Classic Japanese built watch with movement found in the higher range models. Seiko stopped making these bad boys so get in while you can, they're a great versatile piece at a stunning price. You can't get better value for money at this price point.
Edit: priced dropped even further.
CamelCamelCamel.
You can get it from Amazon US for $622.63 with Prime free delivery.
Do you still get 3 years of warranty though?
No - you'd only be elligible for 1yr international warranty through Seiko, or consumer/fair trading guarantees and returns through Amazon AU.
I'm not 100% as to whether the 3yr warranty applies to Amazon AU either - I know Amazon US is registered as a Seiko AD in USA, but I haven't looked into whether Amazon AU is registered as a Seiko AD here in Australia.
If you're spending this much it would pay to do your research by contacting Seiko Australia and Amazon Australia.
Add says 2 years warranty so that'd be minimum.
@nomoneynoproblems: It also says "If this product is sold by Amazon, please review the manufacturer’s website for warranty information." under warranty in the specs table.
But it also says it needs a CR2 battery, is a swiss automatic and weighs 68g.
Amazon couldn't write a completely accurate item page/description/ad if its life depended on it.
Bottom line - if you bought one and it failed after 1yr and before 2yrs, I wouldn't be certain Seiko would talk to you. Yeah you'd be able to get the money out of Amazon one way or the other, as long as you had a screencap of the page and went through consumer affairs, but personally if I'm paying through the nose for a watch, I don't want that kind of trouble.
If someone wants to be sure they still need to do their research.
@Wilburre: Yeah if Amazon Au isn't an authorized dealer you don't get the 3 year warranty (Amazon Au aren't on seiko's list of authorized dealers). The 2 years mentioned in the copy is strange because its usually either a 1 year international warranty or the 3 year Aus warranty. Just food for thought in case something goes wrong with it in the future.
@acidantics: Yeah mate agree with this entirely, that was my thinking too - all the Seikos and Citizens i've bought over the years drop back to the 1yr international warranty and are not elligible for the full warranty in country of purchase (3yr for Seiko, 5 yr for most Citizen (3yr for older automatic models and Bulova though)) if not purchased through an AD.
2 years is an odd number for Seiko and with the other errors in the listing, makes me think it might be another mistake - arguable through fair trading, but a hassle you wouldn't want when you're paying over $600 for a watch that used to be able to be had for $350. Maybe worth the trouble for a massive discount, but i'd pass on it unless I was satisfied.
It's why anything I buy that's japanese, over $150 and not a casio comes from StarBuy.
I noticed that Amazon US, listed on Amazon AU, have the rare and highly desirable SARB017 (Alpinist) available for AUD$758.63. These are usually very hard to find and more $. A good collectible.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Seiko-Japanese-Automatic-Stainless…
This in green dial looks really nice
The green Alpinist is almost always available, just at a much higher price than before it was discontinued. They do drop in price though from time to time.
They were going for $640 before covid came along so it's a hard pill to swallow.
Now Amazon price dropped to $750. Haven’t seen one under $1000+ for a while.
Can't get too excited when these used to be $350 all the time.
This price point puts it up against some very nice watches.
Purchased this when it was below $350. An absolute beauty. Wouldn't pay $624 for it though. Remember when SARB021 was selling around $450? Those were the good days :)(
Could you offer any suggestions? I have a Samurai and now looking for something (only slightly) dressier. This watch looks great IMO, but not sure about the price.
If you're looking at the Seiko line you won't find a watch with this movement at this price. Comments above reflect the hay day when Seiko were offering amazing value for money with a hint of a favourable exchange rate. That's no longer the case. Seiko are rejigging what the mid range looks like now. The presage line of watches which sit in this price bracket use the low to mid 4R based movement, where as this model uses the 6R series (which are in their mid to high range that cost $900+) In fact I can't think of a watch that beats this value wise despite the apparent price increase. I'm all ears.
@nomoneynoproblems: What about their Coutura range? How are they and where abouts do they sit in the quality scale?
@Trishool: I'm not too familiar about the Coutura range but I'm pretty sure they're not Japanese made. They're a different movement too so it's hard to compare against the rest of their automatics.
@Trishool: I believe that the Coutura range are quartz movements (solar and kinetic), quality and finishing wise they're good for the price (around mid-range of Seiko's current offerings).
If you are interested in solar-powered quartz watches, I'll also suggest that you check out Citizen's eco-drive range. I'd say that finishing wise, Citizen is slightly subpar compared to Seiko, but the price range is also lower.
If you are interested in purely an automatic movement Seiko dress watch, I found the following quote taken from a reddit comment to be useful:
You're looking at 2 things in general (that increase in intricacy and quality, but with diminishing returns similar to other goods):
1.Finishing
The basic Seiko 5s are a marvel in that they're well produced for their pricepoint, and have consistent quality control. Affordable, in this case, doesn't have to mean cheap. In fact their cases, crystal, and other details of the watch are well done for this price.
Move up to the Presage Line, and you'll start seeing more refinement such as Zaratsu polishing, and many other beautiful little details. A nice example would be the SARX055, nicknamed the 'Baby Snowflake' in reference to its dial, which has similarities to the Grand Seiko Snowflake.
And lastly, with the Grand, you're looking at world-class finishing that can give the best brands a run for their money. Aesthetics can never be viewed objectively - it's always up to you to choose what you like.
2.Movement
A simple 7S26 is a workhorse automatic - Day and Date, 21600 bph, and does everything you need. It is affordable because it doesn't have extra complications - such as handwinding, hacking, or others.
Move up to a 4R36, and you pay more for hand-winding and hacking, and a longer power reserve. These features cost more to incorporate, and rightfully so. As such they're a little more pricey than the basic 7S26.
6R15s are a step up from the 4Rs, and have the 8Ls (which are even higher end) above them, but the main difference here would be tighter tolerances and a longer power reserve.
The Spring Drive is something I won't attempt to explain, try this for starters: https://youtu.be/J4m492J1nuU . It is breathtaking, and only found in Grand Seikos. It is expensive, but it's a work of art.
@Shostaholic: Thanks for your range. I actually have a Citizen eco-drive (love it, its made from titanium and has sapphire glass, and is super light). I really like the Coutura range and prefer solar powered watches as changing batteries every couple of years really annoys me. But was concerned on the longevity (quality wise) of the Coutura range, are they watches that will last me years to come or will they quickly fail down the track.
Also thanks for the link, the video was great. Love Japanese workmanship.
@Shostaholic: You can really go down the rabbit-hole with Seiko's movements!
There's also the higher beat version (28800bph) of the 6R15, the 6R27, which is only found in a few JDM models.
Then there's the calibre 4S15 and 4S35 which is based on a 1970s King Seiko movement (the calibre 52 series. The King Seiko was a rival range to the Grand Seiko line back in the 60s to the early 70s), which has been moved up several tiers into Seiko's Credor luxury brand. Seiko generally seems to be moving their watch more and more upmarket (just take a look at their recent releases and you get a sense of what I mean). There's also a calibre 4L/6L movement which is even rarer, and only found in the Credor line or the limited edition Presage release (Presage SJE073J1/SARA015)
@acidantics: Yes, and the 6R35 is only found in mid-range models and their high end consumer watches …so nothing below $800.
@nomoneynoproblems: Or just get a Swiss watch with high beat ETA. Plenty around for $600 if you know where to look.
@ilikeit: I prefer an inhouse movement. I have a Tissot that utilises a low end ETA movement for similar money so am curious where you're finding a hi beat watch for $600. Lots of comments about watches for this price point but funny enough no examples. I honestly don't see how you can find a watch that beats this. Seiko stopped making these because their mid range was too good.
@nomoneynoproblems: No too hard get a Hamilton, Mido, Tissot or Glycine for that shipped from the US.
I have Swiss watches and numerous Seikos. I am not trying to beat the Sarb, just curious about people's perspectives. I'm actually a fan of the SARB. Although the 6R is not particularly an accurate or consistent movement for many, I like the aesthetics and materials of the watch. Remember this deal? Those were the days.
They were $350USD plus shipping. They were JDM only so I doubt any would have retailed in AUD.
Thanks. Bought 7 of them for my friends.
wanna be friends and bust a nut on my pillar?
Pretty sure the SARB033 is actually made in Japan, as they were originally JDM only. Your comment certainly applies to a number of lower end Seikos running "Made in Japan" markers, where it's Japanese parts assembled elsewhere (usually Malaysia) under Japanese supervision.
This might have been a deal a month ago when it was under $600 and Shopback were giving %12 for Amazon purchases, but not now
No one likes the white version unless it's a SARX055
Missed out when these were ~$350, tempted to pull the trigger now.
Might as well…don't see these getting any cheaper.
Just bought one. Thanks op!
Sumo, 6R36 for similar money.
Sumos are $900 on a good day and retail for well over $1000. What universe is $50% more, "similar"?
Starbuy regularly offer it for $749 and did offer at $699 once or twice.
Otherwise usual price for $879 https://www.starbuy.com.au/seiko-sumo-automatic-divers-200m-…
So the off chance starbuy have a sale you might be able to pick one up. Otherwise $900. Why stop there though? MM200 for similar money. If starbuy has a sale.
Anyways completely different watches though.
The price increased today to $612.54 from $608.35. I cancelled my order made yesterday and put a new one in today because Cashrewards has reinstated cashback with Amazon and there is a 5.3% cashback on watches. Although $612.54 today, there will be a $29.52 cashback which will make the watch $583.02 So if you are able to cancel your order you can do the same for some cashback!
Just be careful, the price is going up all the time, its now $621.40 today
I bought one on Friday afternoon for $608
edit: at around 600AU that's a great deal. Amazon must have got a new batch come in from somewhere
Everywhere else is around $500US or ebay secondhand for around 1,000AU
I have monitoring it daily since the post came out and the lowest yes is indeed $608.35 on Friday (i also made my order and they still had about 209 units in stock) and it went up to $612.52 on Saturday (started limiting sales to 2 units) and today is $621.40.
Cashrewards only announce cashback for watches on Saturday after the price increase to $612.52 and hence why i cancelled my order on Friday to place a new one on Saturday. I checked and it tracked at $29.51 which makes it excellent value at $583.01 for this discontinued model.
Even with today's price of $621.52, after cashback, it is still good value at $591.46 :) if anyone is still on the fence on this.
I concur, great looking watch, not seen a bad review on this watch anywhere.
Looks good with any strap too which is a bonus.
edit: where did you see stock levels?
@Pants001: So to check stock levels it is actually more of a workaround. This only works if there is no limit set to units that can be purchased. Usually there will be a limit if stock is of limited or low quantity anyway. To check, when you go to checkout edit the quantity, at the drop down menu if it is under 10 available you will see the quantity, if more you can select 10+. Selecting 10+ will enable you to key in a quantity, type in 999 and it should say insufficient quantity available and show you how many is available in the quantity box. Hope this helps!
Honeymoon is over, $749 from today
Mine arrived today. Terrible packaging, just in a Amazon padded envelope which dented the corners of the watch box probably from being thrown around during shipping. I have gotten $1 instant noodles sent from Amazon in a proper box and a $600+ watch sent in a padded envelope?. The face of the watch also had scratches in the middle. I immediately requested for a replacement. If you have the same experience i suggest you give feedback to Amazon.
that's terrible news.
Mine came yesterday, can confirm watch box in flimsy padded bag. Luckily mine was ok and no dents on watch box
Cant remember if there was plastic on the face, deff on the strap and rear had tear off plastic
Glad to hear yours came fine. Enjoy the watch, looks awesome!
I'm looking at some of these on Friday, If i buy one ill send you a photo
https://www.genevablue.com.au/straps?category=20mm+straps
@Pants001: I was also looking at those and one in croc leather. Please send the pics if you get one.
@JaeTee: So he came out today, we tried on a few bands, All looked beautiful to be honest. I ended up going with the Brown
https://www.genevablue.com.au/straps/geneva-blue-strap-5
Heres some photos
https://imgur.com/a/exHeqTF
@Pants001: Wow the brown really stands out and compliments the black face of the watch really well! The watch size is also a perfect fit on your wrist. Good choice mate. I will have to wait till next week to get a replacement. Hopefully i can try on one of the spare straps i have.
@JaeTee: That will look good too, Ive seen a few similar to that on the Sarb.
Leather is much more comfortable than the metal strap in my opinion.
Added bonus of nice leather smell, like a new pair of shoes.
Edit: also hope you get a quick replacement turn around.
Unlucky mate. Mine was brand new although funny enough the label says hardlex glass as opposed to sapphire….anyone else get the same?
So this is the scratch, i tried to lightly rub it but it will not come out. So might as well get it replaced:
That's kind of concerning as sapphire should be close to scratch proof? If you rub your finger over the scratches, does it feel rough or smooth?
Man return that! That's terrible.
So basically:
- unknown seller on Amazon which does not allow vendor reviews
- at least one buyer has reported damage on unboxing
- is a JDM watch that isn’t being made by seiko anymore but is being shipped from Amazon AU
How do buyers know they’re not getting an overpriced ‘replica’ watch? Fulfilled by Amazon doesn’t guarantee authenticity…
Got mine on Friday, luckily my packaging turned out fine and the watch looks great!
Such a nice watch,as per above ive already switched mine to a leather strap and its really comfortable.
Very happy with this purchase.
and to the guy whos saying it could be a replica, Amazon have been selling these for several years now. They are all same stock with $425US stickers.
Its not hard with these watches to spot a fake, Crown would not be embossed and would sound cheap when winding. Case wont be Crystal, and mechanism at back looks completely different. The one i received displays none of these signs.
Price has sky rocketed now.
SARB033 is $749
But the 035 is next level
SARB035 is $1,211
Woah
Thanks will mark expired.
SARB033 now $899.00…..good timing gents
Make that $1,045
Don't think you need Prime for Free Delivery.