If the Rolex Submariner is the most recognizable timepiece in the luxury world, then the Seiko SARB033 is the affordable equivalent. Seriously, it’s one of the most iconic affordable watches within the past decade. The SARB033’s cult-like following is evident throughout all watch YouTubers and online reviewers. Nowadays, any watch enthusiast would instantly nod their head at a SARB033. Believe it or not, the SARB033 laid the foundation to many microbrands of today.
The SARB033 craze crept into existence in the early 2010s as Seiko’s best-kept JDM secret. It gradually became more popular and became the hottest <$500 everyday watch during 2015 – 2018. In the late 2018, Seiko pulled a fast one on us by discontinuing the SARB line-up. This saw the SRPD99 become it’s replacement, which is objectively, a lower-quality timepiece.
From 2019 onwards, the Seiko SARB033 went from a USD$300 bargain, to a almost-$700 cash-grab. In 2024, a SARB033 can be had pre-owned for $500 – $1000 – depending on the condition. Is the SARB033 still worth it at that price?
It absolutely is. Here’s five reasons why.
1. The SARB033 is Iconic
The first reason is as superficial as they come, but it’s true. You’d be hard pressed to find a watch enthusiast who hasn’t heard of the Seiko SARB033. If they haven’t, give them a few more YouTube videos before they eventually go hunting down for one. As a watch community, there is a collective love and appreciation for the SARB033, especially before the price hikes. And to be frank, even after the price increases.
I remember wearing my SARB035 in Hong Kong and wanted to re-size the link at an AD. I got the You-know-your-stuff nod from the salesperson, and he didn’t end up charging me for the resizing. The SARB033 is one of those watches that, as an enthusiast, you know you have something special on your wrists. And you can walk around knowing that others will recognize it too. No longer is there a need to wear a Rolex for recognition, just get a SARB033 instead!
2. Comfort
The Seiko SARB033 was the watch that taught me the concept of case sizes. And the obvious fact that my wrists are small. Granted the bracelet isn’t spectacular, and quite frankly I find it difficult to get a perfect fit. Even so, the case on the SARB033 fits like a dream on my 6 inch wrists. I have mine on a Barton Elite Silicon strap and so easy to wear. If you insist on a bracelet, Uncle Seiko and Strapcode makes amazing aftermarket bracelets for the 033.
And that nostalgic feeling every time I look on my wrist. Knowing that the SARB033 eventually kickstarted my online journey as SIXIW. You could even say it led me down the “rabbit hole”.
3. Versatility
You can’t go wrong with a black dial watch that pairs well any strap pairing. A black dial watch that’s designed for everyday wear. The Seiko SARB033 is a timepiece that will look the part anywhere you take it. Whether it’s with a three-piece suit in the office, or a casual t-shirt and jeans night, the SARB033 will deliver.
My SARB033 permanently lives on rubber straps. Again, I can never find the perfect fit on the OEM bracelet. I could buy an Uncle Seiko or Strapcode but I love it on rubber strap. In a way, it becomes ever so slightly sportier on a rubber strap, and truly defines the GADA-spirit. Go Anywhere, Do Anything.
4. Reliable
Look it’s no secret that the newer 6R movements in the SARB033 can vary in terms of accuracy. And by no means am I defending Seiko’s Quality-Control issues. When I mean reliable, I meant from a longevity standpoint, and it’s robustness. The Seiko SARB033 is a timepiece that won’t break your bank over the course of ownership. A service isn’t going to cost you hundreds, or for luxury brands, thousands. If you’re lucky, you might go 10 years with a SARB033 before even looking at servicing.
Seiko’s are known for their toughness and robustness. The ability to stand the test of time, with minimal care (this is the key). If you know Toyota, then believe me Seiko is the watch-equivalent. You know it’ll start every time, and more importantly, it won’t burn a hole in your wallet over due course.
5. The SARB033 is Well-Priced
There I said it. Even with the recent price hikes, you CAN still find SARB033’s around for a bargain. Obviously don’t buy the first listing you see on eBay – that’s never a good idea. But scavenge your local facebook groups, or whatever watch groups you’re part of. Seriously, the stereotype that the SARB033 is now insanely overpriced is only reflected via Amazon, eBay, and gougers trying to make a quick buck.
And yes you’re right, there are many alternatives nowadays. Some more affordable, and likely to be of higher built quality. But the SARB033 is an artifact of Seiko’s brilliance, before they adopted a more-commercial vision. With the SARB033, you’re getting a fully in-house timepiece. Except for the Swatch Group and their plastic Powermatic 80, you won’t able to find a better proposition elsewhere.
So what are you waiting for? Buy the SARB033 before it’s too late!
If you’re like me, you might be tempted to spend the cash on other alternatives. But I guarantee none of which will replace the feeling you get from the SARB. It’s true that it’s no longer the insane value-proposition it once was. Though you’ll still find reasonable prices if you know where to look. I recently grabbed one off a local Facebook group for less than USD$500 in decent condition. Gave it a lil clean up and it looked almost-factory fresh.
If you’re on the fence, just do it. The best part about the SARB? If you end up not bonding with it, there’s bound to be someone to take it off your hands.
