Top 10 Seikos Under $1000!

[@laerpearce7932]

The Seiko in my collection that always grabs my eye and therefore gets the most wrist time is the Prospex Samurai Black. The bold, bright green indices against the jet black dial, case and bracelet is just killer.

[@shonsingh2592]

Jody, you're a champion of all time

[@noequal5401]

Don’t make me smack ya

[@owenmccord5078]

The 🧥?

[@jodyclaborn]

Your original video on the SNZG13 was the first of your videos I watched. And yes, I ended up buying it. I changed out its crystal after watching one of your mod videos and placed on a black sailcloth band. Wow, it’s amazing how long you’ve been making watch videos and how long I’ve been watching them. Keep up the great work and cheers!

[@hazardous401]

I get so excited whenever you upload a seiko/orient video, because i know i'm in for an informative, unbiased and fun video. Cheers!

[@dylanharrington744]

Would’ve included a Samurai on my list Jody, but can’t argue with your choices.

[@chrispekel5709]

He mentioned the samurai

[@jameswilkes3186]

I just added the SPB155 to my collection. I think it's good value for the money with the exception of the bracelet. Great size, beautiful dial and 70 hours of power reserve. Now just looking for the right strap.

[@patzguitarz]

I'll add two - 1) Seiko Solar Tuna. They wear small and come in multiple colors. 2) Seiko Spb241 Modern Alpinist. Single domed distorted sapphire crystal, great lume. I don't mind the 19mm bracelet and my 6R35 runs fine. I also got mine from an authorized dealer for ~$550.

[@esrynshudder4216]

my favourite of all time is the sarb017 the original popular alpinist with the green dial and gold numerals (probably favourite watch ever irrespective of just in seiko lol). Also the other one I own is the new seiko sports gmt line which has crazy affordability and I love how they look too, so those would be my top 2. The other ones I've been looking at are the ones with the enamel/urushi dials but they're too expensive for this list and also the 60s style presage red bezel seiko. I also love all the old quartz king seikos, and other vintage looking seikos, they're really cool.

[@davekloss4884]

Those Dress KX timepieces are Seiko's affordable reminder that they remain a watchmaking behemoth.

[@magnang]

Yep. Another bonkers value is their SUR quartz series.

[@davidjulien1474]

Glad to see the fifty five fathoms rounding out your list. I got the snzh55 for $130 USD about 5 years ago after watching your review (among a few others). Fantastic watch, though I don't wear it as often as I used to.

[@bibekbhattacharya6356]

Completely agree with the Dresskx. I bought it when it came out three years ago, and it just gets better with time. And it's no slouch with the water resistance either. Went snorkelling with it without any fear. Total winner.

[@michaeloconnor9465]

My go to Seiko is my 1968 recreation diver, love the watch and wear everytime I go out. Just bought a Certina quarts chronometer chronograhp accurate to 10 seconds a year for £372. Got a bargain as last one back in stock, back to £690 now. ETA movement. 300 meters water restistance. Swiss Made.

[@the5th2000]

I had a chinese homage of a 62MAS, and I really liked it. So much that I got the real thing, the SPB297 special edition reissue. I paid a bit below RRP in a sale, but still over the budget of this vid. It's a funny one. I love the watch, it's my number 1 daily when I'm not wearing a dress watch. But, I'm not sure if I'd spend that much on a Seiko again.

[@davidholden2658]

Couldn't agree more about the Dress KX, I was wearing mine while watching this and waiting for it to pop up. Definitely one of the highlights of the current 5 sports range.

[@adk7962]

DressKX SRPE is, in my opinion, the best value for money Seiko out there. Great list!

[@PhantomObserver]

Hm. I’m wondering if maybe a “Top 10 G-Shocks” list is feasible.

[@janiniinivirta2474]

Maybe give the SUR line a look.(SUR311,307) Seiko makes them in titanium and steel, they have sapphire and are quartz. They are cheap and great everyday watches. They have the grand seiko looks and only cost 150-250 bucks 👍

[@mikewikstrom9506]

I keyed in on your quartz comment. I’ve only been collecting about 5 years and started with quartz. Moved on to auto, because I wanted to be a ‘real’ collector. But after educating myself on autos, and owning a handful, I’m back to quartz, solar in particular. My latest addition is SNE575, which I’m enjoying immensely. Solar, 39mm, PADI Prospex, sapphire crystal, decent steel bracelet, everything aligned, $260 on Amazon. Now saving up for the Arnie.

[@kellypaws]

I would have had the Samurai in there. Not because it's brilliant value, but because it's one of the nicest looking, and wearing, watches. Looks as if it should be a massive top heavy beast, but actually feels really nice.

[@drdesign6886]

Watching this and then reading the comments you can really see just how many absolute bangers Seiko have made - and we aren’t even considering the stuff just over $1k (62MAS, Tuna, Willard, Shogun, sharp edge, king Seiko etc etc etc). And every single one fully in-house. They are an absolute design powerhouse - who deserve way more respect these days - not silly ‘Seiko is too expensive / this no name micro will kill Seiko / Seiko dying with new price increase’ videos that we are seeing more and more off. Seiko waking up to their value simply. Ultimately they are still a massive bargain for a major recognised brand and classic known design on wrist.

[@ryanhood1867]

Thanks for the video Jody! Some cracking watches on there. I feel that the SSK GMT is definitely in the conversation, and in the same vein as the King Turtle, the King Samurai is very good as well - I love my Save the Ocean Samurai. See you in the next video!

[@gary2632]

Good picks Jody- love the samurai personally, especially the save the Great White Shark edition 🦈

[@Ehdral]

I second that! Wearing mine right now and I'm still as in love with it as I was when I got it nearly four years ago.

[@orangedan5424]

I think Seiko SSC911P speedtimer is the best looking one. Still on the expensive end for a solar movement but they have dropped to a more reasonable Aus$795 rather than over $1100. Their bracelet and clasp feel much more higher quality than others at this price range. Turtle though is my all time favourite, the Cyclop just keep getting handier as my eyes get older 😅

[@careykimmelstiel183]

What an awesome video. Thanks. I'm watching while wearing my 45 year old, automatic Seiko that keeps great time and has been serviced exactly once

[@ramblin1209]

I love my sarb033. I got mine right after it was discontinued, new for a little under $400 USD. I sometimes wish it was a little smaller at 36-37mm. I'm one of the crazy ones that even likes to wear it on a nice rubber strap 😊

[@WATCHingJames]

I would add the Sea urchin to the list. Such a great watch.

[@paulgourevitch]

I must say for those who just started to fall in love with watches. Seiko is the best brand to start your collection with. Seiko got so many different styles. I would definitely put the "Seiko Speedtimer" on the list. But this video is awesome and very informative you can never go wrong with Seiko... Or Casio!!

[@richardshaw1968]

The reason( for me) the skx was popular was it vfm, it’s not got that now it’s more expensive than a Samurai/turtle/monster

[@daletaylorjr.4786]

After my first Seiko, the SNK809, I picked up an SKX009 then 007, SARB017 and SARB034. The ultimate fanboy starter set. I’ve picked up a few since then but nothing really screams at me now. Thank you for your videos over the years.

[@AP0LUNE]

One of the real gems I have seen lately is the Seiko SNE 585 and co. family! They are really wearable 38.5 mm, solar, ISO certified, dive watches with a sapphire crystal that you can get as low as €300 when on sale. I have not seen a comparable offering from Seiko lately. I truly think that this model range is a bit of a sleeper. Marc from Long Island Watch talked about it in a recent video on the urban gentry channel about affordable watches, and I was blown away by the offering for the price.

[@giusepperocchi2979]

Agreed. Great beaters and criminally underrated.

[@jackdaw3173]

i look at seiko like ford..many industry firsts,occasional limited very expensive models( ford gt compares with the sla057 in terms of ridiculous pricing)...mostly mass produced ..but ...I LOVETHEM ! i will tune into any top 10 seiko vid,and i think that even if i had rolex money, i would still definetly rock a high end tuna in the collection or one of those tasty prospex lx ti buggers.always the best way to see a sunday morning in mate..still the most easily viewable and enjoyable watch channels out there!

[@scottlewis2372]

Great picks! I have several of them, most of them now modded. Heck, I think I have 3 SNZH mods. You're right about the Arnie being a great buy today. I went with the tan and I love it. I can't imagine why you didn't take 5 minutes and fix your SPB185. That's a good looking watch, especially the case. A build with that case might be on my list now. Cheers!

[@ph1lo]

Seiko watches are a great buy if you need a solid field watch and remember you can always change straps to whatever suits your needs. I love them on a nice rubber strap.

[@MrSmoothasf]

The new Arnie looks awesome. Nostalgia makes me like the old black one but the all metal is nice!

[@juriendekter5042]

I think the Seiko sne575 is a worthy entry in the list instead of the Arnie... Compact, thin, light, solar, prospex, PADI, sapphire, a great gada if you're like me who wears dive watches to any occasion. I'm also surprised the new GMT was excluded. Great vid!

[@giusepperocchi2979]

Great little watch. Try it with a black-top/aqua-blue-bottom Barton Elite silicone strap.

[@edjack1993]

Love my SXK009, Solar Tuna, SSK001 GMT, Save the Ocean edition Turtle, and Orange Monster. Such solid watches.

[@mountman5386]

I can see an almost endless variety of this sort of video appearing, especially if you get into more charity road "races". A Top 20, Top 10 Auto's, Top 10 Divers, Top 10 Quartz, Top 10 JDMs, Top 10 for smaller wrists & so on. Then there are of course other brands to look at . . . . . All good fun.

[@garya274]

Great list and great channel! Love the down to earth and unbiased reviews on affordable watches. For me, a must add is the Seiko Samurai. Got the Pepsi bezel with blue waffle dial. Grabbed it for under $300 a few years back. Paired with a custom Crafter Blue strap in red and blue for an integrated fit 👌. 2nd is the SBPY165 Panda White Dial Solar Chronograph (jpm model). Fantastic deal! under $300! On the dress side, the cocktail presage, by far the best dial on any watch anywhere near that price point! Like you, I like the simple dial, got mine in the silver.

[@JBellman]

I’ve had this watch for 2 weeks and have not yet had to reset the time. It’s running +1 sec/day at worst. I’m quite amazed.

[@NotThatSlow]

For me, the watch to get is the Alpinist 1959 Reinterpretation (e.g. SPB241/243/245/249/251/289 etc.). Get that and wear it everywhere. I found my 243 secondhand for less than $450 US. Solid buy if you can find one in that range.

[@situation_zero]

SARB035 is a great watch now sadly discontinued.

[@Supraman7777]

SNK809....I have all the color variants! Mine are also professionally modded with the 4R36 movement 😊

[@gavinwilliams286]

Glad to see the mini turtle get a bit of love! Picked mine up a few years ago after having your review video on repeat 😂

[@tkindschi]

I own 3 Seiko's, like all three.....and none of them are on your list! (That may be partially my fault, given that I rather dislike the dive watch aesthetic). But I was a bit surprised that the Alpinist, (either in the old, or new version), didn't make the list. Nice little watch. Also the solar-quartz Speedtimer is a watch I enjoy a great deal. My favorite chronograph. But as I often close my comments here....different strokes for different folks!!

[@loganholmberg2295]

The SEIKO Prospex Land SRPD33 ur the SRPD31 are great watches that get overlooked thanks to the Alpanist. On a leather strap or a jubilee bracelet from uncle seiko I love this watch to bits. Thanks to the tuna styled lugs it wears remarkable small and with the receesed crown the lack of a screw in feature is not completely missed.

[@quixomega]

The only Seiko I have is an SRPB77 Cocktail time, which is also my only dress watch. Classly look for a reasonable price, I just love that dial.

[@marksulloway5669]

For me, my favorite Seiko is the SNE573 Prospex Solar Diver with a Fostner Klip bracelet (Bonklip style) replacing the included black rubber strap. With 38.5mm case width and 10.6mm thickness it is more the size of a modern field watch with a timing bezel. Two extras: Drilled lugs and full 60 minute markers around the bezel. Wears well even on my 7.75" wrist.

[@aldub1263]

😬 Never bought a SARB033 and this video just brought the FOMO back. Thanks Jody

[@robedmunds7163]

Have an Orient with a misaligned bezel, influence at a distance 😂 King Turtle is the best option IMO

[@gunjja13]

Just ordered me a Seiko SNJ033P1. All because you bought the Arni in the mall video😊 Thanks Jody!

[@kayblis]

It's crazy how everybody has so many different models in their top 10s for the same brand. Shoutouts to the sea urchin, flighty, and alpinists as well if you like the style.

[@mr22guy]

And I'll shout out to the SNXS79

[@davew8841]

Another great video...cheers! Y'know....I've only been into this hobby for about 4 years now, and I bought into the hype that Hardlex was rubbish, in the beginning....but, frankly, I've been perfectly happy with it. I've been using my one dedicated work watch for about 3 years of rough service, and it's starting to get a few marks on its Hardlex, understandably...but, my other Seiko's live a pampered life...mostly in a box. I cringe a bit at the must-have-sapphire-and-ceramic fuss of many owners.

[@mirzasakovic]

No prospex! My monster seiko has seen many adventures 😊

[@davidkimrasmussen]

I just picked up the SNZG51 on vacation here in Malaysia, and im kinda lovning it. A great dial for the money albeit an older movement and mineral crystal, but a fantastic vacation watch.

[@KB-ph2vi]

That is a great list Jody! I own a couple different watches in the Coctail Time range, but one watch my most recent aquisition is one that you could of included that being the SRPG03, a nice white dial with Gold markers and hands, with a very comfortable bracelet, since it was not included here, it would be awesome if you could feature it in a future video. Excellent value for money in my opinion!

[@punkypink83]

im so happy the mini turtle made the list! i absolutely love my pepsi PADI version, and i even managed to get it brand new for well under RRP!

[@herkamer98]

Great list, Jody. Perfect for the beginners, all the way up to the more serious collector. I feel your pain on the misalignment issue! However, I've never purchased one with that, thankfully. About your $1000 limit, However, I feel if you buy online from an accredited and reliable dealer, they'll either make it right, or not even sell it in the first place. I purchased a Seiko LX Prospex SNR025 from a dealer in Florida, and I'm still in the honeymoon phase. It's a bit more than your 1K limit, but it has the vaunted SpringDrive, with a GMT, and it's gorgeous!

[@tylerservies3380]

Love my SARB033 and SARB017 and my SKX009 especially since I bought all before being discontinued. But I don’t know about putting the SKX in this top ten. Certainly it would be in a top ten mod candidate Seikos. Great job Jody!

[@thomashenry1327]

Your channel and similar ones are going to boom along with Seiko's sales figures as soon as the luxury watch winter get well and truly underway.

[@mudson7380]

Great list! I would have struggled on that last one - torn between the Seiko5 Fathoms and the Sea Urchin.

[@riothero313]

I have no reason to own a dress watch but, I love the Presage Cocktail Time watches so much. I think I'm going to just buy them and wear them on single color nato's to start a new trend xD. That second watch is probably my favorite on the entire list. That dial is so clean, I don't know if it's a step down dial or the chapter ring but, I love how it looks.

[@wintermute8315]

I put my green cocktail time on a Milanese and I love it - gets way more wear than it did on leather.

[@Wristrollsweden]

The Alpinist 1959 reinterpretation and the Land tortoise are 2 great options in my opinion.

[@Zonediver]

I would also like to mention the King Samurai if you like the design...

[@csigouin1]

You're forgetting the value champion. With upscale finishing and a modern design the Sumo IS the best Seiko under a grand.

[@jacc88888]

SNZG013 is a good looking field watch but I feel the smaller SNK809 still has more charm - of of my favourite watches in my own collection despite it being one of the cheapest. Good comparison video!

[@metallicarchaea1820]

I absolutely love my SKX009J, Pepsi Arnie, and green waffle dial King Turtle. 🤩🤩🤩

[@terryhuffman1503]

I have 4 of these. I must be doing something right. Always look forward to your videos.

[@belhamel76]

Love my Dark Manta Samurai!

[@krisztian3909]

I paid 240 gbp for my sarb033 back then. It was the same price as the sarb017 Alpinist. Love them both

[@timbaker4879]

Great stuff Dr J, I am lucky enough to own 8 Seikos many after watching you vids. Never had alignment issues so I must just be lucky. Favourite is my SARG009 similar to the SARB033 but more of a field watch and definitely a GADA. Keep it up 👍🏼

[@Olddirtytiger]

So glad you like the Arnie ....one of my favs

[@ashwinramesh1356]

You forgot to include the Seiko SZSB012! It's a great looking watch similar to the SARB and it's around 300-350 USD new.

[@davidbrunken7600]

Forget the watches! Tell us about the Lumi Brite t-shirt!

[@Jason-hv4eu]

I have purchased six of the 10 that you mentioned. And, I still own them 😊

[@victorutomo7244]

SRPD39, Presage Zen Garden It should be around 450USD. A 42mm dress watch with sapphire crystall and 4R movement.

[@snowmean1]

Speaking about SKX and its mod potential it also worth mentioning Seiko 5 Sport (5KX) as it is compatible with 95% of all SKX mods out of the box (only mods touching SKX screw-down crown are not compatible). In addition to that 5KX has better movement and wider range of dials to choose from.

[@BRAAAPlab]

Thought I'd see the tuna, I bought mine after seeing yours and I love it

[@valengreymoon5623]

I've seen people selling brand new SKX 007j & 009J models for over $1,000 USD. Also have seen the SNK 809 pushing $200. I remember when those were under $75

[@edteach3r]

Great video, Jody. I totally agree with your selection (I have four of them in my collection also 😊). The only additional watch that I can suggest would be the SARG009J which, to my mind, falls into the same category of value as the SARB033 and also could be had for $400.

[@chrispearce6280]

I think a budget Seiko which is hugely underrated is the sur525p1. No one talks about them but the dials are gorgeous (especially the blue one!)

[@markpollitt7311]

Hi Jody.....new to this hobby and loving your schtick!!!

[@scotchandsoda56]

The solar chrono diver doesn’t get enough love.

[@woosha10]

Jody I just bought a Black Willard under $1200 Australian it’s awesome glad I waited

[@edwardbudriss4475]

SARB017 My favorite…almost sold it…never will. TY for all your fine content

[@punkusnickus]

No flightmaster? I think it could have been addressed here. SNA411 Seiko Flightmaster is a good watch that fills my busy dial need. Such a pretty watch and with the touches of yellow it is such a good looking watch.

[@HughSheehy]

The SUR 37x watches. Quartz. Titanium. Sapphire. 100m. Slim. Light. Elegant. Sporty. $200. I have the 377. Constant use.

[@Joe-nh8eq]

No seiko solar tank? That's the watch that honestly got me into watches. Classic design. Beautiful all for less than $200. Also the bumblebee monster. Maybe its just because I found one at jewelry store going out of business and bought it for like $50... But I love it....

[@alastairheptonstall7982]

My three suggestions would all be vintage. The original 6309 turtle, the 6309 slim-turtle, and the 6139 chronographs. All of these are around the $400, with the slim-turtle sometimes around $200. You do need to be careful to check the bezels and hands are original, and the movements won’t last like a new 4R one will.

[@Tom_H327]

Very nice list, Jody! I have recently fallen in love with the Samurai case shape. But, I also like the looks of the DressKX. If I could find a viable way to combine the two, I think I'd be in heaven. 😂

[@chrispekel5709]

The problem with the mini turtle is the crown looks odd with that case shape

[@pedrothevenard]

I would put a king samurai instead of the king turtle since you included the mini turtle as well, which actually suits more people, even though I'm a big watch kind of person, but other than that lovely picks.

[@patrickgenovese]

A really nice one at the upper end of the 1K price range the SARX057

[@finesse49]

I'll nominate the Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist modern interpretation SPB 241J1 or one of the other colours. They have good specs. and even at SRP they are well under US $1k.

[@bandwagon240]

Have a few on your list, wearing the King Turtle Manta right now. The SZSB016 is another great alternative to the SARB/DressKX. Love it's unique hands

[@wieg86]

I got some seikos but my alpinist is my favorite. I have the snzh57 in blue (the snzh53) and it is beautiful as well. I bought it for around 150 euros back in the day.

[@firefoxed8]

Some good choices but very surprised to not to see a Sumo or an SBDC029 Shogun in your list.

[@wintermute8315]

The thing is just too hefty, and the gap to the spring bars means it looks goofy on any 2-piece strap. Nice watch, but not top 10.

[@thisispw]

Seiko SRPH15 wears so incredibly comfy and looks far more expensive than it is. Works for me.

[@jez-s]

Great vid! Thanks Jody… I sold all my Seiko apart from the SRPC49 aka the Darth Turtle or Ninja Turtle… for me, it’s the best looking Seiko!

[@PabloMontero1976]

I got the Sumo GMT quartz. I really like it even misaligned. It's a bit odd, because the seconds hand hits the markers but the one at 6 o'clock is to the right. I got it from dealer you mentioned that checks the alignment, they kind of do sometimes.

[@michaelcollins6942]

I'm surprised by the absence of any of the small 38mm pieces. I nominate the SNK381 "MACV-SOG". Super legible, good looking, unbeatable lume. I got rid of the supplied bracelet and put it on a vintage-style brown leather strap. I give it a lot of wrist time.