My New Dress Watch! The SEIKO Mechanical SARB065 "Cocktail Time"

[mikesan420]

Hi Everyone,

I have been feeling the itch to do a review on my most recent acquisition, the Seiko SARB065 otherwise know as the "Cocktail Time". I have been keeping an eye out for this magnificent time piece for quite some time and received it as a surprise Xmas gift from the Mrs. a few days before Xmas day.

Watch details:
Cal: Seiko 6R15, Automatic Winding with date and hacking function
VPH:21,600
Loss/Gain: +25 -15 seconds at normal temp
Jewels: 23
PR: 50 Hrs
Case: 40mm, Stainless Steel (Not sure on the grade)
Origin: Made in Japan

The watch itself is simply a beauty. I particularly enjoy looking at two tone sunburst dial. From certain angles it appears to be blue and silver from others. I also enjoy the simple fact that there is a lot of detail that went into the watch. I love the blue color on the thin second hand just as much as I like the excellent shine on the dauphine hands. The case is of high polish stainless steel and sized just right for me at a modest 40mm that sits 13.1 mm high.

The domed hardlex crystal is definitely something to write home about as most of you will agree. It gives this watch a retro look that some of you out there will certainly appreciate. I really like this detail a lot and like the distorted look of the dial. As far as the durability of this crystal is concerned, it hasn't given me any problems. But I certainly wouldn't go out hunting with this watch. The watch also comes with an exhibition caseback that beautifully exhibits this watch's movement. The glass on that caseback is also hardlex.

The band is of decent grade leather and quite frankly am not too sure what kind of leather it is but definitely it suits my taste and purpose. The band is a nice shiny black with a blue stitch detail. The watch also comes with a stainless steel deployment clasp.

In all fairness I must say that I chose Seiko for their excellent reputation, quality, and price point. I was looking for a nice vintage looking dress watch but didn't want to deal with purchasing a "lemon" and certainly didn't want to come across a fake. I feel very happy to own this piece and have received many looks and compliments on this nice elegant piece. The movement ticks a bit slow and reminds me of the Bond Seamaster Co-Axial that I purchased for my brother last year but doesn't bother me enough to comment negatively about it. The watch keeps excellent time and is really a good watch to wear for any occasion you see fit.

This is my first Seiko and was a little hesitant to purchase at first but now that I own one, I really am impressed with the quality and aesthetics of this watch. After having this particular model, I have been tempted to purchase the Sarb031 but am hesitant because of the 36mm case diameter. I feel that 36mm is a bit small for me and wish that the Sarb031 model would come perhaps in a 38 or 39mm size. This wonderful piece can only be purchased in Japan or can be ordered from SeiyaJapan for a very reasonable price of 548 USD including shipping.

Thank you all for your time and I hope to have shed some light on this wonderful piece that I am sure many of you have looked at over the internet.

[asadtiger]

that adds variety to your collection...it sure has a good dress watch look and nice pattern on the dial..the blue seconds hand is a classy touch...enjoy your new acquisition in the best of health

[mikesan420]

Thank you. I have been enjoying it quite a bit.

[vukotab]

That look absolutely awesome! It`s stylish and it`s movement is perhaps the best offer in that and even bigger price range!
Huge congrats on unusual Seiko, which could be easily mistaken for Grand Seiko!

[mikesan420]

Thank you Sir. I also really like the look of it. I tried to capture the look of the watch in the pictures as best as possible but just like with everything else, I feel that it looks much better in person. I'm really surprised that nobody here has purchased or probably ever heard of this particular model. Prior to having this watch I was always looking for a review of this model but was never able to see one. I felt that it would be a good service if I shared my thoughts about the watch. It's very hard to find a watch like this these days.

[mikesan420]

Without having to cough up 20k I mean. For the price, I really am satisfied and I wouldn't even consider this one a beater either.

[radinc]

great looking watch!

[learningtofly]

Lovely. I'm a big Seiko fan, and I think their "mid-range" watches are amongst the best in terms of quality and VFM.

I was reading their house mag recently, and the President (and grandson of the founder) said that Seiko's strategy is to move away from the low end watches they sell; and increase their geographic coverage outside of Japan.

Europe is a particular target for growth and (as they did in the 60's when Grand Seiko made it's first appearance) they'll soon be going head to head against some of the better Swiss watch houses. Should be interesting.

[Rags]

Congrats on your new purchase. I have been a seiko fan since I was 18yrs old. I currently own 6 seikos 2 of which are thin tank watches which don't get any wrist time but I still like them althought they are out of style.

[Dr.Brian]

That looks great. I really like the dial and hands.

[tfduff723]

Very nice indeed & I love that "Art Deco" dial.

I think that watch has a very substantial
& rich look to it.

[mikesan420]

Thank you all for your comments. It definitely would be interesting to see how Seiko goes toe to toe with the European market. I am also eager to see what other watches are available in Seiko's Mechanical line. I am really thinking about pulling the trigger on the Sarb031. I think that it's a fantastic deal and also feel that it's a simple yet elegant watch to have. Like I said earlier, the only thing that stops me is the 36mm case....any thoughts? I have a 7in wrist.

[kingdom]

Wow , thank you for posting these pictures. i too was hunting around for reviews and pictures of SARB065 and found my way to this forum.
i signed up and am now enjoying reading through all the previous watch reviews, posts and Fantastic pictures.
i personally love the simple classic (and practical)watches like Air King Or Vintage constellation. and with the help of your review and pictures i have made up my mind and will pull the trigger and order one soon. before there all gone.

kingdom.

[mikesan420]

Hi Kingdom. I'm glad that I could be of help. Post some pics once you get your watch. Congratulations on your decision.

[greg8125]

Looks great. I want one.

[mikesan420]

Thanks for the compliments. I'm still enjoying it.

[lorsban]

Simply beautiful.

I truly believe Seiko should be "up there" among the greats, with all their achievements and contributions to the watch industry. Their value simply can't be beat.

What's particularly nice about this watch is that it shows that Seiko isn't just a tool or "beater" watch. In fact, I'd put this toe-to-toe against the likes of Baume, Longines and a lot of other mid-level Swiss brands.

[mikesan420]

I agree once again.

[loudmike]

I really want to order this watch, but I'm a little sketchy on having anything shipped in from Japan right now. Call it a scare, but that Cs-137 isotope is a bugger. If the box is contaminated I could look forward to enjoying beta emission for quite some time.

[Sharkrolex]

Beautiful watch. Very classy. Love that exhibition case back.

[drockadam]

I like it! Very beautiful Seiko. Congrats!

[stev]

very nice pictures ;)

[mikesan420]

Thanks again everyone.

[Frogman4me]

absolutely stunning, congrats!

[loudmike]

Just purchased one through SeiyaJapan - can't wait to get it!


_______________
Rolex Datejust
Rolex GMTII Pepsi
Rolex Oysterdate 6694
Cartier Pasha Seatimer
Breitling Titanium Seawolf Avenger
Vintage Patek
Vintage Omega Seamaster
Tag Heuer 2000

[MikeyP]

Very nice looking watch! I was choosing between it and the Tissot Visodate (similar look) and decided on the Tissot. Enjoy it!

[loudmike]

The Visodate is an awesome watch. I had a hard time choosing between the Visodate or Cocktail, but the tipping point for me was that the Seiko was JDM only - so it makes for good conversation :)

[loudmike]

Just received the SARB065 today! I opened up the box at a local Starbucks and the watch immediately got the attention of some folks sitting nearby. They were a bit shocked that it was an actual Seiko and cost more than $100 bucks. LOL

[Shade]

That is a very beautiful watch. How unfortunate that the back is not decorated..

[Boston Litigator]

Seiko really makes some great pieces.