Why did Seiko discontinue their best watch?
The simple answer is that the SARB was almost too good. As Seiko expanded its lineup and introduced more premium collections, the SARB occupied an awkward position. It offered so much watch for the money that it risked competing with Seiko’s own higher-priced models.
Around 2018, Seiko began restructuring its catalogue, pushing collections like Presage and Prospex more aggressively. The SARB line quietly disappeared, leaving enthusiasts scrambling to buy the remaining stock.
Ironically, discontinuation only increased the SARB’s reputation. What was once considered a great value watch is now viewed as one of the best modern Seikos ever made. Prices on the secondary market climbed, and countless collectors still recommend the SARB as the benchmark for an affordable everyday mechanical watch.
Nearly a decade later, many watches have tried to replace it, but few have captured the same balance of quality, versatility, and value.
Was the SARB Seiko’s best watch, or is its reputation fuelled by nostalgia? Let me know what you think.
As someone who has owned a Seiko SARB for a few years, I can personally attest to why this watch has such a devoted following. The SARB series, especially models like the SARB033 and SARB017 Alpinist, combine a high-quality 6R15 automatic movement, robust build, and classic Japanese craftsmanship at a price that feels like a steal. One of the standout qualities of the SARB watches is their versatility. Whether dressed up with a suit or worn casually, these watches fit seamlessly into daily life. The 23-jewel 6R15 movement, mentioned on the watch dial as 'SEIKO Automatic 23 Jewels Japan 6R15,' offers reliable accuracy and a respectable power reserve, features often found in much higher-priced timepieces. After Seiko discontinued the SARB line around 2018 to make way for newer lines like Presage and Prospex, the watches quickly became highly sought-after by collectors and everyday enthusiasts alike. This scarcity led to a surge in prices on the secondary market. Despite this, the SARB still represents one of the best value propositions in modern mechanical watches. From my experience, the SARB holds a certain charm that newer models struggle to replicate—perhaps due to its simple yet elegant design and the perfect balance of features and price. It’s no surprise that even years after its discontinuation, many consider the SARB to be the benchmark for affordable, reliable, and stylish mechanical watches. If you’re in the market for a watch that combines quality with affordability, hunting down a SARB is well worth the effort. Also, exploring the evolution of Seiko’s watch catalog since the SARBs were dropped reveals how the brand continues to innovate, yet sometimes the classics remain unmatched in their appeal and value.