Triple Unboxing! Is The Seiko 5 Still The Best Choice?

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"Seiko 5" really is the default answer to the question "What is the best first automatic watch?" but does it deserve to be? They are great little watches, but are not without their limitations. Thanks again to MArty for letting peel off some stickers. Cheers, Jody

[@saevans63]

My Dad's old Seiko 5 was my first automatic watch and started me off into the hobby. I now have 4 Seiko 5s. I've never paid retail for any of them. I wear mine often. They're just great little watches.

[@brianlusiola]

Long live the Seiko 5. My first foray into autos.

[@stusims6567]

I have owned Seiko 5 for 40 years. The first one ran for almost 40 years without repair. For sentimental reasons I got it fixed for $90! It works great again, but needs a new crystal. I also own a Seiko 5 that I bought to replace it in 95. It still runs flawlessly and keeps good time. The other is a gold quartz watch that my wife gave me for our 10th anniversary in 1991. They all have that pitiful bracelet, and I still wear them on those bracelets. I don’t think they are a bad bracelet at all, or investment. I love the dials on all three watches. They are all special, and still look great. The oldest one survived two years on a concrete truck and one year on a lime spreader and an asphalt delivery dump truck. All required climbing up and down the side of the truck, and the watch took quit a beating. The crystal has a deep gouge in it but it keeps on ticking. I believe in these watches and still wear them in rotation with my others, and I have an 8 1/2” wrist! Great review as always Jody!!! You’re the man!!!

[@tronkel1]

There was a collector called Peter Who fancied a minute repeater He then took a shine to a G-Shock online And landed instead with a beater!

[@elmerlot293]

I own the snkl45 model and I'm very happy with my little seiko. It has a very interesting sunburst dial, a peculiar black/gray/coffee color that play beautifully with the light. I found out that, even if the crystal hasn't an anti-reflecting coating, the watch is almost always legible. Even in direct sunlight.

[@papachung6639]

“Festival of fives” is what I should call my dating history

[@Surgicalsteel222]

😂😂😂

[@SmurfPerfect]

Hey, if you’re a few drinks into the wind, you automatically add 4 anyways.

[@raserx63]

Hey...at least it wasn’t “Hair nippers”

[@chris-vn6sw]

My sex life is like a Ferrari. I don’t have a Ferrari 🤪😂

[@user-et8vm9cc3t]

Well... At least there was SOMETHING in your dating history...

[@garystables8509]

Had my seiko 5 since 1983 still wear it never been serviced keeps good time + - 10 seconds a day excellent little watch.

[@drzaius844]

I love my SNKL23. I can see buying this new 5 in all the color ways, and swapping out straps and having a blast. Marty’s approach makes a lot of sense to me. And yes, very glad Seiko has not abandoned this market segment!

[@ridgepointerail9462]

Paying the postage and letting someone unbox my Seiko's was so worth it, pulling the hairs out on Jody's arm is priceless.....

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks Martin! They are on their way home to you.

[@michaelbest5505]

Very cool to see you review a watch that’s actually in my own collection. The SNKL43 was my first Seiko and is still a regular in my daily rotation.

[@varghejo]

SNKL43 was my first automatic watch. Still love the dimensions and the sunburst dial. The 01V0 case, I think is the best shape, and great for mods. Funny how these 5's can bring me as much pleasure as my more expensive watches. I was so looking forward to becoming a watch snob when I began collecting watches but these darn watches keep putting me back in my place, hahaha.

[@nickbyrne1962]

You nailed it when you mentioned what an important part the Seiko 5 plays for some many people - be that a big part or a small one, the world of watches would be all the poorer if the 5 didn't exist......

[@rydz7083]

I like the white dial it stands out more nice

[@davidlloydjones752]

I have a thing for their sexier cousins, 'Orient ***'. Similar price, similar spec, and some of the dials are gorgeous. 😘

[@p.j.mendes]

Totally agree. Ray.II.,Mako III and the.Bambino....

[@davemck1887]

I've seen some of those 3 stars, definitely a retro 70's vibe with the dials. Gotta love em.

[@ridgepointerail9462]

Are the Orient automatics really as noisy as the say, the ' noise' mentions turned me off the Orients..

[@StuntdoubleDane]

@@mrmr-vr7vh I just got my Kamasu in green/teal yesterday and i am in love with it. So glad i choose it over the seiko sport 5.

[@p.j.mendes]

@@ridgepointerail9462 no,they are not; my friend. Grab yours withot any fears...

[@michaliswainston-harrison2905]

Yesss! Haven't even started the video and just want to say I love my SNKL41! Personally I think it is the best looking Seiko 5 out there! And perfect for smaller wrists!

[@katerhofmann]

The classic size is a big pro for these watches.

[@denisdaly1708]

agree

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Classic size and gorgeous dials for an affordable price. Most people are only looking for those two specs

[@avyj7580]

I can relate to Marty. It's hard to stop at one Seiko 5 if there are so many others. But I think the SNXS79K got the best dial and worst case of them all while these in the video have the best case.

[@isaiahbonilla7098]

Man perfect timing ! Purchasing my first seiko today !

[@GabrielKnight666]

Isaiah Bonilla enjoy!

[@jamessmith6402]

Three absolute winners I love them you can never have too many 👍 thanks Jody

[@alexsocop]

I have these three watches, they're great value ones! Thanks for this video and greetings from Guatemala!

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

I had a lovely Seiko 5 Baby Ice. This watch got me into Horology. Great looks, display back, hackable movement and lume that beats watches of far higher price. Great video

[@alduswong]

18mm lug width is the same as Vostok. Seiko 5 is my 1st mechanical watch too. They were bought in 2007 and still running great!

[@MrBrendanox]

Fun review as always! I have the white dial and love it. I still use the bracelet and don’t have the same problems with the hair - but I don’t wear it loose. I actually sold my sarb035 and got this to fill the gap - no regrets :) I love the size of these! The sarb was just a little too thick and never quite sat right, although looked great. Also, only having two micro adjustments was so annoying. Always wanted it just in between two of the sizes.

[@ariqabl]

In my opinion, the Seiko 5 lineup is a ‘safe’ choice of getting into automatic watches for a budget despite Chinese brands these days offering watches with better specs and we can’t lie that they may have the best case and dials at their price point

[@Ex.zed.]

www.dummies.com/education/language-arts/grammar/placing-proper-punctuation/

[@Spielen89]

ExZed English may be his second language and the intent of his comment was clear. Don’t be an asshole.

[@vinhnguyen5345]

All Chinese products go down to the toilet

[@stiglnsborgsaxbjrn3392]

I have a SNKL23J1, the 7S26 is easy to regulate, the bracelet is easy to adjust, if you know, what you are doing, no hair pulling at all, and I just do not get this hate toward stamped clasps, I mean, how many times a day do you encounter people who ask about the state of your clasp, if you can clarify please do, I do not understand this, besides, thank you so very much, Jody, for your review, you are doing a great job. Cheers from the Stig

[@felixangellopezalonso3993]

In Spain a any of those models cost at least from 100 us$ to 150 us$ or more

[@AbdulRWatches]

I love the Seiko 5 line up, my first ever automatic was a 1976 Seiko 5 Perpetual Calendar. I do own that PC until now, but my favourite Seiko 5 of all time has to be the SNKP21J with the arabic dial.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

Great great great watches for the money. SNKLs are really fun to wear and cheap to collect. Probably also a good way to get into movement tinkering if that's your thing. I wouldn't mind swapping in a NH36 just for fun, and trying out different strap options. Another fun video!

[@the_9ent]

This video is very well timed. Had the SNKL45 arrive just yesterday. Cost a mere £69 including P&P. The strap will of course be changed but the clean dial with that red seconds hand 😍 Pure love. Will keep it for as long as I possibly can.

[@apyorbitz]

Not sure if my Seiko 5 has a smaller crown than these but that is my major sticking point of my Seiko 5. It really sucks when you have to reset it after not using it for awhile. The tiny crown is a pain to use and I have tiny fingers! But otherwise, I flipped out the hardlex for a domed sapphire glass and I think it looks beautiful. It's remarkable how much a little bit of a dome can elevate a watch.

[@ricardochaveste7367]

Love This Seikos 5 well spend money, in my opinion great looking pieces, I got several in my collection, those hands remind me of the Sarb33...

[@dennisdkim]

The snkl41 was my intro to automatic watches. I think it is the perfect starter watch.

[@JoeMcGuire]

I just picked up an SNK805, and I have to say I'm pretty pleased with it. I definitely did not pay retail for it, thankfully.

[@exile730]

I also have all three - really cool watches I think. I don't mind the bracelet or the size - even on my 21.5cm wrist. Great for office wear as so slim and cuff friendly.

[@p.j.mendes]

I have the so called Speed.Racer. Very happy with It; except for the bracelet ;which I will probably change. (thanks for the tip). This ones.are perfect . Excellent review ! Thanks!

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

Awesome! Finally< a blue sunburst Seiko model I can afford! Imho 7s26 is ok, it might be almost as ols as I am but this movement works fine inside my SKX, so it is OK for me.

[@TheKreattion]

Should have titled this "the 3 watch, one watch collection"

[@trogpo]

Charming review, Jody. Thanks.

[@jeromelieberth6655]

actually bought the 45 and the 23 partly due to the hype..also had similar problems with sizing the watch links so i leathered it but kept the other on bracelet . The smaller size did take a bit to get used to but at least now I won`t turn down those dimensions anymore .Overall i like wearing them ! Cheers from British Columbia!!

[@LymanPhillips]

Wow. That one with the black dial looks really nice on the tan strap.

[@watchmebuildit]

I’m SO glad you reviewed the SNKL 45 And it’s brothers. I own the 45, I wear it on a black strap with red stitching and ... it is one of my Favourite watches. The finishing of the case, dial and hands is SUPERB! My wrist is 7.1inches and it wears surprisingly well. The strap is by Alfred Hitchcock himself

[@frankdizon]

got some seiko 5s for my dad, and 2 of my brothers... truly one of the best mechanical watches

[@tholtan]

37mm Seiko 5 has been a winner for the last 50-odd years. The gateway drug of watches. Thank you for the review!

[@michaelhargis7036]

Jody, hello from the Chicagoland area. I love Seikos, that entire 5 class is outstanding. What a great series of watches. Can't go wrong with any of them....... Best wishes to you and your family. Continued success to you. Peace ☮️

[@tantu2395]

Seiko 5 is an affordable products line with reasonable reliable and acceptable accuratcy. After 4 years, my snzh55 still on my wrist most of the time, although with a couple of crackles on the crystal lower it looks, and the timing bezel became loosend clips, but the 7s36 movement is a lovely workhorse with +/-2-3 sec per day after regulate recently, unless enter some formal occasions, it was my favorite little daily beater watch with out extra care . 😊

[@AdamBondi2008]

Bless you for this. I won’t be peeling any stickers for awhile as I went a bit i overboard with. Aliexpress purchases

[@robedmunds7163]

When I worked for H. Samuel during the 80s quartz revolution, Seiko auto remained a steady seller. Particularly to send back to India as gifts where the batteries were not available.

[@davidbarclay3651]

I loved it so much I got a SARB 035 and I never looked back. All the negatives went away.

[@kevinmiller7184]

I have a blue, black, and white dial Seiko 5 "Speed Racer," so I totally get Marty...

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Great video Jody!

[@rawfood18]

Great review thanks.

[@bkslsh]

I have an SNK361K1 - the dial and handset are a little different. It wasn't expensive and I love it.

[@severnoaks]

Love my Orients....superb quality and styling for the price....in house movement as well... quality 😁

[@oldiesfreek]

Got a couple of Seikos from Skywatches in person. The boss and staff are very helpful and I got to do a bit of bargaining on the spot too :) Great deals for Seikos, I must say. Orients might be a little bit higher-priced there though.

[@ivell5]

My 7S26 runs at +2, combined with the magic lever, it's pretty astonishing value!

[@MikeyTiger37]

I had the white dial and still not 100% why I moved it on. They are also fun if you want to tinker with, as they are quite bombproof so adding bits and seeing how it all goes together is interesting. Also, with the bracelet - give it a quick bath in WD40 and makes it far less squeaky and helps the articulation!

[@benglover7012]

love that shirt, just binged all three

[@WorldView22]

An undoubtedly one of the best Seiko 5 case and dial & hand designs. Another advantage of such a watch is the maximum wearability, as you soon forget you are wearing a watch (on a leather strap). It’s a classic.

[@darrensmith6999]

I have the Japan fully lumed dial version great little watch. Mine has a little jubilee bracelet quite comfortable .

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

Love the design, especially on the black model. The dials and hands work beautifully with that Explorer type bezel. But at £120 or so in the UK, I feel reluctant to buy one when they're so much cheaper elsewhere and have a £10 movement. One to look for in sales, I think.

[@chrispenn715]

You've just prompted me to go and find my one and only Seiko 5 and take a trip down memory lane

[@davidbarclay3651]

I adjusted my 41 and corrected the beat error. When I wear it, it runs dead on. If it falls behind by a second I just leave it face up.

[@bohaulund9594]

2 comments: 1 - I disagree that large wrists cannot wear a 37mm watch. Small wrists are limited with big watches, but big wrists can pretty much wear everything. 2 - I have a SNKL41 (and have large wrists). The only beef I have with this watch is the quaint little dot beside the day-date frame at 3 o'clock

[@martinfox2244]

Perfect candidate for a Bund strap, especially for the smaller wrist.

[@ordinarygeek]

Great review 👍

[@beschuitfluiter]

I own the snkl43 and put a flat sapphire crystal in it. Really a stunning watch in the sun

[@ridgepointerail9462]

Can I ask please what size crystal you put in there to as a replacement. Thanks Marty

[@edteach3r]

The love of watches is not logical ... I own three Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanicals 😊.

[@StrongZeroPowerHour]

how do you like them? I've been considering a khaki for a while now!

[@scottlauren3145]

Very very very strange as I just ordered the 45 and 43, ready own the 41. Now this video comes out as my watches are en route to me. That's wild!!! Great video!!

[@ridgepointerail9462]

Look at the SNK357.. I havent found a video that does it justice, Dark blue to Ocean blue, 5 emblem imprinted on the dial, with sunburst... I might need to upload one.. Same case though... Looking for an awesome Band to suit it... Looking forward to gitting my 3 back from from Jody...

[@oscarcruz8991]

Hi Jody, I absolutely love your videos and watches. Why dont you do a wristcheck? I was amazed at that jubilee band

[@ummar02]

Love these seiko 5 simply beautiful 😍

[@peterkolovos3079]

I have several dial colors of the Invicta two-tone bracelet Pro and Grand divers. I love those well built automatics that keep excellent time. The dial colors are for different outfits. Yes, I'm that vain.

[@stevefox8605]

Excellent first/teen/small wristed watch, good value. Wish they did a "Seiko 4" as imho the day/date complication ruins the dial, especially on the pretty blue one. Cheers 👍🏻

[@deedee8568]

I like the bracelet. They wear bigger on the bracelet and look better. I tried them on leather straps but moved back to the bracelet. Sorted.

[@TheOriginalNCDV]

Love Seiko 5's. They always tend to look and perform far above their price level. To be honest, I've never had an issue with the bracelets.

[@danielsrcc]

Hello! What would be the next step on Seiko line keeping the same style? Maybe with a better movement and saphira.

[@icalexander]

Seiko 5's are amazing. That said the new Seiko essentials series blows them away, yes the essentials series are quartz but you get sapphire crystal and better finishing and if you go up to around $150 you'll get titanium, for the money I'd buy one of those over a Seiko 5 of any type. Though I will say if you're lusting after an auto the Seiko 5 is a great watch.

[@masbejo3625]

You should get your hands on the new 40mm seiko 5 sports

[@benburgess9428]

Hey Jodi, for your next budget Casio review, you should review the AEQ-100. I bought mine for $22 US and I LOVE IT!

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Shiny shiny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No screw down crown means it’s a no no for me. Do like the handset! Even if the watch was still 100 metres WR with the threaded crown I’d almost consider! Great vid Jody!

[@microvizart]

SNKL23 was my first ever auto and it will always have a special place in my collection, and in my heart as I’m soldering through my horology journey.

[@lucienpetersen9010]

Thank you Marty! !!

[@JohnnyFree1989]

The new 5 sports with the smooth bezel and skx design in 40m certainly hits a sweet spot. The grey sunburst dial one is on my list. Looking forward to your review of them!

[@gbsprasanna]

Absolutely. I am divided between grey and the gilded.

[@thskadow]

The SNK355 is a real stunner. Unfortunately it has Seiko five logos embossed through out the dial - but it is only noticeable on the black and blue color ways. Just pop a Crystal Times Sapphire CT083 in the front and and Colareb Venezia Ocher strap and you've got something very special for $150.

[@stevenwymor1398]

Love my SNKL41. I think, except for the 5 badge, it’s a better looking watch than the SARB035 given the price, except for the bracelet of course. I find the SARB035 dial just too creamy off white for my taste. And yes, I do own a SARB033, but for a little beater watch with semi-dress or jeans and a blazer, the SNKL is hard to beat. I also put it on a Barton leather strap and threw in a Crystaltimes double dome sapphire and it makes it a stellar watch for the money. Have no intention of upgrading the movement as of yet. But that could be done very easily, but then I’d want a slightly larger crown for hand winding. For now, the Seiko shuffle will do. Now, as far as J and K Jody, they are made in the same Malaysian factory. The J model is made on a production line that is supervised by a Japanese national. It’s a loophole in import/export law. The only Seiko watches actually still made in Japan are in the plus $1000 retail price range.

[@3rdstone1]

Interesting to read about the J and K models. I've heard about the Japanese supervision thing before, but no one seems to be able to really confirm it. Or that "Made in Japan" is just for the domestic market (and still made in same factories as K models). It's always been mostly speculations about this J or K subject.

[@ridgepointerail9462]

Can ask what size crystal fits in the please..

[@sch-corp]

My first automatic watch was an Orient ER200CW, similar in quality to these basic Seiko 5s. Didn't take long for me to want to trade up to a better watch. Unless you really need the brand name, I would happily recommend anyone getting into watch collecting on a budget skip these and go straight to the safe Aliexpress options (Cadisen, Guanqin, Pagani Design).

[@Ranaldi0227]

For me the SNXS series is a step above this one for the same money. It has more of an expensive look but obviously changing the bracelet to a oyster style is a must. Great review and 100% correct, the Seiko SNXS77J was my first purchase into watch collecting :-) Gid review

[@ConvoyGTR]

I have a SNKL43, it's a lovely lovely watch.

[@karvast5726]

I just bought one on amazon right now my only "nice" watch right now is a fossil watch,i didn't know better 4 years ago

[@MammothBehemoth]

There's a new batch if Seiko 5's people call the 5KX. 40mm, similar to those, but with a SKX dial. Hope you get to review those.

[@ridgepointerail9462]

He has done a few months ago.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6KqZqGejZygiJI

[@Mouxbar]

Had the black one, had to flip it as hands were a bit out and running rough. Which leaves me 3 Seiko 5's... All on straps LOL. If only they were 20mm strapped. Great watches.

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Fan of the gray dial with the second hand.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I ordered the snkl41 twice in the past couple of months, both times the seller had to cancel my order due to Covid19... Can't wait to finally get one of these "Baby SARBs". Great review as always Jody!

[@MrBrendanox]

I sold my sarb035 and got one of these instead. No regrets . You’ll love it :)

[@sarmadmunir3895]

@@MrBrendanox really sir ?

[@sarmadmunir3895]

@ thanks a lot dear sir for your affectionate response . Sharp edges and matchless finishing of sarb 033 compels me not to buy an snkl , because I will be deprived of some of the money which I am saving for sarb . The funny thing is that , the more we save , the more the price of the sarb grows hahaha it is being unattainable

[@indaleciomendez8442]

Funny that you are wearing that t-shirt, i just watched back to the future 1 and i took pictures of all the scenes with watches and i have 6 back to the future part 1, 2, and 3 hot wheels.

[@bernardbarroga1497]

Very 70’s style. Great value for the price.👍🏼

[@paulhart2021]

Jody, thru trial and error, although I really like those Seiko 5's, I don't buy anymore non sapphire crystals, bezels with that shiny finish, ( I end up having scratches on them), and also watches with throw away bracelets.

[@KittenLord69]

Totally off topic, but it must be said. I love your Steve Irwin Statue

[@bradmcmahon3156]

My SNK805 / 7S26 (Malaysian build) only lasted a few years of irregular wear before failure. Cheaper to get a new watch than to repair.

[@yokosomike]

Hey Jodie, by any chance the JDM version have kanji day? Thanks.

[@predragjo5977]

I got the SNKL43 (the blue one) as a gift from my GF about 5 years ago. The watch was running roughly +25 seconds/day so I decided to service/regulate it at the local watchmaker. The service cost was about 40 USD and it runs +4 seconds/day since then. I also found a way to set the time nearly at second :D When the watch fully stops, adjust the time at 1 minute ahead of the actual time then take your quartz watch and careully trach the time > start shaking your Seiko like 3 or 4 seconds before the second hand on a quartz watch matches the second hand on a Seiko and bam it starts running hahahaha :D

[@Bruhngus420]

I’m so early Jody hasn’t liked any of the comments yet lol

[@gbsprasanna]

Expecting the new Seiko 5 sports smooth bezel srpe series review.