[@EcSsAwS]

YESSSSSSS! I'm a cheap bastard AND a seiko fanboy.. Love the video!

[@Larry-gs8gb]

That makes perfect sense as Seiko is making cheap watches they just charge a lot for them

[@edcain3676]

@@Larry-gs8gb,: Really,First One I Bought,From MALAYSIA,While in V.Nam Lasted Through 6 Months of Jungle Warfare + 22.5 Yrs of Civilian Life.

[@LorianandLothric]

@@Larry-gs8gb It's literally the opposite, moron lmao

[@davidnelson3873]

Very well done. Best comparison vid I have seen. Thank you

[@normanpedersen5454]

Yours really are some of the best comparison videos out there!

[@50anspoinconneur]

About the last line of the comparison table : dividing the price by the percentage would have been much more sensible than dividing the price by the score. Even if it does not change the order of the classification, it's just a matter of logic

[@denisdaly1708]

Great analysis, comparing value. Intelligently done. And welcome back.

[@pablorages1241]

I like the SARB ... but I have the SNKL & SARB .... prices have gone up since I got mine though

[@johandebondt5749]

That sarx is absolutely stunning. Colour is so beautiful; really like somewhat silvery dials. On my medium wrist, def the sary055. Cannot beat the price/quality. Ditched the bracelet though, but it's a real strap monster!

[@toadamine]

I have an SARX045 that has been running dead on for months now... to the exact second every time I check it against my cell phone clock... I never hand wind it, just wear it daily and set it dial down on my nightstand at night... when I first got it I wound it every morning and it ran 4 seconds fast a day... quit winding it and quit having to reset it... 😁👌

[@candide1772]

Good comparison video, but I think the Seiko SRP703 may stack up a little better than the SNKL23 for only a little bit more, it is slightly over $100. It has the 4r35 movement, so it is hackable and hand-windable.

[@toddyrocks]

Jody i have a SNX 997 7S26-0420 from mid 1990's with the Seiko stamp on the movement you mentioned .. it's also on the 7S36 fifty fathoms i have... fyi .. perhaps it signifies a Japanese made movement

[@fondajames]

You were not doing the sary favors by having the 057. The white (and blue) dial 055 is soooooo much better having pops of color from blue hands and bezels plus colored weekends. It adds so much charm that the black 057 lacks

[@dialanddram]

Great illustration of diminishing returns at higher prices. SARB is the best for me! I managed to pick one up second-hand for about 300 bucks US, and at that price it's one of my favorite watches. Great finish, good quality movement, do-it-all specs and size, and just a phenomenal all-rounder.

[@jwags24]

32 minutes ??? AHHH YEAAAAAH LETS GOOOO

[@williamsipe1151]

The SARX actually has well integrated end links. I am impressed

[@jonoedwards4195]

The Sadistic SNKL would make for a nice mild Mod Build. As Always, Great Show Jo, unreal thanks.

[@sandervdcp3513]

what would be the better watch the seiko sary053 or the orientstar automatic openheart

[@Lanciarules]

I paid 247 € for a new sarb033 before rumors of the stop of production, so in my case is the winner

[@yns13]

Where did u buy it bro?

[@Lanciarules]

Y AMADEL on ebay almost 2 years ago

[@yns13]

The price raised now to 400 euros wow

[@koala8768]

what do you think about citizen watches? are they worth the price? or, are seikos better?

[@charadasan]

Could you please compare SARX035? I think is best option but I am not sure if the actual $800 price is right, thanks.

[@sincwithak]

Hi, were did you get the different coloured watch winder from? Tia.

[@A-Wall]

A comparison that just needed to happen, awesome job! Your 033 appears to have been made in November of 2018, pretty recent in production.

[@shinyparts]

Any chance you can do another video with the current alternatives, basically all of the watches that are basically a 'baby Grand Seiko' are now discontinued - was wondering if there were any alternatives with watches that are currently being sold rather than the prices skyrocketing etc.

[@davidpirozzi3984]

Difficult comparison but very well done!

[@kordanw4876]

I’m looking for another watch, and am interested in an diver (preferably automatic). My budget tops out at about $200, but I could go a little over for the right one. I’m just wondering what you would recommend?

[@stevendepp2041]

Can you do a review on a Seiko Men’s Wrist Watch 7n39-0ap0

[@iansteele6935]

Great review as always! Would love to see the same concept taken up a notch, SARX043 vs SARX055 vs whatever GS you can get your hands on! A mid weight affordable, top end affordable and not so affordable :-)

[@1026367]

About the Seiko logo on the 7S26 plate, I have a SNX431K which I've owned for 13 years. Its 7S26A movement has the same stamped logo on it so I assume it' not something new.

[@AbdulRWatches]

Great video, well done Sir. I wanted to ask, if you had to choose between the SARX or the Fuyugeshiki, which one would it be if you are looking for a white dial watch, apart of a large collection, for a 16,5cm wrist.

[@earthenjadis8199]

Can I add the SARX055 Baby Snowflake to this review? If I was to "play along at home" with my only Seiko JDM (after selling my SARB033), this would be the score (I'm a harsh judge too): SARX 055 "Baby Snowflake" ($1432 AUD) Movement - 8 (I would have rated the 6R lower, to be honest. But to keep continuity with your scores I gave it an 8) Bracelet - 9 (see it to believe it for the price - better than Sinn's bracelets) Crystal - 8 (disappears under most angles - can't ask for much more than that) W/R - 7 Finishing - 9 (the titanium is a step up) Build Q - 9 Dial and hands - 10 (the frosted dial is as close as you get to "famous" in the watch community) Lume - N/A (lume is judged too highly to the point it's problematic to do straight comparisons with the non-lumed watches. 5 points is considerable.) Total - 68/85 Percent - 80% Cost per point - $21.06 AUD I'd be interested to see if other Baby Snowflake owners that own or have owned some of the budget Seikos agree with my assessment. I suspect if the SARX 055 was in the review, the scores of the other watches would have been bumped down on average to compensate.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

A mate just picked one up. Might try and do SARX v SARX at some point. Once he is over the honeymoon period.....

[@RaizenFenix]

The best Seiko battle ever!

[@anupammohan3414]

Hi, Do we get latest 6r15d sarb watches on japan online store? They haven't replied to mails.

[@ConvoyGTR]

Excellent comparison and break down of value. I agree with all the point. Very well done, Jodie!

[@johnt8814]

I just got the sarx033 and I can confirm that unlike the others, it does indeed have super clear coating on the crystal!

[@Pesgodexe]

please review seiko snkl41 or other seiko 37mm diameter size

[@alexbizz]

Great Date Wheel pre-preparation. Dedication!

[@charadasan]

Hello, could you please advice for the better option between Seiko SARB033 and Orient Polaris GMT? thank you.

[@aaronhagler5341]

Wow, I subscribe to all the popular Watch channels and you continually keep pumping out great material. Killer idea for a video!

[@chrisbrown6494]

I don't mind the standard bracelet on the sarb033 but couldn't live with the huge gap at the clasp. I modified mine using a standard milled clasp I found on Ebay for £9 and it's spot on now, plus the bonus of more adjustment. Thanks for great video as always.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Mate, that might be the way to go.... (enters 18mm clasp into eBay)

[@ramoncastro7152]

Great comparison Jody!

[@lukefromtonight]

I want the sarx bracelet but can't find it anywhere !

[@pablorages1241]

strange ... it's the one I like least of all of them ... personal choice

[@joaquinsosa8120]

I own a SNKL23... is just amazing for the price.

[@calnative4904]

Great review and breakdown 👍🏼

[@Nathan-jw1qn]

Great review! Should almost swap the bracelet on the sarb and call it $650 to see how it compares in the same price bracket as the sarx.

[@3rdstone1]

Great work on this comparison, and entertaining as always.

[@thewatchzealot]

Woah. You really earned every view for this one. Obvious you put in allot of thought and work for this video. I hope you reach 100k this year

[@otobotrecords]

TL;DW. Here's my quick&dirty worst-to-best rating taking into consideration looks, feel and value for money: SARY

[@steveashworth5498]

Good informative video. Thank you.

[@saevans63]

Hi Jody thanks for the reviews. In regard to the Seiko Stamp on the 7S26 movement I can advise that it’s on both my Seiko 5s and I’ve had them both for over 10 years. Agree on the accuracy mine are both very accurate movements. The bracelets on my old ones also seem a lot better. They don’t pull the hair and are very comfortable

[@-Dash-]

Excellent review... Cheers for that.

[@jaysonjota]

How many times you get a massive review of all your favorite watches in one video 😃😃 you are the best

[@CaptainHoratioPugwash]

My June 2018 SNKL43 has SEIKO in the plate under the rotor.

[@SaSpursFan]

would you consider these dress watches?

[@daveho852]

really love the sharp cuts of your SARX... but it’s a bit too big as a dress watch on my skinny wrist😢

[@misterfreeze6545]

Good comparison! I went with the cheapest and the most expensive ones! I've always liked my little Seiko 5, until I got the SARX 045. While the Seiko 5 is a great value for a $100 automatic, it just can't compete with a serious watch like a SARX! You can tell it's a quality watch, and I like it's more unique and modern design over the tiny Seiko 5 and SARB with the typical Seiko design that's looking a bit dated. The SARY is a better size than those, but its' styling is out of left field to me. SARX looks clean and is all angular and sharp, kinda like a Tag Heuer Carrera, but at a quarter of the price! Looks like it's chiseled out of a solid block. I also considered the SARX 035, but it didn't seem to be worth the extra money to me. ($725 vs. $500)

[@ceja1500]

I’m a little late to the party, but would you all recommend the SARX045 or Tissot Gentleman as an everyday professional-type watch? Thanks for any input!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

SARX045 is better finished and rarer. Tissot more practical with that 80 hour movement. I'd still go SARX though.

[@ceja1500]

@@JustOneMoreWatch thanks Jody! About to be the snazziest kid in class haha 👌🏽

[@Someothername2134]

I can't find the SNKL23 that he shows. The ones I see have totally different hands and dial. Did he mod his?

[@bennyonabudget6273]

You definitely need to check out the sarx035. The cleanest black dial Seiko with ridiculous AR coating & great bracelet. $738 from seiya. If you love the Sarx in the video, you will gush over the sarx035

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

It's a dressier (no lume), refined, bigger sarb with black dial instead of dark maroon. I much prefer the sarb for its size. It's safe to say that seiko doesn't have a perfectly suitable dress watch in this lower price range.

[@riophish]

Would love to see a video on what other straps would look good with the watch.

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

I’m going to choose the SARB033, because I own its sibling, the 035. Otherwise, I’m all over that SARX045. I love that dial and that Dynastic Cherry Blossom (my take on Royal Oak) bracelet.

[@voiceofexperience]

SARY looks like it would be a perfect "office watch" for me. Thank you!

[@deansusec4266]

fantastic video and very informative! I have been lusting over a sarx 045 and wanted to hear the comparison with sarb. totally want one asap!