Deep Dive: The SNZF17K1 aka The Seiko Sea Urchin
Seiko fans love a good nickname, and for the most part they have always been good at choosing fitting ones; the “Tuna” can was named for its can-like shroud, and “Turtle” has a cushion-shaped case that’s not unlike a turtle shell. What comes into your mind when you hear “The Sea Urchin” though? Do you think this accurately defines the Seiko SNZF17K1 that it refers to?
Released as part of Seiko's respected 5 Sports line, the SNZF17 represents something special: a blend of classic design, reliable performance, and exceptional value. With its 41mm steel case, black dial, and distinctive rotating bezel, this watch has become a favorite choice for both newcomers to the watch hobby and seasoned collectors looking for a reliable daily wearer.
Going back to the nickname - many people guess that it got its moniker from the minute markers between 0 and 15 on the bezel insert, which might resemble spikes and evoked the image of a Sea Urchin in the mind of whoever thought up the nickname. The SNZF17 is known by another tag though; “The Poor Man’s Submariner.” Let’s dive in and learn more about this watch.
Background
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The Sea Urchin's story connects directly to Seiko's respected 5 Sports line, which began in 1963. This collection followed five key principles: automatic winding, day/date display, water resistance, a tough case and bracelet, and a crown at 4 o'clock. When the Sea Urchin arrived, it took a fresh approach to these guidelines. Instead of chasing maximum diving depth like its SKX counterpart, it aimed for a versatile look, creating a watch that worked as well in the office as it did on weekends. This decision proved to be a success, as the watch found many fans who wanted something sporty but also fit in a professional setting.
Technical Specifications
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Powering the Sea Urchin is Seiko's 7S36 automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The watch case is a 41mm x 13mm stainless steel that wears well on most wrists. Its Hardlex crystal, Seiko's proprietary tough mineral glass, protects the dial while offering good scratch resistance.
The watch features 100 meters of water resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a hefty stainless steel bracelet with solid links and a triple-lock clasp. The dial showcases large, luminous hour markers and spear-shaped hands, ensuring making it easy to tell the time in various lighting conditions.
The "Poor Man's Submariner"
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The Sea Urchin's nickname as the "poor man's Submariner" isn't to be taken as an insult, rather it’s a statement to how successfully it captures the essence of Rolex's iconic design at a fraction of the cost. From its coin-edged bezel to the raised hour markers and classic dive watch proportions, the SNZF17K1 pays homage to the Submariner's aesthetic while maintaining its Seiko identity. Watch enthusiasts have embraced this connection with open arms, recognizing that the Sea Urchin offers remarkable value without trying to be a direct copy to the Swiss icon.
Quick Trivia: Did you know that the SKX031 was also dubbed as a poor man's Submariner? Which watch do you think deserves the nickname more?
Can You Mod an Urchin?
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The SNZF17K1 is not a widely supported Seiko model for watch modding, but if you like the look, you can always build a watch with our Urchin-Inspired case as a base, especially if you are thinking of doing a Sub-style mod but with a distinct Seiko touch. The case has sleek lugs, with less prominent crown guards than an actual Submariner case so it would be a great choice if you want something that’s slightly more conservative. Just take note that our Urchin case uses an SKX013 crown (to fit the tighter crown guard) and original SNZF bracelets.
Unsurprisingly, this case gets partnered with a Sub-style bezel and insert along with Divemaster style dials and thick, lumed hands. You can play around with the parts and dress it up though - after all one of the original charms of the SNZF is that it can be worn at the beach and in the boardroom.
Conclusion
The Seiko SNZF17K1 "Sea Urchin" stands as an example of what makes Seiko's dive watches so appealing. It combines timeless design, reliable performance, and exceptional value in a package that gives commendable bang for buck. We hope this somewhat roused your interest in other Seiko divers aside from the SRPD lineup. Curious about other dive watches that you may have not yet heard about? Check out our Seiko Heritage-related articles to read more.
And of course, don’t forget to check out our catalog of watch mod parts that will allow you to build your own custom dive watch. We have classic designs like the SKX and BB58 cases, as well as more modern looks that can be specced to your specific tastes. And we’re not exclusive to dive watches too! You can also get all the parts you need for a field or dress watch build.
Happy modding!