TOP 14 Best Seiko 5 Watches
The Seiko 5 series by Seiko is one of the most popular and appreciated collections of timepieces ever. Over the years, Seiko has produced a ton of different Seiko 5 watches, and it has only continued to grow as the popularity of this collection has gotten greater.
In Seiko’s own words:
”For over 50 years, Seiko 5 Sports has delivered consistently high levels of reliability, durability, performance and value that have endeared it to lovers of mechanical watches worldwide.”
The Seiko 5 watches are known for being robust, sporty, durable, and powered by automatic movements. In fact, the name ”Seiko 5” actually relates to 5 attributes that any watch that is part of this collection must meet. Maybe most importantly, these timepieces are known for offering exceptional value for money due to being affordably priced.
Let’s look closer at the 5 criteria for a Seiko 5 watch and what makes it so popular.
What is Seiko 5?
The history of the Seiko 5 goes back all the way to 1963 when Seiko launched the first and original Seiko 5.
As mentioned, the ”5” refers to the attributes which a Seiko 5 needs to have:
- Automatic winding
- Day and date display
- A good/reasonable water-resistance
- Recessed crown at 4 o’clock
- Durable case construction
All of these factors result in a timepiece that is robust, durable, and reliable. At the same time, Seiko has focused on making these timepieces affordable and easily accessible.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the Seiko 5 collection has become so immensely popular. These are well-built timepieces offered at very attractive prices. These watches are perfect for everyday wear and to handle all kinds of hardships you may subject them to in your everyday life.
Naturally, a lot has happened since the 1960s, and Seiko has come a long way in its build quality as well as its designs. In this article, we will go through some of the best and most popular Seiko 5 watches on the market.
Best Seiko 5 watches
Below, we will take a look at the best and most popular Seiko 5 watches. These are the watches that have received the best reviews and proven to be the most appreciated models over the years.
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Seiko 5 SNZH60 Automatic
The Seiko 5 SNZH60 is a dive-watch-inspired timepiece with a sporty design yet an elegant touch of gold. This watch is suitable if you enjoy dive watch designs but also want something a bit less sporty. In terms of design it has all the design elements you’d expect from a dive watch although technically, with its 100m/330 feet of water resistance, it isn’t one. It is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel, large markers and hands for excellent legibility, and a classic black dial.
Like all Seiko 5s, it is powered by an automatic Seiko caliber.
All in all, this is a great watch for those looking for something a watch with a sporty dive-watch-inspired design that doesn’t meet the actual water resistance of one. The dial is also presented with a day and date function which is convenient to have for everyday wear. On top of the case, it uses Seiko’s traditional Hardlex crystal.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Japanese automatic
- Diameter: 42mm
Seiko 5 SNKD99 Blue Dial Watch
The Seiko 5 SNKD99 is a popular and appreciated sports watch which combines sportiness with versatility. It is presented with a sporty stainless steel case with 60second/minute markers on the fixed steel bezel. On top of the case, it has a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal and is water-resistant to 100m/330 feet.
Its blue dial provides a nice contrast and adds some personality to the watch and keeps it from being just a boring traditional watch. This is a versatile timepiece with a sporty appeal that works perfectly for everyday wear. In terms of design, it is discreet yet beautiful which makes it suitable for virtually any occasion.
Like all Seiko 5s, it is powered by an automatic movement.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant Hardlex
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko 5 Automatic SNZF17
The Seiko 5 SNZF17 is designed as a sporty and bulky dive watch, but again, with a water-resistant of 100m/330 feet which means it is not suitable for diving. This watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm and of course has a unidirectional rotating bezel as a dive watch should. The bezel has a black aluminum insert.
The dial is also designed the way a dive watch is supposed to with large hour markers and hands with applied Lumibrite for good legibility in low-lit conditions. In traditional Seiko 5 fashion, it also has a day and date window. It is presented on a sporty stainless steel bracelet.
With its sporty, dive-watch-inspired design, this is a versatile and sporty timepiece that works perfectlyly for everyday wear, but it is also strong enough to withstand harsh conditions.
The SNZF17 is stylish, sporty, and truly functional – just like Seiko 5 watches are known to be.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: Automatic
- Diameter: 42mm
Seiko 5 Automatic SNKL41K1
The Seiko SNKL41K1 is a Seiko 5 that is more on the elegant side in terms of design. It has a relatively small diameter of 38mm which means it fits a lot of wrists and works on many different occasions, even as a dress watch. It offers a water resistance of 30m meaning it can handle water splashes but isn’t really suitable for diving and swimming. On top of the case, it uses Seiko’s Hardlex glass.
The watch features an elegant shimmery white dial which is discreet and classic. At 3 o’clock, we find the signature day and date indicator which is practical for everyday wear.
This is just a great everyday watch that combines elegance with sportiness which makes it perfect for visually any occasion.
Specifications
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 30m
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko SNXS77 Automatic
The watch is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 38mm and a thickness of 11mm. It has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet. The case has polished bevels contrasted with brushed elements. The watch has a beautiful blue dial with a sunburst finish and applied hour markers. At 3 o’clock, we have a signature day and date window. The blue dial really compliments the watch well
With its 38mm diameter, it is a reasonable size that works for a lot of wrists and isn’t ”too much” on formal occasions. Of course, it is powered by an automatic movement. Another nice touch is that it is equipped with a see-through case back.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko 5 Automatic SNZG11J1
The SNZG11J1 is one of the most popular Seiko 5 watches out there. It has a versatile field watch design which makes it perfect for everyday wear. It has a 42mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 12mm. This watch is made to be more on the sportier spectrum of watches with its satin finish case and strap.
The watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet and on top, it has a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal. Turning the watch around will reveal its see-through case back which allows you to see the movement inside.
The blue dial with large Arabic numerals and hands allows for great legibility and also looks great. All of these elements come together to create a stylish, beautiful, and versatile timepiece.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Automatic
- Thickness: 12mm
Seiko Automatic SRPC51K1
If you’re looking for a sporty, robust, and dive-watch-inspired Seiko 5 at an affordable price, the SRPC51K1 is definitely worth considering.
This watch is presented with a 45mm stainless steel case and is, like all Seiko 5s, powered by an automatic movement. The case has a relatively large and bulky design, but with nice attention to detail with brushed and polished elements. The case has large polished bevels and a crown at 3 o’clock. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet.
The watch has a blue dial with applied hour markers and large hands with applied Lumibrite. The markers and hands also have gold-colored frames also have gold frames for an elegant touch. Of course, it has a unidirectional rotating bezel. At 3 o’clock, it also has a day and date window.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Movement: automatic
- Diameter: 45mm
Seiko 5 SNZG13 Automatic
The Seiko SNZG13 is a sporty and versatile timepiece suitable for everyday wear. The watch has a diameter of 4.8mm with a simple and sporty design with a satin finish. The watch also has a satin-finished bracelet for a sportier feel and look.
It has an automatic movement and a classic black dial with large markers and large Arabic numerals printed on the dial. Positioned at 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window.
If you want a robust and sporty daily watch, the SNZG13 is a great alternative.
Specifications
- Movement: Automatic
- Diameter: 41.8mm
Seiko 5 SNKL23J1
The Seiko 5 SNKL23J1 is a classy and versatile timepiece that works for any occasion. It is presented with a 38mm stainless case which works for most wrists and on most occasions. The water resistance is 30m/100 feet and it uses a Hardlex crystal on top.
It is presented on a ”Jubilee style” bracelet which looks elegant. This is complemented by a beautiful black dial with a striped pattern which provides depth to the watch. At 3 o’clock, it has its signature day and date window with a metal frame around it.
For a price of just above 100 USD, it’s difficult to find an automatic watch that offers better value for money than the SNKL23J1.
Specifications
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 10mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Automatic
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
SRPD91 Seiko 5 Sports Green
The SRPD91 is a recent model from Seiko which replaces the iconic SKX. This watch is made as a robust and qualitative dive-inspired watch, but with a water resistance of 100m/330 feet, it is not suitable for diving.
The watch has an all-black 42.5mm case and a black aluminum insert for the unidirectional rotating bezel. This case design is one of Seiko’s most iconic ever made, and it’s easy to see why the successor of the SKX has become so popular as well.
It has a great build quality and a really nice finish for its price as well. The dial is black and has large markers and hands for excellent legibility. The Lumibrite also glows strong and bright and has a beautiful, classic, and sleek appearance. This is the ultimate affordable everyday timepiece for someone who wants a watch with a sporty and masculine appeal.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Hardlex
Seiko SNK789 Seiko 5 Automatic
It’s easy to see why the Seiko 5 SNK789 is another highly popular timepiece. First and foremost, we have a price tag of around 100 USD. In addition to this, we have a robust automatic movement, a nice design, and high quality in many different aspects.
The watch has a steel case with a diameter of 36mm so it’s not for everyone, especially not for those who favor large watches. But with that said, it works exceptionally well for those who prefer smaller watches or for those with slightly smaller wrists.
It has a simple and elegant case design, complemented by a white dial with applied metal markers and sword-shaped hands. At 3 o’clock we find the day and date window.
As an additional touch, the watch is equipped with a see-through case back, allowing you to see the movement inside. The water resistance is 30m, meaning it can handle water splashes but should not be submerged underwater.
Like most Seiko 5s, it has a Hardlex crystal on top.
All in all, because of its relatively small size, this watch works excellently on both formal and casual occasions, and its white dial stands out from the crowd of mostly black-dialed watches.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko 5 SNK793 Automatic
The SNK793 is the same watch as the SNK789 above, but this time with a blue sunburst dial. With that said, it has a small case of 36mm which makes it extremely versatile. At the same time, its blue dial with a sunburst finish stands out and ensures that you’ll never get bored of this timepiece as it changes its appearance depending on how the light hits it. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window.
Turning the watch around allows you to see the automatic movement through the see-through case back.
If you want a robust, reliable, and affordable timepiece for any occasion, the SNK793 is definitely a great alternative.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Diameter: 36mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
Seiko 5 SNK807 Automatic
The Seiko SNK807 may just be the most popular Seiko 5 ever made. It is affordable, simple, and extremely stylish. Perhaps most importantly, it is well-built and offers great value for money.
The watch has a satin-finish case with a diameter of 37mm and has a see-through case back allowing you to see the automatic movement which powers it. The water resistance is 30m/100 feet. On top, it uses a Hardlex crystal.
The design is very evidently military-inspired which makes it a bit more sporty, but with its stylish blue dial, there’s nothing that says that this watch is perfect for everyday wear.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 11mm
- Diameter: 37mm
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko 5 SNK805 Automatic
Last but not least, we have the Seiko 5 SNK805 which is the same watch as the SNK807 above, but this time made in military green. With that said, the military green color goes very well together with its military-inspired design. As a result, it becomes a bit more sporty but also works excellently for everyday wear.
The water resistance is 30m/100 feet and it is powered by an automatic movement that can be viewed through the see-through case back. On top of the case, it has a scratch-resistant mineral crystal.
Of course, it also has a day and a date function.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 12mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Diameter: 37mm
- Movement: Automatic Seiko caliber 7S26B
Why is Seiko 5 so cheap?
The fact of the matter is that Seiko 5 watches are some of the cheapest automatic watches on the market. Yes, there are cheaper, but the Seiko 5 watches are also associated with quality and durability in a way that essentially no other automatic watch brand can in that price range. In fact, the Seiko 5 watches are cheaper than many quartz watches which is really impressive.
How is this possible?
Well, there are many explanations and reasons for this.
First and foremost, since Seiko is one of the largest watch brands in the world, they produce huge quantities. And according to the basic principle of production costs, the higher the quantities, the lower the cost per unit.
Another reason is that the production of the Seiko 5 watches is almost completely automated. This means that Seiko needs fewer people working on the watches, thus leading to lower costs.
Another thing that has a great impact on the cost is the fact that Seiko makes its own movements. Rather than buying outsourced movements from other manufacturers, whose prices are more difficult to affect, Seiko makes its products by essentially bringing in raw materials to its factory, and out comes the finished products. That the Seiko 5 watches are made from raw material via a highly automated process helps keep the cost down significantly, and also gives them full control over the production process.
Also, as with all affordable watches, there have to be some compromises somewhere. The greatest criticism that Seiko 5 watches receive is regarding their bracelets. Many of the bracelets are made with pressed and formed links rather than solid links, and the result is a rather cheap feel and a rattly bracelet. But the good news is that you can easily change the bracelet, and Seiko also offers many Seiko 5 watches with other alternatives, like leather or NATO straps.
Do Seiko 5 watches last? How long will they last?
Although Seiko 5 watches are extremely cheap, they have still been able to prove that they can last for a long time. But remember that Seiko 5 watches use automatic movements, and like all automatic movements, they need care and maintenance. To ensure your Seiko 5 lasts for a long time, you will occasionally need to have the movement serviced, cleaned, and lubricated occasionally.
A Seiko 5 can last for many years and even decades with the proper care. Most importantly, how long a Seiko 5 lasts depends on how you use and treat it. If you frequently subject it to shocks, bangs, and harsh conditions. In these conditions, the watch will wear out faster and will likely need repairs and services more frequently.
Are Seiko 5 Made in China?
Many of the parts for the Seiko 5 watches are made in China. This includes things like cases and bracelets. Seiko also has production in Malaysia and other Asian countries where the cost of labor and production is low in order to keep the prices down.
With that said, many Seiko 5 watches have parts from China but are assembled in Malaysia. In general, not all parts are made in China. Some may be made in countries like Asia. In general, Seiko does not assemble its watches in China.
The history of the Seiko 5
Today, the Seiko 5 collection is one of the most popular lines of watches from Seiko and has a large number of timepieces and different models.
The Seiko 5 collection was introduced in 1963 under the name Seiko Sportsmatic 5. This new model featured a number of important innovations, such as a Diaflex mainspring, unbreakable mainspring, Diashock shock-resistant design, and more.
This new model, as the name suggested, was built for sports and demanding conditions.
In Seiko’s own words:
“One year after the release of the “Five,” Seiko developed innovative clocking devices for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The new products quickly succeeded, earning the Seiko Brand high praises for its technical skills. Exports of the “Five” skyrocketed in the following year.
(The number of Seiko “Fives” exported from Japan in 1966 reportedly exceeded the total number of self-winding watches in all of Switzerland.)…..The “Five” style has set the standard for practical functional watches ever since.”.
Are Seiko 5 watches automatic?
Yes, all Seiko 5 watches are automatic. This is a requirement for all Seiko watches that are part of the Seiko 5 collection.
Is Seiko 5 durable?
The Seiko 5 watches have proven to be really durable and reliable timepieces over the course of their long production. In fact, this is one of the things that people appreciate most about the Seiko 5. They’re durable and robust, but even if you would accidentally knock or damage it, it’s still cheap to replace, even though it will withstand a lot.
Part of the reason why the Seiko 5 watches are so durable is that their movements use a Diaflex mainspring and a Diashock system that improve its durability.
Over the course of its long production, Seiko has used many different automatic movements in the watches. In developing these movements, Seiko has of course put great emphasis on making them long-lasting, and ensuring that the manufacturing process can be efficient and executed without any human hands.
In other words, this makes for great daily beaters.
How accurate is a Seiko 5?
Most Seiko 5 watches have a specified accuracy of around +45/-35 seconds per day. This is certainly not the best in the industry and not the most impressive accuracy, but for the price, it’s what we can expect from a mechanical watch in this price range.
Whilst Seiko 5 movements do not offer the best accuracy, they have proven to be able to last for a really long time, beating year after year with little need for maintenance.
Seiko 5 buyer’s guide
As you have probably seen, there is a large number of Seiko 5 watches to choose from. This can make the selection process rather difficult and overwhelming. But to make things easier, keep these things in mind:
Size
The first and perhaps most important thing you need to consider is the size. The most important part is always that a watch sits nicely and comfortably on your wrist and with that said, you need to choose the watch size according to your wrist but also your own preferences. Fortunately, Seiko 5 watches are available in all kinds of different sizes, so everyone can be sure to find one for them. From small ladies’ watches to large men’s watches.
Style
The style and overall design is another important aspect that is heavily dictated by how you intend to wear it. Seiko 5 watches are available in all kinds of different designs, from pilot watches to sports watches, to more elegant and versatile. Therefore, to help you narrow down your alternatives, you want to think about the style and type of timepiece you need. Will you wear it as an everyday watch? For sporty occasions? You can also consider if you like a certain style of watch, for example, dive watch, pilot watch, field watch, etc. because Seiko 5 has the most purpose-centered watches.
Functions
Functions are another thing you want to consider when choosing a watch. As you already know, all Seiko have timekeeping, day, and date functions. But do you want additional functions? For example a dive watch bezel? Due to the nature of the Seiko 5 collection, you won’t find other mechanical functions like chronographs or moon phases, but in the case of the Seiko 5s, you’ll be looking at the bezel for additional functions. If you want a watch with particular functions like a chronograph, you’ll have to look beyond the Seiko 5 range.
Water resistance
Last but not least, we have the water-resistance. This is important to consider if you are planning on going swimming with your watch. Not all Seiko 5s are suitable for swimming, so make sure you choose one with sufficient water resistance before you jump in.
