5.0 out of 5 stars Punches far above what the price suggests!

S. · 28 February 2018

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } The Seiko 5 is perhaps the best watch you can buy at a price anywhere close to this. Indeed, in my opinion this watch has far more in common with watches ten times its price than with its other immediate competitors.First, note that despite the product title, this is NOT a quartz watch, but an automatic mechanical watch, using Seiko's venerable 7S26 movement, which is far, far better than almost any other entry-level automatic movement I've seen. If, however, you want the accuracy and simple operation of a quartz movement, this watch is probably not for you. That said, if you've never owned a mechanical watch before, this is definitely a good way to start!This watch is well-proportioned and the design is classic, having remained mostly unchanged for years, yet isn't particularly dated. That said, this watch is very much on the smaller side, it's significantly smaller than most "current" men's watches, and the thick bezel further exaggerates the relatively diminutive dial. However, if you prefer a more traditionally sized watch, the Seiko 5 is an absolute godsend, offering a genuinely good quality, classically styled watch without the maintenance and reliability issues of buying vintage.The dial itself is clear and neat, without any clutter. The logo and hour markers are all applied, well aligned, and perfectly match the case finish. The printing on the minute track and "automatic" wording is clear, crisp and detailed. The date window is well executed and again the printing here is very good. The surface of the dial is a lovely deep grey, with a slight sunburst effect visible under bright lighting. The hands and markers have luminescent coating, and although it's a little disappointing in terms of how long it will stay bright for, it's plenty good enough for casual use. The glass is of good quality, although does pick up the odd finger smudge. As far as I know it's mineral glass rather than sapphire, but this really isn't the big problem many marketing spots make it out to be.The watch case itself is delightfully polished, and has a timeless shape with a slightly sporty retro feel to it. The display back, with glass showing the movement inside, is a very popular feature at the moment and although a little overkill on what is a rather plain, workhorse grade movement, is definitely a nice touch from Seiko. The movement itself is very good, definitely punching well above its price point in terms of quality and accuracy, although it's perhaps worth noting that it cannot be hand-wound to "top-up" or start the watch if it's wound down, the only way to wind it is through the motion of the automatic rotor. With that in mind, it does feature Seiko's patented Magic Lever system, which means it winds far more efficiently than virtually any other non Seiko movement out there.Perhaps the worst feature of the entire watch is the metal bracelet, but then it's fairly well known that this is one of the places Seiko have cut the most cost. That said, it's incredibly easy to remove the bracelet and fit a replacement strap instead, and this is something I really do recommend doing. Whether you want to go for a better quality bracelet, a classic leather strap, or a fabric strap (very fashionable right now), this watch looks good! I imagine it would look great on an old-school expanding bracelet too.I personally wear mine on a loose-weave, "tropical" style Perlon strap which gives it a very 70s explorer/adventurer feel, and to be honest the versatility is one of the great things about this watch. Something as simple as a strap change enables this watch to be very much dressed up or down as the situation demands. For me, it's the perfect all-rounder watch. It's not flashy, or a target for theft, but it has serious history and credibility and gets compliments from those who know. It's tough without being ugly, it's inexpensive without being cheap, and it's neutral enough to be suitable for most occasions without being beige and boring. Worth noting that most 20mm fabric straps will fit comfortably, although the strap lugs are actually 19mm wide, and so getting a leather strap is a little less easy, but nonetheless very much possible.Overall, I'd say that this is one of the best watches I've ever owned, at any price, simply because it gets so much right. Despite owning watches that are more "interesting" or expensive, this watch is by far my most worn watch. The combination of size, looks, reliability, comfort, and durability is something I've yet to find elsewhere. If for some reason this watch got broken or lost, I would absolutely buy another without even feeling the need to consider an alternative, and to me that's the mark of a perfect product.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple amazing quality..

A.c. · 28 March 2016

To purchasing this watch, i've always worn casio's, but since i was a kid i've always wanted a seiko automatic so i decided to enter the world of seiko 5..and was not dissapointed.I was looking for a watch, a little different than the current trends.This watch has a cool and retro look, the numbers and fonts have an elgant 70's feel to them and the world famous '5' logo looks great.The watch face isn't a dark black, more of a shimmering black/gunmetal which matches the stainless steel case and bracelet perfectly,The watch isn't to heavy n and looks more expensive than what it cost, amazing value for the price, i recommend buying from goldbar watches/via Bolo both services i can't fault.:)I also appreciate Seiko's rich heritage too as a quality watch maker. Remember, even James Bond used to wear Seiko's!If you are looking for a quality Seiko 5 timepiece at a entry level then i I thoroughly recommend this to you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Classy, yet basic and robust automatic watch.

D.H. · 18 January 2022

I have always liked automatic watches (no battery replacement ever) and this one is a good, robust and attractive watch. Seiko 5s have been around for decades, and users continually say they are reliable and serve well for many years.I would say the metal bracelet is a bit flimsy and has the tendency to pull hairs. I replaced it with a leather band, and it looks MUCH better. It is possible to replace the band yourself.The watch has the look of a classic watch out of the late 60s and early 70s, the indexes make reading the time very easy, and the lume is not bad either. The recessed crown (not used for winding, only for setting the day and date) never scratches your skin or rips your shirt. To start the watch functioning, shake from side to side about 10 seconds till the second hand starts.Altogether, a classy, yet unpretentious basic timepiece that NEVER needs a battery. I highly recommend it.

1.0 out of 5 stars Does not keep time.

J.H. · 28 November 2024

No good. I wind it up 6min twice a day. Had two automatic winders. One 29£ one 77£. Both no good. Did not keep the time. Had the watch for a bit over 1 1/2 month to late to return.Joachim

3.0 out of 5 stars Great watch, but…

C. · 6 October 2024

Lovely watch at an affordable price. My only issue is that I’m not 100% convinced it was new. Box was damaged and the crystal didn’t have protective film on it, which most other watches I’ve had have always had.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great entry level automatic watch which comes with a terrible bracelet

M.C. · 3 August 2017

Great entry level automatic watch which comes with a terrible bracelet but looks great once it has been changed!Realistically this watch should be 3.5/5 in my view but it all depends on what you are looking for. In a way it is a fantastic watch for the price but it is not without it's minor problems so I thought it was worth giving a bit more detail below:Colour - 3/5. The watch face is actually grey rather than black. I think that black would look better, be more flexible and it is what I thought I was buying but the grey looks pretty nice too.Look - 4/5. For this price point the watch looks great and is even better on a leather or NATO strap.Quality - 4/5. Great quality for this price point and nice to be able to see the movement through the glass case cover at the back of the watch.Stap - 2/5. the bracelet strap that the watch comes with looks and feels very cheap. I replaced it imediately.Versatility - 4/5. Looks great on a leather or nato strap but a bit trickier to find them due to the 19mm lug width rather than a more standard 20mm.Size. 3/5. I measure mine to be 37mm across the frame and due to the shape it feels like it wears a bit smaller. I have very small wrists so it works pretty well for me but it does look and feel much smaller than I am used to or expected.Overall I am happy with the purchase as it is a basic and flexible watch that can be "dressed up" to be suitable for a variety of occasions. The metal bracelet is the real weak link (excuse the pun) but if you are planning on removing it anyway then it really shouldn't be a problem.

Elegant

S.k. · 6 November 2023

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Ótimo relógio

L. · 12 June 2023

Relógio muito bem construído, demonstrando a qualidade da marca.

Excellent value.

N. · 20 July 2022

Everything about this watch is excellent, aside from the bracelet which though functional really doesn't suit the watch, nor is it easy to size.I swapped it out for a Oyster style bracelet from Aliexpress and it really makes it into a nice Rolex Oyster Perpetual homage.The grey dial is really stunning and the lume is excellent.You can't go wrong with this watch.

Rediscovering the Charm of the old Seiko 5 series

E. · 5 November 2024

I recently rekindled my love for automatic watches with the Seiko SNXS79, and I couldn't be more thrilled! My journey began with a reliable Seiko 5 model, the SNK809, but after exploring more expensive options, I sold my beloved SNK, thinking I’d moved on.However, after watching various videos and admiring the photos of the SNXS79, I was captivated all over again. One thing to note is that it’s becoming increasingly challenging to find this model with the Spanish calendar, which is perfect for me as it's my native language.I’ve also observed a steady price increase, making it clear that I needed to act quickly as a watch collector before this gem disappeared from the market, like the SKX. The design of the grey dial is simply stunning; the way the sun's rays play across the surface creates a remarkable display of shadows.The watch features an all-polished case that beautifully complements the dial, making it a striking piece on the wrist. Another highlight is its versatility; this model is a "strap monster!" I’m excited to explore various leather and NATO straps to give it more personality.Overall, the Seiko SNXS79 is a fantastic addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate quality and style. Highly recommend it!

Buen reloj automatico.

K. · 30 March 2019

Perfecto reloj seiko. Me parece un reloj precioso, la correa de acero y el fondo negro quedan muy bien.Es un reloj automatico, y hay que usarlo para que se mantenga funcionando, por lo que si no lo usas en unos dias tendras que ajustar la hora y la fecha. No tiene la precisión de un reloj de cuarzo pero aguanta la hora adecuadamente.Tiene ventana trasera, por lo que se ve la maquinaria y el funcionamiento del pendulo, es una parte que no se ve pero que le da un toque al reloj.Es un reloj muy bonito y bien acabado a un precio muy ajustado. He comprado otros seiko 5 para regalar, y siempre ha causado muy buena impresion.Por el precio y el estilo es un reloj perfecto para usarlo a diario.