Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 Review & Complete Guide
Seiko is a popular watch brand all around the world. It is perhaps most appreciated for its high-quality and durable automatic watches that are affordably priced. This is because at their price points of often no more than 200 USD, there are few competitors that manage to build as good and qualitative watches as Seiko.
When speaking about this type of watch, there is one collection in particular that meets these criteria, making it immensely popular. We are of course talking about the Seiko 5 collection.
Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 Review
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In this article, we are looking closer at one of the watches from the Seiko 5 collection – specifically the reference SNZG13j1.
The SNZG13j1 is a sporty field watch with a tool-like design and a military-inspired vibe. This watch is particularly appreciated for being robust and long-lasting, whilst being extremely affordable. With that said, it is great value for money. With a price of just north of 100 USD, there’s no denying this is an affordable watch. But whilst it is affordable, it is not cheap. Don’t get these confused. And yes, whilst it is sporty, it is exceptionally suitable for everyday wear.
This is a watch for people who are looking to dip their toes into the world of mechanical watches, but also for those who just want something reliable that won’t let them down.
Without further ado, in this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko 5 SNZG13j1.
Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 case
The watch is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm in diameter and a thickness of 12mm. Yes, it is more on the large side, but it still wears quite small due to its slim and casual design.
What you will notice about the case is that it has a satin-brushed finish on the bezel and lugs, which is what you see when looking at the watch for the most part. But as a contrast, the sides of the case are polished, showing that even on affordable watches, Seiko pays attention to the details. Naturally, since most of what you see is satin, it gives the watch a very tool-like look, which is exactly what you’d expect from a military-inspired watch like the SNZG13j1.
In terms of design, the case is simple, clean, and elegant. There’s nothing that stands out, which makes it similar to the designs of military field watches.
The watch offers a water resistance of 100m/330 feet which is quite good for a watch in this price range that, additionally, isn’t even a dive watch. A military watch is not necessarily made for being underwater for longer periods of time, so 100M should do just fine for everyday wear. But with that said, this watch does not have a screw-down. It is a push-pull crown that is unsigned.
Sitting on top of the case, we have Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal. Nothing special here, and just what we expect from a watch in this price range from Seiko.
If you turn the watch around, you’ll find that it is equipped with a see-through case back. This is a nice feature that watch enthusiasts will love. Of course, it’s not the most beautiful movement. In fact, it is not decorated at all. But that is not the point! The see-through case back works as a nice reminder of the beautiful piece of craftsmanship beating inside. The fact that this movement is not decorated is actually a good thing in our opinion. In fact, it goes very well with the overall design and concept of this watch.
Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 dial
The dial of this watch is matte black and has a very sporty and tool-like appeal. It consists of two ”parts” or ”levels”, with the first one being the chapter ring, and the other being the actual dial.
The raised chapter ring takes up about one-fourth of the dial and sits close to the crystal. On the chapter ring, the seconds markers are printed in white. The dial consists of printed Arabic numerals, with the 12-hour markers being printed in white, and inside these numerals, we have 24-hour markers printed for the 24-hour clock. This is one in the traditional military-watch fashion which has both a 12-hour and 24-hour clock. The chapter ring gives depth to the watch but also means that your focus is put on the center of the dial.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, we have the classic Seiko day and date window. This has a white metal frame around it. The hands have a classic sword-shaped design with polished metal frames and Lumibrite applied to them. As a contrast to the otherwise monochrome dial, the top of the seconds hand, with an arrow shape, has been painted red.
Also, note that each five-minute marker on the chapter ring has applied Lumibrite which helps with the legibility together with the hands. As a military field watch should, it puts the utmost importance on legibility. Overall, the dial is clean and legible.
Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 movement
The Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 is powered by the in-house automatic Seiko caliber 7S26C. This is a movement that beats at 21600 BPH, has 21 jewels, and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
This is a robust and durable workhorse movement that has proven to be able to continue to tick year after year with little to no signs of wear.
As mentioned, the movement is not decorated, but it’s not the end of the world. It does exactly what you would expect it to.
Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 bracelet
The watch is presented on a three-link Oyster-style bracelet with a satin finish which goes very well with the sporty appeal of this watch. Because
A common issue with affordable dive watches is that the bracelet is often the part that is compromised with the most. Considering the price, this watch is no exception. But with that said, since it is exactly what we expect, it’s not a huge deal. The bracelet has some downsides which include rattle and a somewhat low-quality feeling.
At the same time, the bracelet wears quite comfortable and gives it a sporty look that goes very well together with the design of the watch.
As you would imagine, this watch also looks great on NATO straps, too.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Seiko in-house caliber 7S26C
- Thickness: 12mm
- Frequency: 21600 BPH.
- Jewels: 21
- Lug width: 22mm
- Water resistance: 100M
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Power reserve: 41 hours
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 is a sporty tool watch with a military/field watch insertion. For the price, we can’t expect a lot, but this watch lives up to all expectations and more.
For the price, the watch offers exceptional value for money in terms of build quality, finish, and durability. This watch is built to last and is equipped with a long-lasting workhorse movement. This watch is a perfect entry-level automatic timepiece for someone who is looking to dip their toes into the world of watches but is also perfect for those who are just looking for a clean and elegant everyday timepiece that they can rely on.
Regardless, it’s a non-debate that the Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 offers exceptional value for the money.
The Seiko 5 SNZG13j1 is available to order on Amazon.
