Did Seiko Improve their BEST VALUED Watch?

The Seiko SNXS is considered one of the best values in the watch game. But this year Seiko went and tried to reinvent the wheel. Did they succeed?
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[@lauraallisonn]

I own the spring drive watch, bought it in Iran in 1978. Still in perfect running condition. Now I can do a little research and hopefully find out what what she is worth.

[@mirandamillsivy]

How did you grow your portfolio to $55m, I'm impressed, I have a lump sum in the bank, the rates are not impressive so I'm moving it, what's your cash flow like?

[@mirandamillsivy]

Sure, could you please share her name with me or any details so I can look her up online? Thanks!

[@danielleviel]

She is well known as - Hannah Susan Jennings. please do your own research.

[@eabhaconnor2]

@@danielleviel Smart move, I love it, I have similar pattern for my cash flow as well.

[@pinzzpin6492]

If the first spring drive watch was released in 1999, how can you bought one in 1978?

[@Makingnewnamesisdumb]

I feel like seiko has lost its edge. They used to be good affordable watches that you could forgive for having low specs and glass crystals and bad bracelets because that was all part of what made them affordable. Now the specs are better but they doubled the costs and they're still putting glass on them. Microbrands now offer better deals than this huge company.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Seiko inflation is real

[@lunster5154]

I refuse to pay retail now

[@CasioSnob]

Paying retail for Seiko is a bad idea, but Seiko has actual design compared to many micro brands. Seiko nails the wearability and aesthetics. Microbrand design is sometimes all over the place whereas I have to say that it's obvious that Seiko actually employs more than one designer.

[@Makingnewnamesisdumb]

@@CasioSnob microbrands often use literally the same cases as seiko.

[@CasioSnob]

@@Makingnewnamesisdumb you are right. All I want to say is that Seiko manages to have an intangible appeal compared to many micros which is worth appreciating but gets overlooked by specs. Especially those intangible aspects are worth paying for. Not retail though :D

[@eliotsalandybrown]

🙏Thanks for the great photography and insightful perspectives 🙏

[@coastalsailor]

If you were to give me one I would choose the older snxs. Like you said, there is just something so special about it, like it encapsulates a moment in time so well and you forgive all of its flaws as it's maybe not meant to be perfect. Thank you for your video, I enjoyed it a lot!

[@chuckmontgomery7571]

I think where Seiko dropped the ball on this release was leaving out the Grey Sunburst dial on launch. There is no doubt that the upgrades in the new model, especially the bracelet, are significant. Having the best, most popular dial variant would have blunted some of the sticker shock. That said, I doubt it will sell well at full MSRP, which I'm sure won't hold up long. I still like my old SNXS though. I also prefer the old Seiko 5 logo over the new one.

[@AdAce21]

totally agree. That gray sunburst dial is gorgeous!!

[@chomior]

New logo looks like headless snake.

[@hammalamiri12]

They will always release so many more dials

[@AdAce21]

@@hammalamiri12 yeah, but they gotta drop that orange seconds hand. It just clashes.

[@Joeyb33f]

@@AdAce21 Thats it! I couldnt put my finger on it but it definitely clashes and throws it off for me. It's just not a good looking watch imo.

[@TekindusT]

A non-watch geek colleague asked for a recommendation for a budget watch, something similar to the SNKL I was wearing during our conversation. I suggested several Seiko 5 models still available on the grey market, and he settled on the old SNXS79, and he’s loving it so far. He doesn’t care that it wears a bit large and tall on his slender wrist, about the lugs not pointing down, about an outdated movement… he’s just happy with a watch with a quality a step above the usual Emporio Armani crap available at the mall, for a price that defies all logic in our day and age. Isn’t this what is it about after all?

[@jamesd6966]

I purchased the Seiko Speedtimer V1 for $400 about a month ago, and even though it's just a solar quartz, I would still choose it over this S5 any day.

[@edwin9395]

im so fuckin happy with my panda speedtimer as well. Had tonnes of compliments since day 1

[@spuckuk7039]

solar quartz is far better for most people honestly.

[@sstanforddpt]

Very nicely written, great descriptions, and your efforts are highly appreciated. I'll take the OG any day!

[@comeonman7423]

Love this review .. this was my first mechanical/automatic watch and it was incredible for the money. The dial is beautiful and very classic.

[@qadrik]

My first mechanical watch was a SNXS77. It’s never been short on charm.

[@UltraDoug]

Been a Watch Cruncher for a few months and really enjoying it. Highly recommended!

[@raymondlocke2741]

It's the OG for me. Specs alone don't hild up to that feeling that goes with wearing something thats a legit classic at this point, if specs were the main drive force of a watch you're looking to acquire, than AliExpress has you covered 😢. Pick up the OG at the best price you can, spring for a much better aftermarket bracelet upgrade and enjoy. You'll still come in under half the price of the new model and have a classic banger on your wrist. Max, love the channel. Stay you , be well. ✌️

[@LamarFaciane]

I've had two of these and I couldn't see to move off the bracelet. I found myself taking it off the leather and going back to the bracelet. I wore the watch low and loose and found it so comfortable. I could even sleep wearing it during the summer here in L.A. and I break out. This is a great little piece and might go for a third ✌🏽

[@cartoonpete407]

I have the old one with a gold dial. Not much has been mentioned about this particular colorway, but I love it!

[@mikesainz7]

I own the SNXS73J1 and feel like it looks way better than the new models

[@jacksonkillilea]

I just got one of the original SNXS right before this video came out. I can't believe how great the dial looks for around $100. I swapped the stock bracelet out and now it's perfect for the money. These things were only $89 on Jomashop a few months ago.

[@Joeyb33f]

i just did the same. had to replace the bracelet out for a polished steel one, and a leather strap. cant beat the value- the new one's just dont do it for me and the value isnt there like the originals.

[@cardinalj]

Love my SNXS 77 blue dial. I have seen some MODs that swap out the open caseback for a solid caseback. Looks much better and saves the bulbous look

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice! You are in the club

[@nunchaks700]

There's also a mod to introduce hacking and winding to the 7s movement

[@davidcrisp3096]

Are you able to link to the mods that have done this? I'm trying to do the same but can't find which case back to replace it with! Thanks!

[@Dadication3]

Excellent comparison. The SNXS79 has been on my favorites short list for a few months now, can’t deny my admiration for the OG version and the classic logos and stunning grey dial at the $100 range. I would upgrade to sapphire and go with a strap to avoid the bracelet bothering me and make it mine. Can’t help but want the grey dial that reminds me of my beloved SJE093. The SRPK version should have had a grey sunburst option for the win.

[@user-rs8sy3if7o]

i love you so much! I recently just found your nkuwan and i’m in love!! Your videos are so fun and you energy is just MWAH! keep living your life

[@Rob954ever]

Very nice watch and nice comparison review, Max..... I'll wait until it drops to around 200.00. I'll LOVE IT at that price. I recently got the new GMT Field watch ( black dial) that has an msrp of 435.00 for 310.00 tax in and that watch has only been out for a few months. So... patience is a virtue. 😉👍🏼

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Yeah, at $200 it would be a no brainer!

[@harveytan7506]

Currently wearing the original version with the blue dial. I'll happily receive the SRPK as a gift.

[@whiskymarko]

Bought the SNXS79J in Japan and I absolutely love it. I had to get rid of the bracelet though

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

I just picked up the black new SNXS, at my favourite online Aussie AD (so local to me) for $265US on a VIP offer. Absolutely love it on my 7.5” wrist. Literally barely been off my wrist since I got it 😍

[@samuelkim2611]

Great review !!!

[@ryanstark5497]

Went from a $15 movement to a $20 movement at scale... guess they should charge 4x the price right? Definite pass for me.

[@olegshevyakov4514]

have SNXS79 on original bracelet - no complains. Tried third-party jubilee but returned to original seiko. A lot of people used to call it terrible, but I really like it.

[@georgegiesbrecht8224]

Watch crunch on a Saturday morning? LFG!! Starting the day off right

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I got you 😎

[@FatherSonWatchTalk]

Thanks for the comparison. I have an older 7009 series that looks like this older one. It has an acrylic crystal. I also have a new Seiko 5 Sports. I agree with the old charm of prior model. I love it! I like the upgraded 5s too. I would pick the older version as the looks and charm are more important to me.

[@WMIYC]

I really like that dial on the SNXS.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

It's a beauty

[@edwinandianeutube]

great video. they’re very nice, but different watches, so it comes down to wanting a GADA watch or a wonderful vintage inspired dress watch (that can be easily upgraded). keep up the good work!

[@Krauser1226]

I've got my SNXS on a matte black leather band and on that, it's a great pseudo-dress piece. My Seiko diver tends to get all my daily wear usually, but the SNXS on leather is a great option without going full dress watch. I really love it, and at $80 bucks when I got it, it was hard to beat. Seiko's really lost it with their pricing nowadays. As good as these new ones are, it's hard to justify anywhere near the MSRP Seiko wants for these things when they're still coming with hardlex and pressed clasps.

[@AMAMBT]

i would go for the newer one for the white chaptering as it gives a vintage look , but i would go for the old one for its sunburst dial . going back and forth eventually i will go for the newer one .

[@d.kashani]

The dial reminds me of my spb143 which i love.

[@jakubvanglesh156]

The first SNXS was my first automatic watch I purchased back in 2018 and the start of my journey. Great value for money and start for automatic watches, but I wouldn't wanna wear it nowadays just because the Grand Seiko is the top of the hill Seiiko watch I have.

[@alvinphua6367]

Just handled one in the metal. The descriptions in this video of the older model is spot on- quirky, does its own thing and not trying to be something else. Get these before the prices head up due to unavailability. Sold an SNK805 and a few months later the price just kept going up.

[@Tdr-jv2nc]

I personally really like the new version better. Quality has improved and it overall looks much better

[@kidmillionaire-dd1111]

Thank you for this one!

[@TravellingTechie]

Despite the newer watch being objectively better, with a better movement, higher water resistance, better build quality, wearing slightly larger (I have a 7in plus wrist) and a much better bracelet, at 340 pounds in the UK, it's just too expensive. I'm not too enamoured with its new look, the lack of enough sunburst colour options is painful. The white ring around the dial distracts from rest of the face and the faux 'aging' on the markers vs the orange of the seconds hand I find jarring. The older looks more classic, understated and achieves the aim of just 'being' rather than 'trying'. Yes, the new version is 'better', but is it? I've got the old SNXS and I'm sticking with it.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

I'm with ya mate

[@ronrobertson4327]

Just grabbed this watch based on your review. It really is a great watch.

[@NeilHMyers]

I do love the SNXS, so much so I bought a silver and a black. I decided to keep the silver stock but upgraded solid case back, sapphire crystal, and Unclestraps Lincoln bracelet to the black. Sort of a stock and hot rod version. I’m tempted by the SRPK87 if for no other reason than a blue dial. I was under the impression SNXS were only $100 as new old stock reserves getting depleted and priced to clear out. Yes, new SRPK is more but tough comparison as SNXS has been out of production for a few years now. I may wait to see if prices fall but bet I’ll have one eventually.

[@davidcrisp3096]

Hi - are you able to link the case back you upgraded to please? I want to do the same but can't find which case back will fit! Thanks!

[@ShahryarSaigol]

Use the point of the reamer on a Swiss Army Knife to remove the link pins on the bracelet. Makes it very easy to adjust the bracelet size.

[@RedwoodAggie]

I get that same vintage feeling from my Seiko SZSB006 TicTAC, albeit at a greater price than $100. I do like the new models quite a bit, though they're still maybe a touch small for my taste. I'd love to see them jump up to 38.5 or 39mm, but I'd love to try one of the new ones on. The blue in particular draws my attention, along with the perfectly colored seconds hand. The lighter chapter ring is definitely choice.

[@prettysoIdier]

I want the older snxs dial in the new release. I want that 100m water resistance confidence but I don’t like the new chapter ring and, nor dial and handsets. Will the old dial and polished/brushed chapter ring fit in the new case ?

[@royrichardellasos5332]

saying a watch has an imposing stance has made me look at all my watches from a different perspective now. great take! i can now dub my casios as my lowered category lol

[@NeoNyder]

I'd take the new SNXS just because I already have the SNXS79 (Wearing it now) I finally found a bracelet that I love for it, and looks sharp with a nice 2 button milled clasp. I wish the new series had a Grey Sunburst tho, it defies belieft that Seiko would omit the most popular color.

[@BroAriq]

The second hand should have been silver, the chapter ring should've been the same color as the dial, and get rid the faux patina, i can patina it myself 😂

[@carrow2250]

Just downloaded the app. I appreciate I can browse before having to create an account

[@Halfmoon67]

The OP is absolutely gorgeous, it was on my radar for a long time as well! What’s the lume on it ? Superluminova or chromalight ? I got myself a 14060 because/thanks to your videos lol, I guess our tastes are very similar! Thx for the vid, cheers

[@msmucr]

From those tow definitely old SNXS for me. Older non-hackable mvmnt or reduced WR doesn't bother me in practice. What I definitely miss on new one are applied logos, nicer date window and sunburst - wonderful dial of OG model is gone. The rattly bracelet of old model can be easily fixed by aftermarket options, and most probably you'll be in sum still under MSRP of the new model.

[@anyanon434]

The new watch became more sporty than SNXS, with its chapter ring, orange seconds hand, more brutal hour and minute hands, stylized 5 logo. Older SNXS is leagues more classy, subtle and elegant which I prefer better. By the way, while SNXS is relatively new, it had a SKXS series predecessor from the 90's, and more predecessors (don't know the name) on older 7009 movements.

[@anels9]

Is there any way to theoretically improve the water resistance on the old model? Like more or better gaskets?

[@ChrizzLau69]

I would take newer one, but that grey sunburst dial is classic!

[@cristiantrinca3140]

I'm a Seiko fanboy, but the price on this is a miss imo. Citizen is actually making Seiko look bad in the last 2years. The Tsuyosa line-up is in the same price range and i would choose it everytime.

[@arciliocoelho5767]

I have the old One, with a thinner case back, New glass, oval and better looking, and a New Jubilee bracelet with solid links!!, wonderfull!!.

[@andrewccamp]

Some idea for content: do an integrated bracelet (mid range) comparison: Fears RedCliff 39.5 vs Tag Heuer Carrera 39 vs Breitling Automatic Day & Date 40… on a mid/higher range then Rolex day date 40 vs Cartier Santos L vs Chopard Eagle vs GP Laureato vs IWC Ingenieur

[@ioakimmakis9288]

my Seiko 5 actus is from 1974. Using seiko watchs' code number on the back of a seiko watch, one can easily find out the date of its production online. I serviced it 1 year ago. It was its 1st service ever. It works very well and i have managed to make it run -10 seconds/day. What else can one ask from a watch that is more than 50 years old? (i have to mention that my 1974 seiko is ALL made in Japnan.. at that time seiko watches were made-in-japan watches) I also want to mention that Seiko 5s need not date magnifier. Other brands should copy Seiko's day/Date windows which are very readable.

[@matthewstrobelt564]

Just got the tan/champagne dial and I absolutely love the watch. So tired of people talking about value. I got mine at 300 USD and its fantastic!!

[@Tdr-jv2nc]

I know right! It’s not badly priced and is a huge step up in quality from the original

[@matthewstrobelt564]

@@Tdr-jv2nc absolutely!!

[@deedee8568]

LW is 18, not 19, in my experience. Bracelet is light and comfortable. Depth of case back means it sits comfortably beside my wrist knuckle. Thank you.

[@philspencelayh5464]

I've got the old one in sunburst blue, upgraded with double domed sapphire and a jubilee style solid link bracelet. It's great and I've no intention of buying the new version which doesn't come close in looks and it'll need sapphire sooner or later.

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

SNXS were great but would like a much thinner case. The same watch with 10mm thickness would be great.

[@LukeSchiralli]

I love the original. I remember the first new watch I ever bought myself in the early 1990s was a seiko 5, it has a laser etched logo in the 6 o’clock position of the glass that my two newer seiko 5s don’t have. It’s like the quality was higher years ago.

[@JC-pm5sh]

Could you mention the power reserve with the watch spec? Thanks.

[@kanishkachakrabarti2248]

40 hrs

[@kyawzay2393]

I like old version snxs and the watch’s dial and old 5 logo is better than new ones.

[@Mat-sz9hs]

Is it normal that I can hear the rotor spinning in the Seikos 5 with the 4r36 movement?

[@zachtan]

I can't wait for the new MACV-SOG reissue in this same case

[@shelstone66]

I got one a few months ago and put an oyster bracelet on it...fkin love it

[@borismedovar9968]

If not for a hardlex glass, now it's a decent watch unlike ten years ago when I promptly dismissed it compared to last iteration of Eagle Seven. 30m, mineral glass, idiosyncratic crown. It holds up only for a design and sizing. You still have decent quartz seiko daily tickers for 250 bucks. Sapphire included.

[@theloniousmonkiv5982]

They kinda ruined the dial imo. The old SNXS’s had a nicer sunburst and no faux lume patina. For 120 plus another ~$80 for an uncle Seiko bracelet, the old SNXS takes the cake 10/10 times

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

For sure, the dial makes this watch!

[@scarredhandsreviews]

Have both and swap the dials. New case with the old dial and hands.

[@brito4business448]

Hi, mate. Definitely, the SNXS79 is my choice!!!!! I didn't dig the new model... Regards from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil!!! Love the channel...

[@Junqueiro01]

where can i get this, orginals and for the 100 bucks or so that everyone says it costs ? (with garante ofc)

[@j.vanguard4654]

The old watch looks much better. ❤

[@UltraDoug]

At 38/39 it would be a no brainer. Case shape aside, 37 with a 19 strap juuuust a tad small.

[@martinover7927]

I was just wondering what the 39/40 model is in similar language, even if it’s $350-ish

[@joeskeptical4762]

*Get a Turtle, you'll feel great.*

[@UltraDoug]

@@joeskeptical4762 can’t stand the turtle shape

[@kevinthailand2567]

The old model on a a quality milanese bracelet would be rocking it😊

[@mikesanders2861]

SNXS79 ❤

[@dnichl]

the SNXS has been a favorite of mine, i have 3 now. one jubilee, one president and an oyster. an aftermarket bracelet from aliexpress is a must-have upgrade. it keeps the price down and still has the same quality if not better than online retailer ones. and solves the weakest point with the original watch. I also plan on upgrading to an nh36 movement for hacking and hand winding but haven't had a big enough reason to go through the trouble yet. i plan to wear these for the rest of my life, its truly a classic. didn't think it would look good, but the slightly domed crystal on the new watch is actually pretty nice. i could do without the chapter ring though, too busy. it strays too far from the old design which was perfect as is. the price point feels like seiko are trying to go as high as possible without being too unreasonable. for that money i'd rather buy a new skx.

[@G8KPR]

I have the older one, I love it so much. The new does look nicer but I won't be getting this one. I think the price makes it hard to want.

[@Timus_han]

New watch is way more accurate then the previous watch, I own both. New watch did not hit even a minute less or more within a month.

[@ronrobertson4327]

I would take the old one. Question for any who may know: I have seen the SNXS79 with and without the “21 Jewels” under “Automatic”. Is there a difference besides the obvious or just a dial variation?

[@henriquedourado4312]

The one with 21 jewels is made in Japan, which people say makes it a better watch. Other than that its the same watch

[@american236]

I don’t know where you are getting the $100 price tag but they are $160 on Amazon Amazon before taxes.

[@mariuszgrudzinski4962]

I would preffer to win old SNXS for sure and just buy new bracelet. Then probably I would buy sapphire crystal

[@eddiehe7454]

I’ll pick up one when the price dips to around 250 😊

[@samayoa95]

I think I like the original. And Good vid.

[@charlesmcclune8892]

Looking for the best of both worlds 🤔 I bought a Seiko NH34A GMT movement in a Phoibos Wave Master GMT and I just think it's an all around better case, bracelet, with a sapphire crystal 😁

[@tyyven]

I like the new ones design better then the old one but then the new price feels to high for what you get. And at that price i would take the citizen tsuyosa over the seiko.Its more fun and better looking. But thats just me 😀

[@jimv.6631]

It’s a much better watch and still very affordable. I’d happily buy one.

[@vaclav_fejt]

I get the sense that nostalgia got the better of you. I think there are two major reasons why it might do that: The old watch has more delicate dial. The new watch jas big thick indexes that put me off at first. The other reason is the bracelet: loose bracelets are actually more comfortable, provided they don't pull hairs or bite the skin. But - you know the old watch through and through. The new one is in the uncanny valley for you and that is u forgivable. The fact is, the market is changing. Japan is where Switzerland used to be alone, while China took the bargain spot.

[@moose583]

I bought a seiko 5 and should have done more research but the no hand winding was a big turn off to me.

[@clintrowe4875]

I love the upgrades, especially the bracelet and clasp but in my opinion, losing the applied Seiko 5 logo is a downgrade and nothing beats that gray sunburst dial for that price. If they could have kept the dial and the applied logo while upgrading the movement, bracelet, and clasp, then we would be talking and Seiko could easily justify bumping the price up to $500. I know I would have bought it.

[@bbpearl8120]

Reminds me a lot of a Tag Carrera Calibre 5

[@youssefelamrani]

Everybody knows Seiko MSRP is indicative at best. This is actually a 250-300 USD watch

[@Fanga2a]

Unfortunately for now, the retail price hasn't dropped. I saw it yesterday at a Seiko dealer in France and they retail for 400€... For 200-250€ it would be a good catch but 400€ is way too much for the offering in my opinion.

[@thebitterfig9903]

That said…. The $400 MSRP is still $100 higher than the $300 MSRP SRPE Dress-KX or the SRPG/J field watches with the same movement and similar level of finishing. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it is on the higher end of prices among current rather than old-style Seiko 5s.

[@youssefelamrani]

@@thebitterfig9903 it's better finished I believe. The chapter ring is metal, the chamfers are more precise

[@fungsam7268]

where to buy this seiko 5 in hong kong is 100 dollars

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

Hardlex crystal on a dressy watch at that price is absolutely unacceptable. Even at the price it settles down to…. Unacceptable.

[@jims4539]

Yeah, I took all my old Seiko 5's and put sapphire crystals and NH35 movements in them.

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Nice work!

[@tush_2870]

I will take new one for sure.

[@antoinek1468]

They changed its personality from an unperfect but delicate dresswatch to a better but more brutal sportwatch, that’s why you prefer the old one. Plus, the new one crystal is crazy reflective.

[@timchan334]

They should did 20mm lug width

[@perryl3476]

BUT... I love the new Seiko "5" logo compared the dated old model... Maybe they should have used the 1960's "5" logo, which was all class.

[@ebelerma]

LW is 19 or 18? <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="152">2:32</a>

[@user-cc1yf5mx2z]

the pk is the most beautiful watch ever