Seiko Men's SNK809K Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

If you are reading this review, you know what Seiko 5 is all about and you should know what a great value the 7S26C movement is. If not, read other reviewer, I’m trying not to repeat what has already been said. There are thousands of reviews for the SNK80_ series watches. It’s a great movement; my is losing about 3 seconds/day right out of the box. The Seiko SNK809K1 is a great alternative for anyone wanting the SNK809 (K2), but not wanting the cheap “canvas” strap. The last time I check canvas is not made from cheap nylon cords. Anyways after see the watch in-person, I was very impressed with the watch itself, but the nylon strap looked like cheap junk that I would never use. I saw this same watch with the metal bracelet for a few bucks more so I went for it. The watch I purchased from Mini Watches was shipped to me via Registered Mail from Singapore. It took 11 days to be delivered. What I received was definitely a gray market watch, which is what I excepted. The package was inferno to other Seiko 5’s I’ve purchase, and there was no manual, no warranty card. The only paper in the box was the Seiko model number tag, attached with string around the bracket. This tagged lack the MSRP in any currency. Amazon should really remove the $185.00 MSRP, since watch is not offered by Seiko to the US market. The language on the day function is English and Spanish, which makes me speculate that the watches were intended to be sold in South America, but savvy buyers in Singapore, purchase some of them before they made it to the port. There is no Made in Malaysia or Japan or anything else to mark the country of origin. The movement is marked 7S26C. The caseback is marked ST STEEL 7S26-02J0 A4 KY, SEIKO, WATER RESISTANT. I can only assume that the movement was made from parts in multiple countries and there was not a significant value added in any one country to let it be mark Made in Japan or anything else. Which leads me to believe that Seiko used a blend cheapest countries for the parts and assembly and didn’t want to mention any by name. Be that as it may, I am confident that Seiko quality control was in place where ever it was made. This is just a part of buying a gray market watch; it’s not the same as buying a Seiko from a local authorized dealer. As long as you are educated about what you are buying and have an understanding of what 60 USD ($50 + $10 shipping) will get you delivered to your door, you shouldn’t be disappointed. This watch claims to offer a warranty thru a 3rd party and Amazon. Hopefully I don’t need it, but I’m not count on any warranties being honored. All that gray market stuff being said, I received exactly what was described, other than there is no MSRP in USD for a watch not intended to be sold in the USA. The bracket is an inexpensive folded sheet metal type. Its pull a few hairs, but it’s not unbearable. It has a nice clasp with the Seiko 5 logo. There is a lot of play in the links and a little noise when it is moved. This is not a solid link bracelet you get with a Grand Seiko; it’s a very nice ten dollar SS bracelet that nicely compliment the rest of the watch. The bands bead blast finished nicely matches the case. Personally I’m not a huge fan of the bead blasted stainless stain, but it matches the function of this type of watch very well. A tool watch should be the opposite of fancy dress watch. The bead blasted bracelet, in addition to the bead blasted case, makes the watch a very dull gray plain looking timepiece. It’s all bead blasted, except, inside of the bracelet clasp, the side of the case between the lugs, the case back and the screw back is all polished. I can only assume that Seiko mass produces the watch case and bracelet and they all start off as polished. I understand the need to cut corners in order to hit the intended price point, but not bead blasting all the steel leaves a mismatch of finishes that I do not like. It’s hard to appreciate this is a photo, but in person the polished SS and the bead blasted finish contrast sharply and offensively. The bead blasted SS looks like gray primer paint, and the polished SS looks like a mirror. For the price point, albeit offensive, this is completely acceptable. This watch is a believable value at under 100 bucks. If you want an inexpensive tool watch, and have enough self-respect to want an automatic movement on your wrist, than this is your watch. You may find yourself wanting to add a more expensive dress watch to your collection, but this watch is definitely one you’ll want to keep and wear than you don’t want to ruin your dress watch. The steel bracelet with this model is well while the few extra bucks and the extra shipping time.

There are two distinct lines within the 'Seiko 5' collection, the classic Seiko 5, and the Seiko 5 'Sports' model. The classic Seiko 5 models were first introduced in 1963, and so named because they are to offer 5 specific features, which are (I think): 1. self-winding auto-mechanical movement 2. water & shock resistant design 3. day 4. date, 5. exhibition case back (so mechanical movement is visible). The classic Seiko 5 models were introduced before the Seiko 5 Sports models, and most of them are intended as 'dress' style watches. They are also 'traditional' in size, between 36-38mm (approx). Another common element is having a crown that's positioned at 4 rather than 3 o'clock. This is supposed to make for better comfort, avoiding an angle for the crown that might poke the back of the hand or into the wrist. Later in time, Seiko began adding models with larger case diameters and implementing a wider variety of (casual) styles. Though they continue to offer the same 5 features, branding is as Seiko 5 'Sports' models. My impression is that Seiko no longer adds to the standard Seiko 5 collection. New "affordable" models are added to either the Sports collection, (and include the newer 4R3x automatic movement, and have model numbers beginning with SRP or SAA) or to a relatively new collection known as "Recraft" (which has emphasis on retro styling. New Recraft models are also 'retro' in that they come equipped with the otherwise superseded 7S26 movement),.. Seiko rarely if ever updates a specific model after the original release. Instead, it prefers, eventually and somewhat irritatingly, to retire them from production... and then, at some later time, if the model was popular, the company may produce a 're-issue' with a new model number. The re-issues typically update design and movement to contemporary standards. The classic Seiko 5 models seem unlikely to ever be re-issued, unless smaller watches come back into style in a big way. Seiko seems to just continue production of (most) current models, and may do so more or less indefinitely, because there is continuing demand. The classic Seiko 5 provides exceptional value, now, as has always been the case. This model (and it's color variants) are atypical within the 'classic' Seiko 5 series, in that it has a casual (military pilot 'B'/field type dial) design and is not a dress watch. In fact, it's so 'different' that earlier on I had thought it *was* a 'Sports', till one day I looked closely and noticed the logo on the dial has the '5' but not 'Sports'. I'm not certain, but suspect this model was transitional to the Seiko 5 'Sports' series. It's still a relatively small case diameter (37mm), has the 4 o'clock crown, etc., but seems to represent an early effort by Seiko to extend it's '5' catalog to include more casual designs. There are 4 different dial-color variations of this particular model, black, cream, olive/military green, and blue. So far as I know, only the black dial version provides an alternate release with a matching bead-blasted, stainless steel bracelet (folded, hollow links). This is my second purchase from this series - I already have the cream dial version. I wanted this one because I like the one I already had, and wanted another inf a different color, and also because I wanted to put the stainless steel band on the cream colored one (which is hard to match for color, in terms of a replacement band). I got a burgundy colored leather band for this one, which I think looks great (black matches everything). IMO, this watch *defines* the point of diminishing returns as far as value -- you can spend infinitely more, but plunk down a modest amount, $60-70.00 bucks, and you'll be most of the way to wrist watch nirvana. The watch is stylish (in an unpretentious way), and has a high quality feel to it. Because of the low price, I am also comfortable taking off the case back to regulate the movement for accuracy. If I happen to destroy the watch in the process (pretty easy to do if the tool used slips and pokes the spring beneath the regulation lever), it's OK, I can get another one without setting back my retirement. The first one I bought was running about 20 seconds fast per day -- unusually bad; most other Seiko's I've had are very accurate out of the box. I was able to regulate it to about 1 sec/day. The one I bought more recently (this one) required no adjustment -- it was only 1 sec per day fast. So, for less than $130.00 I have two wonderful watches that are each just as accurate as a Rolex "superlative chronometer" (-2 to +2 sec/day) -- a situation that makes me very happy. So if the question is "would you buy it again?", ... clearly yes. And I'm tempted to get the blue-dial version also. Some other points that might be useful: * Comes with the SI 7S26 movement, which has been generally superseded by the 4R36 in newer models. The 7S26 lacks feature support for manual winding of the watch (and also lacks hacking [stopping of the second hand to facilitate exact setting of time). * The movement self-winds very well, but if you're not particularly active, may take 6-12 hours to become fully wound. A 30 minute walk will definitely wind it fully (if you swing your arms normally while walking). To get the watch started, you can sway the watch back and forth, horizontally, face up, not too vigorously, imitating the motion of your wrist while walking)... and you can keep swaying for a while if you want to wind it fully (about 5 minutes required) , but there is no real need to do that. About 60 seconds will add enough power reserve for amplitude to reach an accurate level of operation). * Make sure you know the difference between an auto-mechanical and quartz movement before buying this (mechanical) watch. * Be aware that it's quite small compared to most watches these days. It's 'cute as a button', and not much larger. * Taking out links to size the band is difficult unless you master a certain trick. Take a small, tough jeweler's screw-driver, slot it just behind the t-bars. There's a small, thin, depression that will hold the screw-driver in position to lever out a link's t-bar (if you slowly and gently press down the screw-driver). Push out the t-link (in one gentle motion) as far as you can. If you stop too soon it's hard to pull the t-bar out the rest of the way. A narrow spring bar remover tool will also work for this, but it's likely to get bent a little and may even break. If you have the right tool, and get the hang of the method described, links are easy to remove, but otherwise save yourself frustration and have this done by a local watch shop. * I find that, once sized properly, the steel band is comfortable. Getting the one that's supplied with the black dial version (or the same OEM version on Ebay or Amazon) is about the only way to find a bracelet that will match the bead-blasted case perfectly. * In the long run, I found the canvas band I had on the cream-colored version a little scratchy, and wanted to replace it. * The watch is rated "Water Resistant", with no specific rating other than that. Seiko considers water resistance a key feature for it's Seiko 5 models, and I trust Seiko's design accomplishes this effectively. But "Water Resistant" is a pretty limited rating -- not for diving to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. I find it fine for casual exposure to water (washing dishes or getting caught in the rain), but swimming, showering etc., might be OK, but a bit risky. * Seiko watches always have excellent lume (if there is any lume). This watch is no exception, though the lume dots are tiny so output is not as bright as larger models with larger illuminated markers. In summary, THIS IS A GREAT WATCH, and I highly recommend it*****.

I bought this watch because I was tired of replacing batteries in my other watch. I already owned 3 watches : a Lowly Timex, an expensive solar charged eco-drive Casio and another expensive Brathwait. The Timex was ~$50 and I love the Indiglo light feature. I'll typically wear a Timex until the battery craps out then toss it and buy another Timex. I thought that was a waste. The Citizen eco drive I could never get set properly and if wearing long sleeves doesn't get the light it needs to stay charged. The Brathwait is an excellent and expensive watch but replacing the battery involves removing 8 VERY tiny screws, also the battery is not something you can find on the shelf at CVS pharmacy. I had to order the battery. No way I'm ever doing that again. I wanted a watch I would never have to worry about again. I considered looking for a manual winding watch like my Omega Speedmaster Professional, but didn't want to hassle with winding it. I settled on the Seiko Men's SNK809K Automatic. I've never owned a self winder before so I was curious how accurate it was. When I first bought it I synchronized the time with the Seiko automatic, the Timex and the Brathwait with my computer clock. After 2 weeks the Timex has lost about 30 seconds. The Seiko and the battery operated Brathwait are keeping perfect time. I consider anything within a minute in a couple of weeks to be accurate enough for my needs. I bought the stainless steel bracelet which looks good. After watching a video it was pretty easy to remove the links to make the watch fit my arm. This watch is smaller than most, but I don't have beefy wrists so this is perfect for me. This will look like a woman's watch on a thick wrist. I like the matte finish. the band tends to pull a few hairs but once those are gone there isn't anything left to pull. I like the ease of the band: fold it over and it snaps shut. Push the side pins and it opens. I have to fumble with the Brathwait band. This watch is supposed to be waterproof to 99 feet, but the literature says 'water resistant'. Because there is this confusion I gave it 4 stars for water resistance since I'm just not sure. Accuracy and value I gave 5 stars. Having an accurate watch that I never have to wind or buy batteries for is simply one less hassle in life. I did purchase an electric winding box for this to keep it wound while sleeping or when I'm not wearing it. I would recommend getting one. All in all I can see why this is a very popular watch. I paid $109 for mine and I consider it a very good investment at that price.

This is a great starter watch for getting into automatic/mechanical watches. (It's not quartz - it requires 'movement on your wrist as you wear it' to keep it wound and running.) It does not have hand-winding (you cannot use the crown/stem to wind, you must 'move it around' - google 'hand wind' and mechanical watch for info if you're new to this. It is a somewhat smaller size, good for general wear. It has 30 meters water resist, so do NOT get it wet (a bit of rain on it is ok - NO swimming/snorkeling/diving. 30 meters does not mean what you might think it does - google 'water resistance'.) It has a 'hardlex' crystal (not sapphire) so can be scratched if you are not reasonable careful. This watch is a great value for the money; very good price for an automatic/mechanical movement. It will give you a taste of what a non-quartz watch involves for 'care and feeding'. It needs attention to keep it wound/running. No mechanical watch is as accurate as even the cheapest watch (any $20 Casio will be any Rolex for time accuracy, in general.) So why get an auto/mech watch? Turn the watch over and look at the back - if watching that movement running, with its many moving parts and 'heartbeat' balance wheel does not light something inside you - then you may not appreciate an auto/mech and might consider sticking with quartz.

I received the Seiko SNK809K as gift I picked out. I'm not a watch aficionado, but I wanted a step up from my busted Fossil watch. I really like the look of the Hamilton Field watches. For $400 less I found the Seiko to be quite similar overall. Pros: The automatic mechanical movement is intriguing to say the least. The clear glass backing which displays the workings of the gears, cogs, and springs is my favorite feature. Classic black and white dial with the red tipped second hand lends to timeless style. Cons: Did I say timeless? The watch is consistently off by a second or two. When left in a drawer for a day or so, it still runs but either lags or skips forward by a few seconds. Yet, correcting the time is a simple fix that is just an expected part of my getting ready for the day routine on those days when I haven't worn the watch in few days. Also, the band isn't scratch, knick, or ding resistant in any way. I work in an office, yet my watch band looks like I've been up to something a little more physically laborious. I'm ordering a nato strap. Summary: My complaints are minor. It is possible that the abundance of reviews claiming "Seiko 5s are the greatest $100 watches ever" may have skewed my expectations. I like it. I think it's a cool watch. I'd recommend it.

I love this watch. It is in my opinion the perfect daily wearer. Mine keeps excellent time, but that is luck of the draw. Some do better than others, and even the "bad" ones are only off by a matter of seconds per day. More than that and it's back to the store for adjustment. NOW, HERE IS THE RUB. AMAZON DOES NOT TELL YOU THAT THESE ARE GREY MARKET WATCHES! THERE IS NO FACTORY WARRANTY! THE WATCH IS NOT (AND NEVER WILL BE) REGISTERED IN YOUR NAME. ALL YOU CAN HOPE FOR IS THAT THE SHOP YOU BOUGHT THE WATCH FROM IS REPUTABLE. IF THEY ARE NOT, THERE IS NOTHING THAT AMAZON CAN DO ON YOUR BEHALF. If you are uncomfortable with that, find a local store or an online store that is factory authorized and purchase it there. Your wallet may be a few dollars lighter, but being comfortable with the transaction may be worth it. I knew this going into the sale and was not the least bit shaken in not receiving a registration (warranty) card. However, many buyers are not aware and have never even heard the term "grey market." With all that out of the way, you will probably love the watch whether you get it with the bracelet as I did or if you get it with a nylon strap. In my case, I also bought a Ritche leather band which I changed out at home. I just wanted both the leather strap and the bracelet for no good reason other than to have both. One other item I believe important is size. The watch is 37mm in diameter. This means if you have a small or medium wrist it will fit comfortably and look appropriate. What else would you expect from a perfect watch.

Great watch. Definitely one of the best values on the market. I get questions about it regularly because it’s so different from the mainstream divers or fashion watches. I would recommend ditching the bracelet immediately. It’s basically unusable. I did notice though, the 7S26 movement doesn’t seem to wind as efficiently as my other “Budget” movements, despite the boasting about the magic lever, bidirectional winding. I’ve done side by side tests against Miyota 8000s and the all beat it in terms of power reserve after moderate wear in an office setting. It’s basically always dead the next day. This would normally result in a bad rating but I love everything else about it.

I still bought this after reading various reviews of how the hollow stainless steel band looked and felt cheap. So I was ready to buy a different strap but now having it on for two days I have to say- WOW! Not only is this accurate about +2 second a day but I love the military style and the band is pretty nice also. The only thing I do not like is not being able to wind the watch with the crown. The size of this watch is about right for me..... with 7.5" wrist. Update: I've had the watch for almost 6 months. I still really enjoy wearing this watch. I am normally pretty hard on watches and I imagine mentally I have been careful with this watch, it is my everyday watch, but so far no scratches. Update #2: This watch has been on my wrist daily for almost a year. I'm still in love with this watch, with one tiny scratch on the crystal now; happened while working on my car. If there was something I was disappointed about- the stainless steel band scratches easy. I still really like this watch. Update #3: Still my daily watch. I do on occasion run a scotch bright fine pad on the stainless band and it quickly removes all the scratches and the band looks great again with the matte finish. Keep in mind you need to remove the band from the watch and carefully run it in the same direction in one movement. *DO NOT DO THIS TO THE WATCH CASE, IT HAS A TITANIUM COATING* The case and the crystal have held up well, far better than I ever expected. My timegrapher has this watch running at +6 seconds a day averaged in 5 positions. Update #4: 1/15/2016 not my daily runner anymore but wear it a few times a month. Still running great according to my timegrapher +6 seconds a day averaged in 5 positions.