Is my first Seiko also my last?? SNZG13J1 Full Review

[@ElCajondePepillo]

The relationship with Seiko and other japanese brands are to love or hate, but it start with the same root. You love them because they are great quality value for money watches, or you hate them because the great quality value for money puts into shame your beloved Swiss made brand. I was in the second group until I bought some japanese made watches, and now I'm in the first group!.

[@planetdee3587]

I bought this watch for work because I wanted a field watch design but did not want to spend the money on a Hamilton because it would be at risk of getting damaged. I really wanted military time along with the date and the day as a bonus. The only area this lacks for me (which I can overlook for the price) is I wanted it to also display minute numerals like the Hamiltons. Numerals of the minutes, hours, and military hours. This makes a difference for fast reading at a glance with minimal mind translation.

[@Thexaios]

There IS one watch in the SNZG series that does have lume on the numerals, the SNZG17. It's very similar to this one, also has a metal band. There are a few differences though: 1) it has a TiCN coating that gives it a nice anthracite color and texture, 2) the second hand is completely red instead of just the tip, and 3) as mentioned before, lumed hour numerals. I have one, my first mechanical watch and I love it.

[@ThienNgocVo]

I am thinking to change from SNZG15J1 to SNZG17J1.

[@Thexaios]

@@ThienNgocVo I'd say go for it if you think you'd like it. The SNZG17 seems to occupy this odd space where hardly anyone is aware of its existence compared to every other watch in the SNZG line, even though it's arguably the most interesting, most unique and flat out nicest watch in the series. There's hardly any video content out there about it compared to the 13 and 15. The strap does share the same shortcomings as most metal straps in the Seiko 5 line, so I put mine on a simple black leather strap, but I think it would go well with lots of different straps.

[@Chipchase780]

I must have had my Seiko field watch for about 10 years now, never serviced, and the accuracy is the best of any mechanical watch I’ve owned, and that includes an Omega constellation chronometer. You can wear this watch if your are hiking across the pennines, building an extension on your house, looking for nasty alien predators in a remote jungle, or the toughest test for your Seiko, accidentally leaving it in your mother-in-laws bathroom. They just don’t break.

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

I bought one a year ago and my verdict is that is the best automatic that I ever owned.

[@frikdt]

As a life-long Seiko fan (my first watch being a beautiful mechanical model I got for my 8th birthday in 1978 - and which I'm missing to this day) this little beauty (J0-version) marked my return to mechanical watches after many years of quartz analog and digital. I've had it since 2013 and it is on my wrist as I'm typing this. Hope you will get just as much enjoyment from yours as I've been getting from mine.

[@hqz787]

I agree totally. After watching your reviews on this piece I picked one up to supplement my usual daily driver (Citizen AW0050-07E). This Seiko's a keeper.

[@rickgano75]

My first Seiko I bought at the Pearl harbor px in 1972, it broke down irreparable, 2nd, 3rd & 4th were stolen, I still have my 5th, it is 27 yrs old and still running great.

[@teddtheyoung]

Jody: Is my first Seiko also my last? Seiko: laughs in japanese.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

21 Seikos later, they are laughing harder than ever!

[@drzaius844]

Hilarious

[@Netsolacetech]

My wife bought this for me a few years ago. I loved it and still wear it daily.

[@megaman9039]

Yep, I love mine. I disagree with you on the bracelet though, Jody. I think its great. It works well, looks great and is very comfortable! Honestly, what do you expect on a watch costing £85?? A rolex oyster bracelet?? Nah!!! You're bang on with everything else about it. Great review, Jody.

[@mikaelhedqvist3876]

Got a Seiko on my 10th birthday (1970) and from that day never had anything else on my twist!

[@eddieg849]

You've had the same watch since 1970?

[@TheCaptain008]

Hell yeah. I have a Seiko TV dial from the Mid 70's. It's pretty rad and still keeps perfect time. I have no dount yours is still hanging in there.

[@biasaigon7155]

then why you here for what !? stop lying

[@GinkgoJoe]

Blast from the past!! What an evolution to the modern posts! 👍Bravo, Jody!

[@OFD]

Great review. Congratulations on your first Seiko. This is a nice little watch. Great field watch. Cheers

[@theosborneguy]

JOMW your videos are a pleasure to watch. Best watch review on this Seiko I've seen so far.

[@charlesmalone4379]

Bought this model in the green, with a web strap, as a casual field watch. Probably the most comfortable watch I own. You are correct when you comment that is probably the most easily read watch on the market. What a bargain for less than $150. Your black leather strap looks great with that dial.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

I’ve owned this watch for a year now. Still gets regular wrist time. It was my first venture into The field watch aesthetics....I don’t know if it’s luck but I have no scratches on the Crystal at all...I immediately took it off of the supplied strap and put on a nice brown leather strap (vintage/retro styleI). Highly recommend it!

[@4FJM]

1st Seiko???...well welcome to the club and the dark side! I think you'll like it over here.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

not sure if i want one now or when i do my bachlor as a reward

[@suryabrahmana1803]

The seiko added with a tan leather makes a great excellent taste. Which made the watch itself look like the iwc mark xv that tom cruise wore in vanilla sky.

[@Mike-kc8rl]

I got one of these and if you do the Seiko shuffle for about 30 seconds it goes mad ? It will gain 30/40 seconds within a couple of minutes! If you then adjust the time and turn the crown back gently the second hand stops ? Set the time and push in the crown, the watch then will go 24hrs and gain about 3 seconds? But its a nice clear faced watch and grows on you fast and i love it ! I just wish it was quartz?

[@TheGoodwolfe]

Great review! Very thorough & touched on all key points that matter most to watch enthusiasts. Everything from size, to WR, easy to read full feature dial, to accuracy, all good. Bracelets are usually the first thing I modify anyway. The only things that keep it from being 'perfect", were the crystal & non-hacking or hand winding. Still, great value at that price point.

[@ClosertoBooks]

Great video! About your point near the end: in China there is actually a culture of excellence within the production of quality goods. A lot of people don't know that, especially in the U.S. So I'm glad you pointed that out.

[@Roman-kx7tt]

Been wearing one for about 2 years and I love it. Im not the kind of person to take it off when showering. I've been rough with it and I've one got 1 tiny scratch on the face.

[@NathanChisholm041]

I know I'm late but just bought this watch the other day and I'm blown away by what you get for the dollars! I got the Japanese version but I did get a better bracelet with solid endlinks but overall really happy with it! It kinda reminds me off a flieger pilots watch just a little. Cheers

[@SrJonAnthony]

Which solid end bracelet did you get? Does it fit flush? A link please? Thnx

[@DonaldPerley]

On the hardlex... For what it's worth I've been wearing one of these most days for the last year, and not a mark on the crystal.

[@h.cedric8157]

I gifted myself a Seiko SNZG09 Malaysian version. I expect the same from mine.

[@brianbuchert6382]

I technically own 3 seiko watches 1 seiko chrono I bout about 8 years ago 2- invicta divers both use seiko nh35a movement and all run really well but my go to diver is my citizen eco drive pro master diver!

[@dparis2172]

My crystal is holding up well, but something I'm even more impressed with is the way it disappears at most angles. No AR coating that I'm aware of, no blue tint, just a clear shot at the deep, black dial. In my admittedly small world of wristwatches, this watch sets the standard for legibility.

[@Blasthoff]

Thanks for the review! I have the Seiko Solar version of this identical style, now running 8.5 years with uncanny accuracy! The design is all function that never gets old. I've never owned a Seiko mechanical watch but I have been interested. I do not own a spare watch and my Solar is beginning to show signs of diminishing charge capacity so having a second watch is sparking my interest. Why not an automatic! I could then have the best of both worlds in the same wrapping!!

[@Alexandru-Mihai]

I have bought my first watch in 2018, the SNZG11. This is the blue dial variant with imo a much more usable textile strap. I love it and I wear it almost every day!

[@olemanolete1]

I got this same piece, last year for my birthday, and loved it, I also changed the bracelet for a black leather strap

[@jasonbuhagiar4714]

Best watch on the planet, better than their own higher end models too , better than my rolex , that model is everything a watch should be , at a realistic price .

[@73av8r5]

Just ordered one....my first Seiko too! After an Apple Watch and Casio atomics for years! 👍🏻. New subscriber and born in Scotland too! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@olemanolete1]

just got this watch from my son for my birthday, i am so very happy ;)

[@DonCacomixtle]

A good old BH (Before Helloooo) review.

[@samd.5203]

Great review, nicely done love to see you giving love to the watches that the regular guy would wear versus just the high end watches in a lot of youtube videos. I have several 7s26 Seiko watches and it's kind of hit and miss on the accuracy. Most are very accurate which is a pleasant surprise for the price range. However, I have had a couple that are off a bit. Great movements overall and extremely durable. For field watches I prefer the SNK809 (Black dial) or SNK807 (blue dial). They are smaller at 38 mm and about $50 cheaper.

[@aspexpl]

I have the cream one with a fabric bracelet that turned ugly after a couple of years so I put a pilot style bracelet and it's my go-to watch. The case is still in excellent shape but the hardlex has taken a bad scratch and it's unforgiving with a light color dial so I guess I'm going to change it for a sapphire when it's service time.

[@lloydritcharitcha1406]

My first Seiko SRP601J1 beautiful watch

[@grandriver3152]

My SKX007J (same movement) runs even better. Over 72hrs it has zero gain or loss. It's still new though so I'm curious to see if that changes.

[@tobymurs6495]

Mine did a perfect job the first couple days. But then all of a sudden it began to ran like almost 10 minutes behind each day. I brought it back to the store I got it from, they have send it back for repairs. Can't wait to get my Seiko back (mine is the SNZG13K1)

[@dparis2172]

By purchasing the watch with the bracelet, you get the brushed and polished case which I think looks quite attractive in this video. All of the other versions come on a canvas strap and an entirely bead blasted case (save for polish on the case between the lugs). If I was to do it over again, I would buy the brushed and polished version. Still, I'm quite happy with the bead blast version.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have never bought a Seiko. I bought a Vostok Amphibia scuba dude though. And guess what I bought another one. Chuffed to bits with them.

[@sprinkles512]

this is the best watch I own so far, gonna buy a casio oceanus in a few days

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Several months in and this watch has become one of my favorites. I swapped it out for a very nice leather strap Which of course is required… I knew, and everyone needs to know, it’s going to be required. Just as you said Jody, the bracelet stinks… And the nylon leather strap it’s not much better...It’s really all about the watch, and the watch Is inexpensive Far as I’m concerned unmatched at this price point.

[@alanmentzer8756]

You do get impressively bright lumed numbers on the SNZG17 gun-metal black model.

[@clo2715]

I remember growing up adults saying they don't make things like they used to and I thought they were exaggerating. Now I know what they mean. As time passes some companies start cutting corners.

[@panorama4526]

Change the little pins that connect the parts of the bracelet. The rattling will stop immediately. I don´t know what these parts are called in english. Another option is to buy an after market bracelet for the seiko, there are tons... The cheap seiko and citizen movements run extremely well, not as good as an Eta movement, but perfect for daily use. The SKX will be my next watch...

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Good tip! Thanks mate!

[@nw7053]

Hi, which one you prefer, 37mm SNK or 42mm SNZG? I have 6.75 inch wrist and have SNK but sometimes look too small. Thanks.

[@ashleyb66]

Staggering accuracy👍👍👍

[@lonewolf30531]

Great review as always . I recently gave in and purchased a SKX 007 . The watch is awesome to say the least. I can't stop wearing the dam thing .

[@TriniTeach]

I also find that my watches with the 7S26 / 7S36 movements are extremely accurate when compared to my watches with the 6R15 movement.

[@baldrick2352]

I think the manufacturers should put a screw down crown on all their field watches. I have a Citizen AW 1410 and at the moment is the favourite. A screw down crown just seems to make sense.

[@dparis2172]

I find a screw down crown to be a pain in ass. I don't want to take the extra step, as well as the risk of stripping the thread, just to wind my watch. I understand people's desire of a screw down crown on a diver, to check the 200m bona fides (that 99% of us have no real use for), but what is the purpose of it in a field watch?

[@RickDeckardMemories]

I need a little help, please! I want to get one. I've not seen them in person. I have a question about the case finish. Yours (black, SS bracelet) has polished sides. Other colors and all the nylon straps options seem to be "satin" finishes, on the entire case, including the sides. Is that correct?

[@ryan_bitzer]

Before I saw this video, I was seriously considering buying this watch. But couldn't decide on buying this one, the black Seiko SNZF17, or the Seiko SNZH55. The minute markers on the latter are a little too long for my taste. Great video as always!

[@Ferien7]

Ryan Bitzer snzg13 is the best. Snzf17 is a submariner homage, a cheap knockoff watch.

[@SaSpursFan]

the snzg15 on the nylon strap has a brushed finished on the side of the case

[@randygiedd6385]

looks large on your wrist,I love Seiko Ive had many automatic and quartz models, Nothing feels like an well made automatic. I think the SNK809K2 would be a better fit.

[@johndonnelly5971]

Welcome to the Seiko brotherhood

[@jimrees1778]

I so bad want to add a Seiko to my collection, however that is something that I will have to force myself to do. I can NOT understand why I dislike Seiko watches.. but I do. Maybe I will give the money to a friend, and let my friend buy one for me. That's the only way I can think of to get one without getting ill. Great review as always, thank you.

[@igormarinkovic1531]

wtf delete your comment hurts peoples brains

[@JesusChristIsLord__]

I thought you hated it from the title. Now I see where you were going with that: it's your last because it's durable haha!

[@robbiecox]

Just going back on your older videos, and I have to say the more understated "Hello and welcome" etc of this period is much nicer. I have to brace myself at the start of your current ones!

[@anthonykelly8338]

I just got a SNZG09J1 (Green nylon strap) for $99.00 on Amazon. Wears very light and I have a very small wrist.

[@ClearBrookExotics]

I am a big Seiko fan! Fantastic value. I own several 5s, a couple of SKXs, and one quartz. Love them!

[@simaovolochneto575]

This model was my first Seiko too, coincidentally

[@kaisersikder3398]

I really like your true reviews, keep doing your, thank you.

[@h.cedric8157]

I just got the SNZG09 for myself just over 24 hours ago.

[@itsmemuffins]

Can I have those end links? I have this watch for a couple of years now. I had an accident with it recently and it mangled the bracelet but the watch survived unscathed. Anyway I like the bracelet lol, so I ordered another bracelet. It came in yesterday and for some reason the endlink didn't cover up the whole lug. You can see a polished section. On the previous one the endlink covered up to the top of the lugs. Anyway if you don't want the end links I'd love them 😁cause it's driving my OCD insane lol 😂

[@ralphus555]

Love this watch. Bought it a few weeks ago and it's just awesome!

[@RicoIM]

Great and honest review! Is It me or the minute hand was kind of behind while the hour hand was already at 6 oclock? (8:26)

[@ryanblake4790]

Had the same bracelet on my seiko and took it off. Those end caps were a nightmare to take off and scratch the shit out of the case no matter how you take it off

[@megaronknives3032]

I wanted to buy this for the stainless bracelet and because it´s an automatic. Would you say i would be better of with a different bracelet or even a different watch? Really good review btw.

[@pmgee6780]

Beautiful looking watch, reminds me of a manual wind Sekonda I had as a kid, which was my first ever watch.👍✊

[@alexthelegoguy4504]

I don’t understand why the snzg17 gets lumed numbers on the dial while it’s siblings, like this, the blue and khaki colored ones don’t.

[@YPO6]

I like those Hindu-Arabic numerals. Quick and easy see what time is.

[@jabbathebum]

For what it's worth the pvd version or the snzg17 has lume on the numerals.

[@slizgi86]

My first Seiko, my first serious watch overall, for ~160USD. Before that I have fashion "watch". It was Lambretta, looked nice but it was a fashion "watch". I educated myself since then a loot about brands, types, movements and all that watch witchcraft :) so no more fashion stuff ;)

[@tacketmusic6440]

Love this watch! I have it in blue with the white day/date window. Purchased it as a beater watch and love wearing it just as much as my Omega. I agree it does wear a little tall on a NATO and wish they hadn't painted the word "Sports" on there. Other than that, it's quick a wonderful piece.

[@jfilm7466]

I had Monster Munch when I went back to the UK. Fond memories. Like the watch too.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

My sister had to eat dozens of packets to get me the shirt. I love it!

[@jfilm7466]

Just One More Watch The things we miss when we live abroad. Good on her!

[@BarnOwl61]

Thank you for your review. What a great piece for every day use. A little disappointed that you removed the metal bracelet before the review, but thanks annyway. Greatings from Holland (Europe)

[@abrahamgomezlopez8490]

It was my first Seiko, and my first automática watch.

[@MateusViccari]

I have this seiko SNZG11 but not made in Japan though. It's not exactly accurate, it loses about 10 seconds a day, which some would say it's a lot but i'm fine with it. I adjust it once or twice a week. But again, if I wanted precision I would have bought a quartz. The thing I like the most about this watch is the lume, it lasts the entire night and is fairly bright.

[@morgan97475]

This was first automatic watch. I gave it to my (then) wife's son who allowed it to be watch-napped by his GF. I did this in order to justify getting my current Seiko 5, SRP421. Good watches, great prices.

[@nabilm.c.6705]

Yo! As a new guy to horolgy thats thinking about getting the memelord seiko 5s, especially the snk809 or snzg13j1 (both are not hackable) i wanted to ask: 1. How does one deal with a not hackable watch? I heard something about settin it a minute back and rewinding onece its up a minute but could anyone please elaborate on that idea? 2. Best websites for nato, leather straps and tools to attach them? Because from what ive read the seiko 5s seem to get delivered with godawful straps. Thanks in advance!

[@trackpackgt877]

I think I'm going to buy that exact one for my girlfriend birthday it will be her first automatic but she has very small wrists so I'm not sure if this one would be too big she wants a Seiko for sure and most seiko's are pretty big watches idk I'm scouring the internet. Oh and what do you think of the new 4r36 movements I have two new Seiko fives with that movement and they are both two of my most accurate watches one runs + 4 seconds a day the other one -2 I think seiko is regulating them my old 7s36 ran -30

[@TheParamnesia]

Hi, can you tell me where you buy the strap? I like it

[@TheCloveart]

Soap and water will get that squeaking out of the links. It works. There are KZbin tutorials.

[@HughRogers609]

My first watch purchase in 20 years, also from Creation. I really like it but the lack of winding is a drawback now I've bought a couple more, and getting it going again after a rest, is a bit annoying. Lume is terrific. Mine is surprising accurate too. It seems to keep better time than the far more expensive SARB I got after this.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hello Hugh! Time for a cheap winder? I just ordered my first one, too many autos now! Thanks for watching.

[@shamismail4266]

Do you have the link for the strap? It look nice.

[@WendenWarrior]

What strap do you have on it in the video? Looking for a smart leather strap like that

[@Daviddome]

Hello again...I have the above watch and I'm very pleased with it ...black face but brushed greyish case....changed the strap immediately i see a comment below about taking the watch off overnight and leaving iton it's side crown up ...is that true ? Does it impact on the timekeeping ?

[@donp2166]

"Marketing and flim-flam" I may have to quote you.! Excellent.

[@errolmacdonald3256]

Looks fantastic on that strap.

[@subjectiveperspective1730]

Fine artisan watchmaking is still great, but modern mass manufacturing has made a lot of strides and is becoming an attractive alternative. This watch is Jeremy Bentham in a watch. Pure utility. Excellence in cost effective engineering. Nobody does it better than the Japanese. Chinese are doing the same for electronics.

[@mariobianchi1909]

10:38 want to get one but "some say" K and J versions are never the same in term of quality...is this true?

[@farid_hbp]

Because the J is made in Japan and the K is made in Malaysia, but i think they're just the same.

[@44musher]

I bought one for a beater, pretty happy.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

you recon this looks better in person than the snzg15k1 (j1) with the bead-polish bezel?

[@Willy_Elres]

Just come across your fantastic channel. I have this model Seiko and similarly marvel at its very tight timekeeping. Also it's my favourite watch to wear in bed due to both the great lume and the lumed markers going right to the edge which make it look massive in the dark. Finally, great to see some of your much-missed and utterly brilliant countryman Iain Banks novels on your shelf. I need to see if I can find out what watch he wore, would be interesting. I recall one of his non "M" books (I think it was Dead Air) had a character with a Breitling that he went into in some detail. Anyway, thanks for the excellent review of this lovely watch (my main gripe - ie many other people - is Seiko putting the word "Sports" on the dial, looks naff).

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for watching(very closely)! Yes, Mr Banks' passing was a sad loss for Sci-Fi fans. I am lucky enough to have a signed copy of The Player of Games. Have you read Raw Spirit? He had a thing for vintage cars and whisky. What a combo!

[@Willy_Elres]

I'm envious - I love The Player of Games, it's his sci-fi book I enjoy the most alongside Use of Weapons. Yes - when I read Raw Spirit it made me want to drive my old Jaguar around Scotland seeking out the finest whisky - and I don't even drink! I had a look last night to see if I could work out what wrist watch he wore - saw several photos that seemed to show the same ana-digi piece over a period of time (appeared to be the same watch on two different straps in various photos); I want to research this further and try to pinpoint it...

[@Willy_Elres]

Well, I think I've found it: From a couple of reasonable resolution photos, I'm pretty sure he wore a Breitling Aerospace E65362 analogue digital. It seems so right for him: Expensive, but not stupid money; cool but not fashionable - and a little bit nerdy!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Nice research! I have always loved the Aerospace, now I love it a little bit more.

[@HH60gPaveHawk]

Fantastic stuff! You'd hate the end links on my explorer II if you didn't like those ones ;) seiko, if you can get over their fat cases, probably makes some of the best regular user watches there are.

[@troyscottstevenson]

new watch day! just unboxed mine, great video

[@gary3353]

Great review I made the mistake of purchasing the Hamilton khaki !!! Massive mistake this for me is where the smart money lies well done you tube needs this kind of quality input

[@PETERJOHN101]

I am leaning toward the small-form auto Seiko 5, which I believe is 39mm, but I don't know if it has the same movement as this larger model. Can you advise? Thank you.

[@JohnThomas-su5bw]

PETER JOHN BRANDAL If your referring to the snk809 it has the 7s26c movement.I own the snk805,which is the green version.

[@PETERJOHN101]

John Thomas Thank you, how do you rate the accuracy of your movement? How often to you have to set it? TIA

[@JohnThomas-su5bw]

PETER JOHN BRANDAL Mines about -10sec per day,but you have to remember that the accuracy depends on how well it was regulated before it was shipped off.You could have the same movement and it could be -20sec. I have over 20 watches in my collection and I don't wear this watch everyday,but it was my first experience with automatics and it set me off on my love affair with SEIKO.I have worn it three days in a row and never had to change the time.A note about automatics and mechanical watches in general.There accuracy is depended on many viable solution,such ad:Temperature,How wound it is,Gravity,centrifugal force,and many more.The bottom line is a Rolex will never be as accurate as a Timex Quartz.But hey no battery and that sweeping secound hand.. All so you should note the difference between J1 models(Japan made),and K1 which are made in Malayasia.Mi e is the K1 and has been doing fine for almost Two years.Well good luck and I hope this has been helpful to you.

[@BoogurTWang]

I have this exact model on a 'carbon firber' strap and it is Excellent. Accurate beyond hope. And the caliber is easy to get work on (should it be neccessary). Good review and good choice.

[@JohnThomas-su5bw]

Put my snzg15 on a Hadley Roma Black leather strap and also several NATO's.Love the watch and its baby brother thesnk805.Great Review.

[@PunisherBBB]

I own a SNZGK1 It looks really good and I love it. I'm even pleased with the strap, but I have ordered one nato to change the strap in some time. I have just one problem, the power reserve. By specs this watch should work for 40 hours. My watch dies on me if not used in only 13-14 hours. Does anyone else have the same problem?

[@mikesey1]

Nope.