Seiko 5 Dive Watches - SNZF17 and SNZH55

Seiko 5 Dive Watches - SNZF17 and SNZH55 on the JustBlueFish KZbin channel, home of high quality wristwatch and horology related reviews and videos.
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Thanks to a pair of viewers we have a pair of Seiko 5 Dive Watches on loan for review. We will be taking a quick look at the Seiko 5 SNZF17 and the SNZH55, two entry level Seiko dive watches that are high value automatic divers in the Seiko 5 catalog.
SNZF17 on Amazon:
amzn.to/2ADk7zz
SNZH55 on Amazon:
amzn.to/2LX0MxM
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Thanks for watching!

[@JustBlueFish]

I hope you enjoy my review on these Seiko 5 dive watches. I had a problem with my audio and had to cut a lot of the review shorter than I would have liked, including all the video covering the bracelets on these watches. I'm sorry about that.

[@galaga8834]

The Seiko SNZH is the most underrated watch in their lineup. Has that vintage aesthetic with Seiko individuality.

[@JustBlueFish]

That, and it's a good value too. Thanks for watching.

[@galaga8834]

Thank you. Keep up the good work and Congratulations on the 10K.

[@trickiwoo3573]

Try buying a SNZH now! I just did but it's not 150 bucks anymore. But I love my SNZH57.

[@TheOutdoorMonkey]

Nice review, it helped me decide what to get. So im getting both then!

[@jemsanchez892]

I buy SNZF17. This is my first watch. 😅 I just like the circle design inside so neat and clean.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it.

[@24hourstime]

Really like both of the watches. Thanks for the review!

[@JustBlueFish]

Thank you for watching, and keep up the good work on your channel as well.

[@1968jpy]

Just recently got a Pepsi Sea Urchin and mine has no bezel or chapter ring alignment issues at all . Very happy with my Seiko Sea Urchin 👍🏻

[@mikev3245]

Your observations regarding these Seiko movements is spot on. I've had 14 SKX variants and they all drifted. I never realized how badly they drifted until I bought a timegrapher a few years ago. The 4R36 movement I had in the two orange monsters I owned and in the turtle were also rather inconsistent. They started out within 3-4 sec/day but after a few months they deteriorated badly where they used the entire accuracy spec range that Seiko allows. They were affected quite a bit by temperature differences as well from a day to day basis. If one is not bothered by such fluctuations, these are solid and fun watches but they are certainly not accurate on any consistent basis.

[@JustBlueFish]

wow 14 SKX variants, that's dedication! My experience with these movements has been less then exceptional to say the least. I haven't had enough 4r or 6r movements to strongly comment on their performance one way or another, but I do expect they would be subject to the same sort of problems if I had to guess, so your account of the Turtle and Monster watches doesn't exactly surprise me. Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience I appreciate it.

[@noorazmihairul4751]

Great watch.im prefer snzh

[@TheBostonranger1]

I own the snzf j2 with the rubber strap and I so love it. It's a great watch. Thank you for the video and keep up the great work 👍

[@petershallis2294]

I like these, basic but all good stuff and their longevity makes them an even more cost effective purchase.

[@JustBlueFish]

Hey Peter, thanks for watching, as always I appreciate sir.

[@HughPecon]

Great review as always. I really enjoy all of your very thorough and honest opinions about the watches you review. I must say that the Seiko 5 line of watches is fantastic. The watch you can get for the price is in my opinion just incredible. The same can be said of the Orient watches. Thanks, Guy, and keep the reviews coming. I always learn something from them. Almost forgot. I own both of these watches and I'm very impressed with their accuracy. Each runs about a minute fast per month.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching.

[@StefaanVdV1961]

Really enjoyd this video, thanks for sharing Guy.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Stefaan.

[@zigatelban4392]

attractive and simple, i like both of these watches

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching.

[@LuisRodriguez-is5hq]

Good video. Many thanks! The Seiko Sea Urchin looks slightly bigger to me. The dial on the Sea Urchin is less crowded making it look bigger, the round, white number indicators give it a greater sense of width and the bezel stands out more than on the SNZH. Also, lug to lug the Sea is Urchin is about 2mm longer.

[@pisanu6699]

I bought the sea urchin a month ago. I quite like it. I think the proportion of the watch is good. The size is fit my 6.5 inches wrist but feel a bit too hefty. Last week I bought skx007 at 300 usd as many people claim it is so iconic and beautiful. Surprised that I am not so convinced when gotten it. I returned the skx and keep the sea urchin which I am quite getting used to it now.

[@danielestors1894]

Very good review!! Thank's for help in my choice. Definetivement snzh55

[@mattka5354]

I am indifferent to Seiko but agree with your criticism about the company discontinuing popular watches that are respected by watch enthusiast. I hope Seiko executives are watching your Channel. Thank you for posting and keep up the good work.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Matt, I appreciate it.

[@susheergovindaraj5842]

Very nice and useful review 👍🏻

[@planetdee3587]

Just to comment on what you said about Seiko in the beginning, I agree. Lately they have been cleaning out all their old 6R movement watches which ran from $300-500 and replacing them with 4r movement watches and placing the 6R movement in new $900-1,500 models. They think they are slick. Some examples, the new Cocktail time, new divers like the sbdc051, 061, Sarx line. Now the Sarx033/35 is not too bad in price, but dont take our Sarb options away just because you think it will detract sales from the more expensive. In truth all models $750 and up should have a new movement.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yep that's what I've been seeing and getting a little tired of.

[@RoadRecord100]

Great video, thank you.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching.

[@tantu2395]

I have a 55 for nearly 3 yrs now, -15sec/week (never had it regulate) made it very reasonable daily mechanical watch as the price suggest.

[@JustBlueFish]

Nice to hear you've had one for 3 years and it's still going strong. Thanks for sharing.

[@DonCacomixtle]

Terrible video! I was expecting enlightment for me to choose which one is better... and finally opted to buy BOTH thanks to you :D Now seriously, great video, keep it up man.

[@robpash2204]

I want to get both, as well. My idea is to switch the bezels between the two. The sea urchin face would look awesome with the 55 fathoms bezel.

[@joseandrade8811]

Liked the review (as I usually like your reviews). I have the SNZH55, with the black dial, just as the one sown here. It was my first automatic watch. I think I have to agree entirely with what you say about it: it's not accurate, but still it's a very nice watch for the price. I really like the dial, hands and the domed hardlex! It took me a lot of time to decide on the color of the dial because I have a weakness for blue dials, but since I already had a blue dial Citizen at that time I decided to go with the black. I must say I still have a certain desire to get the blue dial one...

[@laeazy9458]

I bought the snzh55k1. It's my first automatic watch 👍

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Very good vid, as always. I own and like quite a bit my SNZF17. Given its very affordable price point, my only two improvement requirements would be : a better alignment of bezel/minute track /12 hour marker and a less busy rehaut, with only small dots for minutes given the bezel itself has a fully marked first 20 minutes. Otherwise a good watch. Even the push/pull crown is not an issue, as it makes time setting easier than with screwdown setup.

[@JustBlueFish]

Of the 2 I’d go with the SNZF like yourself. It’s not a high end watch, but it’s nice and if you get one with an accurate movement there’s not much to dislike.

[@juaniglesias1588]

muy buena review

[@Deus_Payne]

My skx009 has that drifting time keeping issue, whereas my snzg13 and snx809 do not drift. Switching between them every few days helps this issue though.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah it’s not a big issue if you’re rotating watches a lot. I tend to wear only one watch for a few weeks at a time so I’ll be more sensitive to accuracy fluctuations generally.

[@malbug]

Thanks for the comparison review. I really like both of these watches...can’t decide which to get. I like the Pepsi bezel version of the Sea Urchin and the blue dial version of the fifty fathom.

[@JustBlueFish]

I’d go Sea Urchin, I like the style more.

[@fluffyfreak505]

The Sea Urchin is also a good starting point for modding. Lotta parts available for them

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah, very good point.

[@bchucky101]

Are the bezel inserts the same size? Are they compatible?

[@inkitatus1]

Like them both, but prefer the snzh55, less generic. Good honest review, thank you from Cambridgeshire England 👍👍

[@JustBlueFish]

I think I favor the SNFZ17 a bit more, but yeah they're both cool. Thanks for watching inkitatus1.

[@sherwin1447]

I like the snzf more if it looks smaller. Maybe it's because of the extra lines on the insert of the snzf which makes the snzh bezel looks larger.

[@voiceofexperience]

Check out the Sea Urchin on a (grey & black) Bond NATO strap: it looks amazing! It's actually thin enough to accommodate it properly too.

[@jamesmcnary4939]

I don’t like how they cancel they’re best watches either. When something ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.

[@JustBlueFish]

I know right?

[@chrisg-gg2iu]

Both are divers style watches and not a bad watches. I have the snzf17, but it definitely leave you wanting for something more. I think one would be better off saving for a Seiko Sumo which has solid end links. I have a range of Seiko watches which I’m happy with, but now just started venturing into Swiss movements and watches. I would like to purchase an Omega Speedmaster Pro and Seamaster eventually.

[@JustBlueFish]

The Seiko Sumo would be a much nicer option for sure, but $500 isn't a tiny sum of money especially to someone just getting into the hobby. I remember the first watch I really wanted was a Hamilton Khaki Field and I thought spending around $400 for a watch was insane at the time. How times have changed, hahaha.

[@n00dyl69]

you're so happy..i can tell..

[@AyBi_Studio]

Great review. One other thing that worth mentioning is the bracelet links that aren't a one solid piece but probably hollow ones. You could see the weld on the side if you look closely. Otherwise, great watches for a fair price if you want an entery level watch.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah I talked about the bracelet but I had a problem with the recording and had to cut all that video (and some other stuff) and wasn't able to refilm the parts I lost.

[@Star_Sn1per]

I got both and lemme tell ya.. That bezel misalignment on the SNZH55 really boils my blood!!

[@sillwuka]

I've got the Sea Urchin and bought my dad the one on the right, he seems pretty happy with it.

[@relosapulso]

do you still wear your sea urchin? how does it held up?

[@valueink]

The fathom looks bigger because it doesn't have that chapter ring it's instead on the dial, this the dial is larger on the fathom. The indices are also pushed all the way out to the edge. There's no extra layer between the dial and the bezel like on the sea urchin.

[@jonathan1391544]

Both look great, I bought the snzh53 as I think the other one looks too much like the rolex. Arrives tomorrow!

[@aibekyelemessov6780]

Did you get it? It was like rolex?

[@krustykrabb83]

That's SNZF17 looks more adorable for me.. Doesn't have handwinding?? Is that a problem or not??nice review by the way.. TQ

[@SWatchik]

I was looking at each of these, but found d the SRPB91, which is the black version of several other colours. Has a 4R35 movement, looks ish like a sub, and is pretty fantastic. Only gripe is the bracelet is low quality, but hey, was £200

[@JustBlueFish]

That's kind of cool, I hadn't seen that one yet, thanks for sharing.

[@SWatchik]

JustBlueFish Watch Reviews they're a new line this year I believe. Have to say, the colourways on some of them are really nice. Im hoping it'll become another modding base for Seiko, as I would very much like a domed Sapphire Crystal and better bracelet

[@raymondfoo9045]

I still like the Sea Urchin more. Aesthetic wise, the cheaper Casio MDV106 is more elegant in my opinion. But I want an automatic watch so Sea Urchin is my best bet. Do you think I should spend more and get the SKX instead of Sea Urchin? I plan to use the watch for a very long time so it must be durable.

[@humphreyreyes2255]

The badge Japan can command price and more specially limited edition i love to look for japan markings. If not you should be ok for Seiko china

[@russell9304]

I wish you would have worn it that way I could have seen how it wore compared to your normal rolex sub.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it.

[@Stevexperiences]

I have both watches, both japan made. I prefer the 55 because it is classier and have more mojo . The sea urchin bezel is fragile and scarred, but is more of a Submariner hommage.

[@surfside75]

You do realize that you helped Seiko sell 495+ snz watches😁 I'm getting the Rolex looking one.. its so awesome can't wait!

[@sobeit712]

Like your review, very detailed and objective. I take on this is not go for the Sea Urchin, because it's a little bit bland and uninspired. It is a semi decent attempt of Rolex Submariner homage. There are just way too many submariner homage out there. The 55 fathom style one on the other hand just way more gorgeous. It looks way way more expensive when you see it in person. Without modding, the dial itself is very unique and beautiful in its own way.

[@frankdux6930]

Just sold my sea urchin, great watch. Real everyday beater and sports watch. But needed funds for a minty vintage KS 5626-7041. Also sold my sarb 035.. was that a mistake or not? Just love the KS though.

[@JustBlueFish]

I don't think it was a mistake if you replaced it with the King Seiko.

[@frankdux6930]

JustBlueFish Watch Reviews the main thing i disliked of the sea urchin snzf17j was the tacky hollow link bracelet. Granted, its not an expensive watch. A strap co super oyster would have made it better. Found it a bit to big the 22mm lugs.

[@MS-lx1zi]

Is the Lume more green or blue on the seiko?

[@adamg5780]

I have the SNZF17 and it is more green.

[@4034miguel]

Hi Guy. Great video as always. I have a question: what do you think of the proprietary Hardlex crystal? In my experience (limited to two Seiko 5 I owned to play with the movement), I found the Hardlex it is not really better than a normal mineral crystal. The watches took scratches very easily and very quickly. Are there Seiko 5 models with acrylic? I would prefer it, since it is easy to remove scratches. The domed crystal on the SNZH55 is cool but makes me think immediately of how easy it will be to scratch it. Thanks for the video. Really enjoyed it.

[@JustBlueFish]

I've never scratched a hardlex crystal, so I can't say I have a bad opinion of them. I guess I'm not terribly rough on my watches though, I'm not out doing mountain biking or other outdoor adventures. I typically toss on my G-Shock when I think I might be doing something that could scratch up a watch. Whether they're any better than a regular mineral crystal, I don't really know, but I kind of doubt there's much difference.

[@mgrsdgfsdafsdgrsdgfsdg6980]

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. I CANT STAND ALL THESE STUCK UP PRETENTIOUS WATCH REVIEWERS ON HERE.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks, appreciate it.

[@norvieYT]

Got my Snzf17 today. My first automatic.

[@karbonkevin919]

Can i use the snzf bracelet on the snzh?

[@listercruz5581]

I suggest to buy Seiko Jubilee bracelet for snzh (Seiko 22mm Jubilee Watch Band - Stainless Steel) SKU - 44G1JZ. It shines like a diamond under the sun.

[@connormckeown6826]

id say quality control is probably tighter in Japan factories

[@lumelivin]

Does the 55 have a removable chapter ring like the urchin? I would like the 55 dial in my urchin but I’m confused about the chapter ring. Thanks for the video!

[@JustBlueFish]

No it doesn't have the same kind of chapter ring, it has a flat dial with the seconds track printed on it.

[@lumelivin]

JustBlueFish Watch Reviews Thx! You da man! I think that’s what makes it look bigger...

[@rodpanhard]

The fit on the bracelet of the SNZH55 where it meets the case does not look the best to me especially considering it's the J version, it looks far better on the SNZF17 even though both are probably hollow end links knowing Seiko.

[@Billeh556]

Guy, how are both these watches synced pretty good I thought they didn’t have hacking. Also, everywhere I see the sea urchin is 41mm and not 42mm

[@JustBlueFish]

I'm a ninja!

[@Billeh556]

@@JustBlueFish seriously...im baffled lol.

[@TinBin-Craig]

my first automatic was the Seiko 5 SNZH55 was ok accuracy was crap i tried to regulate it and broke it lol

[@JustBlueFish]

How'd you break it? I bumped the hairspring of the first Seiko I tried to regulate and tangled it up. Never could fix it.

[@TinBin-Craig]

yes lol hairspring i touch it u learn by your mistakes never do it again just glad it was not a expensive watch

[@nosphy]

my snzh55 is -4s per day, and at night i place it face up and gains 5 s so i never have to set the time in 6 months

[@Tomatohater64]

I like both of these watches. It's just too bad the movement is so inconsistent. And that inconsistency is why I would buy neither. For me, a watch is about accuracy in telling time, and consistent accuracy. I don't see that here. Solid review.

[@JustBlueFish]

I'm sure for every person, like myself, that has had problems with there movements in the 7s series there are 10 people that haven't - but I've seen issues with time keeping enough to say that while it's probably uncommon it's not exactly rare either.

[@Vyz3r]

A Casio F-91W sounds right for you.

[@theoiorga]

What should I choose between this, the SRP307 or the SNZF17 ? I like them both, but I cannot decide, which one is better from a quality point of view?

[@JustBlueFish]

I haven’t seen the SRP307 in person, but I wouldn’t expect much of a big quality difference between the two. Both are decent watches.

[@CarloDimacali]

At that pricepoint, I'd look towards Orient. At least you get a better build quality with the Mako II and Ray II, plus you get a better movement.

[@JustBlueFish]

I think I would tend to agree.

[@nosphy]

i have both, the orient ray2 with hack and manual winding and the seiko 5 snzh55k1, and i would say both are great, overall ray2 is a better watch, but seiko has more personality, more presence, looks more solid, and for accuracy ray +5,7 s per day, seiko -4 per day.

[@Star_Sn1per]

The problem with Orient is that it sounds like a flea market brand

[@jayukryn9077]

The one on the right looks bigger.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching.

[@paulienkhamvaiphei134]

I hate you because now I have to get both of them,lol.

For a liiittle bit more I can get Orient Ray/Mako :(

[@JustBlueFish]

True.

[@jackwakeman148]

Yeah, the Fifty Fathoms homage looks bigger.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching Jack. I appreciate it.

[@ernestkrajnc6412]

Man, when the fountain of this Seiko divers will dry up?? They have what, 20 or 30 models all looking more or less the same. Good watch for the price, but please...

[@JustBlueFish]

Yes there are a ton of them, I find out about new models I had never heard of all the time.

[@Masterpsflood]

Are the bezels the same size? Meaning could one be swapped onto the other watch?

[@JustBlueFish]

I’m not sure, but my guess is no they aren’t interchangeable.

[@archstanton1628]

Neither of these are dive watches, always liked the models though.

[@ketuser]

I have no idea why everybody calls this Seiko 'homage of Blancpain', ... handles, bezel, indices, color, crown, date aperture ... literally there's nothing in common, especially this blue version

[@ahmedsalek976]

That's a beautiful beard.

[@TheDude4077]

I had a 7S26 run 5 HOURS fast a day once. It's definitely not a movement you'll hear me defending

[@nate9221]

What the heck is a sea urchint?

[@voiceofexperience]

A type of prosthetic leg used when swimming.

[@camarocarl7130]

DIVER's? No they are not. 100M WR is not a Dive watch. Not ISO rated. These are Sports watches.

[@beetsbeetsbeets]

Oooof. Holding a made in Japan in your right hand. "I guess the J versions are 'made in Japan'". Dude, get it together. If you're going to do a review, find out the actual facts. Speculation is fine for consumers but if you're doing the review, maybe line that up before you post a video. Clearly it must live up to whatever regulatory standard there is to have "Made in Japan" on the dial - so look that up. Same with Swiss watches. Same with Made in the USA whatever. Unless you have a counterfeit Seiko, it's up to the Japanese authorities to determine if it meets that standard. All this and I agree with you with the K versions being the better bargain! Just lazy research saying "I guess".