When in search of high-end but affordable watches, people often ask me about Seiko 5.
Truthfully, there are thousands of watches that offer value for money, but you don’t want to buy just an okay watch. Even if you are going for a low price watch, you still want it to be reliable, durable, precise, and fit your style.
Hence, are Seiko 5 watches any good? Seiko 5 is good, if not a great watch. This classic piece from a well-recognized brand in watchmaking has an in-house built mechanical movement, which is a real rarity among affordable watches. With a simple yet classic elegance look and all necessary features for a low price, you will get a perfect watch.
The fact that Seiko 5 has been in the market for over 50 years and its equally popular today, is a testimony of its quality. The purpose of this review is to explain what makes this watch so special to survive in such a competitive market for almost half of a century.
What Makes Seiko 5 a Good Watch?
Seiko 5 is one of the signature watch brands from one of the most beautiful and most reputable watchmaking companies in the world.
Additionally, Seiko 5 watches are distinguished for their signature styling and set of features.
Signature Self-winding Movement
The main advantage and insurance for the quality of Seiko 5 watches, is it’s signature self-winding movement, the 7S26, which was developed by Seiko. If you want a high-quality timepiece, you want to have one with the in-house movement.
Watch experts over the years have attested to the reliability of the 7S26 movement. The movement is unmatched in watches of a similar price range as the Seiko 5. Furthermore, watch enthusiasts have stated that the campaign can run for years without even a hint of a glitch.
Researching Seiko’s original movement technology, you will encounter the term “Magic Lever.”Magic Lever stands for the simple but accurate self-winding mechanism with fewer parts than any other in-house built device of the time, which made these watches affordable.
Longevity & Functionality
Again, what makes Seiko 5 to truly stand out among other watches of a similar price range is its movement mechanism. Since the first one, I have already mentioned, 7S25/7S26/7S35/7S36 has become a signature movement standard in their timepieces.
The movements in Seiko 5 timepieces may not be jaw-dropping in looks, but they still deliver on functionality and longevity. These timepieces will faithfully run years and years without maintenance.
The majority of Seiko 5s are using a 7S26 caliber that has 21 jewels. The accuracy is not of these mechanisms is not perfect, but it is excellent for the price. The accuracy is rated -20/+40 seconds per day, which means they will probably be slow around 18 to 20 seconds per day.
Adjust them once or twice per week, and you won’t have to worry about accuracy.
As for the design of Seiko 5, the first watch is to fit with the 1960ies generation. Today you can find a variety of Seiko 5 watches and choose according to personal preferences, from sporty to formal styles.
Seiko is still producing and launching a new series of Seiko 5 with the same level of quality and upgrades in features, mechanisms, and materials.
What is the 5 in Seiko 5?
A Brief History
In 1963, Seiko stepped into the watchmaking scene and revolutionized the industry with its Seiko 5 automatic timepiece.
When it comes to Japanese attention to the details in production, nothing is accidental. So the 5 in the name of this line is not just a number; it has a meaning that is pointing out the main attributes of Seiko 5 watches.
Seiko made it their goal to put together a timepiece that would feature five signature attributes. It is these five attributes that would be the key to the name Seiko 5.
The Origin of The Name, ‘Seiko 5’
There are two opinions as to why the name Seiko 5 got chosen. The first that you are likely to come across is that, as mentioned before, the name represents the key attributes found in all Seiko 5 timepieces which are;
- Unbreakable mainspring (Diaflex)
- Shock-resistant (Diashock)
- Water-resistant
- Automatic winding
- Day/Date indicator in a single window
The second explanation of the features you can find in the Seiko website and those are slightly different.
While three main elements remain the same, the emphasize in the second version is on crown recessed at 4 o’clock position and sturdy and long-lasting bracelet and casing, instead of Diaflex and Diashock.
I believe that Diachock and Diaflex system are more important qualities than the crown position, but that’s a matter of opinion. The bottom line is that Seiko 5 can be proud of all of the mentioned features and that you are getting them all with buying any Seiko 5 watch.
What Makes Seiko 5 Affordable?
Many people may be discouraged by the low prices when it comes to choosing a watch. Often low prices mean a cheap (low quality) watch. While that is true in many cases, that does not apply to Seiko 5.
The price tag of Seiko 5 watches has always been affordable/cheap. Today, you can find a vintage model of Seiko 5 for $50. Their prices are low not because of any quality shortages but from the following reasons:
1) Cost-Effective Manufacturing Process
The design of all the parts and tools used in the manufacture of these timepieces began over 20 years ago; hence, their costs got paid off entirely long ago.
2) Efficient But Affordable Labor Cost
The movements used by Seiko 5 timepieces get manufactured via an entirely mechanized process. The manufacture and assembly costs of the Seiko 5 gets drastically reduced as equipment needed is often shipped to non-Japanese countries that offer lower-cost labor.
Furthermore, the Seiko 5 range of watches is mass-produced, which is a bonus in terms of economy of scale.
Where are Seiko 5 watches made?
Seiko is a Japanese corporation (Seiko Holdings Corporation) and original manufacture location of Seiko 5, and many other great watches. All the innovations and in-house movements were patented and made in Japan.
In the years of expansion, Seiko was adopting new market/economy strategies to gain a broader market and to remain affordability of its products. So today, not all Seiko watches are manufactured in Japan.
Seiko’s more exclusive line like Grand Seiko is still wholly made in-house in Japan, Iwate. But these watches do not go under the category of most affordable.
Manufacturing locations of more affordable lines like Seiko 5 are in non-Japanese countries, Malaysia and Singapore.
You do not need to worry about the quality of Seiko watches, no matter from which country they come from because the whole manufacturing process and all the essential mechanical details are made in-house in Japan. Only the final assembly gets done in different countries.
If you are curious about which country your Seiko 5 comes from you can see it on the diel, where there is an indicator that tells you about the place of manufacture
Are There Downsides Of Seiko 5?
Each brand and each model has its pros and cons. Seiko 5 proved its quality in the last 50 years and will remain a functional, durable, and reliable timepiece.
However, there are a few things that some might not like:
- All Seiko 5s are automatic, and automatic winding means you cannot wind it manually. That said, it’s important to point out that there are a lot of more expensive watches that also do not allow manual winding movement.
- Some older models have a small power reserve. If the power reserve is of great importance for you, go for some newer models that have 40 hours power reserve.
- The strap is probably the most common complaint about Seiko 5. Straps are decent and functional but can be uncomfortable and not so appealing.
Changing the strap with investing $20 more for a more sophisticated look, works for me. If it’s all about functionality, you will be okay with the original strap, as well.
Which Are The Best Seiko 5 Watches?
Seiko 5 and the Seiko watchmaking company, in general, shouldn’t be considered as just another pocket-friendly timepiece brand. Seiko is a brand name that commands and deserves respect.
With so many years of production of great Seiko 5s, you and many other Seiko 5 enthusiasts are probably thinking about how to choose? Which is the best Seiko 5 watch out there?
There is no one answer to this question. All Seiko 5 are good; some are better.
I will share a review of some of the outstanding members of the Seiko 5 family, which are popular among the timepiece enthusiasts and critics alike.
1. Seiko 5 Automatic Men’s SNZG15 Watch
This Seiko 5 series watch is one fitted with incredible features that include a scratch-resistant guaranteed hardlex crystal and a finely polished stainless steel casing
On this timepieces is a bright analog display. Luminous gray arms, Arabic numerals, and hour markings that accent the black dial that sports the iconic Seiko 5 logo. These give you enhanced visibility in low light or darkness.
The convenient calendar date feature is placed at the 3 o’clock position and is a great feature to have in a timepiece. Additionally, this watch has a buckle closure band made of nylon that is comfortable and fits any wrist.
Water-resistance in this timepiece comes at a depth of up to 100m, so it is ideal for recreational swimming and surface-related water sports.
This Seiko 5 timepiece comes highly recommended because of:
- Automatic-self-wind movement that tunes to and works with your arm’s kinesis
- Excellent build
- Up to 100m water resistance
- Long-lasting buckle clasp nylon strap
- Luminous markers and hands for greater visibility in the dark
2. Seiko 5 Dark Blue Dial Men’s SNZH53 Automatic watch
This Seiko 5 timepiece captures the eye with its blue dial encasing silver-toned luminescent arms and baton type hour markers. This set of features delivers and excellent visibility experience in the dark.
In the event of scuffs and scratches, a hardlex mineral crystal offers the necessary protection.
Inside this timepiece is a Japanese made 23-jewel automatic movement with superb accuracy.
The bracelet features a glossy silver-colored link bracelet made of stainless steel — a fold-over push-button clasp guarantees a precise fit and comfortable wearing experience.
Main features of SNZH53 are:
- Automatic-self-wind movement that tunes to and works with your arm’s kinesis
- Excellent build
- Up to 100m water resistance
- Luminous markers and hands for greater visibility in the dark
3. Seiko 5 – SNZG15J1 Sports Automatic Men’s Watch
Another Seiko 5 timepiece that is durable and sturdy, made with scratch-resistant hardlex crystal feature. This timepiece also has the top-notch day/date display functionality coupled with the Arabic numeral option.
This timepiece is built for action and can go through immersions, recreational swimming, the occasional splashes as well as high energy surface water sports – water-resistance of up to 330ft.
The automatic self-winding movement ensures accuracy and precision
It features an intuitive magic lever that will follow the motion of your hand to deliver continuous winding for the timepiece on your arm.
This Seiko 5 timepiece comes highly recommended for:
- Automatic-self-wind movement that tunes to and works with your arm’s kinesis
- Excellent build
- Up to 100m water resistance
- Long-lasting buckle clasp nylon strap
- Luminous markers and hands for greater visibility in the dark
4. Seiko 5 – SNZF17 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men’s Watch
This Seiko 5 series is a sleekly designed timepiece with a circular shape, analog display, and a case diameter of 42mm.
On the analog display is black dial overset, with contrasting silver-toned luminous hands, indicators, and hour markings. Visibility in the dark is no issue when you have this timepiece in hand.
You achieve enhanced protection and durability in this timepiece via the signature hardlex crystal.
The outstanding day/date function is available and an option to switch to Spanish. A unidirectional stainless steel bezel, buckle clasp with push-button deployment, and a silver-toned stainless steel band combine for a snug wearing experience and feel.
This Seiko 5- SNZF17 Stainless Steel Black Dial Automatic Men’s Watch features:
- Automatic-self-wind movement that tunes to and works with your arm’s kinesis
- Excellent build
- Up to 100m water resistance
- Luminous markers and hands for greater visibility in the dark
The price range of these popular models are in between 120$ to 180$, the best part about Seiko 5 is that you can find them for lower prices and still get good quality.
In Conclusion
On the scales of price vis-a-vis quality, Seiko 5 is the best watch that money can buy.
The quality of a Seiko 5 compared to its price is quite unbelievable. Its often said that Seiko 5 is the best automatic watch to start your timepiece collection.