I’ve registered some time ago, but it seems to be a first post, hence my ‘Hi All’.
While I am still relatively fresh in Omega, I do have years of background in Seiko. Owned various watches from them, $100 - &1k range and imo there is nothing wrong in Seiko, I ended up with the pair of these: white GS hi-beat and black Presage SARX.
6r15 is their basic hacking movement. It has been developed more than 10 year ago. Initially popped-up with revision ‘6r15a’ and a modern revision is called ‘d’. You can sometimes find the watch with rev. ‘b’ but most of the currently offered watches is powered with ‘c’ (personally I found this revision as much more accurate than rev. ‘b’).
When compared to standard grade ETA;
Pros: 50 hours power reserve, Cons: 21k beat, and less accuracy.
SARB033 is really worth the money. Do not expect perfection as the hands not always have great finish, but still great entry level piece from this brand. It is also one of the watches called “forum lovers” so if for any reason you won’t like it - it should be an easy flip.
SARX033/35 and SDGM001/003 have been mentioned and personally I found them as the best models in non-Grand Seiko line.
Perfect bridge between Seiko and Grand Seiko.
Still powered by 6r15c, but they come with really nice finish - Super-Clear-Coating for the crystal and Diashield for a case and bracelet.
SCC’ great Pro is how clear this crystal is, bit Cons is that the outer AR layer is quite soft.
Diashield coating Pro is increased hardness (350-650 HV) and extra bling effect. the watch finishing looks like much more expensive piece.
Cons - it is not quite clear can this coating be refinished, refreshed anyhow. I’ve heard only Seiko Japan can do it, not confirmed though.
@Kwijibo, if I can advise, skip SARB033 and definitely have a look directly on SARX/SDGM models. Here is a quick shot when I've had them both.
