The Return Of The [Budget] King! (NOT Discontinued?) - Seiko SNKL23 Review

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In this Seiko SNKL23 review video, I take a look at the most famous budget watch that seemed to be discontinued. This Seiko 5 SNKL23 review will analyse the differences between the SNKL23J1 and SNKL23K1 along with the reasons that this best budget watch is so popular.
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Product Links:
SNKL23
Jomashop: www.kqzyfj.com/click-8946237-...
Discovery Japan: partner.discovery-japan.me/pr...
Colour variants:
(White/gold SNKL24: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/89462...)
(Grey SNKL19: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-89462...)
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SNK361
Jomashop: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/89462...
Colour variants:
(White SNK355: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/89462...)
(Blue SNK357: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/89462...)
(Gold SNK366: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/89462...)
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SNKL45
Jomashop: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/89462...
Colour variants:
Silver gold white SNKL47: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/89462...
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Read the full article: www.benswatchclub.com/blog/se...
Music: Epidemic Sounds & StreamBeats
Thanks to Amazon for covering the cost of the main watch featured.
Disclaimers: This video is sponsored by Squarespace. I do use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Ben's Watch Club 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. We also utilize affiliate programs with retailers such as Jomashop, Aliexpress, WatchShop and more.
Ben's Watch Club tends to cover affordable watches like Seiko, Timex, Casio, Citizen, MVMT, Vincero, Bulova, Orient, Hamilton, and more. We rarely feature luxury watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Tudor, Grand Seiko, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, or Hublot due to their price.

[@BensWatchClub]

Product Links (affiliate): SNKL23 Jomashop: www.kqzyfj.com/click-8946237-11554237?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jomashop.com%2Fseiko-seiko-5-automatic-black-dial-mens-watch-snkl23k1.html Discovery Japan: partner.discovery-japan.me/products/?affID=0075408&pid=12348 Colour variants: (White/gold SNKL24: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-snkl24.html) (Grey SNKL19: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8946237-11554237?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jomashop.com%2Fseiko-seiko-5-watch-snkl19j1.html%3Fsrsltid%3DAR5OiO23tj1ujJ2S60dwTo-DlqI8sS4Dx691o4OmnnbleEqOVIzITRwzXJo) -- SNK361 Jomashop: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-snk361.html Colour variants: (White SNK355: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-snk355.html) (Blue SNK357: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-5-automatic-snk357.html) (Gold SNK366: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-watch-snk366.html) -- SNKL45 Jomashop: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-seiko-5-watch-snkl45j1.html Colour variants: Silver gold white SNKL47: www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8946237/type/dlg/www.jomashop.com/seiko-seiko-5-watch-snkl47j1.html

[@ChampionMasterFlame]

Is Jomashop legit ?

[@Risteard239]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😅😅❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@BensWatchClub]

@@ChampionMasterFlame Yes

[@justinweisberg1634]

SeIkO 5, best watch ever, Even my dog has one.

[@michaelhargis7036]

Ben, that intro was pretty darn good, brief but good. TGV is going to have to dial up HIS intros a bit. Great video of my favorite watch brand. What a great looking watch.

[@BensWatchClub]

Much appreciated!

[@jamesh3008]

Ben mate this intro was unbelievable, raising my beer up to you!

[@TefkrosAirliner]

Very British comment

[@vincentjack735]

Nobody praises and shits on a watch at the same time better than this guy. He does it with so much elegance

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

Really enjoyed This review Ben! Very creative what’s the impressions and movie references! Thanks for pointing out the availability...

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

Have had this watch in my collection for years and despite selling off many of my affordable watches, I can never let this one go.

[@stevie693]

Excellent video, Ben. The 0v10 case remains one of the great anomalies of the value prop universe. Stunning.

[@LouisVuittonPrince]

Wearing my snkl23 I sourced from jomashop 3weeks ago after lusting for this watch for 2years. That intro was one of the best ever

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Love the intro haha! Crazy how some of these Seiko's get a review and then disappear from the market! Shows what power some reviewers have!

[@Archmage5023]

Top notch videos, the intro was hilarious, the editing is astounding, and as a multiple branded automatic owner, several points made thorough the video were absolutely true. Subscribed for more amazing watch analysis, great work!

[@BensWatchClub]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@TheEpicProjects300K]

Excellent review, I just ordered my SNKL15 as a Christmas present. Also ordered a jubilee after seeing ppl on Reddit making a datejust alternative

[@Surgicalsteel222]

Your video’s are getting better and better! Great job mate!

[@user-hd1qx2bd1r]

Great Video! Lots of good information, and delivered very professionally, Thank You! The SNKL23 is the Spitfire of watches. Superior functionality with perfect lines. Every once in a while a real winner comes along, and you're so right, its the Seiko SNKL23. Thanks Again!

[@Konsaliki]

Got myself a silver dial SNKL15 last month as my first "real" mechanical watch and I must say: this thing ticks more boxes and scatches way more itches than a sub-100€ watch should. With that watch as a "home base", I really feel that I can relax a bit and give my next purchase the time and thought it needs.

[@waziotter]

I have one of these. Absolutely love it. And the movement is really quite accurate for the price.

[@danielnewton2390]

I put my SNK 355 on an Invicta Pro Diver quartz bracelet, and it looks surprisingly good (with a little adjusting.) The brushing and polishing match really well, and gives more weight on the wrist.

[@jjsifo1]

Ha ! I did the same thing !

[@christopherdyer2046]

I finally decided to start a watch collection and I started cheap with this watch after seeing tgvs vid. I wear it everyday on multiple straps love this watch

[@stananders474]

Brilliant review. Very honest and professional. I'm gonna buy one now. Stan ere.

[@TheFerwell]

I just got this watch 2 weeks ago, my first mechanical watch and I could not be happier about it!

[@nintendokings]

Love the intro bro, really stepping it up

[@Adri4n0]

Funny thing watching this while wearing one of these (on a milanese bracelet). It's a great classy/dress watch for the price. Recently ordered the SNK803 (beige color) to wear with a more casual outfit.

[@nickcalini1925]

You are doing a great job! I am looking forward to see your next video.

[@ronaldspencer547]

I bought this watch after seeing your video. I put it on the timegrapher and the beat error was barely anything. It was gaining 21 seconds a day but a slight push of a toothpick and it was down to 3 secs a day in three directions. I even like the bracelet!

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

Great review. Waiting for the deep dive of the three 😉

[@BensWatchClub]

Coming soon!

[@morrisf3957]

had my seiko 5 for 22yrs winder rotator came loose fixed for free.no issues now.love this watch decided to order this black one.same price almost what I paid 22 yrs ago

[@bingogarvin2924]

Thanks for your time ⌚,I have a Seiko like this from the early 80a paid 6 dollars at thrift shop, great watch, I also have a new Seiko 5 sports paid 150$ , very happy

[@damyr]

It's easy to have a good YT channel when Morgan Freeman makes intros for you.

[@Treviscoe]

The ending got me too. "Only a fool wouldn't subscribe to Ben's watch club. Are you?".

[@btyc]

Agreed. Appreciating the production quality and humor here mate. Cheers

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Yeah that's just cheating 😉

[@edscoble]

Sadly no closed captioning which make it next to useless to watch.

[@mrdisco99]

I'll be surprised if any new 7S26 movement watches are being made a year from now. If you want one of these, I'd say get it now.

[@saish9225]

Hey ben, Love this review! Can you also review the newly launched seiko 5 sports (5kx) lineup?

[@nspr9721]

Seiko 5 Automatics - outstanding - from a time when many watches had no waterproofing and had to be taken off for activities and hand washing. I have used these afloat, on oil rigs, on desert convoy duties, when shooting and at sea. Along with the Lorus field watches - also from the house of Seiko - these tactical field items are hard to beat. Outstanding price to value propositions.

[@florianhess]

It was indeed my first and entry way into the hobby. Props to Hodinkee, TGV and JOMW alike :) Still loving it 4 years later and see it sit proudly amongst far more pricy collection pieces.

[@gastroniushbba]

Hi Ben! I love your chanel! good job! As a QnA question: How many watches to you own so far?

[@G-LibM]

Thank you for pointing out the 361. Never knew about its existence. Now I have options.

[@ricardochaveste7367]

New to the channel, very impressive piece, love all 3 pieces 5 Seiko very affordable and easy to said ,what great looking piece, to start your collection 👍🏼👍🏼I own few 5 Seiko sport and many are still out there...with great price....

[@BensWatchClub]

Welcome aboard!

[@alexthomson7465]

I have the 23 and much as a good watch it is, it gets no wrist time because I feel the lugs are too long leaving too big a gap between the strap and case. Minor bugbear but I just can't get past it. Great intro! Love the confused Vincent Vega.

[@rfdiego777]

Great looking watch, I've bought it 3 months ago when it returned available. It looks at his best, imho, with a black strap

[@HaraldSangvik]

This is the first time I see the bad sides of the SNKL23, in all other videos and pictures it looks a lot better. Now i understand what people mean by "Get a SARB instead". Thanks for the good closeups!

[@mergimrrustolli79]

SARB is another level

[@snowrulz88888888]

@@mergimrrustolli79 sarb should be it's 6X the price

[@johnlucas9808]

Ben Keep up the good work, love your work and your videos. I see the TGV touch on your video😂😂😂

[@btyc]

Would love to see you review Hamilton field watches. I feel like they fit your style preference and is at the right price point

[@mmoolloo]

That intro definitely gave me some TGV vibes. I say that entirely as a compliment. Love to see an already great channel improving!

[@BensWatchClub]

Much appreciated!

[@counterpoint1494]

I thought this was a tgv video when it auto played and I wasn’t looking 😂

[@Drbudweiser]

I just got one. It’s amazing for the money. Love it. And great video mate.

[@leighb666]

Ben that intro was awesome mate 👏 oh and you look like an sound Joe Gilgun from This is England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 😂👏👍

[@_stevenson_2928]

I purchased the SNKL23 in its first run and I'm both happy and somewhat disappointed that it was brought back. Put a beautiful dark brown Colareb Spoleto leather band on it and it is the absolute perfect daily wear watch.

[@claytonhenry5827]

8:50 I bought the one on the right years ago when the L23 supposedly got discontinued. No regrets. I love the splash of red and I’ve received compliments on it from people who don’t even know about watches.

[@TheUkester69]

Beautiful dial, as is the dial on the SNKL15 (the identical watch except for dial color). However, I bought this as a pure dress watch and went to replace the awful bracelet with a leather strap, and because of the 45mm+ lug-to-lug, there is a big gap between the edge of the strap and the case. It's unsightly, so I returned it.

[@jmmartin7766]

Great vid! Love your subtle 'TGV/JOMW' references in the intro-- well produced... Btw, I don't think you look like the guy in 'Split.' To me, you look more like the guy who plays 'Professor X' in 'X-Men First Class!' 🖒😎

[@lucafwn]

When it comes to dials, Seiko can teach a lesson or three to anyone else in the same price category, and they often lunch much above their weight. Wonderful design for all of the models you introduced here - time to start sparing some pennies again...

[@NeoLudditevisons]

Oh yes ive got one on the way!! Timeless looking beauty

[@hantms]

I have this model in a silver dial. Do keep in mind that it's tiny, just 37mm and an 18mm lug width, so a skinny strap. There are slightly bigger watches in this older 7s26 based series of Seiko 5s (that sooner or later must go extinct), so I'd focus on one of the 38mm watches with a 20mm lug width. The 37mm ones make great ladies watches though.

[@scottlauren3145]

Great video. I'm wearing my SNKL41 right now.

[@BensWatchClub]

Good choice!

[@pranavgautam96]

1:12 - Do you realise how fuckin' cool this shot looks?! Love the video already - don't care what lies ahead! :D Also, try and upload a bit more often man. Top 5 under 100 and whatever..

[@mrkitewine7700]

Thanks for featuring these 5s, they are great watches. I had the Snkl23 but found the legibility to be a bit poor as under certain lighting conditions the hands disappeared against the sunburst dial. Also, when on a strap, the gap between the spring bars and the case looked a bit odd to my eyes. I sold it and bought the SNK355, a silver dialled version of the 361. It is an absolute stunner and looks amazing on a brown lizard grain strap. It is my “Seikolex” and scratches my itch for the Oyster Perpetual 36 (which I’m unlikely to be able to afford)

[@narrhavas]

Nice intro! Is it too cold in your studio/flat though :P Hence the jacket? :) Glad to see SNK361 featuring at the end. I discovered this really cool dial texture with the SNK357 actually. It really adds something, without being too conspicuous. But once you know it's there...

[@almightyso9904]

I have a similar watch, the SNKP21J1 42mm Arabic dial which I had to import to the UK. Great watch

[@Daggerfall40]

This and my SKX are my beaters. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Replaced the awful seiko braclet with a nice milanese mesh braclet and it just elevates it to a new level. This little thing will always hold a special place in my heart. It's this watch that helped me appreciate smaller size watches.

[@zackfair711]

Got mine as a gift from my wife on our wedding day :) Before that, I was using the SNKL15 that has the same dial design but white. She now uses the white one to pair up with my SNKL23 as our couple watches 😁

[@ardnahcnaluw4923]

Does your watch still ok??

[@zackfair711]

@@ardnahcnaluw4923 yep, still works :)

[@klausm5460]

I would consider the SNXS79 a very good alternative with comparable dimensions, the relatively rare grey sunburst dial and an overall appeal that lets it punch well above its weight.

[@brejaimecastillo8851]

I cannot find that watch anywhere. Snxs79

[@Liekkiviina]

@@brejaimecastillo8851 isn't it on Amazon?

[@Sportsman134]

dont the snk variants have a sunburst as well

[@VanderJam]

Great video! Well done!

[@sebestiantan1]

Brought this after reading it on Hodinkee!

[@keithwhisman]

I just ordered this watch on Walmart website with 2 day delivery for $126 US Dollars delivered. It’s a very nice dress watch.

[@spalkin]

I'd love to see what you think of a Seiko SNE039. Solar quartz, solid stainless, solid links etc. Discontinued recently but millions available.

[@Humbertin1974]

Great review i’m getting one

[@DavidLee-yu7yz]

Me no Fool... I subbed! ;-) I came across you by reading up my favourite watch, which i regret not sticking too, time (no pun intended) to get back what is the real me, thanks for the video. D

[@adistancu6545]

That Casio from your wrist suit perfect 👍 to you !

[@mr_dances]

Girlfriend got me an SNKL88K1 off Amazon for Christmas. I can't wait to open it up and show it off! Surprised no one really talks about the gold plated Seiko's.

[@AliasEveWatches]

The SNKL23 lugs are too long and it’s obvious when it’s on leather or mesh straps. When people ask me for Seiko 5 recommendations, I always suggest the SNKL45!

[@BrianHartman]

I had the SNKL45 for a while. That's a good watch. :)

[@donnk]

long lugs are classy. Ever seen a NOMOS watch?

[@karlroberts580]

Me too. The snkl45 is the better looking watch. No contest

[@polo86c4]

I agree. The long lugs dont look good with a mesh bracelet

[@woodbar]

I considered the SNKL45 but the I didn't like the red hand on what was going to be used as a dress watch. I have the SNKL23 and put it on a black lizard grain strap - it's stunning in the flesh.

[@thodeus]

I ordered now for $83 and $3 shipping. Expecting it in a few days. 💕👍😁

[@nicofpv1845]

Nice video, random question. Whats that brown jacket?

[@takacsdavid5968]

It wasn’t easy but I got one. It arrived today. Looks amazing!

[@ardnahcnaluw4923]

Is it still ok?

[@3rdstone1]

I'm glad I got one for around $80 some year ago. The bracelet looks fine but it's one of the worst Seiko bracelets I've encountered. I put a black lizard strap on it, and then it looks great. I really like the variations of brushing and polishing at the side of the case, and I also like the shape of the case with these pointy lugs. They look a bit long when wearing it with a strap, but I'm not bothered by it.

[@3rdstone1]

I'm replying myself! A month afterwards! Oh no, this is fishy! Jokes aside, I just wanted to make clear that the dial with these subtle stripes and the hands are really delicate. And once again, the variations with the polished and brushed finish on the case is something you'll rarely see at this price point. I have a small bunch of Seikos with 7S26 movement, so I'm not bothered with the "Seiko shuffle".

[@andrewshadowy2025]

I’ve recently bought a Seiko that has small lug widths of 12mm I was wondering can you get leather watch bands for a small lug width Seiko 5 watch?

[@asmr4424]

Just checked this out few minutes ago. My most expensive watch purchase so far hoping for more years to comd

[@tutorube]

True vibes of vintage 7009-8xxx Seiko series! Slim case with semi-hidden crown. Brilliant! Unfortunately Seiko doesn't reproduce their "beads of rice" folding clasp vintage bracelets. It seems like production was stopped in 2022. Mine has scratch on case (but new and unused), was produced in August.

[@paulandrews7622]

You turned off the heating in your studio Ben ?? That jacket looks way too warm for indoors LOL Great review of a Crackin' little watch.

[@danreyes736]

I loved your performance in Split!

[@jeffsassoon6263]

You do realise I’m now the proud owner of a lorus & steeldrive turtle homage I enjoy your channel and I have one question how long does the basic sieko automatic last without wearing?

[@Rainism969]

Bought this back in 2018 right before the hype begins. Replaced the crystal with sapphire, along with more solid bracelet and custom-made dial with enamel painted Hokusai’s “the great wave off Kanazawa”. Now it looks more like thousands dollar watch.

[@ethan8133]

damm would love to see that

[@JT-32]

i ended up buy three of these with different color dials and indices over the last 3 years without even realizing it, their size is perfect for everyday use.

[@Buck380]

I picked up the 23 last month, would love to see some more alternative strap ideas.

[@hondas2k59]

Try a gray perlon! It looks gorgeous love mine its a strap monster

[@jacknjill3000]

Great video and thanks. I started with the Rolex look a like the SNXS79 Seiko 5. But now looking at SNX361 bc of the better case. But now bc I cant remember this model number while I’m typing, I’m getting overwhelmed keeping up with all the Seiko model numbers vs having a name . So this one is back and was discontinued? Geez this is a lot of work!

[@jacknjill3000]

Oh and I know the way you speak is your style, but it’s a bit rushed and hard to keep up. Otherwise great video and I’m finding myself going back often bc I’m like what was that. Lol!

[@og2700]

Would u pls have a look at at the new accurist retro racer 7365, love ur channel

[@wessamhamadneh9877]

Proud owner of this watch...time to take it outta the box to wear again ! Want a new strap for it !

[@andrebalsa203]

A few years ago you could buy any Seiko SNK series for around 35€ on e$ay, shipping included! These were great watches for the price, but at the present price around 100€, not so much! One could take a look at a few Chinese watches using the new Miyota 9015 movement which is much superior to the outdated (but still decent) 7S26.

[@surfside75]

You cannot find better automatic watches in a 37mm case. If you can list one, I'll wait😂🍻

[@Psysso]

Owned the Snk361 never wore it much. Felt to small, to light, bracelet was appauling and the crown looked like a speck. Don't even get me started on the nonhacking , rattling movement. The dial and case finishing was satisfactory though to be fair.

[@RajeevKBhardwaj]

Loved the video Ben btw why you stopped uploading on Ben Arthur channel

[@AleksiJoensuu]

Huh. I bought my SNKL23 in December from Creationwatches. Didn't know there had been trouble finding them. I think the price was 74 euros then. Looks to be sold out now, but plenty of other SNKL's available.

[@mrxcman9272]

Seiko 5s are always great watches. Also I would like to see you review the Seiko SNXS79. But that watch is also hard to find. I had to wait nearly 4 months to find one in stock.

[@Kristof_Kertesz]

I think the case of snxs79 and snkl23 are the same? I myself have owned a snxs79 for a month. I found it on the German Amazon. Sometimes it disappears, then you can get it again ... I think it's a great little watch.

[@N7Sound]

I have a question. I'm planning to get a Seiko 5, but the accuracy of the 4R36 (+45 / -35) is making me think about it. Better pay a bit more and get a Hamilton or something with Powermatic 80?

[@Jaz-sd3qs]

Is there any good place that has steel bracelets for this watch? Seems hard to find 18mm steel bracelets anywhere. I just picked one up but i’m looking to change the bracelet for something else. Tips are highly appreciated!

[@trainsplanesandotherthings5187]

I just bought the SNKL23J1 Japan version on amazon for $120 usd. Should be arriving in a week.

[@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?

[@johnnybegood9005]

I give the title of the most foolish to Casio for discontinuing BEM-SL100D-...

[@Fantasma-ql8gu]

I have one of this from the 70s, a little bit destroyed, its a great watch.

[@NJ-uh6hz]

Picked this up about a month ago on ebay without knowing the whole backstory. Biggest complaint is how long I need to shake it to get it going if dead (since not hand windable). Sometimes its like 45 seconds of shaking. Seems odd; not sure if mine is defective or if this is just how 7S26 movements are. Dial is super pretty though. But i have found that you either got to wear it regularly to keep it going or not at all.

[@franqueee]

Mine need some long shaking aswell. But ive had the watch since 2016 and it has got its fair share of banging so probably its due for a quick service. But yours was picked up only a month ago so im not sure about that

[@noka5730]

How would you compare the 7S26 movement to the 4R35 ?

[@DzejWiJV]

Excellent intro, mate 😂

[@BensWatchClub]

Thanks 😅

[@rampajarillaga1979]

Hey Ben, what high quality steel band do you recommend for this watch?

[@Tony-so1zl]

I have the grey dial version. So nice

[@daithi1966]

I actually asked for the white version (SNKL41) for Christmas.