Buying Your First Automatic Watch? Why Seiko 5 Is The Best $100 - $250

Today I answer one of the most frequently asked questions on the channel: what should I buy for my first automatic watch? A few years ago I answered this question and recommended the Seiko 5. But in 2020, so much has changed with the Seiko 5 and the only way to see if it was still worthy of being my first choice was to spend a few weeks with their newest release.
Does the rich history, innovative design, super value for money and vast variety to choose from still apply to these new generations? Or is it game over for my favourite brand at the affordable $100 to $300 price point? Join me today to find out!
A special thank you to all the good Gentry who submitted photos of their Seiko 5 watches. Onwards and upwards!
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[@drewby618]

I have a Seiko 5 Sportsmatic that my grandfather wore in Vietnam. It’s one of my favorite pieces in my collection.

[@theurbangentry]

Now that is pure class, the greatest watch of any collection, so cool! Thank you Drew for sharing that. Best regards, TGV

[@bryane2857]

Outstanding story. I am purchasing my 12 year old son a seiko 5 for Christmas. He often comments in my newly found collection and I can't think of a better watch to begin his journey.

[@michaelakamatsu]

That is cool. I also wore the Seiko 5 that my Dad got in Viet Nam around 1968. Unfortunately, it is long gone as it died while I was in college.

[@voltgaming2213]

Bryan E nah buy him an Apple Watch sekio isn’t for 12 years olds

[@TheSpekkel1]

@@voltgaming2213 Why not?

[@bobbyboldy]

The ability to both find and add so much class and emotion to relatively affordable watches is both masterful as well as heartwarming.

[@jasue2000]

So i bought each of my nephews and a niece a Seiko 5 for their graduation. They loved them and now we talk about watches together

[@cryptoteslafan]

My first automatic watch was a seiko 5 sea urchin, previously I had a Casio Edifice but when I held that seiko 5 in hand and then looked at the see thru caseback and saw the automatic movement inside I felt in love with it (I honestly think that's the reason why they make see thru casebacks) I hope I can maintain it in good condition to show my kids the reason why their dad has so many watches!

[@Jhaw-np1pr]

Absolutely! My first automatic watch was a seiko 5 SNZH57 I got when i turned 18, and I’ve loved it ever since! Thanks for the great vid TGV!

[@AFCAWorldBodybuildingArchive]

Even as the 10th watch, Seiko 5 is never wrong 💪

[@timford3599]

WBA; I could not agree more with your comment. The new Seiko 5 Sports are an excellent value proposition.

[@SuthesanSA89]

I was about to buy a Seiko 5 - 2020 Why? 1. Look stunning good, in all the different styles. 2. Price Vs what you get. 3. Most of all, it have hand wing, that is way too nice to that price vs my Japan SKX007J model. 4. I have a SRPC93K1 Prospex Save the Ocean blue. But instead of Seiko 5 I spend abit more and got a 2020 King Turtle SRPE05, but if my budget was smaller. No blink, instant buy on a Seiko 5 Vs other brands in that price range.

[@Ahmad-ub3cl]

I bought my first mechanical watch earlier this year, it was a seiko 5, so far I really love and the purchase was heavily inspired by TGV, Thank you!💙

[@KrisHandsome]

The Seiko 5 line really is amazing. I particularly like the variety around $100. A Seiko 5 incidentally became my one of my first automatic watches. The Vostok Amphibia was my first.

[@n0nksz]

Im a simple man... I c Urban Gentry I click... I like... Keep up the good work m8

[@ryandhillon4649]

I just got my SNK805 about a week ago based on your recommendation (of the SNK809). First automatic watch and I must thank you. Fantastic time piece at a significantly cheaper price than fashion watches. You've helped me get into horology and showed that you don't need a fortune to get started!

[@captaincopconner2663]

You will be happy to hear that this video has changed the view of a person who never had a watch before, now instead of using his phone, he is buying a Seiko as we speak

[@theurbangentry]

#missionaccomplished Thank you Captain! So happy to hear that, Best regards, TGV

[@WatchWitt]

Excellent!

[@jimmccaig7946]

Well done, phones are oh so common when used as a timepiece. Bravo, Sir.

[@Okido24]

“Lets find “out...seiko is the backbone of the channel! I follow you for a few years. Thumbs up 👍🏻 Citizen, Orient and Timex also have a ton to choose from.

[@cm11j]

I own a Seiko 5 and your old vid popped back up in my recommended section just the other day so I rewatched it, crazy that you've just released an update to it!

[@yema5907]

Just watched your last gold seiko 5 video. What a coincidence that I’ve just picked up one myself last month. Paired with Crafter Blue strap with matching gold colour buckle. Absolute a fun piece to wear & enjoy! Keep up your good work, TGV!

[@johannguasch754]

After watching this, I realizedSeiko 5’s, new and old, for me are my simple guilty pleasures. A watch that isnt taking itself overly serious and you do feel that its all about having fun but still having a significant watch both historically and technically and newer ones being pop culture references... now, that’s quite the achievement from Seiko! More seiko 5s!

[@LobsterRavioli]

You said it best.

[@Keffin1]

My first automatic was the Seiko SARB033... because of this channel!

[@crystalbraindamage]

Bought my first automatic last month, it's a Seiko 5 SRPD55K1, loving it so much, and the way it makes me feel more connected with reality, it's priceless. As I spend most of my time in front of a monitor, looking at this automatic timepiece, it's a breath of fresh air. Of course I was inspired by TGV, thank you!

[@exia41gundam]

It’s so weird being just gifted a seiko 5 and your video coming out shortly. Like you predicted it lol. I absolutely adore the glass back. It’s so mesmerizing to look at.

[@theurbangentry]

Enjoy it and congrats my friend! Thank you :D Best regards, TGV

[@davehigson9503]

I completely agree, very clever move by seiko, create a hole new line of watches that are every bit as mod-able as the original skx, clearly they had the enthusiasts in mind with these watches, hopefully they’ll see fit to offer the smaller size too 🤞

[@noble1965]

Just bought my first automatic watch last week the Seiko 5 srpd71k. Love your channel keep up the good work 👍

[@markedfortime]

So glad you aren't pressured by others. Watches are very personal things. They need to speak to you. Wear what you like to wear.

[@darkovilos]

This is uncanny, I literally got my first automatic watch in the mail yesterday and now wearing it. Coincidently the watch I got is the Seiko SNK803 which is the cream dial version of the watch featured from 3:39 to 3:59. It's also the middle watch on 4:15. I guess I got a good one.

[@liquidiceyt]

Just love how you describe everything with so much detail, in a casual tone as well, subbed. Cheers.

[@davebags4576]

Seiko 5 with the cream colored dial was my first automatic, mainly due to your recommendation. It started my love and appreciation for automatic watches.

[@antoineboutier8837]

I bought a SRPE55 last month, put some leather straps on it and I love it. It's my first real watch, and it had to be a Seiko 5! Thank you for pushing us, newcomers, in the right direction.

[@alexthomson7465]

I was looking for a nice watch a few months ago and turned to KZbin for advice. This is when I discovered The Urban Gentry and thus really started to understand what it means to own a watch and how to appreciate the whole industry. I was at first willing to spend a few hundred on a watch I probably wouldn't have understood but after finding this channel I thought twice about it and am now the owner of 2 seiko 5s and an skx 013. Cheers for the introduction TGV.

[@andywilson3761]

Top video as always TGV. Expect nothing less! 👌🏻

[@Al3xTrucho20]

I turned 30 this year on April 20th. In the height of the quarantine. I wanted to get myself my first automatic watch and I decided on the Orient Sun and Moon v3 blue dial. Paired it with a Barton toffee brown leather strap from Amazon. I love it. I'm really considering getting myself a Hamilton Khaki X wind Chrono for Christmas. This year has been rough and I think I need a treat after being essential personnel during a pandemic.

[@rickewilde]

The SKX was my first automatic watch bought because of your channel a few years ago. Its pretty much still my everyday wear even now. Good work fella.

[@ChaxSouthSide]

My grandfather wore seiko 5 (Daini, cal 7019) My dad wears seiko 5 (cal 7009) And now I wear seiko 5 (urchin,skx,5kx) ...Tradizione di famiglia 😉

[@michaelhorn7290]

I was going to get a 5 for my first automatic, but here down under for an extra hundred I got a Great white shark - Samurai. Learning about the automatics and the watch dial is gorgeous to look at. There was something about the new '5' logo I didn't really love. Great channel, keep it up.

[@waxluthor]

Thanks for using my photo, it made my day! 😄 My first automatic watch before I knew any better was a skeleton Fossil Townsman. It had a 40mm case and 20mm lugs which was rare in the fashion watch land and got me into watches. First auto from a "real" brand was an Orient, and then I have six Seiko 5s since. 😁😁

[@rollingstone1689]

Wow this video reminds me off the time when I first started watching or should I say following your channel about 5 years ago. I have made some great buys thank to your advice. 👍

[@NWA_1919]

What an amazing video once again! Thank you🙏🏻

[@Antoto96]

I always dig the collaborations that Seiko does with video games and anime because it appeals to a younger audience who doesn't have a need for watches. My generation (Zoomers) grew up in the digital age and watches are much jewelry. I know it's wrong for me to say that but that's how the current generation feels. Now imagine being a big Street Fighter, or a JoJo fan and seeing Seiko collaborate with them to create a watch. I know so many of my friends who have bought those Street Fighter watches. This is great because it gets new faces into horology and some of them will eventually become addicted to watches just like the rest of us. You know my first watch wasn't a 500+ plus watch, nah mine was a $35 Timex I got at a Marshalls. And that's how I got hooked.

[@louisnoel7936]

Lol me too, bought my timex from amazon $35

[@106jjoyce]

Didn’t want to give the video a dislike because your content is great, but since you asked us to, I do generally prefer the older seiko 5s (wearing my snk809 now). I would recommend to anybody getting the watch that makes them happy, and if the new models make you happy, pick one up. I think that’s GREAT! Thanks TGV.

[@brett9785]

Just bought the Seiko 5 SRPD53K1, can’t wait to wear it. Thanks for this video!

[@scottlalonde2878]

Nice video, thank you TGV

[@crespohuerta]

Always down to earth and humble, this is what made TGV the best watch youtuber around.

[@philipperry9372]

Great video !

[@alexk3948]

Thanks - just bought my first Seiko 5 as there seems to be a consensus among collectors that they are a solid choice.

[@highintensitypt]

The SRPD55 was my first Seiko before I knew much about the brand. The more I learnt about the SKX & modding led me to swap out the bezel insert & then build my own from scratch. What a journey.

[@TheSavagederek]

I know this is an older video but someone might still see this comment. It was this channel that got me back into watches, and in particular back into Seiko watches. I can't thank you enough for this, and the fact that you don't slate any watch brand like some do. I've seen a lot of videos from other channels, slating anything that costs less than a car and even TGV. I can't abide this, as you always carry yourself with class and dignity. The videos you do with Marc are class as well, and I've subscribed to his channel also, as I find his break downs of parts and mechanisms fascinating. Please keep up the good work TGV ❤️

[@supersonicsaga]

That was a very nice read.

[@manoflego123]

I recently tried a Seiko 5 sport on at my local watch shop, and I'm absolutely thinking about getting one. I already loved how it looked, but it feels excellent as well.

[@mistermikeyjay]

I had many Fossil watches at the start. But after finding this channel, I found an SNKL23 and put it on a brown Colareb Spoleto strap just like TGV and I wear it now as my daily work watch. Cannot complain. Everyone stay safe.

[@LynnK2000]

SNK803 was my first automatic! I love this watch (despite the lackluster movement) and I can see myself keeping it and wearing it for as long as it keeps ticking!

[@SaxoMountainBiking]

Great stuff as always ❤️

[@Justin-ml8id]

I just bought the new Seiko 5 diver with the green dial as my first automatic watch. Everything about it is perfect!

[@blueneet84]

I just purchased a Seiko 5 6309-836b and a 6309-836a. Both from early 1982 and I'm in love with both!

[@timschwarze1739]

I got into watches early may this year and also started with a Seiko 5. A SRPD59, to be exact. Since then I have bought a King Turtle and a second Seiko 5, the SRPD71. Could not be happier with them and I have also become good friends with my AD. So just go out there, put one on your wrist and enjoy the warm embrace of this beautiful hobby! Much love from Germany, TGV.

[@walthefl]

Have a snk 809 for 9 months and absolutely love it since day 1 😍

[@johnfrei9057]

You present a very compelling argument for the amazing quality/style value that Seiko has and continues to offer.

[@manasraut9377]

You got me into my first automatic watch. Not a seiko 5 but a glycine combat sub 42mm. You got me to appreciate watches. Thank you TGV! Regards, Manas.

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Amazing video Tristano

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

I fell in love with Seiko through a Seiko 5, three years agoI bought the SRP515K1. Still love and wear it on a variety of straps. There are literally hundreds of amazing "5" out there! Unfortunately most aren´t available in Europe.

[@RalphAlfred]

Just Love your videos!!♥️

[@maxstuder6477]

You always brighten my day - with or without Hugo. You are the greatest. Thanks for being there.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Max, that makes it all worth it. You are so. kind, you made my day. Best regards, TGV

[@mehrdadbiglary8202]

Hello Sir I hope you'll be well and healthy. I bought my first automatic watch last year and with considering a lot of your advice and seeing all of your videos I went for Seiko snk807 and I thank you for helping me choose my first automatic watch. best regards

[@haping1]

Yes, the Seiko 5 was my first automatic watch. And it is a great and affordable watch. It's recently the start of my new hobby thanks to your reviews and stories.

[@smoothbit]

I’m very glad I got a Seiko SNK-809 last year as it was a reasonably priced way for me to learn I greatly value accurate timekeeping over the ideal of an automatic movement. It only loses 6 seconds a day, but compared to the 1 second every 6 months of my quartz Timex, I find myself leaving the Seiko in the drawer more often than not, I only wear it when I know I’ll be somewhere too quiet for the loud ticking of the Timex. Thanks very much for your videos, I find them both informative and entertaining.

[@MichaelAguila]

Thanks for another excellent video. 👍

[@Fresco089]

Wonderful video! Good to see you so happy with your new watch. Not sure if Marcus Antonius would have bought the same ;) I got myself the new Seiko SRPE in blue. I am truly in love with this watch. Keep up your good work, you bring so much enjoyment to us. See you in the next one

[@richardmcginnis5344]

i pulled the trigger last friday and bought one for my first automatic i took it home removed the rubber strap and put the red white and blue nato strap from my bulova marine star on it and it looks fantastic now i will learn about it

[@turnerlarson12]

*Orient lurking ominously in the background

[@JLchevz]

haha! great watches as well

[@Okido24]

The mako lurks the waters 🦈

[@sylinmino]

Orients are really great but the drawback is that design/personality-wise they're way less inspired. I own an Orient and a Seiko 5 Sports, and several watches more expensive than both, and while I wear the Seiko just as often as the others I never wear my Orient anymore.

[@dangerpowers5939]

@@sylinmino Im not much of a diver guy but the Kamasu with red dial is probably the best lookin diver ive seen.

[@josuetriminio9031]

my grandfather used seiko 5 during years and years now ia am using mine thank you gracias

[@DavekayBSC]

With the SKX out of production, I think Orient has Seiko beat when it comes to super affordable automatic dive watches. Seiko can't match the Kamasu.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

I was/am shocked and, more importantly, _appalled_ at the SKX being recommended when it was of such low specs/materials yet at a comparatively high price. As a relative newcomer to this scene, the SKX was _always_ trash to me compared to Orient or a thousand other options.

[@dis6wood]

Phafanapolis I think so many people prefer the SKX because it is a famous and classic watch and brand that has been featured in pop culture. The same can not be said of orient. I personally have a Ray II because the skx is not worth the money for me

[@turnerlarson12]

Hard to beat a Mako/Ray. Yes, you only get a mineral crystal but you also get hand winding, hacking, 200m water resistances, and a bezel that ACTUALLY LINES UP WITH THE INDICES for less than $150. Orient is definitely doing things right

[@blktauna]

Orients are way too big in size for me. I am sad I missed out on the 009 for a reasonable price.

[@LynnK2000]

I picked up a Kamasu a couple months ago and I am very happy with it! The downside with Orient for me though is that they're very difficult to find from authorized dealers (or even second hand!) in Canada, so you end up paying out the nose on import fees when buying across the border

[@abdulhakimdahir233]

My SNK809 (Green) was delivered to me today. Not my first watch but an exciting and fun piece. Amazing video as always! Cheers.

[@jeremycorrao]

My favorite brand!!! Great video! Cheers!

[@sooperheep]

Just grabbed a MIJ Seiko 5 yesterday as my first automatic, glad I made a good choice!

[@shahmyncecillesencio]

It’s so nice to watch your videos again and now I have to buy a Seiko 5 watch 😁🥂🥳

[@Tonyi49]

Fantastic video my man!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you so much :D Best regards, TGV

[@JLchevz]

My first automatic watch was an Orient Bambino version II with the white dial and rose gold indicators, love it.

[@JsVideos69]

Love the video, love the Seiko 5 brilliant as usual.

[@jesse1radio]

When I first started getting into watches I would have scoffed at a lot of the new Seiko 5 lineup, but the longer I collect watches, the more I'm just happy to see something different. Imagine if fashion never took anything from professional clothes and uniforms.

[@ErikSWE]

I got into watches only two months ago but I have to say that one of the biggest turnoffs that kept me from jumping in earlier was that every single recommendation was some sort of Seiko. Same with lists of watches, always a bunch of Seikos with identical movements and slightly different designs. As someone new to all this, Seiko appears to me about as exciting as a Volvo. I'm sure I will come around to them in the future though, there's a reason everyone likes them and once I get it I'll be hooked as well.

[@kiwicory100]

Tristano posts video I must watch.....I have no self control....TY SIR!

[@fedejet]

Totally back to urban gentry golden era!

[@subeijekalo5884]

I think this is a very good video, especially for people who just started their watch collecting journey. It breaks the paradigm that watch collecting has to be an expensive hobby (generally there are a lot of videos that point up this fact by Urban Gentry and that is very positive). Generally speaking I think SEIKO 5 is one of the best values that you can get for your money and through its diversity it is soo much fun to wear it. Great video once again 👍

[@fernandomiguelgarciagimene2388]

I’m seriously considering buying a Seiko 5 sport with a bone/white face... It looks great

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

I was getting ready for The Intro! … and about to like before Hugo frighten me ! 😂… but new wow today. 😏

[@0017Bulldog]

Well TGV, you got me started with the SNK809. I paid $42 for it brand new just 5 or 6 years ago.

[@mitjaSLO666]

Just get my first one few days ago. So happy with it!!!

[@Coffeemugs4chicken]

Another great and infortmative video, I enjoyed it a lot as usual. I love the video's on Seiko, it truly is the most impressive and my favorite watch company! Keep up the great work TGV! Regards, Ouss from the Netherlands.

[@travisrollins5424]

Just got a 5KX Blackout as an early birthday present and I am in love with it

[@reallifereporter]

Really good info and I’m personally a fan of the new Seiko 5. I previously owned a Seiko Kinetic watch for many years, so had no concerns switching it up to a new, more stylish Seiko 5! I have the blacked out street version. Which I love the look of.

[@manoflego123]

I bought my first Seiko 5 last Friday, an SNK805 in khaki green, and I'm in love. I may swap straps at some point, but for now I'm keeping it stock.

[@timgooding2448]

Orient is another gate way drug. Not as strong as Seiko but it's very good value for a great watch.

[@theurbangentry]

I could not agree more!!!! Thank you Tim for adding that. Best regards, TGV

[@krisberntzen]

The diver from Orient is one of the best looking divers out there, and definitely the prettiest for the buck.

[@Sleeper519]

Yes, agree about the Orient brand. I recently got a Star Classic as an affordable dress watch and am totally loving it.

[@PepeDeezNutz]

Orient makes a sick Panda Chrono

[@TheTonyRedgrave]

As a very new watch collector, I can say that I'm happy to have the snk809 as my everyday, beater, work watch. I'm waiting a little for the holidays to buy my father and myself part of the Presage and Prospex. Love your content 😊

[@michaeldejesus1184]

Yes, I agree! You’re great man! I really Love your Style !

[@diamondbed86]

so glad to see this pop up. Thanks again! Always learn something. I have two seiko 5s (the less expensive $79.00 to $90.00 ones). It is awful that my OCD tendencies make their not keeping very precise time make me less likely to wear them. More of a reflection on me, not the watches!

[@josephzamer5802]

my first automatic watch was back at secondary school, my uncle make me gift an Orient Tri Star, I still have it, working perfectly, I exchange the default bracelet by a leather strap, the ironic is I have never owned a Seiko 5, but I appreciate it what means and thanks to this channel Im looking forward to get one, good video as always

[@tokudad]

I just bought my first watch this week with your previous reviews and recommendations in mind. I overpaid a little for the Seiko SARB033, but it was brand new and complete. It’s an amazing piece, and it will absolutely hold me over until I can purchase a Rolex Explorer 1. Thank you for the great content 🙏🏼

[@eugenioordonez5480]

The Seiko snk809 on my wrist confirms this video.

[@MACKHAWKSS]

vids never get old

[@Willingtonboy]

The Seiko SNKL23 was my first automatic. It will always be in my collection.

[@panzerkami2381]

Any way you slice it, and no matter how much you might despise "affordable" watches, here's a truth that endures: With a Seiko 5 you can buy a watch that is way better than fashion watches that cost three times the money, and it will last you a lifetime. Your favorite Breitling, for all its virtues, cannot match that particular trick.

[@stubbingmytoeproductions4837]

love that you made this about the new 5’s! I just received a new strap from crafter blue, i had to buy one after watching from an earlier video of yours but been having an awful time trying to get the spring bolts to click back in... cant get them in at all!

[@FuquaRomeo]

My Seiko 5 Street (SRPD79) is literally in the mail. I absolutely love all of the new options and it makes me want a whole Seiko 5 collection.

[@XKCommander]

Excellent choice as always, TGV!