The 3 Most Attractive & Elusive Seiko 5 Watches - (Best Budget Seiko 5 Watches)

[@BensWatchClub]

Affiliate Product links: SNKL45 Jomashop: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-seiko-5-watch-snkl45j1.html Amazon: geni.us/seikosnk45 SNKL23 Amazon: geni.us/seikosnkl23 Jomashop: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-seiko-5-watch-snkl23j1.html SNK361 Amazon: geni.us/seikosnk361 Jomashop: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-snk361.html

[@SilverKeyMan]

"Sometimes these watches shoot up in prices"... yeah, that happens after a Watch youtuber makes a video about how good they are.

[@agram4700]

7:42 that edit is smooth af

[@alfredragnar9387]

I have mixed feelings with this video. On one hand, Seiko 5s are some of my favorite watches ever, but on the other hand, whenever a prominent youtuber talks about them, I can feel the prices on Amazon increase!

[@danielcalvocamacho4538]

I own the the SNK361. It was very first mechanical watch I bought with my first salary as engineer. Glad to see you included it as a good watch.

[@piho-thecat2119]

what is lug width? 18mm or 19mm?

[@JusttheWatch]

The genius thing here is putting in a movement without hand winding. Recessed crowns on a watch with hand winding are a huge pain because it makes it frustratingly impossible to wind them. But when you build the whole idea of the watch around a movement that doesn't need hand winding, you can pull something like this off.

[@mr22guy]

I think it's more a combination of 2 ideas (recessing the crown and keeping the cost down) that lead to the omission of hand winding, rather than building a watch around a movement that lacks hand winding.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

I'm planning a possible update to the NH36, actually. On the SNKL45, in particular, I don't think it would be that much of an issue for me, as I have relatively small hands and can easily turn the crown on the 45 off the wrist, and can actually do it on the wrist too. I suppose it depends on how much resistance there is when winding the movement. In any case, the NH36 movement would allow hacking as well, another bonus, though the lack of either feature on the 7S doesn't really bother me.

[@nickporter9264]

I've owned the blue dial SNKL43 variant for about 18 months and it by far gets the most wrist time out of my collection. With a brown leather strap, it goes with just about everything.

[@patriotsquill]

You just described my watch!

[@hammalamiri12]

My first automatic watch , great gateway into the hobby

[@nickporter9264]

Same, they are so versatile and hard to beat for the price.

[@nickporter9264]

@Alan Champagne I have the SNKL43 (blue dial) and its an absolute beauty.

[@nickporter9264]

@Alan Champagne Looks sharp! Gives off a real Oyster Perpetual vibe.

[@ivo2302]

I have a sneaking suspicion Ben really likes the combination of a black dial and a stainless steel case

[@Julius_Seizure]

Ive seen tons of watch channels and this is by far the most sophisticated and well organized. Bravo!

[@shizukamori6755]

I already have 3 different Seiko 5's, all with the 7S26C movement. Love them all!

[@Konsaliki]

Got my SNKL15 (silver dial version of the SNKL23) about a year ago and love it to this day.

[@hectorandem2944]

00:00 - 00:05 "Some may have you believe that you can't get a good wristwatch without parting with _thousands."_ *Me with my Casio World Time:* 🤝

[@PepeDeezNutz]

The Casio World time is an awesome watch

[@Tortuex_]

is it the illuminator retro world time?? i wish I discovered it when it was first released, it now costs 50+€ :( (the gold one)

[@bernied9415]

The Casio World Time is an excellent watch ! I wear mine almost everywhere and have never had a problem. I am not saying that the Seiko is less of awatch, I also one of them too, but I prefer the Casio.

[@tonywong8134]

I have the SNKK71, similar dial and 18mm lug widths. I put it on a black leather strap it I feel it knocks it out of the park.

[@mr22guy]

I went crazy and put a 22mm leather strap (notched the ends), and it works great.

[@mrkitewine7700]

I have the snk355, the silver dial version of the 361. On a brown lizard strap it is easily my favourite “5” I’ve had. I much prefer it to my old Snkl23 which I found had poor visibility under certain lighting conditions - the hands disappeared against the black dial.

[@piho-thecat2119]

what is the lug width? 19mm or 18mm? for strap replacement.?

[@mrkitewine7700]

@@piho-thecat2119 18mm lugwidth

[@Area_man115]

In many lighting conditions those angled polished hands completely disappear against the black dials of all three of these watches. I don’t know about you guys, but I get a watch that will reliably show me the time at a glance. That’s Job One. If a watch fails at Job One, we turn over all the cards and declare it a fail. Being pretty, or being inexpensive do not mitigate the fail status. Among the 5 range watches there’s one that has all three legible hands, black against a white dial. It’s the SNXF05. It’s also very handsome with a ‘graph paper’ design on the dial. It also has the very cool pointy lugs. Nice lume, too. This is the second 5 series watch I would buy. Just as legible in the 5 series is the one I own: the SNK381K1, a tribute to the MAC/V-SOG watches issued during the Viet Nam war. Its hour and minute hands are flat in shape, and well lumed, riding above a textured flat black dial. The polished seconds hand also doesn’t disappear, and has a nice round lumed counterweight. The dial has lumed applied numerals. Polished metal outlines on numerals and hour and minute hands. Nice shiny applied 5-in-shield logo on dial. Of all the 5 series watches I have managed to notice, this one is the finest.

[@andrebalsa203]

Excellent analysis, as usual. Thank you for reminding us of what fantastic value these Seiko 5's represent. A few years ago one could get just about any Seiko 5 for around $45, shipping included! So I bought about a dozen of them. Still have them all, they still look good and keep perfect time, and they'll stay in my collection, probably until I take my last breath. And oh yes, the bracelets are pure rubbish, I swapped them all for good quality leather ones.

[@tech29X]

That's what happens when governments print money with no value and impose tariffs.

[@Easy_Now_Star]

Thanks for the info, what size bracelet did you purchase?

[@leonthesleepy]

I still CANNOT decide between the 23 or the 45....the more i stare at them, the more nuanced i find the 23. But on the other hand, the 45's red second hand looks cool (but a lil cheaper)

[@JohnKruse]

I modded one of these smaller cases to create an Omega Railmaster homage with domed sapphire. It is a really nice watch to mod, but I generally prefer a slightly larger case. The SNKL23 at 38mm would be nice, though I've also used a 39mm SNKM77 that I'm happy with.

[@alexxfreedom]

I just bought the snk361, waiting for it to arrive but I love the look of these watches.

[@marius279]

From where?

[@shawnz241]

I’d love to hear your recommendations on bracelets for these watches... and maybe a milled clasp?

[@H_tudor]

I own the snkl45 in an gold with black dial colorway. That seems to be rare because I haven’t seen another one like that. In the sun de dial has an gold tint to it , I’m just in love with it

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Love every single one of your picks brother! Another great review as always! 👍🏼

[@labratfunk]

I have my SNKL23J on an Uncle Seiko Jubilee (which I originally purchased for my SARB035). Fits like a charm and gets a TON of compliments. Cheers!

[@GunGlutton]

I just bought the new Ice blue seiko sumo and put it on a strapcode jubilee and it is AMAZING!

[@tezzanewton]

Good choice mate. I just bought the black case LE Sumo chronograph and put it on a black nato with an orange stripe. Looks sensational. I was thinking about buying the blue and doing what you did as well.

[@paulwadsworth7298]

I bought my first Seiko 5 in 1975 and it still keeps good time.

[@danielswatchcollection9229]

It is sad to see your views drop. I love your videos and continue to reccomend them to my friends. Keep it up and the views will come

[@martinstephenson4311]

I have the SNKL23 and love it. Although the bracelet is junk, it is very light and comfortable and can be worn all day long no problem.

[@SOPM2007]

The SNK361 is my favorite of these 3. It's also available with a blue dial. Jomashop was able to ship within 2 days to germany. Awesome!

[@piho-thecat2119]

can you tell lug width ? 18mm or 19 mm?

[@SOPM2007]

@@piho-thecat2119 18 :)

[@brucemacdonald876]

Thanks Ben. Just ordered a SNKL23J1, been on the hunt for one for a while.

[@brucemacdonald876]

BTW nice edit at 6:14

[@briantotse3]

Absolutely love the SNKL45J1 I bought. Got it just a few weeks before you made this video. Didn't know it was difficult to find.

[@SeifullahNikjou]

Dear Ben, greetings from bolivia!!! Im a huge fan of your Channel. You inspired me to start my affordable watch collection. I'm looking for automatic movements. I've been offered 3 watches: Seiko 5 snxs77k, Seiko 5 snxs73k and Orient bambino. In your experience which one is the best of this three.

[@Kristof_Kertesz]

SNXS79K, another cool Seiko 5. 👑

[@Trashdog12]

The dial is incredible!

[@tamdam]

I own the SNK809, SNKL23, SNKL41 and just ordered the SNXS73, modded with sapphire. Aftermarket bracelets and straps on all of them ofc. Seiko 5's are addicting.

[@alexk17]

Which one of them should I get? I’m 17 yrs okd

[@MennodR]

Affter watching this video, I bought the SNKL45K1. Thank you so much!

[@militaryminedid2011]

My picks: SNKM47 for black dial and SNKL41 for white dial.

[@grady60]

Can we expect an Edifice review based on your comments in this video?

[@AliasEveWatches]

I LOVE the SNKL45. I can't recommend it enough! I think the SNKL23 is overhyped, thanks to Hodinkee.

[@AliasEveWatches]

@Alan Champagne "pinstripe donut" 🤣🤣🤣

[@FajarW.S]

You should consider to put Seiko 5 SNXS79 in the list.. 😀

[@bingogarvin2924]

Thanks for your time ⌚,I found a 80s model like these,for 9$ so happy 😁

[@Thomk121]

I got my 361 on Poshmark for $55. I'm extremely happy with it. It was listed as used but I see no visible wear marks.

[@michaelbedford8017]

They're all fine watches which have something in common, which makes them look even better. They all have the polished bezel and long broad lugs that start at 3, or 6 and go in basically a straight line to the lug tip (classic explorer design). This makes a 36mm wearable on even an above average wrist. If they dropped the see-thru back, and could knock a millimetre or more off the thickness, they'd have a real killer on their hands. Imho.

[@mrd8005]

I actually bought the SNKL23 about 2 weeks ago for $80 US and Brand New. And for that much money nothing can Beat it. Great Classy looking Dial that's also very versatile.

[@marius279]

From where?

[@mrd8005]

@@marius279 I bought it from Indonesia. And cuz I live/from there

[@jeff346]

My 7S movement is actually super accurate out of the box compare to my 4R , my 4R requires some open case adjustments , both holds +- 10 I’d say

[@stevepapa]

"Come on guys! Who do you think I am?!"... Lost it 😂😂😂😂

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Great watches, all. I bought the SNKL23 awhile back, and just got a mesh bracelet for it that arrived today. Also today, my SNKL45 came in. The 23 has a garbage bracelet for sure, and it is pretty ugly. The 45 bracelet is also rolled links, but it looks much better quality than the 23 and is very, very comfortable. Sizing it up only took a couple minutes, and I think I'll be keeping it on this bracelet for now, surprisingly. Eventually, the SNK361 will find its way into the collection. Planned changes for both the 23 and 45 include sapphire crystals, and depending on how the movements behave, I may consider upgrading to the NH36 on both of them.

[@unconscious7x539]

which one is more comfortable the 23 or 45?

[@ForeverUnknowing]

@@unconscious7x539 Stock for stock I'd give it to the 45. I wear that one exponentially more than the 23, and it's even on the stock bracelet when the 23 got moved over to mesh already.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

@Get em Boi I think for most it is hair nipping. I don't have that issue as I tend to wear bracelets above bone and tight enough they don't slip about. For me it's probably that I got the 23 and 45 at the same time and had basis for comparison.

[@castillo4141]

Damn! Nice editing skills and beautiful shots.

[@ethanapalis2932]

Do you think these watches would fit on a 14cm/5.5" wrist or should I pry for something closer to 35mm? Thanks for the informative video!

[@MegaRissa]

Love your review. I have snkl23k1, snxs77 and snxs79 , i prefer diver but after watching some reviews i bought seiko 5

[@reviewsandstuff8895]

Hi, I’ve just bought the Snkl45, and I love it. However the bracelet is pretty poor as mentioned. Can you recommend any bracelets/manufacturers that are an upgrade that will match the stainless perfectly? Cheers for the help

[@Hitchens-t5c]

A very thorough review. This Seiko 5 is my go to daily wear for work rather than my Rolex or Cartier.

[@thisispw]

Good review, however just picked up srpe61 grey with 4R35 for £175, so consider and keep searching, especially UK jewellers as that's where mine came from. Good work Ben.

[@SuodesTzeos]

What's the Casio at 7:42 , will you review it? it looks sick!

[@demonstructie]

Looks like a Casio Edifice EFR-S108D-1AVUEF, part of their Slim Line which I've been tempted by many times but never bit the bullet so far.

[@paulc9588]

Love Seiko 5s, superb watches for the money and full of character. 'The more you know, the less you need to show', as they say.

[@PlugInRides]

They were, but recent price increases don't make them the value they once were.

[@grahammcdonald]

So handy for me also having 6 1/2" wrists!

[@noddyhawk]

Hi, Can you advise the difference between the SNXS79 and the SNKL23 please? which is better and why? I know i will have to change the wristband on the SNXS79 if i choose that one but anything else i should know? what is your preference between these two and why? Thanks for your help, look forward to your response.

[@bigboiganiga8356]

You know what Ben? A famous alternative to Seiko 5 is Orient 3 stars/Tristar. Though yet, I never had seen a direct comparison video, 1v1 of the watches. Do please make one.

[@shelbybloomingdale6670]

I literaly have a snk361 arriving today for my first big boy watch... omfg I'm like a kid waiting for the package

[@bernied9415]

Please dont use foul language acronyms, you said you were a big "boy" now, so act like one.!

[@shelbybloomingdale6670]

@@bernied9415 someone has mommy issues

[@stefanjovanovic1513]

You should review the Casio at 7:42

[@UNMONr1]

I own the SNK357 which is the brother of the 361. Also I own the SNKL23. Both are incredibly beautiful watches, with the 357 being a little sportier. But other than any other watch with a blue dial the 357's face is more on the midnight blue side which makes it understated while still having the sportiest face.

[@shahamid786]

Hi Ben your videos on affordable watches! Can you please please please do review for the Seiko SNXB43J5 with the jubilee bracelet for me. To me this watch is underrated, but it does looks so similar to rolex especially with the jubilee bracelet. It in between Seiko SNXS79 & Rolex. Please do the review! Thank you so much!

[@jonasneumann5915]

The SNK361 would be a beauty for sure if it didnt have that 5 shield texture on the dial

[@trainsplanesandotherthings5187]

I just bought an SNKL23J1 (Japan Version) on Amazon at $140 USD.. for sure it went up in price since last year.

[@dannym.601]

I want one of these seiko 5’s with a jubilee bracelet. Do you have a link to where i can buy a jubilee bracelet?

[@george-florinconstantin4141]

The Seiko 5s and the Orient Tri-Star are amazing "bang for your buck" watches.

[@Gensosan]

Wait! You didn't feature that Casio at the end!? Will this be the next one?!❤️

[@BensWatchClub]

Coming soon!

[@aminuddinmuhd1490]

@@BensWatchClub edifice efr s108. Cant wait for your review!

[@Jorj57]

Please Review the Seiko SRP273/275, I think it's a lot more better when it comes to price to peformance rather than the SNK8xx & SNZG series. Because the SRP uses a 4r36 movement instead of the 7s26 & 7s36 that the both SNK & SNZG use

[@andrevianaa2]

i have the SRPE57K1 which i believe deserves to be in this list

[@craigroberts5965]

A double dome sapphire crystal swap is easily done for less than £20 too. Throw it on a nice leather strap and they wear like a much more expensive piece.

[@jaysterling26]

I guess that's DIY ? If not , please send me your man's ( er, gender neutral 'man') details? Cheers.

[@craigroberts5965]

@@jaysterling26 DIY I'm afraid. Grab an eBay/Amazon crystal press for £10 and then "Sapphire crystal Ymm diameter x Zmm thick" from China via eBay (Minging). You can either measure the hardlex crystal to get the sizes or get a little help from a Seiko Mod forum on Facebook. It will have been done before.

[@samerm8657]

7:42 "all I know is, I enjoy wearing this, the few times Casio does leave my wrist" 😂👍❤️

[@kevalmain5730]

I've got a Seiko SNKA23K1 Love it

[@fyioska]

Great comparison. I recently bought the SNK361 to replace my SNKL23. I just couldn't get on with the long thin lugs after a year of owning it and trying different straps etc. The SNK361 looks fantastic on a replacement Jubilee and is much more balanced in my opinion.

[@was544]

Are you dude whos been posting on on reddit?

[@piho-thecat2119]

can you tell lug width ? 18mm or 19 mm?

[@s19pajua13]

My first mechanical watch was the snkl41. Had to have a white face and I love it

[@manfre6167]

Im gonna change on my snkl45k1 the red second hand with a silver.

[@SamrayGTR]

GO BEN GO! Just got the Seiko SRPC91 and SARB017!!!

[@lucasgiulianelli7444]

Great video man, your production quality is amazing! A cool video idea might be reviewing an extremely ugly and massive watch like the Invicta Bolt Zeus. It would be fun to watch you give a serious review to that crazy looking watch.

[@ahmedmaged1956]

hey Ben, can you get your hands on seiko snkm 55?

[@DouglasRosser]

I would add the SNXS79 to the list. The real issue for me is the lack of hand-winding. The lack of hacking I can probably deal with. But many times I found my SNK809 has run out of juice by the time I get up in the morning.

[@matyasd007]

30 seconds of shaking gives it ~ runtime so you prolly have to shake it for 10 seconds before you go to bed. I never use the hand winding on any of my watches even if it is hand-windable.

[@patriotsquill]

I've got what I believe is the SNLK43 or SNKL45, but with a blue dial. It's absurdly accurate. It's been over a week since I last adjusted the time, and it's still within a half minute of accuracy. Not sure if this is typical of this movement, or if I got a unicorn, but I'm more than satisfied. I recently bought a Seiko 5 from India, because I really liked the look. Pretty sure it's a refurbished "frankenwatch" where they combine dials, hands, etc to make something that Seiko never actually offered. Sadly, it loses about 2 minutes a day. Very disappointing, because it's a lovely watch with a green dial and yellow hands that has a bit of a "field watch" vibe, even though it's not a true field watch. Unfortuately, it also has no lume. Still, maybe some day I'll buy a new movement and see if I can't turn it into an accurate timepiece.

[@chrisslasor2664]

Hello - love your channel, I bought a Fossil watch, stumbled across your channel and packed it straight back up and returned it! I'm currently looking at entering the world of automatic watches and the SNKL45 absolutely has my attention! If you don't mind me asking - the link to Jomashop above is very reasonably priced with the US to UK conversion, do you happen to know if you get charged a lot for import fees for it coming into the UK though? Thank you. Chris.

[@BensWatchClub]

Hi Chris, the good thing with Jomashop is that when you check out and choose delivery options, you can pre-pay customs and it will show you how much on that screen too. It's very handy and I've never had any issues when using that service. Cheers 👍

[@EastDallasKicks]

Man wtf happened to the SGF-204 and 206? They were at 135$ 2 years ago on Amazon and now they’re at least 200

[@porkfat5521]

A good review, I enjoyed this one. Thanks

[@tonyphillips8726]

About time you made another video, slacker lol j/k. Great as always!

[@kikomachine8276]

The SNXS79 deserves to be in this video. Not just a mere mention. Just saying. Still a great video.

[@darrensmith6999]

SNK 361 great watch had it for 5 years now!

[@aussie_golfer]

Snlk23 all day! Nice leather strap and you are set!!!

[@alexisalminiana8011]

Hi ben! Can you please make a review for SEIKO SNK615K1 Thank you😊

[@silverhawk911]

Looking at these 3, it’s so hard to choose between which one to buy. I hate it when it comes to making choices between 3 beautiful watches at an affordable price point. Should I sell my SARB033 and get the SNKL23 ? At least Seiko 5 dials don’t look all too plain and boring. I feel that SARB033 just can’t be compared to the Grand Seiko with the level of polishing.

[@mstevens113]

I can forgive the bracelet but the lack of hand winding makes these a no go. A non starter when I rotate my watches. I'm just not prepared to stand there giving my watch a hand shandy for a couple of minutes before it's ready to use.

[@Name7.62]

The only problem I have with Seiko 5s (including my Seiko snkl45) is that they have hardlex crystal which scratches so easily it's ridiculous. I never realized how annoying it is having a slight mark on the dial. It puts you off completely. This is why I prefer my pagani design submariner it features a NH35A, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and a decent bracelet (for half the price!!!). It makes a seiko look overpriced.

[@Name7.62]

Oh yeah it also has better quality control than seiko 😂

[@niklaslins99]

@@Name7.62 that's not what he said

[@richardbosh4522]

snk361 and snk357 do they both have 5 halogram all over the dial and either black or blue dial? by chance did they make a snk in white or mother of pearl dial ? these snk can be confusing lol Thanks

[@G1NZOU]

My first automatic was the SNKL23, although I purchased the SARB017 Alpinist a few days before it this one arrived first. I love the size, it suits my slim wrists, especially with elegant sloping lugs, I do love how recessed the crown is but I find in actual use it's so tiny and hard to turn that setting the time is a chore. If I wore it more then this wouldn't be an issue as much, but since I don't I often have to give it the Seiko shuffle and struggle with the tiny crown, which compared to crowns like the excellent one on the Alpinist is almost painful to use. The dial is nice and the day/date I love, and while the lume is decent the 12 o'clock lume pip is half obscured by the 12 o'clock marker. Great value and would recommend the quality of the movement despite it not having manual wind, and the display back is a fun addition for someone's first mechanical watch.

[@quimicofarmacobiologo]

Hello Ben, are the snkl23 and snkl45 brecelets compatibles?

[@jerroldbacani4167]

Based on the amazon link you've put is that the watch origins were china and not japan. Is the quality will be the same? Also on the descriptions some movement were just label automatic not like the other that specifically says Japanese movement.

[@nurhusni]

Is Seiko 5 SNKA07K1 the same as SNKL45? They look the same to me & I dont see any difference at all. But watch store in my country only have SNKA07K1 in stock (they have SNKL45 but it's out of stock, so I don't think it's because regional difference).

[@adrianmark613]

Hi, can you review Seiko 5 SNZE37J1??.. i just can't find anyone reviewing this model.thanks

[@med4u1]

Can't decide between the snkl45 and the snk795

[@bangunkedhaton2052]

I wanna buy my first automatic watch but i bit confused beetwen Seiko snkl23 or Seiko 803 i need some suggestion

[@petersteinmeijer519]

So to be clear: I can't wind my new Seiko 5 SNKL 45 1 ?

[@jacknjill3000]

Nice review and all these lookalike Seiko models are making me crazy bc after watching a new video, you find another one with h a different model number . In fact I’m looking for SNXS79 and on eBay I’ve found the watch looking slightly different and winder if Seiko uses the same model number for different models? Or are they fake bc after asking them why the watch I’m looking for looks different and they actually blocked me for just asking if to make sure the number and the photos matched. Maybe they are selling fakes bc most sellers would respond and want to sell their items.

[@jacknjill3000]

Also, can you put the model numbers again bc you said it at the beginning but it was not in your tittle. Thanks

[@jacknjill3000]

You kind of jump around and o would keep the watches in order. Meaning I wrote down the models by the order and the you cut to the 2 end models. Just saying bc I keep rewinding and trying to keep it straight.

[@jacknjill3000]

Since these 3 watches look so much alike, I would suggest putting up the model number to keep track of which one your talking about. Plus, you talk super fast.