Seiko SARX055 Review

I have a particular soft spot for Seiko’s Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). It is almost a separate branch of Seiko. They have a great design, I can find watches made of different materials or unique processes for a fraction of the price of similar pieces. And, since they are restricted to the Japanese market, I also can enjoy some level of exclusivity living in another part of the globe.

I would like to review the Seiko SARX055. It costs around USD 1000 plus import fees and you can get, arguably, one of the most famous Seiko JDM models.

Case and bracelet:
The titanium case and bracelet offer noticeable lightness and comfort. The material has a distinct texture and plays with the light in a different way than steel. Amazing for daily use.
It is not as shiny as stainless steel, it has a slight gunmetal color in most of the case/bracelet, except for the 2 minor details in the bracelet, in the bezel, and in the inside part of the lugs.
The watch looks good in a tan or light brown strap but I much prefer to keep it on the bracelet.
You will not believe that it's a Seiko bracelet.

Dial:
All the good details are there. The dial has a complex texture that resembles a frosted glass. The only symmetry break is the date window but is done with care, it comes with a nice silver frame. 
The hour marks are exceptionally polished and reflect light outstanding. The 3 o'clock has the size decreased so it can fit the date window with more symmetry.
The dauphine hands have the same polish level as the hour marks.
The second hand is in blue but I am not sure if it is heated.
I can see my own reflection perfectly clear in its hands and in the hour marks.

Movement:
It uses a caliber 6R15 with 23 Jewels a power reserve of 50 hours and operates at 21,600 BPH (3Hz). I am not a movement aficionado so I can't tell much about it. It tics and makes the hands and date move, I am fine with that.

Dimensions:
The watch dimensions are 40.8 mm in diameter, 46.2mm lug to lug, and 11mm thick.

The inevitable comparison with some GS Models:
I had more than one opportunity to compare it hand by hand with the Grand Seiko SBGA011 and there is some similitude to his more expensive brother. But it has its own personality with a much more discrete dial, that resembles a frosted glass rather than fresh snow. The lack of a power reserve indicator is also a nice difference. It is an automatic, not a hand-winding watch, after all. That change makes the watch much more symmetric. 
Both cases have marginally the same design, changing only minor details and they are only noticeable if you compare both side-by-side looking for these differences.

Another sibling is the SBGR315 this one is made with stainless steel and it is even more "boring" than the SARX055.

Final thoughts:
The watch has an overall elegant and discreet presence. It can be used on a variety of occasions. It is masculine without "trying too hard" like some tool watches. I love it!

Here are some photos of it: