Is The Hot New Seiko '5KX' ACTUALLY Worth The Money?

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Thanks to Watch Direct for getting me onto this hot new Seiko on release week! I like it, but my eyes are wide open. It is not an SKX013 replacement, and it is not the best specced watch available for the money. Cheers, Jody

[@zachtan]

Let's be honest with ourselves - we're not in this hobby because they're worth our money

[@MarkSmith-pd6fk]

It's a disease...

[@BrianM78]

My girlfriend left the chat.

[@timekeeper13]

Truth!!!

[@vijeykumar7429]

My heart agrees, but my wallet hates me

[@waffle911]

True, but we still largely want it to be worth our while within the context of the hobby.

[@jaysterling26]

I agree, Sir: the day / date complication is so useful on holiday..especially,during the morning after the night before. Other brands really need to do this ( for me) .

[@BilalAsmar]

I can understand

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Im really glad Seiko finally made a smaller watch for once. You can already find these online for about $250 and at that price I think your doing well. We don’t pay retail around these parts!

[@Anirossa]

solar diver 10.6 high with 38mm dim

[@Anirossa]

@Sui-Beam ikr I got a Seiko 5 with the 4R, but was let down over time by the inconsistency and accuracy, I also got a mechanical Laco with a miyota and a Tissot too that are much more accuracs, and they are great. But when I got my solar diver, it kinda just took over. I us it night and day and kept it on most of the time since I got it, a few months back. Kept it on everything from rubber, silicon, leather, and now some cheap, really comfortable elastic nato style strap. I just refuse to take it off now. It's also been consistent at +1s/month. Would probably have been too biast towards it being a quartz at the price, with having listened too much to others, if I didn't see it in person. Tryed it on and then had a few rounds with myself until I bought it the day after. It's all I want in a watch I've found. So I don't even feel like buying any more watches. I just want to wear my solar diver and Laco in the winter :D It's hard to beat a watch so comfortable it's more comfortable than having no watch on.

[@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206]

Who in the right mind pays retail for ANYTHING!...When I buy something I always check to make sure it is the best price... Why would you not... HINT Creation Watches tend to be far cheaper than anywhere else for watches. But I did like this guys "Advert" for this watch

[@bogrot69]

@@Anirossa Which solar are you referring to?

[@Anirossa]

@@bogrot69 SNE573

[@Razor_Burn]

I really enjoy my SRPD59K1 as grabbed it for a discounted price and its great to see some new colours and smaller size but still way over priced when compared to your micro brands that provide upgraded glass and 200m WR... Great video Jody! 👌

[@robertdufour2456]

Another great presentation! Love the edits when showing the three watches on wrist!

[@nicklennaerts4791]

6:33 this particular “teal” model is an homage to a Seiko 5 diver (quartz) from the 80s. It too came with gold hands and silver indices.

[@JensChristoffersen]

The 6458-600A - also they made a small lady diver with the teal/seafoam dial

[@SuperWorking]

Great review as usual. Thank You.

[@davekloss4884]

I hope this means Orient will release their entry-level divers at 38 mm.

[@TheGrenadier97]

They launched a new Mako III and Mako chronograph recently, so any new release may take time. I have a wonderful Kamasu II and i don't complain at the size in my skinny wrist, but i wholeheartedly believe that any move towards a smaller case is good - specially considering that Orient offers better specifications than Seiko at the Kamasu's price point.

[@mCblue79]

2027 😊

[@H0kram]

They're taking that direction here and there very slowly. If their catalogue offered more appropriate, smaller sizes overall, they'd crush it. Same for Citizen. Both brands still have one foot in the 2000s.

[@acomingextinction]

@@H0kram Good description of Seiko and Citizen, and I totally agree.

[@bogrot69]

It's become the trend at this point. It doesn't affect me with my wrist size but it's great that more brands are providing that choice.

[@timfromonline]

I got mine this week for the $400 canadian retail price, and I'm very glad I picked it up. The dial is gorgeous! Just a great, fun, summer watch.

[@ajmarion]

1:22 Same here Jody! I use my DressKX and 5 GMT casually, and when I’m in the ocean / fishing etc. I wear either my Pepsi Arnie or Monster. I’m not butthurt about the Seiko 5’s only having 100m at all - I do actually take them for a dip from time to time anyway :)

[@brianmsahin]

Excellent review Jody. I have the original 007 and got myself an 5kx SRPD51 on a blue Nato and I love it. My wife also liked it and though the 5kx isn't exactly big, for her 5.25" wrist it is a little bit too much. So, I bought her oen of these as an early birthday gift and she loves it. I did get a 15% discount from my local Istanbul Seiko dealer. The Turks are great for bartering!! The bracelet is gone and I got her a very nice locally hand made leather strap and it looks great.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

Mine just arrived. I love the 38m and the Orange dial is fantastic! I feels like Seiko also improved the band because I don't want to change it. Great watch!

[@ratedm90]

Was waiting patiently for this video!

[@scalyscallion]

Yesss been waiting for this review

[@AdAce21]

It's an awesome size and the dial colors look great. While the teal looks admittedly fantastic, the mismatched hand and marker colors look bad (the gold hands really clash against the teal dial). To be honest, as much as I like teal, I think the jewel of the bunch is that champagne dial. Either way, when they start hitting $200-$250 they'll make more sense.

[@chrisbailey4210]

I got a Certina DS Action Diver 38mm for around 450 bucks. Highly recommend that for people who are looking for smaller ISO-certified divers.

[@pasquale78]

I have an older 40mm diver and I concur to that!

[@denisdaly1708]

That was a great buy. They look great, better movement as well

[@deanwaller8283]

Pity about it's disposable movement though

[@sivanstar]

Disposable movement?

[@sysakPL]

​@@deanwaller8283unfounded rumours

[@DouglasRosser]

Seiko, bring on the 36mm DressKX!

[@frank327]

Brilliant

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

Why? Does your wife need a watch? 🙂

[@MattSeesGray]

@@Mike-In-O-Town I’m 6’, 210 pounds and extremely fit. I weight train every single day. My wrist size is slightly over 7.25”, and I can wear anything between 36mm - 42mm comfortably. Every single time I wear an understated 36mm watch I get compliments from women. Just saying. I have plenty of 42mm watches, and they almost never get complimented or even commented on. In my opinion, if you’re not careful they can look garish and ostentatious. My point being, just let people enjoy the sizes they like. You don’t have to be a jerk about it.

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

@@MattSeesGray For.god sake relax. It was just a joke.

[@DouglasRosser]

@@Mike-In-O-Town It’s for your Mom. I figure she deserves a little something for being the entire neighborhood’s buttered muffin.

[@marvean2519]

I would love a solar prospex version of the skx013. The SNE is fairly close but I prefer the case shape of the SKX.

[@niapolong]

Hi. Can I ask which SNE are you talking about? Thanks!

[@idhame]

​@@niapolong i think he meant sne585

[@marvean2519]

@@niapolong sne573

[@stiglnsborgsaxbjrn3392]

The SKX has it shortcomings (no hacking and handwinding) but it surely is a very tough watch. I have taken mine from freezing cold directly to a hot sauna, and this does not affect it a bit. Once I fell down the stairs and broke my arm, but the SKX did not mind it at all. No other watch has given me such a pleasure for so little money.

[@murraycharters6102]

@@stiglnsborgsaxbjrn3392 Agreed. I love my SKX013, particularly as it has day and date. Now I am retired I sometimes need reminding of the day. I have been wearing mine for a few years now and there are no marks on it at all. I have other nice watches but the SKX 013 is still my favorite watch.

[@johnsrabe]

Thanks for the comparison. I like the smaller size a lot. Love my 13. But it’s old and creaky.

[@kypekka]

Thank you for the first reflected review of this watch.

[@xxraverxxonxtacy]

Thanks for the Tiffany 5KX review Dr. Jody 🎓 😎

[@albertsmith9315]

Thanks for this video. I have been waiting for these watches to become available here in the U.S. since they've been showing up on various watch sites. I have about 10 black dial drivers, so that "champagne" face model caught my eye, at least from the way it looks on screens. I still plan to buy one as soon as they show up on the big A site. I have maybe 15 Seikos all with the standard crystal and not one of them have a single blemish from normal day-to-day wear. We may over think the sapphire advantage for most people's general watch use.

[@timhorack5468]

Love the T Shirt today, and I know where you got it from because I watch him as well

[@limacuan]

Nice review as always Jody, on the contrary, would you consider doing a review on one of the new Orient M-Force releases which are on other end of watch sizes? Curious to find out your take on em. Have a good one!

[@brucegordon4992]

The color to me looks more teal or green than blue. I am not really sure I would recognize Tiffany blue so I am not sure if this one is closer than others that seem more blue to me.

[@res00xua]

Excellent narration!

[@ottowilliamhalim4116]

Wow it's even smaller than the "dressKX". I was set on "dressKX" but upon looking at this video i think this 38mm is even better sized for me. Thanks for the video.

[@theshadowman1398]

Recently got the SEIKO field master. Came on a similar bracelet. Bracelet off and beautiful leather strap on. Class level instantly went up.

[@H0kram]

Enjoy it mate!

[@glitchedoom]

Just snagged the black one for $260 USD as my new daily. It basically ticks all my boxes for what I want out of a daily auto (minus the sapphire crystal) in my preferred size of watch. Very excited to receive it.

[@pizzagogo6151]

I like it, colour is great and smaller size is fine for me. I’m definitely a Seiko fan but Maybe bit pricey for its feature set however.

[@HALO-2304]

I'd be interested in one if they match ALL the hands. The 2/3 Gold, 1/3 Silver is just odd. I don't mind the Tiffany blue, but I think I'd wait to see what other colors they choose to put out.

[@beardsforbirds1858]

Very excited this case is back in the line-up, but I suppose no need to get this as I already have an 013. However, some very cool watches might follow in this case, a dive GMT would be the bee’s knees.

[@bogrot69]

It's not a bad looking watch but I've never really been sold on the 5KX's. After owning the likes of Helm and Zelos. it's difficult to go back to hardlex, hollow end links and pressed clasps. That's not to say I no longer appreciate my older Sriko divers but my interest in the brand has definitely waned.

[@nicolasansom2681]

I agree - Seiko make a great movement but their case specs are a bit flimsy. Would rather buy a micro brand like Islander who use Seiko movements but with saphire glass , solid links etc. I know they are more money but only a tiny bit more!

[@bogrot69]

​@@nicolasansom2681 Absolutely, I prefer giving my money to someone like Marc who also provides excellent customer service in my experience.

[@christopherchambers9337]

How much money does mark pay for research and development on his islander seiko rip offs ? Just saying !

[@bruhreallybruh]

I took out two links and you are right it should have more micro adjust, but remember it's a bracelet and not a strap. So it should have some moment in the bracelet.

[@javierjimenez786]

Finally another good looking Seiko that is not a limited edition. Definitely worth waiting a few months or catching a sale

[@brianmurphy8154]

I love Seiko and own several...but it is getting harder for me to spend my dollars on an under-built product. There are so many better options out there now...between micros, San Martin, Citizen or Orient...Seiko really needs to step up to compete. But we have been saying this for years now....

[@NikkiSatmaka]

So what are these better spec watches with similar or smaller size? I'm looking for them

[@24934637]

I'm a HUGE fan of Seiko, which I wasn't when I first started collecting watches! It's still very early days for me at the moment, being a collector for about 18 months, but originally my view of Seiko was that they were in the same sort of category as Sekonda, where now, I know that the only things that the two makes share in common is the letter S and the fact that they are both great value for money. I currently own a Seiko 5 Sport Pepsi SRPD53K1, and the Blueberry GMT SSK003. Both FAR more accurate than expected! Both great looking (in my personal opinion). Not a massive fan of the Seiko in the Tiffany colourway, I've got a Doxa in that colour.

[@matthewbessey681]

Currently with most seikos you’re just paying for the name on the dial, there are numerous other brands using Seiko movements but also giving you solid bracelets, milled clasps, ceramic bezels, sapphire glass and great Lume and usually for less than the price of the equivalent Seiko !

[@jcs5436]

Yes, actually the best price and quality ratio are chinese brands like san martino, steeldive ,proxima etc.

[@rickrobert9319]

Please name a few brands & help us purchase better.. ? 😊

[@matthewbessey681]

@@rickrobert9319 Helm, Zelos, Orient and the likes of San Martin, Steeledive and pagani, don’t get me wrong Seiko have made some amazing watches at great prices but currently you can’t argue with what other manufacturers are offering against the lower specs you get with current Seiko models, unless you want to head north of £500

[@wymanscorneroftheworld8777]

​@Rick Robert long Island watch for the win. You get an upgraded one of these 013 or larger 007 for less.

[@spastimitwaffetm5721]

@@matthewbessey681 do you know any other good brands ?

[@obey_ebo9563]

Hey im so glad i discovered your page. As a kid I always love watches but i never went out to go grab myself. I ended receiving my first watch for my birthday which is a bulova and i love that watch. I found the watch brand tufina. And i was wondering if you have any knowledge about that brand or recommendations

[@Horizontalvertigo]

I fell in love with SBSA105 and bought one because of you Dr Jody, I won't be gotten a second time. There's now no space for a new 5KX in my collection, even if this one is rather cute.

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

I think I found my next watch. 38mm is the perfect size for me.

[@mick3387]

I bought one with a silicone strap when they were released. I’ve been buying Seiko’s for many years. I sent mine back, it looked and felt cheap, not a £275 watch. I replaced it with a Citizen Fugu which is a better build quality with sapphire glass.

[@Guy_on_Youtube]

The fugu is a massive watch

[@masbejo3625]

An idea perhaps, can you try if the skx013 bracelet or the 40mm dresskx fit Jody?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Yeah, I'll definitely tinker with it!

[@stefanmoderer7082]

I wonder if the aftermarket bracelets for the skx013 would fit these new srpk models.

[@antoniocaputo8220]

Is the back light on your book shelf a "Tiffany Blue" like the Seiko dial?

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Well spotted Antonio! ;)

[@TheBigTezz]

How long do you expose the watch and what strength light source do you use to test lume?

[@ianmcfly31]

I assume aftermarket bracelets (like Strapcode/Miltat) for SKX013 would fit that model too, right?

[@nz1anvil]

I've had the SPB103 on wrist for a month now, I don't think this would cut the mustard for me

[@amalns8751]

Since the lug width of SKX013 and SRPK33K1 are same ( 20mm ) , do the SKX013 Jubilee bracelet will fit for the new SRPK331K ? Please reply I am planning to buy a SPRK33K1 and switch its strap with SKX013.

[@AlexanderB.]

I get it, this dial colour is all the rage now. But the gilt hands look a little bit off imo. Would prefer gunmetal hands or the champagne anyway. Do SKX013 modding sapphire crystals fit this model in order to replace the craplex crystal?

[@samuelwilkerson3022]

I like the watch but where did you get the Seiko t shirt ?…..that’s cool

[@billrose5]

Any idea whether the jangly SKX013 jubilee fits this new case?

[@RM-el3gw]

nice finally seeing this

[@TheBimmer74]

Good looking watch for those with smaller wrists who want Seiko on the dial. It just goes to show what you can can get away with once you build up a brand name. But those who don't care about brand names can do much better with microbrand offerings.

[@NotoriousBBB]

Does the skx0013 bracelet fit the seiko 5?

[@scottsj4625]

I have not looked to see if it is available in the USA yet, But I have an older 37mm or 38 or in between, I forgot but it has the same crappy bracelet the new one has, and I could not get a good fit with two micro adjustments and I swapped it for a rubber strap. Back then they were much much less. Like around 150 USA dollars but does not hack or hand wind.

[@Post_Leako]

They need to slap the GMT movement in this exact watch. Would also love to see the aftermarket make a countdown bezel for it.

[@rushilsaraogi2718]

What would be the "better specced alternative" ? at 38mm?

[@dadmodswatches]

You always have the best T-shirts my friend!❤

[@dursleyturdpolishers]

My SPB147J1 is a 40mm Diver :) bit more money mind, but I wear it more than any other watch I own (and it all lines up)

[@ichris2011]

Wonder if one could drop the insides from this watch into an old SKX013 case and get the best of both worlds. Might have to pick one up just to give that a shot

[@alastairheptonstall7982]

I'd be happy with this whole 5KX situation if they would also make a Prospex version that is ISO rated. The case sizes and shape are too good to just be left as desk divers. Most of the Prospex divers are much much bigger (Arnie, Samurai, Tuna and Turtle) with the only smaller watch being the mini-turtle.

[@guss2099]

I’ll have a look if it’s already for sale here in Scotland. It’s very pretty indeed.🙂

[@darrensmith6999]

Have you checked out the SRPJ45K1 bought one last month and loving it (:

[@sikal1100]

Please review the 36 mm Seiko 5 field watch

[@rejeskie]

Size is so nice it looks perfect on your wrist

[@lordcaff]

They're tiny little bumpers, good fun and you don't feel too guilty afterwards!

[@lukewalker1051]

I personally prefer the 42mm size on your 7 in. wrist. I don't like the colorway enough to move on this watch either. I prefer the orange watch you compare it too. Biggest issue with the 42 going back to the original SKX007 is weight but I own other chunky watches. Titanium in size 42 makes a lot of sense.

[@samwang5831]

Jody, Your Ts look good, can you leave a link?

[@steviecupcakes]

For the price I'd get one of those Islander watches that are compatible with SKX parts and then choose from a plethora of aftermarket companies that make SKX dials in Tiffany-esque blue

[@NamesDontMatter1992]

The gold handset and silver applied indexes tho 😂

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

Great looking watch, but it’s just too small for my taste. Looking forward to seeing the dial color percolate out to other models.

[@stephenmasciocchi1411]

I was in the market for a small, inexpensive weekend beater and cross-shopped the SRPK line with a bunch of other small divers: the Islander line form LIW, old SKX013, modded SKX013, Seiko solar 38mm, and a bunch more I can't remember. Concluded that I just don't like the Seiko diver design langage. Restarted my search and ended up with a Tissot Seastar 1000 36mm - 36 x 41 x 9.2, HAQ movement, sapphire crystal, double AR coating, and a quick-release bracelet. Beats Seiko on every count.

[@winstonlanda7731]

Ayo I need that shirt, Jody!!!

[@notyouraverage5527]

i bought this watch as preorder for $275, i understand it has flaws but i do plan on tinkering with it and changing the hands to silver ones. there is something about this dial that calls out to me and i just couldnt resist

[@Driiiirz9]

Notification gang 💪🏽

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Indeed!

[@nikolajankovic8326]

I would like to see green and yellow 5kx 38mm models.

[@SWatchik]

does anyone know if this takes the same dial size?

[@mcooke59]

Thanks for the review. I am just not a fan of the small size. In fact, I recently received the SSC813 and I am very disappointed on how small it wears. I don't have a large wrist (7") but the 813 wears small so I am out on the new 5KX

[@martinlutherking6550]

Need the GMT version in this size!

[@haping1]

Thanks for the review. A lot of money for the dial colour. It's a Seiko, but that doesn't justify the price for me....

[@jeejkee6471]

There is something about that Seiko bracelet that is surprisingly satisfying

[@TheBlondygirl69]

Nice Tee Jodi.wearin my 009k on bracelet on this glorious Sun.SSK003 for mon. Cheers John

[@richardmesser1091]

The Tiffany Seiko Priceless

[@overcoil1795]

You know what Jody, I really want to love Seiko, I really do. I love the designs but the allignment/QC issues, the shit bracelets and clasps, the lack of sapphire crystals and ultimately the price it’s really hard to justify. That orange SRPK35 is lovely and the perfect size for me too but when I can get something more interesting and better built/finished from a micro brand like Revelot (albeit early bird price) for the same or not much more money it’s just a hard no for me; who is on a budget. It’s such a shame, I’d only consider this used or heavily discounted. Regardless, your review is well considered and very fair. Maybe I’m just expecting too much? Highly likely.

[@bigwilliearmitage]

"the allignment/QC issues, the shit bracelets and clasps, the lack of sapphire crystals and ultimately the price it’s really hard to justify. " Yep, but all the Seiko fans don't hesitate to pay more and more for this level of QC so Seiko has little incentive to improve. To each their own.

[@murraycharters6102]

@turbyoulance. Is that really a serious question. I will treat it as one. The rotating bezel is particularly useful for me. For a start I use it at Sailability where we take disabled people for a sail for 40 minutes. I set the bezel so I know what time I am due back at the dock. I also use it if I am on a parking meter and there are many other uses. Originally the bezel was used by divers to keep track of time, oxygen being a limited supply. Very few people use bezels for diving these days.

[@Mike-kr9ys]

That watch looks good on your wrist, Jody.

[@snix7613]

ummmm, weird color combination (bezel) imo. isn't better with cream/grey/white instead of black?

[@jonathansmith283]

looks like the Miami dolphins team color , ( aqua marine ) -really like the color ~ JDS/CT. - be safe.

[@JonGH33]

I know this watch will fit perfect for my skinny wrist - i wore a Skx013 24/7 for a decade before i fell thru the watch collecting hole. There's not a lot of diver options at the 38mm size - i can only think about the Certina (male end links) and the Seiko solar propsex - so i'll be considering this offering. Shame about the bracelet.

[@timfailes1369]

Jody, the colorway of the watch you reviewed I think is a clever way for Seiko to tap into their back catalogue rather than just jump on the "tiffany blue" bandwagon for it's own sake. This watch is clearly modelled on the rare "teal" dial colour variant of the 7548-700C that was only produced in December 1984 and now has a cult following with prices on the used market to match. Same dial colour and same gold hands, although with printed lume on a black background. Why they chose to use a 38mm rather than 42mm case size for this "reissue" then is a bit strange to me, except perhaps to generate a bit of added excitement for this new release and again, to attract the tiffany blue crowd. Great review as always mate.

[@turbyoulance]

Is there any functional reason for the Bezel to rotate ?

[@WH250398]

It's a simple way to keep a specific amount of time. Imagine if something takes twenty minutes. You set the 12 hour point of the bezel on the minute hand. If the minute hand reaches the 20 on the bezel you know twenty minutes have passed.

[@67NewEngland]

The 5KX is a great looking watch BUT for me the perfect 5KX would be about 41mm, sapphire crystal, screw down crown, and no display back , just an decent labeled metal case back to keep it thin. Then make it in the usual colors to keep everyone happy. They’d sell a ton.

[@tkindschi]

Having become a bit of a "Goldilocks" myself, (39-42mm only!), I guess I'm happy that the sub-39 folks can find something for themselves. But it's not for me....

[@Tomsgate101]

Putting on my Citizen Promaster titanium ny0100-50me I bought after seeing your recent video, compared to this Seiko... I have no regrets at all 😁

[@nickhannaford3253]

Personally if I was into the blue dial I would be looking at the Doxa Sub 200 Aquamarine. Ok it will cost more initially but I don’t think you’ll see it $100’s off the RRP in a year to 18 months time.

[@somebodyelse5]

If this had a screw down crown I'd have already ordered one. Sticking with my SKX's for that main reason.

[@bruhreallybruh]

I just got this watch but orange. The bracelet is solid not folded. The orange is the only one that is the cheapest one relative to the other the colors.

[@wymanscorneroftheworld8777]

So Long Island watch for the win! Upgraded 013 or 007 size with all the bells n whistles for less