Should You Buy a Seiko SARB033?? ⌚

[@randybartlett5820]

I still like the SARB better than all the others you showed.

[@HorologyinSanity]

I can totally understand why. The SARB has a certain charm to it.

[@snwachuku]

I had the SARB033 and the SARB035, sold them both and acquired the black and white SARX models. The SARX finishing, bracelet and AR coating is better but the proportions and comfort doesn’t compare. I’m back to the SARBs and happy again 😅

[@ashurgeorge4604]

38.5 mm gives the sarb033 a magical ratio - pure class. For some reason the sarx ratio feels a bit immature / chintzy.

[@LorianandLothric]

With respect, the Cadisen may "look" better design-wise but the difference in finishing is night and day. Even on a KZbin video it's clear that the SARB is in a different stratosphere in finishing and quality compared to the Cadisen.

[@heavyartillery9059]

nothing like a SARB033 sorry, something is magical about it

[@degenerateWA]

It is a shame that Seiko made the decision to discontinue this one. I don't understand what their strategy is, unless it was to build up hype for another future release of the same thing.

[@scod3908]

They released a new version that is not as good at a higher price, upsetting the customer base the SARB range brought They should have kept making it and just raised the price

[@bourne2cruise1963]

I have a Sarb033 in mint condition. Bought it, but looks kind of small on my large wrists. HOWEVER I love owning something that no longer is in production. AND I do love the look.

[@gent55a]

Hi. Sorry what is your wrist size ? I am contemplating getting SARB033 but I am afraid it might be too small on my 7 inch wrist.

[@Psysso]

I payed close to 500 Euros for the 035, used. Don't have any remorse, it is amazing. Versatile, super accurate(maybe im lucky), classic design, love the datecolor, size, execution and hands. Classic case proportions, sapphire glass, signed crown, subtle but sufficient lume, even the bracelet is milled and substantial(find me another Seiko that hasn't got a stamped one below 700,800$ nowadays). Water resistant, sporty and elegant at the same time, which means it's crazy versatile. Besides, it will be a piece of horological history, already is, it is the last true budget/value watch Seiko produced. So i'd say to anyone that likes the design, get it, everything below 800$ is not a stretch for the punch it packs. It will retain it's value easily if you wish to sell it in the future. All that from a brand with crazy history. Once you factor all that in it's arguably the best sub 1000 $ everyday watch of all time or very close to it.

[@HorologyinSanity]

There definitely is a lot to like about them, which (as you've stated too) is what makes them iconic I think.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Easily a 500USD watch. Sure once you crack the 600USD mark there are other options that are worth considering, but this is far and above a 200-300USD watch especially considering how well it wears on the wrist and how much presence and horological significance it has. Cheers.

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks for the comment. And, I mostly agree with you. Our overall sentiments are the same, I think... there comes a time when the SARB033, at their elevated prices, just make it a less desirable watch. At least, that's how it is for me. I love the watch at $300; I kinda like it at $500; I (personally) don't like it above $500; and I think it's lunacy at $1,000+. hahahaha Since so many things relating to monetary value are subjective, I could draw that line at $400, where another could do it at say $600. The beautiful thing is almost everyone agrees that it's a fantastic watch from a great brand, spanning its great history, overall aesthetic, and wearability. That's for sure.

[@edwardklein5692]

The sarb is rather legendary, it has to be taken under consideration.

[@arielargo]

I think that the best alternative for price, specs and dimensions is the Citizen nb1050. 38mm, sapphire, good bracelet, good lume and Duratect coating. 9011 decorated Miyota movement with open caseback. Beautiful watch and superior to the Sarb in my opinion.

[@Tyler-sl6vg]

I wonder what you would think about my recent sarb endeavors. Had a sarb035 I did not wear much - always wanted the black dial tho. It was loosing 40s per day. Bought a 033 dial and date wheel and paid for a service and some mods. Whole fiasco cost about 350cad. I know now that this watch is going to run well for 5-10 years. Also - I have more history with the watch now. For me the size of this watch is a key part. I'm happy. Also - gotta say the sarb is no longer a 300 dollar watch. Inflation has happened. When I bout this watch for 300usd I also could buy a Rolex sub for 9000k cad at the ad without waiting for it. So that part of your argument does not work sorry lol.

[@HorologyinSanity]

I think it's interesting that you preferred the black dial too. I suspect most folks prefer the 033 over the 035 because of the black dial (I do), but that's only speculation on my part. I also think it's awesome that you turned yours into a project, had the dial swapped out, and I'm guessing the service regulated it so that it'd keep better time. Going through a project like that builds a history, story, and sentimentality to the watch, which I think is awesome!

[@sjscorpiomark]

My SARB033 is one of 2 special occasion pieces the other being my father's 1960's Bulova. Neither of those are leaving my collection. Sure some of those prices are just stupid, but it's a cut above anything you can get < $500 today as far as fit and finish, sure the movement is out of date but mine keeps +- 5-7 seconds per day which is fine for me. I bought mine in 2016 or 2017 for I think $375 or there about and it was a steal at that price. I think the $550-$650 range for new old stock is still a good deal but I would not look any higher. Is it a $1k watch? no, but certainly is a $600 watch at least to me.

[@bongkem2723]

for less than $500 there is no competitor for this watch, trust me i tried =)) the sarx size and hands are not the same, the sarb033 hands look a lot better and fit way better on most wrist !!!

[@_hadori]

where do you get this watch for sub 500 dollars?

[@bongkem2723]

@@_hadori it was 2 years ago on ebay, it's a lot more now @_@

[@huetuber1204]

Hey, if you want the inferior watch, more power to you. Whatever floats your boat, man.

[@bongkem2723]

@@huetuber1204 yeah, no sarx ever becomes a legend like this sarb033/035, i already have more high end watches than i ever need :)))

[@jamesa.4454]

Always a pleasure watching your videos!

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks so much!

[@crBudgetWatches]

It was crazy to think that the SARB033 and 035 were selling for 80usd during Prime Day!!!!!

[@WINDINGCROWNS]

Very good vid. Very informative

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks Hector!

[@bboyNuhRayOh]

Very well made video! I missed out on the hype of the sarb because I just got into watches this year. Looking for a comparable option since prices are getting ridiculous.

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

Sarb033 is the best watch period. Sure there is the sub. Sure there is the snowflake … sure there is the date just 36/41. But sarb it jsut perfect.

[@Jackofdiamonds-l6x]

Is there really zero Lume on the SARX? That a deal breaker for me if that’s the case.

[@root9065]

I have a SARB033 which I bought in 2017, before the scarcity hype was a thing, and I'll never sell it. I bought it from SeiyaJapan for about $400 ($450 including shipping/import fees from Japan to Europe) which I think was the right price for what you're getting. I do think that what you are saying where this watch is worth $200 is ridiculous, and incorrect. Yes, it doesn't have the greatest movement, but nonetheless it's got respectable accuracy if you regulate it with a Timegrapher, and it is an in-house 23-jewel diashock, antimagnetic, 50 hour reserve, hand-winding, hacking movement, packed into an almost Zaratsu-like polished case, with a Sapphire crystal, and Hardlex see-through back, very good lume (for the size and thickness of the hands), engraved crown, solid end-links, date complication, very well applied markers on the dial, no misalignments or things like that, not to mention 10ATM water resistance. And it's manufactured in Japan. So for $200 I don't think you'll find that anywhere with any brand. The other watches you recommended from Seiko's line are $800 and up, so that's hardly a good recommendation to save up instead of paying $500 for the SARB. Going back to the $200 price point, the SUR373 for instance, is $248 (already $48 above what you say the SARB033 is "worth") and I think that just by looking at the product photos, not to mention the inferior movement, the quality difference from that to the SARB033 is obvious, and thus so should be the price difference. Yes maybe you bought those two watches for $200 and $300 because you found someone willing to sell them to you for that amount. But that doesn't mean it's what the watch is worth. The manufacture cost is one thing, having it shipped to your doorstep on the other side of the planet with compliments, is another, and bears additional costs. I think the $400-$450 price including shipping/import for this watch is fair, depending where you live, anything above that, is probably just as ridiculous as saying it's worth $200. Definitely not worth $1000 or above. This is my 2 cents, cheers.

[@Psysso]

Mine is running 1 to 2 secs a day consistently so the movement is very decent if you get lucky.

[@protoman2260]

Geez when I saw what the sarbs are going for it made me contemplate selling my Sarb for *insane* rates and see if I can get a GS to replace it lol

[@chi1057]

Thanks for the review. I agree with your view that discontinued Seiko model prices are out of control. Lots of people trying to cash in. Out of interest how many watches do you own?

[@HorologyinSanity]

Far too many 😁

[@chi1057]

@@HorologyinSanity is there such a thing ? 🤔😜 Either way really enjoying your channel...and watches!

[@HorologyinSanity]

@@chi1057 Thanks! And, no, imho there's no such thing. hahaha If it helps to actually answer your question... I don't truly know how many watches I currently have. I stopped counting at 300, and I suspect I'm around 400 now that I've gone down the G-Shock rabbit hole. Also, during any given week, I have 5-10 different watches incoming or outgoing, so that makes it difficult to keep track of. Nevertheless, I enjoy them all, and I'm sure the size of my collection will continue to morph over time.

[@chi1057]

@@HorologyinSanity brilliant 👏👌look forward to more content!

[@ObjectsInSpace]

Interesting video. I feel like your argument is far stronger for the SARB033 than the SARB035. It's hard to find a watch with the perfect off-white/cream color that the SARB035 has. None of the alternatives you showed came close. Black? Far more common on the market.

[@manuel_winde]

It’s a great watch- but part of the allure for me, was that it could be picked up new for £350/$400. For what they cost now- I would get a Christopher Ward c63 Automatic.

[@HorologyinSanity]

That's a great point, and the CW is a far better watch imho.

[@sophiahauser3300]

Great advice Josh!

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks

[@clemfandango2749]

Why does Seiko keep discontinuing such popular models? SARB, SKX...

[@dryver8]

Tissot Gentleman is a fantastic watch too.

[@HorologyinSanity]

Great recommendation!

[@dryver8]

@@HorologyinSanity I have a blue one in bound if you want me to send it to you for review I will. We’ve talked on Robs Discord before, I live around Greensboro

[@HorologyinSanity]

@@dryver8 Sweet! Thanks so much! I might very much enjoy taking you up on that offer. Can you please PM me in Discord? We can figure out when good timing is for both of us.

[@bobgox]

thanks for another informative vid Josh, personally i love the look of this Sarb black dial, i would buy one if i had the scratch :D > ps: "men that have small wrists that some people call ladies" LOL !! pss > glad you mentioned Lorier, love that micro. in my view, something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. have a nice weekend !

[@HorologyinSanity]

😁

[@joserojas8215]

I got one about 2 months ago for $300 in almost brand new condition. I got lucky because a friend sold it to me. He just wanted a new piece and needed the $300. Win, win for both.

[@HorologyinSanity]

That is a fantastic win-win situation! Love it!

[@alvaromateosfernandez-maqu5772]

Sarx may be better but doesn't give the same sarb charm,since, signed crown nor case faces

[@HorologyinSanity]

That's true. the sarb definitely has a charm to it, that I find really hard to describe even though it's definitely there when you put it on.

[@garethsigrist8714]

Great video. Totally agree that a you do you Boo-Boo mindset is the best way to approach most things in life, including watches! I got back into watches relatively recently and so the SARB and SKX had been discontinued and prices were starting to creep up right around the time I was interested in buying them 🤦🏻‍♂️ I recently bit the bullet and bought a new stock SKX007J. I did it with my eyes open and knowing I was over paying and I’ve been very happy with the watch. It’s great and I can totally see why people love them but it isn’t really worth the premium I paid. It’s an entry level watch at the end of the day with a bare bone basic movement and you have to go in expecting that. It would have been great for the money a few years ago but now you’re paying for the name on the dial and it’s perceived scarcity now more than anything. The SARB and the SKX are beloved because they were a bargain a few years ago, now the prices have gone up following them being discontinued I wouldn’t suggest anyone buys one unless they absolutely have to have one because your money could go a lot further buying one of the alternatives you suggested in this video.

[@HorologyinSanity]

💯 on the You do You Boo-Boo concept! And, that's the beauty of most hobbies, that anyone can do their hobby in their own way, and that's wonderful! I also really appreciate your honesty here, because if someone goes into buying one of these knowing that they're overpaying, than that's a whole different matter imho (I've done that, same as you, but I knew what I was getting myself into). What I don't love is when people get duped into thinking that the SARB033 is a $1,000 watch, unknowing or ignorant of the fact that it's really not that great and that there are FAR better watches out there for that amount of money. Then again, I find it fascinating to think about why some watches get hyped and others do not, because it often is not based on logical and objective facts, and it seems to largely be based off emotions, "influencers," or purposefully shorting the supply of a product WAY below the level of demand. I'm a nerd though, so I think about these things for fun. 🤪😂

[@garethsigrist8714]

@@HorologyinSanity I love thinking about why certain watches get hyped up too. It’s interesting to think about a world where our watch choices weren’t based on our wholly subjective and often irrational opinions (or the opinions of others which influence us). I imagine it would make for a lot more reasoned but a bit less fun hobby 😂

[@HorologyinSanity]

@@garethsigrist8714 You're definitely not wrong. 💯🥳

[@saswineey]

The sarb035 is what I wanted but like you mentioned the prices are insane... But i found another gem, the Seiko srpd97j1/SARY147. I think they're discontinued and being replaced by the 41mm version which feels rather "bloated" due to the empty space of the bigger dial

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks! I'll look that one up. I've learned about so many other great alternatives that I could almost do a follow-up video of them.

[@wisuzu]

Hey Josh, I completely agree with you, on those prices new (1k) you can start getting some very nice Swiss watches, Longines for example ...

[@bboooobbyy]

Longines is a little more than 1000 new. big difference between $1000 and a couple thousand

[@HorologyinSanity]

Yep, and that's the interesting part about it... when the premiums take you into a whole other price bracket, the SARB033 doesn't stand a chance against those other watches it's being compared to, unless someone has bought into the hype that has surrounded the SARB033 (and, I say that as someone that doesn't believe that "Swiss Made" is worth an extra dollar, but I bought my Oris Divers 65 for less than 1k and it's a FAR better watch than the SARB).

[@highperboi]

I got a sarb033 before they got discontinued for my Dad. It’s a nice watch but I wouldn’t pay more than 500. Maybe 400 would be okay now days. I mean 400 don’t get you much from Seiko’s current lineup now days.

[@HorologyinSanity]

That's true, because everyone is trying to do the "up market" thing, which I think is most nonsense built upon hype and bubbles. But, I'm with you, I'd top out at around $500 for a SARB033, and that'd only happen if I couldn't find a respectable SARX for that same price (I paid less than that for my SARX045).

[@steelsteez6118]

@@HorologyinSanity Just found one in pristine condition and paid $650 for it and don't regret it one bit (I also own the SARX045 and the SARX035). Most of them in this condition are already going for $800 to $900 and I believe it will continue to go up in price because of the legendary reputation the SARB line leaves behind. I currently also own the white dial version (SARB035) and it wears faaaaar better than any of my SARX or several of my other watches. I know that's way above what it used to retail for but after owning and wearing so many watches, I've come to the conclusion that the SARB is something really special. As a current owner of the SARB035 (white dial version), it has been my favorite watch to wear. It's certainly not my best quality watch (I own Rolex, Oris, Breguet, Longines, and other Seiko) but for some reason the SARBs just melt on the wrist and theyre have a near perfect weight to quality ratio. I usually forget its even on my wrist. They're also really light and tuck so easily underneath the cuff. I think im at a point in my life where I'm kind of over wearing heavy watches or tall pieces exceeding 13mm (the SARB is only 11.5mm!!) . And that needle seconds hands ...ooooof! Yeah the SARB is an ICONIC watch that will be one of Seiko's , if not THE Seiko, that will have the most legendary status and it's well deserved.

[@protoman2260]

I currently have a sarx029 because I couldn’t justify dishing out so much for a GS

[@mariog1490]

There are a few things I’m not understanding. Why is the sarb033 with a 6r movement the same price as a quarts watch to you? You also made a weird comment about capitalism. But the argument isn’t a capitalist argument. It’s an argument for trade and commerce. Because money, watches or anything aren’t really worth anything. You treat this as though it’s objective. And a lot of snobs and enthusiast use this model of thinking. But, it’s all subjective. And so money and value are something like a social contract of the commerce of relationships. Here’s a good example. Cadisen and quanqin have seiko movements and the same grade of material for a lower price. So why buy a seiko? Why buy a tissot? You can find eta movements and 316 for cheaper. It’s because of history, heritage and reputation, no? But those don’t really have a place in your model of what a watches price is. You and the seller have both agreed and trusted that heritage has a monetary value. And that isn’t an objective truth. Sorry I made a whole paragraph but that weird capitalism comment was just unreasonable and can’t slide untouched just because you have a watch collection.

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks for watching and providing your thoughts.

[@scod3908]

...you say the SARB's are not worth ~500 and then you recommend a quartz SUR model instead? WTF dude. The SARB's were insanely good value and those days are gone, they were originally underpriced because they were JDM models. Seiko should have just raised the price modestly and kept them in the line up. The resale price on a SARB033/035 NOS is 2-3x original cost and is overpriced

[@falkenvir]

You ought to get SZB012

[@scod3908]

@@falkenvirlesser watch for more money SARB only worn for events now anyway, the age of smart watches is upon us

[@BosworthMcG]

Yep, and all the watches he recommended are 40mm as opposed to the SARB033’s 38mm.

[@jroobz]

I have one and a 035. I prefer the 035 but both sit in the watch box. They can't beat my skx009j. I'm on a tool watch kick tho...

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks for the reply. I think there are many reasons why tool watches and divers are so popular, so it's not shocking to me to hear that you prefer your SKX over your SARBs. But, what I do find interesting is that you prefer the white dial 035 over the black dial 033. I think you're the first person I've talked with that prefers the 035. May I ask what draws you more to it?

[@jroobz]

Before holding them in the metal I would have said 033 was my favourite all day long. It's a black dial, 'do it all' watch that's loved by most. What's not to like? But for me, in the metal, it's a different story. In my experience, the dials behave very differently in the same light. The hands cast shadows on the creme dial of the 035 and in the right light, the second hand can disappear! The sunburst finish is more prominent and overall the dial is much more dynamic and lively. It's fun, whereas the 033 is sombre, flat, reserved. I also find the 033 shows fingerprints on the crystal more than the 035. Throw in sentimental value (the 035 was my first mechanical watch with my SKX009J) and the fact it runs within COSC, it's got my 033 beaten. I appreciate I'm probably in a minority here on the side of the 035, but owning both watches has taught me that glossy Instagram posts and stellar KZbin reviews are not enough for me to know that I will love a watch - I need to experience it for myself and make my own mind up.

[@csss142]

@@jroobz you should sell me your 33:)

[@mdaydj]

it's worth more than $200 I have a Sub and my Sarb is way classier on a thin leather black strap just beautiful

[@_hector__]

If the sarb033 was around 500 or less NEW I would of bought it, but since its not I got the sarx045 and I love that instead

[@watsondna]

Agreed! Great watch but not for the money.

[@HorologyinSanity]

💯

[@BassFraud]

Can I buy your sarb for $300?

[@crBudgetWatches]

Dont think so but I bought it's predecessor SCVS003 for 240 usd in excellent condition after a regulation I am getting +4s/d. Basically the same watch, different text on the bottom, early 6R15A movement but better bracelet and AR coating.

[@armandogomez2677]

Dress kx want out yet?

[@lidijabacic8348]

the thing is you can never get this watch for 200-300 dollars. no matter what you think in your theoretical lala land.

[@lapana3169]

You sound exactly like Kevin Malone lol

[@katanoyokohama684]

500-550 still best buy JDM watch

[@kirilpavlov89]

You have clearly no idea of what you are talking about!

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@sevennik]

I love my SARB033....:)

[@HorologyinSanity]

I do too. (both of mine, hahahaha)

[@rafaelalbarracin9278]

Hay que descartar las opciones que no tienen lume. A mi me gusta pero tendría que costar no mas de 300 dólares, saludos 👍

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks for replying. I used Google Translate to read it. I agree that more thought could have gone into this comparison video when it came to lume, or maybe even the complications of each watch, but I wanted to keep this more high level. But, I totally agree with you on the price. It's a nice watch, but at the end of the day it's just a $300 Seiko that has a nice overall design and aesthetic. Greetings to you too, my friend.

[@rafaelalbarracin9278]

@@HorologyinSanity muchas gracias por responder, saludos

[@RelativeTime]

*cough* Orient Star *cough* 😎

[@bboooobbyy]

yes!

[@HorologyinSanity]

Shane, you're spot on, as usual. Great recommendation! I don't own an Orient Star and I've never experienced one in person, but they definitely should have been in the list (towards the top, above Tissot imho). I need to check one of those out someday soon.

[@jaysterling26]

No, one should buy the sarb035 instead. Long Island Watch sell their own branded sarb ( the case side profile looks very similar) /date justish watches - that's what I'd get now.

[@huetuber1204]

SARX057. Forget this SARB033.

[@scod3908]

The SARX models are 3-4x the price I paid for my SARB. Not the same value proposition at all.

[@huetuber1204]

@@scod3908 You get what you pay for.

[@andie2c]

Says the guy who probably doesn't own a SARB..

[@huetuber1204]

​@@andie2c The SARX is obviously the superior watch between the two. If you can't afford the SARX just say so.

[@andie2c]

@@huetuber1204 😂😂🤣👍