Sarb033 and Sarb035 models have nearly taken on the status of a Grand Seiko! Along with the Sarb017, new old-stock models are going for well over $1,000 if you can find one, so I guess if that kind of price is too rich for your taste, the szsb013 isn’t a bad alternative.
@@zouki42 a new gs sbgx 261 is $2,000. However, the main point is that the sarb and skx models are iconic watches which are out of production, producing a comparative scarcity of new models that quite a few people still want. Obviously, the Grand Seikos are better watches, but, for example, the 2022 Chevy Camaro is a "better" car in many respects than a 1970 model. However, a pristine 1970 Camaro can fetch up to 200 grand, about 3 times the price of the most expensive 2022 model.
Good video. I love my Sarb033 and am so glad I bought it when I did (May '20). I came late to the Sarb party and only learned about it after it had been officially discontinued. I paid $300 and it still took me months to decide to pull the trigger on it. Literally a month later prices began to creep up and then continued to climb. Now NIB are selling for $800 - $1100. Crazy. FYI, extra points for synchronizing the time on the watches. It shows an extra level of detail by the content creator. Kudos.
You got a Sarb033 just in time! I can't believe how much they go for now. Ah, you noticed :) I don' t think I could film if the time wasn't synchronized on the watches, it would bother me too much LOL!
I got the SZSB for the dial & hands. Really stunning, nicer than the SARB imo. Also, retail price doesn’t say it all. I picked up a lightly used SZSB for about $160, while used SARBs are more like $600
yeah on amazon tey had it for 175-220$ the green dial is stunning, it s a very field watch all grown up with a peculiar raised dial that's chamfered at a 45% angle. Wish it were sapphire but looks nice in hardlex
Very nicely done, I think its a solid alternative. I have another alternative on route from Japan which I'm very excited about. Its also way cheaper than the SARB which is great as they are now so expensive.
I also think szsb along with sarx models are the best "budget" dress/everyday Seikos ever made for the price... they look like Grand Seiko and have the same spirit for the fraction of the price. Sarb033 is a great watch but doesnt have exactly GS look like Szsb to me.
I have a SARB033 that I (luckily) bought when it was new, for maybe $300. I wear it for special occasions and will never sell it. I bought a black dial SZSB recently for I think about $250. I wear it for everyday; so it takes the wear and tear. it's not bad looking, but if I lost it, it wouldn't be a tragedy.
Thanks for the review. I'm realy on a quest for an alternative for the Sarb033. At first, the SZSB013 looks very beautiful, but at closer inspection.... The hight and especially the length of the lugs doesn't do it for me. I like bigger (tool) watches, but this style of watch deserves shorter lug span and a 38 or 39 mm. case diameter. Finally the bracelet... what was Seiko thinking here? It looks like they just combined a watch and a bracelet without looking at the surface finishes for a match. And above that they forgot the micro ajustment in the clasp completely! Way overprized for what the watch has to offer...😟 Better option to me is the SUR311. Although it is quartz, for less then $150,00 you got at least sapphire and only 8,4 mm thick case. Or, if you have the budget for a SZSB, go for a SARX instead...
Check out the SARX043/45/47. The h-link bracelet is on another level of quality and you can find them new for 400-500. I bought mine "used/sized but unworn" for 440 after shipping & taxes. It's 39.5mm but to me it wears small. I have a 5.85in wrist and it fits perfectly. Only downside to me is the lack of lume(if you want the same case and dial but with lume then get the SARX013/15/17). But the fit and finish are that extra step up that the SARX models are known for. Much nicer than my sarb.
I have the sarb035 and paid $500 ca for it new . I should have got the 033 at the same time . I love my 035 . They are selling used now for around $800 .
The lume on the SARB's hands was a deal breaker for me. It killed off the simplicity. SZSB is way cleaner. It's closer to the size of GS Snowflake as well (40mm vs 41mm).
The SARB033 is 38.4mm. The SZSB013 is 39.9mm. So the difference is actually 1.5mm, not 2.0. That's why it's not quite a 2mm difference. Your eyes did not deceive you.
@@JustWatches1 I purchased the SRPH87 for $170, and the SZSB013 costs double that amount. It would be interesting to compare the two and see what's missing with the higher price.
@@JustWatches1 They are actually quite easy to get ahold of (used of course) but I 100% refuse to pay the prices people are wanting for these battered old watches. Basically, people are charging a lot more for them now used, than you would have paid brand new a couple of years back. So the Sarb033 is completely off my list. Was also looking at the Sarx035, but similar issues again (even harder to get new, or used!) The NB1050-59E is currently top of my list for that everyday, sporty, dress, jdm watch.
“a remainder of the Seiko that no longer exists -the ghost of Seiko’s past” … can’t be summed up better
Thanks it makes me sad, but it is true.
seikos past of true valueable watches and not overpriced Fashionwatches like the seiko 5 series or prospex with trash bracelet
Still Sarb033 is the winner for me. Thank for the review.
Very hard to beat, I agree!
Sarb033 and Sarb035 models have nearly taken on the status of a Grand Seiko! Along with the Sarb017, new old-stock models are going for well over $1,000 if you can find one, so I guess if that kind of price is too rich for your taste, the szsb013 isn’t a bad alternative.
Yes. I can't believe how expensive they are getting, so it is a good alternative.
I paid $500 for my sarb 035 new . I have been offered $800 for it .
For this price you have a grand seiko sbgx261 sbgx259 sbgx263(used model)
@@zouki42 a new gs sbgx 261 is $2,000. However, the main point is that the sarb and skx models are iconic watches which are out of production, producing a comparative scarcity of new models that quite a few people still want. Obviously, the Grand Seikos are better watches, but, for example, the 2022 Chevy Camaro is a "better" car in many respects than a 1970 model. However, a pristine 1970 Camaro can fetch up to 200 grand, about 3 times the price of the most expensive 2022 model.
I just took a hit and bought all three of the SARBS017/033/035 and will now eat Ramen for a year
Good video. I love my Sarb033 and am so glad I bought it when I did (May '20). I came late to the Sarb party and only learned about it after it had been officially discontinued. I paid $300 and it still took me months to decide to pull the trigger on it. Literally a month later prices began to creep up and then continued to climb. Now NIB are selling for $800 - $1100. Crazy. FYI, extra points for synchronizing the time on the watches. It shows an extra level of detail by the content creator. Kudos.
You got a Sarb033 just in time! I can't believe how much they go for now. Ah, you noticed :) I don' t think I could film if the time wasn't synchronized on the watches, it would bother me too much LOL!
I got the SZSB for the dial & hands. Really stunning, nicer than the SARB imo.
Also, retail price doesn’t say it all. I picked up a lightly used SZSB for about $160, while used SARBs are more like $600
Yes, this is a great alternative, and I agree the hands and indices on the SZSB are incredible!
yeah on amazon tey had it for 175-220$ the green dial is stunning, it s a very field watch all grown up with a peculiar raised dial that's chamfered at a 45% angle. Wish it were sapphire but looks nice in hardlex
Very nicely done, I think its a solid alternative. I have another alternative on route from Japan which I'm very excited about. Its also way cheaper than the SARB which is great as they are now so expensive.
What is it?
Oooh, is it that new Citizen? I guess I'll have to check out your channel and see :)
I own the SZSB016 and love it 👍🏻
It's a great watch! Thanks for watching :)
You dropped the video as promised… really enjoyed!!! Thnx
Most welcome, hope you enjoyed it!
I like the indices of the Szsb better than the Sarb.
I agree, they are much nicer.
No matter what they say, I think the SZSB serie is gorgeous...
Wear what you like and ignore everyone else! That is the best way to enjoy the hobby :)
I also think szsb along with sarx models are the best "budget" dress/everyday Seikos ever made for the price... they look like Grand Seiko and have the same spirit for the fraction of the price. Sarb033 is a great watch but doesnt have exactly GS look like Szsb to me.
Who said otherwise?
I have a SARB033 that I (luckily) bought when it was new, for maybe $300. I wear it for special occasions and will never sell it.
I bought a black dial SZSB recently for I think about $250. I wear it for everyday; so it takes the wear and tear. it's not bad looking, but if I lost it, it wouldn't be a tragedy.
great combination of a wear and tear watch and a special occasion one! :)
Thanks for the review. I'm realy on a quest for an alternative for the Sarb033. At first, the SZSB013 looks very beautiful, but at closer inspection.... The hight and especially the length of the lugs doesn't do it for me. I like bigger (tool) watches, but this style of watch deserves shorter lug span and a 38 or 39 mm. case diameter. Finally the bracelet... what was Seiko thinking here? It looks like they just combined a watch and a bracelet without looking at the surface finishes for a match. And above that they forgot the micro ajustment in the clasp completely! Way overprized for what the watch has to offer...😟 Better option to me is the SUR311. Although it is quartz, for less then $150,00 you got at least sapphire and only 8,4 mm thick case. Or, if you have the budget for a SZSB, go for a SARX instead...
I haven't ever seen the SUR311 before! That is a great option! Agree with your take on the SZSB for sure :)
Check out the SARX043/45/47. The h-link bracelet is on another level of quality and you can find them new for 400-500. I bought mine "used/sized but unworn" for 440 after shipping & taxes.
It's 39.5mm but to me it wears small. I have a 5.85in wrist and it fits perfectly. Only downside to me is the lack of lume(if you want the same case and dial but with lume then get the SARX013/15/17). But the fit and finish are that extra step up that the SARX models are known for. Much nicer than my sarb.
I have the sarb035 and paid $500 ca for it new . I should have got the 033 at the same time . I love my 035 . They are selling used now for around $800 .
It's crazy how much they have gone up in price. Glad you were able to get your hands on one!
@Just Watches yes . It is such a classic watch . A real home run for seiko. One day, maybe we will find out why they stopped making them .
I scored a brand new 033 for 700 a couple days ago 😬
i have both. the SZSB is my daily, the SARB is my Dress watch.
Nice combo!
If you like the szsb, but want the solid bracelet end links and the sapphire crystal, as well as a better movement, get the Citizen nb1041
Thank you for the recommendation, that is a sharp looking watch!
@@JustWatches1 its a hell of a piece!
Can you please tell us where this sz seiko is regularly on sale for 200 dollars please?
Yes, it has been on sale on Amazon for $199 a few times this year! Check back I'm sure it will happen again.
Not even close. Hardlex, 4rxx, Hollow endlinks, unsigned crown. I'm glad I have a sarb035.
Yes, it is good you have one. They are getting harder to get now!
I love my sarb035. I wish I had got the 033 at the same time.
The lume on the SARB's hands was a deal breaker for me. It killed off the simplicity. SZSB is way cleaner. It's closer to the size of GS Snowflake as well (40mm vs 41mm).
Fair enough!! Thanks for watching and weighing in!
You said the sarb series didn't have blue dial, but actually the sarb045 has a blue dial.
Ah fair enough. I don't tend to remember those versions.
The deep blue is...💙💙
Agree, they nailed the dial on this one!
Szsb looks MUCH BETTER in my opinion, its like a budget Grand Seiko have same vibe. Also its better size for my wrist 6.9" wrist.
Fair enough! The indices are incredibly nice and remind me more of GS.
Both appear very similar in size (especially diameter) although the specs state a 2mm difference... could you confirm?
The sarb033 is indeed 38mm, while the SZSB013 is 40. Hope that helps!
The SARB033 is 38.4mm. The SZSB013 is 39.9mm. So the difference is actually 1.5mm, not 2.0. That's why it's not quite a 2mm difference. Your eyes did not deceive you.
@@davidngo7676 I hv SARB, it's not 38.4, it's proper 38, some calipers even measure it at 37.9... While I also hv SZSB014, it's a proper 40mm...
Does the SARB035 bracelet fit on the SZSB?
I do not think it will.
Need to add the Seiko SRPH87 to this comparison
Yes, that would be interesting!
@@JustWatches1 I purchased the SRPH87 for $170, and the SZSB013 costs double that amount. It would be interesting to compare the two and see what's missing with the higher price.
Wish they made sarb in 40mm
39-40mm I think is the perfect size for a watch!
@@JustWatches1 for my 8.25” wrist I like 40+
Weird question- have you tried the bracelets on a swap? Wondering if sarb bracelets will fit the other?
Unfortunately, I didn't try, and I don't have the SZSB anymore. I don't think they will however.
@@JustWatches1 thanks, just found your content, I like your format and to the point reviews.
I want a Sarb033 so badly but I'm too late to the party 😫
They are really tough to get now :(
@@JustWatches1
They are actually quite easy to get ahold of (used of course) but I 100% refuse to pay the prices people are wanting for these battered old watches. Basically, people are charging a lot more for them now used, than you would have paid brand new a couple of years back.
So the Sarb033 is completely off my list. Was also looking at the Sarx035, but similar issues again (even harder to get new, or used!) The NB1050-59E is currently top of my list for that everyday, sporty, dress, jdm watch.
The Sarb was just at or below $300 in 2015 and 2016.
Thanks for reporting in with that data. I wasn't into watches then so I wasn't really sure what they were going for.
Yes. The Sarb is one of my favorites. I have and am wearing right now the Sarb035. The cream dial was more my style vs the black.
@Venus Dee I love mine . I paid $500 ca new .
The SARB033's MSRP was $300
Ah okay, thank you for that clarification!
@@JustWatches1 You’re welcome!
The way seiko is changing makes me sad.. yes there is orient but still..
It is like a good friend that you grow apart from. Orient isn't the same.
Just get the citizen nb1050
Awesome pick up and another great Sarb alternative. What do you think of it so far!?
El Seiko Sarb033 es mejor
I agree :)