SRPD99J Black face $579 delivered
Gentlemen,
This is the sale we've been waiting for. The SARB replacements! 38mm diameter with stainless steel bracelet. It's the perfect size. Curved sapphire glass too. Get in quick!
Do note that these replacements use the 4R35 movement instead of the 6R15 which the SARBs had. If you don't care much for the movement, it's still a fantastic watch to have.
I believe these were $659 previously and have never been on sale.
Also on sale for $399 delivered:
If it was at $399 it'd definitely be a steal. However, I'm under the impression that these SARB replacements have been valued to be slightly higher than the SRPD39J (despite materials used being most likely identical). It is a relatively new release though, so perhaps it'll get discounted further, but I think this is the best price it has been since its release.
I think that's too much considering its a 4R35, SARBs were still selling at circa $600 not long ago
Yeah I don't disagree the valuing of these 4R35 watches are a bit high, but I actually think the Seiko watches were undervalued previously (look at the Alpinist range for instance), so this is kind of an adjustment to their lineup's actual worth? Also, it doesn't help our dollar has taken quite a bit of a belting.
You'll never see the old prices again. Seiko are changing their price structure and these SARB replacements are the new price going forwards. They are moving away from being the cheapest option and want to increase their perceived value.
I guess its a sign if the times, Click Frenzy is coming up on Tuesday so will keep an eye out for any deals then.
Yep Seiko are trying to change the image of their "lower end" to make it appear more valuable/higher tier. The days of ~$80-150 "seiko 5's" (not the skx replacement seiko 5's, the various assortment of previous 5 model lines) and $400-600 6R movements are long gone.
It's pretty much looking like everything in Seiko's "affordable" tiers - where I felt they were super competitive (prices below Swiss brands - a significant portion of potential buyers will almost always go Swissif they're paying north of $400-600), is either quartz or 4R35/6.
I'm not aware of anything under $600 (maybe even $900-1000!) with a different movement now? The low-mid tier presage are all 4R35/6 which is a bit disappointing.
I'd be lieing if I said I wasn't curious as to how this rebranding/price inflation strategy will go for Seiko. On one hand there will likely be an increase in "uninformed buyers" in the $300-600 price band, as they will be drawn in by popular styling (seemingly Seikos entire idea for the new Seiko5 range), but there is sure to be a significant reduction in "enthusiast" buyers in the $150-600 range, as the value proposition for Seiko models and as a brand is certainly shifting for the worst. Whether the strategy results in more profit, units sold and brand recognition and market share, remains to be seen.
I understand the move, and it is the logical choice for the company, if you look at it purely as a business decision and take passion, the enthusiast viewpoint and innovation for innovations sake out of it, but as a watch and bargain/deal enthusiast I do find myself feeling disappointed. My orange Seiko baby monster with a 4R36 for $139AUD for official AU stock (WatchNerd deal from Starbuy ~2yrs ago) is still one of my favourite pieces and the best watch deal I've ever obtained. I'm a little sad that those days seem to be ending.
Still - Citizen is slowly releasing more and more automatic watches in the $150-500 range (though sadly all with the same Miyota 8200/8210 derived movements in them all), so perhaps there will still be a place for the enthusiast in the low end of the price spectrum.
I'm not used to Presages being so expensive. I got my SARY085 for around 350 delivered on release from Japan. But I'm definitely not used to Seiko 5's for around 300.
This is a beautiful watch. I saw the SRPD97 in person and it's really well done. It's kind of in between SARB035 and SRPC97, and one of my favourite among the Presage lineup.
Some pros over other Presages (calibre 4R35)
- sapphire glass
- smaller size @38mm which is a much better fit for a dress watch compared to other presages @41mm
- snowflake texture on dial and indices, which is really well done
Here's a review from Worn and Wound, check out the sweet macro shot!
Yep, as someone with smaller wrists, I appreciate the 38mm a lot more.
I also hate how inconsistent the Presage ranges are with materials used. Some would have sapphire glass and some won't. It's really quite annoying.
Yeah I always hit the spec list first
if its hardlex its a hard no
if its 14-15mm thick its a no
i think if you're finding a good sized made in japan seiko for under $500 w/ sapphire then you're doing well
i'm not hung up on the movt. - the 4r35 vs. 6r15 isnt a big deal… they both aint great movts. really. low beat, hack handwind 40hr reserve… eh…
6R15 has 50 hours of power reserve vs 4R35's 40 hours. Also, it has slightly higher accuracy. I'd certainly not want to swap a 6R15 with a 4R35.
I agree with this ∆∆∆.
For this money I'm looking at sapphire and a thin case. Seiko is a bit all over the shop.
Who does Seiko always use horrible marketing shots. Nothing about the standard photos they use show off any of the detail.
For the price it's nice but lacks a little flair imo. For around 600 I would also look at some cheaper Orient Stars. I guess im used to Presages being around the 400 range. At 600 it should open up a few other nice options but dont quote me on this.
As kind of explored above, I think the push for the higher prices for their watches is to re-position themselves on the market. We've had a really good run with their low low prices, but I think those days are a thing of the past. Expect higher pricing.
Yeah the low priced made in japan seikos wasnt normal. They couldnt have been making enough to be worth it.
I'm agreeing that you're better off with an Orient. I bought an Orient polaris gmt that has stopped me buying much else of anything.
If you're after a sapphire diver then the Orients kill it really.
I just wish it was easier to buy their stuff here… they ACTIVELY dont want to grey market to Aus.
David Jones had 40% off the SRPD99J early last month. Discounted from $825 to $495.
Sadly the SRPD97J had sold out prior this sale.
Where was the deal, bro?
Received an email from David Jones, one of those short midweek sales they always have.
I think Munki meant why didn't you post it on OzB. :)
The bracelet seems better than the Sarbs.
Thanks OP, got one.
Always liked this Seiko design but at 41mm with my small wrist; I'd never wear it.
This should fill a sweet spot for an everyday watch.
Shame it's not $399 like the previous deal for the similar larger model https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/536414