Seiko Mechanical × Shinobu Ishigaki SARB065 Watch Review

Description

The reason behind the Seiko SARB065’s popularity is understandable; it is classy, functional, and can get you more than what is usual for its price point. The challenge, however, lies on the fact that they cannot be easily purchased as the watches are limited in Japan. You’d most probably have to shoulder more costs or even risk getting a fake one should you really have your eyes set for the cool Seiko watch.

Design

Value for Money

Positives

Negatives

4.3

Ratings

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Seiko’s SARB065 has almost everything you need in a dress watch: a classy design to accompany a sharp suit, a movement that is dependable in accuracy and precision, and a price tag that will still leave you with enough to take care of your other expenses. It affords you the best without actually losing thousands of dollars in the bank. By now, we know that you are already anticipating a “but”. The catch? This Seiko watch is limited to the Japanese market for the longest time and is often hard to grab through intermediaries. It has been available in the US market just a few years ago, but we’ll get to another consideration in a short while.

Compare Seiko SARB065 Watch Prices Online

Amazon
US$481.57
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Ebay
US$430.90
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Release date: 2010
Price: US$450+

The Seiko SARB065 is a watch made in collaboration with one of Japan’s finest mixologists, dubbed occasionally as Nippon’s top bartender, Ishigaki Shinobu. Not what you’d often expect from a partnership with a watchmaker, we admit, but this led to cocktail-inspired watches first released in 2010, and then later on in 2016. The SARB065, or “Cool” was among the firsts. It was released together with the SARB066 nicknamed “Dry” and the SARB068 called “Sweet”.

Specifications:

Movement: SeikoCaliber 6R15
Accuracy: +25 -15 seconds/day
Jewels: 23
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 50 hours
Case: stainless steel
Case dimensions (diameter x thickness): 40 mm x 13 mm
Glass: Hardlex crystal
Dial: Guilloche sunburst dial
Water resistance: 50 m
Features: Date display, exhibition caseback

Pros

Part of what makes Seiko fans clamor for the SARB065 is the fact that it is all made in Japan, besides being exclusive at first to its local market. The watch’s case is rather simple, with a domed glass that lends a vintage feel. It also features a crown that does not pose any problems in using. Its simplicity is what makes it beautiful, even in the presence of an interesting dial. Looking into the dial, one can observe that the design patterned after the sun’s rays give depth to an otherwise flat face. The date window is a welcome feature, and it does not get in the way of legibility like the sunburst pattern. Although it is quite a presence on the wrist, it still rests comfortably on it, thanks in part to the straps that are snug in fit.

Cons

We’ve already tacked the fact that the Seiko SARB065 is sold only in Japanese markets, and to a lesser extent, in neighboring countries, which really poses a challenge in acquiring one unless you visit the country. It is available to Western consumers but only through gray markets, and even that can be a problem considering that the watches’ production is already limited, which may make replicas more prevalent. Setting that aside, the timepiece is rather thick especially for a dress watch. The shiny strap that makes the SARB065 shine even more can look tacky, although a classier replacement strap is easy to get.