Was looking for something light dialled and cheap and cheerful to take up the ‘dressy’ role in my collection. Happened upon this little number - the Seiko 5 model SNXS73, and thought I’d do an article as have been so impressed with it.
It’s a 37mm case, 12.5mm thick, with 19mm lug width (yeah, annoying) and 43mm lug to lug. Has the non hacking/hand winding 7s26 movement.
This cost me £103 new, and I think it’s incredible bang for the buck. It has a bit of an Oyster Perpetual, Datejust feel - which I attribute to the style of applied batons and stick hands, plus the prominent rounded/polished bezel. But of course the Seiko 5 model has a heritage all of its own. It also has a display caseback - and the lume is superb, plus you’re getting the day/date. The dial is a very well done sunburst silver, which also looks white in certain lights.
It’s not without its faults of course. 30m water resistance is a bit feeble, not sure I’d take it swimming but then there are other watches for that. And it’s evident all the cost is in the watch, as the bracelet is pretty diabolical. As well as being cheap, flimsy folded links it looks as if it belongs on another watch being like a brushed tin compared to the polished steel of the watch head. But that’s easily remedied and I’ve sourced a decent quality aftermarket jubilee.
For me I’d say this was the best Seiko 5 model I’ve come across; a great value sporty dress watch. Here’s one last pic on my 6 2/3” wrist.
Incidentally, there is also a sunburst dark grey (almost black) dial version, the SNXS79. This has apparently been discontinued, and is hard to find (cheers Seiko for always discontinuing your best and most popular watches). I managed to find one at a reasonable price earlier and ordered it, will be nice to have the pair. Will do an update with some pics of it when it shows up.
Any thoughts on the best Seiko 5 model? There’s so many of them it’s easy to overlook hidden gems!
Cheers
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