Hello, I would like to introduce you to my latest purchase. The SEIKO SARB035 is not my first SEIKO but this is my first JDM SEIKO and probably the most refined of them all.
These particular line of SEIKOs are intended for the Japanese market only. However you can buy this watch online and it comes with 1 year international warranty. Nowadays you may also buy the 035 and the 033 via Amazon for $325 with free 2 day shipping if you have Prime. I purchased mine from ChinoWatch Japan for about $325 including shipping. I ordered the watch on a Thursday and it arrived by Tuesday (5 days including the weekend). Ordering directly from Japan was a whole new experience for me and it just added a little more of flavor to the watch knowing that comes directly from the land of the rising sun. The hardest part of the whole buying process was to choose a color. Black or white, that is the dilemma.
Obviously I went for the white. There seems to be a lot of debate on what color the SARB035 really is. Some people say it’s white, some say it’s cream. I say it is both. The color changes depending on the color of the light that’s under. This version of the SARB is my favorite due to its chameleonic properties.
The needles are very easy to locate and to read from every angle. The polished hour markers give the SARB some sparks with little illumination. One (bad) thing about the SARB035 is that the lume is very limited and it does not last the whole night like it does with the sport watches. To some people, this caveat might not be a bad thing, but it is for me.
The sapphire crystal gives you the impression that there’s no glass between your eyes and the watch. Since the crystal is flat, it does not create any distortion either. Based solely in my observation and comparison with other watches, it seems like the SARB035 does have AR coating, at least in the inside. The sapphire also gives it that touch of finesse that you don’t get with the 5 series or with most divers. In addition, the sapphire crystal makes it virtually scratch proof.
Please keep in mind that this watch will deeply disappoint you if you are looking for a big piece of metal attached to your wrist. If you are looking for attention or approval from peers and families, go look somewhere else. I have been wearing this watch exclusively for over a month and I haven’t received a single compliment on this beauty. Well, maybe one compliment… from my dad.
The case design is genius and very comfortable. The movement is very accurate and very solid. The crown feels tight as a drum and the looks are to die for. So why aren’t people complimenting my purchase?
Quite honestly, that makes me feel special. I am not a regular guy with an Omega or god forbids a Rolex. This watch says “I create my own paths and do not follow crowds” I know all the characteristics of this watch; I know how much I paid for it. I know its limitations and virtues and most people around don’t.
As great as this watch may be, there’s one major flaw. The bracelet lacks of micro adjustment options. The first night with the SARB035 I took out 2 links, but it was too tight. The next day I put one back on, and now it is too loose. I left it loose and it makes me feel a little Gansta.
These particular line of SEIKOs are intended for the Japanese market only. However you can buy this watch online and it comes with 1 year international warranty. Nowadays you may also buy the 035 and the 033 via Amazon for $325 with free 2 day shipping if you have Prime. I purchased mine from ChinoWatch Japan for about $325 including shipping. I ordered the watch on a Thursday and it arrived by Tuesday (5 days including the weekend). Ordering directly from Japan was a whole new experience for me and it just added a little more of flavor to the watch knowing that comes directly from the land of the rising sun. The hardest part of the whole buying process was to choose a color. Black or white, that is the dilemma.
Obviously I went for the white. There seems to be a lot of debate on what color the SARB035 really is. Some people say it’s white, some say it’s cream. I say it is both. The color changes depending on the color of the light that’s under. This version of the SARB is my favorite due to its chameleonic properties.
The needles are very easy to locate and to read from every angle. The polished hour markers give the SARB some sparks with little illumination. One (bad) thing about the SARB035 is that the lume is very limited and it does not last the whole night like it does with the sport watches. To some people, this caveat might not be a bad thing, but it is for me.
The sapphire crystal gives you the impression that there’s no glass between your eyes and the watch. Since the crystal is flat, it does not create any distortion either. Based solely in my observation and comparison with other watches, it seems like the SARB035 does have AR coating, at least in the inside. The sapphire also gives it that touch of finesse that you don’t get with the 5 series or with most divers. In addition, the sapphire crystal makes it virtually scratch proof.
Please keep in mind that this watch will deeply disappoint you if you are looking for a big piece of metal attached to your wrist. If you are looking for attention or approval from peers and families, go look somewhere else. I have been wearing this watch exclusively for over a month and I haven’t received a single compliment on this beauty. Well, maybe one compliment… from my dad.
The case design is genius and very comfortable. The movement is very accurate and very solid. The crown feels tight as a drum and the looks are to die for. So why aren’t people complimenting my purchase?
Quite honestly, that makes me feel special. I am not a regular guy with an Omega or god forbids a Rolex. This watch says “I create my own paths and do not follow crowds” I know all the characteristics of this watch; I know how much I paid for it. I know its limitations and virtues and most people around don’t.
As great as this watch may be, there’s one major flaw. The bracelet lacks of micro adjustment options. The first night with the SARB035 I took out 2 links, but it was too tight. The next day I put one back on, and now it is too loose. I left it loose and it makes me feel a little Gansta.
I think the bracelet having two micro adjustment notches is a design deficiency. The sarb 35 would be elevated by having it on a quality leather strap anyway. Not a deal breaker for me.
ReplyDeleteI just bought this model. I endorse every word of your blog. I like it (the watch) and I dislike it. It's too small, it lacks presence , I get no compliments. And yet....it's elegant, it's refined....but that bloody bracelet bugs me. Ultimately , IMO, you buy the watch because it is what it is. It's not bling, it wears nicely on the wrist, the dial is beautiful. It's not white, it's not cream, it's not ivory. What is it. To me it's full of questions. I love it.
ReplyDeletethank you for your comment
Delete