To me, the weirdest thing is that it’s an automatic movement, not a quartz. It just doesn’t make sense. This watch is designed to be a beater. It reminds me most of my rugged little Bertucci quartz field watch, which goes for about $65. Seiko: Pop a quartz in, sell it for $90, and you’ll have a hit. Meantime, I don’t see them on the US Amazon.
I have to agree regarding the Bertucci reference. Mine has been cranking along for years. As a beater, it has one tiny mark to give away that it’s used.
Seiko could’ve used their Mechaquartzes in this thing and had a watch to rival the likes of Casio in the low-mid tier. Instead they got a watch absolutely nobody knows why they would buy.
Seiko should've gone with a quartz movement instead of the 4R36 to really lean in to the lightness of the watch. Also add a millimeter to the size and stretch the lug width to 20mm, make it in crazy colours, tweak the price to closer to $100 and I'm sure it would sell decently.
Also add in a resin bracelet (jubilee, maybe) and you've got a fun summer watch for not a lot of money. It wouldn't sell like the Moonswatch but still better than now.
If the watch will look like a cheap quartz, why not made it a cheap quartz right? If was a $40~$60 quartz watch would be a nice beater/beach/work watch, or a watch to give to a kid. For $250, on Aliexpress I can buy a really nice GMT with NH34 or 2, maybe 3 good watches with NH35 on a sale.
$60~$80 Maximum More than that an Aliexpress special with the same movement would be better value for the money. I like the green one, would be a nice candidate for a case swap, so $60 for the movement+hands+dial would be fair.
If it was cheaper and if they offered a quartz version it would be great because in my opinion it would offer everything the casio offers but with better looks in my opinion and a smaller size
Aren’t we always crying out for smaller watches? 39mm seems like a pretty sweet spot for a modern diver to me. Tudor certainly seem to have done okay with the new Pelagos. I do think it should be cheaper than the the 5KX but I do get why the cost for Seiko to produce might be a bit higher at the moment as it’s something new for them whereas they’ve been making steel cases for ever.
Seiko is more than capable of producing plastic cases. The cost of this case is next to nothing. No, it's greed. It would have been a nice watch under 100$. This price is ridiculous!
THIS! For the life of me, I really don't understand this constant moaning over the size. People everywhere are winging "Oh, if it was just smaller" even when talking about a 40 mm diver, and yet now they 're complaining about a 39 mm watch?!
size is subjective, i personnally prefer a watch around 42mm, 38mm looks too small on my wrist. so big wrists say there aren't enough big watches and small wrists say there aren't any small watches.
I really like the case/lug shape, hints of a 62mas in there. if they'd dropped a solar prospex movement in there, this would probably be a different conversation
This is actually a very very good offering from Seiko, I think it looks great but the price is utterly ridiculous, if it had been around £100 it would have been a huge success.
Maybe they couldn't go that low with the automatic movement? But yes, if the MoonSwatch was a bargain way to get a watch with Omega on the dial, this ought to have been a bargain way to get a mechanical watch.
@@bwickham195 I've seen watches on AliExpress sell for $55 with nh35 and sapphire glass. Seiko is just a rip off these days. They ruined the quality and value.
@@lawcane So what's the difference material wise? Both nh35, Chinese brands offers sapphire and Seiko doesn't. Both 316L steel etc. Innovation and design? That's a different argument because people shit on micros for being pricey, then people should realize design time and innovation also cost money.
By the title I figured Seiko finally lined everything up and scared buyers away. Honestly, except for the price I found the watch looking OK, but would have to bypass this one. Thanks Jody.
@@traviswalker8933 Exactly but Seiko doesn't have that luxury. As most of us watch freaks know their great watches and then you get into high end Grand Seiko but this watch doesn't say "Grand Seiko". Then if they wanted a "light weight" watch they should of put the quartz in there and sold them for $70. For mid $200's if I want a light watch i'll go with a Marathon General Purpose.
Exactly it’s just a cheap plastic replica of a more luxury watch and has omega written on it. If Seiko was trying to do the same, they would just do a plastic Grand Seiko snow flake or something, with gran Seiko written on the dial.
@@paulh6591 it doesn't even come close on the resale market. Never mind that the price has gone up because of demand. And who makes the movement? Seiko. These movements are sold to vendors all over the world(China) for such a small fraction of what you'll find on ebay. Those movements cost Seiko a few bucks to make. How do you think AliExpress have these types of movements in their bargain watches costing well under $100? Please...
Point one, it will be discounted. Point 2, it depends on the case. Jodie, I think it would have been useful if you had given some info on these resin cases. Do they scratch, do they crack, how strong are they compared to stainless steel? That would be really informative.
I like this more than a Moonswatch because it doesn't remind me of a toy or watch candy. I also think the size is nice and appropriate with the 18mm band. I don't care for the back cover but I don't know how they would get around that. And being an automatic really sets it apart from the Casio in my opinion, I can't conceive of a mechanical Casio. I agree it's priced too high.
Yea but why is it an automatic? Why would you want an automatic in a plastic case? You want an automatic, put it in a nice case. You want a cheap plasticy beater, put a cheap quartz inside. This combination makes no sense.
As far as resin watches go, I’d stick with Casio, Bertucci and so on which are priced appropriately as you have suggested. This is one confused watch, which really solidifies the last few years of Seiko’s executive decisions that most fans are scratching their heads over.
If this was priced at or under €100, I think it would be a great watch. I think the dimensions are actually fairly spot on too. Don't think automatic was the best option on this though. An idea would be to put in a lightweight solar quartz movement and really position it as a set and forget beach watch.
The price positioning Seiko is adopting these days is starting to make them look like scalpers of their own watches! They forgot (or didn’t figure out) that the main reason the MoonSwatch’s demand is so manic is most buyers (non-WIS) think they’re getting a funky Omega for £200 that they can sell for a quick profit, and that Seiko isn’t Omega…
@@MrLeSa95 all the people buying the moonswatch are buying it because it's "kind of" an omega speedmaster. (or because it's hype and people like hype) even if it isn't if it didn't have the connexion to the omega speedmaster it would have never been popular
I've been super confused by this line. I saw them pop-up at online retailers last year, but hadn't heard a thing about them from my usual watch news sources. And with them not being featured on the Seiko website, I almost thought they were someone's idea of a joke, or else someone trying to pass them off as a genuine Seiko! I have to say though-- I see the market for these as being young up-and-coming watch lovers. I think the size and materials kinda support that. I've got 5 nephews and a niece who I can totally see wearing one of these. Price aside, I actually kinda like these, and have been thinking about picking one up. I still might. Also, there is a fifth colour-way... an 'Ivory' dial 'SRPG71K'. It's available at StarBuy if you want to check it out... might actually be my pick of the bunch 🤔 Edit: just noticed a sixth colourway.. the brown 'SRPG77K' (not my favourite!)
Personally I like the size. It looks great on the wristshots in your video. I think 39mm is a better size for most people worldwide than 42mm. Also there are plenty of 18mm straps on the market. That said, it’s too expensive imo.
I think most of traditional oriented watch buyers who prefer a mechanical movement also prefer a metal case, so this Seiko appeals to a small niche market only. Casio shows that plastic case buyers prefer quartz.
Tbh Casio buyers would prolly also welcome a mechanical movement- if it was still at Casio pricing lol. There is probably a market for quirky watches like this , but likely not enough for the idea to be worth it for brands.
Not a single one of these on eBay today. Living in the USA I get to enjoy firearms as well as watches. Polycarbonate plastic has almost completely replaced steel in construction of all modern hand guns. Strong lightweight and corrosion free. I have owned the Polycarbonate Marathon tritium watch for 3 years and enjoy the same three benefits. It has a screw on metal backplate too. That watch is built to us military specs.. If I can track down one of these polycarbonate Seikos I'm probably a buyer! Thank you for excellent video.
Looks like a nice watch, but ends there. Cost wise, I'll just get my skx modded with cerakote. Do you think someone from Seiko was in the Omega/Swatch meeting and went, ooooh we can do that, but then forgot to just lower the cost? If they'd have stuck a solar VK movement in, lower price, they'd have nailed it.
These came out well before the moonswatch. I think it was marketed in China. I thought it was pretty cool, but had no way to get it. Are these readily available right now?
Yup, these were Chinese exclusives, so the size kinda makes sense. One would think they're cheaper over there as well. I wonder if Seiko's just selling excess stock in SE Asia and Oz.
Agree with most of the comments here. Even with a mechanical movement they can sell those at $100 and still make a profit. Switch to quartz and you have a perfect beater.
I’m not big into watches but I recently saw the swatch omega line. Was thinking about buying one. Is it not worth it? I’ve watched a lot of videos of watch enthusiasts say they aren’t a fan but what about for someone doesn’t know all about watches?
Oof, some fumble there. I just happen to be the kind of person in the market for a smaller MRW200H, haha, but this fails on a few points for me. I don't feel the automatic movement is needed here, and even if it is, sticking a $30-50 movement in a resin case and pricing it at $250 is a bit much. If it was quartz, $100 and didn't have the off-white case that'd get dirtier and yellower with time, I would be all over this. As it stands, the less busy MRW200s like the 1EVDF are just perfect for $15-20.
I kinda love everything about this, including/especially the size. If Seiko can get bolder with the colors, this is the modern-day TAG F1 so many of us have wanted for decades.
I think the case colours are a bit off-putting. Cream or off-white is an odd vibe for a sports watch. Maybe proper white, black and charcoal grey like you find G-Shocks in would have worked better.
@@bwickham195 I’m hoping they can have more fun with these and play with color the first resin TAG F1’s did and the way Swatch did with the Moonswatches.
Yes it is.....I have 3 TAG F1 from back in the 90's and I always thought it would have been cool if the movement was automatic on those. These remind me of that.
I must admit to liking it, the resin case makes it different. Unfortunately it seems it a limited edition only sold in Australia and New Zealand and thus unavailable elsewhere, I live in the UK and I’ve tried a few Australian sites but they won’t send here. I will just have to wait and see if the release is extended to the UK. Nice video as ever, always a treat to while away a few minutes listening to you dulcet tones. A goodly number of my watches have been purchased following one of your reviews Jody. Keep up the best watch channel on UA-cam.
@@JustOneMoreWatch $60~$80 would be the maximum I would pay for it. That basically would pay for the movement+dial+hands and I think it’s fair. I like the green dial but the plastic case would be better on a cheaper quartz.
I wonder how this compares in size with the SKX013? Also, I suspect Seiko may be aiming this for the kid’s market. Bought by parents who like Seikos but don’t want collabs with anime franchises. As for pricing: we have to remember that Seiko’s international marketing strategy is to be more upmarket than Casio / Timex / etc. So something like this couldn’t be less than $200 US, in their eyes, if they thought there was any international appeal beyond the Asian marketplace. Final point: if they used the colorways that they did with the Solar Tuna Street Series, that might have flown better.
I think Seiko has missed a trick here. They already have several ‘Save the Ocean’ collabs so the usp for this resin watch could have been that it was made entirely from recycled ocean plastics. I realise that Triwa and Timex have already done similar but I’d much rather buy an ocean plastics watch from Seiko. Shame really. I’ll be giving this one a wide berth (see what I did there 😂).
I actually really like the simple, clean design, and small size. It’s hard to come by a nice diver under 40mm. The dealbreakers to me are the bottlecap edging on the bezel, the truly disgusting off-white resin case (can you imagine what that is going to look like after wearing it for a month), …. Oh and obviously it’s wayyy too expensive. Close but no cigar!
This is a great little offering from Seiko, the mistake made here was the price point and marketing. If it was marketed to the youth at $99 it would have been a hit.
I didn’t know these things existed and I actually think Seiko could be onto something here - a very cool ‘enthusiasts beater’ - all they need to do is swap the auto movement for a quartz to reduce costs, include a battery change hatch (like a Swatch), drop the price to around £99, get their marketing right and they’d sell like hot cakes - after that they could release countless spin off models of classic Seiko divers in smaller resin case sizes - imagine how cool a baby resin Tuna, Willard or Turtle would be in super affordable form - mega collectible and could even be sold in full sets - then there’s all the themed franchise versions that would follow - arty version, collaborations, etc - if Swatch have had so much success with these ideas why not Seiko? - and leave the rest of the Seiko 5 line up as the intermediate ‘grown up’ model line
Can someone explain why the Casio Duro Marlin is supposed to be reversed about 4 or 5 minutes before setting the time? Does it in anyway harm the watch if I fail to reverse it before setting the time?
You realise by telling all of us “it’s been a total failure” you’ve now made it a sought after classic…… Where can I get one? (Damn, not available in UK. And now I really like it!)
That's vintage watch collecting in a nutshell: the unpopular watches of the day end up being the most collectible a few decades later. Because people didn't want to buy them back then there aren't that many of them around so they're exclusive now.
I have to disagree with your points regarding the 18mm strap being too small. It's all a matter of proportion - fitting a 20mm + strap on a watch that is 39mm in diameter and about 45mm ± lug to lug will make the watch look totally imbalanced. And most 20mm + straps taper down to 18mm or less, so I can't see how people would find an 18mm strap "too small" for them. Cheers for the review!!
How come this is sold only in Australia? I can't find it anywhere else including the JDM. I have quite a few "resin" or composite based watches so this is of interest to me. Anyone know of a Global purchasing site?
Hello Jodi, like the size and look of this watch. My ideas are if the case colour was made with different colours and not the dial , plus put a quarts in it. I am sure it would sell if the price was much lower.
I think 39mm is fine (I've got an old 80s 4205 that's 38mm and works nicely) what this thing needs is 20mm lug width, and if Seiko are going to use plastics they need to add a splash of colour boring creams, greys and black won't shift it. The market is very much the Swatch one, they need to drop the prices, dial up the colour, keep the Seiko styling and shape but recognise this isn't going to sell to the same crowd as more traditional stainless cased 5's...
I really like the looks of this watch, especially the all grey one. It feels like a nice watch for weekend activities, and the matte aspect gives a touch of originality. I think if seiko put a quartz or solar movement in this case and dropped the price to below 150usd it would be a very nice offering.
This looks like a good casual wear watch. This would look great in the summer with some Hawaiian floral shirt and shorts. It just needs to be a bit more affordable.
What Angelino said. Should have reduced the the price point and gone grab and go Quartz. Also, as you said Jody, should have done 42mm full size body as in SKX size and with quartz + poly case = lower weight and more comfort. Seiko throws a lot of mud at the wall...a lot of good mud too ;-) and some sticks better than others. Personally, my pet interest which likely will never happen is...an upscale SKX reissue with Ti case and Tuna Quartz movement. That watch I would get in line to buy. Light, the right look and dead accurate. Happy New Year.
The MSRP is too high but I wouldn't mind one on sale. I daily a SKX013 and love it's size. A lighter version of that sounds great! I just wish they made it 20mm as well. Unfortunately they do appear to only be available in Australia.
I was waiting for the sizing because right from the start of the video the watch looked absolutely miniscule. I would have guessed 36mm. For some reason it just looks tiny.
I tried these on in store, as a guy with ≤ 6 inch wrists I think they're fantastic. The two I saw were all black and all navy though! I think they were also located in the women's section unfortunately....
That plastic seiko should cost between $60~80, anything more than that I would prefer to get an “Aliexpress special” that not only would be metallic case + sapphire but mostly would have a NH35~36 inside. If that watch was a quartz would’ve the same price that those Casio, they seems to be targeting the same costumers. Nowadays people who buy an automatic watch are like those who buy vinyl disks, we choice to do it mostly for nostalgic reasons.
I like it. Reminds me of the Tag Heuer F1 mk1, the resin one from 1985. Although the Tag was a 35mm. It was a fun watch but not cheap for a resin one. I had 3 of them, one is still in my collection today.
The grey one is great(for me). Both in sizing and weight. Plenty of 18 mm straps in the collection because of 2 SNK's. Lume looks ok as well. Not missing any markers like on that crappy Moonswatch.
I wouldn't mind the weight or the materials, and I frequently wear a couple of other resin watches. The size is a deal breaker for me- I typically don't go below 41 or 42mm, and I definitely wouldn't want 18mm lug width. I might buy one if it was 40mm/20mm. Another issue is the styling- the color scheme is not exciting. One attraction to the Moonswatch is the fun of the different color schemes. The Seiko with a white case doesn't provide the same excitement. Also I dare say it might fit the character of the watch more to give it a quartz movement and price it accordingly.
Thinking about it, I prefer that they don't keep flogging that 42mm SKX form factor, and are trying something new. We've seen enough of that case shape and size with all the SKX and 5KX variants. As soon as this SRPG79K1 becomes available in the US I'll be picking one up, FOR SURE.
Interesting to compare the Marathon Navigator. Resin case, quartz movement, costs more than either the Seiko or the Casio. Doesn't really add up somewhere.
This is an entire family of 9 models with plastic cases that has been released to the Chinese market 2021&2022, according to plus9time. Quoting from hist 2021 blog post: Five models were announced for the Chinese market utilising a cream colored plastic case 39.0mm in diameter and 12.42mm thick. They are fitted with a stainless steel case back and have an 18mm lug width. These are the cream dialled SRPG71K1, green SRPG73K1, blue SRPG75K1, brown SRPG77K1, and black SRPG79K1. All are powered by the 4R36 automatic movement. ... Three additional Chinese market models were the grey SRPG81K1, blue SRPG85K1, and black SRPG87K1. These each have a 39.0mm diameter and 12.42mm thick composite (plastic) case and bezel, with a stainless steel back. They are each powered by the automatic 4R36, and have a 18mm lug width with silicone strap. The models are rated for 100m water resistance. And in 2022: A compact plastic cased Five Sports model for the Chinese market was released with the green SRPG83. This houses a 4R36 automatic movement in a 39 x 12.42mm plastic case weighing in at 56 grams. A range of other colorways, gray SRPG81, blue SRPG85, black SRPG87, were released last year in China with the same case design and materials, but for some reason the green SRPG83 was held back for release this year.
Seiko only realeased this for oceania market as a limited run in a awareness campaign against Oceans plastic. It is not even available for sale elsewhere than Australia and New Zealand.
Cool looking watch. If they made one in a 41 or 42 mm with a 22 mm strap I buy one in a heartbeat, but at that size there's too many things going against it for me to want to buy it.
Thanks for the review, I don't think this has anything at all to do with the moonswatch debacle but all the same it's a turkey, I did think why did they not pop a cheap quartz movement in it and sell it at a reasonable price but that's why they make lorus, pulsar alba too, I don't know who's supposed to be buying this watch and don't know what seiko was thinking !
Absolute madness! I recently picked up the new Seiko 5 GMT. While it retails at £400 in the UK, I got it with Tesco Clubcard vouchers at Goldsmiths. And, this meant that I only "paid" the equivalent of £133.33 since Tesco vouchers convert 1 to 3 when used at retailers! Feels like a free watch, result!
Not picked up on this one in the UK. Odd and over-priced. Think they tried to compete with two Swatch ranges, sistem51 and Moonswatch. Wonder if the dial, hands and movement would swap into an Ali Express case and make a decent watch? I think the 18mm lug width may have something to do with the strength of the case itself.
Personally, I really like the watch. The proportions and colors are right. It is even harder to find a 39mm diver watch nowadays. I would swap the strap with a white Nato or Tropic strap and that would complete the look. Considering the automatic movement, I think there is nothing wrong with this model despite the price.
Hey Jody if your looking for a German Made watch for an affordable price try to look at Zeppelin. I own a LZ126 Los Angeles dual time and I love it. I hope you'll consider one they really are great watches.
It's nice, but I'm thinking the kind of people who like the SKX are the type of people who prefer traditional materials. If it was cheaper it might find its niche.
Weird…I want one! 😂 Plastic watch+automatic movement+lumibrite. Its a weird combo and i like it! Hope the price is reasonable. When my wife ask me, another watch?? My answer will be, i bought this for our son birthday😁
The lug width does seem a bit out of place for a dive style watch, more at home on something like the popular SNKL23 and other Seiko 5's from that era.
It looks nice and fun but like you have said, the price point is wrong. It seems to inspire from Tag Heuer late 80s small Formula 1 as well. But Tag Heuer nailed it with the right lowest price for Tag Heuer watches and only the bezel not the case is made of resin.
'Limited edition' in a test market ? On the Starbuy site, in the model description "Stand out from the crowd with this special series of Seiko 5 Sports models. Limited Quantities released in Australia and NZ." Not sure they chose the right market.
What I don't like about mechanical watches, is they are delicate for when wearing. Got to be careful with them. After about 4 to 5 years mechanical watches usually require cleaning and maintenance. Because of the time involved a watch service person would charge more than what the watch cost to buy it. When I buy a mechanical watch I go with a high end type. Expensive, but worth it. For regular watch wearing I wear a rugged quartz watch that I can do rough work. My daily quartz watch is usually the Casio GWG-2000. I also have some other similar watches in the Casio. Very rugged and no worry if it is treated rough.
I...don't hate it? I'd wear one. Yeah, MSRP is way too high, but I'd genuinely wear a resin auto as a weekend watch. At market pricing of $130 USD, which is what it sells for currently on Starbuy, that's not a bad watch. But as pointed out, for just over $50 more, you get an actual 5KX. So...idk.
I was lucky enough to buy this on a "super sales day" on JD.com (yes, I live in China), on the last day of 2022. Price was 372 CNY (54 USD). I had no idea what I was getting, as like you mentioned not many reviews can be found online, but it was an automatic Seiko 5 on the official Seiko store on JD.com, so I said to myself "oh what the hell" and just went for it. For that price anything is a bargain, but for more than 200 USD???? Are you serious? Greetings from Shanghai, great channel!
To me, the weirdest thing is that it’s an automatic movement, not a quartz. It just doesn’t make sense. This watch is designed to be a beater.
It reminds me most of my rugged little Bertucci quartz field watch, which goes for about $65.
Seiko: Pop a quartz in, sell it for $90, and you’ll have a hit.
Meantime, I don’t see them on the US Amazon.
I have to agree regarding the Bertucci reference. Mine has been cranking along for years. As a beater, it has one tiny mark to give away that it’s used.
@@whatsstefon those Bertucci field watches look excellent and Jody should review one. Titanium monobloc case, fixed lugs, 200m WR.
Exactly: I don't think resin will stop magnetism a lot!
Seiko could’ve used their Mechaquartzes in this thing and had a watch to rival the likes of Casio in the low-mid tier.
Instead they got a watch absolutely nobody knows why they would buy.
For me automatic is the way to go for a beater, you wear it most of the time and never have to worry about batteries letting you down.
In Seiko’s defence, the bezel alignment looks spot on! WTF?!😱🤣
A broken watch is right twice a day and so too is Seiko alignment from the factory.
😂
No it is not :) Look at 30 marker. 4:41
😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Seiko should've gone with a quartz movement instead of the 4R36 to really lean in to the lightness of the watch. Also add a millimeter to the size and stretch the lug width to 20mm, make it in crazy colours, tweak the price to closer to $100 and I'm sure it would sell decently.
Also add in a resin bracelet (jubilee, maybe) and you've got a fun summer watch for not a lot of money. It wouldn't sell like the Moonswatch but still better than now.
If the watch will look like a cheap quartz, why not made it a cheap quartz right?
If was a $40~$60 quartz watch would be a nice beater/beach/work watch, or a watch to give to a kid.
For $250, on Aliexpress I can buy a really nice GMT with NH34 or 2, maybe 3 good watches with NH35 on a sale.
The size is good. There's enough watches that are 40mm plus already.
Exactly!
is seiko quartz movement with seiko v157 silar movement is the same ?
I think if it had a quartz movement & was sub $100 it could have been an interesting offering.
Yeah, it could be the "Swatchko"...but not at that price.
@@JamesDavidWalley I think at less than £200 the grey might be ok
$60~$80 Maximum
More than that an Aliexpress special with the same movement would be better value for the money.
I like the green one, would be a nice candidate for a case swap, so $60 for the movement+hands+dial would be fair.
If it was cheaper and if they offered a quartz version it would be great because in my opinion it would offer everything the casio offers but with better looks in my opinion and a smaller size
@@karvast5726 And maybe a black one and a white one, with white lume
Aren’t we always crying out for smaller watches? 39mm seems like a pretty sweet spot for a modern diver to me. Tudor certainly seem to have done okay with the new Pelagos.
I do think it should be cheaper than the the 5KX but I do get why the cost for Seiko to produce might be a bit higher at the moment as it’s something new for them whereas they’ve been making steel cases for ever.
Seiko is more than capable of producing plastic cases. The cost of this case is next to nothing. No, it's greed. It would have been a nice watch under 100$. This price is ridiculous!
39mm are for a ladies wrist.
THIS! For the life of me, I really don't understand this constant moaning over the size. People everywhere are winging "Oh, if it was just smaller" even when talking about a 40 mm diver, and yet now they 're complaining about a 39 mm watch?!
@@MrShnazer Clearly! Like Seiko 62MAS is for ladies wrists.
size is subjective, i personnally prefer a watch around 42mm, 38mm looks too small on my wrist.
so big wrists say there aren't enough big watches and small wrists say there aren't any small watches.
I really like the case/lug shape, hints of a 62mas in there. if they'd dropped a solar prospex movement in there, this would probably be a different conversation
This is actually a very very good offering from Seiko, I think it looks great but the price is utterly ridiculous, if it had been around £100 it would have been a huge success.
Maybe they couldn't go that low with the automatic movement? But yes, if the MoonSwatch was a bargain way to get a watch with Omega on the dial, this ought to have been a bargain way to get a mechanical watch.
Agree. I like the watch and the size . However the price is the main inhibitor .
@@bwickham195 I've seen watches on AliExpress sell for $55 with nh35 and sapphire glass. Seiko is just a rip off these days. They ruined the quality and value.
@@Horology_Report this guy comparing Chinese mushroom brands to Seiko
@@lawcane So what's the difference material wise? Both nh35, Chinese brands offers sapphire and Seiko doesn't. Both 316L steel etc. Innovation and design? That's a different argument because people shit on micros for being pricey, then people should realize design time and innovation also cost money.
By the title I figured Seiko finally lined everything up and scared buyers away. Honestly, except for the price I found the watch looking OK, but would have to bypass this one. Thanks Jody.
The "Moonswatch" is popular because it says "OMEGA" on it, thats all. Seiko was insane to think they could compete.
That was it's main selling point, an Omega for the masses which drew the attention.
@@traviswalker8933 Exactly but Seiko doesn't have that luxury. As most of us watch freaks know their great watches and then you get into high end Grand Seiko but this watch doesn't say "Grand Seiko". Then if they wanted a "light weight" watch they should of put the quartz in there and sold them for $70. For mid $200's if I want a light watch i'll go with a Marathon General Purpose.
Exactly it’s just a cheap plastic replica of a more luxury watch and has omega written on it. If Seiko was trying to do the same, they would just do a plastic Grand Seiko snow flake or something, with gran Seiko written on the dial.
@@KezAH-GT tbf would work probably 😅
they should have put a spring drive in it
If they sold this for about $100, I think they'd do fine.
Why? The moon swatch is $300+
The movement itself costs that much!
@@paulh6591 it doesn't even come close on the resale market. Never mind that the price has gone up because of demand. And who makes the movement? Seiko. These movements are sold to vendors all over the world(China) for such a small fraction of what you'll find on ebay.
Those movements cost Seiko a few bucks to make. How do you think AliExpress have these types of movements in their bargain watches costing well under $100? Please...
Point one, it will be discounted. Point 2, it depends on the case. Jodie, I think it would have been useful if you had given some info on these resin cases. Do they scratch, do they crack, how strong are they compared to stainless steel? That would be really informative.
I like this more than a Moonswatch because it doesn't remind me of a toy or watch candy. I also think the size is nice and appropriate with the 18mm band. I don't care for the back cover but I don't know how they would get around that. And being an automatic really sets it apart from the Casio in my opinion, I can't conceive of a mechanical Casio. I agree it's priced too high.
Yea but why is it an automatic? Why would you want an automatic in a plastic case? You want an automatic, put it in a nice case. You want a cheap plasticy beater, put a cheap quartz inside. This combination makes no sense.
@@mrkiky Luminox does well with their carbinox automatics. They have excellent reviews.
The crystal won't get scratched by the cardboard box, either, unlike the Swatch!
As far as resin watches go, I’d stick with Casio, Bertucci and so on which are priced appropriately as you have suggested.
This is one confused watch, which really solidifies the last few years of Seiko’s executive decisions that most fans are scratching their heads over.
You can never go wrong by picking a Duro
If this was priced at or under €100, I think it would be a great watch. I think the dimensions are actually fairly spot on too.
Don't think automatic was the best option on this though. An idea would be to put in a lightweight solar quartz movement and really position it as a set and forget beach watch.
I actually really like this one. Size is perfect, price is too high currently - but if they ever appear in the UK I would definitely pick one up.
The price positioning Seiko is adopting these days is starting to make them look like scalpers of their own watches!
They forgot (or didn’t figure out) that the main reason the MoonSwatch’s demand is so manic is most buyers (non-WIS) think they’re getting a funky Omega for £200 that they can sell for a quick profit, and that Seiko isn’t Omega…
That was never omega, just another swatch thats omega homage basically
Absolutely right, but so many people *think* they’re getting an Omega bargain.
Swatch, plastic over priced rubbish.
@@MrLeSa95 all the people buying the moonswatch are buying it because it's "kind of" an omega speedmaster. (or because it's hype and people like hype) even if it isn't
if it didn't have the connexion to the omega speedmaster it would have never been popular
I've been super confused by this line. I saw them pop-up at online retailers last year, but hadn't heard a thing about them from my usual watch news sources. And with them not being featured on the Seiko website, I almost thought they were someone's idea of a joke, or else someone trying to pass them off as a genuine Seiko!
I have to say though-- I see the market for these as being young up-and-coming watch lovers. I think the size and materials kinda support that. I've got 5 nephews and a niece who I can totally see wearing one of these.
Price aside, I actually kinda like these, and have been thinking about picking one up. I still might.
Also, there is a fifth colour-way... an 'Ivory' dial 'SRPG71K'. It's available at StarBuy if you want to check it out... might actually be my pick of the bunch 🤔
Edit: just noticed a sixth colourway.. the brown 'SRPG77K' (not my favourite!)
Personally I like the size. It looks great on the wristshots in your video. I think 39mm is a better size for most people worldwide than 42mm. Also there are plenty of 18mm straps on the market. That said, it’s too expensive imo.
I think most of traditional oriented watch buyers who prefer a mechanical movement also prefer a metal case, so this Seiko appeals to a small niche market only. Casio shows that plastic case buyers prefer quartz.
Tbh Casio buyers would prolly also welcome a mechanical movement- if it was still at Casio pricing lol. There is probably a market for quirky watches like this , but likely not enough for the idea to be worth it for brands.
Literally me, Gshocks all day and a proper metal Orient Mako 3 for special occasions.
Not a single one of these on eBay today. Living in the USA I get to enjoy firearms as well as watches. Polycarbonate plastic has almost completely replaced steel in construction of all modern hand guns. Strong lightweight and corrosion free. I have owned the Polycarbonate Marathon tritium watch for 3 years and enjoy the same three benefits. It has a screw on metal backplate too. That watch is built to us military specs.. If I can track down one of these polycarbonate Seikos I'm probably a buyer! Thank you for excellent video.
Didn't know Seiko start a Casio homage now.
oof
😂👍🏼
Looks like a nice watch, but ends there. Cost wise, I'll just get my skx modded with cerakote. Do you think someone from Seiko was in the Omega/Swatch meeting and went, ooooh we can do that, but then forgot to just lower the cost? If they'd have stuck a solar VK movement in, lower price, they'd have nailed it.
These came out well before the moonswatch. I think it was marketed in China. I thought it was pretty cool, but had no way to get it. Are these readily available right now?
Yup, these were Chinese exclusives, so the size kinda makes sense. One would think they're cheaper over there as well. I wonder if Seiko's just selling excess stock in SE Asia and Oz.
Hmmmmm. I think the idea behind it is good. But do agree about the size and price.
I never knew this Seiko even existed 👍 thanks Jody good review
Agree with most of the comments here. Even with a mechanical movement they can sell those at $100 and still make a profit. Switch to quartz and you have a perfect beater.
Love the size. Would prefer a 20mm lug width. I hope they launch a 5kx in either 38 or 39 mm. I currently own an skx013 and absolutely love the size
I’m not big into watches but I recently saw the swatch omega line. Was thinking about buying one. Is it not worth it? I’ve watched a lot of videos of watch enthusiasts say they aren’t a fan but what about for someone doesn’t know all about watches?
Oof, some fumble there. I just happen to be the kind of person in the market for a smaller MRW200H, haha, but this fails on a few points for me. I don't feel the automatic movement is needed here, and even if it is, sticking a $30-50 movement in a resin case and pricing it at $250 is a bit much. If it was quartz, $100 and didn't have the off-white case that'd get dirtier and yellower with time, I would be all over this. As it stands, the less busy MRW200s like the 1EVDF are just perfect for $15-20.
I would love an SKX clone (same size) with a resin case and a solar-quartz movement and 200m WR. Call it a GKX.
I kinda love everything about this, including/especially the size. If Seiko can get bolder with the colors, this is the modern-day TAG F1 so many of us have wanted for decades.
I think the case colours are a bit off-putting. Cream or off-white is an odd vibe for a sports watch. Maybe proper white, black and charcoal grey like you find G-Shocks in would have worked better.
@@bwickham195 I’m hoping they can have more fun with these and play with color the first resin TAG F1’s did and the way Swatch did with the Moonswatches.
Yes it is.....I have 3 TAG F1 from back in the 90's and I always thought it would have been cool if the movement was automatic on those. These remind me of that.
I actually love this watch but I can't seem to find it for sale anywhere online?
I must admit to liking it, the resin case makes it different. Unfortunately it seems it a limited edition only sold in Australia and New Zealand and thus unavailable elsewhere, I live in the UK and I’ve tried a few Australian sites but they won’t send here. I will just have to wait and see if the release is extended to the UK. Nice video as ever, always a treat to while away a few minutes listening to you dulcet tones. A goodly number of my watches have been purchased following one of your reviews Jody. Keep up the best watch channel on UA-cam.
Anything that is, or is similar to, a MoonSwatch is already headed for failure.
I actually really like the look. The price is too high though.
And that's the online discount retailer price 😬
@@JustOneMoreWatch $60~$80 would be the maximum I would pay for it.
That basically would pay for the movement+dial+hands and I think it’s fair.
I like the green dial but the plastic case would be better on a cheaper quartz.
@@EudesRJ just put in quartz and price it at that price and its a great sell
Agree 100%
I wonder how this compares in size with the SKX013?
Also, I suspect Seiko may be aiming this for the kid’s market. Bought by parents who like Seikos but don’t want collabs with anime franchises.
As for pricing: we have to remember that Seiko’s international marketing strategy is to be more upmarket than Casio / Timex / etc. So something like this couldn’t be less than $200 US, in their eyes, if they thought there was any international appeal beyond the Asian marketplace.
Final point: if they used the colorways that they did with the Solar Tuna Street Series, that might have flown better.
Hey Jody I actually like this watch but in the UK can’t find it for sale online anywhere! Where did you snag yours from? Thanks
If it were $100 cheaper ppl would be all over it. I know I would anyway
@Jody I wish someone would explain *WHAT is RESIN?* Is the case made of just another plastic or is it different?
I think Seiko has missed a trick here. They already have several ‘Save the Ocean’ collabs so the usp for this resin watch could have been that it was made entirely from recycled ocean plastics. I realise that Triwa and Timex have already done similar but I’d much rather buy an ocean plastics watch from Seiko. Shame really. I’ll be giving this one a wide berth (see what I did there 😂).
You should contact Seiko with your feedback, give them a stern taking to.
@@BosworthMcG 🤣
I just bought the blue. I LOVE it! It's so light and comfortable, I'll take 39mm plastic at 56g over a 42mm 130g hunk of steel anytime
I actually really like the simple, clean design, and small size. It’s hard to come by a nice diver under 40mm. The dealbreakers to me are the bottlecap edging on the bezel, the truly disgusting off-white resin case (can you imagine what that is going to look like after wearing it for a month), …. Oh and obviously it’s wayyy too expensive. Close but no cigar!
I assume the resin case also isn't as durable, and more prone to dings/scratches?
This is a great little offering from Seiko, the mistake made here was the price point and marketing. If it was marketed to the youth at $99 it would have been a hit.
Well, Alpina managed to keep the clicky bezel on the recycled ocean plastic case Gyre editions of the Seastrong.
I didn’t know these things existed and I actually think Seiko could be onto something here - a very cool ‘enthusiasts beater’ - all they need to do is swap the auto movement for a quartz to reduce costs, include a battery change hatch (like a Swatch), drop the price to around £99, get their marketing right and they’d sell like hot cakes - after that they could release countless spin off models of classic Seiko divers in smaller resin case sizes - imagine how cool a baby resin Tuna, Willard or Turtle would be in super affordable form - mega collectible and could even be sold in full sets - then there’s all the themed franchise versions that would follow - arty version, collaborations, etc - if Swatch have had so much success with these ideas why not Seiko? - and leave the rest of the Seiko 5 line up as the intermediate ‘grown up’ model line
Can someone explain why the Casio Duro Marlin is supposed to be reversed about 4 or 5 minutes before setting the time? Does it in anyway harm the watch if I fail to reverse it before setting the time?
You realise by telling all of us “it’s been a total failure” you’ve now made it a sought after classic……
Where can I get one?
(Damn, not available in UK. And now I really like it!)
That's vintage watch collecting in a nutshell: the unpopular watches of the day end up being the most collectible a few decades later. Because people didn't want to buy them back then there aren't that many of them around so they're exclusive now.
Size is perfect IMO all it needs is a solar quartz movement and a lower price tag.
I have to disagree with your points regarding the 18mm strap being too small.
It's all a matter of proportion - fitting a 20mm + strap on a watch that is 39mm in diameter and about 45mm ± lug to lug will make the watch look totally imbalanced.
And most 20mm + straps taper down to 18mm or less, so I can't see how people would find an 18mm strap "too small" for them.
Cheers for the review!!
What is the water resistance on it if any? If I could pick one up for under $100 I could wear it to the beach.
Not really for me but at the right price could be an option for a child's first mechanical watch
How come this is sold only in Australia? I can't find it anywhere else including the JDM. I have quite a few "resin" or composite based watches so this is of interest to me. Anyone know of a Global purchasing site?
Why I can't find the sprg79k1? I can only find the sprd79k1 or sprd79? Is it a different letter because I am on the states?
Hello Jodi, like the size and look of this watch. My ideas are if the case colour was made with different colours and not the dial , plus put a quarts in it.
I am sure it would sell if the price was much lower.
For that kind of money, they should have made it from kevlar or silicon carbide rather than just resin as its unique selling point.
@150 AUD it's worth buying. Can Orient hit that price for any automatic dive style?
Is 18mm really a dealbreaker? Some of my favorite watches have 18mm lug width, although I get that it might not suit big wrists
I can’t find these on Amazon.
I think 39mm is fine (I've got an old 80s 4205 that's 38mm and works nicely) what this thing needs is 20mm lug width, and if Seiko are going to use plastics they need to add a splash of colour boring creams, greys and black won't shift it. The market is very much the Swatch one, they need to drop the prices, dial up the colour, keep the Seiko styling and shape but recognise this isn't going to sell to the same crowd as more traditional stainless cased 5's...
Are these only available in Australia? Been waiting to get my hands on one for a while now in the UK
I really like the looks of this watch, especially the all grey one.
It feels like a nice watch for weekend activities, and the matte aspect gives a touch of originality.
I think if seiko put a quartz or solar movement in this case and dropped the price to below 150usd it would be a very nice offering.
This looks like a good casual wear watch. This would look great in the summer with some Hawaiian floral shirt and shorts. It just needs to be a bit more affordable.
Where did you buy yours?
What Angelino said. Should have reduced the the price point and gone grab and go Quartz.
Also, as you said Jody, should have done 42mm full size body as in SKX size and with quartz + poly case = lower weight and more comfort.
Seiko throws a lot of mud at the wall...a lot of good mud too ;-) and some sticks better than others.
Personally, my pet interest which likely will never happen is...an upscale SKX reissue with Ti case and Tuna Quartz movement. That watch I would get in line to buy. Light, the right look and dead accurate.
Happy New Year.
The MSRP is too high but I wouldn't mind one on sale. I daily a SKX013 and love it's size. A lighter version of that sounds great! I just wish they made it 20mm as well.
Unfortunately they do appear to only be available in Australia.
When I Google SRPG79K1 I got no hits at all, only the SRPD79K1 is presented. Is it under censor?
I was waiting for the sizing because right from the start of the video the watch looked absolutely miniscule. I would have guessed 36mm. For some reason it just looks tiny.
I tried these on in store, as a guy with ≤ 6 inch wrists I think they're fantastic. The two I saw were all black and all navy though! I think they were also located in the women's section unfortunately....
That plastic seiko should cost between $60~80, anything more than that I would prefer to get an “Aliexpress special” that not only would be metallic case + sapphire but mostly would have a NH35~36 inside.
If that watch was a quartz would’ve the same price that those Casio, they seems to be targeting the same costumers.
Nowadays people who buy an automatic watch are like those who buy vinyl disks, we choice to do it mostly for nostalgic reasons.
I like it. Reminds me of the Tag Heuer F1 mk1, the resin one from 1985. Although the Tag was a 35mm. It was a fun watch but not cheap for a resin one. I had 3 of them, one is still in my collection today.
Love the size! I’ve never heard of this model Seiko. Is it available in the USA?
I rather like the grey version, and sizing would probably work quite well on my 15cm wrist. Doesn't seem available from any UK retailers.
The grey one is great(for me). Both in sizing and weight. Plenty of 18 mm straps in the collection because of 2 SNK's. Lume looks ok as well. Not missing any markers like on that crappy Moonswatch.
Does anyone know if the strap is removable? Or, does it have fixed spring bars?
I have never heard of this watch. Can’t find it in the Seiko site. Can’t find it anywhere in the US.
I wouldn't mind the weight or the materials, and I frequently wear a couple of other resin watches. The size is a deal breaker for me- I typically don't go below 41 or 42mm, and I definitely wouldn't want 18mm lug width. I might buy one if it was 40mm/20mm. Another issue is the styling- the color scheme is not exciting. One attraction to the Moonswatch is the fun of the different color schemes. The Seiko with a white case doesn't provide the same excitement. Also I dare say it might fit the character of the watch more to give it a quartz movement and price it accordingly.
Thinking about it, I prefer that they don't keep flogging that 42mm SKX form factor, and are trying something new. We've seen enough of that case shape and size with all the SKX and 5KX variants. As soon as this SRPG79K1 becomes available in the US I'll be picking one up, FOR SURE.
Interesting to compare the Marathon Navigator. Resin case, quartz movement, costs more than either the Seiko or the Casio. Doesn't really add up somewhere.
Hmmm these don’t seem to be available in the UK ? If they were I would buy one
This is an entire family of 9 models with plastic cases that has been released to the Chinese market 2021&2022, according to plus9time.
Quoting from hist 2021 blog post:
Five models were announced for the Chinese market utilising a cream colored plastic case 39.0mm in diameter and 12.42mm thick. They are fitted with a stainless steel case back and have an 18mm lug width. These are the cream dialled SRPG71K1, green SRPG73K1, blue SRPG75K1, brown SRPG77K1, and black SRPG79K1. All are powered by the 4R36 automatic movement.
...
Three additional Chinese market models were the grey SRPG81K1, blue SRPG85K1, and black SRPG87K1. These each have a 39.0mm diameter and 12.42mm thick composite (plastic) case and bezel, with a stainless steel back. They are each powered by the automatic 4R36, and have a 18mm lug width with silicone strap. The models are rated for 100m water resistance.
And in 2022:
A compact plastic cased Five Sports model for the Chinese market was released with the green SRPG83. This houses a 4R36 automatic movement in a 39 x 12.42mm plastic case weighing in at 56 grams. A range of other colorways, gray SRPG81, blue SRPG85, black SRPG87, were released last year in China with the same case design and materials, but for some reason the green SRPG83 was held back for release this year.
Seiko only realeased this for oceania market as a limited run in a awareness campaign against Oceans plastic. It is not even available for sale elsewhere than Australia and New Zealand.
Cool looking watch. If they made one in a 41 or 42 mm with a 22 mm strap I buy one in a heartbeat, but at that size there's too many things going against it for me to want to buy it.
Thanks for the review, I don't think this has anything at all to do with the moonswatch debacle but all the same it's a turkey, I did think why did they not pop a cheap quartz movement in it and sell it at a reasonable price but that's why they make lorus, pulsar alba too, I don't know who's supposed to be buying this watch and don't know what seiko was thinking !
What kind of book is behind you "World of Time"? Who is the author, if it's a book, I can't find it.
Absolute madness!
I recently picked up the new Seiko 5 GMT. While it retails at £400 in the UK, I got it with Tesco Clubcard vouchers at Goldsmiths.
And, this meant that I only "paid" the equivalent of £133.33 since Tesco vouchers convert 1 to 3 when used at retailers! Feels like a free watch, result!
Link to purchase?
Not picked up on this one in the UK. Odd and over-priced. Think they tried to compete with two Swatch ranges, sistem51 and Moonswatch. Wonder if the dial, hands and movement would swap into an Ali Express case and make a decent watch? I think the 18mm lug width may have something to do with the strength of the case itself.
Personally, I really like the watch. The proportions and colors are right. It is even harder to find a 39mm diver watch nowadays. I would swap the strap with a white Nato or Tropic strap and that would complete the look. Considering the automatic movement, I think there is nothing wrong with this model despite the price.
It is not a diver.
Hey Jody if your looking for a German Made watch for an affordable price try to look at Zeppelin. I own a LZ126 Los Angeles dual time and I love it. I hope you'll consider one they really are great watches.
It's nice, but I'm thinking the kind of people who like the SKX are the type of people who prefer traditional materials. If it was cheaper it might find its niche.
Weird…I want one! 😂 Plastic watch+automatic movement+lumibrite. Its a weird combo and i like it! Hope the price is reasonable. When my wife ask me, another watch?? My answer will be, i bought this for our son birthday😁
The lug width does seem a bit out of place for a dive style watch, more at home on something like the popular SNKL23 and other Seiko 5's from that era.
I quite like it, particularly the grey one. Now going to look for one at a reasonable price!
Are they made for APAC? Can't find them anywhere else on the planet.
I like it and would buy it (at the right price!) but they are not available in the UK! Shipping from abroad really messes with the economics.
It looks nice and fun but like you have said, the price point is wrong. It seems to inspire from Tag Heuer late 80s small Formula 1 as well. But Tag Heuer nailed it with the right lowest price for Tag Heuer watches and only the bezel not the case is made of resin.
'Limited edition' in a test market ? On the Starbuy site, in the model description "Stand out from the crowd with this special series of Seiko 5 Sports models. Limited Quantities released in Australia and NZ."
Not sure they chose the right market.
What I don't like about mechanical watches, is they are delicate for when wearing. Got to be careful with them. After about 4 to 5 years mechanical watches usually require cleaning and maintenance. Because of the time involved a watch service person would charge more than what the watch cost to buy it.
When I buy a mechanical watch I go with a high end type. Expensive, but worth it. For regular watch wearing I wear a rugged quartz watch that I can do rough work. My daily quartz watch is usually the Casio GWG-2000. I also have some other similar watches in the Casio. Very rugged and no worry if it is treated rough.
it doesn’t even have bold fun colourways, which was another major appeal of the moonswatch.
I...don't hate it? I'd wear one. Yeah, MSRP is way too high, but I'd genuinely wear a resin auto as a weekend watch. At market pricing of $130 USD, which is what it sells for currently on Starbuy, that's not a bad watch.
But as pointed out, for just over $50 more, you get an actual 5KX. So...idk.
I was lucky enough to buy this on a "super sales day" on JD.com (yes, I live in China), on the last day of 2022. Price was 372 CNY (54 USD). I had no idea what I was getting, as like you mentioned not many reviews can be found online, but it was an automatic Seiko 5 on the official Seiko store on JD.com, so I said to myself "oh what the hell" and just went for it. For that price anything is a bargain, but for more than 200 USD???? Are you serious? Greetings from Shanghai, great channel!