Need help to decide SARB035 or SARB013

[ronaldhw]

Hi, long time lurker 1st time poster here. I'm going to get my 1st Seiko , but can't decide between these 2 watches.

SARB013

pro: i like the numerals
cons: i hate the cream colored hands, may hard to read at sunshine because of the cream colored dial

maybe a lil bit too flashy for everyday use tho

and

SARB035

pro: nothing
cons: nothing

any suggestion guys?

[jbdan]

Howdy and welcome ronald!

The 013 is an Alpinist and has the rotating inner compass bezel. I'm not a fan of the hands, but that's me! You do get an extra 10BAR WR with the Alpinist, but it seems your going for more of a dress watch so that might not matter.

They both have the same movement and it's a darn good one. Have you thought about the size? Are you comfortable with 40mm. I think it is a great size. They both have sapphire.

For me the 035 represents a watch that screams class and will so for many many years to come. It's a timeless design and with care would last a lifetime. Well both would.

Which one itches you the most? That's what you need to get

[ronaldhw]

I'm also not a fan of the 013 hands, it's cream colored and big :( but I really like the numeral on the dial..

on the other hand i have nothing i hate or like on the 035..

argh, i'm stuck 50-50 between these two..

[HR F1]

I like the Alpinist, but not that particular shade (I prefer the green and the black). The 035 is like a mini-Grand Seiko, which can't be a bad thing.

[watcholic]

I'm partial to the SARB035 because I have one. It's a fine timepiece with the Grand Seiko look. Other than the price and water resistance, the specs look pretty close on both watches. Ultimately, you will have to decide which one you like more.

You can click here to see more pics of the SARB035.

[jbdan]

hmm tough one then. How about this....what is your budget? That Alpinist is about $70 more.

I can offer you something else if your in a position to do so....shopping watches online without seeing or trying them on is one of the caveats of internet purchasing. Would you be interested in getting one, and if it was not for you sell it here on WUS. You might lose a little money but sometimes can break even if it is kept pristine.

Not the best financial advice, but this is what I have resorted to and accepted as part of the whole internet window shopping experience for watches.

[ronaldhw]

@watcholic: thank you very much for the photos, that watch is very nice. now I need to see more real photos of 013 :)

@jbdan: i have no problem with $70 difference :) and yeah, not having the ability to see and try the watch is the worst part of buying online :(

[jason_recliner]

+1. This is one of my favourite semi-affordable Seikos, and one the finest dress watches <$1000. The alpinist does nothing for me, personally, but some people love them.

For me the 035 represents a watch that screams class and will so for many many years to come. It's a timeless design and with care would last a lifetime. Well both would.

[ronaldhw]

hmmm now I'm leaning towards 035!

need to see if someone can confirm me to get 013 instead

[hack99]

They are both cool watches.
To me, the 013 is trying too hard to look like an old-classic. But still has a styling (hands, font, color) that some will gravitate to. Won't see many watches in everyday life that will be similar-looking to this one. If you like uniqueness, it might be this one.

The 035 has, as mentioned previously, a timeless style and look. This watch style will look good for a long time, if not forever.

Get the one that holds your eye the longest.

G'luck