Call me crazy, but I actually love what Seiko is doing with the 5 Sports line. They are significantly higher quality than the old 5 line, with better movements and better straps/bracelets. The line is more focused as well. A little higher priced, but still priced right in line with what you’re getting. I have lots of much more expensive watches, and never felt compelled to get a Seiko 5 until the new refresh. Now I have 3, lol.
I bought 3 of the old smaller ones as gifts when they were more like $60-65. Now, to get a Seiko automatic movement in a $60 watch you have to get something from the Invicta/Pagani Teir. I'll wear those brands personally, but I liked buying other people at least a name they recognized. IMHO this is a big loss for Seiko AND the rest of the watch world. Is it worth it to get yet another $200 mid tier Sekio line? We already had like 30 of those...
@@kleinbottled79 Seikos best watches are above 400 Dollars. In that category Seiko is absolute unbeatable. Why would you look for 60 Dollar watches with low end Movements?
Great watches/price. I think just when comparing to older models they replaced is when people have problems. But like he said, just wait a little for prices to settle down.
The funny thing is, I never could work out why the SNZ field watches were 42mm and the SNK pilot's watches were 37mm... normally you'd swap that around. Pilot's watches are typically larger, and field watches are commonly smaller. 💁♂💁♂Guess it doesn't matter now!
No-one at Seiko ever said that the SNZ was a field watch, if I recall correctly. That 42mm design was oddly reminiscent of the pilot's watches that the Japanse used in WWII, also produced by Seikosha. The SNK has a dial that was reminiscent of a German B-dialed Beobachtungsuhr, and as such is an oddity coming from Seiko as far as historic watches are concerned. That said, the SNK was not something I ever recommended, because they were only 30m water resistant, which is a shit spec if you think about the 5 basic tenets of the Seiko 5 line. And it had an antiquated 7s26 movement without hacking and handwinding. And the strap was a piece of junk, much like the strap of the original SARB017, for what that's worth. The new SRPG is a lovely 39mm size, the only problem is that it's a bit too thick at 13mm. The 39mm though is a much better diameter, period. It's in the goldilocks zone for casual / sporty watches for many wrist sizes. The SRPH is also much better than the old SNK models in that it has a more functional movement and 100m water resistance. Design-wise they are also much improved: better hands, better length, dial without this weird raised plastic ring of the SNZ, thus leading to a more harmonious look. Ever since the series' inception in the 60's, Seiko 5 meant a watch that adheres to five principles: shock proof, water proof, automatic, day-date and durable. The old SNK never delivered on water proof, so it was a Seiko 4 at best. Even the new 5KX is selling like hotcakes in all kinds of funky versions, so it seems like that strategy pays off. And 100m WR is still ISO compliant. :) So I don't know what this channel's problem is. Seiko is knocking this one out of the park, both in style and specifications. This constant bitching and whining about "jacking the price up" also bores me to tears. Folks always look at the end-game Amazon price of the old model, compare it to the RRP of the new model and then complain that the price went up too far, while sidestepping the improvements and the fact that prices in the retail channel never end up being the full RRP. This has been true for 30 years, and there's nothing new going on today. SARBS also had an RRP of 450 USD, while ending up at 275. Does anyone reacting in this thread or threads like it even know what the actual RRP of the SNZ, SNK, SKX or SARB even was? Meanwhile I never hear anyone whine about brands like Stowa raising prices by 10% per year over the last 6 years, thus ending up with the same flieger you bought for 540,- in 2014 at 1150 bucks in 2022. :) I'm specifically not mentioning Rolex and JLC pricing here either, because luxury and irrationality. Then the complaining about Seiko 5 becoming a fashion watch. Seiko 5's have come in soooooo many variations over the last 50 odd years that you could argue it was a fashionable range ever since the sixties. In fact, Seiko has never had an expressly military range, because, well, because the Japanese don't really boast a lot about military things after WWII. Damn, their constitution even states the military is not to be seen as an offensive force, it's purely there for defence of the realm. In short: I'm unsure why I still bother with this channel because it's a vinegar-pissing in inaccurate "it used to be better before" rhetoric with a click-bait-ish title slapped on top.
I'd take a 39mm over a 42mm or 37mm any day. They took two models that looked nice to me, but were the wrong size and packaged them in a perfect 39mm. Two thumbs up from me. Good job Seiko.
Don’t forget about those of us who prefer the 36-38mm space. Seiko for example does not have a single modern mechanical dive watch under 40mm. From the brand the gave us the SKX013, such a shame.
The SNK is a good field watch. Small, follows the traditional rules of the Seiko 5 aesthetic and design code and easy to upgrade it with sapphire crystal and an NH36 movement which is what I did with mine.
@@buying_Time yes, no problem at all. Just use the movement ring from the original case, and you will likely have to swap over the day and date disc from old movement to the new one.
I prefer them over the previous, but to be completely honest, they can really do a better job with the overall heaight of the watch, they don’t need a open case back and they can surely shave a couple of mm to make these around 11.5 to 12mm thick! Cmon Seiko!
Seems a little expensive for what it is, but I think it's got some good upgrades: 1) Better movement 2) It sounds like a better strap. (You didn't complain much about the strap, whereas the straps on the 809 are absolute shit). 3) Drilled lugs are a definite improvement. I'm not sure it quite justifies its price (especially with just a Hardlex crystal), but it seems like a significant upgrade.
i got the sprg27 for 180 it has 10bar water resistance, the movement is great for the price it lags about 6 seconds a day ( i dont have a machine to test this) and has hacking and handwinding. The bracelet is comfortable and looks sturdy with good closing mechanism. I really like the diameter and style. Although i really liked the looks of the snk381 because it looks almost exactly like the mac v sog watches. So i think its def worth the price and agreat watch i dont know if its still the same value though. Things i dont like are the numerals are not lumed and maybe better crystal but i like the slight dome.
I think part of it is Seiko's reaction to Chinese companies like San Martin, Cronos and even Steel Dive encroaching on Seiko's "affordable" market share with better specced watches at the same or even a lower price. And when people realize that the affordable Seikos are made in China, then it gets even muddier. I think Seiko has little choice but to abandon that segment to Orient and move the Seiko brand upwards.
@@3rdpig They should make Seiko their mid to higher tier brand and finally make Lorus and Pulsars as their lower tier available worldwide. Orient and Citizen should both stay a mid range brands for them. Thats how I would re-position Epson-Seiko in the market.
I'd argue the 'dress KX' SRPE models are the best value Seikos. I've picked up various versions for £130. Great watches and easy to mod now there's plenty of after market parts for it.
And it's also a different and special design. These new srph models look too generic and the srpg dials are better.. They lost that special thing that made the snk80x be a perfect military on a Nato strap watch.. But the green dressKX could be the new and better field/ nato type watch, if only there was a beadblasted version.
The SRPE with its iconic, bold yet restrained aesthetics and its quite refined case finishing is just awesome! Without the logo I wouldn't believe it's a Seiko 5. Why mod it if it's already perfect?
I really love the new Seiko 5 lineup and I actually understand and like the approach Seiko is choosing here. I mean, we had the "original" Seiko 5's around for decades and even though there were many amazing models there, honestly, there was nothing new to discover. Yes, that was also the reason why they were so cheap - tried and proven designs, all developemnt and design cost paid for decades ago, so these went just for the price of the fabrication. Yes, my first mechanical watch was the SNZG (that odd cream one ;-) ), I bought a few other 5s since, I also bought the SNK for my father a few years ago. But the line was going nowhere. With the reboot of the lineup, there are things happening. And yes, it's clear that Seiko chose a bit different way here. There will be more shared cases design, being it cost-cutting or parts-bin-optimization, I don't know. On the other hand, there has been a new emphasis on finishes, dial design and other fun elements. And there are models that us watch-nerds can love too. My personal favorite is the DressKX lineup, those are true GADA watches, with quite some variations and a great modding potential. Yes, the Seiko 5 lineup may not be that gateway watch in many cases, but in many, it will. Mainly many of the 5KX models can be a getaway watch not for kids, as some older 5s, but for young ones... Those, who in fact know only smartwatches nowadays. And that's a good thing and I thing a larger audience. Plus there's of course the question what comes next. The lineup is ever-growing since the reboot and I'm really curioust what we'll see next.
I have bought, modded, and sold/given as gifts probably 20 SNK watches through the years. Fantastic watch for modding. The bezel polishes up very nicely. I will miss that watch.
The SNK and SNZG are two of the greatest watches that Seiko have produced. I have both and they were arguably the perfect introduction into the world of mechanical/automatic watches. How Seiko can realistically justify the price of these latest pieces is unknown to me. At $75 - 100 cheaper they would make more sense. I don't doubt the quality of the watches but they seem to run counter to the Seiko 5 philosophy.
I think I know why they did it!!! They wanted to create a common size so they could produce both watches from the same assembly line slimming down the process and eliminating one production line. They wanted to increase the price of both watches. They wanted to remove any kind of water resistance indication from the dials so as to steer away those consumers purchasing because they are concerned about how water resistant the watch is over some other model type at least when viewing from above!!
I'd say it's worth $200-$250 new. Seiko's just asking too much at the moment. In fact, I'd say it's getting too close to the price of the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic which is a much nicer watch.
I'm looking at this a bit selfishly. The SNK was my first automatic, and I really fell in love with the type B flieger style dial. But it was too small for me, and I wasn't a big fan of the handset. I like the style of the hands on this one much better, and the 39.5mm case puts it into my comfort zone. It's still too expensive, but when the price drops, I might be picking it up. But I agree with your rant in principle, it's disappointing to see Seiko's budget range get less diversity in case sizes.
Hey Dave! This size also fits me better, but somehow I much prefer the SNZG. Looking forward to your thoughts about the wee cocktail time. What a dial!
I think Seiko recognized the potential in industrializing the modding of their watches. :) Looking forward to them introducing a full-on watch configurator where you choose the case, dial, hands, movement and straps. This may be too far out for just now, but I think they'll get there...
Street prices are generally ok I'd say and they're readily available in the EU now. Even AliExpress watches have gotten more expensive recently and with Seiko 5 I don't need to deal with importing hassle so I generally like Seiko's move
Hello, Jody! I enjoyed this rant and, as usual, we are of similar minds. The SNK is not a better watch than the SRPH, but it is so dear to the hearts of so many of us who became infatuated with mechanical watches as a result of encountering it, that it makes me sad to see it be re-jiggered and swole up (both physically, and monetarily) in this way. Such is the eventual fate, though, of all watch styles, eh? I like my blue SNZG11, but I'll never love it like I do my SNKs. Excuse me while I go buy a green SNK. ✌️❤️⌚
Totally agree regarding thickness. 13.2mm is ridiculous for a 39mm wide case. If glycine can give you 11mm 200m dive watches, seiko should be able to pull this off for 100m no-bezel.
It's a pity that they used the same case for the 2 series. To those if us with smaller wrist, the new model will not fit as good as the good old SNK due to the 47.7mm lug to lug distance.
Yup, the small size was what drew me to the SNK. I actually have two of them... and well south of $100. They doubled the price and messed up the size. I like the 4R movement a lot, though. Had they thrown sapphire in there they would fly off the shelves I bet. Seiko needs to get over hardlex and start putting sapphire in just about everything.
All I wanted was a 34-38mm seiko field watch with 7s movement and screw down crown… but here we are… Seiko is strictly following the steps of Bulova asking more to give you less… I’d even go as far as to say that they are not much different than random “stylish” brands from Amazon… Forgot their roots, forgot what quality control means… Soulless junk.
Bulova is a good comparison. Right now 95% of Bulova's offerings are junk - the only worthwhile stuff they make are their historical reissues and a couple of their high-end limited editions. I suspect Seiko's going to wind up looking very similar in a few years.
While these “domestic” Seiko releases are extremely underwhelming for the price, their Spirit line is filled with excellent value. Many of the watches in that line have sapphire crystals, great specs, and designs. They’re Japan only, but easily found all over EBay. I’m eying the solar Chrono and the solar wold time. Both look like great pieces. Admittedly, I do really like the look of the "pilot" version, but no way at $200+. If I could get one at $150, or so, that's more reasonable (and then worth throwing a sapphire crystal in).
Economist advice! Cheaper production costs, but a compromise. I was looking at the older models a few years back….but bought a Citizen Model: BM8180-03E with green canvas strap, under $130 kiwi pesos, because 🤷♂️ (maybe because I’d bought a Promaster dive and liked the eco drive concept after paying for an older watch battery change…Animal Ti)
I usually prefer the pre-"sports/street" models from Seiko but this is one they got right I think. The hands and dial look much more premium, I always thought the previous SNK line looked cheap.
The 4R movt is far superior - can be regulated to achieve impressive accuracy - these watches are worth every cent of the discounted price they will actually sell for.
I have the SRPH21 with champagne sunburst dial and let me tell you, this thing goes visually toe to toe with Hammy Khaki. This is miles ahead of SNK case design and finish. While comparing to SNK: +100WR vs. unusable 30WR +4R36 vs. 7S26 +Drilled lugs +Beautiful finishing +Proper size for a flieger This is a watch even seasoned enthusiast can enjoy fully. SNK was a cheap entry with a great dial layout, which they kept and improved the rest.
Yeah wow a lot going on here.. The good: Goldilocks size at ~39.4mm - the drilled lugs - and the better movement The bad: Too thick - non-matching day/date window - and a price point that has me looking more toward a Hamilton variant.. Cheers Jody ! Rock on.
I for one welcome the changes that Seiko decided to do. I think they look way better than the older models. Really appreciate the better movement, and those little details (like the blacked hands). These new field/pilot watches are now seriously competing with the Hamilton Khaki Field line. I decided to go for one of these as the Hammy's are still double the price of the Seiko SRPG. When it comes to their new Seiko 5 Range. I feel like its heavily geared towards the younger generation (I'd say Boys and Girls in their 20's to mid 30's). They even host giveaways on Instagram, where you have to show off the way you combine the watch with your outfit.
As an engineer and with probably a healthy dose of "when you're a hammer" I think they do this to increase margins. You have one case for two watches which is a hell of a lot easier and cheaper to produce. And let's be honest, most people are complete pansies. They wear black, blue, white, grey and maybe a bit of green or beige if they've taken their brave pills. So yes, in a world of pandemics and uncertain production chains, companies will play it safe resulting in boring and expensive watches with little value if any. Get used to it, it's not going away.
You hit the nail on the head, Jody. I get the repackaging of the brand but honestly the prices are ridiculous for what they are offering. There was much better value before.
I'm glad I bought my two SNZG watches before this. When I got my first one, I was surprised that the movement didn't hack and hand wind, unlike my less expensive Invicta Pro Divers. Still, they're great watches and I enjoy wearing them. When the new versions came out, I was disappointed. Sure, they had better movements, but I didn't see how the upgrades warranted more than doubling the price. Even if I hadn't bought my SNZGs, I can't see myself buying either of these watches. Thanks for another great video.
I think it's really funny that you mentioned that the watch is worth about $175, because here in the states, when this watch was released, almost immediately it started showing up on gray market retailers for almost exactly that price. I also think Seiko is stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to listening to customers: the SNK80x line is great, but as much has 37 mm is a positive, a lot of people saw it as a drawback because they said it was too small, and the SNZG line was called too big at 42mm, even though, as you say, there are people out there who won't touch anything under 40mm. What they may not have seen however is that the people who bought the SNK line bought that line because the SNZG line was too big, and vice versa. Now I'm not sure if no one or everyone is happy. But again, just like the SKX, all they had to do was put the 4R movement and an updated dial and handset in (and those drilled lugs) to the SNK and it would have been stunning. None of this matters, of course, to anyone buying these because they are fashionable, so maybe all this is a moot point.
Could have made the upgrades to the SNK and the SNZG and kept everybody happy as ZCherish already mentioned. The 4R is a solid movement and the hand winding and hacking deserve a small increase in price, but not the price advertised. For me personally I don't buy watches above 40mm because I don't like the look even though I have a 7" wrist.
I think these two count as different watches. The dial and hands are major parts of a watches appearance, the way they're used and the individuals they appeal to.
I have 3 Snks, black, green and not so funny cream. I find that although missing hacking and hand winding the 7S26 is more consistent at actually telling the time than the 4Rs that I have. 37mm is fine for me.The SNK809 came on a bracelet for £65 so these new ones don't offer anything that would tempt me.
My old SKX007 and 7S26 Seiko 5 unregulated watches have been more stable and accurate long term timekeepers than the 4r36 Seiko 5 I bought. It was OK for a couple of years then suddenly started becoming erratic and seemed to have been affected by magnetism. I had it demagnetized and it soon went wrong again. Demagnetized again, regulated by a watchsmith, and flipped it.
Seikos Moving up stream all around but also the case and metallurgy is a bit better with the new watch also they are using coatings that increases the cost along with the basic world economy shifting , just look at food, gas, rent , housing, cars everything has gone up and will most likely stay up.
Plus points; Domed crystal Orange accents and lume, adding visual interest. Good looking, colour matching strap. Good size for modern tastes. Minus points; Expensive Case is not bead blasted as the SNK series was. A great aesthetic choice for a tool watch. Handset whilst decent in shape and form, isn’t my personal cup of tea unlike my SNK803. Generic case size, the SNK’s have certain charm with a 37mm diameter. Overall rating….I’ll keep my SNK803 and may purchase another before they become harder to find and more expensive.
Just got the Islander Field Watch. It is a spec monster but needs a new strap the leather/nylon is absolute crap. Put a nato on it it and it is awesome! Hand winding Hacking Sapphire Crystal Date complication Visible back (just cool, no real need)
i found this video by accident (was searching up Japanese pop musician Seiko Oomori), but, I always enjoy watching channels made for very specific hobbies (even ones I don't partake in), because I like hearing people nerd out about stuff they're very passionate about. Love this video, even though I'm not a watch person (yet).
I prefer the case finish on this to the other same same model though you're right, they are too pricey currently and can't believe seiko haven't made the sizes different. Pilot bigger, field smaller, but obviously seiko don't seem to care. To me Seiko are no longer the value king and I'm glad we have Orient to take that mantel. Great work as always and enjoyed the rant.
I brought my nephew an SNK for Christmas 2020. They're great watches for teenagers or were I suppose as the value isn't really there anymore, not in Ireland anyway. I actually like the new sizes and them being the same across the two models in fine with me as it's a great size for my wrist. They're good looking watches as well in fairness.. I'd definitely like the all black one. But the Seiko tax is tough to swallow. I think I'd save a bit more and buy a Hamilton Khaki Field especially the mechanical.
I normally agree with you, but I guess I'm in the minority because I like both of the new ones better, visually at least. I just got the SRPG35 and I love it. I wouldn't of minded if it was 41 or 42 but I still love it.
Works well for me - it's brushed and not bead blasted (easier to polish out), 39mm in size, which makes it perfect for small wrists, 100mm instead of 30mm, ideal for the more adventurous types out there, plus it's an attractive watch made by a reputable company. Negatives...mineral and domed crystal so that's possibly tempting fate, but if you're careful, it should serve you well, and when it gets bad enough to bug you, a Seiko sapphire mod (done by yourself or watch specialist) is relatively easy to do.
If this were any other brand, $275 is exactly what we would expect for such a package. The only reason it seems expensive is because we can’t help but compare it to older models that have been around so long that they have been reduced to the price of their base components.
And inflation has priced them out of the market. I think it is a valid strategy. I need the size of these older Seiko 5 watches though, that is what brought me to Seiko and made me stay. Fashion should turn around. I don't need a plate on my wrist.
Picked this one up a few days ago, at a fairly decent price, still not amazing but definitely doable 250eu (it is what it is). However I found it very charming and inviting In person. Honestly it was exactly what I was looking for. Rugged enough in look / style for day to day use, yet clean enough to accompany a step up in “ aesthetic “. The green is darker than it is on camera and in pictures, that it’s almost elegant. The rough texture of the dial is really lovely. And indeed surprisingly enough I fell in love with the legibility of the face via the sword/syringe hybrid hands. Practically perfect. Again it’s only been a few days but it’s really growing on me. I particularly enjoy the highlighted orange pips. And the lume sufficient enough for night use after one quick charge. All in all I’m actually satisfied and the quality of the watch is almost visceral. Happy I picked it up and it is probably going to be my main day to day, and even may replace my tissot chrono… TBD. I can understand the legacy mindset and I also wouldn’t have minded a further price cut, however this watch almost feels it’s price and I’ve quite shockingly gotten several compliments on it already which usually doesn’t happen even for more pricey watches in my collection. So ultimately I say It wears great. Looks just right. Its comfortable to wear. 7.9/10 would recommend (Will update if anything changes)
You ask yourself why the SRPG and SRPH are so similar and why they made it in the same dimensions, but if you look closely they have the exact same case. Seiko being a massive corporation is looking for ways to cut cost and streamline production, so making two models with the exact same case and movement is a no brainer for them
Future price settling or no, it's just really difficult for me to see the value proposition of this watch. I am among the countless enthusiasts who, as Jody intimated, were introduced to automatic timepieces with the SNK805. I got it on sale for US$40. I still adore that little SNK. I fully admit that the SRPH is overall a better watch (strap, WR, movement, drilled lugs, etc). And every bit as, if not slightly better looking than the old standard. But even if it eventually drops below US$200, I just can't see it ever replacing my SNK805. I really miss the days when there were true bargains in the Seiko automatic range. But as always Jody, thank you for another excellent video.
I wish I would’ve bought a Seiko SNK when they were still within my budget. I’m happy with my collection of Timex, Casio, and Invicta watches, but at one time a Seiko SNK would’ve been a more prominent brand for similar cash.
I picked up my SNK803 for about $75-80 a few years ago. It's currently $93 on Amazon. The blue and black dials are $93 and $96 respectively on Jomashop. The prices have gone up, but still
I have one. The half flieger/half field look gets a lot of compliments and wears well, but agree would prefer it to be a bit thinner. Dislike the firmness of the included strap though it is a smart choice of material and color. Bought new for $195... I'm happy with this tooly do-it-all piece.
I actually really, really like what Seiko has done with this line of watches. Honestly, the 42mm SNZG was just way too big for what it was. The SNK was too small for a pilot. These meet in a good sweet spot. And to my eyes, they look a lot better, with a range of different dials and styles for just about anyone. I think this was an absolutely brilliant move from Seiko and one which I appreciate. One note on the price. The prices you've shown were probably from grey market retailers. From AD's, these watches were considerably more expensive. More akin to the new Seiko 5s. And in years to come, the prices on the new ones will drop. I can already pick up the new Seiko 5 field watch for about $150. And at that price, I think it's much better value than the older SNZG
I just recieved a Bulova Hack. 250cad brand new, a bit thick but on my 7.25 inch wrist it helps due to its only 38mm diameter. Gorgeous watch, best strap, good lume, great price. Not the most buttery of feelings when winding but so far so good.
What i think about the new Seiko range is that no matter what they list them for, the market will decide their true value. If they can maintain a price near to what they are being listed at then we just have to accept that their watches were undervalued in previous times.
I've owned two of their old classic field watch in the past. First one broke, I don't know what happened to the second one, I think it got lost the last time I moved. Wanted another one and looked at it today. The cheapest one I can find on Amazon now is $140, that is insane. I know there's inflation, and it's been discontinued for a while, so some of that is probably because of scarcity if I had to guess, but that sucks that now as far as I know there isn't an equivalent watch filling that little niche in the market that it used to of a very attractive and modest looking automatic that was good quality for the price, while also being an ultra cheap entry level mechanical watch. If I knew I would want one again, the last time I got one I would have bought two and then just sent one aside in a secure place for when I felt like getting back into it now. The next step up is 200, and the addition of manual winding and hacking it to me is not really worth that. Is not a lot of other watches that I would rather buy for that money, but there are some that are a bit more expensive where I would rather just save the money and put it toward that instead because that would be a fair chunk of the price.
I will buy other watches all day long to scratch the itch. I still haven’t seen or found a Seiko I like for a price I can live with. And I do like Seiko. My collection is getting ridiculous at ~30 watches with only one vintage Seiko, I inherited from my father in law…his 25th anniversary watch from the steel mill he slaved at for decades. Sorry to be so opinionated but I think Seikos are under spec’d and over priced. Amazing video Jody. They just keep getting better. Merci!
As an avid lover of the snk809 and 803 (yes, I like the sand coloured one the most), I am very sad about the resizing of this watch. I have 16cm wrists and the new watch is simply too big for me. I get that the bigger size is more becoming of a Flieger, but still it comes with some major negatives as well. I think the Snk803-809 was always a watch that was easy and comfortable for every day wear. It had a certain simple playful elegance to it. Yes, the upgraded watch has a better fitting set of hands and especially the different colour lume is a vast improvement for reading the correct time at night, but much is lost in bulkines and the case is brushed, and lost it mat shine.
The great re-set, consolodate the range, standardize the sizes, upgrade the spec, double the target price. The sales price will find its own level, meantime we will vote with our wrists.............. see what I did there.......great review Jody.
I rarely wear my seikos anymore. I still love my blue airdiver, and I have my pepsi samurai. I also have a vintage tan-lume 700j that needs a bezel, and I’m not sure that I will keep that one. They aren’t churning out too much that interests me these days. I’d pick up a pawnshop find, but I’m not buying retail. I have a few microbrands with seiko engines in them, and truthfully it gives me more fizz to play with those. I think I’ll buy the maratac field watch next.
Sooo... I do what everyone does. I make a watch purchase and then spend days watching reviews of said watch to justify the purchase. I bought the srph33k black and orange and LOVE it. Actually 'love it' is doiong my current watch honeymoon an injustice. I adore it. The black and orange colourway is a striking winner. Perfect size too. I'm so in love with it. Having spent $$$ on Swiss of late -I'm so jumping onboard the Seiko 5 train. Toot toot! [edit - I purchased for just over $300 Aussie]
I brought back then the SNZG (new) and by dicovering the SRPG with smaller diameter, hacking and hand-winding, I was lucky to get a used one, optically unused for a very good price. Now I wear only the SRPG and will sell the SNZG. With the new symbols and the metal put on numbers (instead of the painted ones), the chrome instead of the white hands, the domed crystal, the SRPG looks more valuable in my eyes and more "old school" (less sportiv) at once. Since I was looking for a watch for my 50th birthday, I appreciate this look very much.
A couple of years ago, I bought three Seiko watches within a period of a couple of months ... all from LIW. First I bought an SNK for about $89. When I was unboxing it at my local small town cafe, I proudly showed it to the owner. Later, when I asked about the walking-"cast" that had been on her foot for weeks, her face kinda crumpled and she said quietly said that her foot wasn't healing (she's a mountain runner, and single mother of three, and hawt) and that she was actually going into the city *the next day* for another surgery ... for breaking and resetting the bone. Damn ... I left the watch as a tip (with a get-well-soon note written on a napkin), and re-ordered another one the next day. I liked that second one as much as the first one, and a week later I ordered a larger SNZ. I subsequently got three Nato straps and a Horween strap for the SNK, and gave her two of the NATO straps. And then I got a primo SMC full-grain leather (and Nubuck lined) strap for the SNZ, and it was on my wrist when I spotted this video. I totally get it.
I just got this watch, and man is it great. What's Seiko doing? Taking Everything that was great about the SNK and SNZG, and putting them into one single optimized watch. Sure it costs more, but for my taste/wrist at least, I've got something I can see myself wearing long-term, instead of looking down on my wrist at the SNK and SNZG and saying "If only...." This SRPH29 is the optimal size for my wrist. Hand-winding and hacking. I love the brushed case, and the porthole see-through case back has that cool spec sheet around it. The Flieger B dial has also noticeably upped its game compared to the SNK. The length of the hands are great and clearly well thought out. Each of them connects/aligns with a dial element. The SNK doesn't do that. Those orange lume drops now offer an orientation in low light, i.e. early in the morning. I also love how the baby blue Saturday and red Sunday clash with the dial colors. Not everyone's taste, I'm sure, but a vibrant dial nevertheless.
I have both of these watches in that "slightly strange" cream color (i prefer to call them khaki, but that's me). I really like them both, I do wish that they were hand windable and hacking, but have never really held that against them. I also know that the straps are a source of complaint for many, and I did change both to QR canvas straps from Barton that are easier to use and more comfortable. I have mixed feelings about the new direction Seiko is taking of late. I really like the 4R movement that they are putting into all their pieces, but don't care for the price increases and the somewhat unoriginal designs. I also own, and enjoy a 5KX, and while it's certainly not an SKX, it has improvements where I wanted them and downgrades where I'm not so concerned (I'm not a diver, so 200 meter water resistance is not important to me personally). As long as the quality of the brand stays intact (and the prices don't get to ridiculous), I will continue to purchase Seiko watches. Thanks for the review of the new models.
I'm a huge Seiko-fan and I really like the new 5:s. But you are completely right about the prizing and the odd decision to make them so similar. As much as I love Seiko, they neeeed to look at their QC and prices on some models.
For the last two months I have been wearing the Seiko SNK381K1 which I bought for £109.0 or 207.11399 Australian Dollars. I am finding it very difficult to wear any of my other watches,apart from doing the Seiko shuffle every morning,I just love it.The lume is good too.I binned the metal bracelet and used a dark brown Italian leather strap for the 19mm lugs.You should take a look Jody,you may even like it.....................................
Seiko leaving the bottom end of the market has made massive room for other brands like orient and microbrands. The price-hikes, qc-issues and whatever the F the dresskx is supposed to be have totally killed my interest in buying their watches, even though I've had a good experience with my first mechanical being a seiko 5.
Before they announced this version, I did one better and built my own. I took my loveable SNK809 dial, hands, with the day/date wheels and placed them atop the stock 4R36 movement of a used eBay SRPE67K1 (the Dress KS with the brushed bezel) and created the better flieger. It's bigger than the SNK and more manageable than the SNZG for my hobbit-sized wrist. Plus it maintains the 4 o'clock crown missing on the new version. To maintain the correct look, I needed an aftermarket brushed chapter ring. Event considering the cost of the two donor watches to make the one, it cost less than what Seiko want's for this one. When I saw the new SBSA/SRPH (depending on your country) I thought they were too expensive for what one gets and misses the gateway watch opportunity as you noted. The black/orange variant is an interesting addition to the line, but it misses the field esthetic - very close to an '80's black and orange auto instrument panel vibe, but misses that mark, too. Lastly, I prefer the hands of the the SNK, though the new sword/syringe style is an acceptable choice for a classic flieger look. It is interesting to note that, Seiko still didn't do for the SNK/SNZG what everyone wanted them to do for the SKX: Keep what we loved of the old model and upgrade the movement and crystal. Would anyone really fault them for a MkII of these classic timepieces?
I have average sized wrist but I prefer smaller watches and don't usually buy watches over 40mm (I only have two watches over 40mm, both seikos with compact lugs) so I really enjoy this new case SEIKO has introduced.
Hi! My uncle bought me an srpg29k and I absolutely love it. to be honest, whereas looks have changed the functionality has improved so I think it's a fair trade 🙈
Snagged a blue SNK when it was $50, and am wearing it right now. I've always loved/hated the handset. The alpha/lozenge hands are sharp, clear, and somewhat unique, but... The hour hand passes over the middle of the 1 - 12 numerals, and the minutes hand covers 95% of the 5 - ^? The second hand is similarly lost: the tip is perfectly lined up with the minute, but the lollipop just misses the 1 - 12 numerals? It's nice that it doesn't obscure them, but then it doesn't line up with anything... Not sure I like the new handset any better, but they definitely have a more consistent idea of where they belong, which is welcome!
I wanted a robust daily wear and being more used to automatics, I opted for an SNZG15K1. I am so disappointed. After 2 month, the watch stopped working. after resetting it, thinkin nothing of it, I adjusted the time and shook and it it worked OK for a while. But on the 6th month, it started stopping regularly it does not last more than a day use. Its currently at the dealers for repair under warranty. I am told that I am not the first to encounter to this problem. Maybe I should have gone for the Japanese movement but I did not anticipate this from Seiko and wanted a bigger dial. Hopefully the new movement reduces this problem.
SNK was the first automatic watch I ever bought, I got it for about $120 AUD. Since then I've bought lots more expensive and fancier watches but the SNK is still one of my faves and I wear it regularly.
Same with me. The SNK was my first automatic watch. And despite some other purchases it is still my most used watch. It is comfortable to wear, rugged and cheap enough not to worry about. And you can easily mod it if you wish. There are plenty of instructions how to do it and easily available parts. Despite my lacklusting mechanical skills I managed to replace the crystal with a sapphire one. A great watch.
Agreed completely with your rant. May just have to pick up an SNXL before they're completely gone. When I first started getting into affordable watches , I looked at the SNK, but ended up with a Casio Duro that even then, gave me more for the money. When I started looking at autos- went straight for a Kamasu . I feel that Orient is much better in the entry level thank Seiko now, which is sad. Thank you for the amazing content.
Thanks Jody for reviewing this. 10:09 how is this robust when typically Seiko entry movements have a huge accuracy variation even in one orientation? I actually don't understand when people call Seiko movements robust. Yes, I get it, they are reliable meaning they keep working with less maintenance but robust? No way.
Ordered a old 42 mill model (green), returned it and ordered the cream one that came last summer, the 20mm bandwidth a big thing for me, as well as I like thr better details, like the texture, and sticking up arabics Got the SRPG for less than 200 USD before shipping and import tax, so ended up on 240 ish euros, sth I'm happy with.
Hi and thank for this, once again, great video. Concerning your rant, I do partially agree. I don't think Seiko 5 are aimed at the same public as they once were. Orient is now the gateway to mechanical watches. Seiko 5 are now more fashionable and mechanically advanced and might please those who started with the old Seiko 5 models and/or are a little further down their collecting journey. That's my understanding of Epson's policy. Never the less and even if I was a bit late to the game, I find those old Seiko 5 incredible and spend my time tracking them on the internet ^^ Wishing you and all my fellow addicts the best.
I image the change to the same case is all about cost. If anything this model should be the size of the old SNZG, it really looks like a type B fleiger with a day date complication, and fleigers are supposed to be a little larger. Great video as always Jody.
As an owner of 3 colors of the SNK80x series I am happy to have them before they got flushed like the SKX. I don’t know why Jody calls the cream one odd. I have mine on a dusty blue leather strap and it is gorgeous/my favorite watch in the box!
I also have a Seiko SNZG13J, green, i bought it with a metal bracelet, it was the only one my local watch dealer had. I changed the metal bracelet to a green nato strap, and put a compass on. It is still one of my alltime favourite watches. Perhaps i should visit my watchdealer agin and ask for a SNK while they are still around. what i like with the older ones are their hands and their apperances, what i dislike but can live with are the Seiko shake to start them. In Sweden the Seiko SRPH29K will cost 3298 SEK, in Australian $ it will be 493,10. In my world the SRPH29K is a flieger type B and not a fieldwatch.
With 36mm being all the rage now thanks to the downsized Explorer, I doubt Seiko would leave that market to San Martin & the microbrands, they gotta have something in the pipelines. I always liked some of the obscure SNK models like the SNXF05 & SNKD99, but having 8¼" wrist meant they're a no go. Hope they bring those designs in 39.5mm. As for the SNZG vs SRPG, The 42/22 dimensions were more my alley I almost bought an SNZG13, but I couldn't get myself to like that chapter ring in person, I tried, but I didn't like it and eventually scrapped the idea. I'm tempted to get the blue SRPG later this year to complement my SRPE55.
I know they added a "better" movement over the old ones, but for the added price it would have been really nice to give us a few small things like sapphire....although Seiko does always seem to have a hard-on for hardlex, at least for their sub $500 USD watches. At least looking closer they did give us drilled lugs this time.
@@frankschroth1919 no, but the more they put in the more it justifies the price increase. Also, anyone who pays MSRP for an entry level Seiko is an idiot anyways, unless they have to have it day 1.
I had a SNK for my first watch ever. I loved it for about 4 months until I dropped it, and totalled the watch on my bathroom floor…it also was my first watch that really got me interested in modifying watches. It was cheap, it was comfortable, I threw a Khaki Field style dial and hands and an NH movement in it, and I still have it and wear it regularly. This new series of watches look actually really good, but the pricing is far too high. Seiko would really do well to release even if a new case, but something in the 35-37mm size, and around $150aud to get people interested in watches.
They're probably trying to consolidate their production lines and spare parts. Find some cost savings. The cheap Seikos in general have always had chaotic model ranges and nothing really stood out as their signature cheap watch. Maybe they're trying to make these two those signature watches to go along with the DressKX.
Let's see what we have here... SNK were 37mm, crown at 4'ish. SNZ were 42mm, crown at 3. Seiko discontinues both & incorporates both dial designs in in one case: 39mm, crown at 3. Seiko needs to take both dial designs and put them in the 5KX 43mm case for those of us with larger wrists (and those with smaller wrists as well that prefer a larger wrist presence) bringing back our beloved crown at the 4'ish mark. ⌚😎👍
I think these new Seiko 5 are the best looking field watches on the market. At first they were expensive, but now I can buy these all day every day from $135 to $160. Considering how much everything increased in price these days, I think they are a bargain.
I bought the old school 42mm srpg watch on a green face and strap.. Love it.. Wouldn't buy the new one at all as they no longer have the character.. Great review as usual
Call me crazy, but I actually love what Seiko is doing with the 5 Sports line. They are significantly higher quality than the old 5 line, with better movements and better straps/bracelets. The line is more focused as well. A little higher priced, but still priced right in line with what you’re getting. I have lots of much more expensive watches, and never felt compelled to get a Seiko 5 until the new refresh. Now I have 3, lol.
Okay, Crazy.
Makes sense. There were a lot of odd models on previous line, at least these new ones are beautiful.
I bought 3 of the old smaller ones as gifts when they were more like $60-65. Now, to get a Seiko automatic movement in a $60 watch you have to get something from the Invicta/Pagani Teir. I'll wear those brands personally, but I liked buying other people at least a name they recognized. IMHO this is a big loss for Seiko AND the rest of the watch world. Is it worth it to get yet another $200 mid tier Sekio line? We already had like 30 of those...
@@kleinbottled79 Seikos best watches are above 400 Dollars. In that category Seiko is absolute unbeatable. Why would you look for 60 Dollar watches with low end Movements?
Great watches/price. I think just when comparing to older models they replaced is when people have problems. But like he said, just wait a little for prices to settle down.
The funny thing is, I never could work out why the SNZ field watches were 42mm and the SNK pilot's watches were 37mm... normally you'd swap that around. Pilot's watches are typically larger, and field watches are commonly smaller.
💁♂💁♂Guess it doesn't matter now!
@Abe Kamaldeen Heyyy, I'm a winner!! What's my prize??
IT looks that you've won experience with scammers 😂
This new watch only cost $usd 145-150 in my country (indonesia). So, this watch still a good deal😂
No-one at Seiko ever said that the SNZ was a field watch, if I recall correctly. That 42mm design was oddly reminiscent of the pilot's watches that the Japanse used in WWII, also produced by Seikosha. The SNK has a dial that was reminiscent of a German B-dialed Beobachtungsuhr, and as such is an oddity coming from Seiko as far as historic watches are concerned.
That said, the SNK was not something I ever recommended, because they were only 30m water resistant, which is a shit spec if you think about the 5 basic tenets of the Seiko 5 line. And it had an antiquated 7s26 movement without hacking and handwinding. And the strap was a piece of junk, much like the strap of the original SARB017, for what that's worth.
The new SRPG is a lovely 39mm size, the only problem is that it's a bit too thick at 13mm. The 39mm though is a much better diameter, period. It's in the goldilocks zone for casual / sporty watches for many wrist sizes. The SRPH is also much better than the old SNK models in that it has a more functional movement and 100m water resistance. Design-wise they are also much improved: better hands, better length, dial without this weird raised plastic ring of the SNZ, thus leading to a more harmonious look.
Ever since the series' inception in the 60's, Seiko 5 meant a watch that adheres to five principles: shock proof, water proof, automatic, day-date and durable. The old SNK never delivered on water proof, so it was a Seiko 4 at best. Even the new 5KX is selling like hotcakes in all kinds of funky versions, so it seems like that strategy pays off. And 100m WR is still ISO compliant. :)
So I don't know what this channel's problem is. Seiko is knocking this one out of the park, both in style and specifications. This constant bitching and whining about "jacking the price up" also bores me to tears. Folks always look at the end-game Amazon price of the old model, compare it to the RRP of the new model and then complain that the price went up too far, while sidestepping the improvements and the fact that prices in the retail channel never end up being the full RRP. This has been true for 30 years, and there's nothing new going on today. SARBS also had an RRP of 450 USD, while ending up at 275.
Does anyone reacting in this thread or threads like it even know what the actual RRP of the SNZ, SNK, SKX or SARB even was?
Meanwhile I never hear anyone whine about brands like Stowa raising prices by 10% per year over the last 6 years, thus ending up with the same flieger you bought for 540,- in 2014 at 1150 bucks in 2022. :) I'm specifically not mentioning Rolex and JLC pricing here either, because luxury and irrationality.
Then the complaining about Seiko 5 becoming a fashion watch. Seiko 5's have come in soooooo many variations over the last 50 odd years that you could argue it was a fashionable range ever since the sixties. In fact, Seiko has never had an expressly military range, because, well, because the Japanese don't really boast a lot about military things after WWII. Damn, their constitution even states the military is not to be seen as an offensive force, it's purely there for defence of the realm.
In short: I'm unsure why I still bother with this channel because it's a vinegar-pissing in inaccurate "it used to be better before" rhetoric with a click-bait-ish title slapped on top.
They should just made a 40mm and 38mm
I'd take a 39mm over a 42mm or 37mm any day. They took two models that looked nice to me, but were the wrong size and packaged them in a perfect 39mm. Two thumbs up from me. Good job Seiko.
Don’t forget about those of us who prefer the 36-38mm space. Seiko for example does not have a single modern mechanical dive watch under 40mm. From the brand the gave us the SKX013, such a shame.
Really love this watch, I prefer it aesthetically to my SNK809 and the 4R movement is an upgrade. That price is insulting though.
Spammer
This new watch only cost $usd 145-150 in my country (indonesia). So, this watch still a good deal😂
The SNK is a good field watch. Small, follows the traditional rules of the Seiko 5 aesthetic and design code and easy to upgrade it with sapphire crystal and an NH36 movement which is what I did with mine.
@@whatsstefon does it fit a nh36 without problems?
@@buying_Time yes, no problem at all. Just use the movement ring from the original case, and you will likely have to swap over the day and date disc from old movement to the new one.
I prefer them over the previous, but to be completely honest, they can really do a better job with the overall heaight of the watch, they don’t need a open case back and they can surely shave a couple of mm to make these around 11.5 to 12mm thick! Cmon Seiko!
Mate, completely agree with you. As someone with a small wrist, I would love that they kept it 37. Anyway, great video! Keep it up!
Seems a little expensive for what it is, but I think it's got some good upgrades:
1) Better movement
2) It sounds like a better strap. (You didn't complain much about the strap, whereas the straps on the 809 are absolute shit).
3) Drilled lugs are a definite improvement.
I'm not sure it quite justifies its price (especially with just a Hardlex crystal), but it seems like a significant upgrade.
This new watch only cost $usd 145-150 in my country (indonesia). So, this watch still a good deal😂
i got the sprg27 for 180 it has 10bar water resistance, the movement is great for the price it lags about 6 seconds a day ( i dont have a machine to test this) and has hacking and handwinding. The bracelet is comfortable and looks sturdy with good closing mechanism. I really like the diameter and style. Although i really liked the looks of the snk381 because it looks almost exactly like the mac v sog watches. So i think its def worth the price and agreat watch i dont know if its still the same value though.
Things i dont like are the numerals are not lumed and maybe better crystal but i like the slight dome.
Seiko seems to be abandoning the "affordable watch" market. This is bad for Seiko collectors, but great for microbrands.
I think part of it is Seiko's reaction to Chinese companies like San Martin, Cronos and even Steel Dive encroaching on Seiko's "affordable" market share with better specced watches at the same or even a lower price. And when people realize that the affordable Seikos are made in China, then it gets even muddier. I think Seiko has little choice but to abandon that segment to Orient and move the Seiko brand upwards.
Orient is seiko's answer to the "affordable watch" market
@@3rdpig
They should make Seiko their mid to higher tier brand and finally make Lorus and Pulsars as their lower tier available worldwide.
Orient and Citizen should both stay a mid range brands for them.
Thats how I would re-position Epson-Seiko in the market.
This new watch only cost $usd 145-150 in my country (indonesia). So, this watch still a good deal😂
@@欧阳霖峰 Orient has little to do with watchmaking Seiko. They're pretty distant on the organizational chart of the corporate structure.
I'd argue the 'dress KX' SRPE models are the best value Seikos. I've picked up various versions for £130. Great watches and easy to mod now there's plenty of after market parts for it.
Agree Kit. I heralded it as 'The Best New Seiko In Years' and haven't changed my mind about that either!
Wish it came in at 37mm
And it's also a different and special design. These new srph models look too generic and the srpg dials are better.. They lost that special thing that made the snk80x be a perfect military on a Nato strap watch.. But the green dressKX could be the new and better field/ nato type watch, if only there was a beadblasted version.
The SRPE with its iconic, bold yet restrained aesthetics and its quite refined case finishing is just awesome! Without the logo I wouldn't believe it's a Seiko 5. Why mod it if it's already perfect?
indeed, the absolute value of this watch is just insane
I really love the new Seiko 5 lineup and I actually understand and like the approach Seiko is choosing here. I mean, we had the "original" Seiko 5's around for decades and even though there were many amazing models there, honestly, there was nothing new to discover. Yes, that was also the reason why they were so cheap - tried and proven designs, all developemnt and design cost paid for decades ago, so these went just for the price of the fabrication. Yes, my first mechanical watch was the SNZG (that odd cream one ;-) ), I bought a few other 5s since, I also bought the SNK for my father a few years ago. But the line was going nowhere. With the reboot of the lineup, there are things happening. And yes, it's clear that Seiko chose a bit different way here. There will be more shared cases design, being it cost-cutting or parts-bin-optimization, I don't know. On the other hand, there has been a new emphasis on finishes, dial design and other fun elements. And there are models that us watch-nerds can love too. My personal favorite is the DressKX lineup, those are true GADA watches, with quite some variations and a great modding potential. Yes, the Seiko 5 lineup may not be that gateway watch in many cases, but in many, it will. Mainly many of the 5KX models can be a getaway watch not for kids, as some older 5s, but for young ones... Those, who in fact know only smartwatches nowadays. And that's a good thing and I thing a larger audience. Plus there's of course the question what comes next. The lineup is ever-growing since the reboot and I'm really curioust what we'll see next.
I have bought, modded, and sold/given as gifts probably 20 SNK watches through the years. Fantastic watch for modding. The bezel polishes up very nicely. I will miss that watch.
The SNK and SNZG are two of the greatest watches that Seiko have produced. I have both and they were arguably the perfect introduction into the world of mechanical/automatic watches. How Seiko can realistically justify the price of these latest pieces is unknown to me. At $75 - 100 cheaper they would make more sense. I don't doubt the quality of the watches but they seem to run counter to the Seiko 5 philosophy.
I think I know why they did it!!! They wanted to create a common size so they could produce both watches from the same assembly line slimming down the process and eliminating one production line. They wanted to increase the price of both watches. They wanted to remove any kind of water resistance indication from the dials so as to steer away those consumers purchasing because they are concerned about how water resistant the watch is over some other model type at least when viewing from above!!
I'd say it's worth $200-$250 new. Seiko's just asking too much at the moment.
In fact, I'd say it's getting too close to the price of the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic which is a much nicer watch.
I'm looking at this a bit selfishly. The SNK was my first automatic, and I really fell in love with the type B flieger style dial. But it was too small for me, and I wasn't a big fan of the handset. I like the style of the hands on this one much better, and the 39.5mm case puts it into my comfort zone. It's still too expensive, but when the price drops, I might be picking it up. But I agree with your rant in principle, it's disappointing to see Seiko's budget range get less diversity in case sizes.
Hey Dave! This size also fits me better, but somehow I much prefer the SNZG. Looking forward to your thoughts about the wee cocktail time. What a dial!
I think Seiko recognized the potential in industrializing the modding of their watches. :)
Looking forward to them introducing a full-on watch configurator where you choose the case, dial, hands, movement and straps. This may be too far out for just now, but I think they'll get there...
Street prices are generally ok I'd say and they're readily available in the EU now. Even AliExpress watches have gotten more expensive recently and with Seiko 5 I don't need to deal with importing hassle so I generally like Seiko's move
Hello, Jody!
I enjoyed this rant and, as usual, we are of similar minds.
The SNK is not a better watch than the SRPH, but it is so dear to the hearts of so many of us who became infatuated with mechanical watches as a result of encountering it, that it makes me sad to see it be re-jiggered and swole up (both physically, and monetarily) in this way.
Such is the eventual fate, though, of all watch styles, eh?
I like my blue SNZG11, but I'll never love it like I do my SNKs.
Excuse me while I go buy a green SNK.
✌️❤️⌚
Totally agree regarding thickness. 13.2mm is ridiculous for a 39mm wide case. If glycine can give you 11mm 200m dive watches, seiko should be able to pull this off for 100m no-bezel.
That glycine is poisonous, i have one and instantly lost interest with other watch, it so damn thin.
I like these watches. The 4R movement and the 100M water resistance is a definite upgrade.
It's a pity that they used the same case for the 2 series. To those if us with smaller wrist, the new model will not fit as good as the good old SNK due to the 47.7mm lug to lug distance.
Yup, the small size was what drew me to the SNK. I actually have two of them... and well south of $100. They doubled the price and messed up the size. I like the 4R movement a lot, though. Had they thrown sapphire in there they would fly off the shelves I bet. Seiko needs to get over hardlex and start putting sapphire in just about everything.
All I wanted was a 34-38mm seiko field watch with 7s movement and screw down crown… but here we are…
Seiko is strictly following the steps of Bulova asking more to give you less…
I’d even go as far as to say that they are not much different than random “stylish” brands from Amazon…
Forgot their roots, forgot what quality control means…
Soulless junk.
Hear hear
Bulova is a good comparison. Right now 95% of Bulova's offerings are junk - the only worthwhile stuff they make are their historical reissues and a couple of their high-end limited editions. I suspect Seiko's going to wind up looking very similar in a few years.
While these “domestic” Seiko releases are extremely underwhelming for the price, their Spirit line is filled with excellent value. Many of the watches in that line have sapphire crystals, great specs, and designs. They’re Japan only, but easily found all over EBay. I’m eying the solar Chrono and the solar wold time. Both look like great pieces.
Admittedly, I do really like the look of the "pilot" version, but no way at $200+. If I could get one at $150, or so, that's more reasonable (and then worth throwing a sapphire crystal in).
"Seiko becoming Invicta" Sure the fanboys will appreciate that quip. But DEFINITELY fair... $495 is simply ridiculous
Economist advice! Cheaper production costs, but a compromise. I was looking at the older models a few years back….but bought a Citizen Model: BM8180-03E with green canvas strap, under $130 kiwi pesos, because 🤷♂️ (maybe because I’d bought a Promaster dive and liked the eco drive concept after paying for an older watch battery change…Animal Ti)
I usually prefer the pre-"sports/street" models from Seiko but this is one they got right I think. The hands and dial look much more premium, I always thought the previous SNK line looked cheap.
The 4R movt is far superior - can be regulated to achieve impressive accuracy - these watches are worth every cent of the discounted price they will actually sell for.
I am new with SNK809. Maybe too small to me. Last hole in belt. Accuracy is good and shake winding not too often. Nice little piece.
I have the SRPH21 with champagne sunburst dial and let me tell you, this thing goes visually toe to toe with Hammy Khaki. This is miles ahead of SNK case design and finish.
While comparing to SNK:
+100WR vs. unusable 30WR
+4R36 vs. 7S26
+Drilled lugs
+Beautiful finishing
+Proper size for a flieger
This is a watch even seasoned enthusiast can enjoy fully. SNK was a cheap entry with a great dial layout, which they kept and improved the rest.
Yeah wow a lot going on here..
The good:
Goldilocks size at ~39.4mm - the drilled lugs - and the better movement
The bad:
Too thick - non-matching day/date window - and a price point that has me looking more toward a Hamilton variant..
Cheers Jody ! Rock on.
I for one welcome the changes that Seiko decided to do. I think they look way better than the older models. Really appreciate the better movement, and those little details (like the blacked hands). These new field/pilot watches are now seriously competing with the Hamilton Khaki Field line. I decided to go for one of these as the Hammy's are still double the price of the Seiko SRPG.
When it comes to their new Seiko 5 Range. I feel like its heavily geared towards the younger generation (I'd say Boys and Girls in their 20's to mid 30's). They even host giveaways on Instagram, where you have to show off the way you combine the watch with your outfit.
As an engineer and with probably a healthy dose of "when you're a hammer" I think they do this to increase margins. You have one case for two watches which is a hell of a lot easier and cheaper to produce. And let's be honest, most people are complete pansies. They wear black, blue, white, grey and maybe a bit of green or beige if they've taken their brave pills. So yes, in a world of pandemics and uncertain production chains, companies will play it safe resulting in boring and expensive watches with little value if any.
Get used to it, it's not going away.
Righto. When my allocation comes up for a Helm Komodo, I'm getting the orange.
Yeah. I think you might be right.
@@pmckinlay653 I'm getting a orange doxa at some point in the very near future.
You hit the nail on the head, Jody. I get the repackaging of the brand but honestly the prices are ridiculous for what they are offering. There was much better value before.
I'm glad I bought my two SNZG watches before this. When I got my first one, I was surprised that the movement didn't hack and hand wind, unlike my less expensive Invicta Pro Divers. Still, they're great watches and I enjoy wearing them. When the new versions came out, I was disappointed. Sure, they had better movements, but I didn't see how the upgrades warranted more than doubling the price. Even if I hadn't bought my SNZGs, I can't see myself buying either of these watches. Thanks for another great video.
I think it's really funny that you mentioned that the watch is worth about $175, because here in the states, when this watch was released, almost immediately it started showing up on gray market retailers for almost exactly that price.
I also think Seiko is stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to listening to customers: the SNK80x line is great, but as much has 37 mm is a positive, a lot of people saw it as a drawback because they said it was too small, and the SNZG line was called too big at 42mm, even though, as you say, there are people out there who won't touch anything under 40mm.
What they may not have seen however is that the people who bought the SNK line bought that line because the SNZG line was too big, and vice versa. Now I'm not sure if no one or everyone is happy.
But again, just like the SKX, all they had to do was put the 4R movement and an updated dial and handset in (and those drilled lugs) to the SNK and it would have been stunning. None of this matters, of course, to anyone buying these because they are fashionable, so maybe all this is a moot point.
Could have made the upgrades to the SNK and the SNZG and kept everybody happy as ZCherish already mentioned. The 4R is a solid movement and the hand winding and hacking deserve a small increase in price, but not the price advertised. For me personally I don't buy watches above 40mm because I don't like the look even though I have a 7" wrist.
I think these two count as different watches. The dial and hands are major parts of a watches appearance, the way they're used and the individuals they appeal to.
Seems a bit lazy though Antonio, no? Why not offer a few different sizes as well?
I have 3 Snks, black, green and not so funny cream. I find that although missing hacking and hand winding the 7S26 is more consistent at actually telling the time than the 4Rs that I have. 37mm is fine for me.The SNK809 came on a bracelet for £65 so these new ones don't offer anything that would tempt me.
My old SKX007 and 7S26 Seiko 5 unregulated watches have been more stable and accurate long term timekeepers than the 4r36 Seiko 5 I bought. It was OK for a couple of years then suddenly started becoming erratic and seemed to have been affected by magnetism. I had it demagnetized and it soon went wrong again. Demagnetized again, regulated by a watchsmith, and flipped it.
I'm new to the watch game, but all the reviews I've seen regarding QC and price have thoroughly put me off from buying a Seiko.
Seikos Moving up stream all around but also the case and metallurgy is a bit better with the new watch also they are using coatings that increases the cost along with the basic world economy shifting , just look at food, gas, rent , housing, cars everything has gone up and will most likely stay up.
as far as the 'gateway auto' thing, some people might come to outgrow the SNK 37mm case, while the 39.4mm one, one might grow into it. imo...
Plus points;
Domed crystal
Orange accents and lume, adding visual interest.
Good looking, colour matching strap.
Good size for modern tastes.
Minus points;
Expensive
Case is not bead blasted as the SNK series was. A great aesthetic choice for a tool watch.
Handset whilst decent in shape and form, isn’t my personal cup of tea unlike my SNK803.
Generic case size, the SNK’s have certain charm with a 37mm diameter.
Overall rating….I’ll keep my SNK803 and may purchase another before they become harder to find and more expensive.
I'd go for the Islander field and pilot watch series or the Boldr Venture series. Much better specifications for similar or lower prices.
Just got the Islander Field Watch. It is a spec monster but needs a new strap the leather/nylon is absolute crap. Put a nato on it it and it is awesome!
Hand winding
Hacking
Sapphire Crystal
Date complication
Visible back (just cool, no real need)
@@btuthill9653 No different to any of the Seiko watches I own. Their straps and bracelets are all crap and were the first things to be replaced.
totally want an Islander but all sOLd OuT
i found this video by accident (was searching up Japanese pop musician Seiko Oomori), but, I always enjoy watching channels made for very specific hobbies (even ones I don't partake in), because I like hearing people nerd out about stuff they're very passionate about. Love this video, even though I'm not a watch person (yet).
I prefer the case finish on this to the other same same model though you're right, they are too pricey currently and can't believe seiko haven't made the sizes different. Pilot bigger, field smaller, but obviously seiko don't seem to care. To me Seiko are no longer the value king and I'm glad we have Orient to take that mantel. Great work as always and enjoyed the rant.
I brought my nephew an SNK for Christmas 2020. They're great watches for teenagers or were I suppose as the value isn't really there anymore, not in Ireland anyway. I actually like the new sizes and them being the same across the two models in fine with me as it's a great size for my wrist. They're good looking watches as well in fairness.. I'd definitely like the all black one. But the Seiko tax is tough to swallow. I think I'd save a bit more and buy a Hamilton Khaki Field especially the mechanical.
I agree Seiko are ripping people off
@@oscarosullivan4513 I don't think they're quite ripping people off but the value and QC should be better.
This new watch only cost $usd 145-150 in my country (indonesia). So, this watch still a good deal😂
The thought processes of the Seiko executive would make a fascinating subject for a scientific study.
I normally agree with you, but I guess I'm in the minority because I like both of the new ones better, visually at least. I just got the SRPG35 and I love it. I wouldn't of minded if it was 41 or 42 but I still love it.
Works well for me - it's brushed and not bead blasted (easier to polish out), 39mm in size, which makes it perfect for small wrists, 100mm instead of 30mm, ideal for the more adventurous types out there, plus it's an attractive watch made by a reputable company. Negatives...mineral and domed crystal so that's possibly tempting fate, but if you're careful, it should serve you well, and when it gets bad enough to bug you, a Seiko sapphire mod (done by yourself or watch specialist) is relatively easy to do.
If this were any other brand, $275 is exactly what we would expect for such a package. The only reason it seems expensive is because we can’t help but compare it to older models that have been around so long that they have been reduced to the price of their base components.
And inflation has priced them out of the market. I think it is a valid strategy. I need the size of these older Seiko 5 watches though, that is what brought me to Seiko and made me stay. Fashion should turn around. I don't need a plate on my wrist.
@@buying_Time Agreed, more 36mm watches please!
Picked this one up a few days ago, at a fairly decent price, still not amazing but definitely doable 250eu (it is what it is).
However I found it very charming and inviting In person.
Honestly it was exactly what I was looking for.
Rugged enough in look / style for day to day use, yet clean enough to accompany a step up in “ aesthetic “.
The green is darker than it is on camera and in pictures, that it’s almost elegant.
The rough texture of the dial is really lovely.
And indeed surprisingly enough I fell in love with the legibility of the face via the sword/syringe hybrid hands. Practically perfect.
Again it’s only been a few days but it’s really growing on me.
I particularly enjoy the highlighted orange pips.
And the lume sufficient enough for night use after one quick charge.
All in all I’m actually satisfied and the quality of the watch is almost visceral.
Happy I picked it up and it is probably going to be my main day to day, and even may replace my tissot chrono… TBD.
I can understand the legacy mindset and I also wouldn’t have minded a further price cut, however this watch almost feels it’s price and I’ve quite shockingly gotten several compliments on it already which usually doesn’t happen even for more pricey watches in my collection.
So ultimately I say
It wears great.
Looks just right.
Its comfortable to wear.
7.9/10 would recommend
(Will update if anything changes)
Seiko keeps raising their prices with no real changes to justify the increase.
The quality of their watches haven't gone up, that's for sure.
Look around, everything has gone up in price. My Omega I bought last year is £500 more than I paid and the exact same watch. Inflation happens.
You ask yourself why the SRPG and SRPH are so similar and why they made it in the same dimensions, but if you look closely they have the exact same case. Seiko being a massive corporation is looking for ways to cut cost and streamline production, so making two models with the exact same case and movement is a no brainer for them
wow, didn't realize they weren't producing the SNK anymore. Glad i picked one up a year ago or so.
Future price settling or no, it's just really difficult for me to see the value proposition of this watch. I am among the countless enthusiasts who, as Jody intimated, were introduced to automatic timepieces with the SNK805. I got it on sale for US$40. I still adore that little SNK. I fully admit that the SRPH is overall a better watch (strap, WR, movement, drilled lugs, etc). And every bit as, if not slightly better looking than the old standard. But even if it eventually drops below US$200, I just can't see it ever replacing my SNK805. I really miss the days when there were true bargains in the Seiko automatic range. But as always Jody, thank you for another excellent video.
I wish I would’ve bought a Seiko SNK when they were still within my budget. I’m happy with my collection of Timex, Casio, and Invicta watches, but at one time a Seiko SNK would’ve been a more prominent brand for similar cash.
Do you mind if I ask what country you're in?
Citizen’s pieces are pretty reasonable as well for collecting.
I picked up my SNK803 for about $75-80 a few years ago. It's currently $93 on Amazon. The blue and black dials are $93 and $96 respectively on Jomashop. The prices have gone up, but still
This new watch only cost $usd 145-150 in my country (indonesia). So, this watch still a good deal😂
@@gamesetmatt23 Texas
I have one. The half flieger/half field look gets a lot of compliments and wears well, but agree would prefer it to be a bit thinner. Dislike the firmness of the included strap though it is a smart choice of material and color. Bought new for $195... I'm happy with this tooly do-it-all piece.
I actually really, really like what Seiko has done with this line of watches. Honestly, the 42mm SNZG was just way too big for what it was. The SNK was too small for a pilot. These meet in a good sweet spot. And to my eyes, they look a lot better, with a range of different dials and styles for just about anyone. I think this was an absolutely brilliant move from Seiko and one which I appreciate.
One note on the price. The prices you've shown were probably from grey market retailers. From AD's, these watches were considerably more expensive. More akin to the new Seiko 5s. And in years to come, the prices on the new ones will drop. I can already pick up the new Seiko 5 field watch for about $150. And at that price, I think it's much better value than the older SNZG
I just recieved a Bulova Hack. 250cad brand new, a bit thick but on my 7.25 inch wrist it helps due to its only 38mm diameter. Gorgeous watch, best strap, good lume, great price. Not the most buttery of feelings when winding but so far so good.
What i think about the new Seiko range is that no matter what they list them for, the market will decide their true value. If they can maintain a price near to what they are being listed at then we just have to accept that their watches were undervalued in previous times.
Ahhhh, Adam Smith's invisible hand. A fellow Scotsman with an eye for value. ;)
But an “invisible” hand should be worth more though - I’ve not seen that feature on any other watches. Mind you, I shouldn’t be able to see it, lol.
What a dedicated thorough analysis ! + the video editing ! 👍👏
Thanks for the great work.
I've owned two of their old classic field watch in the past. First one broke, I don't know what happened to the second one, I think it got lost the last time I moved. Wanted another one and looked at it today. The cheapest one I can find on Amazon now is $140, that is insane. I know there's inflation, and it's been discontinued for a while, so some of that is probably because of scarcity if I had to guess, but that sucks that now as far as I know there isn't an equivalent watch filling that little niche in the market that it used to of a very attractive and modest looking automatic that was good quality for the price, while also being an ultra cheap entry level mechanical watch. If I knew I would want one again, the last time I got one I would have bought two and then just sent one aside in a secure place for when I felt like getting back into it now. The next step up is 200, and the addition of manual winding and hacking it to me is not really worth that. Is not a lot of other watches that I would rather buy for that money, but there are some that are a bit more expensive where I would rather just save the money and put it toward that instead because that would be a fair chunk of the price.
I will buy other watches all day long to scratch the itch. I still haven’t seen or found a Seiko I like for a price I can live with. And I do like Seiko. My collection is getting ridiculous at ~30 watches with only one vintage Seiko, I inherited from my father in law…his 25th anniversary watch from the steel mill he slaved at for decades. Sorry to be so opinionated but I think Seikos are under spec’d and over priced. Amazing video Jody. They just keep getting better. Merci!
As an avid lover of the snk809 and 803 (yes, I like the sand coloured one the most), I am very sad about the resizing of this watch. I have 16cm wrists and the new watch is simply too big for me. I get that the bigger size is more becoming of a Flieger, but still it comes with some major negatives as well. I think the Snk803-809 was always a watch that was easy and comfortable for every day wear. It had a certain simple playful elegance to it. Yes, the upgraded watch has a better fitting set of hands and especially the different colour lume is a vast improvement for reading the correct time at night, but much is lost in bulkines and the case is brushed, and lost it mat shine.
The great re-set, consolodate the range, standardize the sizes, upgrade the spec, double the target price. The sales price will find its own level, meantime we will vote with our wrists.............. see what I did there.......great review Jody.
I rarely wear my seikos anymore. I still love my blue airdiver, and I have my pepsi samurai. I also have a vintage tan-lume 700j that needs a bezel, and I’m not sure that I will keep that one. They aren’t churning out too much that interests me these days. I’d pick up a pawnshop find, but I’m not buying retail.
I have a few microbrands with seiko engines in them, and truthfully it gives me more fizz to play with those. I think I’ll buy the maratac field watch next.
Sooo... I do what everyone does. I make a watch purchase and then spend days watching reviews of said watch to justify the purchase. I bought the srph33k black and orange and LOVE it. Actually 'love it' is doiong my current watch honeymoon an injustice. I adore it. The black and orange colourway is a striking winner. Perfect size too. I'm so in love with it. Having spent $$$ on Swiss of late -I'm so jumping onboard the Seiko 5 train. Toot toot! [edit - I purchased for just over $300 Aussie]
I brought back then the SNZG (new) and by dicovering the SRPG with smaller diameter, hacking and hand-winding, I was lucky to get a used one, optically unused for a very good price.
Now I wear only the SRPG and will sell the SNZG.
With the new symbols and the metal put on numbers (instead of the painted ones), the chrome instead of the white hands, the domed crystal, the SRPG looks more valuable in my eyes and more "old school" (less sportiv) at once.
Since I was looking for a watch for my 50th birthday, I appreciate this look very much.
A couple of years ago, I bought three Seiko watches within a period of a couple of months ... all from LIW.
First I bought an SNK for about $89. When I was unboxing it at my local small town cafe, I proudly showed it to the owner. Later, when I asked about the walking-"cast" that had been on her foot for weeks, her face kinda crumpled and she said quietly said that her foot wasn't healing (she's a mountain runner, and single mother of three, and hawt) and that she was actually going into the city *the next day* for another surgery ... for breaking and resetting the bone. Damn ... I left the watch as a tip (with a get-well-soon note written on a napkin), and re-ordered another one the next day. I liked that second one as much as the first one, and a week later I ordered a larger SNZ.
I subsequently got three Nato straps and a Horween strap for the SNK, and gave her two of the NATO straps. And then I got a primo SMC full-grain leather (and Nubuck lined) strap for the SNZ, and it was on my wrist when I spotted this video.
I totally get it.
I just got this watch, and man is it great. What's Seiko doing? Taking Everything that was great about the SNK and SNZG, and putting them into one single optimized watch. Sure it costs more, but for my taste/wrist at least, I've got something I can see myself wearing long-term, instead of looking down on my wrist at the SNK and SNZG and saying "If only...."
This SRPH29 is the optimal size for my wrist. Hand-winding and hacking. I love the brushed case, and the porthole see-through case back has that cool spec sheet around it.
The Flieger B dial has also noticeably upped its game compared to the SNK. The length of the hands are great and clearly well thought out. Each of them connects/aligns with a dial element. The SNK doesn't do that.
Those orange lume drops now offer an orientation in low light, i.e. early in the morning. I also love how the baby blue Saturday and red Sunday clash with the dial colors. Not everyone's taste, I'm sure, but a vibrant dial nevertheless.
I have both of these watches in that "slightly strange" cream color (i prefer to call them khaki, but that's me). I really like them both, I do wish that they were hand windable and hacking, but have never really held that against them. I also know that the straps are a source of complaint for many, and I did change both to QR canvas straps from Barton that are easier to use and more comfortable. I have mixed feelings about the new direction Seiko is taking of late. I really like the 4R movement that they are putting into all their pieces, but don't care for the price increases and the somewhat unoriginal designs. I also own, and enjoy a 5KX, and while it's certainly not an SKX, it has improvements where I wanted them and downgrades where I'm not so concerned (I'm not a diver, so 200 meter water resistance is not important to me personally). As long as the quality of the brand stays intact (and the prices don't get to ridiculous), I will continue to purchase Seiko watches. Thanks for the review of the new models.
I'm a huge Seiko-fan and I really like the new 5:s. But you are completely right about the prizing and the odd decision to make them so similar. As much as I love Seiko, they neeeed to look at their QC and prices on some models.
For the last two months I have been wearing the Seiko SNK381K1 which I bought for £109.0 or 207.11399 Australian Dollars.
I am finding it very difficult to wear any of my other watches,apart from doing the Seiko shuffle every morning,I just love it.The lume is good too.I binned the metal bracelet and used a dark brown Italian leather strap for the 19mm lugs.You should take a look Jody,you may even like it.....................................
Seiko leaving the bottom end of the market has made massive room for other brands like orient and microbrands. The price-hikes, qc-issues and whatever the F the dresskx is supposed to be have totally killed my interest in buying their watches, even though I've had a good experience with my first mechanical being a seiko 5.
Spot on with the rant. the snk was near perfect...simply replace the 7s26 with a 4r and walk away.
it's all about $$$
Before they announced this version, I did one better and built my own. I took my loveable SNK809 dial, hands, with the day/date wheels and placed them atop the stock 4R36 movement of a used eBay SRPE67K1 (the Dress KS with the brushed bezel) and created the better flieger. It's bigger than the SNK and more manageable than the SNZG for my hobbit-sized wrist. Plus it maintains the 4 o'clock crown missing on the new version. To maintain the correct look, I needed an aftermarket brushed chapter ring. Event considering the cost of the two donor watches to make the one, it cost less than what Seiko want's for this one.
When I saw the new SBSA/SRPH (depending on your country) I thought they were too expensive for what one gets and misses the gateway watch opportunity as you noted. The black/orange variant is an interesting addition to the line, but it misses the field esthetic - very close to an '80's black and orange auto instrument panel vibe, but misses that mark, too. Lastly, I prefer the hands of the the SNK, though the new sword/syringe style is an acceptable choice for a classic flieger look.
It is interesting to note that, Seiko still didn't do for the SNK/SNZG what everyone wanted them to do for the SKX: Keep what we loved of the old model and upgrade the movement and crystal. Would anyone really fault them for a MkII of these classic timepieces?
I have average sized wrist but I prefer smaller watches and don't usually buy watches over 40mm (I only have two watches over 40mm, both seikos with compact lugs) so I really enjoy this new case SEIKO has introduced.
Hi! My uncle bought me an srpg29k and I absolutely love it. to be honest, whereas looks have changed the functionality has improved so I think it's a fair trade 🙈
Snagged a blue SNK when it was $50, and am wearing it right now. I've always loved/hated the handset. The alpha/lozenge hands are sharp, clear, and somewhat unique, but... The hour hand passes over the middle of the 1 - 12 numerals, and the minutes hand covers 95% of the 5 - ^? The second hand is similarly lost: the tip is perfectly lined up with the minute, but the lollipop just misses the 1 - 12 numerals? It's nice that it doesn't obscure them, but then it doesn't line up with anything...
Not sure I like the new handset any better, but they definitely have a more consistent idea of where they belong, which is welcome!
I wanted a robust daily wear and being more used to automatics, I opted for an SNZG15K1. I am so disappointed. After 2 month, the watch stopped working. after resetting it, thinkin nothing of it, I adjusted the time and shook and it it worked OK for a while. But on the 6th month, it started stopping regularly it does not last more than a day use. Its currently at the dealers for repair under warranty. I am told that I am not the first to encounter to this problem. Maybe I should have gone for the Japanese movement but I did not anticipate this from Seiko and wanted a bigger dial. Hopefully the new movement reduces this problem.
SNK was the first automatic watch I ever bought, I got it for about $120 AUD. Since then I've bought lots more expensive and fancier watches but the SNK is still one of my faves and I wear it regularly.
Same with me. The SNK was my first automatic watch. And despite some other purchases it is still my most used watch.
It is comfortable to wear, rugged and cheap enough not to worry about.
And you can easily mod it if you wish.
There are plenty of instructions how to do it and easily available parts.
Despite my lacklusting mechanical skills I managed to replace the crystal with a sapphire one.
A great watch.
Agreed completely with your rant. May just have to pick up an SNXL before they're completely gone.
When I first started getting into affordable watches , I looked at the SNK, but ended up with a Casio Duro that even then, gave me more for the money. When I started looking at autos- went straight for a Kamasu . I feel that Orient is much better in the entry level thank Seiko now, which is sad.
Thank you for the amazing content.
Thanks Jody for reviewing this. 10:09 how is this robust when typically Seiko entry movements have a huge accuracy variation even in one orientation? I actually don't understand when people call Seiko movements robust. Yes, I get it, they are reliable meaning they keep working with less maintenance but robust? No way.
Ordered a old 42 mill model (green), returned it and ordered the cream one that came last summer, the 20mm bandwidth a big thing for me, as well as I like thr better details, like the texture, and sticking up arabics
Got the SRPG for less than 200 USD before shipping and import tax, so ended up on 240 ish euros, sth I'm happy with.
Hi and thank for this, once again, great video. Concerning your rant, I do partially agree. I don't think Seiko 5 are aimed at the same public as they once were. Orient is now the gateway to mechanical watches. Seiko 5 are now more fashionable and mechanically advanced and might please those who started with the old Seiko 5 models and/or are a little further down their collecting journey. That's my understanding of Epson's policy. Never the less and even if I was a bit late to the game, I find those old Seiko 5 incredible and spend my time tracking them on the internet ^^ Wishing you and all my fellow addicts the best.
I image the change to the same case is all about cost. If anything this model should be the size of the old SNZG, it really looks like a type B fleiger with a day date complication, and fleigers are supposed to be a little larger. Great video as always Jody.
Seiko just upgraded and did a good job at that. The case so much has a semblance from the IWC pilot watches which appeals.
As an owner of 3 colors of the SNK80x series I am happy to have them before they got flushed like the SKX. I don’t know why Jody calls the cream one odd. I have mine on a dusty blue leather strap and it is gorgeous/my favorite watch in the box!
I also have a Seiko SNZG13J, green, i bought it with a metal bracelet, it was the only one my local watch dealer had. I changed the metal bracelet to a green nato strap, and put a compass on. It is still one of my alltime favourite watches. Perhaps i should visit my watchdealer agin and ask for a SNK while they are still around. what i like with the older ones are their hands and their apperances, what i dislike but can live with are the Seiko shake to start them. In Sweden the Seiko SRPH29K will cost 3298 SEK, in Australian $ it will be 493,10. In my world the SRPH29K is a flieger type B and not a fieldwatch.
Why couldn't Seiko line up the line seperating the day and date with the circle on the dial? Would look so much better in my opinion.
Amazon had some seiko’s on sale around Xmas, I got an SNK805 and SNKK27 for $100 (aud) each. Solid deal whether they’re for modding or wearing as is.
With 36mm being all the rage now thanks to the downsized Explorer, I doubt Seiko would leave that market to San Martin & the microbrands, they gotta have something in the pipelines.
I always liked some of the obscure SNK models like the SNXF05 & SNKD99, but having 8¼" wrist meant they're a no go. Hope they bring those designs in 39.5mm.
As for the SNZG vs SRPG, The 42/22 dimensions were more my alley I almost bought an SNZG13, but I couldn't get myself to like that chapter ring in person, I tried, but I didn't like it and eventually scrapped the idea. I'm tempted to get the blue SRPG later this year to complement my SRPE55.
I know they added a "better" movement over the old ones, but for the added price it would have been really nice to give us a few small things like sapphire....although Seiko does always seem to have a hard-on for hardlex, at least for their sub $500 USD watches. At least looking closer they did give us drilled lugs this time.
And those drilled lugs and a little better movement justifies the huge price increase for you? Silly you!!
@@frankschroth1919 no, but the more they put in the more it justifies the price increase. Also, anyone who pays MSRP for an entry level Seiko is an idiot anyways, unless they have to have it day 1.
I had a SNK for my first watch ever. I loved it for about 4 months until I dropped it, and totalled the watch on my bathroom floor…it also was my first watch that really got me interested in modifying watches. It was cheap, it was comfortable, I threw a Khaki Field style dial and hands and an NH movement in it, and I still have it and wear it regularly.
This new series of watches look actually really good, but the pricing is far too high. Seiko would really do well to release even if a new case, but something in the 35-37mm size, and around $150aud to get people interested in watches.
They're probably trying to consolidate their production lines and spare parts. Find some cost savings.
The cheap Seikos in general have always had chaotic model ranges and nothing really stood out as their signature cheap watch. Maybe they're trying to make these two those signature watches to go along with the DressKX.
They have always been good at finding cost savings. Disbanding the QC department a few years ago certainly helped the bottom line.
@@JustOneMoreWatch he he
Let's see what we have here...
SNK were 37mm, crown at 4'ish.
SNZ were 42mm, crown at 3.
Seiko discontinues both & incorporates both dial designs in in one case: 39mm, crown at 3.
Seiko needs to take both dial designs and put them in the 5KX 43mm case for those of us with larger wrists (and those with smaller wrists as well that prefer a larger wrist presence) bringing back our beloved crown at the 4'ish mark. ⌚😎👍
I think these new Seiko 5 are the best looking field watches on the market. At first they were expensive, but now I can buy these all day every day from $135 to $160. Considering how much everything increased in price these days, I think they are a bargain.
I'm currently wearing a moded seiko 5, Snk385, lovely watch, regulated, running -4 sec a day.
I bought the old school 42mm srpg watch on a green face and strap.. Love it.. Wouldn't buy the new one at all as they no longer have the character.. Great review as usual