Seiko is a world-renowned watch brand from Japan. The name Seiko stands for exquisite and reflects what the watchmaker has stood for since its entry into the industry. For over 100 years they have continually left watch lovers in awe with their outstanding designs and product quality.
As to whether Seiko is a good watch brand, Seiko is definitely amongst the ranks of great watch brands out there. A rich history success backed up by continuous perfection leaves one without a doubt of where Seiko stands as a brand.
Watches are personality statements, to say the least. We all have our own desire to express elegance and style. With this in mind, a good quality watch brand is identifiable by the following aspects.
- Good quality watches are made of titanium or stainless steel at the least. The series of Seiko watches do come in either of the metals as each has its perks. Titanium is a preference for its durability and lightness as compared to stainless steel. A PVD coating accompanies the black, rose gold, silver, gold and other color versions of the watch for color maintenance.
- Look out for the sapphire watch glass. Quality is synonymous with longevity. A Sapphire glass maintains clarity and remains scratch free regardless of use.
- Watch movement is another indicator of a good quality watch. Look out for manual, automatic and quartz movements. Seiko timepieces come with Japanese Quartz, Spring Drive and Kinetic movements. You will find manual and automatic movements being a feature of their high-end luxury timepieces.
- The water resistance comes as a no brainer. The metallic components of a watch don’t go well with moisture levels of any kind. Therefore a good watch brand has a water resistance of 3 ATM at the very least. Seiko watches have levels of water resistance that are in the ranges of 5 ATM, 10 ATM, 20 ATM, and 60 ATM. As can be deduced, the higher the number the better the resistance.
Is Seiko a luxury brand?
Seiko has an extensive line of watches that offer its users a taste of both complexity and functionality. Seiko is a name that a true watch enthusiast is will invest in without a second thought. The Seiko brand exudes trust, reliability, dedication, and perfection. People are willing to pay to get the best of what Seiko has to offer, they trust the brand and what it represents.
The classic style of the Seiko watches echoes a message of an established brand. Seiko knows they have an established reputation. When going for a Seiko watch you already know what to expect and what you will get.
Watch manufacturers need to make a brand statement. This they do through the materials that go into making their watches. Watches are made from a diverse array of materials. Platinum, titanium, gold stainless steel, carbon fiber and sometimes out of this world materials like moon fragments. For a watch to make a statement it has to be constructed of top quality material. For an outstanding luxury titanium watch, nothing less than grade 5 titanium will do. Seiko uses material of the highest quality in constructing all its watches. Regardless of the price tag, all Seiko watches are top quality timepieces.
Which brand is better Seiko or Citizen?
These two brands have been around for at least 100 years. Each of them has etched its name in history over the years.
This question has been aired time and again. It has become the ever-present ongoing dispute amongst watch enthusiasts from either divide. We can skim over the usual aspects. The size, shape, and style are not much to go by in this debate. Delving deeper into the intricacies of each watch brand will shed more light and highlight who has the upper hand.
Let’s look at the technology that each of them uses.
A perusal of the range of watches from Citizen reveals one clear fact. You won’t find a huge selection of mechanical watches amongst their products. Citizens main area of focus has been the Quartz movement based watches. Heavy investment has also gone into the Eco-Drive technology flagship watch line. These solar powered watches give Citizen an edge. The quality and brand range that Citizen offers in its Eco-Drive watches are unmatched by Seiko.
Seiko watches technology is synonymous with automatic movements. Seiko does have watches with the Quartz and Solar technologies. However, the main divide between Seiko and Citizen is the self-winding watches. Should you need an automatic watch go for nothing else than Seiko. A drawback to the self-winding technology is time accuracy. Quartz watches are known for their characteristic time accuracy.
The two brands continue to push the extremes of technology each day. Seiko and Citizen each feature watches that have the latest technology. These are the Astron GPS Solar and Satellite Wave respectively.
What about Style and Design?
There is a general perception in this case. Seiko sticks to the tried and tested while Citizen looks towards stretching the boundaries. To highlight this Seiko has watch models that are better known as compared to Citizen timepieces.
The Seiko classic the SNK 809 is a fan favorite. It is reliability and the pocket-friendly price has won it, admirers, all over. Another Seiko classic that borders on style and affordability is the SNK793. Falling under the $500 range is the recognizable and popular SARB065 Cocktail Time.
Citizen’s notable models aren’t many. The few that make the list include the Nighthawk. Regardless of this Citizen isn’t to be written off here. They still offer watch models that equally satisfy the classic admires in terms of minimalistic and simplistic styles and design.
Turning to Quality, Accuracy, and Longevity
The debate on this one could go either way. This will, of course, depend on the year of manufacture, model type, and some lucky stars.
In terms of quality, both brands stand on an equal footing. There is however one highlight that may tip things in Seiko’s favor. The Grand Seiko brand churns out watches of astonishing quality and beauty. Citizen lack this Swiss level type of watch amongst its ranks.
Seiko and Citizen both have a rich history of watchmaking. Throughout the years they have continually churned out inexpensive and excellent timepieces.
How long do Seiko Watches last?
Fine Seiko timepieces have seen themselves earn heirloom status in many a family. You have at one time heard of been being handed down from one generation to the next. Seiko’s mechanical watches are known to stand the test of time.
Mechanical watches rely on the power of springs. Gears get turned by the springs and eventually set the hands in motion. There will be around 50 to 300 parts that move intricately and delicately. A contributor to the longevity of mechanical watches is the use of jewels. These jewels are used in the mechanical movement system of the watch. They reduce the effects of friction which would normally arise between moving metal parts.
Service and maintenance is the key to the longevity of Seiko watches.
Every few years a good cleaning and some repairs here and there will be required. Be prepared to be set back a $100 or more. Regardless of this, your Seiko watch will be running for years on end.
Mechanical Seiko watches will be an ideal fit if you are a traditional, watch collector type who is fascinated with old technology.
But if you are very traditional, looking to start a watch collection, have a fascination with old technology, or are looking for a watch to last a lifetime, a mechanical watch may be right for you.
What are the Best Seiko Watches?
As you can conclude from what you have read already, Seiko is a brand that stands as elegant, reliable and durable. Seiko has an endless list of timepieces under its belt. They take care of every bit of the stylish, budget and luxury that suits their ardent followers.
It is, therefore, an open opinion field as which Seiko watches are the best. The list of watches is showcased below represents part of the top tier in terms of functionality, design, and aesthetics.
1. Seiko SARB033 – Classic Automatic Watch
This watch features a brush finished case, luminous hands, black dial, and silver-toned hour marks. It also has a stainless steel strap, scratch resistance sapphire crystal and a see-through exhibition back. These aspects convey the delicate but yet simple design of this watch. Click here to check the latest price.
The transparent back of this Seiko masterpiece makes it stand as a luxurious work of art.
- Glass – Sapphire crystal
- Water resistant – 330 ft
- Case diameter – 38.4 millimeters
- Movement – 23 jewel automatic (6R15) movement
- Bandwidth – 20 millimeters.
2. Seiko 5 – SNZF17 – Diver’s Style
When it comes to mechanical movement timepieces this one ticks all the right boxes. The SNZF17 is a beauty, to say the least.
This delicate design consists of a bright silver metal strap, and white on black hour marks and hands. The date displays nicely positioned at three o’clock.
To add on to these is a deployment clasp with a push-button mechanism. A safety lock is also present making the watch worth its price tag.
For the folks who aspire for class and elegance, this timepiece is recommended.
- Glass – Seiko hardlex crystal
- Water resistant – 330ft
- Case diameter – 42 millimeters
- Movement – 23-jewel automatic movement, Caliber 7S36 by Seiko
- Bandwidth – 22 millimeters.
3. Seiko – SBDC029 – Shogun Prospex Dive Watch
This is one of Seiko’s masterstroke watch models. It stands as an outright work of genius. The shock-resistant protective titanium case gives the watch an out of this world look. Silver-Tone honors the classic ages. The black dial dressed with luminous hands and markers is just plain awesome.
Seiko doesn’t hold back on the looks with this watch. The diving bezel features a saw-like edge, a striking aspect that gives it a bold and masculine look.
The Shogun holds its ranks among the premium and luxury range of Seiko watches. It boasts of excellent precision of-15 to +15 seconds per day. Going for a dive with this watch is stress-free as the resistant depth stands at a cool 660ft. Check the latest price of the watch here.
- Glass – Hardlex crystal
- Water Resistant – 660 ft
- Case diameter – 43.5 millimeters
- Movement – 23 jewel automatic (6R15) movement
- Bandwidth – 21 millimeters.
Lastly
There are plenty of Seiko watches out there to meet your style and budget preferences. Rest assured that with Seiko you will never be disappointed no matter which timepiece of theirs you opt for. All the best in your Seiko quest!