Seiko 5 Sports SRPH29 Review - The Best SNK809 Alternative? (Or Not!)

Seiko has just released a lineup of new pilot watches as part of their recently refreshed and growing Seiko 5 Sports lineup. Here's a quick unboxing and first impressions of the SRPH29
WATCHES IN THIS VIDEO
Seiko 5 Sports SRPH29: geni.us/Seiko5SRPH29
Seiko 5 SNK809: geni.us/Seiko5SNK809
Seiko 5 SNK803: geni.us/SeikoSNK803
Seiko 5 Sports SRPG35 Unboxing:
• Seiko's New Field Watc...
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[@WesWatchRoom]

I like the little changes they've made. It still looks like it has the DNA of the SNK but modernised, nice job Seiko. Good work with the review.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Glad you like it!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Hope you enjoyed the SRPH29 review! Thoughts on the watch? Pick up the SRPH29 on Amazon: geni.us/Seiko5SRPH29 Maybe not the SNK80X alternative we were looking for, but it's what we got. Still keeping the SNK809 (and SNK803) in my collection.

[@JudasIscariot81]

How did you end up with a JDM SBSA141 version?

[@Ddaverr1]

Great comparison and review. I do like the orange pop on the second hand

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thank you. I agree the pop adds a nice touch.

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

Bought one a few weeks ago Bought a field watch last week both are green great watches.

[@immortal4942]

I really liked the milsub sword hands and smaller cases of snk809

[@EsTeeBeeEe]

I'm a fan of the SRPH, because of the size and the better water resistance as opposed to the model's progenitor. Same respecting the hacking.

[@relentlessblvd8404]

Nice review 👌 ordered mine in green just cuz it's a nice piece, now that presage is eye Ballin me 😂

[@TheLumeRoom]

Great unboxing and comparison! I've got the 'Boutique Edition' coming in soon, so hopefully get a video out too. Cheers

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thanks very much! Will be keeping an eye out for your review. PS, what model is the 'Boutique Edition'? Haven't been able to find it in a quick search.

[@TheLumeRoom]

@@ChronometerCheck srph27k1 which has patina markers and comes on bracelet. Not much different from the others. Cool watches

[@bradbelter738]

@@TheLumeRoom I'd like to know where you got the boutique version as well. It seems only available in UK shops, so I pulled trigger on the green dial. I love it, but the patina style is really my perfect style.

[@brettkeeler8822]

The SRPH 33 (orange on black) is pretty slick!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Indeed, looks quite cool. Halloween vibes.

[@allenjanes5976]

Nice work

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Did you mentioned 3 o'clock crown hand's on the older version are leaf hands , is the lug width the same & what is the price difference ?

[@ChronometerCheck]

Indeed! New 3 o'clock crown, new handset, lug width increased from 18 > 20mm and price on older model is ~$100, while newer model is closer to $200

[@d3xmeister]

Sandblasted cases work best for everyday, field, kinda beater watches, and personally I love the look. I picked up the other field release, the SRPG37, and of course I have the older SNK’s and SNZG. I really like the dials on these new releases, but I’ll hold until I see blasted cases available.

[@paskalispr]

How long do u use all of your seiko watches? Is it robust for long term?

[@d3xmeister]

@@paskalispr It really depends on who’s wearing. I still have my mechanical Slava watch that I used since I was 6 until I was 14. Still has its original acrylic crystal, scratched up but still intact. I wore it everyday, it was serviced 2 times by the watchmaker. I never managed to put a single scratch on any hardened mineral glass. So maybe I’m not the one to ask as I’m taking great care of my watches.

[@d3xmeister]

@@paskalispr I really son’t do anything special, just clean a watch after every wear with a piece of micro fiber cloth, and being aware that I have a watch on my wrist and not bump into things.

[@paskalispr]

@@d3xmeister thx for the detailed info, btw how's your seiko ones? Im considering to buy SRPG35K1

[@d3xmeister]

@@paskalispr I have the SRPG37 myself which I wore a lot last year, still looks brand new. I have it on a vintage style croc strap that costs the same as the watch :).

[@Artorias001]

I'm not a watch snob and I'm pretty ignorant on watches but I'm looking at buying my first mechanical watch and I've came across the SRPH33. Is the only difference between the 29 and the 33 the colors? How is the durability of these watches? Between work and working out I spend allot of time outdoors in all kinds of crazy weather.

[@ChronometerCheck]

That's right, the style is the only thing different between them. For the outdoors, I think this watch will be plenty durable. For working out, it depends on what exactly you do. I would suggest something a bit more indistructable (and scratch resistant) like a G-Shock, for working out.

[@czguy3045]

Good video and I agree with your take. I think that Seiko is moving towards more of a middle ground and stream-lining their entry level lineup. I like field watches and pilot's watches and I'm no against smaler watches. My SNK803 on a dark olive NATO was one of my most worn watches from about 2012 through 2017 or so. I also bought an 809 which is nice but I like the quirk of the tan dial. I definitely like the SNK series more than these field SRPHs. I only have about four or five watches than I can truly sometimes forget I'm wearing and sometimes I like that. Nothing wrong with the SRPH series, but it's a bit... generic, maybe. Not bad and probably a better choice for a lot of folks, including those than only have one or two watches but I have no plans at all of getting rid of either of my SNKs.

[@czguy3045]

Oh, to add... while it is quartz, I really like the titanium Berny field watch. For around $50, it's a steal in that price segment for a watch in that size. Again, it's quartz but aesthetically it is quite similar to the SNK watches. QUITE similar. BGW9 (or possibly a knockoff) lume and the pips, Arabic indicies and triangle at 12:00 are all lumed, not just the pips near the numbers as on the Seiko. It's also a bit thinner. I got it with the bracelet because it was the same price as the canvas and, while it's OK, I put it on a silicon strap. Also comes with an AR-coated sapphire crystal.

[@josemedina1983]

Great video. I would say if you own any old Seiko 5 field watch or Pilots watch I would not get this one, not enough upgrades to feel the change. I would recommend getting the Flighty, A Citizen Nighthawk or if you want automatic the Orient RA-AC0H03B10A. I'm keeping my black and orange just because is rare for Seiko to release pilot watches to the US market.

[@laa0fa502]

I thought I had a new watch picked out, and you go and throw that orient at me. This is going to be a brutal choice.

[@RatPits]

I've got a large wrist, so the SNK809 is to small for me. So i like that they've made a bigger version! But man i do wan't that black dial like the snk809 on there!!!! i already own a watch with a green dial watch and i personally think the black, looks amazing with that nato strap

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

Never bought a SNK809, but I really like the SRPH29. I think the all-brushed case is the perfect look for a slightly stylish flieger/field combination. Proportionally on my 7.15" wrist it is the perfect tool watch. Big thumbs up for this upgrade to the lineup! Green one is the dial to get... no contest. Of course a green-tinted date/day wheel would have put this over the top, but for the price I'm not complaining. :)

[@ChronometerCheck]

Thanks Nic, glad you're really enjoying the SRPH29! It is a great watch, no doubt. I do agree a matching date-wheel would be ideal, though I have only seen that with the black models, not with the green. If this model ever goes upmarket, who knows, it may be a possibility! Thanks for watching and for commenting. Enjoy your new watch.

[@bensmithkent22]

Got the cream faced one on milanese metal strap. Too big depth wise for a slightly dressier styled watch and too chintzy and would not get enough wear time to justify it which saddens me as it looked so good. Would scratch up fast whereas this I dont mind battering it around a bit. Sending it back for this in this colour. Quality feels good.

[@jacc88888]

It would have been almost perfect if it had a bead blasted finish like the 803. Still, i prefer the bigger size of this one. Thanks for the review.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Completely agree with you. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@LastThankG0DfreeAtLast]

Upgrading it to have hacking and the larger crown and case make this better than the Hamilton khaki on budget and better than the snk809 on function. Mid road approach but very appealing.

[@michaelcolello2735]

looks great, would buy one with a beige or black dial

[@ChronometerCheck]

I believe they do have a black dial version.

[@fotomotoxxiii]

The new updated version is way better in every single way. Better mechanism and its hackable and winding. The band is better, size is better brushed finish looks way better.

[@ChronometerCheck]

I much prefer the looks of the SNK809, but there's no denying this one has plenty of upgrades

[@amansaptrm5389]

Your review made me decide easily between SNK vs SRPH. Thanks a lot man.

[@ChronometerCheck]

I'm glad to hear that. Which one did you ultimately decide?

[@MahelaDimuth]

Bro left us on a cliffhanger

[@BosworthMcG]

We’ll never know

[@splashmoby]

Still waiting 😂

[@MILITAWATCH]

The new watch is quite nice in portion. And i prefer the new logo. Reminds me of super man. However, i prefer matte finished case to brushed.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Same here!

[@Synic08]

The srph stands out more in the 33 model, or 28.... the green is one of the plainest ones IMO

[@Synic08]

I have the snk803 and the srph33... they are different colors completely, but still the same “purpose” in general.... but the srph is, thicker, heavier.... beefy. Like a “good” thick heavy feel, like your wearing something of quality... but, its also kind of too big when you work, to reach in smaller areas and not catch an edge.... the domed crystal looks better too IMO.... The snk line, has better “everyday” strap, and the flat crystal doesnt scratch as easy, and it feels LIGHT.... like, the snk is a timex, and the srph is a vostok... like, the weight difference on wrist is HUGE.... i got the srph first.... then the snk.... they are currently in a dead heat on wrist time... they both have perks and downfalls... but, each serves a different purpose...

[@Synic08]

The flat crystal, rarely gets a reflection in your eye, but its bright as a mirror if it does.... the domes crystal seems to always have a slight glare, but not nearly as bright....

[@gusreyes5447]

Seiko was following the case designs of the IWC pilot watches.

[@lulul]

I don't know if this will be as popular as the snk used to be.. Its biggest competitor is the new srpg seiko 5s which are more field like in the same case size and with the blasted finish too.. It is indeed more generic than the snk and too similar to the srpg to feel special..

[@ChronometerCheck]

I do agree 100%

[@gmotionedc5412]

No man the new one is better in every way to me. I like the orange text one. Heck I’ll sell my two old ones which I never wore. Black and Tan. 100 bucks make your choice.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Awesome, glad you like it! I have a feeling this one will be much more mass appealing.

[@ncemsamwani8906]

I hope snxs gets an upgrade too

[@ChronometerCheck]

I would buy that on day 1.

[@markaldrinreyes]

Is it sapphire glass?

[@ChronometerCheck]

Nope, hardlex.

[@joshmiller2725]

I like the old case shape, bead blaster finish, and the smaller size better. But the new 4r36 movement is such a huge improvement that I’ll look past those things. But what I don’t get is the new movement is a half millimeter thicker, and the domed crystal adds some thickness too. But where did the other .5-.75mm thickness come from? Maybe thicker materials for better water resistance? I don’t mind if the new specs made for a thicker watch, but if it was just a design choice that would be the dumbest decision ever.

[@ChronometerCheck]

Agree with your sentiment - I do think it might have been a design choice, to make it a bit more proportional to the added diameter, in their eyes. But not entirely sure.

[@MOsesIcan]

So it’s been a few months :) are we getting the update review?

[@ChronometerCheck]

Honestly, I found myself not really enjoying this watch too much. I may revisit it at some point, but it definitely underwhelmed and didn't hold my attention for long.

[@MOsesIcan]

@@ChronometerCheck well thanks for the update :) I appreciate your thoughts. I get the legacy mindset especially since you own a SKN The honesty of your review was well balanced

[@ChronometerCheck]

@@MOsesIcan Thanks, I try to be as objective as possible while also providing my biased, subjective thoughts on the side. Appreciate you for taking the time to watch and comment. :)

[@brockadcock2735]

The Seiko 5 originally started as a watch for the masses. Them targeting mainstream is nothing new for the Seiko 5. It seems like what has really happened is there's a resurgences of popularity in automatic watches. Seiko 5 has been romanticized lately. We almost should look at Seiko 5 separately from Seiko, the same way we separate Grand Seiko from Seiko.

[@ChronometerCheck]

All true, although the original Seiko 5s were beginning to fall out of favor by the masses, due to certain design and character choices. But they've alleviated that with the new Seiko 5 Sports models.

[@cokicoki870]

Orange? Gimme a break. Come on Seiko!

[@ChronometerCheck]

Bit of a bold choice for sure.

[@jurajkovacik4822]

you are wrong....it was not the seiko'sa kind of refreshing but saving money....b blastings are the additional costs.....and as we know the japanese watchmakers they try to save every penny on any new models productions....which is understandaable....and that's all as for refreshing...

[@Synic08]

I hate the srph strap.... love the look, hate the feel.

[@longplayer8600]

"Refreshing" the line-up? Seiko strategy in the 2020's; pull an inexpensive popular watch, reissue it with a minor change a year or two later while adding 150% mark-up. Rinse, repeat. 🤣

[@ChronometerCheck]

Lol. Pretty much.

[@armandojuan64]

I own the watch ( blue dial ) I hate the new logo .

[@ChronometerCheck]

It is certainly very polarizing. Some like it, some hate it. I'm indifferent.

[@Bonpu]

I am a graphic designer and I say virtually any expert would prefer the new logo over the cheesy old one. You are free to hate it though.

[@armandojuan64]

@@Bonpu It is my watch , sir . I also hate the dumb Hellium valve of my Seamaster , I'm full of hate .

[@thangdangxuan7244]

I'm a designer and i really like the new logo

[@bebo7002]

Very very.......very very...........very very...................very very

[@ChronometerCheck]

Very