STILL WORTH IT IN 2019? Seiko SARB033 Watch Review

Here is a full review and my thoughts on Seiko SARB033 watch. Is it still one of the best everyday watches under $500? Enjoy the review:)
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[@praveennair9501]

This is the only watch I own, it's design makes it very versatile.

[@relosapulso]

for how many years? 😊

[@danieldiaz4692]

I purchased the SARB035 this past winter. Love it and I'll never let it go. Nice review, but my the crown on mine does not have the gap you mentioned. I did purchase mine directly from Japan, which I would suggest for anyone who plans on purchasing one.

[@thehooch-man2657]

After owning this watch for over 2 years, I am still so impressed with it. I came late to the Sarb party and only bought it after I learned it had been discontinued 2 years prior. Its understated elegance was the thing that immediately caught by eye. It really is quite handsome. Agree that the bracelet is underwhelming, so I swapped it with a Strapcode Oyster. It definitely elevated an already brilliant watch. So glad I paid only $300 (NIB) for it. Prices are crazy now.

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

I have the 035 and I'm glad I picked it up. It's a classic for sure. The bracelet isn't horrible but I do have it on brown leather for the winter. The SARB is a strap monster and very versatile with the water resistance and the lume.

[@markplayford5836]

Hi Oleg, I have the SARB035 with the off white or champagne dial. I mainly wear a 42mm SKX or similar so buying this off eBay for a steal at £200 was a disappointment as it looked so small. It sat in the watch box for a while before I took it away on holiday to wear on an evening. This is when I really started to appreciate it as it’s elegant while still been a touch sporty. It now has a cork strap which works much better than the bracelet, oh and might I add I’m a bracelet man too! Another excellent review my friend. 👍

[@willardhooton920]

Mark Playford Had similar experience- have to spend time on the wrist to appreciate SARB033. Was going to sell mine until I put a silicon strap on it... now it’s practically at the top of my rotation, what a great daily driver piece- comfortable with low key panache👌

[@desertoctane6444]

SARB 033 is a JEWEL! I own both SEIKO SARBS, ORIS, STOWA, ZELOS, GS, LACO. I still wear this watch so much and I STILL love to look at it. It draws my attention every time I use it.

[@EverydayWatchGuy]

Still got my SARB035 and I'm loving it :) Thanks for the video Oleg!

[@susfu4988]

I have both, so always tough to decide which one to wear!

[@mrdisco99]

My favorite watch. I got mine last year to celebrate a promotion at work. It was on sale for $318. It's been on heavy rotation ever since.

[@zzergg8188]

Congrats on the promotion

[@tripletdadplusone]

I love my Sarb035, so the white dial version. I replaced the bracelet with the strapcode polished midlink bracelet and it's amazing now.

[@BeyondWrittenWords]

06:02 that first gap is there for the very functional purpose, it lets the bracelet move freely relative to the case of the watch. Very important feature, seen in many seiko watches.

[@bobbyrazdan5716]

Hey, just letting you know... The metal clasp won't be able to scratch the display crystal because it isn't hard enough to do so

[@jarrodfurlano673]

My favorite watch. Hard to give any of my other watches wrist time. I also wish the bracelet was a bit better. That garage door opening in the clasp really bothers the hell outta me. Great review.

[@alexanderlehmann4653]

Replaced it with the Ginault Ocean Rover bracelet which has glide lock. Now it's perfect!

[@paldo771]

Forget the bracelet. Give this watch a proper shell cordovan strap and watch it sings..

[@malbug]

I have this watch and I love it. It was running slow so I had it regulated. The lack of micro adjustments is a little bit of a pain, but I think the bracelet itself is fairly decent. The dial, in certain light, has almost a dark brownish gray hue to it. Overall a great watch for the money.

[@twinscoupe]

The dial is 100% brown very dark but brown not black

[@craig2100]

I love my sarb33, a great watch especially for the money. Good review. I'd wish more would mention the sarb35 as well.

[@repo4]

The only "negative" for me is the gap under the clasp. That's it. Mind you, I did buy it for £260 almost two years ago. The crown on yours is bit weird, mine sits deeper in the case.

[@susfu4988]

As always, great review Oleg. By chance I wore the SARB033 for work today, it’s a great watch! It doesn’t get the most wrist time, but I fall in love with it again every time I take it out of the watch box. I think its got a kind of Explorer vibe, kind of a Datejust vibe going, which enhances its versatility. Personally, I like the bracelet, but even if you don’t, another pro for the 033 is it’s an absolute strap monster that will look good on just about any strap, bracelet or NATO you care to put it on.

[@marianobergamino8104]

Great video, Oleg! I own the SARB 033 and I love it. I think not only the design is very classic and versatile, but the proportions are excellent. I have some complaints though: the cristal gets dirty very easily, the bezel is really a scratch magnet and the rotor is a little noisy. Mine has the 6R15R movement and I did had problems with it, running slower than expected. On the other hand, it is interesting to discuss why Seiko has discontinued such a best seller. It was meant as a Japanese Domestic Model back in 2008, when maybe the selling worldwide through internet were not so massive. Now it would compete with other Seiko that they are trying to sell for a higher price, like Presage, Prospex and the new Seiko 5 Sports. Keep on with the good job!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

CLASSIC seiko. one of their finest every day/dress watches in my taste. Pure class, and it looks awesome on many different straps. Thanks for this video!

[@wirdy1]

Just bought one. Love everything about it. NOS from July 2009. Wore it a few days then lobbed it onto my timegrapher. Crown Down 0 s/d. All other positions 6 or less s/d. Wow. Very happy I got a good one.

[@akskerpen]

Thanks for the video. I have both SARBs, the 033 and the 035 and I like them both very much. The 035 is my first cream dial.

[@4034miguel]

The issue with the movement was with the 'C' variant. There is no reports of the 'D' variant showing the issues mentioned on forums and videos. Cheers

[@lordofthelints]

How can I determine which version is in my Sarb 035?

[@PepRex]

@@lordofthelints Tells you on the movement if you look through the caseback.

[@squidwardstesticles5914]

lordofthelints I have a seiko 5 with a 7s26 and it says on the rotor. It says “7s26c”

[@lordofthelints]

@@squidwardstesticles5914 I justed my sarb, it's a d! :)

[@squidwardstesticles5914]

lordofthelints nice

[@briancolyer8483]

Fantastic design, suitable for any situation, 100m w/r makes it a good all rounder especially combined with the sapphire....the price I'm not sure about, for myself that's the only sticking point....that said, if it's the perverbial one watch collection, then it's still a great deal....⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

I love my SARB033, but don’t like that rotor noise! Mr. Bond you’re awesome!!

[@ajones4064]

Love the Secret Link!!! I think you & Bond knocked it out of the park!!! Thanks for haring and my best to Bond!!!

[@mitchd1963]

Had mine a while now and still love it I got it when ebay had a discount code that took it down to £190 delivered recently it was running slow but a fine adjustment has corrected it and now running within the spec's always looks great

[@xxraverxxonxtacy]

Imo the Seiko Sarb is closer to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 than the Explorer but I see what you mean.

[@nojburns]

My only 2 complaints about this watch are the gap in the clasp and that lack of AR coating. I have this watch and love it. But I'd love to have a better view of dial without the interference of reflection. With that said, it remains a cornerstone of my collection and sees a lot of wrist time. Great video Oleg....Keep it up!

[@1000lightyrs]

Another great video man. I do concur with all your comments. I love mine, it's like a perfect watch to me. Although the movement in mine does run terribly slow (like a minute a day), I'm sure it would be easily regulated if I desire to get it done.

[@georgeoikonomou6939]

''Still worth it in 2019?'' Bro, I've just bought it in 2023 !!!!!! This watch is iconic and never gets old!!!

[@mtmatt6111]

Nice review - IMO spot on. I paid under $300 four years ago so I have no problem overlooking the watch’s faults. It keeps great time, fits well under the cuff of a dress shirt and is incredibly comfortable to wear. I’ve heard the best versions of Seiko watches are sold to the Japanese market so I bought mine from Seiya Japan who I highly recommend. Btw the Rolex you’re wearing is my all time favorite watch. I hope to eventually own one.

[@hasibahmadzai7569]

I have the SARB033 and its awesome. Reminds me of the Rolex Explorer 1

[@mariog7213]

That’s why I want one. Can’t get the explorer just yet and this I know would scratch the itch for a while

[@Billeh556]

Hey Oleg, this is the watch I ended up selling because of my Lorier Falcon which I will be lending in to you. Also an update: just purchased another Lorier, the Neptune version 2 which I can also lend in to you once I am back from vacation.

[@4no1timewaits]

I have the 35 and agree that the watch deserves to have an anti-reflective (AR) crystal installed. This is probably the most common criticism. A person could replace the crystal themselves but this involves taking out the entire movement and buying a particular piece of equipment to pop out the crystal and then press it back into place after the movement is re-inserted and aligned. If this is to be one's daily wear I would recommend taking this watch to a reputable watch maker (smith) to have this done. Nice video. I like Mr. Bond too.

[@joeskeptical4762]

I have the nearly identical predecessor, the Spirit SCVS003 (matte black dial) with the 6R15A caliber. I wear it on a 2 ring NATO. It's good looking enough to have inspired a homage by no less than Rolex (black dial 39mm OP 114300 released in 2018) I got the watch new 13 years ago; it was serviced once by Seiko at age ten. 55+ hours of power reserve. It runs inside COSC specs, +3 per day. Crown down overnight slows down the daily gain on wrist, over a month it gains about 15 seconds.

[@CH-yp5by]

Firstly throw the bracelet away or buy a superior bracelet l. The watch will fit so much better on your wrist with a leather strap an looks dam sexy with a chocolate brown leather strap. I bought both 033 and 35 with a black, tan and chocolate brown quick release straps and they are so versatile with every outfit. Best everyday watch in its price point and arguably one of the best value for money watches out there hence, why so my reviews have been done on it.

[@willardhooton920]

Christopher Hahn Sweet combo!

[@TNFbattleblog]

If I were to have to start my collection over, this is the first watch I'd get. In fact, I'm considering the SARB035, to go along with my -033, but I consider the cost of a strapcode brushed/polished with sub clasp as part of the purchase price, jumping from 400 to 550. I took the bracelet off within 3 days of purchase, and I don't think I ever put it back on.

[@asotomayor]

TNF BattleBlog do it! I got both the 033 and 035, my favourite rotations by far. The bracelet is adequate, not the best but not an issue.

[@noelmurphy3450]

Thanks for the review Oleg, a very accurate summary of the pros and (few) cons with the SARB033.....it's a great watch and deserves the love it gets from watch nuts 👍👏. Cheers Noel

[@zzergg8188]

Just ordered the 035 at amazon for 357 bucks. I’m excited for this one ☝️

[@readysetmoses]

I have worn mine every day for a year, handsome, versatile and an absolute workhorse. I love it!

[@Samuel-gf7ef]

And if you guys think its not worth the money, get "baby Sarbs" Snkl41/45. Beautiful watches and for 65$ its a bargain. 7s26 movement is a gamble tho. Got lucky with my snkl41 with a steady +3,6s/day. cheers

[@steve-wu7jp]

Great watch, I showered with it, swam in the lake and dove into the water all time time. No problem with water resistance, a great do it all watch. I agree an ar coating would be a nice addition and a potential mod for new owners. The geneve striping and and signed crowned are great little touches to see from Seiko, along with the sapphire. Years ago I think I paid around 300 usd but I agree it is probably still a nice value at 400 usd

[@adityasanthanam1945]

The Seiko looks great. It is affordable, perfect size, classic design, and reliable. I would love to buy one. The watch should come back into production. That bracelet is not that bad, I still wear my Vostok Amphibia on the original bracelet, just adjusted.

[@MC-yh9bw]

Love Seiko. The SARB and anyone of their divers is all you need.

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

Thanks for the clear, concise, and coherent review of this Seiko watch.

[@kjeldpedersen666]

Hi Oleg Don’t have one myself but I still think it’s great value for money. If you want a watch with classic styling and elegance without being willing to use thousands of $/€/£ it’s incredible what you get here in terms of finishing and style. I could compare with my beloved (-vintage) Date Just. What’s the difference? Well, off cause the Rolex has a better movement and the finishing is even sharper too. Not to mention that famous Rolex steel... But the DJ only has plexiglass and it’s Jubilee Bracelet is made of folded links, even more rattling than that on the Seiko. The versatility is about the same and so is the water resistance. Is it worth the difference in price? Only if you’re a watch nut! Unfortunately, I am. But I would nevertheless recommend this Seiko to anyone... If I had one I would prefer to wear it on a nice high quality leather strap, maybe with a butterfly clasp. Doing that you have a watch for a lifetime without breaking the bank😉 Very nice video, Oleg. Keep up the good work👍

[@eyeontime6136]

My wrist is 7.5 and swells in the summer. If your wrist is the same or bigger you will need another link. Thumbs up, love mine.

[@mash7745]

Hi Oleg. Always a pleasure to watch Mr. Bond. Any chance of a Casio Edifice review in the near future ? :)

[@remycris2108]

I have a hard time spending close to 450 dollars on a 300 dollar watch but I love this watch so much it’s so versatile and fits perfecting into my collection of divers. Should I go ahead and get it or wait till 2020 for the new alpinists coming out?

[@TheRazerlg]

Are they expected to be released in 2020?

[@wellgeo223]

Great video. By the way, I love your Sharks inspired color theme 😉

[@mrbacchus6127]

I am a flipper but the sarb035 remains in the collection. The only real negative I see is the lack of adjustment in the bracelet. It is the poor man Rolex date just.

[@CommandoMaster]

2008 was a long time ago. I was a different person back then.

[@SavedbyHim]

What changed?

[@KenGold666]

Was a different time

[@kohlwolf]

Seiko is a very under appreciated brand and it’s worth the value It’s a brand with a lot of heritage and great movements

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

Great review/comparison in 2019. I have this watch and its my daily driver (and I love it). Which leather strap do you have on it around the 3:30 mark? It's really nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@masonatkinson6681]

I’ve never had good experiences with Seiko movements. I had the 7s26 in the Snkl23 and skx and both lost about a minute a day. I had the sarb033 and it lost 40 seconds a day. I bought all of the watches new. It’s upsetting because I like Seiko but their movements are hit or miss.

[@mitchd1963]

My sarb was running slow like this but they are easy to adjust I did it to mine and now runs within the specs

[@cl4zttv654]

My 7S26 runs -3,1 seconds a day average.. I'm not sure if just got really lucky or you went horribly unlucky but yea, it runs fine for me.

[@23Firejet]

Movement of 6R15 is +/- 2 Seconds a day on a DIAL-UP Position, but it is +/- 40 seconds a day on a CROWN-UP Position

[@jonnysteve_RF]

Also surprised, my 7S26 is average -.9s/d and +3/-7. Hopefully my 6R15 in the SARB on it's way follows suit! You also can always regulate them, it's very easy and if you're outside +-10 I definitely would open it up and regulate.

[@70cuevas]

I love my Sarb 33 & 35

[@realrinat]

i hope they do new barbs with jubilee and president bracelets

[@planetdee3587]

I have the 035. I must say anything that can be said bad about the Sarb is negated by the original price. I paid $293 in 2015.

[@sevennik]

The Dial is not Dark Black, the Dial is Dark Brown !!! :)

[@petert3412]

I agree with your review. Thanks. The sarg is probably my prefered Seiko in this style .

[@sasarasasarasa]

YEP, next question.

[@timyoungnc]

Agreed, I ordered a Strap Code bracelet and like the watch much better. I could never get the original bracelet to fit well.

[@mtronaut1694]

I still have the SCVS003 laying around, which is like the original Sarb033...never wore it.

[@Goob2112]

Great video! I just bought one today and absolutely love it, its perfect, and I haven't said that about a watch in a very long time. They're going for $375 USD on Amazon in the US right now, which is a great deal IMHO.

[@kmcel190]

Yes! I thought I'd never own a NEW Sarb033. Everything on eBay is at, or just slightly below the $500 mark, which is unreasonable. Amazon's price sealed the deal for me.

[@ejsantiago2016]

Can you please you a link over here. I'm trying to find a good watch for my bf under 500bucks. Hopefully he'll like it!!

[@kmcel190]

@@ejsantiago2016 It looks like they're sold out completely. I guess it was a one time only thing 😕.

[@ejsantiago2016]

@@kmcel190 😔😔 all the third party sellers hike up the price to almost 1000cad.

[@kmcel190]

@@ejsantiago2016 400 on Amazon, check it out www.amazon.com/dp/B001AE9XRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_0Na1EbGPJ361V

[@rayquintanilla614]

It’s charm lies in its simplicity. Very classy simplicity.

[@mayureshkulkarni99]

Hey there, I have a 6 inch wrist and I love this watch... Do you think I will get a proper fit with this one??

[@DaneFerolin]

I look at sarb prices every day, have the 017 already

[@rajatwow737]

Same here bro

[@shaneoneal1658]

SARB033 not my cup of tea. But love that green fleece!

[@matthew_lynch]

I do still have a soft spot for my Sarb033. However I have always worn mine on a black crocodile leather strap. A friend on mine has a black dial Patek Calatrava, which I noticed looked exactly the same! Now I can’t escape the fact my Seiko is a Calatrava homage..

[@willardhooton920]

Matthew Lynch Unbelievable...you’re right!! From the handset to the case!

[@ivanbcanada6454]

Awesome watch! Thanks for the video and thank you Shall!

[@yankeedoodle6293]

Love this watch, only negative is there’s no micro adjustment. I’m forced to wear it on a leather strap

[@NathanChisholm041]

Put it on another bracelet! You must have spares? I've got about 10 in my draw.

[@allanrossfuentes]

Nice video! Hey there is a Tissel explorer! Can you make a comparison video about it with the Rolex and SARB aswell hehe! Thanks!

[@edteach3r]

Not my style of watch, but beautiful nonetheless. Sapphire crystal is a much-desired option that I wish I could have on many of my Seikos. Thanks for the video, Oleg.

[@danielpinsky3812]

I have and love it. I upgraded the crystal to one which has AR coating and I like the upgrade

[@mohammedsalimahmed5230]

How do you do that? Do you order the part first then go to a specialised shop? Are you from UK?

[@davidcoleman2463]

They are great watches. I have a Seiko sarbo35 . My Hamilton field automatic does keep better time.

[@TCBHal]

The SARB 033 is a great watch. The bracelet is not the best. The gap at the claps and the lack of micro adjustments are really annoying. Put it on a Strapcode and the problem is solved.

[@brunogomiero]

I really like this classical design!

[@Lu-e]

My question for you is, where did you buy your Seiko watch? How much did you buy it for? And also which site do you trust. I’m interested in purchasing this specific Seiko but I am worried that I may get a fake or unreal Seiko sarb033.

[@musoman]

I sold mine as I hated the bracelet - bought the larger SEIKO Pressage and its gorgeous if slightly too big, also don't like the day feature on it.

[@ChroniquesCoraniques]

I watch your channel because of your dog man

[@scottsj4625]

Every Seiko I have with a bracelet has only two micro-adjustments. They seem crappy to me. The good news is not an integrated bracelet so it can be swapped out which I have had to do. I am not saying the watch is crappy, they are all decent, it is the bracelets that are not too good.

[@tantu2395]

Good review my friend, what you think of Tissot v8 automatic watches? Is it a good quality watch compare to the Seiko sarb33? Thanks.

[@jlg395]

I owned the SARB035. Nothing special, so I quickly moved it on.

[@davidcoleman2463]

Love this watch. I have the 035 cream dial . It is easier to read . They are costing to much now . That is a shame. $550 Can , now on Amazon. Nov 2019

[@remlr92]

Nice review! I also love this watch. There’s only one negative thing to me: the rotor noise when you shake your hand. Do you guys have the same issue or do I have OCDs? Thanks

[@NathanChisholm041]

You have OCD😂 But yes they are noisy but I never hear it unless I put my ear right up to it!

[@darrensmith6999]

Great Watch.Thank you Oleg Hi Bond !

[@ivanortiz1106]

Love this watch, seiko got right this time 100%

[@dustycups]

I think the factory bracelet is decent quality - it’s the design that isn’t so great. The clasp gap and lack of microadjustment were probably deliberately designed into it so that if you wanted a serious bracelet you’d have to buy a more expensive watch. I decided to ‘upgrade’ to a Watchgecko Kirkstead bracelet and I was disappointed to find that it was a crappy Chinese made thing which just felt cheap in the hand and held together with awful split pins. The factory Seiko bracelet feels several steps up in quality, design flaws aside. My SARB033 doesn’t have the gap like yours between the crown and case.

[@willardhooton920]

f2013 No gap to speak of her too

[@NunoPimenta82]

Have one and am very fond of it!! Thumbs up

[@russellharris5072]

I feel that apart from seiko many watch manufacturers are getting lazy using baton indices far too often.My 1954 omega seamaster peps this up a bit by placing applied numerals at the cardinal points,not unlike your rolex only much smaller.I wish that all watch makers would wake up a bit and enhance their designs a little more............................

[@maxs.6743]

Oleg & Bond

[@maxs.6743]

Hahahahha keep me in mind for the calvin klein :))))))))))

[@sasarasasarasa]

Do you know a better automatic watch for 300 bucks? I don't.

[@JeffRoss1122]

Sarb033 is not available at that price.

[@BetamaxBabe]

I'd been eying the SARB035 for while, but I think I'd save up for the SARX043/045 instead.

[@hasibahmadzai7569]

Oleg you should review the SARB066

[@randsp3c709]

I have really small wrists but can't get use to anything under 40mm just looks weird to me idk

[@DukeBX]

Great looking watch. It has definitely lasted the test of time.

[@JV-dx5uv]

What is the new Seiko type you can compare with the sarb 033?

[@Dan-tf9kb]

Awesome review

[@davidcoleman2463]

Great watch . They are around $550 ca now on Amazon.

[@Udai_taxim]

Found them in the mid-high $300. Ill send the link on here

[@Udai_taxim]

Seiko Men's Japanese-Automatic Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap, Silver, 20 (Model: SARB033) www.amazon.com/dp/B001AE9XRQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FP5bEbRZPDZ69

[@davidcoleman2463]

My Hamilton khaki field automatic with the new H10 movement keeps better time them my Sarbo35.

[@rajatwow737]

Planning to get one

[@ref6122]

This is a watch to throw on the wrist and forget about.Just wish it had a higher grade movement and slightly better bracelet,otherwise perfect.