Photo: Theslenderwrist
Seiko Presage SARX033 Review
Seiko is known to make some of the best affordable automatic watches on the market. But what is the definition of an ”affordable” watch? Priced at about 800 USD, this watch is higher priced than many other Seiko automatic watches which can cost somewhere in the region of 100 USD. These very affordable automatic watches are highly praised and appreciated for their great value proposition, surprisingly high quality, and beautiful design.
So if you throw in another 700 dollars when it comes to Seiko, do you get what you pay for, and is it so much better? If we look at this watch up close, it will be quite evident that yes, despite the increase in price, the Seiko Presage SARX033 proves to be a great value proposition that is still able to pack a punch and punch above its weight. It does this through an increased finish, higher quality, and more stunning intricate details. In this article, we are reviewing the Seiko presage SARX033 and looking at this watch’s specifications in detail.
Seiko Presage SARX033 Review
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The Seiko Presage SARX033 is not only a sports watch, but not solely a dress watch either. The watch is a very universal, classy, clean, everyday timepiece that works just as great with a suit as with a pair of jeans.
Seiko Presage SARX033 case
The Seiko Presage SARX033 has a 40.8mm stainless steel case, not including the crown. 40mm is a standard size that works for most men. It’s not perceived as huge, but often not too small either. This is why 40mm watches often fit a wide array of wrists. The watch sits slimmed on the wrist thanks to a thickness of 11.5mm. The lug-to-lug length is 46.3mm. The watch can be perceived as on the large side as a dress watch, but this just contributes to making it more casual, and that is the point here.
When looking at the case, you can very quickly see that it is well-finished and has a great level of attention to detail. Overall, the case shape and design are quite clean and classic. What sets this watch apart and stands out, however, is its lugs. Firstly, the case combines brushed with polished elements, where the sizes are polished and the top is brushed.
The lugs are ”curved” or ”twisted”, with polishing on the inner and outer sides, whereas the top is brushed. This creates a nice effect and also gives the watch a distinct identity. The bezel is highly polished. At 3 o’clock on the case is a screw-down crown. There’s no need for crown guards as it isn’t a sports watch. The crown is slightly recessed. Not using crown guards is a good decision as it allows the case to remain symmetrical.
The case offers a water resistance of 10ATM/100 meters. This is enough for handling water splashes and carefully swimming, but it is not made for diving. After all, it’s not a dive watch, either.
The watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal. This is different from most cheaper Seiko watches which use Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal. But since this watch is more premium, they can include it. One thing we can say with this watch is that you can feel the quality. For Seiko’s most affordable automatic watches, you can feel rattle and play, but by paying the premium of the SARX033, you can avoid much of that.
The case has Seiko’s Diashield protection which works to resist scratches to keep it looking nice.
Seiko Presage SARX033 dial
The dial of the Seiko Presage SARX033 is absolutely stunning. It is definitely one of the highlights of this watch.
The dial is white and has a chapter ring with printed five-minute and seconds markings. It has a lovely finish, between a polished and sunburst finish. The slight sunburst finish reflects the light very beautifully and gives a nice rich depth.
The applied indices really enhance the exclusivity of this watch. The hands (hours, minutes, seconds) are blued, which provides a nice contrast against the white dial. Also, the hands change color depending on how the light hits them, from bright blue to very dark. The watch has a date window placed at 3 o’clock, which features a nice metal frame around it
Seiko Presage SARX033 Movement
This Seiko Presage is fitted with the 6R15 23J automatic movement. It beats with a frequency of 21,600 BPH (3 Hertz).
This movement has a hand-winding and hacking function. These are two welcomed features that are usually not found on Seiko’s cheapest automatic watches.
The movement has an accuracy of +25/-15 sec/day and a power reserve of 50 hours.
One of the most loved and appreciated features of this watch is the fact that it has a see-through case back with a decorated movement. This is truly one of the highlights of this watch.
Unlike the more affordable Automatic Seiko watches with a see-through case back. This movement is actually lightly decorated but still keeps its workhorse look.
Seiko Presage SARX033 Bracelet
The Seiko Presage SARX033 is fitted on a. Sporty yet elegant stainless steel bracelet. Just like the case, the bracelet features Seiko’s Diashield protection
This is where almost all of Seiko’s more affordable automatic watches fall short and the part that is most compromised. But with the SARX033, it is different, and this is proof that the higher price is truly reflected in the quality.
A lot of people compare the finishing and quality of this bracelet with Grand Seiko bracelets, and this is a great compliment about this timepiece. Especially considering the fact this watch is significantly cheaper than many Grand Seiko watches. Naturally, we can expect a lower quality than a grand Seiko considering its price, but it’s certainly great value for money.
Plus, the bracelet also looks really good and goes together with the design of the watch. The bracelet has a machined and solid clasp and operates elegantly. It uses a two-button release mechanism.
This bracelet is not just a ”bracelet”, but it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. It is a 5 piece link bracelet, including the end links.
Seiko Presage SARX033 Specifications
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Lug to Lug: 46.3mm
- Water resistance: 100m
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Accuracy: +25/-15 sec/day
- Movement: 6R15 23J Automatic, featuring a Hand-winding and Hack function
- Diameter: 40.8mm
Conclusion
The Seiko Presage SARX033 is a watch that offers great value for money. It is often referred to as a ”baby Grand Seiko” due to the high quality and superior finish it offers but at a fraction of the cost.
This watch is extremely universal and works just as great as a dress watch as a sporty or casual watch. The watch really punches above its weight when it comes to price and quality ratio. One thing we can say for sure is that you will be surprised by both the quality and the finishing. It’s definitely a watch worth buying.
The Seiko Presage SARX033 is available to order on Amazon.
