Seiko: Masters of Japanese Watchmaking
The Japanese manufacturer Seiko drives innovation in the watch industry. Their catalog features everything from affordable quartz watches to masterpieces with minute repeaters. They produce all of their components without any external suppliers.
This page contains information about:
- Innovators in the Watch Industry
- Prices at a Glance: Seiko Watches
- How much do Seiko watches cost?
- Prospex: Functional Sports Watches
- Seiko 5: Affordable Sports Watches
- About the Seiko Presage
- Classic and Modern: Seiko Premier
- The Astron With GPS and Solar
- The Lukia Women's Collection
- Grand Seiko and Credor
Innovators in the Watch Industry
With over 140 years of history, Seiko is among Japan's most storied watch manufacturers. The company is based out of Tokyo and has a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces at attractive prices. What's more, Seiko is constantly introducing innovations to the industry, including the first quartz wristwatch, the highly-efficient Magic Lever winding mechanism, and the hybrid Kinetic and Spring Drive movements, which combine the best of quartz and automatic calibers.
Seiko's catalog is vast and has something for every taste and budget. For example, the Seiko 5 and 5 Sports are popular entry-level watches that offer quality finishing and reliable automatic in-house movements for shockingly low prices. The Prospex collection also enjoys a large fan base, especially its diving watches.
The Presage collection contains Seiko's dress watches. Each comes with a mechanical in-house caliber, and the designs cover the full spectrum from sporty to classic. For something particularly modern, Seiko offers the Premier collection. These timepieces are available with automatic, quartz, solar-powered, and Kinetic movements. Fans of high-tech watches should take a closer look at the Astron collection. Named after the world's first quartz wristwatch, Seiko outfits these timepieces with high-precision solar-powered calibers connected to the GPS network.
Seiko demonstrates their full watchmaking prowess with their two private brands: Grand Seiko and Credor. The watches from these brands boast the best technology the company has to offer. Other defining features include sophisticated complications, precious metals like gold and platinum, and flawless finishing.
Reasons to Buy a Seiko Watch
- Outstanding value for money
- A large selection of models
- Exclusively equipped with in-house calibers
- High-tech calibers: GPS solar, Kinetic, and Spring Drive
- Especially refined: watches from Grand Seiko and Credor
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SEIKO explained in 3 minutes | Short on Time
Prices at a Glance: Seiko Watches
| Model, reference number | Price (approx.) | Feature(s) |
| Prospex LX, SNR029J1 | 5,800 USD | Titanium, Spring Drive, water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) |
| Presage Porco Rosso, SARK017 | 3,800 USD | Stainless steel, chronograph, date |
| Prospex Tuna, S23631J1 | 2,600 USD | Titanium, water-resistant to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft) |
| Astron GPS Solar, SSH077J1 | 2,600 USD | Stainless steel, GPS-controlled, solar-powered, perpetual calendar, GMT |
| Presage Prestige, SPB093J1 | 1,900 USD | Stainless steel, Arita porcelain dial, power reserve indicator, small seconds |
| Prospex Turtle, SPB237J1 | 1,400 USD | Stainless steel, date, water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) |
| Prospex Alpinist, SPB197J1 | 1,000 USD | Stainless steel, internal bezel, date |
| Premier, SNP161P1 | 900 USD | Stainless steel, Kinetic caliber, oversized date, perpetual calendar |
| Premier Chrono Alarm, SNAF77P1 | 450 USD | Stainless steel, quartz, chronograph, alarm function |
| 5 Sports, SRPE79K1 | 360 USD | Stainless steel, automatic, date, day |
| 5 Sports Field, SRPG37K1 | 270 USD | Stainless steel, automatic, date, day |
| 5 Sports, SRPD55K2 | 250 USD | Stainless steel, automatic, date, day |
How much do Seiko watches cost?
Seiko is the 5th most bought brand on Chrono24
You can find Seiko watches on Chrono24 for less than 100 USD. Most are older models from the Seiko 5 collection. Current editions from the Seiko 5 Sports line, such as the SRPD55K2 diving watch and military-style SRPG37K1, demand between 220 and 290 USD. Select special editions like the SRPE83K1 "Brian May" can cost up to 900 USD.
Prices for watches in the Prospex collection begin under 450 USD. At this price point, you can get models with solar-powered calibers, including many with chronograph functions. The collection's popular diving watches bear nicknames given by fans based on their unique shapes: Turtle, Samurai, and Tuna. You can call one of these timepieces your own for anywhere from 560 to 2,800 USD. Top Prospex models use Spring Drive calibers and sell for up to 5,200 USD.
The dress watches in the Presage collection change hands for as little as 400 USD on Chrono24. Those with a chronograph or GMT function cost between 1,400 and 1,800 USD. If you want a Presage with a Spring Drive caliber, be sure to have about 3,700 USD on hand.
Depending on the model, you can call an Astron with a high-precision GPS solar caliber your own for between 1,500 and 3,200 USD.
Seiko Prospex: Functional Sports Watches
The Prospex collection contains sports watches for professionals at affordable prices. The name "Prospex" is derived from "Professional Specifications," further demonstrating that these watches are for professional purposes. This is made most apparent when looking at the series' diving watches.
Tuna: Water-Resistant to 1,000 m
The so-called "Tuna" models are a great example of this. Their name comes from the case's outer shroud, which bears a strong resemblance to a tuna can. The outer shroud not only protects the watch from impacts but also improves its water resistance. Thus, timepieces like the ref. SLA042J1 "Golden Tuna," with its gold bezel, boast water resistance to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft). Large glow-in-the-dark hands and indices make telling the time a breeze in all lighting conditions. This particular reference gets its power from the caliber 8L35 with a 50-hour power reserve. A SLA042J1 will set you back roughly 4,100 USD. Its sister model, the ref. S23631J1 with a black bezel and quartz caliber, is much more affordable at around 2,600 USD.
Turtle: A Beloved Diving Watch With Cult Status
Other popular Prospex diving watches include the various Turtle models and remakes of Seiko's first diving watch from the 1960s. Like the Tuna, the Turtle gets its nickname from its case shape, which looks like a turtle shell.
The Turtle ref. SPB151J1 is a 42.7-mm stainless steel remake of the ref. 6105-8110 worn by Martin Sheen as Captain Willard in "Apocalypse Now." This watch is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and features a unidirectional rotatable diving bezel. Other defining features include a crown with a crown guard at 4 o'clock. Thanks to the caliber 6R35, the "Captain Willard Turtle" boasts a 70-hour power reserve. Prices for this classic watch sit around 1,400 USD.
For something more affordable, the ref. SRPE05K1 is a great alternative. It has a slightly more modern dial design and uses the caliber 4R36 with a reduced 42-hour power reserve. You can find this model on Chrono24 for as little as 570 USD.
Seiko's Retro Diver
Seiko's first diving watch debuted in 1965 and has since served as the blueprint for other Prospex models. The Prospex Automatic Diver's Limited Edition SLA043J1 from 2020 is especially similar to the vintage classic. From the case shape and domed crystal to the dial design, Seiko achieved a stunningly accurate remake. However, the modern Prospex outdoes its predecessor when it comes to water resistance. While the original was only resistant to 150 m (15 bar, 492 ft), the new watch is resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). Furthermore, the remake's caliber, the 8L35, is a state-of-the-art movement with a 50-hour power reserve. Limited to a run of 1,700 pieces, this model sells for roughly 4,400 USD on Chrono24.
The ref. SPB147J1 is a much less expensive option that also has noticeable ties to Seiko's diving watch from 1965. However, the manufacturer has lent it a more modern design and the caliber 6R35. You can call this timepiece your own for about 1,100 USD.
Prospex LX With Spring Drive Technology
The Prospex LX series is home to the collection's high-tech models. Inside their cases, you'll find ultra-modern Spring Drive calibers, some with a GMT function. You can recognize these timepieces by their fourth central hands and bidirectional 24-hour bezel. Seiko equips other Prospex LX editions with compass or diving bezels.
Depending on the exact watch, a Prospex LX will set you back between 4,600 and 5,800 USD.
The Alpinist
The Alpinist series is another pillar of the Prospex collection. Its design dates back to the models Seiko developed specifically for mountain climbers in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Typical features include cathedral hands and triangular hour indices. In some models, these indices alternate with Arabic numerals. The 39.5-mm editions stand out with their additional crown at 4 o'clock, which is used to operate the internal compass bezel. Seiko leaves this feature off the smaller, 38-mm variants. As a result, these watches feel more elegant and less technical. The third Alpinist model is especially elegant and takes after the original Alpinist from 1959 with its dauphine hands and Art Deco dial.
No matter which Alpinist watch you choose, it will be water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and use the automatic in-house caliber 6R35. Be sure to have between 720 and 970 USD on hand for one of these timepieces.
Features of Seiko Prospex Watches
- Robust sports watches with mechanical or electrical calibers
- Top diving watches with water resistance to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,281 ft)
- Prospex LX with Spring Drive technology
- Alpinist: a popular retro model
Seiko 5: Affordable Automatic Sports Watches
If you're on the market for an affordable automatic watch, you're sure to encounter the Seiko 5 and Seiko 5 Sports collections. Prices for these quality timepieces begin below 100 USD for simple three-hand models with day-date displays. Their simple, sporty designs make them the perfect choice for everyday wear. While the Seiko 5 collection has a large number of elegant watches, it also contains models with dials and textile bands reminiscent of pilot's and military watches. On the other hand, the Seiko 5 Sports collection is mostly diving watches and extra-sporty dress watches.
In early 2020, Seiko united the two collections into one called "Seiko 5 Sports." The modern collection is split into the sub-series Sports Style, Suits Style, Street Style, Specialist Style, and Sense Style. The Sense Style line is incredibly colorful, with designs ranging from camouflage to bright and bold. Suits and Specialist Style watches have more classic and refined designs, while timepieces in the Sports and Street Style series exude a particularly sporty character,
The manufacturer outfits most current Seiko 5 Sports models with the caliber 4R36. Unlike the calibers from the 7S family found in older editions, this movement boasts a stop-seconds mechanism and the option to set the time manually.
Prices for new 5 Sports models are more than moderate despite their improved technology. On average, these watches cost between 220 and 370 USD. Even limited editions are available for less than 570 USD.
100% Mechanical: Seiko Presage
Seiko mainly produces classically elegant timepieces in the Presage collection. Many of these watches take their inspiration from vintage classics from the company's long history. Another feature shared across the collection is that each watch comes with a mechanical caliber produced in-house.
The collection is divided into two lines: Prestige and Basic. The Prestige series sets itself apart with its high-end technology. Most of the watches use calibers from the 5R or 6R series, which offer 45 and 50-hour power reserves, respectively. Many models have complications like a GMT function, power reserve indicator, or chronograph. Beyond that, Seiko furnishes many Prestige watches with enamel or Arita porcelain dials, further underscoring their elegant nature. Prices vary by model and range from 770 to 2,000 USD. However, some limited editions cost 3,900 USD or more.
In the Presage Basic Line, you'll mostly find timepieces with movements from the 4R family. These calibers have 41-hour power reserves. Seiko often decorates the dials with delicate patterns or elaborate sunbursts. The Basic Line also contains many Open Heart models with cutouts in their dials. In terms of price, you can expect to pay between 410 and 720 USD for a Presage Basic Line on Chrono24.
Features of the Presage Collection
- Exclusively mechanical movements
- High quality at a fair price
- Top models with chronographs, GMT functions, or power reserve indicators
Seiko Premier: Classic and Modern in One
In the Premier collection, Seiko puts a modern twist on classic design. For example, while the use of Roman numerals lends these timepieces a traditional look, their 43-mm cases and wide bezels and lugs are decidedly modern. The technology is also up to contemporary standards. Beyond the usual automatic and quartz movements, you'll also find solar-powered and Kinetic calibers. Each Kinetic caliber has a generator that converts the rotor's kinetic energy into electricity and stores it in a battery. This battery then serves as an energy source for a precise quartz caliber.
As for functionality, the Premier collection offers everything from classic three-hand watches and chronographs to timepieces with moon phases, alarms, or perpetual calendars. Prices for Seiko Premier watches range from 330 to 970 USD.
Astron: Descended from the First Quartz Wristwatch
The Astron collection is by far Seiko's most modern line of watches. The "Astron" name dates back to the world's first quartz watch, which Seiko introduced in 1969. Like their historical predecessor, current Astron watches stand for state-of-the-art technology and precision.
Seiko equips these timepieces with the latest and greatest quartz movements with GPS technology. GPS technology not only enables these watches to synchronize the time to the exact second but also recognizes which time zone the wearer is in and automatically adjusts the time. These movements can even tell if the hands correspond with the actual time and correct them accordingly. Other features found in current Astron models include perpetual calendars that won't require manual correction until March 1, 2100. Top models also boast GMT or world-time displays.
Solar cells provide the Astron with its energy. Fully charged, the Astron can run two years in the dark.
Prices for these high-tech watches depend on their functionality and fall between 1,700 and 2,600 USD.
The Lukia Women's Collection: Glamor From Ginza
The Lukia collection has been part of Seiko's portfolio since 1995 and is mostly comprised of women's watches. These timepieces take their design inspiration from Tokyo's famous Ginza shopping district and were exclusively available to the Japanese market for a long time. The first deliveries of Lukia watches arrived at Seiko boutiques in North America and Europe in 2020.
The current collection contains six 34.8-mm models in stainless steel, the only difference between them being their dial colors: There's "gofun" (white), "kurenai" (deep red), "ruri-iro" (deep blue), "aoshiro-tsurubami" (graceful gray), "sakura-iro" (rosy pink), and "tsukishiro" (light blue). The dials are made of mother-of-pearl, feature floral patterns, and are set with diamonds. Each watch uses the automatic in-house caliber 6R35 with a date display.
Lukia models rarely appear for sale on Chrono24. Their recommended retail prices range from 1,300 to 1,400 USD, depending on the exact watch. Limited to a run of 250 pieces, the version with a light blue dial and diamond bezel has a list price of 2,500 EUR (approx. 2,800 USD).
Luxury Watches From Grand Seiko and Credor
The high-end brands Grand Seiko and Credor represent the very best that Seiko has to offer. Both brands offer luxury watches of the highest order that more than stand up to their counterparts from Switzerland.
Grand Seiko watches set themselves apart with their clear, conservative designs. Beyond technological perfection, Seiko's watchmakers pay particularly close attention to finishing. Their zaratsu polishing is among the best in the world.
The Credor brand focuses on precious metals like gold and platinum. Their watch designs range from classically simple to finely decorated. You'll also find models with tourbillons or minute repeaters.
Of course, so much luxury has its price. A current Grand Seiko model will set you back anywhere from 5,600 to 115,000 USD. Prices for Credor watches are known to surpass 170,000 USD.
Tradition Since 1881
Kintaro Hattori first opened a small clock store in his early twenties in 1881, creating the foundation of today's Seiko corporation. The first factory followed only eleven years later and had the name "Seikosha." This term comes from the Japanese words "Seiko" (precise) and "sha" (house). The goal was to manufacture all of their own components and to sell watches at more affordable prices than their competitors. The concept was a triumph and has brought the company long-lasting success.
Today, they produce almost all of their own watch components — a unique trait in the world of watchmaking. When Seiko introduced the first Japanese wristwatch "Laurel" to the public in 1913, every single component had been made in-house. Prior to that, they had manufactured pocket watches and wall clocks.
President Shinji Hattori heads the corporation, which also includes brands such as Orient Watch, Pulsar, and Lorus.
FAQs
Is Seiko a good brand of watch? ›
Seiko is a Japanese watch brand that has a good reputation in watchmaking. Not only genius in design and putting their philosophy through it, they also offer every customer a high-end quality timepiece with a great accuracy and reliability.
Is Seiko made in Japan or China? ›Japanese Craftsmanship・Committed to Made in Japan
The Made in Japan quality reflects Seiko's history of watchmaking, as well as the techniques and passion of the craftsmen.
As Seiko focused on more modern Quartz technology the price of a quality Japanese watch began to drop. This price drop or reduced cost of manufacturing does not mean a Seiko watch is a lesser watch. Far from it, Japanese watches are of exceptional quality and many are equal to, or better than, the best Swiss watches.
Is Seiko related to Rolex? ›Rolex and Seiko are different brands for many reasons. Whilst Rolex was initially established in London before moving to Switzerland, Seiko has always remained in Japan. Both watch brands do, however, make all of their own watch components.
Is citizen better than Seiko? ›If you don't mind quartz watches and the extra accuracy the tech brings, Citizen watches might be your best bet. Alternatively, if you prefer the tradition of mechanical watches, with a cost-friendly price, then Seiko watches should be your choice! Either way, it'll be a win.
Is Seiko as good as Omega? ›In conclusion, both the Omega and Grand Seiko brands are of very high quality. Omega has a distinct edge because of its long history and the reputation it has built during that time.
What brands are equivalent to Seiko? ›Seiko's competitors and similar companies include Casio, Titan Company, Citizen Watch and Seiko Watch.
What brand owns Seiko? ›Epson is still a major supplier to Seiko Watch Corporation, as they have been since their founding in 1942 as Daiwa Kogyo Ltd. and merger with the Suwa plant of Daini Seikosha in 1959 to form Suwa Seikosha Co. Ltd.
What brand is owned by Seiko? ›Seiko has created many different brands in Japan and the international market including Lorus, Pulsar, and Alba. Seiko has several lines such as the Seiko 5, luxury "Credor," "Prospex," "Presage," "Velatura" and the "Grand Seiko" series.
Is Bulova better than Seiko? ›Seiko provides traditional, stylish, functional, and innovative timepieces that all come from its revolutionary mindset. Bulova has unique and loud designs, and the brand stands out for its style and accuracy. However, Seiko's sleek and classy design earns more respect than any other in the competitive market.
Which is better Seiko or Fossil watch? ›
Seiko Watch Prices vs.
Fossil watches are ostensibly cheaper and may meet your needs for an everyday watch. Although more expensive, Seiko's designs and materials are of higher quality for longevity, making it the winner.
While both Seiko and Tissot produce exceptional timepieces praised for their designs and accuracy, Seiko has a strong focus on Haute Horlogerie, grand complications, and elegant dress watches. Think of the legendary Seiko 5 SNXS73 and the oblong, timeless SWR053P1.
Why are Seiko 5 watches so cheap? ›SEIKO Uses In-House Automatic Movements
It's worth mentioning that Seiko has over the years grown to become a well-established company with many in-house factories and design labs. That means it is easier, more cost-effective, and more streamlined to make the movements in-house from top to bottom.
High-Quality Materials Used in Their Construction
One reason Seiko watches are expensive is the top-notch materials they use to make them. These watches often feature stainless steel, sapphire crystal, and other high-quality components that ensure durability and a long-lasting shine.
Do Seiko Watches Hold Their Value. In general, Seiko watches do not hold their value well. There are only a few limited edition models that will occasionally increase in value over time but for the most part value retention is not what Seiko watches are known for.
Why is Seiko so popular? ›One of the things that make the Seiko 5 so popular is its design. The watch features a simple and classic look that is both timeless and versatile. The watch comes in various styles, including both automatic and manual winding models, and features a range of dial and band options.
Is citizen considered a luxury watch? ›Citizen isn't a luxury watch. It might look luxurious, but several factors take it off that list. For starters, it's too cost-friendly, with the most expensive going for between S$900 and S$1,000+. Second, Citizen doesn't use luxury materials like platinum or gold on its timepieces.
Is Seiko considered cheap? ›Is Seiko a luxury brand? No, Seiko's an entry-level, affordable watchmaker. There are some models that strike luxury-level price points, but they're limited editions with rare materials. On the other hand, Grand Seiko is a luxury brand, but they're two very different brands under the same umbrella.
Does Seiko watch increase in value? ›In reality, there are a few Seiko timepieces that have appalling resale values. But, every watchmaker, even down to the likes of Rolex and Patek Philippe, have a few products that end up not ageing too well. Whether or not Seiko timepieces offer an excellent return on investment, the short answer is yes, they do.
Why is Seiko 5 the best? ›Are Seiko 5 watches any good? Seiko 5 watches are great. They offer tremendous value for money. They look good, they feature rock-solid movements, and they're from one of the world's most highly regarded brand in horology.
Why choose Seiko watches? ›
Seiko become one of the most popular watch brands in the world. As they were the first brand to launch a battery powered quartz watch, Seiko have had a longer amount of time to perfect their movements than any other brand. Today Seiko's quartz watches are some of the best on the market.
How does Seiko rank? ›This year Grand Seiko has secured its place in the top 10 brands across all men's price bands above $2,000. According to retail analyst NPD, its watches are now ranked number three in the $5,000 to $7,000 price range, up from number six last year.
How does Seiko compare to Rolex? ›Grand Seiko and Rolex both offer different value propositions to their buyers. Rolex rules when it comes to brand awareness, while Grand Seiko takes the crown in craftsmanship, so the Grand Seiko vs Rolex debate becomes difficult to crown a winner. Having a Rolex watch goes beyond just wearing a luxurious watch.
Are all Seiko watches made in China? ›Seiko is at the forefront of innovation and prides itself on its redeeming quality. In the past, all of its parts and movements were made exclusively in Japan. These days, however, they have subsidiaries in other parts of Asia where the movement is manufactured. These are namely Singapore, Malaysia, and China.
What does Seiko mean in Japanese? ›In 1892 Kintaro Hattori bought a disused factory in Tokyo and Seikosha was formed (In Japanese, "Seiko" means "exquisite", "minute" or "success" and "sha" means house).
Does Seiko own Bulova? ›Bulova is an American timepiece manufacturing company that was founded in 1875 and has been owned by Japanese multinational conglomerate Citizen Watch Co. since 2008.
Who is the largest watch manufacturer in the world? ›The Swatch Group is the world's largest watch company and employs about 36,000 people in 50 countries. The group owns the Swatch product line and other brands, including Blancpain, Breguet, Certina, ETA, Glashütte Original, Hamilton, Harry Winston, Longines, Mido, Omega, Rado, and Tissot.
Where are Seiko watches made now? ›Two locations in Japan, two studios and three movements
The Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi is located in the mountainous area of Iwate prefecture in Northern Japan while the Shinshu Watch Studio is surrounded by the beautiful mountains and lakes of Shinshu in the center of the country.
The Citizen Watch Group encompasses six unique brands: CITIZEN, Bulova, Arnold & Son, Frederique Constant, Alpina and CAMPANOLA-each proclaiming its individual achievements in innovative style and technology, which they have cultivated throughout their respective histories.
Is Bulova made by Rolex? ›Bulova has its origins in American watchmaking dating all the way back to 1875. However today the brand is owned by Citizen Watch.
Is Seiko better than Casio? ›
Casio will come down to you. Both manufacturers offer timepieces of the highest quality, but with a variety of bands, case styles, and features to choose from, only you can narrow down your needs to decide which actually offers the best fit.
Is Timex a good make? ›Are Timex Watches Any Good? Yes – with Timex you're getting a watch that's deep-rooted in brand history with significant contributions to watch design. It's important to know that Timex is not a luxury brand though – with Timex you're getting a watch that looks good and has great functionality at an affordable price.
Is Fossil better than Tissot? ›Tissot and Fossil are two of the best watchmakers in the market that offer top-quality watches in a wide value range. With a large number of dazzling watches that are known for both magnificence and constancy, these two brands are very mainstream the world over.
What brand is better than Tissot? ›Longines has the upper hand when it comes to brand recognition and producing high-quality, luxurious watches. The Longines brand has more to offer to watch enthusiasts compared to Tissot. Exquisite Timepieces offers a wide variety of Longines and Tissot watches depending on ones' personal preference and taste.
Is Tissot made by Rolex? ›Tissot SA operate under the worlds biggest Swiss timepiece manufacturer, the Swatch Group, and have done so since 1983. The Swatch Group are also known for their extensive line of high-end jewelry and Swatch watches.
Who wears Tissot watches? ›Founded in Switzerland in 1853, Tissot has a long history of producing high-quality and stylish watches. Some notable celebrities who have been seen wearing Tissot watches include actor George Clooney, basketball player LeBron James, and singer Justin Bieber.
What is the lifespan of a Seiko 5? ›How Long Will a Seiko 5 Last? A Seiko 5 watch can last anywhere from five years to over 25 years. The wide range is due to a variety of wildcards. For example, dust build-up can eventually cause a break in an old Seiko 5's 7S26B movement.
Is it worth it to buy a Seiko 5? ›The Seiko 5 SNK809 is a watch that's still worth buying in 2022. And it will likely be worth buying in well into the year to come. This is due almost entirely to the price. A good-looking, solidly built mechanical watch that can be had for around $100—or often less—is a very attractive value proposition.
Is Seiko 5 a real Seiko? ›If you see a “Seiko 5” carving on the glass, it's a fake. Why? Because original Seiko jumpers don't have this carving. Every Seiko watch will have its date of production as part of its 6-digit serial number.
Is an old Seiko watch valuable? ›You can rest easy, though, since vintage Seiko's aren't currently that valuable on the seller's market. Most vintage Seiko watches that're selling on eBay are selling for under $100.
What rank is Seiko brand? ›
Seiko Ranks 1st in Product Quality Score
30 Customers rate Seiko's Product Quality Score a 4.6/5, which ranks it 1st against its competitors.
Fossil watches are ostensibly cheaper and may meet your needs for an everyday watch. Although more expensive, Seiko's designs and materials are of higher quality for longevity, making it the winner.
Are Seiko watches worth money? ›Do Seiko Watches Hold Their Value. In general, Seiko watches do not hold their value well. There are only a few limited edition models that will occasionally increase in value over time but for the most part value retention is not what Seiko watches are known for.
Is Seiko a cheap watch brand? ›Is Seiko a luxury brand? No, Seiko's an entry-level, affordable watchmaker. There are some models that strike luxury-level price points, but they're limited editions with rare materials. On the other hand, Grand Seiko is a luxury brand, but they're two very different brands under the same umbrella.
Why is Seiko cheaper than Rolex? ›Indeed, the two brands are priced differently depending on their buyers' various value propositions. The Rolex vintage models have a higher demand compared to the Grand Seiko vintage models. This has caused the Rolex vintage models to have very high prices, both new and pre-owned, unlike their Japanese counterparts.
Are Seiko watches made in China? ›Seiko is at the forefront of innovation and prides itself on its redeeming quality. In the past, all of its parts and movements were made exclusively in Japan. These days, however, they have subsidiaries in other parts of Asia where the movement is manufactured. These are namely Singapore, Malaysia, and China.
What does the 5 mean on Seiko? ›The name "Seiko 5" referred to the five key features that the watch promised: an automatic winding mechanism, water resistance, a day and date display, a durable case, and a recessed crown at the 4 o'clock position.
What is the advantage of a Seiko watch? ›Advantages and Applications
Seiko Watches are very durable and long-lasting. They have a great value for the price you pay. The quality of their watches is exceptional. Their customer service is outstanding.
But at the end of it all, Seiko is more focused on exquisite, complicated dress watches, and its range has always included some gorgeous ones and Haute Horlogerie pieces, such as the SARB065, SARB066, and Presage SSA343J1, whereas Tissot has a much sharper eye for high-end sports watches.
What is the life expectancy of a Seiko watch? ›This, coupled with wear throughout the year, has meant I've never come to them to find they have died. But of course, a battery, even a rechargeable one, does have a finite life span, and Seiko says this is around ten years. So ten years of worry-free accurate timekeeping is what you can expect from these movements.
What watches are as good as Seiko? ›
- Orient Ray II.
- Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150.
- Orient Kamasu Green.
- Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver.
- Steinhart Ocean One 39.
- Seiko Samurai SRPB51.
- Certina DS Action Diver Precidrive.
How Long Will a Seiko 5 Last? A Seiko 5 watch can last anywhere from five years to over 25 years. The wide range is due to a variety of wildcards. For example, dust build-up can eventually cause a break in an old Seiko 5's 7S26B movement.
Are Bulova watches any good? ›Are Bulova Watches Good Quality? Yes – for the most part Bulova watches are generally considered good quality and also a very good value.
Is Bulova considered a luxury watch? ›Bulova is an American luxury watch company and was founded in 1875. Since 2007 it is owned by Citizen. Bulova became successful in the USA because of its visual appeal and technological achievements.