Opinion: Is the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series the SARB033 replacement in 2020?
The Seiko SARB033 is notorious for its ability to toe the line between sporty and dressy and since discontinuation in 2018, watch geeks have been crying out for a replacement to the legendary watch. With sharp dauphine hands, a curvaceous case at 38 mm, baton markers with dauphine hands and a little splash of lume, Seiko hit a homerun with the design language of the SARB033. Add a monochromatic colour scheme into the mix and we have an absolute strap monster that you can wear with any outfit.
Enter the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series in September of 2020. Boasting a case size of 39.3 mm with a lug-to-lug of 47.2 mm, this is perhaps the biggest drawback of the line. While the SARB033 is loved for its 38 mm diameter and short lug-to-lug of 44.5 mm, recent watch releases have continued to trend towards the larger side and the Presage Sharp Edged Series (PSES) in no exception, unfortunately. However, the rest of the watch is choke-full of positives.
Borrowing the formula of success from the SARB, the PSES feature baton markers and dauphine hands with a splash of lume, allowing it to be worn dressy or sporty with ease. Similarly, we have a sapphire crystal over the dial and 100 m of water resistance for durability. The movement is notably upgraded to 6R35 calibre with 70 hours power reserve.
The most distinctive departure from the SARB design language is perhaps the case shape and dial. Keeping in the theme of sharpness, the case of the PSES is perhaps more reminiscent of a Grand Seiko with its flared and flat lugs and sharp edges all over. The mesmerising dial is modelled after a Japanese Asanoha or hemp leaf pattern according to Seiko. Perhaps more closely related to the Presage Cocktail Time series, I’d imagine these colourful dials to go pyrotechnic when it catches the light. The lines on the dial also keeps with the overall theme of sharpness, making the PSES a very consistent package.
In my opinion, the blue (SPB167J1) and white (SPB165J1) dial variants would mirror the SARB’s versatility most. Depending on the model, the PSES comes on either a bracelet or leather strap. Without handing the watch, the bracelet seems to be a good fit aesthetically. 20 mm lug width also opens the door to a plethora of aftermarket strap options.
As an overall package, I think the PSES makes for an outstanding replacement to the discontinued SARB line.
