Personally, I take watches as great investments. In fact, I spend most of my time searching for great watches that I can purchase. Although they are not really a part of my collection, sports watches are great additions to enhance your overall appearance and style.
Recently, I was checking out a certain Seiko 5 Review because Seiko SNK809 version is making a lot of noise in the market today. So, I thought, why not give it a try, right?
To my surprise, this company is really taking their business seriously! I mean, their mechanical watches alone are quite a vision. So, I rushed to the nearest store to check their watches.
Now, if you are interested (just like me) to buy a Seiko 5 watch, especially the SNK809 series, this watch review may help you out! I have included all the important details that might help you in deciding whether this watch is appropriate for you or not and search for a watch that will suit you best.
An Inclusive Look on The Seiko-SNK809
The Seiko SNK809 Seiko 5 Automatic Watch is quite simple. I would rather use the word “simple” than “minimalistic” because this watch is ultimately simple. And although simplicity could mean negative things for some, others, however, would take it as a good thing.
As for me, it really depends because I consider a lot of factors before deciding if a certain watch is great or not. And I suggest that you should too!
As what I have mentioned, I take watches as investments. So, it is really fitting that I consider every aspect first before making a purchase.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
Military Style and Design
This is pretty classic. As I mentioned, this quality watch appears to be very simple. And I find it classy and sleek due to its overall simplicity. Accordingly, it is very easy to wear on casual days and can match with your looks and style.
Technically, this belong to the tactical watches for military. It may appear very classy but it is largely designed for everyday usage.
Accordingly, this is why I don’t really recommend this military design watch to be worn on formal events. But even so, it would essentially depend on how you would mix and match it with your clothes and appearance.
As for the dial of this watch, it appears to have a monochrome framing. And this is mainly the responsible factor that provides the overall simplicity of the appearance. Also, the color tones used on its dial and bezel are white and black.
The minute and hour markers are both in sword shapes. As for the second hand, it is in a mini-straight line that passes through the middle.
It also uses Arabic Numerals in its hourly indicator. However, it is very small and located in the inner circle of the black dial. The ones that you would see in the outer circle of it is the 5-minute interval indicator. Although I am not really fond of this specific design, it is still a factor in its overall simplicity.
Another thing I like about this is that the watch appears to be very flat. The only things that have depth are the minute and hour hands. Hence, I find the dial and case pretty much fitting for users who have small hands and arms.
Some may say that this a minimalist type, but personally, it is not. There is a huge difference between simplicity and minimalism. If you want a minimalistic style, I suggest that you take a look on the SNKl23 Seiko 5 military watch because that is, for me, the minimalist type.
21 Jewels Automatic Movement
This features 21 jewel style movement. If you want to search for your perfect watch, this is one of the most important factors that you need to consider. In fact, if you would read a few Seiko-5 Review posts, you would notice the highlights in the number of jewels.
Apparently, the jewels, if we are strictly talking about watches, are not really precious gems. These jewels are actually tiny and synthetic stones that are used as bearings in the movements of a watch.
In terms of values, the more expensive a watch is, the more the number of jewels is present in the watch. Accordingly, these jewels are mainly the responsible ones for the accuracy and reliability of the time and day date indicators.
In this case, it uses 21 jewels to support its automatic movement. And this is a pretty significant number for a watch. You could say that this model from Seiko is pretty much precise when it comes to indicating the time and day-date.
Also, keep in mind that the SNK809 is mainly an automatic watch (in fact it's one of the best automatic watches). But, it is also considered as one of the mechanical watches of Seiko brand. And because of these features, the power reserve is much more highlighted in this watch. In fact, it comes with a 40-hour power reserve in totality.
The more you wear it, the more it provides accurate time and day date. This means that the watch does not utilize the battery when it is worn by the user.
Hardlex Mineral Crystal Dial and Casing
The materials used in the construction of the SNK809 are Hardlex Crystal and Stainless Steel. By and large, these materials are always seen in every Seiko-5 Review that has been posted online. And this is all because they are known to utilize only these materials for their watches.
This mineral crystal is used in the dial window of the Seiko-SNK809. This is the reason why its window is very durable since it is impact resistant. Although other watches that feature a Sapphire Crystal in its window is highly scratch-resistant, it is not as impact-resistant as the material used in this design.
As for the casing, this watch features a full 316 stainless steel. The case, including the case back has a size and thickness of 37 mm and 11 mm respectively. Also, it is in a black finish to complement well the color and shade of the canvas strap bracelet.
The black canvas strap band has a total width and length of 18 mm and 7.75 inches respectively. It is highly adjustable so that it can fit the user well.
I tried to wear it the first time I saw it because I have a large type of body frame. This means that my bones are quite too big. Hence, I always tend to have issues with black canvas strap bands! And upon wearing it, I did not meet any challenges in adjusting the canvas strap band. So, that is a good point for me.
Water-Resistant Feature
Before I wrote this review, I made sure that I knew all the details of the watch that I am writing about. Well, I did not purchase the SNK809 that I found last time. But fortunately, I have a friend in the industry who owns one. And so I did try to test the features of this watch.
Seiko 5 series is equipped with water resistance applications. However, for people who are a water sports enthusiast, you might want to search for a triathlon watch instead.
Also, many of the Seiko watch review posts that I’ve read highly recommend it due to the efficiency and effectiveness of the said attribute.
The water resistance applications of this watch are indeed quite effective. The capacity is actually applicable up to 100 feet or 30 meters. However, 100 feet may seem too significant, but apparently, it’s not. In fact, it can only handle splashes of water and drops of rain.
Anything bigger or larger than this, it would already produce moisture and affect the inner part of the dial.
Additional Details
Aside from the apparent features mentioned above, I noticed a few minimal features that really enhance further the overall quality and appearance of the Seiko SNK809. And I would love to point it out here in this Seiko-5 Review since I wanted you to see this watch the way I see it firsthand.
- Firstly, SNK809 Seiko 5 Watch has a recessed crown. What makes the crown unique is that its position is very unusual. And it is actually located at the back of the 4 o’clock position. Apparently, this enhances the overall simplicity of the appearance.
- Secondly, you can choose the language of the days and date feature. And there are two options - English and Spanish. Accordingly, it is very easy to change the language preference. And you will only need to adjust the recessed crown.
- And thirdly, the markers in the black dial are printed and inked using a modern Lumibrite paint. This kind of paint actually enables the indicators and markers to appear very luminous, especially in dim and dark areas. Hence, it will be very easy for users to read and set the time, day, and date.
Also, the Lumibrite paint used for the black dial is an eco-friendly type of luminous paint. And this is very different from the old luminous paints that most brands of watches use in their respective products.
Price and Package Inclusions
Another thing that I love about the SNK809 Seiko 5 Watch version is its overall cost. You can actually purchase this package for a price that falls below $150. And if you ask me, this price point is quite a steal considering all the features and functions of the said watch.
The 21 jewels you see in this Seiko 5 Sports Collection Model doesn’t only have an aesthetic value. It serves in a way to reduce friction, and improve its accuracy and longevity.
Moreover, there is a warranty card and a manual instruction inside the package. And you could learn a lot more about the watch and its functionalities through this manual.
There are users and reviewers who mentioned that they received a watch storage unit as well inside the package. I learned that the first release of the product, Seiko included this specific accessory.
But today, it seems that they have already omitted the watch storage unit in every package deal that they offer in the market.
The watch storage unit is very helpful in configuring the accuracy and precision of the watch, especially when not worn. But even so, just by wearing this automatic watch, it will already do the trick.
Choosing Between SNKL23 and SNK809
As I have mentioned earlier, if you are looking for a minimalist style of Seiko 5, you may want to check the SNKL23.
Apparently, many Seiko 5 posts of today would largely compare these two models. But I really don’t get the idea of comparing the two since both models have their own distinct beauty, design and elegance.
Nevertheless, I take the Seiko SNKL23 much more manly when it comes to its appearance. Moreover, it uses mainly stainless steel even on its band and crown. So, users may utilize and match the watch even on smart casual clothing. I wouldn't recommend it for deep dive in the water though.
But while the SNKL23 is much inexpensive than the SNK809, keep in mind that the latter model features the precise 21 jewels automatic technology and the former does not. So, I think that’s mainly the reason behind the price differences.
Is This Watch Best For You?
Given all the features and functionalities of the watch, it is pretty safe to say that this watch is made from the finest qualities. And some of these nice features are really impressive considering the range of its price point.
But even so, there are still a few watch lovers and enthusiasts out there who do not really take this as the best watch for them, just like me.
As I have mentioned, I have a large body frame, so the size of the watch, especially the black dial is not very appropriate for me. In fact, most of my watches are really huge. And if you are just like me who have big bones, this may not be the best watch for you.
But I just have to point it out that adjusting and using this watch is very easy and convenient. And if the size is the only factor that you are considering, then I suggest that you think twice or even thrice before closing the doors for the SNK809.
Also, if you're in search of a nice watch that can match your formal attire or even your semi-formal clothing, this is not really the most appropriate watch to buy. On the other hand, if you are looking for a watch that you can use on a daily basis, whether you intend to stroll around the neighborhood or have a casual date with your friends, this may be the appropriate watch that you are looking for.
Furthermore, if you are the type of person who loves to do outdoor activities, especially the ones that would involve water, search for a better option instead. Although it is a water resistant type, it does not have the capacity to fully support your water activities like diving and swimming.
But even so, it is mentioned in some Seiko 5 blogs that a lot of outdoor enthusiasts utilize this watch on a daily basis including outdoor events. Hence, it is largely up to you to take this risk or not. Also, I suggest that you really inspect first the watch before purchasing it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to your questions about Seiko 5 automatic watches.
What is a Seiko 5?
A Seiko 5 is a sports watch collection by the Seiko Company [R]. The term 5 in Seiko 5 signifies the five highlighted features of the watch. These are:
1. Automatic winding
2. Day and date display on a single window
3. Water-resistant
4. Recessed crown
5. Sturdy case and band
How to Wind the Seiko 5?
You don’t need to wind Seiko 5 since it is an automatic watch. In fact, winding the watch might break it. To keep the watch wound, you only need to wear the watch 5 to 10 hours a day.
Which Seiko 5 to Buy?
It is best to buy Seiko 5 that will suit your lifestyle. However, when it comes to popularity, and if you are a beginner when it comes to Seiko Automatic watches, the best one to search and buy is the Seiko SNK809. It has a perfect size, extremely compact, changeable strap, and may even last 20 years or more.
Where are Seiko 5 Watches Made?
Seiko 5 watch movement is made in Iwate, and Nagano Japan. They also have subsidiaries located in Singapore, China, and Malaysia. It's one of the first automatic watch brands in the world.
Seiko SNK809 Seiko 5 In A Nutshell
In totality, it is a really great watch. Not only that it is very affordable and inexpensive, but it also has features that are normally seen on much more expensive brands and watches.
I take it that Seiko is pursuing genuine simplicity in their SNK809 model. And consumers who are really fond of simple yet fully-functional watches, this package is quite a steal!
So, if you are one of these watch lovers, then I suggest that you consider this nice watch already.
Although it has its downsides as well such as the water-resistance applications, these things are very workable. Moreover, it has features that are much more interesting and appealing than its apparent issues and drawbacks.
Now, I hope this Review of mine would help you in making your decisions. In the end, it is your preferences that will matter. You certainly know what would look best on you. And you also know what would not.
So, be wise in spending your money and making your decision because, again, original watches are not only fashion tools and accessories; they are investments.