Two Of The Best Dive-Style Watches Under $500 - Seiko 5 Sports 5KX vs. Orient Kamasu

[@darrenaquilina1403]

I’m wearing a Red Kamasu, one of my favourite affordable pieces.

[@daneedler]

The Red Kamasu has a very striking face. Pictures never do it justice.

[@erraldstyler]

@@daneedler agree

[@tomTrophy]

My Boss wears mostly Tag Heuer watches, but he is impressed with my red Kamasu. It really is a stunning looker. He would never buy a watch that one of His technicians already owns, so I turned on to the SBGE305 Grand Seiko instead. Im pretty sure that its just a matter of time before He pulls the trigger. I guess its an Alpha Dog thing.

[@RuralIcarus]

The Orient Kamasu will go down in my books as my first automatic watch, and will forever endorse it to anyone trying to go for a reliable entry-level piece. The sapphire crystal, the versatility, and the edge on water resistance just takes the cake.

[@TechVdot8]

Kamasu was also my first and I agree with everything you said

[@mearsite]

the sapphire alone already won my heart. Great entry level dive watch!

[@newgunguy4176]

The main problem with the Seiko 5 is that it isn't an SKX.

[@Ben-bs4od]

That's good advice. The Timex Marlin Brooks Brother is also similar. As is the Seiko Cocktail. I wish they had thinner watches on the market. I don't find current thin modern watches impressive at all. What happened to this industry that they just couldn't modernize? It's a bit sad and pathetic how people pay so much for such heavy lumbersome watches.

[@danlutter8061]

@@Ben-bs4od and that's why companies keep making them. If they listened to enthusiasts they would go broke.

[@diseasicon]

I purchased a Orient Kamasu as my first automatic and love it. Aside from the sapphire crystal, the overall look of the Kamasu spoke to me. I'm a big fan of symmetry in design. The crown at 3 o'clock dividing that side of the watch evenly and and the uniform markings around the bezel immediately appealed to that part of me. I also prefer the markers and hands as I feel add to the Kamasu's ability to dress up.

[@Mike.Boyack]

I made this same comparison while looking for my first diver and landed on the Kamasu also. I replaced the bracelet with a more versatile strap, but love how it can be dressed up. Deviation runs single digits most days. Fantastic for the money. A CasiOak and Bambino round out the current collection🤙🏻

[@ryanmozisek6464]

quite a fine 3 watch collection I must say

[@maximilianmaier3950]

I was heavily leaning towards the Kamasu too and this video reenforced it even more. The only category the Seiko won are Optionality, which doesn't matter for me because I'm only going to buy one of them for now and there are options that I love from a design standpoint and that fit me well and Heritage, which i don't care at all on a $200 watch.

[@gregrudzinski]

I opted for the Kamasu . I was able to get it on eBay for 200 US. Yes... the sapphire crystal is the big plus but also the self winding mechanism works better and is quiet. Accuracy is also a big plus.

[@JuanOrtiz-tt8lv]

I went for the Orient Kamasu because it is very nice looking and the sapphire crystal, screw down crown and in-house movement were impressive to me. The Seiko 5 is a very nice watch as well, but the dressiness of the Kamasu made it more versatile.

[@Anonymous-sw9zd]

Seiko also has in-house movement

[@Lebon996]

I think that was a very fair review here. I do prefer the crown which is 4 o'clock on the Seiko and larger than the Orient , but I actually like the dial layout and solid case back of the Orient. I think that what ever one you go for here, your onto a winner and can't go wrong.

[@gergopolyak690]

I bought a Seiko to my father because I wanted him to instantly recognise the brand and because I thought the see-through caseback seemed interesting, I dont regret my choice.

[@Pleumel]

Oh yea the caseback is fun. I love it too.

[@MihaiRUdeRO]

caseback was the deciding factor for me too. I don't take my watch swimming, but it's nice to flip it over and see the movement.

[@Hillfiguz]

​@@MihaiRUdeROYou cam swim with it, dude. Even if the people are saying that 100m it's not enough for diving - it is for sure. The originals divers where 100m rated. The Suunto diving computers are also 100m rated nowadays.

[@boudicajones6524]

Owned the dark green Kamasu for the past year. It’s kind of amazing for the price. +3 to 5 seconds a day, looks and feels good. Idk. I think it’s a no brainer for an intro dive watch if you don’t like the circle hour indicators of the Seiko alternatives. Add in the water resistance and the sapphire crystal and it’s hard to find a better option for this kind of watch in this price range. Zero complaints and I would recommend it for anyone getting into watch collecting.

[@francisco_tomas]

I have a Kamasu variation as my first watch. Visually, the difference is in the hour markers and the dials, but it looks pretty similar. I'm happy with it. It feels fine to use it in any situation, I don't have spare money to have a collection of watches yet, so this is all I got, and I'm happy with it.

[@F80mthree]

Honestly that’s a great pick for a do it all/one watch collection. Hope you can get into seiko when the budget allows for it eventually. (:

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

You’re off to a solid start to collecting with the Kamasu. Just look at your tighter budget as a blessing in disguise: you will be more deliberate and careful with your collecting.

[@noahi23]

Just picked up a red Kamasu a few weeks ago … absolutely stunning dial color, and a strap monster for sure. BOR, mesh, leather, rubber, you name it. Love this watch!

[@markenlightenment7101]

Agreed, put it on a leather strap and youvd got a dressy field watch! If only Orient would make up for their terrible bracelets and straps with drilled lugs though

[@drzaius844]

I have the blue but I covet the red dial for sure

[@johnpaulryan738]

I bought my son a Seiko King turtle recently. I think he's been very lucky with the individual movement (4R36) that's running on average +2/ -2. Both of us have and love our Orient Kamasu's. I have my Kamasu a year now. Initially, it was running +17 . After approximately six months, it slowed down to +10, and now, lo and behold, it's averaging +7 a day. Needless to say, I'm very pleased. My son still loves his Orient, even though it's not getting as much wrist time since the Seiko arrived. One other observation I'll make, (I'm not sure that Teddy mentioned it or not), the Seiko 5 series crown does not screw down whereas the Orient Kamasu has a screw down crown. My crown is not so easy to thread , is rather shallow and unscrews too easly in my humble opinion. Also as I therad the crown, I still feel that the movement is being wound. But this is the only fault/ con I find with my Kamasu, which is a wonderful watch. My next watch, which I should have within the next few weeks will be the Longines Spirit 40mm black dial . I'm looking forward to this in eager anticipation.

[@sdkout]

Was deciding between a orient mako 3 ivory and a Seiko sports 5 cream dial (38mm). Both champagne-like dials (what I was looking for this summer). I chose for the Orient because 1. Just a more beautiful sunburst finish on the dial 2. The use of arabic numerals is beautiful and useful imo 3. Sapphire crystal 4. 20 bar compared to 10. 5. Just more watch for the money and a more sophisticated/mature look to it So far I love the watch!! When the (sun)light hits the dial in certain ways it is a pleasure to look at. Would recommend!

[@matthew_robineau7609]

Wearing my Blue SRPD51 as im watching this video ! Bought it about 2 months ago as my first mechanical watch. Seiko is an amazing brand and this watch is amazing for the £167 I paid for it. Would reccommend to anyone. But dont get caught out paying full price.

[@xenfin]

Spot on review. Both great watches. I have a few Seikos and was looking at this line of divers. The sapphire crystal sold me on the Orient (first Orient to my collection). I got the Pepsi colored and loved it. Month later purchased another Kamasu black dial and put it on a nato strap as a daily wear. Very pleased with the two Kamasus.

[@tylerjames646]

had this debate internally myself not too long ago when looking for a casual dive-style watch. I ended up with the Seiko 5KX. I simply prefer the 4 o'clock crown. I really enjoy these head-to-head videos of similar watches. Keep up the great work, Teddy!

[@dandydoc8386]

If you like the Seiko 5 design but want better specs, get an Islander!!! (Though I do love my Orient Mako USA III too)

[@havocS15]

Great video! Surreal how this came literally a few days after I picked the Orient Kamasu, over the Seiko 5 Sports after some moderate consideration. The exact 2 watches featured. The decision ultimately came from being able to pick up the Orient for almost half the price of the Seiko in the end. Perfect for a everyday 'work' watch for the marine industry.

[@dragonniz]

Orient Ray is my first mechanical watch. It's been more than 10 years now & I still admire its good looks, especially the sunburst blue dial. I did do a little mod to it, replacing the flat mineral crystal with a domed sapphire one - and that has made the watch an even better looking one 👍

[@financeinfluencer2158]

I recently vacationed to Maui, and brought the Kamasu with me. It handled snorkeling and being out in the water for hours. Great value in a first automatic watch for me!

[@AbhishekDey90]

A month earlier bought Orient Kamasu i Green (teal), and it's awesome for a $200 watch. Better movement, sapphire crystal.

[@kirkhorsley9245]

Love your attention to detail when showing two watches or more together. No one else sets them to the same time, Thank you

[@saleemnukho1584]

As someone who has 2 seiko 5s in my collection and no kamasus, I can say that the kamasu is just a better overall watch, but if we want to talk about the best japanese diver in this price range, I’d say the promaster is miles ahead of both, iso certified, screw down crown and both ecodrive and automatic options. It feels way more premium than both.

[@PhenomPage]

The kamasu has a scrwe down crown too

[@saleemnukho1584]

@@PhenomPage didn’t know that, thanks for sharing my man. In my opinion, the promaster is just a bit better with the isocertification, but hands down, citizen and orient have better divers in this price range. I wish I bought a kamasu, I now have 4 diver styled watches in my collection, maybe I’ll sell one of the 5kxs and buy a kamasu because in my opinion, it has the best design out of the three.

[@PhenomPage]

@@saleemnukho1584 no worries mate! At the end I think that for sure the real compare would be the Seiko Skx007 with either kamasu and pro master because the skx is meant to be a real diver watch, which is not the case for the this new seiko 5 sports. Then I would say that it's a matter of the look that you préfère between those 3 watches. I'd say the pro master has more a kind of "aggressive sporty diving watch", when the kamasu is more versatile, you can wear it at any situation :) personally I love both!!

[@saleemnukho1584]

@@PhenomPage have to agree with you, the kamasu is the best looking out of the 3 in terms of versatility, I feel it can be easily worn with any attire. I think seiko made a mistake with their transition from skx to the 5kx, if the 5kx had 200m wr and a saphire, that would have been awesome. It seems they only want the prospex line to have diver specs, problem it’s way over priced.

[@stauguastine]

@@PhenomPage If you decide to get the Kamasu you will not be disappointed with it. However, I am new to the dive watch category. I first purchased the Orient Ray II for the price and versatility of the watch, it's a great watch at that price point. Nevertheless, once I saw the Kamasu I had to have it. It is a step up from the Ray II with the sapphire crystal and the fine details put into the watch over the Ray II. The bezel works much smoother on the Kamasu and the finish is better too with more rounded edges. I wear and love both the Kamasu and the Ray II regularly, but the Kamasu is by for my favorite. Here is another detail that I find interesting, both watches have been running a consistent time over the course of the past year. The Ray II runs consistently 3 to 4 seconds a day fast while the Kamasu has been running about 35 seconds a day fast. I plan on having it regulated to run much closer like the Ray II has been running. My point is both have had a consistent spec as far as gaining the seconds over months. The Kamasu and the Ray II are two great daily wear watches without breaking the bank to get them, but the Kamasu does indeed offer a real upgrade from the Ray II. I know that others have complained about the bands on both, but for the price point I think they are decent bands, but agree compared to the quality of the watches themselves they could be better.

[@vipnetworker]

I got the Seiko 5 blue dial and really liked it… then I bought a custom bezel from Long Island Watches and that took my Seiko 5 to a whole new level. It looks like a Yachtmaster now. Gorgeous.

[@390razr]

I got a Glycine Combat Sub in 42mm at Costco for $299.99 which is the deal of a century for a dive watch. ETA 2824 movement, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 200M of water resistance for that price is immense value for money.

[@jonasjung7501]

I love my Combat Sub. At 10mm thickness too it wears beautifully.

[@thisoldbelair]

Seiko 5 SRPD55 on a silicon strap on my wrist right now 🔥 both are great watches. I went with the Seiko as it was one of my very first mechanical watches.

[@markplayford5836]

Good review Teddy. I kinda own both, in that I have a Kamasu and an SKX (the older 5X). Hands down the Kamasu is a better watch. Movement, crystal and I think slightly slimmer wearing. The SKX however oozes style for me and I love the jingle jangly jubilee bracelet THE most comfortable bar none. If it had a better movement and a sapphire Crystal it would be almost perfect. One day I may have it modded. Best thing to do of course is a find a store that sells both, try them on and see which you prefer.

[@briansandberg4627]

I bought an Orient Kamasu on a black silicone strap from Teddy last year and I just love it. It was on my wrist while exploring Alaska and B.C., the perfect travel watch in my opinion. I had considered a couple offerings from Seiko, but the sapphire case on the Orient was the deciding factor for me.

[@bigpyth0n]

Exact same reason as me, sapphire at this price is a huge deal.

[@QuikRik_]

Sad to say, Seiko's newer "homage" watches of their classic SKX line are overpriced. Actually chose between these two watches and eventually ended up with the Kamasu. I've never been happier.

[@wrth]

just wondering how much was the 5KX at the time you were considering?

[@TheGrenadier97]

Same. The 5KX aren't bad, but aren't $200 worth.

[@thebestoffools]

I bought mine at 50% of the MSRP. Just wait for sales.

[@andypayne4002]

Red Kamasu for me. I really like mine.

[@dgdave2673]

How is $475 in today’s inflationary world high, plus these are now regularly available for $300-$330 in many places, ADs. Show me a GMT diving watch for $300.

[@JesusRaves]

Proud owner of the Orient Kamasu and i could not be happier. Looks wise, i find it just has a more mature look than the Seiko having a more narrow bezel and less poppy colours. The lume at night is actually impressive, sapphire crystal and lucky enough my watch only runs 5/6 seconds fast per day. All in all a great first watch. Really really satisfied with my automatic

[@thegorn]

Fist watch? I own or have owned Rolex, Omega, JLC, Tag, Tudor, Breitling and I’m sure others I’ve forgotten about, and I still love wearing my kamasu. Love the look, love the name. A budget banger!

[@JesusRaves]

@@thegorn it is indeed, if you can believe it! very happy to say the least. looking forward to adding more soon.

[@TheRicFactor]

I went with the Kamasu AA-08 series over the Seiko 5 for a few reasons. One was the sapphire crystal. I've had mineral crystal on previous watches, and I guess I'm a little rougher on my watches than I intend to be. The second is I really like the sunburst dial of the Kamasu. I just think it looks really cool. And finally, and this is probably a dumb reason for most, I like the logo of the Orient better. Kinda petty, but it was a factor.

[@colinburns9736]

I am wearing Kamasu 2 black/gray/beige. Had it for 6 months. Daily wear. Bracelet is rubbish. Ditched it and I use a collection of natos. Excellent watch. Gains 10s a day. No complaints and I would buy another.

[@zibel5007]

there's a nice jubilee style bracelet for the kamasu from the strapcode, it's not cheap, but definitely elevates the look

[@travisbila1949]

I have the same watch and color combo. Looking to upgrade to an anti reflective crystal. I think it will really make it stand out then!

[@keithr888]

I have around a dozen watches in my collection inuding Rolex, Breitling and Omega. A year ago I was looking for a dive watch and settled on the Kamasu. Apart from being a little on the heavy side, I have absolutely zero criticism of this watch. It's still my daily regular when in casual attire. I particularly wanted to comment on accuracy. Maybe I'm lucky, but mine does not deviate by more than a couple of seconds a day, which is amazing at this price point. The sapphire crystal was a major factor in my decision over the Seiko. It's a super watch and I'm proud to have it alongside its more expensive brothers.

[@ConnorDear]

Got the kamasu as my first watch in the >$100 range after some research a few years ago (including teddys original video on it lol). I liked the specs and wanted to see what i thought of a mechanical/dive watch as i had only ever owned the f91w previously. It is a good watch spec wise and i am never afraid to take it out for any adventures im doing. I took it on a dive last week in costa rica (stayed mostly ~10-20m deep) and it had no issues. It also handles multiple hour stints outdoors in -20c weather duing x-country ski trips with no issue. Its a bit big for my wrist so i put it on a blue/gray striped nato and it looks great without being too much bling. I do feel it lacks some character when compared with other watches but the value is pretty insane. My daily driver is the brew metric now as its sized a bit better for my wrist and i am often running out the door last second so not needing to wind it comes in handy 😅

[@jmarket13]

I’ve had a Kamasu II for close to 2 years now and love it. I’ve been wearing it on the bracelet but just ordered my first rubber strap for it.

[@cjblazer385]

I don’t own these two but I do own two Seiko’s and another two Orient watches. A blue Seiko SNK, a newer black Seiko 4th gen Monster, a blue Orient Ray 2 and a blue Orent Kanno. I like them all a lot, the Seiko Monster and Kanno both being my favourites and most worn. I can confirm Orient seems to have slightly better accuracy, My Ray is very low single digits a day. The only thing I would add, Orient in my experience seems to have better quality control vs newer models of Seiko. Alignment, dust on the dial, things like that. Orient seems really on top of those things.

[@scalwi]

I have a 14 year old Orient dive-style watch (that I think might be the Orca, but I'm not really sure.) I just looked in my old email for the receipt and saw that I paid 98 dollars for it in 2011. It did go through about a 3 year period that I never wore it while using a smartwatch, but I went back to wearing it a few months ago and am still very much enjoying it. It is clearly more cheaply constructed than the Kamasu, but to last for 9-10 years of near daily wear without needing to be serviced is pretty impressive. The movement is still accurate within about 10 seconds a day and the date is still working, though the day complication is not functional anymore. When this begins to fail, I'll likely replace it with the Kamasu.

[@maxwellpowell4306]

I bought a Kamasu at the end of last year, put it on an islander Jubilee and I've never been happier. I choose it over the 5KX for the specs, mainly for the saphire crystal, I'm quite rough on my watches and I do plan to dive with it.

[@chevyman6999]

I own several Seiko dive watches in different variations SKX, SRP "5KX", all in stock and modded configurations. And then I have one Orient, a Triton RA-AC0K03L10B. I do not like not having the Orient on my wrist. Took me a few months to figure out why. Just suttle differences in the tuning, hand alignment, fit-n-finish, and of course the sapphire crystal is just the best material ever. I've also noticed the stainless steel bracelet on the Orient is the most scratch resistant bracelet I own, matter of fact it doesn't have any permanent scratches on it and I wear it very often. Also, the Orient I have has never pulled my hair, pinched my skin, or caused any hotspots on my wrist. I still love the Seikos, all the color choices, material choices, moding community, they're just all around fun and keeps the hobby alive, just like I love my Citizen automatic divers. However, if there was to be a one-and-done circumstance, I think the Orient might be the better option.

[@marcgoulding5230]

I have a number of Seikos, but so far not one Orient... I'm not sure why. Thanks as always, Teddy.

[@gregorypazo6446]

I have the Seiko shown with the mesh strap and a light blue face, beautiful piece I might add however, the Orient is a slick time piece! I went with the Seiko due to brand recognition. Good channel Teddy. The orient also has an Omega-ish look to it, I also own an Omega Planet Ocean chrono, circa 2011

[@user-bb6vu5is1n]

I have the Seiko 5 with the orange dial - which I love! I also have an Orient diver, but the Mako 2. I would say in today's market, Orient offers a better value for the money. Thus I completely agree with this review.

[@HisMajesty99]

Love the Kamasu! I have the Red dial and bought the Green dial for my brother. Amazing watches! 💯

[@PhenomPage]

Kamasu all day !!

[@TheOneNamedJulien]

I recently was in the market for a durable dive/sport watch that I could wear anywhere and everywhere because I only had dress watches. I walked into my local AD and the seiko was the only one in my price range (there were many other seikos, but they were extremely “divey” and not sporty). I bought it and haven’t look back. The dial is so beautiful in person, I have the green one. The see through automatic case back makes the watch feel luxurious, and at 10bar, you can do everything except scuba diving (I like free diving). I recommend it to anyone 👍

[@purpasmart_4831]

I got the kamasu in red, that along with a strapcode oyster braclet for for 50 USD. Overall, amazing value.

[@BRMCaptChaos]

No lose scenario. I’m between the two for a dive style watch, 16610 is too hairy for London, Tissot Gentleman is more discrete and I wanted a coloured dial. Think I’ll try the Kamasu for movement and glass alone.

[@joeperrone6677]

I like the 4 O'clock crown position better than the more common 3 O'clock. I own a trio of Orient Triton's (black, green & pepsi) and like them far more than the Komasu for just a few dollars more. Never really cared for the hands or dial on the Seiko 5, but that is personal preference.

[@davidruiz5028]

I own both of these watches and I actually prefer the mineral crystal on the Seiko 5KX because the glare on the Kamasu is pretty bad given that it doesn't have any anti-reflective coating. Not a deal breaker but that glare can be distracting. Bottom line is you can't go wrong either way, they're both awesome- great comparison Teddy!

[@Gumby56]

Orient and their logo 👍

[@TheGrenadier97]

I have a Kamasu II; solid, reliable, versatile, respectful to dive watches' and Orient's own past while being original. In conparison, it's an extremely easy win for the Kamasu in every aspect; the 5KX is an inferior watch being in a price range where Orient offers much more. The 5KX is at best a $150 watch.

[@pranaviyer971]

I own both. If I had to keep one I'd take the Kamasu any day. For those who say that the crown of the Kamasu is small, I honestly didn't find it to be that bad, in part mostly due to the fact that I collected a lot of vintage watches before getting the Kamasu (my first modern automatic watch), and if you go by that metric, crowns can be a lot worse. Having said that I do agree that the crown and bezel on the 5KX are way easier to operate. I don't agree with you on the wearability front, I think the Kamasu is way more wearable than the 5KX

[@vitmat7779]

Great video, thank you! In addition, just to mention, I own Orient Raven-2 black PVD watch automatic diver and it handled Atlantic Ocean with ease - Orient produce solid and reliable watches!

[@lenimbery7038]

My Kamasu was my second watch i bought and one reason was because I'd taken your advice and got a Seiko 5 field watch as my first watch (my 3rd. was a Bulova Precisionist)

[@patrickmclaughlin3392]

I have both of them I have the red dial Komatsu and the orange dial seiko. both really great watches, but if I had to keep one, I would keep the Orient Komatsu

[@jamesdaly1111]

Just got the SKX in blue for £336 (20% off) in the January sales, picking it up next week and got the grey and blue official NATO strap for it 💙

[@ryanthomas9306]

I’m actually wearing my red kamasu on jubilee

[@ssflipallday]

Same - I switch the red dial back and forth from the Strapcode Jubilee to a red Barton Bands rubber strap. Highly recommend the Barton rubber strap, it was only about $25

[@Soff1859]

I'm wearing the kamasu vintage red. Standard bracelet. I am actually positively surprised how good the bracelet is.

[@ryanthomas9306]

@@Soff1859 yah I bought the strapcode oyster or w.e and aside from being thicker it’s pretty much the same.

[@jadoningalls1205]

Blue dial kamasu on the factory bracelet on my wrist today

[@ryanthomas9306]

@@hakon8790 fancy

[@kelorednaxela]

I have heard about the crown on Orient watches being too small, flimsy and causing reliability issues for some users. This makes me realize that one important category is missing here - reliability. And Seiko wins that one. I understand the allure of Orient watches as well as microbrand watches often said to provide better value than Seiko but with time I have come to understand that Seiko is simply well done and reliable where it counts. It can be summarized with one word - quality. I look at Seiko and I see it.

[@jcrobles63]

I own a blue Kamasu, the variant shown, I like it a lot better than my Seiko 5s.

[@craig2100]

Great comparison, I would love to see more of these

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

I have both an SKX009 and a green Kamasu, and these are my impressions. The SKX/5KX has a much easier crown to operate, as the Kamasu’s crown is too small and digs into my fingers when I try to operate it. The F6922 movement is also mono-directional winding compared to the 7S26 and the 4R35/36, so you will hear and feel some rotor wobble on the Kamasu, but it is a more consistent time keeper than the Seiko movements. The paint on the Kamasu bezel also tends to chip easier. I do wear the SKX more because of the more unique design than the Kamasu, but I also love wearing the Kamasu because of how pretty its green dial is. If you want more bang for the buck, absolutely go with the Kamasu. You won’t regret it.

[@ata-mer-kottbullar]

Correction: the F6922 movement rotor is bi-directional winding; it uses the Seiko "Magic Lever" mechanism.

[@TechVdot8]

Black dial Orient Kamasu was my first 'real' watch. Still love looking at it, still wearing it, it's a great beater👍

[@H0kram]

I'd pick the red Kamasu, because I'm that kind of guy. I just think that dive watches are meant to be more playful ( field watches hold the very pragmatic approach for me ) and the Seiko 5s win in this department. They own up the fact that we wear them for their style, they're not even dive watches. Yet they retain the 100m WR which is valuable beyond swimming etc. Check out how WR resistance works and how it benefits a watch on a daily use. 100M is the gold standard for that.

[@Boblw56]

Owning each, I can call a “tie.” I enjoy them both for different reasons and they’re both great value, quality watches.

[@jbjnuuy356]

Well, you got to realize, Seiko is trying to up Orient, as their owner. Something like Rolex and Tudor. Teddy is just playing the game here, influencing the matter. Similar like many other guys saying “Orient just killed Seiko” and similar things. They all sleep in the same bed. 😅😅

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

Question.... How can a watch with a hardlex crystal be a tie with a watch sporting sapphire, all other attributes being somewhat equal? I've owned several Seiko's over time, but IMO Seiko has fallen quite a ways from their iconic SKX's and Monster's (both of which I still own).

[@Boblw56]

@@Mike-In-O-Town All other attributes aren’t equal. Two completely different design elements. I’ve owned countless watches and the hardlex crystal never bothered me assuming I like the piece. My money, my choice, right?

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

@@Boblw56 Absolutely your money your choice. I did not mean to indicate anything to the contrary. Seiko just annoys me given what their watches used to be versus the margin driven consumer products they are today. And ultimately, Hardlex versus sapphire is nothing but a cost cutting decision on their part. Though I may have issues with Seiko's current offerings, my aging (but beautiful) modded SKX007 and my Turtle will never leave my collection or my wrist because IMO they represent the best of Seiko's past.

[@Boblw56]

@@Mike-In-O-Town yeah, I get that.

[@TheGrenadier97]

Regarding some aspects of the table, in my opinion the Kamasu wins on lume by the simply fact that it posses a lume pip at 12 (and the bezel does align); optionality, Kamasu has two variants with eight colours total including some unique options plus limited editions; heritage, well, the 5KX surely follows the general Seiko identity but i wouldn't call it a real successor to the SKX, which was a true diver; price is basically around $200 for both but while you get 'more' watch with the Kamasu, you get 'less' with the 5KX.

[@droobie827]

doesnt the orient have solid links? that should win the bracelet category too

[@TheGrenadier97]

Not end links, and the clasp is stamped. I think they exactly the same.

[@droobie827]

@@TheGrenadier97 5kx are folded links

[@imadhartleben]

My dady bought one NKUWAN and he loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when he went out with it.

[@AlbertRoe]

I recently got my first automatic watch. I went with the Orient Mako III RA-AA0011B19B. What caught me about it was the red bezel. I bought it for 250$. I think it's amazing value for money.

[@simonwright6882]

I picked up the 38mm seiko 5 off white dial featured In the video which is excellent. I'm hoping they might release the same colour way on the 42mm model 🙏

[@igorcarneiro3578]

In my opinion, kamasu also wins in terms of finish because of the beautiful sunburst dial that reacts differently in different types of lighting, because of the non-playing bezel action and the outline in the date window. It is a much more beautiful and serious watch.

[@rossrosco9423]

Love my red Kamasu. Had it for a couple of years now. Looks great on the original stainless steel band or a Nato

[@brennanofthenorth9808]

I have a Kamasu and I bought the Seiko for my son. While the Orient has better specs on paper, the Seiko has class and style that the Orient just can’t match. I also was playing around with one of those clip-on macro lenses for my phone and discovered that the dial on the Seiko was near immaculate, while the Orient had a number of imperfections.

[@zibel5007]

I have both of these and I can tell Teddy's review is pretty accurate. One thing I don't like about the Kamasu is the small and stiff crown, you need to get used to operate it. It goes well with dressier looks better than the 5KX in my opinion. And the 5KX has a huge variety of colors and some nice limited edition versions, such as the Street Fighter series. Both of them are good watches in the end. And don't forget there's also the DressKX version (with a "bald" bezel). So if you have the opportunity, why not get both? If you can only get one, get the Barracuda (Kamasu). I prefer this first variant (with sharp hour indices).

[@superdad4324]

I have a fair few Seikos from various price points and the same blue Kamasu as in the video. They are all fabulous watches and I consider myself very fortunate to being able to experience them. The best advice I can give is, try them one and get the one you fall in love with. There is no wrong choice here. I do tend to wear my Kamasu more as work watch and wear it a little more bravely though due to the Sapphire. I did enjoy the video and the comparison though. Well done!

[@Mat-hr1dg]

I have both. The Orient Kamasu in red which, has actually been the first watch ever where total strangers have asked me on multiple occasions, where I got the watch from. I was pretty speechless when that happened, knowing the pretty low price point of it. My very idealy matched leather band probably helped to let it stand out more, but it still speaks volumes about the watch. The Seiko in green with gold indices is the newer buy and I adore it aside from the superfluous and honestly ugly SEIKO branding atop the stylised 5/S. While it doesn't have the sapphire crystal, and doesn't seem quite as "premium" at first glance, it is definitely better build in terms of case finish and mm precision on the bezel than the Kamasu. On the other hand the lume, hands and watch face are insanely more bright and detailed than on the Seiko which does have a more "uniform" lume though. Overall I prefer the Kamasu simply because of its styling and the first look appeal but you won't go wrong with either.

[@carlocosina9141]

Got my first auto from Seiko the slk23.. thanks man for the great reviews, just got ho 5:42 oked in auto watches now. Thanks again 👍

[@fotiosbris9787]

Love them both, my Seiko 5 jdm runs 4 seconds a day and my father’s Kamasu runs 5-6 seconds a day. Lovely watches, easy, affordable and simply beautiful. The Kamasu is a steal at the current price. Respectfully.

[@vic7939]

Teal Kamasu for my 1st automatic. Been wearing with a black curved end rubber strap with diamond pattern ( for a tight fit on the case) and it is really a stunner.

[@philspencelayh5464]

I have quite a few Seiko watches the nearest to your comparison is the SNZH55K1 100m and mineral glass. I also have a Kamasu. Neither gets a terrific amount of wrist time, the Seiko looks better and wears better, the Kamasu is a lot better at telling the time. Mostly I'm wearing something Swiss, looking good and telling the time.

[@JayCAlan]

This is the right call. I also have both. It's close, but the Orient is just better for most situations.

[@tab9175]

The last two years i've mainly worn the red Kamasu on a BOR bracelet (however jubilee can compete). It has the sunburst, the off-white hour markers and a sporty diver bezel. I've missed most of the SKX wave of being the icon and generally turn to Seiko 5 when it comes to finding an every day dress watch. To me, the sports editions pop-up, the colour schemes get some attention yet they don't stick. Versatility can, in some way, also fade out the overall option. I've never been good with choices anyhow ha! If you do find a Kamasu that hits the mark for you in terms of wearability / optionality, you could be well looking at your new long term every day diver. Glad you did bring up the new Mako which isn't essentialy the Kamasu and yet the best first place to look in the light of optionality. When it comes to heritage there is generally a lot of focus on which one is older and has a more versatile range of watches however just by looking back (what essentially heritage means for me) is also that 'stay true to your roots' that can only be covered by this heritage point of view. It would mean looking back, slowly changing its course instead of sudden changes. For this I would also highlight the idiolisation of Japanese production and how they tend to deliver a final product which I find more in line with Orient. At the same time the 'what flavour do you want' gets a bit of a fashion aesthetic. For modern standards, maybe it's unfair to say so.. As you can read I am generally divided and this could be probably the hardest category to measure.

[@Greygoose3130]

Orient is the Seiko of 15-20 years ago. Lovely watches and incredible value.

[@bobbytirlea]

I own both of them, and love them for different reasons. But yes, Orient Kamasu is on the more classical style, a dressy watch. Thank you for the in depth review!

[@akshobramkumar5993]

my first automatic was seiko SNKN38 and I now got the seiko sports in green with the rose gold dial.

[@tonib5899]

I a seiko fan myself, when I gave my dad his seiko automatic 23 jewel with clear case back, the pride on his face said it all. He’s even chuff it resembles my land shark. Seiko are their own and I like in their styles the simplicity and unbeatable pricing.

[@TheGrenadier97]

"Unbeatable pricing" isn't really a thing Seiko does for quite some time now.

[@tonib5899]

@@TheGrenadier97 for a similar watch and heritage it is really cheaper for automatic, divers, etc.I’m not a fan of them all.but hey do as they say.

[@Mike-In-O-Town]

Just one correction. No one is "their own" anymore. Everyone in the watch industry copies each other (to greater or lesser degrees). No one is really fully unique anymore, not even AP or Patek.

[@tonib5899]

@@Mike-In-O-Town good point.

[@BrooklynCarry]

I’m wearing a Seiko 5 sport SRPD51K1 in blue that my daughter bought me for Christmas in 2022 and it’s a good solid watch.

[@kevinlau1904]

my very first GMT watch is a seiko SKK005 orange. love it and im now hooked but that kamasu red is tempting

[@VitanuovaQuintero]

Love your channel with so many stellar watches! For me the AMZWATCH’ watch is my favorite. Keep the videos coming. Thanks.

[@slawomirkortas]

The Kamasu was my first dive-style purchase and I'm absolutely hooked. Even managed to follow up on the Orient brand and got me a Gen 2 Bambino as well. But I'd love to add an SKX to my collection one day, even though they're outdated and pricey in 2023. They just have that something that Orient can't match.

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

I liked my Kamasu so well that I bought a second. And then a ray2. And then two baby tritons! Love my orients!!!

[@trevorb5978]

I have the Orange Seiko Five. Saw it in a magazine. Had to have it (same reason I bought my first Seiko over 20 years ago). I am a Seiko fanboy with 5 Seiko watches. However I think that the Orient is a better looking, better specced watch. I would have one if I wasn't saving for an Alpinist

[@Blunt33bdx]

Kamasu for sure - I own the same one since last year - great product at a great price point

[@KrishAwesome9]

Watching this with my kamasu on my wrist, I chose the orient over the two seiko models mostly due to the factory sapphire, and the size being much nicer on my wrist than either seiko. I actually waited to try on the 38mm when it came out before deciding, but all black orient kamasu is the super versatile daily that anchors my collection.

[@HanselFinancial]

I deceived to go with the Oriemt RA-AA0810N19B, I loved the look and specs of the watch!

[@Aaron-se1qw]

I now have an Orient Triton green divers watch, personally have found their looks, durability, and movement keeping a better accuracy than the seiko 5 that I wore for approx some 5 yrs.. Altho It was abused and was put thru all the day to day rigours of life. It served well and have found the strap on the seiko more durable, but an easy fix for my orient..Was that impressed with orient I then purchased an orient m-force as a second watch, but will modify and fit a seiko rubber divers bracelet to it instead of the s/s it comes with..

[@craiglibby1224]

I recently purchased an Orient Mako II. Both Seiko and Orient have great specs for the money. I absolutely love my Orient. Getting it for around $150 was a bargain!

[@nicolashipp1407]

A silicon strap is a great alternative to the somewhat cheap bracelet and it makes the watch even less expensive!

[@40rpt]

I have two Orients and an Orient Star, and I was really looking forward to getting a Kamasu. I ordered a green model, but the crown was apparently defective as it would only screw in about 3/4 of a turn, leaving a very noticeable gap between the case and the bottom of the crown. Fortunately the vendor had an easy return policy. Not sure if it was because there was obviously a problem with the watch, or because I've been spoiled by my Orient Star, but the Kamasu just didn't do it for me. I do want a diver, but I don't think I will order another Kamasu.

[@104thDIVTimberwolf]

There's no disputing the greatness of the 5KX, but that Kamasu is simply gorgeous. I have both brands (Prospex Alpinist and 3rd Gen Sun and Moon) in my collection and look forward to adding more.

[@anthonytere5329]

Just on time. Was thinking for few days which one to take as step up from GodTier Casio. Will take Seiko because of design and variety but sapphire glass…uff Huge thank you for the video!

[@thodorisk77]

Bought a Seiko SNE569, never looked back.. I wonder why its not featured more in reviews or comparisons.. So much better than the orient i had previously, and the 5KX i consider a lower tier than SNE569.

[@Truoa]

Own the SRPD51K1, exact same watch featured in this video. It was a big step up from my first watch, the SNK623K1 in terms of overall build quality and finishing. In hindsight the bracelet in typical seiko fashion isn’t great (changed to an orange nato), the only other gripe I have is the ever so slightly misaligned chapter ring - which is probably a result of the mass manufacturing mentioned in the video. Overall I feel like it would be a great entry point for an auto diver if it can be found on discount, €315 retail is a bit steep considering the quality control issues at seiko and lack of sapphire glass. 100m of water resistance is more than enough and if you feel like you need more you’re either lying or will never rely on this watch alone when diving.