Seiko Sea Urchin Review SNZF17 Affordable 5 Sports Beater

I bought this watch as a beater for a friend and spent a week with it before sending it off, and wanted to share my thoughts about the watch with you. Let me know if you have any questions, cheers!

[@zcharg0]

Great review. Concise and sharp, covered all the bases. I've had this watch for a year now and it has taken a real beating and performing very well. Was considering a Ray recently but figured what's the point as this one is doing just fine

[@Ferien7]

Jimmy Russel but the ray ii is trash as it will be unserviceable due to lack of parts after it is discontinued

[@Ferien7]

Jimmy Russel orient confirmed for me in an email recently that once they discontinue their watches, they will no longer produce parts for them.

[@rationalmystic5]

really really love your videos man.....the different frames and surroundings you use to project the watch in are absolutely unique to your channel ....at least in the short time I have been following watch channels on KZbin..... thank you for your work man .....really enjoy it .....I'm sure a lot of people feel the same.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks, I've recently tried to improve my vids and show the things I would want to see as a potential buyer. I must admit its a lot funner. Cheers :)

[@jimclip2012]

Excellent review. I own a sea urchin and I never noticed about the lume fading faster than SKX, good point.

[@jessewolter7990]

It's my first automatic watch thought it was neat finding out how to wind it like skipping stones on the pond 😀 I'm happy to have it and it looks great.

[@ryan_bitzer]

My very first dive watch to kick off my watch collection is going to be the SNZF15 with the Pepsi bezel. I'm going to get a brown leather strap, khaki NATO strap and maybe a dark gray Perlon strap for it. I'm super stoked. Thanks for the review on it's brother!

[@TheSiliconeslick]

This watch may be the nicest watch some may ever own. We can buy a "beater" watch from Walmart for $15.00. That's a beautiful watch.

[@josueh5831]

I would agree, but most watch enthusiasts have watches which cost thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars so in comparison this watch is pretty inexpensive.

[@jancovanderwesthuizen8070]

I'm really torn between this, the SKX and the Mako 2. This one I love purely from a design standpoint. The SKX is simply an icon, especially if I could get my hands on a J1 model. The Mako 2 has a hacking, hand-winding in house movement, best value for the money. I think I might have to get all three of them 😂

[@strannostrannovasrr]

This vid is like a piece of art. Very nice done. Nice watch too.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks, appreciate that

[@user-ow4pt5li4d]

Hell of a work watch, bought several snzf15j in Yokohama from Jimmy a vendor that would come on the ship and sell his ware's, wore 1 for 20 yrs. workin on ship, seriously bang'n the crystal on metal, expectin to look down and see shatterd crysral, never worried about w/r, would have to adjust the time every 4-5 day's, just a good work watch, still run's to this day!! Still have an unworn one sittin the drawer like NOS!

[@kschuman1152]

Very good review, as usual From Bruce Williams. I'm glad he decided to take a look at this inexpensive little gem. I don't agree, however, that there is a problem with the lume. I've got the Pepsi version SNZF-15, and also more other Seiko watches than I'd care to admit, including several SRP Monsters. The lume here is Seiko's standard formulation and with the somewhat over-sized markers on the dial, there's no problem at all with brightness or duration of the lume. I suspect a QC issue - maybe the one Bruce had didn't get a proper paint job somehow.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Bruce, what are the key différences between Seiko movements 7S26 and 7S36 ?

[@davidtjahjadi5079]

This will be my christmas 🎁

[@golfo0011]

I got one Turtle and one Sports, both are nice watches, good finishes with a great automatic machinery, each for different occasions: one is a real diver, the other is good for water sports and pretty classic look, at very competitive price. Thanks for this video.

[@BruceWilliams]

Well said, thanks

[@aamannadal7419]

Very informative,nicely done.

[@Kenzabukuro]

They do make some limited editions of these, look at the red bezel/red dial for sale only in thailand.

[@stefack]

Probably spent half an hour at 30m with mine this weekend and still going strong. Best value for money ever! Still want a Marine Master though. Are you listening Seiko? Inbox me.

[@BruceWilliams]

lol I've given up on contacting Seiko. They never respond

[@jaimezana3895]

Where did you get the band on the watch in the thumbnail? Link?

[@robertspinks835]

Nice video bruce, cant beat the price on these seikos loving my skx009 im going to get the skx007 and skxa35 for some colour , i also bought the 2nd gen monster after your review and its great,the accuracy is way better than The shogun and sumo i owned for some reason havent had much luck with those 6r15 movements.Look forward to your next video cheers

[@BruceWilliams]

Funny you should mention that. All the 4rs I've had have been ridiculously accurate. As far as the 6rs I had great accuracy if the movement was fully wound. If it was operating on low pr it wasn't as accurate. An 007 and 35 would be great additions I think

[@itsallrobbish]

Robert Spinks Class watch, the SKX009. I've always wanted an SKX007, until I saw Robert Redford in All is Lost, which, for me, turned the Seiko into a legendary timepiece!

[@aaronsauers6193]

Excellent review! I really like the look of this watch a lot. I almost bought it until I bumped into the SKX023. It takes on the same characteristics as the Urchin but it's a bit smaller. Would be perfect for me if only I could locate one somewhere. And so the hunt continues... Cheers

[@Ferien7]

Aaron Sauers ever find the skx023?

[@nigelkibble]

A great beater diver in the pool would be a tough sell against others in the price range thanks for the honest review

[@BruceWilliams]

Cheers Nigel. It does have some pretty stiff competition.

[@yelpeellc]

Hi brother... how accurate this sports 5 in timing...please let me know I wanna get one..thanks

[@Kenzabukuro]

I have three of these - black dial/black bezel, black dial/pepsi bezel, blue dial/pepsi bezel. None of the bezels have the same action, it's really inconsistent. But, put the pepsi bezel on a navy/red NATO strap and they do look good. The blue dial pepsi bezel looks the best. You don't always get roman numerals as the second date wheel, one of mine is French, one is kanji and one is roman.

[@WatchGeek]

great review as always, and some really nice shots that show the beauty of this watch! the first time when I saw one at my local AD I almost bought it without knowing anything about the model, it really is that pretty! I especially remember how dark and deep black the dial looked! Also is that a Mazda 6 :)?

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks man, I'm trying to improve the quality of my vids. As a buyer I would want to see the watch in different lights and get a good idea of what the details of the watch are like. So I'm trying to do that now. Haha and good eye. I was driving my wife's Mazda 6 in that clip. Great car

[@itsKibbleTalksWatches]

The watch looks great and great review!! :)

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks bro :)

[@rebwarakram1289]

I got SNZ15 blue, the discontinued version. I paid 160 AUD second hand. but I am very hapy with my purchase. very nice looking

[@BruceWilliams]

Excellent, congrats

[@gutpom70]

What Do you think of the Seiko Glossy?

[@paudesilva2438]

Great review! I got mine for 140 from a watch store here in the philippines.

[@BruceWilliams]

Very nice, congrats!

[@dirt2595]

If the bezel is stiff, is there cause or it being fake?

[@OFD]

Definitely want to add one of these to my Seiko dive collection. Cool watch. I like the blue dial version. For the price on the gently used market seems fair.

[@BruceWilliams]

The trouble with Seiko divers is... It's too easy to want them all or most of the models haha

[@OFD]

Yup ;)

[@itsallrobbish]

Superb review, Skywatches do them for under $100. I love my Sea Urchin and I have certified divers, too. I just bought a suede band for mine and it looks similar to the Oris Diver 65 for 10th of the price!

[@BruceWilliams]

Thats awesome. I'm also intrigued by the 55 fathoms Seiko as well- pretty similar

[@iBambino]

Great Review of SEIKO 5 SNZF17. Great way to describe! I've got SNZF15/Pepsi Bezel/Navy Blue; really enjoy wearing it on everyday basis. it says 100m Resist; Would I be able to swim wearing this? Thank you.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks, I would feel totally comfortable swimming with it. Just make sure the crown is pushed in

[@anamisidro8453]

you are always returning to seiko. but the tudor suits you better!!! i can't wait to see the rolex! cheers

[@BruceWilliams]

Cheers Ana, still saving :)

[@lexko1783]

Balance has been restored in the universe, Bruce reviewing Seiko again😁. Just kidding around, yes the Sea Urchin is a great value, I bought one off Craigslist for less than 100. Great beater, fun watch overall.

[@BruceWilliams]

Lol I do miss doing more Seiko reviews. Still my favorite brand! Sounds like you got a really good price man

[@wazrasta]

great review thanks heaps

[@BruceWilliams]

Your welcome

[@mrz_88]

This is a beautiful watch

[@antoinecasey7847]

good watch great review

[@mitchm331]

I love the Urchin! Great looking watch for the price. But I'm a bit confused: you said you had it on loan for a week...but it cost you $110?

[@BruceWilliams]

Yeah I bought it for 110 preowned for a friend- but kept it a week before sending it off to spend some time and do a review on it :) technically not really on loan

[@lowloongwai3029]

I going to buy after your video

[@quantametric]

Just picked a used one up for $140aud, rather than $300 new. Very happy with that price.

[@jegesbubu]

great review mate!

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks!

[@voiceofexperience]

Far from being an homage, the "Sea Urchin" is (yet another) Seiko design classic. BTW: This model looks KILLER on a black & grey "Bond" NATO (pun intended).

[@Star_Sn1per]

The lume is amazing on this watch!! WTF are you taking about? I spent a whole day in the sun and it was lit for the whole night!!

[@quantametric]

I hope so! I was disappointed when he said the lume isn't great. Do you have the Japanese made version or?? I think I'm gonna take the plunge anyway, even though bad lume is kind of a dealbreaker for me.

[@drewhunkins7192]

I just recently purchased this brand new for $160ish, however mine says "made in Japan" in tiny letters at the bottom of the dial. I know it probably doesn't make any difference. For $160 I'm very pleased. I have a Tag Heuer as my other watch and this one seems almost just as good for much less the price.

[@thijs5931]

You made a good choice buying the j1 (Japan) version

[@Ferien7]

Drew Hunkins where did you get this watch?

[@thefatgent1390]

Fun looking watch Bruce, I'm not too sure about that NATO though 😉😂😂😂 I got mine a few weeks ago, just haven't stuck it on the monster yet. Good video 👍

[@coolspiritministries]

Well done!!!!

[@jorgerosas5138]

Great video bro!

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks buddy

[@miliusrex11]

Another great BW review.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks :)

[@chrisleonard8267]

Does anyone know where to get that nato in the thumbnail?

[@BruceWilliams]

wrist candy watch club. Its the Seiko Nato I designed

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

it's a nice wartch, but im kinda over seiko 5s now. I like to wear rhte same watches constantly so becaus eof that I'd like to have a few expernsive pieces than 2 dozen cheap watches. I have 2 seiko 5's and cannot get any more.

[@BruceWilliams]

Completely understand that senitment

[@NICKVST]

should. call that watch the Frankenstein with all the different influences... nice watch

[@BruceWilliams]

Lol that is a better nickname

[@npshakeel]

What a cool way of presenting! Admired.. Hit the Subscribe button mahn👌🏻

[@MrLuckyluke187]

I would specify that he has the SNZF17K1 , the lume on the SNZF17J1 is better.

[@TomCorbett420]

damn only +1 sec a day on your skx ?!!! amazing!

[@BruceWilliams]

Yeah, super lucky, although most perform really well

[@TomCorbett420]

Bruce Williams hell yea man only + 1 it's an incredible performance!

[@remykhaidir]

I have one orange dial SNZF19J

[@DS42296]

Hey what watch is on your wrist?? :)

[@BruceWilliams]

Haha I was wearing my skx009 on the strapcode superjubilee bracelet during the review 👍

[@DS42296]

+Bruce Williams great! Thank you!

[@ottolehmann5286]

If only I had different hands, sapphire, screw down crown it would be amazing

[@Ferien7]

otto lehmann for real, and smaller lugs too

[@noahnoah9274]

what are your favorite dress watches around $300? great video btw

[@oscardominguez1680]

Get a SARB065

[@noahnoah9274]

+Oscar Dominguez any other suggestions? thanks

[@oscardominguez1680]

Check out Tissot watches, Maurice Lacroix also makes some OK ones

[@BruceWilliams]

Thanks Joseph. For that price my favorite automatics are the Seiko sarb033 (preowned at $300) or the Seiko SARY057 (new) A little over that price I like the lightweight high accuracy quartz SACM171. Other good ones to consider are vintage hamitons, omegas, zeniths, bulovas, etc. from decades ago. You can find steals at local watch repairs shops. Seiko rules the market at the $300 price point in my opinion. I also like Oscar's suggestion of Tissot (a little more than 300) for a Swiss option

[@oscardominguez1680]

Bruce Williams Hey man, i really like your channel. I'm about to pull the trigger on a presage sarx035. Black dial. I really like the watch, but i need a bit more convincing... Is it an old mans watch? I'm 18 and i drive a Nissan Skyline, it feels like i need something more in the Tag Heuer area... Lol thanks

[@ROTORHEADPR]

Better than an Orient mako ?

[@BruceWilliams]

mmmm hard to say. I would probably choose mako here

[@jtsnowman66]

Ahem strapcode sells an oyster bracelet for this watch that is higher quality and has solid end links. Just sayin’!

[@ddop100]

do you have instagram? or twitter?

[@BruceWilliams]

I recently got on Instagram. 'brucewilliams8' not on Twitter though

[@Rockylols]

you need to colab with j anthony

[@BruceWilliams]

Hes awesome

[@TheHollowGrave]

I got mine for $125 new on ebay.

[@BruceWilliams]

Excellent!

[@pibblesnbits]

I never got one :(. But i paid 110 for a brand new made in japan seiko 5. It has been running at +1sec/day for about 5 years now. Great watch.

[@BruceWilliams]

Thats awesome! My skx has a 7s movement from the 5 line and it also is running about +1. Great watches

[@reven_]

Anyone reading this. Bruce has the snzf17k1 and NOT the snzf17j1 which is the original. You can see it on the bewel where it doesnt say Made in Japan which it does on a much better quality snzf17. Buy a snzf17j1 and not k1

[@Isakovian]

reven Do you know the difference between the two? If you did, you'd know that the nuances aren't significant at all, and the increased price is debatable.

[@Ferien7]

Only difference between the two is the text on the bezel. The k version is just as good.

[@rosdondorogiero5878]

No watch should be warn in the bathtub or shower (even high-end diver watches), cause despite their water resistance rating no watch is steam proof. I'd wear my Submariner anywhere other than a hot shower or bath!

[@BruceWilliams]

I've been doing it for years without problem, including a 114060. Never had an issue, and even thought it would be safer to not use a dive watch in water I just can't do it

[@itsallrobbish]

Rosdondo Rogiero all watches will steam up, it's just a difference in the temperature inside the watch, it'll soon dissipate, it won't harm the watch. Put an ice cube on the glass for a few minutes, it'll have the same effect for opposite reasons! There's moisture in the watch, normally it's a gas, this just turns it into a liquid momentarily!

[@hayesjk11]

this is NOT a dive watch, one of the specs required is 200 m of water resistance. this is just a sports watch

[@DerekB1234]

Nice cheap piece

[@BruceWilliams]

I love a good cheap watch sometimes