Review of The Seiko SARB033 - Why I Will Never Sell The 033... (Updated 2021)
After being discontinued, Tim sits down to review the Seiko SARB033 and goes over some of its impressive features...
Let's take it back a few of years to when I started at WatchGecko in 2016. I was a few months into my new job, everything was all new to me, from listing products online, to seeing how our straps get packed up and taking the first steps towards online marketing. Out of all of the unknown, there was one thing that was pretty clear to me. I needed to get myself a ‘proper’ watch.
After weeks of searching online, watching countless review videos, comparing and learning information on different popular options it was between a handful of watches. The likes of the Hamilton Jazzmaster, Seiko SARX045 and the SKX of course were all possibilities.
After taking advice from my new colleagues, I finally settled on the SARB033. There were many things that attracted me to this decision including these four main points:
- Seiko’s brand history and heritage is hard to ignore
- A simple yet effective watch design
- An unbeatable price (something which we've all come to expect from Seiko)
- The large versatility of the piece
Fast forward a few years and a countless amount of both wrist time and pictures taken, I feel I'm in a pretty good position now to give a comprehensive review of the Seiko SARB033 (with a few words on the 035).
Seiko released the SARB line as Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) watches only, meaning for us not residing in Japan, it can be tricky to get your hands on one. After sourcing one from a well-known seller based in Japan and an impatient 3 week wait, the watch arrived in the UK and more importantly, on my wrist. Seiko and other Japanese brands are known for ‘keeping the good stuff for themselves' when it comes to watch releases, and after only a short time on the wrist, I understood why.
The details in detail...
The Seiko SARB033 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The watch comes in at 38mm, with a 11mm thickness and 44mm lug to lug. All this adds up to a fantastically easy to wear watch on most wrist sizes. Add on top of that the 20mm lug width and it makes this watch a perfect daily piece, perfect for regular strap changes. The watch has more of a dress aesthetic but it's actually a surprisingly versatile piece. Throw on an Italian Handmade leather strap and you've got the perfect everyday watch, dress it up with a quality animal strap and you've got yourself a solid dress watch.
The watch is powered by the Seiko 6R15 automatic movement which has manual wind, hacking and a fantastic power reserve of 50 hours. This leads me on to one of my favourite things about this watch. With 50 hours of power reserve, the SARB can sit comfortably in a rotating watch collection without needing winding again. Similar to the Rado Captain Cook, you can easily leave this watch a few days or a weekend and come back to it still ticking...
Next up, I have to talk about the subtle details Seiko have nailed with the SARB line. The first thing that you can’t miss is the indices and hands. Not only are they both highly polished, but they also have subtle chamfering and angles throughout, resulting in a watch that catches the light perfectly. I've lost count of the number of times I've looked down at my wrist to see the SARB shining, looking like a watch 3x, 4x 5x its price tag. Much like the hands, the date window cut out also gets the polished treatment; a welcomed contrast to the applied Seiko logo which has a simple flat satin finish. The SARB really makes the most of the real estate it has with the seconds tracking being on the edge of the dial. Again, small details like this are more and more positives for the watch.
The Seiko SARB033 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Even more positives...
The case comes with details you’d expect on a £500+ watch. The case combines polished and brushed surfaces perfectly with the top of the watch being vertically brushed and the edges and sides being polished. Flip the watch over, and you’re greeted with a display case back. Who doesn’t love a display caseback right? Similar levels of finishing can be seen on the standard bracelet also. The bracelet has flashes of similarity to the ones found on the Grand Seiko lines (much of the reason this watch is so popular I believe is down to the uncanny relationship with Grand Seiko models) including the polished ends of the links.
Yet again, another plus for the SARB and more proof it certainly punches well above its weight. Overall attention to detail on the SARB is impeccable, a big plus in my book.
The SARB035 deserves an honourable mention...
The Seiko SARB035 on a quality leather strap like this one! - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
After a new colleague joined the team and picked herself up the SARB035 I managed to get some hands-on time with both watches together. Although the 035 is nicer than I expected in person, I do still feel I made the right decision going for the 033. Much like the 033, the 035 still has all the qualities the 033 shares, most importantly the ability to punch above its weight and many other more expensive pieces...
Looking to add a Seiko to your collection? You'll want to check out our range of hand-picked Seiko watches now available on WatchGecko.
Watch straps for the Seiko SARB033
Seiko watches normally lose a few points when it comes to their metal bracelets and there is just one keys feature I felt was missing on the SARB. The standard bracelet only comes with two micro-adjustment size options. Fortunately for you and me, here at WatchGecko, we offer a wide range of metal straps that look great on the SARB.
The SARB fitted on the Clanville Horween Leather in Vintage Brown - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
A personal favourite is our Kirkstead I've recently fitted the watch to. As soon as the strap hit our website the first thing I thought of was my SARB and brought it in the following day for its new set of wheels.
Alternatively, one of our handmade leather straps looks perfect on the SARB. A personal favourite is our lovely Chocolate Brown Simple Handmade Leather. It's a perfect thickness for the watch case and once the strap is broken in, it just gets softer and softer the more you wear it.
Similarly, the Highley leather strap is a fantastic addition to the site which is a very nice classic style strap, a little more dressy with the continued stitching down each side of the strap. The extra padding around the top of the strap also increases the comfort tenfold.
The Seiko SARB033 on Geckota Vintage Highley Leather - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
If I was forced to be negative about the SARB, I'd only be able to call out a few things. The first would have to be the bracelets lack of micro-adjustments (not a problem as we have the Kirkstead bracelet here). Next, it would have to be the news that the SARB line as we currently know it has been discontinued.
Buy the Seiko SARB033 online
Since being discontinued prices have shot up to 3 times what I initially paid and most examples available now are pre-owned watches. Many people have concerns if this means the end of the SARB line for good. Based on the huge popularity of the SARB (especially the Alpinist and its extensive historical relevance) I don't see this as the end of the road. If an updated range of the SARB watches is released it's a fair assumption to make that I won't be the only one eager to get their hands on one asap...
The Seiko SARB fitted on the Simple Handmade Leather in Chocolate Brown - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Read more about the Seiko SARB033 here:
Share this post
76 Comments
Introducing The WatchGecko Exclusive NTH DevilRays
The devil is in the details with our first collaboration with a watch brand...
What Makes a Tactical Watch?
You've probably heard of diver's watches, or field watches, but do you know what defines a tactical watch?
Now Available at WatchGecko: An Expanded Range of YEMA Watches
We’ve added many more watches to our YEMA selection so there’s now something to suit everyone!
Thx
Tim
The ends links are from our site they are designed to fit a generic case size so you can adjust them to fit many watch cases.
We have started to create ends specifically for popular watches such as the SKX which we may expand to other models:
https://www.watchgecko.com/curved-ends-beads-of-rice-geckota
https://www.watchgecko.com/solid-3-link-oval-profile-curved-ends-for-seiko-skx
https://www.watchgecko.com/wrap-curved-end-piece-for-geckota-solid-3-link-oval-profile-brushed-20mm
Thanks!
I recently buy the steel bracelet for my SARB033 and it looks really good but i would like the end link.
What is its reference i should take ?
Thx
Guillaume
Great to hear you've picked up the bracelet, here's a link to the curved ends you see fitted on the article:
https://www.watchgecko.com/curved-ends-solid-3-link-d-profile-geckota
Enjoy!
Tim
I very much like the bracelet shown here but why, oh why don't you have solid end links for it?? This is what most watch enthousiast want and why Strapcode alternatives are so populair for example. A bit disappointing to be honest.
These straps end links are designed to fit a generic case size so you can adjust them to fit many watch cases.
We have started to create ends specifically for popular watches such as the SKX which we may expand to other models:
https://www.watchgecko.com/curved-ends-beads-of-rice-geckota
https://www.watchgecko.com/solid-3-link-oval-profile-curved-ends-for-seiko-skx
https://www.watchgecko.com/wrap-curved-end-piece-for-geckota-solid-3-link-oval-profile-brushed-20mm
Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the positive feedback.
I'm sure if you pick one up now and changed your mind later on the piece you'd be able to make a little money!
Don't forget to post images on social media if you do pick one up using #watchgecko so we can check it out.
Tim
Maybe in the future!
In the 5th photo from the top where the SARB033 is on the blue strap, which model strap is that one please?
Cheers,
Gordon
That's our Genuine Frog QR, it gives it a really cool look:
https://www.watchgecko.com/genuine-frog-qr-by-geckota
Hope you enjoyed the article!
Tim
Thanks for this great review.
Which color is the Highley leather strap model on the Sarb ?
Should I buy other item to change my sarb original métal strap ?
Regards
Emmanuel
Great to hear you enjoyed the review!
The Highley you see here is in the Dark Brown colour.
I'd recommend picking up a spring bar tool as well, this is a good option: https://www.watchgecko.com/watch-strap-spring-bar-tool
Tim
Enjoyed your review. Really good insights after 2 years of ownership. I'm in the fence between this and the sarx035. I'm ok on the price jump of the sarx as it has the AR coating and more refine bracelet. However, what i am concerned about right now is the size. Is there a significant difference between both watches in terms of how it wears on the wrist? Should just rather buy the sarx instead?
Thanks
Thanks for your comment, great to hear you enjoyed the article.
I don't have any experience of the SARX035, but it was amongst the options when purchasing this watch.
I do have experience of the Cocktail Time, Matt has recently reviewed here: https://www.watchgecko.com/thoughts-on-the-seiko-presage-cocktail-time-starlight/
This watch is around the same size as SARX035 and I still personally prefer the proportions of the SARB.
I think as a watch with a very dressy aesthetic the 38mm size of the SARB suits it a lot better.
It's tricky as I don't have experience of the SARX035 nor do I know what case size you're use to.
If it was me looking for a watch again, I'd still go with the SARB especially now it's been discontinued and the watch holding it's value is even more so.
I hope this has been useful!
Regards,
Tim
I was in Japan again earlier in February and had the chance to compare both the SARB033 and SARX035 together with my Grand Seiko SBGV005.
For reference my wrist is 6.5" and both watches wear perfectly fine, and will slip under a dress sleeve easily.
Case size wise the SARX035 is closer to a modern Grand Seiko, whereas the SARB033 is closer to the 60's era GS's.
Shape of the case needs to be considered too - the lower part of the case side closer to the wrist on the SARB033 curves inwards, thus makes it hug much closer to the wrist than the SARX035. On the other hand, the SARX035 has a straight down side, so can make it feel and look a little chunkier than need be.
The SARB033 I've over time grown to live with the AR coating as it doesn't hinder day to day usage. However, I've gone the modding route and going to be installing an aftermarket AR coated crystal in the next few weeks when I get some spare time.
Bracelet was my biggest concern. I fixed that with Watch Gecko's Solid 3 Link Oval metal bracelet with the polished centre links. I've had a fair number of people checking out my SARB033 and also mistaking it for a Rolex since then. I'm really happy with that choice so much that the Genuine Frog QR strap that Tim recommended earlier now swaps between my SARB065 and GS instead.
Ultimately, I chose the SARB033 as I already have the GS, so the SARX035 is way too similar to that to justify.
The SARX035 is simple dressy, but the SARB033 is elegant and more versatile with strap or bracelet options in my opinion - much better suited as a daily wear.
Cheers,
Gordon
Do you know where can I buy this watch? Maybe a more trusted source, japan perhaps?
Thanks!
Buying the SARB is now pretty tricky due to Seiko discontinued this model. I bought mine a few years ago from SeiyaJapan, a very reputable dealer based in Japan who I couldn't recommend enough.
You might struggle to find the watch available through him nowadays, unfortunately.
Your best option may be to find one for sale on eBay.
Good luck in your search!
Tim
We don't, unfortunately, stock curved ends to fit the Seiko Presage ssa343j exactly, however you may find our standard curved ends can fit with some adjustments.
Hope you enjoyed the article!
Tim
Thanks for the comment.
You'll need to go for this strap + the curved ends linked in the product description:
Hope you enjoyed the article!
Tim
Thanks for your comment!
We do offer a metal strap which is similar in design to a Jubilee bracelet.
This bracelet comes as standard with straight ends, however we do offer curved ends additionally. They will require some light adjustments such as light bending to the back forks but they should fit the SARB, here's a link for you:
https://www.watchgecko.com/geckota-super-solid-5-link-d-profile-watch-strap
https://www.watchgecko.com/curved-ends-solid-5-link-d-profile-watch-strap
Hope you enjoyed the article!
Tim
Thanks for your comment!
We do offer a metal strap which is similar in design to a Jubilee bracelet.
This bracelet comes as standard with straight ends, however we do offer curved ends additionally. They will require some light adjustments such as light bending to the back forks but they should fit the SARB, here's a link for you:
https://www.watchgecko.com/geckota-super-solid-5-link-d-profile-watch-strap
https://www.watchgecko.com/curved-ends-solid-5-link-d-profile-watch-strap
Hope you enjoyed the article!
Tim
Just wanna say, the minute you make solid end links available for the SARB033, this bracelet is gonna fly!
Cheers
You recommended your springbar tool but in the description it reads "The wider width of the fork is great for changing leather and rubber watch straps. However, for metal watch straps the fork may be a little too wide to gain access to the spring bar."
https://www.watchgecko.com/watch-strap-spring-bar-tool
So I am wondering, were you able to use your company's exact springbar tool to remove the Seiko standard bracelet?
Thanks!
Yes, this is actually a smaller fork when compared to others so it works well on metal bracelets.
Alternatively, the pin side of the tool also can be used which is even thinner.
Hope you enjoyed the article!
Tim
I’ve picked up some of these amazing straps and the solid d link bracelet with the additional curved ends. Would you be able to give some specific guidance on how to properly bend the back forks of the curved ends for proper fit. I’m a novice and have had no success thus far.
An eventual general video for working those curved end links would be stellar too! But I’m just being greedy.
Thanks so much!
I normally find using a spring bar tool and my thumb can bend forks pretty easily, they won't take much force and slow and steady is the best way to go.
Hope you enjoyed the article!
Tim
Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Randy
In the images above, I've actually used the standard ends that come with the Seiko SARB oyster bracelet.
The centre link width is the same so they fit perfectly!
Tim
I can confirm that is the case back of the SARB033.
Thanks for checking out the article!
Tim
I really like the solid 3 link bracelet and want to order it.
Problem is the 20mm is sold out (which is needed, right?).
Do you have any idea when they get a restock?
Could you please provide the URL links for the bracelet in the last photo?
And does it need matching endlinks?
Thanks
Here's a link to the bracelet:
https://www.watchgecko.com/solid-3-link-d-profile-by-geckota
We will have a new version on the website soon.
In regards to the ends, I have used my standard ends from the Seiko bracelet and they work perfectly!
Tim
I want to buy a Seiko SARB033 but is very difficult to find him in Europe.
Do you have some links for buy this ?
Thank you so much !
Florian
As the watch has been discontinued it's pretty hard to get your hands on one at the moment.
Your best bet may be eBay.
Good luck in your search!
Tim
It's the SARB033.
Thanks!
Tim
Thanks for the great review! In your first photo (SARB033 wrapped around camera lens), what is the color of the strap? I thought is was chocolate brown but looks lighter...
thanks!
Glad you enjoyed the review!
That is the Light Brown Simple Handmade:
https://www.watchgecko.com/classic-handmade-italian-leather-strap
Many thanks,
Tim
I really like the Blue leather strap shown on the photo in the article, but the link listed in the comments for the Genuine Frog QR no longer works.
Can you recommend another Blue strap that would go well with the SARB033?
Thanks
I'd recommend the Blue Simple Handmade, its a classic strap:
https://www.watchgecko.com/classic-handmade-italian-leather-strap
Thanks.
Tim
i‘m searching for a Super Jubilee for my Seiko Sarb033. Is the WatchGecko Jubilee more like an Angus Jubilee or like a Super Jubilee?
I habe seen a Angus Jubilee on a Sarb033 an it was way to big!
Do you have a Picture of your Jubilee on a Sarb?
Thank you very much.
Our Jubilee style bracelet is a good match for the SARB in terms of size and thickness.
The following bracelet is a thicker one:
https://www.watchgecko.com/solid-stainless-steel-warrington-by-geckota
However, I would suggest going for the following:
https://www.watchgecko.com/geckota-super-solid-5-link-d-profile-watch-strap
https://www.watchgecko.com/geckota-butterfly-super-watch-strap-solid-5-link-d-profile
Many thanks,
Tim
Does the Kirkstead bracelet taper to the clasp? If yes, what does it taper to?
Thanks
Shaun
1 of many I read, before I pulled the trigger on my Sarb033, its 1 day away, can't wait.
Put me on the list for requesting solid end links for our Sarbs. Your 5 link/Jubilee looks to fill my needs, but I hate fiddling with hollow end links to get the right fit.
I will order the Kirkstead while I wait for your solid end links, & add the 5 link to my wishlist. ?
Thanks to your Admin team for getting back to me about the Kirstead bracelet! I wish I saw this article before I asked them my *noobish question. Lol
@ Ed
Re:Solar Seiko
I don't think Seiko made a Solar version of the Sarb series.
Sorry about your experience with your watch.
1st impressions are hard to break, but don't let this 1 incident keep you from buying Seiko in the future. I own a 10, & out of 10, 1 had a misaligned chapter ring. It was my 1st Seiko diver too. It didn't stop me, I bought 9 more.
*Not paid by Seiko, although I wish I was... lol
?
May I ask what tool you use to adjust/change the strap? I want to make sure I buy the right springbar tool.
Sure, here's the spring bar tool I would recommend:
https://www.watchgecko.com/professional-spring-bar-removal-tool
You will be able to use the smaller fork for the metal bracelet and the wider one for leathers.
Many thanks,
Tim
Kind regards,
Ken
I've never heard of issues along these lines after such short ownership. My SARB has always performed very well.
I'm sure Seiko will be able to help you with this.
Tim
Great article! I could not decide between the two watches so ordered both SARB033 and SARB035 :) I am wondering what strap is that dark blue/black on the SARB033 under the honorable mention section?
Cheers,
Peter
I own the 035 and are thinking about replacing the strap with an oyster bracelet/kirkstead bracelet. But the end links is bothering me. Do you know Tim, if it is possible to replace the centerlink in the end link so that it is polished centerlinks all the way from the bracelet to the watch?
I like the look of your Kirkstead watch strap on this SARB033.
Can you please tell me if I only need to order the strap and use pieces of the standard Seiko strap that comes with the watch? Or do I, besides the Kirkstead strap, need to order additional pieces?
(Also, do I need the Kirkstead 20 mm or 22 mm lug width?).
Thank you,
Stephan
You're correct, just the Kirkstead and everything else Seiko.
You'll need to go for 20mm.
Tim
I like the SARB033 with your Kirkstead watch strap. Do I need to order something else besides the Kirkstead strap to achieve the same result as seen on the picture in this article? No other pieces needed?
Thank you,
Stephan
You’re correct, just the Kirkstead and everything else Seiko.
You’ll need to go for 20mm.
Tim
I believe the SARB033's are all the same.
Enjoy the watch - it's a good one!
Tim
your advise would be most helpful
WAl
UK
I purchased this watch from SeiyaJapan and the process was faultless. People note I believe he is based in Japan so shipping can take a while, even more so considering the current climate.
https://www.seiyajapan.com/
Tim
Tricky one, it might be worth looking on completed listings on sites like eBay to see what the current market value is as you might find it is lower than £500.
If that is the value and you really want it I'd say go for it. I still wear my SARB regularly and I've never had any issues with it. I don't think you'd regret picking one up.
Hope that helps.
Tim
This reference has now been discontinued by Seiko - however, they can be had online pre-owned. I purchased this from SeiyaJapan (great site for Seiko watches) but I think he no longer has them.
eBay or Chrono24 might be your best bet here!
Good luck on your hunt - Tim