Never thought this watch would come back! Seiko SNKL23

[@aussie_golfer]

Purchased this gem of a watch a few day's ago... Swapped out the braclet and put a leather strap on it and it completely changed in looks and feel! I love this watch!!!

[@rohitroy978]

Hi Kim, from where you bought this watch??

[@aussie_golfer]

@@rohitroy978 I have a friend who sells watches he sold this to me for a good price, I'm sure you'll find it on eBay or Amazon also try Japanese websites or Singapore. Goodluck! :) it's definitely worth it!

[@WrongTimeWatch]

Thanks for reminding me that I have this watch somewhere in my collection.

[@islandwatch]

Welcome!

[@richardpatronik7358]

Me, too. I paid $100 in 2016. Is it worth buying at $139.00? Run, do not walk! I love Mark’s characterization of this watch.

[@1Eagler]

What’s the point of having something without using it?

[@WrongTimeWatch]

@@1Eagler Good point,.I need to find it and sell it.

[@thomasdavis7375]

Seiko’s supply chain is always a mystery to me. Last year I felt extremely lucky to be able to find one of these because I had thought they were discontinued years ago, but the serial number suggests the one I ended up getting was made in January 2019. I had thought it must have been much older stock than that considering how hard it was to find. To anyone seeing this, get one while you can! You can’t find a more beautiful automatic dress watch at that price, even after you factor in a few extra bucks for a leather strap.

[@islandwatch]

Very mysterious

[@gilbertoflores7397]

Do you know what the band width is? I've seen 17mm or 18 mm. What is the real width? 17 seems like such an odd measurement, but some of the other seiko 5s have a 19mm, so the 17mm might be the real one.

[@3rdstone1]

The band with is 18mm. BTW, my serial nr starts with 99, so that would make it as late as September 2019 right?

[@gilbertoflores7397]

@@3rdstone1 okay. Thanks. I ordered one and ordered some 18mm leather straps. Luckily I didn't buy a metal bracelet yet. I was going to get a 17mm one. I'll have to see if I can find a good 18mm one now.

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

Same here. This is just my everyday-dress watch and I'm not afraid to do anything with this piece: not expensive but still a bit rare. I call it my "Baby Explorer". 😎 😅

[@martinstephenson4311]

I've had this for about four years now, absolutely superb watch. Cheap bracelet but it's light and comfortable on your wrist.

[@MrRCalden]

My wife got me this as an engagement present, whaat a great little gem of a watch.

[@masdojo]

My wife got me one as a wedding gift last year. I love it, and have it on a brown leather strap.

[@Sparks68]

You can't ask for much more in a basic, entry level mechanical watch. It checks all the boxes to tell the time with a day/date complication. As usual, its graphic design is visually appealing, something Seiko has mastered, without being gaudy, too formal, or too much like a tool watch. You could wear it with anything from beachwear to white tie and tails. Unlike most (very nearly all) of the Swiss watch companies, Seiko is not only Japan's premiere watch company with a flagship Grand Seiko luxury line, it produces Everyman watches like this one - spanning every price point in mechanical and quartz - without sacrificing build quality.

[@tito841]

I've had this watch for over a year and still watched the whole review. I find it looks awesome with a mesh too!

[@asdfsadf67]

My first automatic watch. Honestly don't use it as much anymore but I'll never forget where I started

[@islandwatch]

The gateway!

[@Leo-tf3rw]

Had the watch for over 2 years now, still going strong!

[@toytech1679]

Had one recently for a few months. My dress watch preference is 39mm with 20mm lug width. Loved the way he indices sparkled in the light but was right on the cusp of too small for me and the 18mm lugs pushed it over the edge. I sold it to a friend of mine that likes the smaller watches more than me. He absolutely loves it. So it has a good home.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for sharing.

[@wargamingrefugee9065]

OK, I've learned my lesson. Buy them when they're available or regret it. I've ordered two of them. One to keep in it's box for the future and one for now. Thanks for the heads-up Marc. :-)

[@islandwatch]

Ha! Good idea.

[@kirill8802]

Take a look at the 12 o'clock pip, half of it is blocked off by the top index. That always helped me orientate myself when looking at mine in the dark

[@islandwatch]

Very good observation

[@HarshadContractor]

Thank you, Marc, You made my day!!!!! I got the watch fast (Except Indian Customs' usual delays). My dream watch and although I own more than 20 Wrist Watches - This has a special place in my heart. Fantastic is the word.!!!!

[@4no1timewaits]

Its seems everyone complains about the bracelets on the little Seiko 5's. Here's a tip: Buy a Cape Cod metal polishing cloth to clean the bracelet and make all of it nice and bright and shiny. It will look like a much more expensive piece. Thank me later. Cheers.

[@PrabhsimranSingh13]

The lume on the the 12 o'clock is different. It's being covered up by the 12 hour marker about half way so the lume pip appears slightly smaller and more square than all the other lume pips in the dark.

[@kirill8802]

yup i mentioned the same thing

[@islandwatch]

Yes. Thank you!

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Living in Asia, these watches are available everywhere. Definitely gonna buy one soon when I have enough spare cash

[@kcbuys]

please help me with a link to buy in case u find a new one

[@devinpowers4368]

I just received my watch I'm beyond impressed it's heavy the fit and finish is literally Seiko level the lume dial/bezel looks great. It keeps amazing time I honestly thought the 38 would not look good on my wrist but I'm glad I went 38 instead of the 42

[@Area_man115]

There’s a 42? What’s that model number? Thanks!

[@nabilalian7248]

I bought it five days ago for a very good price, and it was the last piece in Kuwait, I'm so happy I was able to get it. Now "she" sits beside 'her' siblings Seiko SRPC13J1 Recraft Special Edition, Seiko Recraft Solar Chronograph SSC513P9, Seiko 5 sport Helmet SSA285j1, Seiko SNKP27 & 23 Recraft, SEIKO Tank Homage SUP880, Seiko Padi SRPA21j1 and others. I have been following your channel for a long time and liked each video.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you, nice work!

[@adamlees8410]

I've just got my Seiko from long Island watches and put on a dark brown Italian leather strap. It looks ridiculously good and looks like a watch 2 or 3 times the value now!.

[@vintage_andy]

Glad you still got ‘em. Just bought one

[@russellharris5072]

I'm guessing Seiko have a large amount of 7s26 movements in stock and looking for a home.What a better way to use them than this model?

[@islandwatch]

Good point!

[@Sparks68]

I very seriously doubt that. *No* Japanese company would allow stock of incoming materials and parts, or finished product to pile up anywhere. The plant manager would be cashiered for it. The Japanese invented "One Piece Flow" and "Just in Time" supply chains to prevent anything from being stored anywhere - which consumes space and costs money to manage it. No company I worked for in the past 25 years would allow it. Plant managers would be fired for it. My educated guess is they've got fully amortized production lines able to make a profitable product for which there continues to be a demand. They'd be loony to shut it down, if for no other reason than the Fiduciary Duty corporate officers have to do things that turn a profit, and not do things that turn shut down profitable endeavors.

[@blintorzabat5798]

Must... resist... must... resist... Dang it! I just ordered one!

[@unknowntraveller8633]

Give into the dark side and don't resist.

[@elebeau]

@@unknowntraveller8633 a e 12345678El 2w see x

[@elebeau]

I have no idea what that is

[@islandwatch]

Happens to the best of us.

[@andrewd7586]

Brave fight mate!🤣👍🏻

[@milansheth535]

This looks like a fantastic watch, is there a difference in quality between the K and J models?

[@saptarshihalderofficial]

It's really a wonderful watch, thankfully I owned it, waiting for that day..when you will say the same thing for Sarb033, Sarb035 😎

[@gilbertoflores7397]

Don't get your hopes up. I think seiko has already introduced the replacement, it looks the same but they took down the specs, Hadlex, 4r movement, and maybe a pressed clasp. That's what they've been doing.

[@msugal]

Man I wish if they bring Sarb033 back. Found some on eBay but their price is jacked

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@argynkuketayev4166]

@@msugal my sarb033 cant keep time. i bought it from Marc

[@ZachBie]

Mohamed Sugal I have a four-year-old 033 and a three-year-old 035. Great watches. They really were the best for the money back at the time.

[@josephgschwartz]

I have a 20 year old relative of this watch that I still love. If you don't have one get one folks.

[@islandwatch]

Cool. Good advice

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

I call it my "Baby Explorer". 😅 (I know it's far from it) I wear it with a leather-vintage strap, a Bond-NATO strap or a nylon strap with stripes matching the dial. 😎 As it is fully automatic, I wear it at least once a day (or at night) so it won't stop.

[@gcf7175]

looks great! I am enjoying the heck outta my Scratch n Dent SKX009 you sold me. Thanks, Marc!

[@michaelhargis7036]

Are you serious? You got a bad watch from Marc or are you kidding?

[@aldo9923]

There is a scratch and dent section on his website, basically returned watches sold for a discount

[@gcf7175]

@@michaelhargis7036 Nah B. I'm not kidding. Are you kidding?

[@islandwatch]

Enjoy!!??

[@russianfolktales3641]

This Seiko 5’s are immortal . I feel like a time traveller wearing some of their models in 2021.

[@ZviJ1]

My only gripe about a Seiko 5 like the SNKL23 is its thickness relative to similar analog Quartz watches. But I suppose manufacturing the case even 1.5 mm thinner would make these watches considerably more costly.

[@drzaius844]

I have the K version on a Benchmark leather strap, looks like a thousand dollar watch. Bought my daughter a matching one, she started crying :)

[@islandwatch]

Nice

[@scottlauren3145]

I love my snkl41. Got a nice strap on it and it looks nicer than the 100 dollar watch that It is

[@islandwatch]

Cool. Thanks for sharing

[@timecheckwatch-channel5421]

Totally one of the best Seiko 5 watch out there 👌

[@islandwatch]

Yup!!!!

[@jeditrek]

This is a beautiful watch. I have the K version. Anybody who doesn't have this in their collection should seriously consider adding this. So lucky to be able to have the chance to buy this from Long Island Watch and especially the J version.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@Dayinho]

Hey ! What's the difference between the K and the J ? Thanks ;)

[@seiko9361]

Can i get it about 15 years later i mean will it be discontinued or not plz reply

[@the_9ent]

Picked a new one up earlier in the year for £80 including delivery. Couldn’t believe me luck. Mini Sarb033

[@cmitt8883]

Happen to love your watch and learn videos. Seen most everything many times from multiple sources but your presentation and approach work well for me.

[@islandwatch]

Wow, thanks!

[@RogerSartet007]

I've just ordered one at some store that goes by the name of .....Island watch, Affordable Quality Timepieces Online :-) Hopefully it gets to Belgium in one piece. Keep ya posted!

[@du315h0k]

With all the hubbub around these I ended up with a used SNKK71K1 from goodwill as my daily driver. Same watch with a solid black dial, no pinstripes. Same hands, different bracelet but not any better.

[@RobertNES816]

Maybe Seiko had some 7S26 movements to get rid of? But as for the price you can get so much more for another $20 like the Seiko 5 Sports line up. Better build quality, better band or strap, better water resistance, 7S36 movement and usually more lume on the face.

[@mrkitewine7700]

I had one of these but sold it after a couple of years because I struggled to see the hands under certain lighting conditions. I replaced it with the snk355 which I personally think is a much nicer watch.

[@islandwatch]

Cool. Thanks for sharing

[@fawkesandhound]

Wtf?? I just watched an AD for Long Island Watch that pre rolled on this video!! 😂😂 I was like, when’s he gonna talk about the Seiko?

[@islandwatch]

;)

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

I have this watch and I'm babying it.

[@islandwatch]

Won't be here forever.

[@Horologique]

Wonderful little watch! They are coming back indeed, I bought mine a month ago from Ebay (Irish seller). But they might be gone just as soon. Seiko works in strange ways...

[@gankparty4876]

Very Nice Seiko, Maybe this will be the first seiko to add to my collection.

[@islandwatch]

Cool

[@scottsj4625]

The price really shot up. I bought three variants and I am not sure if it is the same but sure looks it. They were 79.00 back then. The only problem was the crappy bracelets easily replaced and being the watch was so inexpensive it was an easy fix. They still work but they should right? 5 years old about. Almost everything has gone up in price with Seiko so this is no surprise. With a 6.8-inch wrist, 38mm works really well for me.

[@islandwatch]

True. Thank you.

[@vmanukraina6343]

Hi Mark, I noticed by Seiko, SPRD-41, has a plastic retaining ring / movement holder instead of a metal. Will this affect the longevity / long term performance? Thank you.

[@markharrison8231]

We can get them in the UAE quite readily, usually the Japanese made ones. I have a “J” model on brown croc strap and love it.

[@islandwatch]

Nice, thank you.

[@andrewshadowy2025]

I been thinking about this watch and the blue version and as I went into KZbin today I see you made a video. The price has gone up on these quite a lot to when you pick one up for 65 and now they over 120

[@islandwatch]

Seems I should have charged more.

[@kelvintan2629]

My daily beater, im the proud owner of this bad boy.. I replace the bracelets with 20mm aftermarket seiko jubilee.. Fit perfectly and the most surprise is it only lost 1 sec or 2 per day.

[@bovler]

I've been looking for a bracelet for mine, do you have a link to yours please?

[@jjjfffppp]

made it about 2 minutes in and i was enjoying the audio as a ordered one.

[@islandwatch]

good idea!

[@erikkeur7143]

This Seiko SNKL23J1 looked very appealing to, especially from a looks vs value point of view. I would like a watch which I wouldn’t be overly concerned if it became scratched, as it’s just over $100. I went to order this model from Long Island Watch just a few hours after this video came out and it appears the have sold out already. I’m a little disappointed but I will keep looking. Good videos Mark.

[@bg-id1uo]

Mark thnx for sharing this on this great Seiko model!!! Was wondering ?? If one was to order this watch from you,and wanted a strap replacement ,would you swap it out ??

[@fuloman9894]

Looks like a baby’s watch!! Dial is pretty

[@johndoyle1969]

Marc, if you see this comment, you need to put a smooth bezel on some of your 38mm Islander dive watches. That would be a cool, smooth look.

[@darrensmith6999]

Beautiful! i have a model very similar but the dial is black but is embossed with loads of small Seiko 5 logos never seen another like it.

[@islandwatch]

Sounds nice.

[@dantreview4698]

I know it's a Seiko 5, so they have to put a day/date on it, but man, it's an eyesore. If they dropped it so the watch was time-only, I'd be wearing one right now. Otherwise it's great! Glad you found some stock, Marc!

[@bigal7715]

Great watch Mark. Your watch & learn videos are great. I've learned a lot from them.

[@islandwatch]

Glad you like them!

[@ionutgeanta8741]

recevied mine yesterday (SNXS73K). got to mod it out (movement, crystal, bracelet and more) but was surprised as how beautiful it is. will take care not to destroy it, as i really want to keep it

[@islandwatch]

Cool, thank you.

[@3rdstone1]

Always great to see this one available. It really looks great for the buck, and I'm glad to be able to snatch a K model for around $80 buck some year ago. I love how nicely done the brushed and polished finish is on the sides of the case. Too bad many classic affordable 37-38 mm Seiko 5 models might be phased out soon, and mostly replaced by 5 Sports and higher prices.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching

[@MichaelRedford]

The baby SARY/SARB. Thanks for this.

[@islandwatch]

Yup

[@jpdavis6042]

The 5 on the dial is nasty, at this point in the game.. I've had various one's over the years. For the price, it's a good starter. Now, the find would be a stash of J's SXK 007's. Best, JP

[@christopherdyer2046]

This is my daily found it for 75$ it’s small for my large wrists but I love it

[@islandwatch]

Good deal.

[@lonestardude6283]

I own a couple of these Seiko 5’s with the hard to operate small crown, wish someone would make a larger crown mod for these popular models!

[@islandwatch]

I think part of the appeal is the crown.

[@LS1007]

Reminds me of the Seiko titanium quartz 7N32-0069 I have. Thanks for sharing it! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@islandwatch]

Welcome.

[@trungle5496]

I got Marc’s ad before Marc’s video. Double Marc!

[@islandwatch]

Is there anything better?

[@Sevarrius]

I very nearly bought one of these, but I chose the SNK623 in the end. Still a very nice looking seiko. Turns out I am very partial to a black face on my watches, infact I hadn't actually conciously realised until now that most of the watches in my collection have black faces.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for sharing

[@frankgarcia5588]

This watch started my seiko collection

[@islandwatch]

Nice. You and many others.

[@RaphaelRousseau]

Yes! The famous "[...] Seventy-Five Dollar Watch That Looks Like A Million Bucks"! Welcome back to it!!!! The issues: * it still has the same bracelet * it still has the same hardlex crystal * it still has the same 7s26 old movement (non-hacking, non hand-winding) * it's now sold at $139.00 (Island Watch Price on Sept. 18th) Seiko didn't update it at all!

[@islandwatch]

I didn't say they updated it. It's the same watch.

[@RaphaelRousseau]

@@islandwatch, indeed, Mark, that's not your fault, but it's what I criticize about what Seiko did. They'd have better make a reissue than producing the SNKL23 as they did originally.

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

@@RaphaelRousseau Hacking with english/japanese day would be 🤘

[@boonie3]

Reminds me of my first watch, the SNX997. Feel like dusting it off again after watching this video.

[@NDVN101092]

I think the lug design makes it look best on the bracelet, not straps. The bracelet itself is good for the price, despite being a nightmare for hairy arm. And this watch is far more beautiful than the sarb033 and the sarb035.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@grogthegrolie]

Got my Seaborne on Kickstarter. Looks super cool and perfect dimensions. Hope you start carrying the brand.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!!!

[@sebmets260]

Will you be getting the SKX009 with metal bracelet in stock before the holidays? Would love to pick one up but I'm not a fan of the rubber strap.

[@whatsinanameish]

It may have been a trick of the camera, but the 12 pip seemed to be glowing at half strength... so... perhaps a vaguely different orientation indicator after all?

[@islandwatch]

It is. It's just slightly smaller. But not enough in my opinion

[@peterleenicholson]

Thanks mark I've ordered one from you... Been looking for ages

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

This is an awesome watch I've neglected too much since I got my SARB035. Your Watch and Learn videos are awesome, too, and as you pointed out yourself, they have a long shelf life and remain useful to many for years. Cheers!

[@jk12324]

I have the SARB-035, SARB-017 and a Cocktail time amongst my Seikos, but this little SNKL23 still gets worn to work quite frequently on my brown Hirst strap. A much superior "gateway" watch than the overhyped (IMO) Bambino, which I also bought as one of my firsts but barely wore and (it also didn't make me feel anything when I did).

[@vma4202]

I really wanted this piece but couldnt find them anywhere. Hence the Bambino as my first piece. A watch is no good value proposition when you cant purchase it

[@adamb3129]

At least the Bambino has a better movement. Not overhyped compared to any Seiko to ever exist

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for sharing

[@othonmartinez3084]

the budget alternative to the SARB i think. looks great

[@islandwatch]

Yup

[@DannyDopeness]

Any ETA on whether these will be back in stock? Now showing out of stock.

[@ForeverUnknowing]

I got one of these very recently in Japan. Immediately not a fan of the bracelet, but I plan on getting some nice leather straps to dress it up a bit.

[@islandwatch]

Brown strap!

[@ForeverUnknowing]

@@islandwatch 100%, at least one brown strap!

[@marsoelflaco5722]

Very nice watch. Can't beat the price. Very stylish and functional. I wonder if it will come in different colors. 🤔✌👍

[@islandwatch]

Nope. Doubt it.

[@marsoelflaco5722]

@@islandwatch That's too bad. 🖖

[@davidsonviray1403]

does the pinstripe in the dial is noticeable everytime? or on other people? or there is a specific lighting or shade to see it?

[@spenzalii]

And just like that... out of stock. Good stuff!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@commentjedi]

Equally hard to get is a Seagull Seamaster (aqua terra homage) And it's also about $140, but it's 39mm

[@islandwatch]

True.

[@kavo9216]

Is there different versions of that watch because ive noticed that theres one that has made in japan on the dial where as theres another version were that isnt there if u know what i mean

[@roksana6095]

Hi Mark hope you could help..I need the lug to lug measurements please. The problem is on some website s the measurements are 17mm and some 18mm..your help will be appreciated

[@jono8884]

For $139 it is a good deal....lovely watch.

[@islandwatch]

True. Thank you.

[@aboubakrnaciri7275]

I have a 60s seiko 5 It was my grandfather's watch

[@islandwatch]

Cool

[@Halfhoff]

Wow. Sold out two days later. I guess I should keep up on my KZbin watching!

[@anisurrahman3307]

Where to buy. Pls. Post the link or full address. Seriously interested .

[@Benjack96]

Marc please consider using solid female end links for your islander pieces, sincerely, a customer.

[@kevinfiorentino188]

Does the day date go automaticly? For everyday use

[@ImLeuff]

Cool! Now let's find a few containers of skx013s..

[@islandwatch]

Get an Islander!

[@zacharymalik]

Could you do a high quality metal bracelet for this watch?

[@mmatthias2010]

Yes, please!

[@islandwatch]

Not worth it, TBH.

[@aldo9923]

This and the snk809 are such gateway watches lol

[@islandwatch]

True.

[@pioneer8634]

Love it a must buy for me!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks

[@igorR061]

I hope more Seiko 5s come back.

[@islandwatch]

Me too

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great watch, I would recommend it to anyone! Thanks Marc, you rock!!

[@islandwatch]

You rock!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Long Island Watch we all rock brother 👍🏼

[@Daggerfall40]

Love this watch. Bracelet is god awful but I swapped it out for a milanese mesh bracelet and It just pops on your wrist.

[@islandwatch]

Nice, thanks.

[@acftmxman]

Great video Marc. I remember Jack’s article in Hodinkee. I finally ended up getting the blue dialed sister, the SNKL43, in June 2019. I figured that Seiko had some movements and other older 5 parts and made a few batches to deplete the stock. IMHO, I don’t expect to see these by early next year. Even to a seasoned collector, this watch offers a lot. All the best-Mark

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cookiewaa]

Which among the numbers on the back is the serial number?

[@son_of_destiny]

Where can I get this watch ? Unable to find this model in India :( Any suggestions, pls.