The Best Looking Seiko 5’s Are Let Down By….

In this video I review the sporty Seiko 5 SNKE03. Does this watch look better than the Citizen Tsuyosa? This watch has many strengths but is blessed with some weaknesses too sadly but I still maintain it is one of the best looking Seiko 5 watches available.
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WHY I OFTEN DON'T MENTION OTHER BRANDS IN MY VIDEOS.
You may have noticed that I often don't mention the original brands that watches I am reviewing pay homage to. This is very intentional and not meant to offend you or the original brands. I lost my first channel in October 2020 which I had spent 9 months growing and invested a significant amount of money in simply because I had mentioned the original brands in some of my videos. There are people who try to use KZbins lack of understanding when it comes to the difference between homage watches and fake watches to attack other channels and their owners and sadly I fell foul of this in 2020. This channel was also attacked recently and KZbin deleted content simply because I had said 'subby homage' and 'Rolex homage' in two videos despite the watches in the videos being perfectly legal homage watches. Please understand that I can not afford to risk my channel so I will no longer be mentioning other brands when reviewing homage watches.
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The watches in this video are originals or homages. These are not fakes or counterfeit. They are perfectly legal and anyone who reports this channel to KZbin for the promotion or selling of fake or counterfeit products is doing so knowing that this channel is not breaking any of the terms and conditions stipulated by KZbin.
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I have been careful with my use of any trade marked terms in this video relating to any other watches. None of the watches have other brands trademarked terms displayed on them. I have not breached any trademark laws.
Homage watches are legal as long as they do not carry the name or trademarked terms or names of the original maker which no watches in this video do.
Thank you for your support!
Gary
I Like Watches

[@tcg1_qc]

I bought this watch a few weeks ago. It's my first automatic watch as I only recently got into watches. I like it and it seems to keep great time, also fits nicely on my smaller wrist

[@ShahRizqi8808]

I’m very proud because it’s made in my country. In fact, my friend works at the watch factory. He said the quality of these watches is excellent because every assembly process is inspected by workers who handle parts for famous luxury brands like Rolex, Oris, and Omega. I recently found out that the assembly for these watch brands is done in Malaysia. I really like this watch and currently own 7 watches, including the Seiko 5 and Seiko Presage.

[@Tom_Kowalczuk]

Damn you Gary! I'm on the fence on this one (silver version) for some time. Waiting for good deal or black Friday or something to pull the trigger. But now after you review prices will go only up!

[@AJB1702]

Great varied content as always , Gary. This one personally not for me but very much appreciate the first rate output.

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks Alan, this sort of feedb and appreciation makes all the difference so thank you

[@nickhayes4169]

I've recently bought my son the blue dial version. I think it's excellent value for money. It'll be his first mechanical watch & I think this is a good starting point. £120, so it's not too bad.

[@mixodorians12]

I now have 5 seikos..2 pagani designs, a San martin, and a seagull 1961, and a swatch... its grating that I could have bought a really decent tudor for the money I spent on these watches.. The watch I wear most is a SteelDive 1970. It is the comfiest thing I have ever worn and has all the specs..cost me 70 quid, you can now get them for 50 in the sale. There is a lesson here somewhere.

[@spuckuk7039]

that you bought stuff you liked instead of thinking you needed a single, expensive watch? Honestly seems smarter to me

[@RenghisKhan]

I bought the Addiesdive 1970 five weeks ago, which has nothing to do with the fact that 1970 was the year I was born by the way, and I have worn it almost uninterupted since then. I just can't believe the bang for buck, it wears a lot smaller than its size would suggest, one of the reasons I bought it actually, I figured the perceived size of a watch would be primarily dictated by the size of the dial and the lug to lug distance rather than the overall size of the case. Boy, am I happy I wasn't wrong about that. If I didn't know better I'd guess it would be a €350 watch at the very, VERY least. I'd swap it for a Tudor though....then I'd sell the Tudor and buy a new one.

[@craiggoins647]

I have the stainless steel with black dial version for about $105 USD. Its a thinly veiled wanna be kind of watch. It has presence at a distance but it has the non-hacking 7S26 movement and the integrated bracelet that locks you in to the rattling folded link bracelet. But you have noted all of this so I’ll just second the motion.

[@TerenceHughes4501]

There's a plain stainless version of this watch which I bought from H Samuel a few years ago for under £100. Despite its cheap bracelet it manages to look quite classy when worn. Last time I wore it was when I attended a dinner suit function and out of all my watches, weirdly this one was the one that felt most at home as a dress watch. Even more so than my Seamaster.

[@bronco1199]

The watch community is awesome. Any watch im interested in i can get great shots and thoughts on. Cheers

[@ilikewatches]

Always a pleasure…thanks for watching!

[@brianmsahin]

That's a nice watch. You can still find Seiko's at decent prices if you look around. Nothing wrong with a shake to wake movement if you get it at the right price. It is true that you don't buy an older Seiko 5 for the bracelet. 😂

[@carlosisr]

Was between a similar priced Seiko and Orient Kamasu, specs wise the Kamasu won. Happy with it ever since.

[@Tyrone2714]

Am personally not into wearing homages and prefer orignals, the seiko 5 shields are amazing but with the price increases aren't nearly as good value as they used to be, tho of course you need normal bracelets so you can put it on a strap immediately lol Now that san martin is doing original designs I'm far more interested, that snow gmt is incredible

[@robertmckinlay7242]

I would definitely prefer a bracelet I could swap out.

[@malmn]

Bought this watch in Tokyo back in 2009 for 17,170 JPY. It still looks great. Love it.

[@user-vz6rd7rd7n]

Did you observe any paint peel off? Is it still good to buy in 2024? Also how is the line?

[@user-vz6rd7rd7n]

*lume

[@tkindschi]

Maybe this is a stupid question: But haven't they stopped making the old "shield" Seiko 5's with the 7S movements? I ask because I still see them being sold "grey market" everywhere, but they don't appear on Seiko websites, or at Seiko AD's. So am I to assume this is old stock still being sold? Or are they still making these in some back alley factory because they still make money for them? I just don't know.....

[@sk8r4lf138]

In order for companies to make cheap products they usually have to make an absolute boatload of them to achieve lower costs for materials and processing etc. I'm assuming these are all just holdovers from the actual production runs. Mine came in a normal Seiko box with all the normal paperwork you'd expect and was actually imported through Amazon Japan so that would be a lot of cost to sell a fake Seiko and then ship from Japan to the US for an $83 watch. It keeps excellent time as well, I set the time last Thursday and over a week its only lost 5s, thats better than COSC for probably less than the cost of the certification itself.

[@AlexanderB.]

That's a weird one. Other watch companies seek to make their non-integrated bracelet watches look like integrated ones, Seiko is going the opposite way here. The streakiness of the polished centre links doesn't really matter. Whether they are zaratsu polished or streaky like these, they all end up being covered in scratches! That's why I dislike them.

[@philspencelayh5464]

I could live with that, the bracelet could be an issue if it picks up a lot of scratches. I don't think you mentioned the crystal I doubt if it's sapphire which will need changing. The 7S26 is the pick of Seiko movement's from my experience, I 'm wearing an SNKXS77 I got at auction for £30 new (added double domed sapphire and a nice non folded jubilee,, still cheap) been wearing it about 2 weeks this time just checked and its 2 seconds slow beats my nh35a hands down.

[@karlsenula9495]

I shuddered when I saw those rolled links and integrated bracelet makes it worse ... movement meh, pressed clasp 😔, water resistance 🙄 ... finishing 👎 ... but it looks good. Just too many issues for me to go out and buy it ... perhaps another homage of Seiko? (Mark LIW?) might do a better spec'd version.

[@jrmugar]

Is the black coating peel off when scratch?

[@ilikewatches]

No, it’s not like coatings from years gone by

[@jacc88888]

Great looking watch. For me the bracelet wouldn’t be a deal breaker. Let’s face it, the main thing that draws us to watches are the dial and case, we don’t go around admiring bracelets as much as the watch itself. There’s just something a bit special about these Seiko 5s despite the lack of specs. They have character. This one looks really nice. As much as Aliexpress watches like SM blow Seiko 5s out of the water when it comes to bang for buck they don’t really compete with with Seiko when it comes to design aesthetic.

[@andromedagodit2492]

For sub to 100 bucks I'd agree that this watch is worth a try. 😁 Maybe the movement n bracelet are not ideal but that's one of the things about old Seiko 5s that are pretty nostalgic IMHO... 😁 N as for the movement, the non-hacking-hand-winding is exactly what made it last for decades. 😁 This is a good, decent watch... At a good, decent price mate. Well done indeed. 😊👍 I've an old friend who's worn his Seiko 5 for more than a decade, no servicing needed n still tells pretty good time, eh? 😉

[@mikesheehan5946]

Decent looking watch, just looks dated now with the old logo (and movement). Quick something I've been wanting to say for a while - your audio is quieter than any other videos I watch. I always have to turn the volume down at the end so the adverts don't blare out. Might be worth looking into

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I'm not looking for another cheap watch . I've got a Exciton #11 of 100 👍

[@ilikewatches]

Number 11…..sweeeeeeet!

[@el_puma_real]

I typically steer clear of the Seiko 5 line. You’re almost always guaranteed mineral glass and no screw down crown. Personally for me I don’t obsess over hacking so I don’t mind that not being here. This watch will have its fans and that’s great, just not me.

[@ignaciopadilla5150]

Cool lil watch but I usually try to avoid integrated bracelets.

[@robh.2400]

I recently got the SNKE01 for just over $100. I really like a lot of these old Seiko 5s. It's a great little watch, even though a bit outdated by today's standards.

[@lulul]

I think there's a new seiko 5 sports gmt that's about to be released that has the same type of engraved fixed bezel. It has a field watch dial similar to the srpg field watches but with an extra gmt hand and the engraved fixed bezel. Ssk023. I don't know if it's real or not, it looks a bit odd but it also looks like a seiko 5 would.

[@shirfong5252]

Hi. May I know what is the case size pls

[@kevinsmyth987]

The black version looks great, but I have a 7S26 and it runs minuteS fast every day - minutes with an s.

[@mickosullivan2962]

As always a great presentation ! I think the Seiko 5 is a great value , this particular watch is a very nice looking watch with plenty of great features at a very very affordable price point ! Keep up the awesome work !

[@bubbafinch07]

Just picked one of these up for $80 off of Amazon.

[@keefw361]

I'm looking at one on Amazon Japan for $75 did you get it yet?

[@dawrekk]

Also thinking about it ​@@keefw361

[@victorramsey5575]

Me too, just got the last one on Amazon tonight for $83. Coming from Japan sometime this month. LOL

[@sk8r4lf138]

I grabbed one back in November for $83 and it came right before Christmas, pretty awesome for under $85.

[@arthyr7902]

I've seen these around my area but never really saw any reviews for it

[@parpar1248]

is the 41.1mm length means Lug to lug?

[@NotTheNebraskaMan]

I just got this watch and I do like it. However I was surprised how small it is. I’m not a huge guy I am 5’10 200lbs with a somewhat muscular build but the watch appears pretty small in my wrist.

[@metalheadblues]

Seiko's are generally small

[@amon_ndemo]

For that price it should have a bit more specs

[@JamesandRibble]

Strange how it has the old "5" logo. When was it made?

[@michaelj8793]

Too many negatives for my liking but I always appreciate you sharing the epic content my friend and Be well

[@michaelkaliski7651]

The Prospex range is where I think the Seiko 5 should be in terms of quality and if bought at a discount offers relatively far more value and quality for your money.

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

Nice looking for sure.

[@shj2000]

Good looking and inexpensive. Not a technical wonder. But, who cares if you like the look. It tells time. Just like more expensive watches.

[@Box_13]

It is great we can enjoy watches that have next level fit and finish and enjoy watches whose fit and finish have been found wanting. Yet another phenomenal part of this hobby.

[@stant.m4233]

I have found one for 85 british pounds, is that a good price for new watch?

[@adk7962]

It’s a beautiful watch but wow, those horrible specs. It just seems out of date but again, that’s a beautiful watch. Thanks!

[@rodiow369]

Over the years being into watches and comparing all the different quality microbrands and other watches available, it makes me think if this watch did not have "SEIKO" on the dial would anybody pay more than 50 quid for this?, ..I wouldn't sorry Gary

[@ghazi4]

hi i will use your video in my ad video

[@dimasakbar7668]

That integrated bracelet is total dealbreaker. I like how the bezel looks. I also like the matching color datewheel. Overall marking and hands are okay (albeit i prefer more elaborate second hand). But i dislike the black on black on black color scheme, always remind me of mall ninja.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

I give these as gifts to young relatives I really don't care for but have to act like I do

[@akiblue]

LOL! I just bought this for my future father in law, he doesn't know too much about watches but would flip out that I bought him an automatic seiko. Spending more on a higher end seiko would be a waste because he wouldn't appreciate it more. This is the goldilocks gift for people like him. Not too many specs that he wouldn't appreciate but just enough that he would.

[@matthewpaull1664]

Isn’t this model 15-20 years old?

[@xxx-p1v]

I'm new to watches. Can you adjust the length of the band by taking out pins and such? Thx!

[@karlsenula9495]

You know when you are watching too many watch videos, and KZbins algorithm has figured you out, when you get Breitling and Sinn watch advertisements before the video 🤦‍♂️

[@dimasakbar7668]

I got atelier wenn!

[@karlsenula9495]

@@dimasakbar7668... lol even higher priced than me!!! ...

[@Thomas-cz2vg]

seiko makes some cool designs 😃 but this is for women with that size 😁 can't believe they don't use nh 35 instead

[@michaelbradley6488]

The Citizen for me.

[@TinBin-Craig]

Nice watch integrated bracelet no thanks not a fan..... cheers

[@Dj-Mioch.]

I'd rather buy hommage watch than this. Yo're getting better bracelet with milled clasp, sapphire crystal, screw down crown, hacking & handwinding etc...

[@artsykilla]

Is there anything on AliExpress right now comparable to this?

[@vatazhka]

A watch isn't measured by its specs alone. Most AliExpress watches don't offer much besides specs. It's fairly easy to beat a low-end Seiko for specs, but for many Chinese brands tasks such as colour matching watch hands with indices are Mission Impossible.

[@tobiasnaylor]

To be fair it is an ancient watch now, i have the white dial variant and found out it was made in 2006, i bought mine new for £100 six years ago.

[@philspencelayh5464]

​@@tobiasnaylorits all relative, my most ancient watch was made in 1926 your Seiko has decades of life left in it.

[@tobiasnaylor]

@@philspencelayh5464 no doubt, just saying for a watch still being sold new, its remarkably old so its no wonder it doesn’t compete with modern homages in specs lol.

[@alwayspooh1588]

Cased in China, Malaysian movement. Japanese is name only for Seiko here!

[@waynesellers4078]

If it had a normal bracelet I would have already brought one, but if you are going to force people to use your bracelet then at least make it good.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Red text on black ground, watch or not, is just a bad idea.

[@moboei]

Not feeling it at all. But a great review

[@harrycee656]

A few new 5 figure watches don't have hacking.

[@iwantshinythings]

Meh. I like the dials of most Seiko though

[@nikc1313]

Need to ditch that bracelet asap. Horrible. The watch is pretty nice from a distance at sub 100 quid. They're living in a fantasy world asking over 200 RRP though. Edit. Oh god just seen that the bracelet is integrated and you're stuck with it!

[@GAP120GAP]

Got the same one for 68 pounds

[@bifflee3603]

Wow that is lovely

[@alvarotrejos1068]

Looks like a Darth Vader watch

[@BarnOwl61]

Do i like it? No, not for me. This movement is no problem, if it's your only 24-hour's a day watch. Otherwise, it's a pain in the....😂

[@ramspencer5492]

Yep.... won't touch Seiko anymore... They burned a lot of bridges! Terrible value for money these days. Not only that but they have horrible quality control on their $1,000 plus watches

[@snapfitness1]

Lost me with the movement

[@themre369]

Looking bigger in videos but i think it's too small. It might be different if it had a classic look, but with its size and black and white bezel, it looks like I'm wearing a child's watch.