Dresskx just isn’t doing it for me 🤷‍♂️

Lemme guess: the crown location. I personally avoid any watch with the crown in this awkward spot, which is most affordable Seikos

No the crown actually didn’t bother me. I guess it’s just not my style. I don’t know, hard to put my finger on it. Just didn’t get the warm and fuzzies ya know? 😂

The crown is my only issue with that watch, and it’s not really a big deal to me. That said, sometimes there’s nothing obviously wrong with a watch, you just don’t like it that much.

I got you. I personally don't experiment much. I buy watches I crave

It's a very practical almost mundane looking everyday watch. I personally like that but, it's not a watch you would cry about not having your collection.

Why don’t you try a couple of straps on it first? It changes totally when you change its bracelet

Check mine here https://www.watchcrunch.com/watchguard77/posts/wruw-2023-07-12-2db3aeb8-jagesfhh-153284

If it doesn’t click even with that then it’s not the right watch for you.

That’s a good point. I actually don’t own any watches on bracelets. I’m more of a leather or rubber strap guy. I wanted to venture slightly out of my comfort zone tho. But I’ll check it out. Thanks.

You’re welcome sir and hope it works out with a leather strap. In any case it’s totally fine if in the end you don’t like it!

I do like the DressKX but I always felt the proportions feel off due to it originating from a dive-inspired watch but with a plain bezel. It wants to be a GADA but it doesn’t have GADA qualities in its design language (the dive style indices, the very guarded crown, etc).

The prices for the SARB033 are absolutely ridiculous now. If you want to stay in Seiko, probably your most affordable shot would be the SNKL and SNXS references.

for me the size is not ideal - I would have like it a bit smaller

Right there with you. Round, diver style dials in a watch with no bezel never clicked for me. The huge SKX case doesn't help either. The proportions just feel off all around.

This is true. I tend to prefer 37-39mm watches. And less height as well.

You’re right, the proportions do seem off now that you mention it. It’s a little bulbous for lack of a better term.

Thanks for the recommendations, I checked them out and they are quite similar but don’t look as good as the Sarb033 to me (in pictures). I just found a Sarb for a “decent” price and I might pull the trigger. Hopefully I like it because I can’t really return this one 😬

It's a matter of taste - personally I'm a huge fan of this particular watch and bought it recently. Compact dimensions, fits formal and casual settings and it's a strap monster. Of course, that's coming from a Seiko fan (although one that's often conflicted), so take my comment with a grain of salt.

This watch is 40 mm including the crown. It is actually 38 mm. So it is much smaller than a regular 42 mm SKX diver. No wonder it looked too small on my wrist.

I love this watch alot. The only thing that I wasn't a fan of is the bracelet but I use leathers and nylons all the times and it gives it a edge in my opinion. I completely understand that it doesn't meet your expectations but at this cost I would give it a try with straps or leather. If not well buy the baby alpinist! 😅

There are also aftermarket bracelets available. I have mine on a jubilee bracelet, which is gives it a somewhat retro look.

I'm not a fan of this watch either, it's a bit basic looking. I wouldn't bother trying it with a different strap, if you don't like it then changing part of it won't do anything different. If you don't like the look of a suit, pairing it with a different pair of shoes won't change anything. The SARB033 isn't that much different so I have a feeling you'd feel the same way. What are you looking for in a watch?

I agree with you about a lot of watches feeling too blingy. Or some I feel are so shiny they look almost like plastic 😬

Maybe! I’ve been playing with that idea. 🙌

I’m glad you enjoy it as I’m sure many other do too. Like I said, I’m just kind of picky. It’s a good looking watch, it just didn’t have that love at first site feeling for me. But that’s why we have so many options and different styles to choose from 👍

I like simple and clean understated looks. My current obsession is the IWC mark XV but I feel like it’s too expensive for what you get so I’ve been holding out. I really just wanted to buy a seiko just to see why they are so popular. I’m gonna give it another shot and if it doesn’t work out, that’s ok too.

If you like that IWC why don't you look at the SRPJ85K1? Similar looks, fraction of the price. What you've described is vague and very general though, are you looking for a dress watch?

It is vague and general, mainly because I’m just looking to get a Seiko as my first big brand watch. I hear so many great things about seiko, I wanted to see for myself. Everything I’ve liked and purchased so far has been microbrand or independent. I’m not looking for anything in particular, I’m just not that in to dive watches, or cluttered colorful watches. I liked simple, clean, vintage inspired aesthetics.

What about the one I suggested then? Looks similar to the IWC you like. Or Seiko Cocktail Time?

I have the same DressKX but with the black Nato. I switch between a black nylon and a rubber since I didn't like the way the Nato looked in my wrist. It's funny because sometimes I wonder why I bought it, but then I really like it when I wear it. The nylon strap gives it a field watch look (sort of), but I may try it on a bracelet.

So how did it go with this watch?

I ended up returning It, but don’t let my personal experience sway you. if you like it, go for it. I’m picky 🤣