Is the SARB033 still worth the hunt in 2023/2024?

The short answer is’yes’ it is worth it.

I’ve had three 6R15 based watches, including Sarb033, and one failed after about a year. The other two are going strong after 5+ years. That’s a high failure rate for the 6R15. But in a weird way, a recommendation for a used one. My opinion is; get the best condition used one you can find and your odds of getting a good one are very high. It would already be ‘pre-trialed.’ And it is a fabulous watch!

Hard to say. I own both watches and I think both are great.

If you have to have a SARB033 then the NB1050, or any other watch for that matter, won't fill the hole.

If you're just in the market for a quality, plain dialed, steel watch, then the NB1050 is an excellent choice. It wears just as good as the SARB, finished on a similar level, AND has the almost scratch proof Duratect coating; you can't really go wrong with it. Lume application is just like any other Citizen: outstanding.

Shameless plug:

https://youtu.be/I13z2y8BU90

&

https://youtu.be/n03u_aPfn4U?si=naCtqKRWxfPb6sLv

Not familiar with that Seiko. I have a pretty cool Seiko myself and Seiko watches are tight. I say seek it out. The find will be so rewarding once you have it. Just my humble opinion.

Man I just watched the citizen one before you commented 😂

I think the Citizen NB series is way better than the Sarb. The 6R movement is fine but the Miyota 9000 series is a serious step up.

As a previous owner of both the sarb033 & 35, have to go with no. The bracelet alone is enough to avoid for the high amounts they’re going for second hand.

Can’t speak to the quality of the citizen but it definitely looks good!

I agree to an extent. I'm not so in-depth with the technical aspects.

They both tell the time good enough for me.

Objectively the Citizen may be better, but there are other aspects not on paper, that I may not be able to quantify, from the Seiko that the Citizen can not replace for me.

I think the Sarb033 would be cool, since I have a budding collection of “iconic” Seikos but at the end of they day I am just looking for a black dial steel GADA watch. Your video on the citizen was really helpful and you got a lot of good shots

I'm an under appreciated artist I tell you. 🤣

I understand that. I bought a Grand Seiko 9F quartz over a “The Citizen” Solar Quartz. “The Citizen” is better on paper but the Grand Seiko just has something that I love.

Also, I write “The Citizen” because that’s actually the name of Citizens top range of JDM watches, essentially the best the company has to offer.

I am debating whether or not to get this watch as we speak...but as you point out, we're getting into Grand Seiko territory - which I may also love.

Yup, I almost bought that exact model. Here’s the reasons I didn’t:

-I didn’t feel that I would stay in love with the Washi dial for very long. It’s something I felt I needed when I saw it, but now care for much less.

-I felt that, while the movement is excellent, I am unable to have any service done to it here in the US. All service of these Citizen movements requires them to be shipped back to Japan.

-The indices are a little more plain compared to those found on the Grand Seiko heritage quartz. (Mine is an SBGX063) In the GS, the 12,6, and 9 are slightly triangulated and all indices are black polished on the flanks, and cut with the finest stripes/ridges I’ve ever seen. The lines atop each index create a mesmerizing rainbow refraction effect in the correct light.

-I felt that, while the movement in the citizen is again very good, the 9F is a dead reliable quartz accurate to +- 10 seconds per year with no stipulations. The build quality and information regarding the movement made me confident that I was buying something of truly impeccable quality.

-The bracelet on the citizen has little to no dimension. The center link section of the end links on the grand Seiko are raised from the outer links, giving fantastic dimension and depth without increasing the size of the watch. The bracelet on the citizen looks okay, but the grand seiko bracelet is truly excellent.

To be fair, I would be 100% equally happy with The Citizen. I love the watch still, but as watch people, we find ourselves stressing every minute detail. These observations are the result of me watching literally every video and reading every article about both watches for probably a month. 😂Much easier to just pick one and enjoy it!

It’s a good watch and I still enjoy wearing mine on occasion. There are so many options out there now if you want to save yourself time hunting. That said, if you like the watch, just set a price you’re comfortable with and shouldn’t be an issue. 👍

I say no. The SARB033 and SARB035 were my first ever automatic watches, and I loved them. Versatile, went well on the bracelet and most straps, and just a really sharp piece for the price paid at the time (< $400, each). Now they routinely are listed for $550-600, if NOS or in “good” condition. I think it’s too steep for what you get.

Both of my 6r15s had bad accuracy issues, even after service/adjustment, going back to losing 30 or more seconds per day within a few weeks.

For about the same price as many SARBs are going for now, I later acquired a Grand Seiko SBGX009, and haven’t looked back. As long as you’re not tied to having an automatic, I’d recommend anyone in the market for a SARB keep an eye out for a neo vintage (90s or 00s) Grand Seiko quartz. They’re plentiful and often are a screaming deal.

Whatever you decide, happy hunting!

Agreed with @Moonboots . The SARB is a lovely watch but for the price older GS quartz watches are winners. I have a 1996 SBGF029 and a new SBGN011. The 029 is an incredible under the radar watch and I’ve never seen a photo that does justice to the dial or finish. It came basically NOS with full kit for $660 and it has truly ruined me for other dress watches.

The SBGN is my GADA and I am currently in pursuit of a black SBGX for my husband. That will make three high accuracy quartz watches which is a lot considering I’ve always favored mechanical movements . One glimpse of those laser sharp indices flashing though and I smile every time. Good luck! The search is half the fun!

Still the most versatile seiko ever imo, i know theres a price hike but i think its in downward trajectory so yes go for it

And deals favor the patient.

There hasn't been a single watch I lusted after that didn't eventually show up on the secondhand market at a steal from some desperate flipper.

Great picks! My main “daily” watch is a Black Bay 36, and I’ve more than once thought of selling it for another, more robust GS quartz model alongside the SBGX009 as a dress watch, and having that be the whole collection along with some G-Shocks.

I agree with @Moonboots I have a SARB033 and still wear it a lot, however for the current prices I would not buy it.

I originally got mine used for $230USD around 6 years ago, however nowadays there are many more options at these lower prices. At the time it was a steal to get a watch for that price with a sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, dressy styling and automatic movement. Nowadays that seems to be the standard.

Put me in the same situation as a few years ago I'd probably go for a San Martin

I think for the right price it is a great watch but for the high prices people generally expect for them I would go for something else. For a bit less that citizen looks great or for not much more you can pick up a CW sealander.

That washi dial is so fire!

I have the Seiko SGEH49P2. It has a SARB family resemblance. Bigger, bolder, and more accurate (7N42 quartz movement). You have to look, but you still see them for $95-$150.

That’s a good point, I was hoping to stay below $500 but I think the CW would be the most available. It’s a controversial part of the watch but I love the seconds hand and counter balance. So while it’s more available, not sure if going up almost double would be worth it for me personally

Best thing to do is look at used prices, since you are from USA look at used Monta as well. Since I'm from the UK I can get good used prices for CW but you might be able to do the same with monta or formex.

Love it! 👌🏻

It's typically seen as an amazing watch but not worth what it currently retails for

Nah. For under $500 in that style I’d suggest a Citiizen Tsuyosa or Seiko Cocktail Time.