Whether you’re a just-getting-started or experienced watch aficionado, the chances are you are familiar with Seiko watches.
With the brand’s eventful history dating back to the late 19th century, Seiko is one of the most established watchmakers in the industry. It’s also one of the brands that have had an enormous say in the shaping of the horological business, for example by introducing the world’s first battery-powered timepiece in the 1970s.
Even in today’s extremely competitive market, next to Citizen, Seiko is seen as the go-to brand as far as Japanese watchmakers are concerned.
What we, watch enthusiasts, love about Seiko the most is the fact that despite offering brilliantly-crafted and reliable watches, it caters to people with different styles and budgets.
Nowadays, the Seiko watch collection is divided into 6 sub-brands: Astron, Prospex, Presage, Lukia, Premier, and Seiko 5. Each presents its own style and functionalities, as well as operates at different price points.
In today’s article, we will concentrate on Seiko 5 – arguably the most affordable line with the biggest number of sporty timepieces. By providing mini-reviews of what we think are the best Seiko 5 watches to get at present, we hope to give you plenty of food for thought regarding your 2022 shopping.
At a Glance: TOP 5
- Best Leather Model: Seiko SRPE80
- Cheapest Model: Seiko SNKE49
- Best Military Model: Seiko SNK805
- Best Dive Model: Seiko SRPD55K1
- Best Gold-Tone Model: Seiko SNXL72
Before we move on to the list of top Seiko 5 watch models, however, let’s have a very short briefing on the Seiko 5 collection.
As an affiliate, Timepieceking might earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) for purchases made via links in the article.
Introduction to Seiko 5
As already mentioned, Seiko 5 is one of the more affordable collections in the Japanese brand’s offer. Hence, it’s also one of the most popular and appreciated.
Seiko 5 line has been around since 1963 when the collection’s first watch, Seiko Sportsmatic 5 (aka the “Five”), saw daylight. Since then, the brand has continued to add to the Seiko 5 watch family, introducing many excellent timepieces that have introduced even more people to Seiko’s excellent quality.
As Seiko itself point out: ”For over 50 years, Seiko 5 Sports has delivered consistently high levels of reliability, durability, performance and value that have endeared it to lovers of mechanical watches worldwide.”
Seiko 5 watches might differ in style and prices but there are quite a few metrics they share in common, such as:
- durability
- accuracy
- longevity
- excellent value-for-money (many think that Seiko 5 is the best dollar-for-dollar collection)
The number “5” is here for a reason, too. All Seiko 5 timepieces are equipped with the following:
- automatic movement
- water-resistance
- rugged case
- recessed crown positioned at 4 o’clock
- day & date window
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the Seiko 5 series has grown in popularity so quickly. These are well-crafted timepieces at extremely reasonable costs. Despite the affordable pricing, they are ideal for regular use and can withstand a lot of what life will throw at them.
Without further ado, let’s now proceed to review the 11 best Seiko 5 watches available at present.
Top Seiko 5 Watches (Best 5 Models)
Seiko SRPE80
If you’re lured by the elegance and style of leather timepieces, you’re likely to appreciate the opening model on today’s list of best Seiko 5 watches.
In our opinion, Seiko SRPE80 is one of the best-looking Seiko 5 timepieces available.
With that said, it hardly has a typical leather watch design that oscillates on the dressy spectrum. What gives the model quite a unique look is the massive, dive-like bezel with a gold/black ion finish. The bezel is unidirectional although it’s devoid of any markers.
Both the bezel and the 42,5mm case are made from stainless steel. The genuine leather strap features black and brown elements and uses a standard tang buckle closure. The caseback is transparent and displays the workings of Seiko’s automatic movement.
The patterned black dial is probably our favorite element of the timepiece. It features three gold-tone hands pointing to large dotted hour indices. All elements are filled with Lumibrite, ensuring excellent legibility in any light. There’s also a day and date window located at three o’clock. The dial window is made from Hardlex crystal, providing great protection against damage.
The model is powered by Seiko’s in-house automatic movement. The exact caliber used in the watch is 4R36 which, as you will notice later, is a popular choice amongst Seiko 5 watches. The robust 24-jewel mechanism offers a 41-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -35/+45 seconds/day.
Despite the elegant look and the presence of the leather strap, Seiko SRPE80 is a safe companion for use in the water. The model offers water resistance up to 100m.
Seiko SNKE49
There are not many Seiko 5 watches that would ruin you financially but if you’re really shopping on a budget (< $100), not all hope is lost. Seiko SNKE49 is one of few models that don’t reach the one hundred bucks mark.
The watch is one of the better examples of why so many people think the Seiko 5 collection offers the best value for money.
The timepiece boasts a 39mm stainless steel case but the lug-to-lug length is quite big so it might feel a bit larger than the diameter suggests. What is adding to the stylish look is the 3-link, well-polished stainless steel bracelet. It has a fold-over clasp with a push-button release. What’s unique about this Seiko 5 watch is the so-called exhibition caseback through which you can peek at the intricate workings of the automatic movement.
The snow-white dial is quite minimalistic. It features stick hour indices instead of Arab numerals. The three hands, as well as hour markers, are luminescent, allowing for easy reading after dusk. Between the hour indices are also line-shaped minute markers. At three o’clock positioned are a day and date window. The watch’s glass is made from Hardlex crystal.
The model clearly isn’t as sporty as a lion’s share of Seiko 5 watches on today’s list. Instead, it oscillates on the dressy spectrum. This fact is supported by modest water-resistance capabilities, with a WR rating of 3ATM (30m).
All in all, it’s arguably the best Seiko 5 watch under 100 bucks.
Seiko SNK805
If you’re a fan of military-themed watches, the Seiko 5 collection is home to arguably the best-selling model of this type.
Despite being in the market for nearly 5 years now, Seiko SNK805 is still racking up an incredible number of sales. One of the main reasons for this is probably the fact that it’s one of the cheapest Seiko watches around in general. And, judging by the sales number only, it’s in the top three of the most popular Seiko 5 watches ever.
The model comes with a rather tiny stainless steel case measuring 37mm in diameter. It wears just this size, too, meaning it’s actually a decent choice for women as well. The strap, equipped with a tang buckle closure, is made from nylon material. Without a doubt, the green color would be a perfect match for a uniform.
Another part of the watch clearly inspired by the military is the face. The design is extremely smart, giving the effect there are two clocks inside one.
The outer part of the dial includes minutes markers while the central hour indices. The modern style is supported by easily-legible Arab numerals. The watch features three watch hands all of which are luminescent. At three o’clock there’s the ever-present day and date window. The face elements are again protected by Hardlex crystal.
While the watch might send out military vibes, the modest water-resistance rating (3ATM or 30m) would suggest it’s not the best option for testing environments.
Seiko SRPD55K1
⭐ Dive Choice ⭐
If you’re familiar with Seiko watch collections, you’re probably aware that Seiko Prospex is the line known for highly capable dive watches.
With that said, for those who appreciate the dive-inspired design, there’s also something in store with Seiko 5. Seiko SRPD55K1 is probably the most popular dive-style watch available at present.
Clearly inspired by the iconic Rolex Submariner, the watch oozes class and elegance. The all-stainless steel design means it’s not only a good choice for use in water but also during more formal occasions.
When stacked against most Seiko 5 models, the watch’s case 43mm case is fairly massive. But with the inclusion of the unidirectional bezel, it’s to be expected, really. The dive watch bezel can be used to measure elapsed time underwater. The watch comes with a three-link stainless steel bracelet. Both the caseback and the crown, positioned at 4 o’clock, are screw-down which further aid in protection against water damage.
With the combination of pitch-black background and silver-tone dotted hour markers and large hands, the watch ensures awesome legibility. Perfectly suitable for use underwater, all elements glow in the dark. The ever-present day and date window is located at three o’clock.
The watch runs on Japanese automatic movement and provides water resistance up to 100m.
Seiko SNXL72
⭐ Gold-Tone Choice ⭐
There are not many types of wristwatches that can turn heads as easily as gold-tone models. When designed the right way, they look outstanding and usually way above their price tag. Certainly, that can be said about the Seiko SNXL72 model you see above.
Being one of a few gold-tone timepieces in the Seiko 5 collection, the watch is our pick for the goldish design due to its moderate price tag and hundreds of positive customer reviews.
The watch boasts a gold-tone stainless steel case measuring 37mm in diameter. Such a moderate diameter makes the watch a great option also for females. The three-link, the well-polished bracelet is made from the same material and includes a deployment clasp. Providing solid protection against cracks and scratches is the Hardlex crystal glass.
Apart from the day and date window at 3 o’clock, the face boasts a pretty minimalistic, easy-to-read look. It includes three watch hands out of which the hour and second hands are luminescent. The white dots you see next to the stick indices also glow in the dark, ensuring great readability.
The SNXL72 model is powered by Seiko’s in-house automatic caliber. The workings of the movement can be observed through the watch’s caseback which is transparent.
On the waterproofing front, the timepiece can withstand a pressure of up to 30m. In other words, it’s splashproof.
Best Seiko 5 Watches: Alternatives
There’s this very true saying: there’s no accounting for taste! If none of the TOP FIVE Seiko 5 watches we reviewed above caters to your own taste and needs, don’t worry.
Below you will find alternative 6 timepieces that provide further food for thought.
Seiko SRPE69
Without a doubt, Seiko SRPE69 is one of the most unique-looking timepieces in the entire Seiko 5 line. Because it was introduced by Seiko in June 2020, this watch can still be deemed a novelty. This all-black design of the watch is just one out of eight possible variations of the timepiece.
The tough, masculine look consists of a 40mm stainless steel case with a carefully-polished black ion plating. It has a solid caseback underneath which runs a pitch-black nylon strap. The band has a PVD-treated buckle and holders. Unsurprisingly for a Seiko 5 timepiece in this price range, the glass is made from Hardlex crystal.
We have to admit, the face looks extremely neat. The matte texture of the black dial contributes to the attractiveness of the watch while also making it appear more casual (which obviously goes very well with the style of this watch).
The dial features applied markers with a polished metal frame that has been PVD-coated. The glowing Lumibrite elements have also been tinted black, which is perhaps the most unique feature of this watch. At three o’clock positioned is the day and date window.
Naturally, the watch is powered by Seiko’s in-house automatic caliber in the form of 4R36. This is quite a powerful movement that first and foremost is expected to be long-lasting. The 24-jewel caliber has a 41-hour power reserve and a daily accuracy of +45 seconds to -35 seconds.
The 10ATM (100m) water-resistance rating means the watch is one of the more reliable models on the list as far as the use underwater is concerned.
7. Seiko SRPD63
Seiko SRPD63 is the second model on today’s list of best Seiko 5 watches that has been clearly designed with dive watch enthusiasts in mind.
It belongs to the same family of dive-inspired Seiko 5 models as the SRPD55K1 model we discussed earlier. Hence, the specifications are also extremely similar.
Starting with the casing, the watch boasts a fairly big (for a Seiko 5 watch) case with a diameter of 42,5mm. Since it’s a watch also designed for use in water, the caseback is screwed-in to ensure no moisture gets inside the watch. Like many other Seiko automatic watches, this one also has a transparent caseback. Both the case and the 3-link bracelet are made from stainless steel. The bracelet has a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.
Because of the green bezel and dial, the watch is often referred to as the Hulk.
The bezel is unidirectional, meaning you can use it to measure elapsed time underwater. The dial features Lumibrite-filled hands and hour indexes, ensuring excellent legibility. Characteristically for a Seiko 5 watch, it features a day & date display window located at 3 o’clock. The watch face is again protected by Hardlex crystal.
Akin to the model described above, the watch runs on Seiko’s 24-jewel 4R36 caliber with an accuracy of +45/-35 seconds per day.
On the waterproofing front, the timepiece can withstand a pressure of up to 100m.
Seiko SNKK27
As far as watch faces are concerned, there are not many Seiko 5 models with a more unique approach than Seiko SNKK27.
The mostly blue dial features a multicolored border between 12 and 4 o’clock which certainly catches the eye. The orange second hand is also in great contrast to the two silver-tone hour and minute hands which are luminescent. Also glowing in the dark are the stick hour indices with minute markers painted just below. The window at three o’clock displays a day and date.
The watch boasts a 38mm stainless steel case and a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with deployment push-button closure. The back of the case is mostly transparent, allowing you to peek at the workings of the movement. The dial window is made from Hardlex crystal, ensuring excellent protection against cracks and scratches.
Seiko’s in-house automatic caliber 7S26 is used in the timepiece’s mechanism. The 21-jewel movement has a power reserve of about 40 hours and provides +30/-45 seconds-per-day accuracy.
With water resistance capabilities rated at 3ATM/30m, Seiko SNKK27 is splashproof.
Seiko SNK803
Are you a fan of watches with canvas straps but aren’t too keen on military-inspired designs such as that of the Seiko SNK805 model we discussed earlier? Perfect.
Seiko SNK803 belongs to the same family of Seiko 5 timepieces but offers a lot more subtle look.
Size-wise, it’s exactly the same as the military model. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 37mm and boasts a transparent caseback through which you can peek at the complex workings of the movement. The canvas strap comes with standard buckle closure.
The beige dial perfectly combines with the band. It contains three watch hands, all of which are luminescent. Also glowing in the dark are the dotted markers above the Arabic minute markers which are placed around the outer rim. The inward rim indicates hours. Characteristically for a Seiko 5 timepiece, the three o’clock position displays a day and date. The dial window is of course made from Hardlex crystal.
On the movement front, the timepiece utilized Seiko’s in-house caliber 7S26. The 21-jewel movement has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and delivers an accuracy of +30/-45 seconds per day.
With a WR rating of 3ATM/30m, the watch is effectively splashproof.
Seiko SYMC07
A list of the best Seiko 5 watches wouldn’t feel right without a timepiece designed exclusively for ladies.
Because of its elegant look and affordable price, Seiko SYMC07 is one of the best-selling models in the female community.
Characteristically for a ladies’ watch, it boasts a considerably smaller case. The casing is highly inconspicuous and measures merely 26mm. Such a moderate size means the watch will look amazing even on the slenderest of wrists. As things stand, it’s the smallest Seiko 5 available.
Both the case and the 3-link bracelet are made from stainless steel. The bracelet is equipped with a fold-over clasp with a safety release. What helps the model stand out from most Seiko 5 timepieces is the solid caseback.
The whitish face features three silver-tone hands and index hour markers that glow in the dark. There are also minute markers around the other rim. Positioned at three o’clock are a day and a date window. Protecting the dial from damage is the scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal glass.
The Seiko ladies’ watch is powered by an in-house caliber in the form of 4207. It’s a 21-jewel movement. Considering the substantial difference in caliber’s size, it’s no wonder the power reserve isn’t as impressive (24 hours). Accuracy-wise, the watch shouldn’t gain or lose more than 45 seconds daily.
Seiko SYMC07 is a typical dress watch so it’s hardly a surprise it has a very modest water resistance (30m).
Seiko SRPD59K1
Closing the list of the best Seiko 5 watches is a third dive-inspired model we thought was well worthy of inclusion.
Similar to the previous two, the design of Seiko SRPD59K1 is based on the most popular dive watch ever released – the Rolex Submariner. Because of the striking orange face, it’s probably the most head-turning dive model from all three discussed in the article.
The timepiece consists of a 43mm stainless steel case with a see-through caseback and a stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp with a push-button release. Even though it’s dive-inspired, the stylish design means it won’t look out of place even during more formal gatherings. Because of its dive capabilities, the timepiece naturally comes with a screw-in caseback and crown.
The orange face combines neatly with the similar-in-color markers painted on the bezel. The bezel is unidirectional and can be used to track elapsed time during the leap or other activities such as cooking, walking, etc. The silver-tone dotted hour markers and hands are filled with Lumibrite guaranteeing easy readability after dusk. The watch is also equipped with a calendar function thanks to the day & date window located at 3 o’clock.
The watch is powered by Seiko’s automatic caliber 4R36. The 24-jewel movement has a power reserve of roughly 41 hours and ensures accuracy of -35/+45 seconds/day.
With a WR rating of 10ATM/100m, it provides solid protection against water damage.
Best Seiko 5 Watches: Summary
If you’ve been mulling over which Seiko 5 timepiece is the best fit for you, we hope that today’s list of the best Seiko 5 models has gone a long way in helping you make up your mind.
As proved in today’s article (as if it needed any proof), Seiko 5 watches are some of the most robust and reliable the Japanese brand has in store. Despite offering brilliantly-crafted timepieces, the Seiko 5 collection is ultra-affordable. Hence, many watch aficionados think it provides the best value for money when it comes to Seiko watches in general.
Seiko 5 watches are mostly known for their sporty appearance but, as you could see with the coolest Seiko 5 timepieces reviewed above, they can also boast a more elegant, even dressy design.
Whether you’re on the lookout for Seiko watches for men or ladies, the “FIVE” collection has plenty in store for both.
However, bear in mind that all Seiko 5 timepieces utilize automatic movements. If you value the complexity of these calibers over quartz mechanisms, then great! On the other hand, if you’re looking for excellent accuracy, you should probably consider other collections, such as Seiko Presage or Seiko Prospex.
So, which Seiko 5 is best for you?
This will depend on your own style preferences and needs.
- looking for the best Seiko 5 dress watches? Consider stainless steel or leather strap models with minimalistic faces
- searching for the best Seiko 5 diver watch? Make sure the watch comes with a unidirectional bezel, strong luminescence, and a solid WR rating (100m or more)
- trying to find the best Seiko 5 field watch? The models with canvas straps are leading the line in this category
- how about the best Seiko 5 everyday watch? we suggest picking models that combine characteristics of sports and dress watches (there are plenty of them)
Apart from different types of watches, Seiko 5 also caters to folks with varying budgets. Those looking for the most expensive Seiko 5 can get top-end models approaching the $500 mark. With that said, there’s also plenty in store for savvy shoppers as it’s possible to find Seiko 5 under 100 dollars.
If after reading our article you’re still undecided on which Seiko 5 to buy, we recommend watching this Youtube video: Top 10 Seiko 5 Watches.
Alternatively, if today’s list has helped you make a decision, we’d love to hear about it. Use the comment section below to share your purchase or any experience you’ve already had with Seiko 5 watches. Let’s interact!
