The Seiko 5 is a fan favorite in the world of watches, loved by both newcomers and seasoned collectors alike. With praise from nearly every corner, it’s often described as the best you can get at its price, even being called a “price cheat.” Some say, "If it’s not a Rolex, then it’s got to be a Seiko 5.” To understand why, we need to go back to its roots in 1963, when the Seiko Sportsmatic 5 first made its debut.
From the success of this single model, Seiko 5 quickly blossomed into a sub-brand, offering an array of designs from Military and Pilot watches to Dive watches and Chronographs. Today, Seiko 5 watches are as affordable as they are diverse, with prices typically under $300, making them accessible for anyone.
The Seiko model SNKE49 is on sale for $90 at Jomashop.
I personally bought the Seiko SNKE49 for just $90 on Jomashop (regularly priced at $295 😏). If you’re wondering where the “5” in Seiko 5 comes from, it stands for five essential features: mechanical movement, water resistance, day/date display, recessed crown, and a durable case and band.
The round design features a shiny silver case with a minimalist white dial.
The round, shiny silver case is paired with a minimalist white dial that exudes simplicity. One of the standout features is the crown, which is placed at the 4 o’clock position (instead of the typical 3 o’clock), recessed into the edge of the case - a signature Seiko 5 design. The overall build quality might not be top-tier, but it’s impressive given the price point.
The crown is positioned at 4 o'clock instead of 3 o'clock, which is a distinctive feature of the Seiko 5 series.
The 38mm diameter case is the smallest I’ve ever owned, and it fits my relatively small wrist (14.5–15cm) perfectly 😁. The case thickness is 12mm, with a simple, polished silver round design. The white dial is a soft off-white, with hour markers that include increments like 5, 10, 15, up to 60, making it easier to read. The day/date window is cleanly framed, contributing to the watch’s minimalist aesthetic. The hands are carefully designed, featuring luminescent material on the hour and minute hands, along with small luminescent dots under the hour markers for better readability in low light.
The 7S26 movement in my watch has a power reserve of about 35 hours before it runs out of energy.
The crystal is made of Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex, which, while not as scratch-resistant as sapphire, is more durable and resistant to impacts. I guess only time will tell if it lives up to the hype 😄.
Now, let’s talk about what makes the Seiko 5 tick - the mechanical movement. The majority of Seiko 5 watches feature the Seiko 7S26 movement, which has been in production since 1996. This movement comes with 21 jewels, theoretically providing up to 40 hours of power reserve. However, I’ve found mine lasts around 35 hours when left unworn. Experts have long praised the 7S26 for its durability, and it’s difficult to find something comparable at this price range.
The shiny silver case is truly mesmerizing!
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “jewels,” these are precious stones used in the watch’s movement to reduce friction and wear. Interestingly, having more jewels doesn’t always equate to a higher-quality watch, as synthetic jewels are commonly used, and even quartz watches can have jewels (my Uniform Wares M42 has 23, though that’s mostly a marketing gimmick 😆).
I really like this watch, but the strap that comes with it is just too ugly 😰
While I really enjoy the watch itself, I’m not a fan of the strap - particularly the three-link metal design 😰. It’s a minor issue, but given that it’s my personal style preference, I’m likely going to replace it soon with a gray suede strap for a more refined look.
In conclusion, the Seiko 5 is definitely worth the money, and even more so if this is your first mechanical watch. It provides a strong sense of security and reliability.
In summary, the Seiko 5 offers incredible value for the money. If you’re new to mechanical watches, this model is the perfect introduction. It’s reliable, well-built, and priced just right, all while giving you that “authentic” mechanical watch experience without breaking the bank.
After wearing the SNKE49 for a week, I can confirm it lives up to the hype. The design is simple but attractive, the watch feels solid on the wrist, and it easily complements both casual and smart-casual outfits. If you're just starting out in the world of mechanical watches, the Seiko 5 is the perfect gateway - affordable, stylish, and a solid choice that won’t disappoint.
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