The Best Seiko Watch You Shouldn't Buy | SARB033

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Alternatives: Tissot PRX Automatic - amzn.to/41iKKm5
Tissot Gentleman - amzn.to/492QByW
Citizen Tsuyosa - amzn.to/3w4xpCs
Watch strap kit: amzn.to/41Vjskx
The Seiko SARB033 is a watch that has earned its reputation as one of Seiko's finest creations - and one of the best value automatic watches BEFORE it was discontinued.
Now? Well, it's going up in price and the value is diminishing.
Join me in my dive into the exceptional craftsmanship, stunning design, and value that made the SARB033 a standout timepiece in the world of horology.
Don't forget to like, subscribe and comment below with your thoughts! Also, check out my website thecologneguy.com to read up on my fragrance recommendations.
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Пікірлер: 92

  • @pushslice
    @pushslice7 ай бұрын

    No shade intended on the PRX, but given the choice , there is no question; the SARB033 is just the more special, Proud-to-own, type of watch. (and yes, I own both)

  • @MyNameIsGhost

    @MyNameIsGhost

    7 ай бұрын

    I personally disagree as the PRX has more history to it than this model from seiko (unless im wrong) but its all personal preference.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    I definitely think the SARB is more special but the PRX will be much more historic and wanted in the future (I doubt - but if it ever stops getting produced). Both are incredible picks! I will say the SARB dimensions are perfect.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Definitely personal preference - I would flip a coin in all honesty and both watches are incredible. I love the SARB dimensions and ‘exclusivity’ now - but the look of the PRX is something else.

  • @pushslice

    @pushslice

    7 ай бұрын

    @@MyNameIsGhost Happy to agree to disagree ;-) …the topic at-hand I believe is just the modern PRX … not the actual legacy item. Personally, I’m just judging it for the thing itself… (in fact, I’ll take the watch-geek-debate a bit further , and predict that Seiko in a few years will come back with a reissue/reinterpretation of this watch; and then we could even once again compare THAT one to the modern PRX..!)

  • @bigbodykarate6403

    @bigbodykarate6403

    7 ай бұрын

    @@MyNameIsGhost Seiko has more history than tissot as a company period , its not even a contest lol . who cares about a single model when you compare the overall companies and the actual watches themselves . the prx is shite next to a sarb with an aftermarket bracelet .

  • @lullaby5084
    @lullaby50845 ай бұрын

    Got a nice used one back in 2020 for around $150 and I still love it!

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    5 ай бұрын

    What a deal! An unbelievable value for this watch 😁 enjoy and wear it in good health!

  • @ZeroneRaven
    @ZeroneRaven7 ай бұрын

    I wish I had gotten into watches when the sarb was still being sold. I wouldn't buy one at the current price. I bought a Citizen NB1050-59E for my 30th birthday and I'm happy with it.

  • @riseuplight
    @riseuplight7 ай бұрын

    really good macro shots bro, I will keep my SARB033 for life

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I'm investing in a proper Macro Lens to get even better detail in the future since I've got more watches to buy and review. Let's enjoy and wear our SARBS's in good health!

  • @jazzman5598
    @jazzman55987 ай бұрын

    I have an Alpinist…….$379.00 on Amazon in 2016. I just adore my Sarb 017. But oh man…I would love the 033 as well! Fine review!

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Those prices 😢 oh how I miss those! Lucky we grabbed at least one back then. Enjoy your Aplinist!

  • @deannoble673
    @deannoble6737 ай бұрын

    Got my Sarb 033 a few years ago and although it doesn't get so much wrist time now it's still pleasure to wear. You described it perfectly in terms of its style and versatility but with that said I agree with you that the overhyped prices are too much for this watch.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    100% I’m very happy to have picked one up years ago too. More than worth the price before so I can enjoy the value still - but no doubt a hard buy now.

  • @Bestow3000
    @Bestow30005 ай бұрын

    I bought a used Sarb033 for 380 dollars a little over a year ago. I absolutely adore the watch from quality to looks. There are some microscratches but that's OK because there's some personality to it and it feels a little more like a tool watch sometimes. I bought it because it feels like a baby GS but some say it looks like a baby Rolex OP and I was accused for that reason to purchasing the watch. So I guess it's the best of both worlds. This is my first proper mechanical watch and whenever I think about selling it back for a profit to buy a Tissot PRX or a used Longines Hydroconquest (topping up a little more), I look at the watch and was reminded on how good it looks and why it'll stay in my collection to remind me where I started from! OK that's a mouthful...

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this insightful comment and for watching my video! It was one of my first 'serious' watches when I first started collecting so I'm with you. We bought it at great prices and can appreciate the value still to this date :) let's keep it in our collections for a long time!

  • @pkflash2004
    @pkflash20047 ай бұрын

    Nice macro shots in the vid. Got my Sarb 033 about 6yrs ago brand new for £329. Loved it then and still do, but it doesn't get enough wrist time these days after getting a GS quartz in 40mm with black dial which obviously has much better finishing. The Sarb was an unbelievable watch for the price at the time given the specs and look of the thing, but to buy at inflated prices seems senseless - keep saving and get a GS, or even a Christopher Ward.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you! We got ours for a great price so the love is still there! Would be different if we bought it now I think. You’ve got a great evolution of the SARB with your Grand Seiko - even their quartz models are engineered to the next degree. I’ve got a Christopher Ward Bel Canto coming next year so will be doing a video on that! 🙂

  • @A_Dude_And_His_Watch78
    @A_Dude_And_His_Watch787 ай бұрын

    I had the 035. Sold it when i got my Grand Seiko SBGA283. Nice watch but couldn't compete with the GS for wrist time. I've been looking at some vintage Seamasters lately for value and they're already classics.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    I know what you mean! I love to collect but if my watches get barely any wear it’s best to sell to someone who will enjoy them more. Old-school Seamasters are absolutely class and 100% I always look for vintage before splurging on anything new because as you said value is immense!

  • @anthonyfischer2408
    @anthonyfischer24083 ай бұрын

    I was given one about two years ago by a friend before he passed. I'll always keep it for that reason alone. That said; it runs a bit erratically when off my wrist. Some mornings I check it against my G-Shock (AWGM100-A1) and it has lost anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes. And this happens after a solid day of wear. The movement is usually described as a problem in the reviews I have read.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    3 ай бұрын

    No matter how inaccurate - any watch with a similar story is priceless. The accuracy of mine is adequate - but I have noticed that my Seiko Presage Cocktail Time is more accurate which features a ‘lower-quality’ Seiko movement. I’ve contemplated calibrating it but I decided to leave it unopened. Like you - I won’t sell the watch, but will wear it often for its looks! Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate your input and sharing with my audience!

  • @anthonyfischer2408

    @anthonyfischer2408

    3 ай бұрын

    @@thecologneguy You're quite welcome. Thanks for the channel.

  • @billhayward1585
    @billhayward15857 ай бұрын

    Enjoyed your review. I have the Sarbo35 and its a nice little watch. But to be honest I like the Seiko Sary057 more. It has a much nicer face and is a little bigger but thats just personal taste.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you! I have to say - the SARY057 is possibly the best alternative for the SARB right now. It’s bang on in terms of looks with the subtle differences, which you and many others may prefer! Thanks for watching Bill.

  • @torerling
    @torerling4 ай бұрын

    Got one last year - for the second time. Just got the unclestraps jubilee on it - and it is AWESOME!

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    4 ай бұрын

    I’ve heard this recommended a lot, and with a lack of micro-adjustments on the original bracelet, this is a great recommendation! It’s a great watch, and considering it’s your second time adding it to your collection, I’m sure you agree! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @torerling

    @torerling

    4 ай бұрын

    @@thecologneguy I agree! I won’t sell it now. I even think it’s more usable than similar Grand Seikos. The GS is just too nice.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    4 ай бұрын

    I know! A great all-day, every-day watch.

  • @scientistMUC79
    @scientistMUC797 ай бұрын

    Bought the SARB033 in 2017 for under 200 €, but 1,5 years later I bought the watch that I actually wanted.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Great deal in 2017 before its discontinuation! What watch did you end up buying?

  • @tezzanewton
    @tezzanewtonАй бұрын

    It’s an incredible watch, and I should never have sold mine. I’ve had sellers remorse ever since. Fortunately I still have the 035.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    Ай бұрын

    You should hopefully still be able to find a few sensible sellers to get one again if you are patient! The 035 is still a class watch so don't be too down, that will catch-up soon with being harder to get!

  • @graphiquedesignernk9156
    @graphiquedesignernk91565 ай бұрын

    I have the sarb071 like new i list in ebay with 575$ what is your opinion about this watch pls

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    5 ай бұрын

    Hey! I believe both watches are identical, except your SARB071 comes with a factory leather strap which looks great! As it's the same as the SARB033, I think it's a great watch.

  • @theHerathrig
    @theHerathrigАй бұрын

    What did seiko replace the sarb033?

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    24 күн бұрын

    They've not officially replaced the SARB with any model, but the SZSB012 is very close if you don't mind a bigger watch. As for why they discontinued it, who knows? 🤷‍♂️

  • @rehanabano9388
    @rehanabano93887 ай бұрын

    Yes do a video about smart watches 😊

  • @carlogalopo2605
    @carlogalopo260515 күн бұрын

    Seiko should just make this available, I don't get why they stopped producing this

  • @LamarFaciane
    @LamarFaciane5 ай бұрын

    This is not the case, if you know how to buy from Japan you can find these clean. I paid $345 in amazing pre-owned condition. I found it in January and can't keep it off my wrist. This is the best cheap used watch under $400.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    5 ай бұрын

    A very good deal but a rare one, so this is definitely the case for most. The obvious places to pick this watch up, you will see it going for ridiculous prices. Where did you buy yours? I’m sure any viewers looking to pick it up would want to know! Thanks for sharing, watching and wear your SARB in good health!

  • @jomni
    @jomni4 ай бұрын

    I've grown tired of mine and want to sell it. But with all this talk and enduring hype, It seems like I'm holding on to something special.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    4 ай бұрын

    It’s only seeming to go up in value but there is plenty to buy still. I don’t think you could go wrong with keeping or flipping it now as long as you’ve enjoyed owning it and want something fresh!

  • @justinmeyer465
    @justinmeyer465Ай бұрын

    I just bought one. 440 shipped.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    Ай бұрын

    Great price, very fair for this watch. Wear it in good health!

  • @user-yd5db2ut6s

    @user-yd5db2ut6s

    9 күн бұрын

    Вы их новыми купили?

  • @danielhoffmann2631
    @danielhoffmann26317 ай бұрын

    Nice watch! But you can go also for an OP as an alternative. Looks also amazing.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Definitely - and I believe an Oyster Perpetual (although much pricier) is one of the safest and best watches to buy if you could only wear one watch for life because of just how versatile it is. Truly worthy of being crowned the One-Watch king 👑

  • @craig2100
    @craig21007 ай бұрын

    It's a great watch that once punched above is weight class, but for the new prices since being discontinued is lost a bit of its luster. I own one and will never sell it. But I believe there are many other better watches for the price

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Im in the same boat - very happy to have picked one years ago but would think twice if a new buyer. It’s a future classic - only worth really getting if you get a good deal or just want it in your collection to hold. I think Tissot is taking the sweet spot for price to performance when it comes to a picking a luxury watch for a reasonable price.

  • @bohemianphotographer6843
    @bohemianphotographer68437 ай бұрын

    Wasn’t this watch discontinued?

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes! I mention this at 2:26 in my video and it’s the main reason why I personally believe it’s quite hard to justify paying for the watch now.

  • @davidthom7127
    @davidthom712727 күн бұрын

    It's far too ENORMOUS

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    24 күн бұрын

    This watch? I find the 38mm size pretty good on my wrist.

  • @SOCerberus94
    @SOCerberus947 ай бұрын

    Bought mine 4-5y ago for 350usd

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    A great value back then - we did well! Was special wearing it back.

  • @kabirh3626
    @kabirh36263 ай бұрын

    But you can't buy it new anymore, i have wanted this watch for so long but the second hand prices are extortionate now

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    3 ай бұрын

    That’s the problem! I’m happy I got mine just in time. There are lots of great watches now that you can get in place, even from SEIKO themselves if you want a similar look/spec. Chrono24 does have some sensible sellers if you are dead-set on this one though, just need to wait for the right deal. Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @michaeltruong199x
    @michaeltruong199xАй бұрын

    I have the sarb033 and the less popular sarb021 😊😊😊

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    Ай бұрын

    Lucky guy! Some great watches in your collection. What do you wear daily? Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @yousufhamzan93
    @yousufhamzan937 ай бұрын

    Ok so today i got to know that there's a brand called Seiko 😄 I'm sorry I'm not into watches... Btw I appreciate your guidance will help so many ppl out there who are into this ..

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Ha no worries! Not everyone is into watches but I am an addict!

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    100%. Couldn't agree more! @akotov

  • @drodes
    @drodes7 ай бұрын

    I have a 033 but 100% would not buy it these days unless it is absolutely your grail watch. You can do better for the money with warranty.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    Was such a good value back in the day - honestly a no-brainer. Now though, exactly what you said, only safely recommend for those that just want this watch and nothing more. There any many great alternatives that will scratch the itch!

  • @sibawee-wn8dx

    @sibawee-wn8dx

    5 ай бұрын

    @drodes examples please

  • @felipec2157

    @felipec2157

    Ай бұрын

    I have both of these and got them both around $300 few years back. I would buy them again at around $500-600. Inflation just drove everything up. Can’t find anything close to these specs, movement, sapphire crystal. Everything 6R movement watch are over $1000 and the design of Watch is not that nice!

  • @yousufhamzan93
    @yousufhamzan937 ай бұрын

    Brother are you into smartwatch ? If yes can you just suggest me one

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    I don’t wear smartwatches but if I did I’d go for an Apple Watch Series 9 because I use an iPhone. If I had an Android phone, I’d probably got for the Google Pixel Watch 2!

  • @Anirossa
    @Anirossa7 ай бұрын

    When can find a pm80 pr100 for around 200 euros, or a gentleman around the same price, I don't get why anyone would buy it with the current market with ppl just fishing for someone to buy it over hype

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    That’s the thing. This watch is great but the value is going away rapidly since people are going to be upping the prices - some watches for sale in the UK are at Tissot Gentleman prices, and probably in a year or two the majority may end up at PRX PM80 prices. Hype can really make or even kill the fun of watch collecting - but I guess that’s what this ‘new’ evolution is.

  • @Anirossa

    @Anirossa

    7 ай бұрын

    @thecologneguy Yeah, why I've gone over to just finding gem deals on good quality watches from brands with loads of history that are unique and not talked about, because their too small for most people, or in other cases because people refuse anything with a battery or a capacitator, because they have swalled too much romanticised marketing. 😂 I get very little dopamin from buying and wearing what is trendy. For me, it just makes the experience even more fun, having to dig deeper to find something special. Like mechanical special edition Tissots and properly limited edition mechanical German fliegeres with outstanding QC.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    I know what you mean! Been looking at Vintage Universal Genève and Mühle-Glashütte because the value there is immense! Similar to Franck Muller which had a huge amount of hype which died down so you can find them for reasonable prices. This watch game is so fun at times!

  • @Anirossa

    @Anirossa

    7 ай бұрын

    Definitely 😄 @@thecologneguy

  • @A_Dude_And_His_Watch78

    @A_Dude_And_His_Watch78

    7 ай бұрын

    ​@@thecologneguytotally agree

  • @Michael-uf1hz
    @Michael-uf1hz5 ай бұрын

    Meh il get a quartz one lol

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    5 ай бұрын

    I’d look at the SEIKO SUR311P1 for a similar looking watch in quartz, but it’s bigger at a 40mm diameter. For Swiss, the Tissot PR 100.

  • @frankieracing1048
    @frankieracing10487 ай бұрын

    The sarb IS clearly better than a prx in my opinion, more versatile. And a better quality movement, the powermatic 80 is basicaly a throw away movement... Despite what the swiss would want us to believe.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    + the SARB has a faster beat rate and is more easily serviceable compared to the Powermatic 80 which I would only personally go back to Tissot to sort. Then again you get longer power reserve with a PRX. Either way I’ve got my SARB for a great price so I’m the good boat!

  • @Tdawg0620

    @Tdawg0620

    7 ай бұрын

    The sarb and the PRX have the same beat rate. The Powermatic 80 is the objectively better movement with a longer power reserve, better accuracy, and anti magnetic. Easier to size the bracelet on the PRX. Which also has a better looking bracelet. The sarb is just way overhyped and over priced.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    7 ай бұрын

    You’re right! I was off with the beat rating. I will say the PRX has a nicer integrated bracelet BUT it is integrated so strap options are limited to what will fit. As for the PM80 movement - it is a workhorse 🙂

  • @nelsoncaraig3120
    @nelsoncaraig3120Ай бұрын

    The accuracy is not good

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    24 күн бұрын

    I've seen this comment a lot, and in all honestly my Presage Cocktail time is a more accurate watch. The movement itself is still very good quality, and if I did wear this watch as a daily I would get it regulated.

  • @nelsoncaraig3120

    @nelsoncaraig3120

    24 күн бұрын

    ​@@thecologneguysir in a day how many seconds+or-

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    23 күн бұрын

    Around 30 seconds +/- on average. My Ball and Tudor is a laser compared to it.

  • @boomboxmachine
    @boomboxmachine4 күн бұрын

    I had 3 sarbes (2 blacks 1 white) the last I sold for 280. The band wagon is ridiculous.

  • @marcelt7203
    @marcelt72034 ай бұрын

    People here will not agree but I would never buy a watch with horrible end links like Seiko always has.

  • @thecologneguy

    @thecologneguy

    4 ай бұрын

    It’s your own opinion that will matter the most to you anyways - the bracelet is a step-up from the norm but I think you still won’t get behind the end-links and some of the spacing. If you don’t mind integrated bracelets, the Tissot PRX (quartz for a lower price, auto for a bit more) are very nice.