The crown at the 4:00 position certainly helps to add to the comfort, but I’ll admit, it’s such a tiny crown, it can be difficult to pull out and use. When purchasing a watch which has a metal bracelet with adjustable links, we will gladly adjust the watch bracelet to fit your wrist before sending the watch to you - free of charge! The brilliant and rich sunburst grey dial looks really dynamic and with the all polished stainless steel case, the look really comes together to create the appearance almost of that of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual homage, but with enough unique design elements to stand on its own in terms of originality. The good news is, this raises the entire watch off your wrist a bit and gives you a bit of extra wiggle room when moving your wrist around, adding to the overall comfort. It keeps decent time, it can take a beating for years and years without needing a service and is extremely affordable.

I own both the SARB033 and the Star RE-AU0004B00B, and despite the fact that the SARB was known for its finish and attention to detail, side-by-side, the Orient Star’s level of finish is even more refined. I think the brushing on the bracelet kind of looks out of place – like it doesn’t belong on this watch. Especially since there are absolutely no brushed surfaces on the case to tie the look together. While not a direct replacement for the SARB033/035, the SBDC087 has some of the design queues that we know and love from the SARB and expands upon them in a slightly larger 40mm case.

I also wasn’t a fan of the all polished case of the SNXS79, and how easily the mineral crystal smudged up and looked ‘dirty’ from fingerprint smudges all the time (little did I know, sapphire crystals can be WORSE about this sometimes). As my appreciation for watches (and my watch collection) grew, I began to appreciate the little aspects and nuances of a watch, more.

This is especially helpful if you already own watches and watch straps with an 18mm width, so you can swap between them. There are also some similar Seiko 5 variants you may want to consider if you’re already looking at the SNXS79. The Orient Star Automatic lineup is an extremely underrated series of dress watches that hits all of the same notes that the SARB did, and maybe some even better. Seiko’s exclusive 7S26 calibre automatic movement powers this watch, it consists of 21 jewels and it offers an accuracy of -20/+40 seconds per day. This watch has a water resistance of 30 metres, meaning it should only be exposed to light splashes of water. That’s how I’m able to appreciate the value proposition of the SNXS79 so much more, this time around.It helps that it’s so light and weightless, making it good to wear in warmer summer months. It also surprisingly doesn’t tug on my arm hairs like some other cheap bracelets tend to. SNXS79 Strap Choices and Suggestions One of the main things that can affect how a watch looks is the dial. Not only do you have to choose a dial color and layout that suits you, but also one with the right finish. Sunburst watch dials can be a bit flashy, as they vary greatly in different lighting conditions, while glossy or matte dials usually look rather neutral.

With a case shape and rounded bezel very similar to that of the SARB, the SBDC087 is a watch that would work just as well for an outdoor adventure as it would when worn with a suit, paired with the right dress strap. Though I’ll must admit, I sometimes still wear the flimsy original bracelet on warmer days. It’s not the best quality, but light and comfortable enough for when it gets really hot out. There are some other options, though. The good news is, there is clearly no shortage of Seiko 5s to choose from, and even if the SNXS79 doesn’t do it for you, there are plenty of other expensive-looking Seiko 5s to choose from. Why I Bought the SNXS79 Thrice (Yes, Three Times)It has a domed crystal and a case that’s scratched up, and has so much character, in my opinion. What is a Seiko 5? While the bracelet feels rather light and cheap, I must admit, it’s rather comfortable on the wrist. The Seiko SARB033 and SARB035 are well-known for being watches that look and feel much more expensive than they really were. It doesn’t last for an extremely long time, but fades out gradually and helps the watch be more legible in the dark and at night. Folded Link Bracelet

The SNXS79’s lume, however, shines bright like a torch. It helps that the hour markers are so large and bold. While the SARB will forever hold a special place in my personal collection, I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed with any of the other alternatives on this list. I’d not quite go as far to say it’s an Oyster Perpetual homage. Just that it takes some really well-designed aspects from the watch. While the Seiko SARB033 and SARB035 have been discontinued, there’s no shortage of amazing versatile and well-finished dress watches, such as the Orient Star, or Tissot Visodate.Essentially a more affordable version of the SARB033, the SZSB012 takes all of the design queues of the SARB but cuts a few corners in its overall fit and finish to keep costs down. I also like the case design better on the SNKL45, albeit I haven't seen the SNKL23 in person so that could change my opinion about the watch overall. The only thing I prefer on the latter is perhaps the second hand, which isn't red. I might grow to like the red second hand more if I had the watch for a while, who knows. But if the SNXS79 is your only watch, you might as well get the exact size strap to fit it, which is 19mm.