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.