Seiko 5 SNK809 Review | Still a great deal in 2024!

There is still a place in the market for the good old Seiko 5 SNK809! This little trooper comes in at 37 mm and is without a doubt one of the smallest flieger style automatics that you can get. With Seiko moving upwards in case size with the successor (the SRPH line), these smaller field/pilots watches are getting really hard to come by. This is why I think this 100 dollar wonder, despite its shortcomings, still has potential even in 2024!
Here are the best deals I could find on Amazon US, UK and DE. Purchase via these links if you want to help the channel out, I greatly appreciate it!
United States:
amzn.to/3h2ODVT (SNK809 on the bracelet)
amzn.to/36wPFYx (SNK809 on canvas strap)
amzn.to/36lHOwx (Seiko SRPG, the new field watch)
United Kingdom:
amzn.to/3s5a7rN (SNK809 on the bracelet)
amzn.to/3h2n53a (Good deal on the newer Seiko SRPG)
Germany: (order here if you live in the European Union!)
amzn.to/3BBEzwG (SNK809 on the bracelet)
amzn.to/3BBEMjs (the newer Seiko SRPG model)
Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored by Amazon. I do use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Nordic Watch Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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• Seiko 5 SNK809 Strap A...
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#seiko #seiko5 #snk809

[@SuranTube]

"...You don't need water resistance or else you are scewed anyways" lmao. Exactly what I was thinking.

[@longrun575]

日本から。 私のお気に入りのSNK809は1011.10製造のを2012に購入し、また安くなったタイミングで2015.8製造のSNK809を購入しました。 2023の現在も私の腕で両方とも駆動しスタイルに合わせてメタルブレスレットとNATOとに使い分けています。 同じ価値観を持つ世界中の人に愛されている時計を持っていることに誇りを持っています。

[@NordicWatchChannel]

That's a cool story, thank you for sharing :)

[@stuff6597]

My father gifted it to me years ago. I remember as a child I stole it from him because I loved it, so rn it has the value for me. Still, as a firefighter, I can use it if I am in normal shift attire or formal attire, but if I am going out to a fire or even a normal traffic accident I tend to leave it in the station, safe from scratches or water/dust. I learned the lesson badly ( ending up breaking the glass in a structural fire after dodging a falling wall and failing. ) so now I protect it from anything

[@TheBoujiman]

The snk809 is actually the better looking watch

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It's a looker for sure!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

I just went on camping with mine. In order to preserve my night vision, I would charge up the glow-in-the-dark elements on the watch face with a torch, whilst keeping my eyes closed.. It would then kick out enough light for me to just about see inside my tiny tent. Certainly enough light to find my water bottle, spectacles, and check the ventilation slots. The generic strap it comes with is brutal but very tough. Its made of this rather uncompromising nylon double stitched webbing. Its not that comfortable new, but its so robust I have resisted the urge to replace it. Great watch.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Cool story! Thanks for sharing that 😎 Always good to hear real use-cases!

[@brandlessheadphones]

Just picked one up for 80 bucks. Very nice upgrade from my 90’s timex expedition.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Very nice! Congrats on the good purchase :)

[@seangould3664]

The metal bracelet that matches the finish is part Seiko 3304JZ. I bought mine with the canvas strap and was not a fan. The metal bracelet looks great.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice👍🏻

[@MudaSHoleProductions]

I have the green dial version which I find to be versatile when it comes to different band uses as well. Also, the blue dial seems quite versatile as well. However, I will agree the black dial does do better with the versatility overall.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It tends to be that way with watches :) Black dials are just the easiest to combine. But that doesn't of course mean that other ones are bad, some of the most striking combos are the ones that have a more "difficult" color dial and you find the perfect strap!

[@ramr7051]

Great little watch. Prices starting to go up since Seiko ceased producing them. If you want one, get it now or else suffer the fate of those who want an SKX right now.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Very true! That’s the way it goes with these discontinued models

[@nurulfurqon6878]

I heard that this watch are still available in the market, made in China, I don't know whether it is official production?

[@TheGrenadier97]

THEY DID?! Good heavens.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It’s still available for sure but not sure about the made in China🤔

[@forlornhope1521]

Just bought one Aug. 2023 - Jomashop 175.00.. so yeah it's DEFINITELY going up. All these videos calling the SNK809 a hundred dollar watch are way out of date

[@janbroekema6102]

Thanks nice video..i have SKN 809..love it very much..when i am cooking i use de 5min scale ..i regulate the movement..in summer i use a lasercut nylon strap.. leather in the winter! I am very happy with this watch 👍

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Really glad to hear that mate :) And thanks for the kind words!

[@3rdstone1]

In fact I happen to wear my SNK809 at the moment. I've tried some various straps (the original nylon thingy was just too itchy for me) and ended up with an elastic bond single nato strap, which is very comfortable and something I can recommend. But as you showed here, it also looks great on leather straps as well (and Vario of course makes truly great straps). These smaller classic 5 models usually elevates themself with nice aftermarket straps compared to the usually crappy folded links bracelet or the cheap itchy nylon stuff. And yes, the day/date feature here is one of the best of all the Seiko 5s IMHO, very discrete. The SNZ always felt way too big for my broomstick wrist, and I prefer this mini Type B-flieger/field watch hybrid design on the SNK, but that new one they've just now presented would probably be a good compromise in size and looks. But I also feel that the charm and affordability of old school affordable Seiko 5 models are'nt really there anymore IMHO.. Nice video, and a great feature of this timeless classic 5 model. I will feel sad when all these Seiko backbone models are gone, and being replaced by way more expensive models.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks for this great comment (as usual)😎 Yes I agree that the charm of the ”100 dollar Seiko 5’s” is lost with the new models. I would love to get my hands on the new field watches. Especially the one that ”replaced” the SNZG models, they seem nice. A nato strap is a good choice for the SNK since it gives it just a little more presence, which the 37mm case can sometimes need. And yes Vario seem to be great for the price. I can warmly recommend them to anyone considering aftermarket straps!🤩

[@kirkdyer89]

Nice video. I polished mine and fitted it with an uncle seiko bracelet with a dome sapphire crystal on the way. Loving this little watch

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice! I’ve seen some polishing videos with this watch and the end result always looks great👍🏻What kind of bracelet?

[@kirkdyer89]

@@NordicWatchChannel its the president bracelet. Seiko bell matic.

[@kirkdyer89]

Yes, for me the polishing elevates it

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice choice with the bracelet!

[@kirkdyer89]

@@NordicWatchChannel thanks! I'm enjoying it

[@MrFirefly3000]

Mic needs to be a bit closer since the voice is still a bit low with that said, great work keep it up

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you very much for the feedback, it’s so valuable! Will do!💪🏼

[@jdejes]

Great review! Just recently discovered this watch and immediately ordered the black dial SNK809. It’s a shame I didn’t discover it back when it was under $100 but it’s ok. This watch looks great with any strap. I just ordered the original Seiko green strap used for the SNK805. The green dial is very similar to the black one so I went for that one. I will look into the ones you showed here and any other strap recommendation is welcome.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks for the feedback :) I'm sure it still wasn't a bad price for the watch!

[@wheresgabe]

just got mine for $200 (Brazil taxes lol) but great watch, exactly what I was looking for

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hey, 200 is not bad for a good watch that you're happy with :)

[@curious5557]

Great informative video - thanks.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Glad to hear you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Great work with the review and comparison. I have the blue dial version and I love it. Apart from the poor water resistance its nearly perfect for the price point.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! Yeah I agree with you there. The lack of WR is a bit of a turnoff tho👎🏼

[@tiggergiggles]

Just a heads up: When I bought mine I saw a soldier reviewing it on amazon and said it survived basic training with plenty of exposure to water. I have taken mine swimming twice now and been in the shower with not even any fogging on the glass. Probably not the beat idea but so far it seems that little crown and its o-ring do just fine haha.

[@yusufbest4475]

Theres someone tested on youtube to 200m pressure and it still works.. im more concern about the accuracy and lack of hacking..

[@valley_robot]

Just bought one for 20.00 uk pounds , I love it

[@NordicWatchChannel]

That’s a great deal my friend!

[@markharrison2484]

Where did you find that?

[@shahee6579]

Yh right

[@valley_robot]

@@markharrison2484 carboot sale in Mansfield

[@Zangoose69]

Great video, really helpful :) really liked the hirsch straps, what model are they? Are they 18mm?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hi! Thanks, glad to hear that :) You can find links to the model here in the description of this video I made :) Seiko 5 SNK355 Strap alternatives #shorts kzbin.infowCI60hcziCI?feature=share Check out the affiliate links in the description! You can find the strap there :)

[@stephenwolf8806]

The sound is low and somewhat echoey, improvement is still needed.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it! I’ll see what I can do about it. Posting a review this week.

[@vinovais8]

Nice review ❤

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks mate :)

[@shatner99]

3:55 Green guy on the left looks like a Marathon. Please tell me the model #. That one looks great!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

If I remember correctly, the ref is SNX425 :) Don’t have it anore but it was fun! Only 34mm or 35mm in diameter if I recall correctly.

[@ahmadalsarraj3652]

Hey There.. Bro I have the same model but it came with the fabric strap not the metal one like yours. Now how can I get just A strap like yours in the beginning of the video

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hmm that is the OEM Seiko bracelet.. I'm not sure what the easiest way to find one is. Could be easiest to buy a new one with the bracelet and sell the old one. Or then switch the bracelets and sell the new one with the strap you've got. Always a little tricky with OEM bracelets. UncleSeiko might have some replacement bracelet in their store also.

[@dimanadia]

thats strap looks nice

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Which one? :)

[@gabrielepinducciu5625]

Hi all, does anyone know the difference between SNK809 and SNK809K1 or SNK809K2?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I would say that nothing that matters to a consumer. K and J endings usually refer to the country of origin, but since this is K1 and K2 I'm not sure. Could be if it comes with the strap or bracelet or something.

[@ericknguyen0617]

For the Hirsch straps, are those the 18mm or the 22mm (18mm Buckle)?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

The Hirsch straps that fit this watch are 18mm at the widest point to fit the 18mm lugwidth of the watch🙂

[@ramensobatv]

How about in 2024?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Still as solid as ever in my opinion! Newer entry-level watch models keep going up and up in price, so I think it’s just improving!

[@ramensobatv]

@@NordicWatchChannel sigh. Wish i bought this instead of the Boderry voyager.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It's never too late ;) Hadn't heard of that one but looks like an awesome watch!

[@tohb1976]

I owned all three watches you showed in the video. But two of them have been flipped. I just have the snx425 now. Just wondering does the snk809 bracelet fit the snx425?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It actually fits great! I’ve used it on the SNX425👍🏻 not perfect of course but well enough that you could believe it’s the stock bracelet imo :)

[@tohb1976]

Thanks for the info!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

No prob! Send me a DM on instagram if you want a pic/video of how it fits👍🏻

[@NordicWatchChannel]

@@tohb1976 You can also see it at 12:50 :)

[@tohb1976]

@@NordicWatchChannel thanks.

[@andrewlevett4274]

Was that Justin Trudeau just popped up on the screen?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Say what??😂