Seiko SARB033-First Impressions Review

Most of you are probably familiar with the SARB033. If you haven't owned one, you've probably seen many Seiko fanbois wax poetically about it (like I'm about to). I was late to the watch game. I didn't have an interest in watches until 2020 and by that time, the 033 had been discontinued. It's a watch that I've wanted to check out for years and only recently have I realized just how much Seiko really hit the nail on the head with the 033.

First, the dimensions are perfect. 38mm X 44mm X 20mm X 12mm. Every other Seiko alternative to the 033 seems to compromise in some way in its dimensions. Take the SZSB series. I own the SZSB011 (white/cream dial) and it's 40mm X 48mm X 13mm. The entire design is reminiscent of the SARB line, but in a case size that is just too big for what it's trying to me (in my opinion). This seems to be the case (no pun intended) for every alternative to the SARB I try and find (SARX, SUR311, etc). Even the Citizen alternative, the NB1050-59E has a 38mm case, yet a longer lug to lug at 47mm and a 19mm lug width. 🙄 Not to mention the "stick" handset vs. the gorgeous dauphine hands on the SARB.

Speaking of handset, lets talk about that and overall dial design while we're at it. This particular handset is SO nice, especially with that needle eye seconds hand. I'm a sucker for well done dauphine hands and Seiko/Grand Seiko does them to perfection. That dauphine handset is a BIG reason I'm drawn to the 033 in the first place. The detail of the dial in general is perfect. From the minute track around the chapter ring vs. being on the dial, to the "Automatic/23 Jewels" text to the color matched date wheel, I don't have a single complaint with the dial design.

The ONLY thing the dial doesn't offer is good lume which I don't consider a design aesthetic, but more a practical complaint. We even get a signed crown which is so rare from Seiko these days. Now, this isn't something I typically care about, but the "S" on this crown looks so good and further adds to the "specialness" of the SARB line.

We've talked about the case dimensions, but the case shape is another attribute that draws me to the 033. I love it and prefer it over something like my SZSB011. It's more refined and the way the lugs curve down make a big difference for me.

The 033 is also an absolute strap monster. It looks good on leather straps and any earth-tone nato I put on it. Black, OD green, Bond, Grey, etc. It fits so well. Certain people are of the opinion that it's a dress watch and as such should remain on bracelet or leather strap. I think it's as much a "dress" watch as the Rolex Explorer is. That is to say, it COULD be worn as such, but isn't pigeonholed into that category. On the contrary, I've seen plenty of examples of people rocking Explorers on natos (and they look incredible). I see the 033 the same way. A "classy" sport watch, if you will.

I haven't owned it long enough to comment on the movement. So far it seems to be running just fine. The serial number is dated as 96... and that would indicate that it was made in either June, 2009 or June 2019. Some sleuthing on my end seems to confirm it was manufactured in 2019 and not 2009 since my particular example sports the 6R15D variant. If it was produced in 2009 it would have had either the A or B variant of the 6R15. Also, there seemed to be quite a few people buying new 033's in 2019 with a "9" serial number with the "D" variant movement (despite the fact it was officially discontinued in 2018). It seems as though they continued to produce them into 2019. So, all that being said, the movement seems to be running great for a 5 year old watch. I've tracked it over a 24 hour period while on wrist and it gained 8 seconds in that time. I'm very pleased with that.

Okay. Let's wrap this up. The SARB033 is so far living up to the hype I've always seen about it and the hype I've thrust upon it in my own mind. The dimensions are perfect, the case shape is perfect, the finishing is great and the design is perfect in every way. I genuinely can't think of a way to alter any aspect of the design in a way that would make it better. MAYBE omitting the exhibition case back to make it a touch thinner, but even then I'm not sure that would be better. The worst thing about this watch is that it's discontinued and you have to pay a premium for the "privilege" to own a used one. It's a watch I wish was still in production.