[IanGrey]

Hi guys, this is my first post here. I know these types of threads are robably a bit annoying but I have been going crazy trying to decide between the two. I could buy the seiko sooner and save some cash, or I could save up a bit more and try to grab the grand classic for about $750. Anybody have both, or have handled both watches? Also, a third option I was considering would be a Halios Tropik SS, but for now I'm thinking about these two since I just got a Seiko SKX009.

-Ian

 

[Joe.aus]

Seiko looks nicer imo

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[Greek Trojan]

That citizen looks so much better in person than in the pick, or at least the blue hands version is. Excellent fit/finish. The seiko is cleaner/dressier and the citizen is a bit sportier/all purpose. The dial size is also a factor (38 for the Seiko, 42 for the Citizen).

 

[CombatMarine]

I have owned a Sarb033 and own right now two Grand Classics. The Sarb lasted about one day and I sent it back, the watch is small 38mm and wears small, I have an 8" wrist and I could barely get the clasp closed on it, even adjusted all the way out.

In person the fit and finish on the Citizen is much better and the movement on the Citizen is vastly superior movement, one of mine is getting an astounding +3 seconds fast, a WEEK, not a day. The movement is highly decorated and it hands winds like a dream. The case is 41mm and unless you have a small wrist, I would take it hands down over the Sarb. Maybe you should look at the Orient Star Standard Date, also. It is a very nice watch, nicer then the Sarb and very reasonably priced, and it has a 40mm case.

Here are my Citizen Grand Classics.

 

[Domo]

I've never handled the Citizen, but I'd be inclined to save up for it. The movement looks super cool IMO and the dial has some nice details. If I was going Seiko, I'd be more interested in the newer SARX models.

 

[wusbert]

I can't comment on either as I have never seen them in the flesh, but your picture is not a SARB033. It appears to me to be the quite similar looking predecessor, the SCVS003 with a SARB033 bracelet.

 

[BuckChartowski]

...It appears to me to be the quite similar looking predecessor, the SCVS003...

Wow. Good eye on that. I think you're right.

As to the OP: if you really want the Citizen, you could always just get the Seiko now while saving the extra cash. When the time comes and you have the extra cash saved, flip the Seiko for the remainder of the money. That way you get to experience both watches.

 

[noenmon]

Both are great watches. Go for the one you like better and don't buy the cheaper one though you prefer the more expensive one.

 

[DCOmegafan]

I bought a SARB because of the price and because I really like the looks. I think it looks better than the Citizen. That said, mechanically speaking the Citizen is clearly superior. The 6R15 is "good for the price," whereas the movement in the Citizen is good, full stop. Moreover, if you want the Citizen, I think you'll regret opting for the budget choice. I didn't want to spend the money, even if I had it, and I also was on the fence regarding the Citizen's looks. I still am. Hopefully one day I'll get to see one live. That will settle it.

Also, I agree that you should check out the new SARX models as well as the Orients.

 

[djosbun]

I vote for the Seiko. It looks better than the Citizen.

 

[CombatMarine]

Alternative to the Citizen Grand Classic and the Seiko Sarb.

The Orient Star, Standard Date model.

Orient Star Standard Date Model - DV02002B | Yeoman's Watch Review

 

[ryanmanyes]

Have u considered the tissot powermatic 80 in steel on a bracelet?

It's about £500GBP, and has an incredible (considering the price) 80hr power reserve. Looks pretty decent in the flesh too - handsome and rugged.

 

[ryanmanyes]

Btw....my personal preference is for the sarb.

 

[teatimecrumpet]

I know these types of threads are robably a bit annoying

I like these threads sooner or later you dont know what else to lust after.

And in real life i rarely get an opinion.

With that said not strong opinion on either...

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[sirgilbert357]

Citizen all the way for me. I have the SARB033 on bracelet and its just OK. If you just want a decent dressy watch on bracelet with sapphire, hacking and handwinding, then it should be fine, and its a solid deal at current prices. But if you're hoping to be wowed when you open the box, well...it was anticlimactic for me. But even pics I've seen of the Citizen wow me. There's so much more detail to behold and its so nicely decorated. Only the rotor on the SARB is decorated, and the rest of it is just so plain. That could be what you are looking for, but since you are considering the Citizen, I doubt it. At first, that's what I wanted too, but its losing its charm. And the sizes are different, so that is something to think about too. If this is just a question of quality, my money is on the Citizen because of the movement. If its a question of which is more beautiful; again, I say Citizen. In fact, I'll probably eventually sell my SARB to get the Citizen...

Oh and I recently saw a trusted vendor (Princeton Watches) selling the Citizen for 664 on bracelet and I've heard of it even being had for less than 600, so search around, cause you can certainly score a better deal than 750 if you're patient...and that will make it even more worth it.

 

[IanGrey]

I have owned a Sarb033 and own right now two Grand Classics. The Sarb lasted about one day and I sent it back, the watch is small 38mm and wears small, I have an 8" wrist and I could barely get the clasp closed on it, even adjusted all the way out.

In person the fit and finish on the Citizen is much better and the movement on the Citizen is vastly superior movement, one of mine is getting an astounding +3 seconds fast, a WEEK, not a day. The movement is highly decorated and it hands winds like a dream. The case is 41mm and unless you have a small wrist, I would take it hands down over the Sarb. Maybe you should look at the Orient Star Standard Date, also. It is a very nice watch, nicer then the Sarb and very reasonably priced, and it has a 40mm case.

Here are my Citizen Grand Classics.

View attachment 1348610

Wow that pair is absolutely stunning!

And thank you for all the input guys, it's really helpful! I am now leaning towards the Grand Classic and think I will keep saving. I have a 7.5 inch wrist and a decently sized frame at 6'2" so I think the Citizen's bigger size will look better on me. Now it just comes down to deciding between the white dial version with blued hands or the black dial...

 

[azigman]

Citizen Grand Classic NB0040-58A

This is indeed a beautiful watch. I was fortunate to get it for less than it is going for now from a AD. The same dealer raised the price immediately after my purchase to the prevailing rate.

Just read your thread. My wrist size is 6 3/4" and I removed two and 1/2 links (there is a smaller sized half link in the bracelet). This is a perfect fit for me. I measured the length of the links I removed and it measures 15/16". The total size of the bracelet should fit your 7 1/2 in wrist with little to spare.

Caution! When removing links they are held in place with screws that have a 1 mm head and I stripped the head on one link during the sizing process. I have a 1 mm jeweler's screwdriver but perhaps not the highest quality. Before trying to size the bracelet, be sure that you have a high quality screwdriver of the correct size and that you have a device to hold the bracelet while removing the screw.

Also, many posters have indicated super accuracy with this watch movement. I am not so fortunate. My watch gains 10 sec/day which is in fact within the specs for the watch but don't be misled thinking that they all are within 1-2 sec per week as some have reported. I like to have the most accurate time possible but do have multiple watches including several with atomic time. My solution when wearing this watch is to set it 5 sec slow once per day so I am always within 5 sec of the atomic time.

Good luck.

 

[CombatMarine]

Citizen Grand Classic NB0040-58A

This is indeed a beautiful watch. I was fortunate to get it for less than it is going for now from a AD. The same dealer raised the price immediately after my purchase to the prevailing rate.

Just read your thread. My wrist size is 6 3/4" and I removed two and 1/2 links (there is a smaller sized half link in the bracelet). This is a perfect fit for me. I measured the length of the links I removed and it measures 15/16". The total size of the bracelet should fit your 7 1/2 in wrist with little to spare.

Caution! When removing links they are held in place with screws that have a 1 mm head and I stripped the head on one link during the sizing process. I have a 1 mm jeweler's screwdriver but perhaps not the highest quality. Before trying to size the bracelet, be sure that you have a high quality screwdriver of the correct size and that you have a device to hold the bracelet while removing the screw.

Also, many posters have indicated super accuracy with this watch movement. I am not so fortunate. My watch gains 10 sec/day which is in fact within the specs for the watch but don't be misled thinking that they all are within 1-2 sec per week as some have reported. I like to have the most accurate time possible but do have multiple watches including several with atomic time. My solution when wearing this watch is to set it 5 sec slow once per day so I am always within 5 sec of the atomic time.

Good luck.

A lot of the inaccuracies people get with their mechanicals, is positioning when not worn. I found my white faced Grand Classic keeps almost perfect time when positioned "crown down" overnight, while the black faced one runs a few seconds slow, unless placed face down at night. Experiment with the positions, you maybe surprised with the results.

 

[ken_sturrock]

The looks are subjective - I think they are both attractive. The Seiko has the classic under-stated Design Grammar look. The Citizen is a little quirkier. I own a silver faced Citizen (which is the second reviewed in this thread):

https://www.watchuseek.com/f2/thank...r-ago-citizen-signature-automatic-734552.html

I have never handled a SARB or SCVS in person but I can say, first-hand, that the Citizen is a fine watch with U.S. based dealers. Also, if you call around, you might be pleasantly surprised by the prices you can find.

 

[azigman]

Thanks for your reply and suggestion regarding positioning. I have been doing just that with little difference noted. I also have in my collection several Seiko automatics and my SKX007 is the most accurate automatic I own. It will lose approximately 5 sec per day as I wear it and will make up for that at night by positioning with the crown up. My other watches don't seem to have much variation with position but I don't claim to be the most compulsive scientist in observing the differences.