There are many reviews on the Seiko SARB033. So, why another one? I feel an updated review is called for to see if it is still worth it.

At 38mm and 44mm lug to lug, I consider it to be at the sweet spot of watch sizes. In fact, it hearkens to the days of a more restrained Seiko since they only seem to release bigger watches nowadays. It suits most men and women’s wrists. The perfect sharing watch.

The 6R15 movement is said to be a robust movement and offers hand-winding and hacking. The power reserve is 50 hours. A point worth noting is that Seiko uses the 6RXX movements now in its upper-tier offerings. Based on research, Seiko seems to use new movements in its mid-tier watches first. For example,  when they introduced the hi-beat 36,000 movement in the Lord Marvel but not the King Seiko or Grand Seiko. My guess is they did this to test the stability without tarnishing the reputation of its more prestigious line. Possibly the case with the 6R15.

The dial may seem boring at first, but given time you will appreciate it. It has a nice sunburst effect and changes to a brown colour on a sunny day. This also makes it versatile. It is a strap monster that can easily be dressed up and down. The stepped case has amazing little details such as the combination of brushing and polishing.

On the increased price. Is it now worth $500? The answer is still yes given its build quality, size, movement and versatility.Is there anything I would change? Maybe a better AR coating and improved bracelet but overall it is a really good watch. I think it is good enough to be a one watch collection and suitable to mark that special occasion. Birthdays, graduation or heirloom? You can do a lot worse than with a SARB033.

Last thought on the Seiko SARB033. Looking at old Seiko classics in catalogues lead me to wonder, will it be the same for the SARB033 one day? My conclusion? Yes, the SARB033 is a future classic.