Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 Review & Complete Guide
Seiko is perhaps most known for making reliable and qualitative watches that will last a long time, at an affordable price. With that said, as Seiko’s popularity has grown, so have its collections and number of watches. Today, there are tons of different collections and countless models to choose from for all kinds of purposes and preferences. Therefore, there certainly is a Seiko watch for everyone. But which should you choose?
If you are looking for an affordable sporty automatic watch, the Seiko 5 collection is definitely a good place to look. These watches are affordable, sporty, and powered by durable automatic movements.
One of the watches in this collection is the SNKE01k1 (also known as SNKE01) and this is the watch we are going to look closer at in this article.
Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 Review
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The Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 is, as mentioned, a sporty watch that (obviously) meets all of the requirements to be a Seiko 5 watch. What does this mean?
The criteria for Seiko 5 watches are the following:
- Automatic winding
- Day/date display
- Water resistance
- Recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position
- Durable case and bracelet
This watch is also appreciated by watch enthusiasts because it keeps a sporty and timeless design, it is equipped with an automatic movement that is built to last, and of course, is very affordable. Whether you are looking for a sporty and affordable timepiece that can take a beating or are looking to buy your first automatic watch to dip your toes into the world of horology, the SNKE01k1 is a great choice.
Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 case
The watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 36.5mm without the crown and 39mm with the crown. The lug-to-lug measures 40.5mm and the thickness is 12mm.
With that said, whilst this is a sporty watch, it is still quite small. This is part of the reason why it is so popular across such a wide audience as it can be worn by people with both large and small wrists, as well as men and women. It is a small watch, but because of this, it becomes perfect for everyday wear and all kinds of occasions. It is small enough to slip under a cuff but at the same time sporty enough to be worn with a pair of jeans.
What stands out about this case is its satin-finished bezel which has the seconds markers engraved/painted on it in black. This definitely adds sportiness to the watch and reminds of the Rolex Explorer. But keep in mind the bezel is fixed and only has one purpose which is to display the seconds. But it looks good.
It’s interesting to see that Seiko has opted for polished lugs on the case, and equally so on the sides. This, however, doesn’t take away too much from the sportiness of the watch because of the satin bezel. In traditional Seiko 5 fashion, the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock on the side of the case. It is a push-pull crown but it sits slightly recessed into the case which keeps it at least a little bit protected.
For the price, the case is actually really well-made and has a nice combination of polished and brushed elements. But of course, some minor flaws/downsides are only to be expected for a watch of this price.
The watch has a water resistance of 50 meters. In the world of watches, this does not mean you can go swimming 50 meters below the surface. It essentially means it can handle water splashes but shouldn’t be submerged underwater. Since this is mainly built as an everyday watch with a sporty look, this water resistance is fine, although it would be nice to be able to swim with it.
Sitting on top of the case, Seiko uses its proprietary Hardlex crystal. It’s not as tough as a sapphire crystal, but it is not something we can expect to have in a watch at this price point.
Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 dial
The watch has a black dial with a polished finish which gives a very elegant look. The dial has applied rectangular metal hour markers. Against the very edge of the hour markers, close to the end of the dial, the watch has applied dots of luminous material to help with legibility in the dark.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, we have the day and date window. This has a nice metal frame around it which enhances its impression of quality and finish. It has a black background and the day and date window are printed in silver. The day/date window is a signature element of the Seiko 5 watches and a must in these timepieces. Apart from being an iconic trait, it also makes this watch more practical for everyday use.
The watch has pointy metal hands that have luminescence applied to them, apart from the seconds hand. They are clean and elegant, yet sporty thanks to the pointy and aggressive ends. They really go well with the overall design of the watch.
Around the outer edge of the dial, the seconds are printed onto the dial. In addition, it does have some printing too. At 12 o’clock, we find an applied Seiko logo, and right beneath it an applied Seiko 5 logo.
Beneath the center of the hands, the depth rating, and automatic, and jewel designations are printed onto the dial.
All in all, the shiny black finish of the dial, contrasted by the metal markers and hands really makes for a clean and elegant look that is truly timeless and versatile. A downside of this watch, which a lot of people complain about, is its luminosity. The complaint is that the luminescence is weak and needs to be charged with a UV lamp just to get a decent glow. With that said, it can be quite difficult to read the time in dark environments.
Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 movement
The watch is powered by the in-house Automatic Seiko caliber 7S26. This movement beats with a frequency of 21600bph and has 21 jewels.
A detail that is appreciated by many about this watch is that it has a see-through case back which allows you to see the movement inside.
Now, this movement is not decorated in any way and therefore is far from Grand Seiko standard. But since it is in fact a Seiko 5, it is not trying to be, either. This watch is built as an affordable tool watch for everyday wear that can take a beating and continue to tick for years to come.
The purpose is not to be elegantly decorated. But with that said, people will still be able to appreciate the see-through case back as it works as a reminder of the mechanical piece of craftsmanship beating inside. This is enough to be appreciated. Especially at this price point.
Then, of course, the Seiko caliber 7S26 is known as a workhorse movement. This movement will continue to tick for years and it will require little to no maintenance over the years. In other words just what you want in a daily driver.
Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 bracelet
The watch is presented on a stainless steel three-link bracelet in an Oyster style. The bracelet is 20mm but tapers down to 18mm.
A common issue with affordable watches is that the bracelet is the part that is compromised with the most, and the same goes for this bracelet. It looks good and goes well with the sporty design of the watch, but it does have some rattle, the closing on the clasp is not 100% robust, and the links are folded which compromises its solid feeling and sense of durability.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 50 meters
- Movement: Seiko Automatic caliber 7S26
- Jewels: 21
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Lug-to-lug: 40.5 mm
- Thickness: 12 mm
- Width of lugs: 10mm
- Diameter without crown: 36.5mm
- Diameter with crown: 39mm
- Crown: recessed, push-pull
- Lug width: 20mm
- Frequency: 21600 BPH
Conclusion
This watch is occasionally called the ”poor man’s Grand Seiko” by some people, as its design and look remind of a Grand Seiko – more specifically the SBGR023. But of course, at a considerably more affordable price.
All in all, it is easy to see why the SNKE01k1 is so immensely popular. For the price, it has a superbly finished case and a timeless and elegant design. It is powered by a durable and reliable automatic movement and definitely punches well above its own weight, and its competitors in terms of value for money.
You really cannot go wrong with this watch. It’s also exceptionally versatile and works pretty much for everyday wear regardless of your outfit. There are few watches that can do that.
The Seiko 5 SNKE01k1 is available to order on Amazon.
