Seiko SARB023 vs SARB031

[eseanyang]

Hi guys, im looking to buy a new watch and im down to 2 choices. I can't decide between the two, so what do you guys think?

http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-...5-SARB031.html

http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-...5-SARB023.html

 

[jbmarine]

My love is for the first, but that's partly because I'm going through my "love for straps" phase now.

 

[JohnsNotHere]

Very similar watches. Same movement, similar size. Aesthetically speaking I prefer the SARB031

 

[TheWraith]

I prefer the steel bracelet version of the SARB031: http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-...5-SARB027.html

 

[kontai69]

I prefer the cleaner simpler looks of the 031, but that is just me.

Originally Posted by TheWraith

I prefer the steel bracelet version of the SARB031:

http://www.seiyajapan.com/product/S-...5-SARB027.html
Yeah, that is what I have. Here is a review I wrote...
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=127047

 

[jmoody15]

This is one of the few times in life that my taste goes for the cheaper of the two options. Do the 031.

 

[southbound35]

I think they're both good-looking watches.

I'd say one is more dressy (the strap) and the other is more casual (the bracelet). If you're wanting this watch as the one you wear on a daily basis, it really depends on how you dress most days. If you wear a suit, sportcoat, or even just dress shirt and tie, I'd go the strap route; if you are more casual than that, I think you'd get more mileage out of the one with the bracelet.

I will say I think the strap watch is a better-looking strap watch than the bracelet watch is a good-looking bracelet watch. I prefer the more low-key hour markers.

I'll offer a dissenting vote on the bracelet version of the strap watch you like. To my eye, it is a dressy watch with a bracelet and the look is just a bit "off" to me. It's not bad, by any means; I just prefer the tank type of case paired with a bracelet. I think the straight lugs look better with a strap.

I'd suggest buying the one you think you'll get more wear out of for now, then keep your eyes open for a casual watch if you buy the strap and vice-versa.

 

[kmwrestle]

i vote the first one

 

[Lowndes]

I have the first one and love it. That is my vote.

 

[embowafa]

1st one.

 

[chenc]

First one. It's partly because leather strap absorbs sweat and summer is coming.

 

[y627ko]

definately first one

 

[TheWraith]

Originally Posted by kontai69

I prefer the cleaner simpler looks of the 031, but that is just me.

Yeah, that is what I have. Here is a review I wrote...
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=127047

Thanks for that. Great review. How has the watch held up over time?

 

[eseanyang]

I like the bracelet version of the SARB031! I'm only a university student, and i was worried the leather band version would be ruined quicker than the bracelet version

 

[TheWraith]

Originally Posted by eseanyang

I like the bracelet version of the SARB031! I'm only a university student, and i was worried the leather band version would be ruined quicker than the bracelet version

The bracelet version would be the one I'd go with (I'm currently thinking of buying it, to tell the truth), but then I've always preferred steel watch bands over leather for some reason.