Regarding high-quality watches, Seiko is a brand that needs no introduction. The Seiko SARB035 has become an iconic watch within the Seiko line and watch enthusiast community alike. With a sleek, minimalist design and impressive features, it’s no surprise that this watch has gained immense popularity in recent years.
The Popularity Among Watch Enthusiasts
The Seiko SARB035 is often referred to as the “little brother” of the Grand Seiko due to its similar design and quality craftsmanship. Despite being a more affordable alternative, the SARB035 still boasts some impressive features found in more expensive watches such as automatic movement with hand-winding and hacking capabilities.
What sets this particular model apart from other Seikos is its design which oozes sophistication while being both functional and versatile enough to wear for any occasion. It’s no wonder that watch enthusiasts have been raving about this timepiece for years.
Personal Experience with the Watch
As someone who has owned many watches throughout my life, I have to say that the Seiko SARB035 is one of my favorites. The first thing that caught my eye was the timeless design; it’s simple yet elegant all at once.
After wearing it for some time, I was impressed with its accuracy – something that’s important for any timepiece. Additionally, I appreciate its water-resistant feature which allows me to wear it during swimming or even showering without fear of damage.
Overall, my experience with this watch has been nothing short of amazing – from the quality construction to how comfortable it feels on my wrist. It’s definitely one of those watches that you can wear every day without getting tired of looking at it or having it on your wrist.
Design & Build Quality
Classic and Timeless Design
The Seiko SARB035 has a classic and timeless design that can be worn on any occasion. The watch features an elegant white dial with black hour markers and luminescent hands, which provide easy readability in low light conditions.
The combination of the silver case and black leather strap gives the watch a sophisticated look, making it perfect for formal events. One of the standout design features of this watch is its simplicity.
It doesn’t have an overwhelming number of complications or unnecessary details, which can often detract from its overall visual appeal. Instead, the SARB035 is a minimalist watch that prioritizes functionality over flashy aesthetics.
High-Quality Materials Used in Construction
Seiko uses high-quality materials to construct their watches, and the SARB035 is no exception. The watch case is made of brushed stainless steel, which gives it a sleek appearance while also providing durability.
Additionally, the crystal face is made of sapphire glass, making it scratch-resistant and more durable than other types of glass commonly used in watches. The black leather strap also adds to the overall quality feel of this watch.
It’s made with genuine leather that’s soft to the touch but still sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Additionally, the buckle clasp ensures that your watch stays securely fastened throughout your day.
Comfortable Fit on the Wrist
Wearing a comfortable watch is essential when you’re going about your daily routine or attending events for extended periods. Fortunately, Seiko has designed this timepiece with comfort in mind by ensuring it fits comfortably on most wrist sizes. The SARB035 measures 38mm in diameter, making it a medium-sized automatic watch that fits well on any wrist size without feeling too bulky or heavy.
The black leather strap also molds to your wrist over time, making it even more comfortable to wear. Whether you’re working at your desk or running errands, this watch will stay put while also feeling comfortable against your skin.
Movement & Accuracy
Automatic Movement with Hand-winding and Hacking Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Seiko SARB035 is its automatic movement, which means the watch is self-winding and doesn’t require a battery. The watch also has hand-winding capabilities if you prefer to wind it manually, which can be useful if you don’t wear the watch daily.
Additionally, the SARB035 has hacking capabilities, which means you can stop the second hand for precise time setting. The automatic movement in this watch is highly regarded for its reliability and accuracy.
The movement is powered by your wrist’s movement, which means as long as you are wearing it or moving it around regularly, it will continue to keep accurate time. It’s important to note that because it’s an automatic movement, there may be slight variations in accuracy depending on how much you wear it.
Consistent Accuracy Over Time
While some watches may lose or gain time over time due to variations in temperature or other environmental factors, the Seiko SARB035 stands out for its consistent accuracy over time. As long as you maintain regular wear or winding of the watch and take care not to expose it to extreme temperatures or shocks, this watch will keep accurate time day in and day out. Since most people buy a watch primarily for its ability to keep accurate track of time, this feature alone makes the Seiko SARB035 an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable timepiece that won’t let them down.
Power Reserve of Up to 50 Hours
Another impressive feature of this watch is its power reserve of up to 50 hours. This means that once fully wound (either by wearing or winding it manually), the watch will continue keeping accurate time even if not worn for up two days straight. This can be handy if you don’t wear the watch daily or if you need to leave it off for an extended period of time.
Additionally, the power reserve indicator on the dial lets you know when it’s time to wind up the watch again, so you never have to worry about running out of power unexpectedly. The automatic movement with hand-winding and hacking capabilities, consistent accuracy over time, and power reserve of up to 50 hours make the Seiko SARB035 a reliable and practical choice for anyone looking for a high-quality watch that won’t break the bank.
Features & Functionality
Date Display at 3 o’clock Position
The Seiko SARB035 has a simple yet functional date display located at the 3 o’clock position. The white-on-black date wheel is easy to read and blends well with the watch face, giving it a clean and classic look. The date display can be adjusted easily by pulling the crown out to its first position and turning it clockwise or counter-clockwise until the correct date is displayed.
While some may prefer more advanced features such as a perpetual calendar, the date display on the SARB035 serves its purpose perfectly for everyday wear. It’s especially useful for those who often forget what day of the month it is (we won’t judge).
Luminescent Hands and Markers for Easy Readability in Low Light Conditions
The luminescent hands and markers of the Seiko SARB035 make it easy to read even in low light conditions. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently find themselves in dimly lit environments, such as movie theaters or restaurants. The luminescence is vibrant and bright, making it easy to read even from several feet away.
However, it’s not overly bright to cause discomfort or distraction. The luminescent material used by Seiko also lasts longer than most other brands.
Water-Resistant up to 100 Meters
The Seiko SARB035 boasts an impressive water resistance rating of up to 100 meters (328 feet), making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water-related activities. While we wouldn’t recommend diving with this watch due to its lack of specific dive-related features, you can rest assured that accidental splashes or brief submersion won’t damage your timepiece.
Overall, these features add functionality to an already impressive watch that can be worn in a variety of settings. Whether it’s for casual wear, office attire, or formal events, the Seiko SARB035 is versatile and functional.
Value for Money
When it comes to purchasing a high-quality automatic watch, consumers often face the dilemma of choosing between affordability and quality. Fortunately, the Seiko SARB035 offers the perfect balance between price and functionality.
Priced under $500, this watch is an excellent value for money in comparison to other watches in its price range. Some of its competitors include the Orient Bambino and Tissot Le Locle, which are also popular choices among watch enthusiasts seeking affordable automatic watches.
While these watches have their own unique features and aesthetics, they fall short in terms of durability and reliability when compared to the Seiko SARB035. The SARB035 not only offers great value for money but also boasts reliable accuracy over time that adds immense value to your investment.
Comparing the SARB035 to Other Watches in Its Price Range
The Seiko SARB035 is a popular choice among watch enthusiasts seeking high-end features at an affordable price point. One of its prime competitors is the Orient Bambino, which is priced similarly. However, there are some key differences between these two models that make the SARB035 stand out.
The Bambino has 21 jewels while The SARB035 has 23 jewels – which means that The Seiko model’s movement will be more accurate overall since there are fewer friction points inside it. Additionally, The Bambino doesn’t have hacking or hand-winding capabilities like The Seiko does with its 6R15 movement.
Another notable competitor at this price point is Tissot Le Locle – which has a higher level of brand recognition than both Orient or Seiko brands. However Tissot’s offering lacks hacking or hand-winding capabilities like many other watches from other brands in this price range, while The SARB035 has both of these features.
Long-term Durability and Reliability
The Seiko SARB035 is built to last. Constructed with high-quality materials, this watch is designed for longevity and durability. The stainless steel case and bracelet are scratch-resistant, ensuring that your watch looks as good as new even after years of use.
Its automatic movement can also withstand the test of time. With consistent accuracy over time, this watch proves to be reliable for years to come.
Additionally, the power reserve of up to 50 hours ensures that you won’t have to worry about winding your watch daily. The long-term durability and reliability of the Seiko SARB035 make it an excellent investment for any watch enthusiast seeking a high-quality automatic watch at an affordable price point.
Pros & Cons
Advantages of owning a Seiko SARB035
The Seiko SARB035 is an excellent choice for watch enthusiasts who are looking for an automatic timepiece with high-end features at an affordable price point. The watch boasts a versatile design that can be worn for both casual and formal occasions.
The classic and timeless design of the watch makes it a staple in any collection. Accuracy over time is another advantage of owning a Seiko SARB035.
The watch is powered by the 6R15 automatic movement, which has proven to be consistent in its accuracy over time. Additionally, the power reserve lasts up to 50 hours, ensuring that you won’t have to reset your watch after two days of non-use.
The strong brand reputation within the watch community is also an advantage of owning a Seiko SARB035. As one of the most respected and renowned brands in the industry, Seiko has built a strong presence among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Disadvantages of owning a Seiko SARB035
One disadvantage of owning a Seiko SARB035 is the lack of advanced features found in more expensive watches. While the watch includes basic features such as date display and luminescent hands, it lacks some of the more advanced complications found in luxury watches. Another potential disadvantage is that some collectors may find the design too simple or plain compared to other luxury watches on the market.
However, this can also be seen as an advantage for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. While water-resistant up to 100 meters, it may not be suitable for diving or prolonged exposure to water.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an affordable automatic watch with high-end features and excellent accuracy over time, then look no further than the Seiko SARB035. Despite its lack of advanced complications found in more expensive watches, this timepiece makes up for it with its timeless design suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
Its reliable movement and strong brand reputation within the watch community make it an excellent investment for any collector or enthusiast. Overall, the Seiko SARB035 is a great value for money and will undoubtedly provide years of accurate and stylish timekeeping.