The Best Seiko 5 Watches Released to Date

Seiko has always designed timepieces based on a set of well-defined principles. The product line's demarcation provides purchasers with clarity — there's a watch for every occasion. The Seiko 5 series started in 1963, with the product line sporting the characteristic shield logo with the 5 in the center.

 

It sure started with a bang! Source: Smooth Seconds

 

A lot of watches have been released under this series with various sub-series introduced to distinguish watches in various styles and those meant for various purposes. These included the following:

• 5 Sports
• 5 Suits
• 5 Specialists
• 5 Street
• 5 Sense

Each sub-series appeals to a different audience and have different aesthetics. You might even come across two watches that look nothing alike at all and they’d both be under the Seiko 5 brand. What these timepieces do have in common is their reputation for providing excellent value for money.

Let’s look at the top 5 best Seiko 5 watches to date.

 

The 5 Best from the “5”

SNK800 Series

The ultimate value Seiko. Source: Basic Bands

 

The SNK collection is one of the most popular within the Seiko 5 watch line, and is widely recommended as a low-cost introduction to automatic watches. The timepieces are ideal as a first watch for younger users and as a casual watch for adults. It checks all the criteria for a stylish watch from a reputable brand at an affordable price. The current SNK model numbers are the SNK803 (beige), 805 (green), 807 (blue), 809 (black), and M95, which are all based on dial colours (red). All variants have the same internals: the reliable Seiko 7S26 automatic movement.

All models have a see-through case back that allows you to observe the movement of the watch when it is off your wrist. On the dial is a day-date window at 3 o'clock. The crown is at an unusual 4-o'clock position, but many users enjoy it because it doesn't dig into the wrist as much as 3-o’clock watches.

To match the casual vibe of the Seiko 5 Sports SNK watch, you should opt for NATO, canvas, perlon, or rubber straps in the same colour as their dial.

 

Seiko 5 Sports SRPD7X

Vintage and sporty in one design. Source: Hodinkee

 

The Seiko 5 Sports Collection is a vintage-inspired automatic wristwatch that every serious watch aficionado should consider owning. It is renowned for its high quality, long-lasting durability, and dependable performance which all watch enthusiasts have come to appreciate. Let's take a closer look at the SRPD71 as an example.

The blue sunburst patterned dial is complemented by a blue metal unidirectional rotating bezel with white accents. A double day/date window at the 3 position is included, as well as a white minutes track on the outer chapter ring and illuminating arrow style hands and markers for easy reading. The stainless steel crown is nestled between a crown guard strategically positioned at 4:00 for greater comfort. With a 41-hour power reserve, the watch is powered by Seiko's own in-house automatic calibre 4R36 movement, which is visible behind the exhibition caseback. Completing the ensemble is a Milanese style strap made of polished stainless steel metal mesh and a strong clasp to keep your watch secure and in place.

If you ever want to change the look of your SRPDX series watch, our personal favourites to recommend is the Watch Dial in The Great Wave Blue and Sakura Red which are compatible with the SRPD series and will be sure to let you stand out from the crowd. We also have SRPD-compatible crystals to replace the original hardlex.

If you want to find out more about the compatibility of our parts with this model, we wrote about the SKX vs 5KX (aka. SRPD, Seiko 5 Sports) and filtered down the key differences between the two and weighed the pros and cons.

 

SRPG27

The look of an everyday watch. Source: Monochrome Watches

 

The Seiko 5 Sports SRPG27 brings some key technical and aesthetic advancements to the table at a friendly price point making it the perfect daily beater. The 316L case features an unassuming matte finish and comes at a modes size of 39.4mm. The oyster style bracelet is made in the same material as the case and matches perfectly.

Two often overlooked features of this watch is the Diaflex mainspring, which is almost indestructible, and the Diashock shock resistance mechanism, which rivalled even Switzerland's movement technologies. The only thing that people may want to change about this watch is the bracelet which runs a bit large. After modding this, you have a faultless Seiko that you can wear pretty much anywhere.

 

SNZF17 (Sea Urchin)

Form and function! Source: The Watch Company

 

The Seiko 5 Sea Urchin SNZF17 is a desk diver with a 23-jewel automatic movement. It boasts a 41mm stainless steel case that is big, sporty, and sturdy. The 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel is available in a variety of colours for a subtle or flashy design which you can further modify for a personalized look. The watch is finished off with a Hardlex crystal and a display caseback for a view of the internals. It features a 13mm thickness, which is relatively thin for a dive watch and keeps it from feeling cumbersome on the wrist.

As a diving watch and a modding platform, it was comparable to the mighty SKX007 but with aesthetics that will remind you of the Rolex Submariner. That said, the SNZF17 was its own thing and does not try to be either of these models.

Want to get into watch modding? Here are the top 5 Seiko watches to mod.

 

SRPC6X Series (Bottlecaps)

Quite the unique design. Source: Stormrage

 

This Seiko collection consists of four members: the SRPC61, SRPC63, SRPC65, and SRPC67 all have the J1 suffix (manufactured in Japan) or the K1 suffix (produced in Korea, made outside of Japan). It has earned the moniker "Bottlecap" from collectors. The watch's evident physical similarities to a bottlecap, such as its thick casing and notched bezel, earned it the nickname.

The case has a 45mm diameter, but don’t let the numbers fool you! While it may have a large size on paper, putting the lugs on the underside makes the watch wear smaller on the wrist and also giving it a uniform look when viewed straight on. It’s a unique diver, and one of the more interesting Seiko 5 watches out there.

 

Wrap up

The most common criticism levelled at Seiko 5 watches is their bands. Many of the bracelets are created with pressed and shaped links rather than solid links, giving them a shoddy appearance and causing them to rattle. The good news is that the bracelet can be readily replaced, and Seiko now sells several Seiko 5 watches with additional strap options, such as leather or NATO.

Despite the fact that Seiko 5 watches are extremely inexpensive, they have proven that they can endure a long time. However, keep in mind that Seiko 5 watches are powered by automatic movements, which, like any other machinery, require care and maintenance. You'll need to get your Seiko 5's movement serviced, cleaned, and oiled on a regular basis to guarantee it lasts a long time.

We hope that this article was helpful! If you have questions and need help, please reach out to us at support@namokimods.com.

Get your mod on!