Seiko 5 SNK809: An HONEST Review (2019)

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Here's my HONEST in-depth review of the Seiko 5 SNK809, which has been praised by many as the "best automatic watch under $100!"
Learn more about mechanical wrist watches here! (This book is awesome!) amzn.to/2LoY8Ag
Please don't forget to Thumbs Up, Comment, and Subscribe if you enjoyed this video! (It really helps me out! And I'll try to get back to as many people as possible!)
SEIKO SNK 803 BEIGE: amzn.to/2CjcAUZ
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Feel free to SKIP to any part of the video:
1. UNBOXING (6:15)
2. DESIGN(7:17)
3. FEATURES (8:15)
4. BUILD QUALITY (9:13)
5. WATER TEST (9:37)
6. THE VERDICT (11:22)
7. PHOTO GALLERY (12:38)
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[@watchlad1969]

If you guys enjoyed this video and are interested in the SEIKO 5 SNK809, feel free to check it out on amazon! amzn.to/2Y39sFX

[@hyunki0510]

I've had my SNK809 since senior year of high school, wore it everyday in college, joined the Army, did a combat rotation with it, and did numerous field exercises as a tank platoon leader in it and it is by the best watch I have ever owned. Everyone I know wore G-shocks but my seiko held up super well through some serious shit. Very happy with it.

[@watchlad1969]

haha that is AWESOME man! Truly a rugged watch indeed!

[@ArchangelTyrael]

But it won’t survive water right? Did you have any experience with this watch while swimming etc?

[@watchlad1969]

@@ArchangelTyrael It CAN... it's just not recommended and not certified that it can.

[@13ON3S]

hyunki0510 Did you ever change the strap? If so to what?

[@geraldacevedo7598]

30 meters convert to about a 100 feet. Can be used for light swimming not heavy. Not a divers

[@themysterysuk2097]

It is my favourite watch in the hole world, not because its the most expensive or because it's got the best this or the best that, but because every time I look at it on my wrist it makes me smile.

[@renecastro11]

This is the best watch review I've seen. Bravo! Just ordered one after watching this.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Rene!

[@_casualthrower333_4]

the visuals in this review are amazing i’m glad your channel has been growing and I hope it continues to do so

[@kulahit50]

Best visual presentation among all the watch reviews I’ve seen on KZbin. Your comprehensive review was also very informative. Keep up the good work

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you good sir!

[@702MMS]

Absolutely outstanding watch review and video. Perfect delivery of information. Looking forward to watching you other videos.

[@othusvice]

only 860 subs? this review is amazing from the music to the camera. congrats

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you!! :)

[@KingKsEDC]

6 months later hes at over 3k subs. Love it.

[@jasonbaxter4584]

I bought mine for £20 ten years ago. These things have gained value!

[@Unlucky1776]

A lot! Automatics have been rising in price recently. (Kinda off topic but Rolexes used to be cheap tool watches usually under $200!)

[@alexcrayfish]

I own this one and although I own lots of way more expensive watches, it gets a lot of wristtime. I have the version with the stainless steel bracelet and I have to admit: its very pretty. The deep black glossy dial and the applied Seiko and Seiko 5 logos makes it look very sophisticated and quite dapper.

[@TheCaptain008]

Solid review. I've had my 809 since 2016. I recently bought an 807 Blue version for my little half brother, he's 8. My dad tells me he's been wearing it daily. Coolest thing when I gave it to him was he read the time immediately. Super stoked to see if he likes watches like I do.

[@watchlad1969]

That's awesome man! Yea they are built like tanks.

[@alexthelegoguy4504]

My first watch was a fashion brand... wore it for a week and knew it was a POS... got on KZbin and saw that everyone was suggesting seiko 5 for beginners. Bought my SNXF05 due to slenderwrist review a few months ago and haven’t taken it off my wrist. Bought my model thinking I’d baby it but so far I e worn it out in the tractor, wrangling cattle and have absolutely mashed it... thinking “yup... it’s jacked up...” and yet I only have one scratch on the case. Super AMAZED! With the quality. The fact the case scratched before the crystal that soooo many people talk down on. If I can slam my watch into a fence a cow is slamming me into... i feel like it passes the test right? And love the seiko video! You didn’t let me down!!!! I’d love to see maybe “a real review of the SNZG17” price is there and it’s am interesting piece for the price and it’s a PVD model? Been buying models for my family and friends for upcoming 2019 Christmas. It’s basic like you say but beautiful at the same time for a beginner! I bought this one in particular for my landlord/best friend. As he appreciates mechanical pieces as he’s a luthier. And (no offense buddy) I always see you wearing GIANT watches on your wrist... Nice review broseph! I love the fact you included a timeline/ history arc for seiko. That’s what made me love this brand. They have history. And I’d love to share the story of seiko with my friends in my hope my friends can see the beauty in the mechanics and not the beauty of a “fashion watch” Much love!!! Wear it in good health and always keep a watch! It’s always a milestone in your life you can look back on when your older!

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks for sharing your story Lego Guy! And I appreciate the feedback! Sounds like the SNK 809 has treated you extremely well. As far as the fashion brands go.. it's true, a lot of people who are just getting into watches end up going with fashion brands. Even one of my first watches was a fashion brand watch. It has to do with the fact that 99% of style guru's on KZbin only suggest fashion brands so a lot of the watch new comers don't even know about brands like SEIKO, CITIZEN, ORIENT or even TIMEX. But, that's all beginning to change!

[@nevermind2886]

I've been wearing this for two years. I had it regulated by a watch maker for $30 and it's been averaging +/- 2 seconds over that time. Get bodied Rolex.

[@watchlad1969]

haha nice!

[@Gave-rf1hr]

2 seconds what a week, month , year ?

[@nevermind2886]

@@Gave-rf1hr Per month.

[@miteshvaidya9248]

@@nevermind2886 impressive

[@hugofersal]

awesome review, loved the camera, music & info.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Hugo!

[@stephenhenion8304]

I decided to get the beige one, six months after I bought the blue one. Adding an assortment of Barton Bands and I'm really happy with all the combinations! It's an exceptional watch. Great video, Lad!!

[@well7573]

Amazing review! This watch is truly special for its price, I'll get one soon!

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you! Really appreciate it!

[@robby9513]

Just purchased mine, thank you for the great review video.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks! And enjoy the watch!

[@evanspivack2714]

Nice review...well written and filmed, informative. I'm looking forward to other reviews from you!

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Evan! Stay tuned! More reviews coming soon.

[@rjpena1556]

Good job, detailed review and your voice is very clear, keep it up,

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you!

[@ericpena3426]

Unbelievable quality video for a small channel. Definitely subbed

[@nanhinting7447]

Good straight forward presentation. Not long winded and repetitive like some. Keep it up.

[@echochambers8418]

Awesome Video...I like how you dove into the history of Seiko....While giving a great review of a workhorse of a “cheaper” Seiko.It truly is a great Watch,And pound for pound,Seiko is the best Watch Company in my opinion.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks! Yea, I love history so I always try to include a little bit of history about the watch brand when I'm doing my reviews! I'm glad you liked the review. I'll be doing more Seiko reviews soon so stay tuned!

[@MrBadack]

You are good, man. Nice review. May your channel keeps on growing.

[@JOESIMABINHAMID]

Scored one last week, thanks for the good review. Two thumbs up

Awesome review man! One of the best watch reviews I've ever seen. Keep up the good work.

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you!

[@thxdldu]

I watched numerous snk809 series review, but this is the best review!!

[@nelq415]

I ordered one yesterday, this review just reassured me that I made the right choice.

[@tamengsuchi1825]

Mee to, just replace nato strap leather, superb look

[@poopykan1456]

fantastic review! I have just started entering the world of horology and will be purchasing this watch soon!! Thank you so much for the background on Seiko as well. I am into budget tech in my channel WackyTechReviews which is just starting out, i'm sure this SNK809 will make a great addition!!!

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks and good luck!

[@leoagbayani5304]

Very good review. I got my Seiko 5 SNK809 last year, and using it daily in construction site I can say it's really a tank! It will be a year old this March 2022 and I still love wearing it daily. Some model got engraved "Malaysia" but my one don't have. This might be made here in Singapore since I find out that Seiko got watch Factory here :)

[@BagOfSuck]

Thanks for the video! Bought mine today!

[@watchlad1969]

Enjoy it! It's a great little watch!

[@carloramirez5246]

Great, simple, and an easy to understand review. Good job! 👍👍

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Carlo!

[@iturbo5733]

Thanks for the review. I really want to get one of these as my first watch.

[@watchlad1969]

Definitely do! This was my first automatic SEIKO and it has been great!

[@dannyv.6358]

I've been wearing the 805 for four years now. Riding quads, shooting, ect and everday at work(truck driver). Still holding up very well! Just wore out the first replacement band put the stock band back on and now shopping for another. You hit the nail on the head, the band it comes with is the weakest part of the package. Great presentation btw. Any quality bands that you recommend? Best value I should add.

[@michaeldejesus1184]

Great Review ! Many thanks!

[@ShafakCool]

Just purchased one in beige thanks to you :)

[@nasaman23]

Great review! I subscribed!

[@docmc6557]

Just bought mine today, can’t wait to wear it!

[@watchlad1969]

Nice! Enjoy it Doc!

[@jameswhitejr5291]

I enjoyed this video... keep up the good work

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks James!

[@sidwhitten7126]

Love my SNK809, great review.

[@jackwyatt517]

Just started wearing mine again:) awesome review And ordered some screen protectors

[@OmarZ77]

7:20 wow haha love how you put it in front of an Attack on Titan (SnK) pic! I think this sold me on the watch haha!

[@joshuaorbito]

The visuals, the audio, the tone. 👌🏼

[@Poborsky-fx1wo]

Great review. Thank you

[@paddythepatman]

Hi. I have just subscribed. I love the tone of your channel and wish you well with it. I know it’s been done a hundred times but I would love to hear your take on the skx. Thanks.

[@CoVerseAU]

Amazing review, thanks!

[@albertsantosTP]

Awesome review just bought the SNK803 from amazon I can’t wait to wear it.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks! :)

[@r3dsnow757]

i have the snk803 too, get some nato straps it looks great and simple!

[@tamengsuchi1825]

@@r3dsnow757 yeah same my watch too, use leather nato strap

[@rushiparmar11]

damn! i am amazed at how much under rated your channel is!

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you! Greatly appreciated

[@VictoriaStobbie]

SNK807 REPRESENT! Loved that watch, even after moving up into better watches.

[@kareem3alawi]

Good review !!! I ordered the watch for 80 Canadian dollars !! So excited

[@watchlad1969]

Congrats man! It's a great watch! Enjoy it!

[@KevAlberta]

I’m gonna keep an eye out for a sale

[@markdsiddall]

Nice review! Bought this one two years ago on Amazon for $47, and the blue one, snk807, for $54. Don't know if the prices will ever reach those levels again, but I love the watches. My first automatic was actually the much larger Orient blue mako. It was nice also, but I prefer these due to their incredible value and smaller size.

[@watchlad1969]

These watches will unfortunately NEVER be that low again... But I honestly think they are still worth the money.

[@hariyandiguan]

Just check yesterday $159 but on sale, just $99. I like it, but another type on sale as well (SNKK27), $99

[@jrf7204]

had to buy this watch for $100 including shipping, cannot wait for it to arrive!!

[@Lunderson69]

Great review, I just picked up my SNK 803 and am totally loving my first automatic watch.

[@watchlad1969]

That's awesome Alexander. Glad you like it!

[@tokyotravellerful]

that was a brave decision to choose 803 over 809 mate, I am still confused to pick between the two

[@Lunderson69]

@@tokyotravellerful Hey Bagus, I think the 803 is more versatile for every day life. Everyone has a black dial watch. Once you change the straps you can wear the 803 with anything.

[@tokyotravellerful]

Alexander Gardiner couldn’t agree with you more

[@KaldekBoch]

Ordered one of these last week. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[@watchlad1969]

Hope you enjoy it! It's a great watch!

[@KaldekBoch]

@@watchlad1969 I absolutely love it. My only complaint is that my eyes are a bit bad and a couple more mm case size would make it perfect.

[@kylewinter8766]

Man, your videos are great. I really appreciate your attention to detail, aesthetics and function. You're helping people buy watches that are worth buying. I can't wait to see how this channel grows. You have my subscription.

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you Kyle. Truly appreciated!

[@hugoohlsson1241]

Excellent video. You deserve a lot more subscribers, which I'm certain you will get.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Hugo! I really appreciate it. It's comments like these that make me strive to put out the best content I can!

[@razibshahrier3355]

Now that's how a watch review should be.

[@MuhammadHamza-mc2xh]

I just ordered one and can't wait to wear it! I think it was worth mentioning this a flieger influenced dial, to upsell it worth.

[@marcusakers7245]

Great review! I love my 5

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Marcus. I love mine as well!

[@deanwaller8283]

@@watchlad1969 you still wear it?and of so how is it holding up?

[@chuongnda06]

Excellent review

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you sir!

[@joseluisgarcia4266]

Yeap! Another honesto rev. Coool!!! Thump up.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks man

[@bjornholmstrom7057]

Great review! You have a great voice, good informative video! Big thumbs up! The watch? I’m more of a diver or dress type of guy. This is a bit too flieger/field-ish.

[@watchlad1969]

Really appreciate it Björn! I'm a huge fan of dress watches myself. I'll be reviewing some fantastic dress watches from Orient soon enough!

[@donniedenny2821]

I have had mine (black dail) for over six months. It's a good looking watch and is built for endurance. Don't get me wrong, it's not a Hamilton field watch you can buy for approximately $500.00. It is surprisingly accurate. I was quite shocked when I found out you could purchase a Seiko wristwatch, automatic 21-jeweled movement for $69.00. I think you'll love it. So be sure to shop around on Amazon, because of the differences in prices. Some, like this style, can sell for over a $100.00. But you should be able to find one for around $70.00. One other thing, the man is right about the watch strap. I ended up replacing mine 😊.

[@ivanoxx]

now it costs $140

[@Tommygimbal]

Well detailed review :)

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Tommy!

[@komodokomodo9379]

I enjoy watching your video about seiko watches. Aregato

[@ufooooooooooooooooo]

This used to be the best around $50 dollar watch not too long ago. I totally beat on mine and it's still going strong today. Another watch which is still relatively cheap today and probably one of the cheapest automatics is the Orient Tri-Star. I bought them both at the same time and that 40 dollar Orient is surprisingly one of my most accurate automatics still staying within 6 seconds a day. I think even today they're both awesome choices.

[@GK-qc5ry]

That was a great price, can't get it for that now.

[@BlendedWhiskey]

Nicely done, liked and subscribed

[@watchlad1969]

Thank you!

[@englishlanguagetraining4092]

Great review, do you know if you can swim with the snd255p1 Seiko flightmaster watch. I'm torn between the two. Thanks

[@tobiasrottenbach1769]

First review I have seen with a water test. Pretty cool idea.

[@jeckwhite9099]

I own this watch and the review is correct. It’s really a perfect watch- mostly, but it’s water resistance is quite limited and it is shockingly small. 37mm is a generous measurement. And it fits on the wrist similar to a 35-36. I wore it for 6-7 months daily and decided to step up to the SNZG15. The 42mm bigger brother. With 100m water resistance. Looks almost identical (aside from the 3oclock crown) and the minute labeling on the face is changed for 24hr numbering. But colors, styling, band, and face layout are identical. If you are over 5ft 10 and 170+lbs the 809 will likely just be too small and almost look a bit of a novelty.

[@ManuRedd]

I’m 6’1 145 and my wrists are skinny so I think it will work

[@Peenhole]

Solid video for a solid watch. Nice little Attack on Titan cameo.

[@watchlad1969]

haha THANKS!

[@jasetunney6385]

Great review....i had one that bricked after one month and I take care of my things far better than most....would you say I was just unlucky?

[@jfcc9086com]

Its tempting. Black friday. BTW, the days are in French as well. I saw Mar, Tue. tx!

[@rangersmith4652]

I recently ran across my Grandfather's 1952 Doxa automatic, and found that it runs. That piqued my interest in automatics, so I purchased an Orient Tristar and a Seiko SNK805, getting both for a total under $200. Though I doubt any mechanical watch can become my daily, the bug has bitten me just a bit.

[@karlsenula9495]

The 809 black tends to run right around $90-$100. Less expensive are the other color varients. The link in the description is offering the watch for $137 USD.

[@gunawansantoso3081]

Hello...cool review...i really enjoy...may i know when this watch (SNK809)first year production? 1996? Thanks

[@jarikinnunen1718]

I got just SNK809. Strap is just enough my wrist. I like it lot.❤

[@valueink]

10:42 what kind of strap is that? It looks amazing, fits the watch perfectly.

[@heyhey9282]

Brown leather strap

[@BurnHard1992]

Hi there, nice review, though I took some comparison between your 809 and my olive green 805 it seems there are some light differences. 1. My watch has the 7S26B movement is there any difference between them? 2. on your backglas one can see it was made or parts were purchased from Malaysia, I do not have such branding it is just the common indicators without background. Does this mean mine was fully made in Japan? Purchase year was 2011 which means that my watch is in service since nearly 9 years and still working ^^ Had some adventures with it like swimming in the danube river or my expedition in the egypt dunes ^^ Update: read in an article that both 805, 809 are Made in Malaysia still is the question if my 805 with b movement too because the newer ones have all the C variant (stand 2014).

[@GilbertoPorter]

Thanks! It’s pushing $120 today

[@Bob.martens]

I modded my SNZG with sapphire crystal and an NH35-swap (plus new crown). Total cost: 200€. The same can be done with the SNK. Worth it for me. The 7S26 is actually in quite high demand if you want to sell it, so subtract that from the cost...

[@850Tech]

Best review of this watch

[@nuboyinfla]

Hard for me to decide between black or cream. What a great watch..,and review!

[@stephenhenion8304]

Get both!

[@elchoya8770]

have this,the beige color and the silver dial.wish they had a white dial ,the one I got looks more like a pearl silver not white which said in the description on amazon.

[@YR7A]

I wore one of these all through high school. Great watch. I kept it wound by developing muscle memory to shake it on my wrist for about 15 seconds every once and a while.

[@abhikkashyap]

Hi mate, what's the size of your wrist? I've a 7 and a half inch wrist. I'm afraid the SNK might look too small on me.

[@WorthAWatchReviews]

Mine are still going strong. Change the strap and you're set! 😁👊 Subscribed!

[@mariozee899]

Where do you get that seiko box? it's nice looking blue box mate👍

[@ngeorgantonis]

Excellent video! I have bought the same watch. It gains 1 minute every 3 days. Is it normal? Can I fix it? I have read that this is something usual for an automatic watch. Is it true?

[@dennissouthard3552]

Just got one of these new Seiko watches. So far I'm tickled to death with it.

[@watchlad1969]

They are great little watches!

[@juniorsoutoo]

A alta qualidade do áudio, das imagens e da retórica, fazem deste vídeo o melhor que vi sobre este relógio 🤝

[@George_Borman]

A great watch for your money for those who don't like huge watches. I have exactly the same ones in the same blue box. I have been wearing it periodically since 2012. Accuracy suits me fine. Initially, they lagged slightly. I went to the watchmaker and asked him to adjust the "thermometer" so that the clock was slightly in a hurry. For this class of mechanism, the accuracy is quite good, in any case, as a pedant, it suits me quite well. I bought it on Amazon, if memory serves, for more than 80 dollars at a discount.

[@flacaataspotente]

Congrats! This is by far one of the best watch reviews i've ever seen! I'm wearing my 805 right now and i absolutely love it! P.S.: Check out German Luftwaffe watches, this dial looks inspired by those ones.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks SEBA!!

[@aiman1617]

What's your wrist size? Btw, good presentation, already subs your channel 👍🏻

[@godfreyfoster9303]

I am buying a restored Russian watch by Molinja Reconnaisanse which is a classic pilots watch. It has the hours dial in the normal place with various strategic nos missing for other instrument embelishments or chrono at 9 for e.g. I first bought a Poveba 1980 pilots watch with the minutes on the outside the hours 2 x 12 on the inside. But at 34mm case dia and the crystal at 28mm seeing without glasses as I would normally was too difficult, dial/face too busy. I've bought from a UK seller this SNK809 black new at a similar price although they show up at twice this now. The point is that you didn't mention the exquisite dial design which is unusual yet to me quite logical hours traced by the 'big' finger and hours by the small..This plus the pilots triangle at 12 to designate uprightness are irresistible. So looking forward to receiving this one as well - got to be a classic design for me!! G D F

[@jonathansantiagobayardomor9227]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. VERY GOOD INFORMATION. GREETINGS FROM GUADALAJARA, MEXICO.

[@watchlad1969]

Thanks Jonathan! Appreciate it!

[@aNsWeRkEy02]

I have the 803 beige dial..Its definitely a head turner

[@tamengsuchi1825]

I love this watch

[@dimanadia]

mine has a lot of scratches on the glass is it possible to replace it with a sapphire crystal?

[@justin-hurd]

how long would this last before needing a replacement?

[@auttiebarnard7691]

Gateway watch, you're now hooked haha