Review: Seiko 5 Field Watch SNZG15J1 Military Automatic "Outstanding $100 Wristwatch"
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- Опубліковано 23 лис 2013
- Thanks for supporting me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=845171 In-depth with this very affordable Seiko Military Field style watch: Detailed description below ↡
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Covers the Seiko 5 legacy, technical specifications, design features, 7s36 Movement, as well as a wrist shot. Great watch for around $100.
Specs:
42mm Case
22mm Lug Width
11mm Thick
Hardlex Crystal
Seiko 7S36 Automatic Movement
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For my review of a similar style $30 Timex Expedition Scout field watch:
• Review: Timex Expediti...
For similar-styled and priced military Seiko & Timed chronograph watches, check out my video here:
• Comparison: Affordable...
For my video review of the beautiful SKX009 Seiko dive watch:
• Review: The Seiko SKX ...
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I have owned many watches in my lifetime. From Rolex to tag and even Luminox. Hands down the best watches were all Seiko. My first adult watch was a Seiko my dad sent me from Vietnam in 1970. You absolutely will not find a better watch for the money ! I would put my orange monster up against any watch out there. Keep up the good work Seiko !!
Thanks for watching!
the try to look superior snob act FAILED HARD rolex wearers are always insecure losers who need to puch there wrst into your face incae you didt see it SAD VERY SAD
Knife Nut You make a valid point on the resale value. However, you could take the $8,500 spent on a new Sub, buy a Grand Seiko, invest the difference and after 10 years buy that Rolex with your return. Also, if you factor in the outrageous servicing costs on the Rolex, you've pretty much blown the resale argument.
Knife Nut I own a GMT 1 and SS Daytona Black which I bought in the late 90s. This Seiko is my daily wearer. I agree with your points but watches like any luxury item are a subjective matter. Just curious, how much is a brand new SS Rolex Submariner now?
Knife Nut That is insane! I paid $5,700 for my two tone Sub, then again this was in 1998. I've since sold my sub but I'm glad I'm keeping my GMT and Daytona to pass on to my son. That Batman GMT though is killer!! Thanks.
I watched this vid 2 years ago when you uploaded it and finally pulled the trigger on this exact watch. I couldn't be happier! It's all you said it was and, like my SKX 173 diver, it keeps very good time. I enjoy your channel very much and wanted to thank you for your no-nonsense reviews.
Wow that's fantastic, I think I remember you commenting. Well enjoy the watch and thanks for sticking around!
Your reviews are always straightforward and eloquent, a novelty in the gear review climate here on UA-cam. Thanks to this review, I am expecting this watch's arrival at my door tomorrow morning. I love the videos, and look forward to your next one!
Very articulate and informed review; easily the best review I've come across, pertaining to this watch. Also subscribing for the rest of your content.
After 3 years of abuse with scratches and accidental bumps,this watch is still working fine..
Hi. Great review! Really informative and unbiased. Unlike a lot of reviews out there where the reviewer is constantly jiggling the watch around, I appreciate you leaving it stationary so we get a good look at the face, movement of the second hand and so on.
Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!
Amen brother man!
Great review, thank you. I particularly appreciate the detail you provide on the history, tech specifics (such as hardlex) and wearability (pros and cons).
Solid review. Love how you go into the legacy then you talk about the features and then opinions.
Thanks! Make sure to sub if you're new here, I'd appreciate it! 👍
Your videos are incredibly detailed and exactly what I look for in a review. VERY well done, from a fellow Andrew
Another great review, found your channel a few months back and really appreciate your review style. I have the smaller 37 mm version and absolutely love it. I have a couple of more expensive pieces, including an Apple Watch that I love, but these Seikos offer so much bang for the buck. Thanks again for your reviews!
Nicely balanced review. I got myself one of these because I liked the look the first time I saw it and because it's so inexpensive. Together with my SKX007 diver, it's a beater, but a real nice looking one on a nice 'distressed leather' strap. I got complimented on this watch more than some other watches that cost 20 times more.
Thanks to you and this video now i own this very watch. Ir has been 2 years since i bought it and no regrets. Thanks a lot for your review and keep it up!
Awesome! Thank you for the update and make sure to come back as the years go on!
Excellent review and history. Thank you for posting!
Around the 9:30 mark you state that you might have to wear the watch with the incorrect time until it charges. That isn't really true, as the instructions that come with the watch state that you can simply shake the watch for 30 seconds to 'charge' it, and then set the watch to the correct time. To any reading this, beware that you set the watch properly however, as between 9pm and 4am the date movement is engaged to set the date. Set the watch to a 'safe' time (I use 12:00pm) before changing the date, and then reset the watch to the proper time to ensure you don't damage or prematurely wear the movement.
A Gnarly Narwhal that seems unnecessarily complicated, and a weak link of this watch, no?
Thank you for a very good and insightful review. I bought an SNZG13 with stainless steel bracelet a year ago, and in a collection of 40+ watches it remains a favorite. BTW, I can totally understand that having to get a watch like this up to speed every time, if you don't wear it daily, can be a pain to some people; but for me it always is a nice opportunity to interact with my watches.
Thanks for watching!
I get what you're saying, but I'll continue to make the argument that if Invicta can put the superior Seiko NH35a hacking/winding movement in the 8926ob at $85...Seiko is laughing all the way to the bank using the antiquated 7s26 movement in these models and especially in the SKX diver line.
@@davidsparling3505 : the 7s36 caliber fitted in this 'field watch' model isn't better or worse than the NH35A fitted in the INVICTA.
The difference lies in the impossibility to wound up and the not hackable feature of the 7s36.
Great video. Well researched. I've got myself one of these beauties - very solid for the price. Thank you!
seiko automatic watches are under rated. They work very well keep good time with no maintenance. Very good value for the money.
Outstanding review!
I got this watch as a graduation gift for highschool. It has replaced my DW-5600E G-Shock that I purchased and wore daily since 7th grade. My g shocks rubber casing is very beat up and I'm constantly paranoid I'm going to damage this watch but I guess I will get over it after the first scratch. Kind of like scratching your new cell phone, you don't care after that. It's kind of neat that you have both watches that mean something to me on your channel.
I'm a huge fan of this watch. My first automatic was an SNK that my son wore to death and I bought another one for my other son. I've missed that watch, but I'm just not able to wear one as small as the SNK. I didn't even know the SNZ existed until this week! Imagine how excited I was to see this!
Who cares how accurate the watch is over the course of a year anyway? You are going to lose time when you adjust the calendar every other month anyway. And you'll lose more time for daylight savings twice a year. As long as it is accurate within a minute or two either way, then it is close enough for me. A digital watch will keep perfect time, but not if it isn't set correctly, so really it doesn't matter how accurate it is over time. Just keep it wound and you are good to go. It's a great movement. I keep my automatics on winders and that keeps them running just fine.
This is a really great watch to play with. On the SNK I bought last year for my son I polished the case so it isn't the matte grey color. It polishes up to a mirror shine with a dremel tool. Then I popped out the hardlex crystal and replaced it with a domed AR coated sapphire crystal. It was a really easy thing to do and the watch looked amazing afterwards. I'm going to get one of these and do the same thing to it. It is a very worthwhile watch to have and nobody can say anything bad about Seiko. Even guys with watches that cost thousands of dollars will agree that this is a solid watch and worth having.
My everyday wear. It's a good watch.
I have this watch in green and love it, I also have the 805 in green to. Both are great in their own way.
excellent video,very thorough and great looking 5
Thank you for watching!
Awesome review!
thanks for the video. I love seiko a lot😁 I started to think of buying another seiko military watch. This time it would be the green counter part😁.
Great videos, man! Thank you.
Thanks!
such a detailed video . thank you.
Got one of these that is 3yrs old and is still running within 1 second per day from factory! Unfortunately I let my sister borrow the watch and it looks like she dragged the watch against a brick wall and completely trashed the crystal. That aside, the watch still runs amazingly! Totally wroth the price. Great review btw! I totally agree with the balance of the watch, it sits high on the wrist and the band is a tad thin.
Worn this model for,several years, great watch. Easy to read. Bands are easy to wash.
when was it released?
Great review thank you
Just found your channel today! Awesome content... very articulate presentation! I'll be getting one of these very soon... do u own any Tissot? Love my t-trend day date I got a year ago... would love to see u review a Tissot!
Really like this watch. I bought this and 3 timex watches. 1 weekender and 2 scout expedition.
Cool, nice collection
I have the SNK803 & SNK809 but I also have another contender the SNE331 it is Solar but a really cool military type watch ... Great Video ...
While the Seiko 5 is pretty sweet (and very reminiscent of classic watch sizing, reminds me of WWI style) the spring bars keep it from being a hard-use adventure watch for me. After replacing the second one after it popped off while being active, I with they'd have screw-in bars. I wonder if someone out there would be willing to drill and thread it? That would be cool. -Doodle
+nutnfancy hey Doodle, thanks for stopping by! Hard to believe but spring bars vary hugely in quality, my question would be are you using extra thick shoulderless bars? If not check out ofrei.com and maybe think of picking up ones used in Seiko's dive watches or even some Swiss ones. Spending 10 bucks+ on a pair of springbars might seem insane at first, but it would be a lot less work than drilling lugs for screw bars...I've had screw bar dive watches and they present their own problems, needing to use loctite, crossthreading, etc. But the best solution of all are fixed bars, too bad they are pretty uncommon unless you get an old service watch. Let me know if you find a good solution! Cheers, Andrew
+nutnfancy also if you want to pony up some extra coin, Smiths makes some pretty sweet fixed bar field watches. You'd have to run it on a NATO, but it would be 100% secure.
Thank you for pointing that out.
Great review.
Great review
Just sold my other 5s (SNK 809, 789, and 793) to buy the SNZ. I like the size of the SNK, but the 100m water resistance and Numerals/24 Hour markers make this one watch everything I want out of a casual Seiko 5. I have a Monster and a Pepsi diver as well.
knox2613 great, i have pepsi diver too and now i want this SNZG15
knox2613 I
I bought this exact watch because of your review. Content so far. Thanks.
How long does the lume last on your new snzg? Will it last through the night?
@@tambor76 yes, the watch remains luminous, although faint, through the night.
@@k_kelsey - thanks for the info. Been thinking of buying the same one but need something i can see with no problems if i wake up at 4 or 5 a.m.
@@tambor76 you’re welcome. I think you’ll enjoy it. I bought a leather band for it and love the look.
Seiko = Solid ,great review.
Thank you UA-cam for putting this channel in my "recommended" feed!! Love the channel and will probably be binge watching most of your videos in the next day or so. Do you know where I can still find this watch for around $100? The one I see on Amazon is $168. There is a green canvas version for around $100 but I think it has a green face and I prefer the one in this video. Thanks again for your content. Love the style of the videos as well as the quality of the gear you are reviewing. Keep it up!
Patrick Stevens Thanks very much for you kind works and welcome! I don't have any tips about the best deal, except I've noticed that Amazon's prices are often in flux. Happy hunting!
Patrick Stevens 7/4/15: eBay has them for around $87.
+lsimpson50
It's more money for this exact version (which is made in Japan). The "$87" version is the one that is not made in Japan.
I want to buy a Seiko Snzg japanese made from my friend, but it is 3 years old ( not worn to much).
Should I go for it ??
Hi, nice review. The model you have there is the SNZG15J, the J indicates it is the Japan made model. There is also the SNZG15K, same watch but made in Korea (I think). You'll note yours says 'Made in Japan' on the dial. The J version should I think have lume on the numerals, unlike the K version which just has it on the markers. The J version is usually slightly more expensive.
Gear 555 how about the strap material?? what iam thinking after couple of months using maybe it will be damaged???
great video .. thank you
Thanks for the review, very useful. Got a question. I can see plenty of SNZGs on sale online, but can not find em offline. Official Seiko sites don't give any info on this model, at least I haven't found it. Someone told me here, in Russia, SNZGs are out of production at the moment. So where are they made? Or where to look for production dates? Facilities?
Just got one. New to watches. Mine has English and Spanish. I set it to English, and halfway through the day I noticed it moves to the Spanish for that day. Is that correct? Or should it only show the English once I set it to that?
I also have the beige or desert color version, a gift from my wife on my birthday. I match it with an olive drab NATO strap and it look so tactical. Good review anyways
I've got this one on a bracelet but I wouldn't mind the desert version...
very, interesting, first class video.
important to note: if it doesnt have J1 in the model number it is not made in japan!
i have the kahki version of this watch. i love it. got a jack foster strap custom made and now i love it even more! gave the watch a much nicer look!
I might put one up soon.
Hey I just bought this watch. I initially had my heart set on buying the hamilton offer auto or the hamilton khaki field but they are a bit pricey and I couldn't find one that was over 40mm in diameter (I don't like small watches). When I found this one I was very impressed because its a simple but elegant design, very durable and is 100m water resistant. Im only 23 so my knowledge of watches is rudimentary. Im glad I bought this one because at the moment I want something that takes a beating and can be used anywhere. My one question is "is this watch a hack watch?" because I read on the reviews that it wasn't. Many thanks
Thanks your comment, this is not a hacking watch.
+555 Gear from your experience with this watch can it be used regularly in water?
The "missing chunk" is by design, and is uniform on these movements.
I have one, When i want to wear it I just shake it a bit to charge it up set the time and put it on, much quicker and easier than winding and it's a seiko 5 so no need to baby it.
Saw a review on the SNZF17 K1 "Sea Urchin" I think it's a dive watch variant. I like the looks on that one a lot. I have seen them for sale for $150 to $200 or so. Some say "Made in Japan" some don't. the ones that are $200 do say it. Is there any significant difference in build quality. I dont mind the extra $50. If it will get me a more accurate reliable watch.
Really liked your review of the 5 Sport. I might consider that one as well, I am very new to this .. Always just bought $20-50 Casio or Timex Expeditions before now. I want the mechanical, no winding, no batteies. I almost never take my watch off, so no problems keeping it wound up.
Thanks
I chose this as my first watch, thanks for the amazing review. You have great a channel i look forward to more content.
Welcome and enjoy!
The case is polished between the lugs - very chafe resistant for straps that happen to contact the case in the middle
i own this watch...looks great.
Overall then, what is your feeling toward Nato style straps? Also, any plans to do anything on the Citizen BM8180-03E? I had thought I saw something on your IG several months ago on that. Love these videos!
I just bought this watch today, May 10, 2020. How is yours holding up after all these years since your review?
Most of my mechanical watches are Seiko 5s, or other Seikos using the 7S26 and 7S36 movements. True, they aren't the most accurate, but they are tough, and run forever. That's what I like in a watch. Also in a car...but that's another topic.
They tend to be pretty constant. they just don't always regulate them well at the factory. Mine gains a minute a week. And for a 21 jewel automatic for $50 I can't complain.
Tak Wolf how to regulate it?
There are free apps that you can use to regulate them to a very reasonable accuracy.
The seiko5 is also prone to becoming magnetized as well, which tends to speed up the movement
What car brand do you prefer?
This watch seems to be perfect, must get one! I've just sold a pilot chronograph Seiko on ebay and I'm missing it already! Incidentally, in the UK, this is available in Amazon for £97 free shipping
Interest in this watch has Amazon listing it at £130+ grrrr!
+robert bishop £77 Skywatches, absolute bargain. Get a quality black or brown leather strap and it looks pure class!
I got my mother a seiko 5 ladies watch it's small but very thick but it is a lovely watch.
Cool . . . I bought one on E-bay . A modern representation of 1965 . Thanks
HI ! WHAT YEAR IS THE SEIKO 7S36 CALIBER INTRODUCED ? THANKS !
Hi, I can't choose between these Seiko SNZG15 and Hamilton khaki field. Can you give me some tips or can you make a comparison of these two? Thanks
The main difference is that the HAMILTON 'field watch' costs more.
Just bought one. I'm excited.
ajtronic what do you think after a year
I know this is an old post, but I wanted to comment about two statements you made in the review concerning hand winding and hacking. When I first got my Seiko 5 I was disappointed about these same two things. But after using the Seiko for a couple of years now, I've found they aren't as important as I thought. I've found it's not necessary to wind the watch before wearing it. I wear my Seiko 5 every few days. It sits in my drawer and stops running. When I get up in the morning and want to wear it, it's usually enough to pick it up and shake it gently a few times to wind it. I set the time, and put it on and it runs normally and charges up. Or, sometimes I put it in my pocket and walk downstairs and fix my coffee to brew. I sit down to wait for the coffee and when I pull my watch out of my pocket it's running. I set the time, and I'm ready to go. Concerning hacking, at first appearance you can't hack the movement. But I've found that if I move the hands backwards it stops the second hand. I set the day of the week, and move the hands to a couple of minutes past the current time. I wait for the second hand to get to 12 o'clock and then rotate the hands backwards a few mintutes which stops the second hand and I wait for the actual time to reach the top of the minute. I then move the minute hand to the exact position and that starts the second hand. Voila, I have a hacking feature on a watch that doesn't support it and I can accurately set the time on my watch. I hope this helps some of your viewers make the Seiko 5 more useful to them. I love mine and am surprised that I have such a nice watch that only $100.
Isn't this hacking technique dangerous for the movement?
thanks, very interesting
Just as an note, one of the quintessential features of a Seiko 5 is that they are automatics, but Seiko have broken this rule in the past. There was briefly a Seiko 5 quartz way back in the 80's released to attempt to cash in on the watches popularity. They are quite a rare collectors piece to try and get one in any sort of decent condition nowadays. Additionally, there are a few models that don't include the day/date feature. So the stated rules, whilst generally correct, aren't necessarily set in stone.
HI ! WHAT YEAR WERE THESE SNZG SERIES WATCHES INTRODUCED ? THANKS !
check out the SRP635. It got the 4r36 and is a similar field style.Lume is only on the hands though. There is also the SARG011, websites call it a dess watch, but it looks like a field/aviator to me. It's got the 6r15.
Great channel, i sub'd
Thanks for the sub, and that's a great suggestion with the SRP!
+forrest225 I have a SRP635 and a SNZG09 - wear them both a lot. The SNZG09 is super accurate, gains about 2-3 seconds per day. But the hand winding is...well, handy on the SRP635 :)
Can you please do a comparison between Timex expedition scout vs Seiko sbca001 and this?! Pls~ cheers from Singapore!
Thanks for watching! I'll consider it...
do you service your hamilton?
thanks for that! I enjoyed the review and history
how about a review on the Seiko 5 sorts 24 jewel SRP line of watches?
the have manual winding and hacking ? I have recently gotten a SRP249J1
in the UK for £100 am happy with it apart from the bezel which on some web sites say it rotates but not on my watch??
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into doing a review on that watch. Looks like a good value watch. Thanks also for watching and commenting!
Do you know how to change the strap?
Great, Great, Great review! Thanks a lot! Better then anything else i found on this Seiko.thanks to this i finally decide I'll buy one myself (must the snzg13 and not the 15=D). Do you know if there is any REAL difference between the japan version (SNZG13J1) and the chines version (SNZG13K1) ? Thanks Again!
Gerardo Telese Thanks for watching! There are any "real" differences other than where they were made.
555 Gear I don't believe there are any differences between J and K models of any Seikos. They are just made for different markets and are identical in every way.
I got one since about 2 years. Great beater watch. Well, I paid 165 Euro which makes 197 Dollars. Anyway it's still worth it.
where did you buy that watch?
This is a great clear pleasing watch for those who just want a basic looking watch that you can instantly tell the time on ? Day and date is nice too especially in negative? I must confess im not into Automatic watches anymore as i think generally basic automatic movements are just to inaccurate to bother with ? But i do seem to have a draw to own the odd Seiko and this particular one is obviously Auto & is running at +17/20 a day so by modern standards of time keeping is poor i guess .
I could love the design of this watch except for the hands. The syringe hands on the SNK series are what sold me on that watch. I love that they so accurately point to the indices. The sword stlye hads on this watch are just too clunky and imprecise for my taste. I do, however love the outer chapter ring and the white outlined day/date complication. Anyone know if you could change the hands out?
David Sparling, I just watched this review and saw your question posted, which I will answer in case you are still wondering, and also for anyone else wondering the same. Yes!, you absolutely can change the hands. You’d have to do a bit of research to determine whether hands from the SNK series you like would fit this particular model but there are plenty of aftermarket choices available as well, Yobokies (Seiko Boy) and Dagaz are two excellent sources for parts to customize your Seiko. You can find both of them online. You could learn to do it yourself with a few simple tools, or have a competent local watchmaker do it for you.
I've had this exact watch since January. Replaced the band with a brown leather band. I love this watch!! However, yesterday, inexplicably, it just stopped working. Shook it over and over again. Can see the guts in the see-through back and nothing appears to be disengaged. Large half-moon piece still swivels. Not sure how much it's going to cost to have fixed, but I am now extremely disappointed.
Excellent Watch for the money
Hey! A Magpul Iphone case! Nice!(:
+danial shah good catch!
Hi, i would like to ask if this model or the 7S36 movement allow manual winding of the watch crown to wind the watch? or since its an automatic, do i just shake it to wind the watch if its from a "dead" state after months of non-usage.
Yeah this one does not hand wind, got gotta shake it! Thanks for your time.
You have to shake it a lot (> 5 min) to fully load the spring
Can you switch the day of the week to kanji?
what's the difference between the J1 and the K1?
Is it just the place of manufacturing?
shiva1008 yes Japan and malaysia
shiva1008 The Made in Japan one has a Japanese supervisor keeping an eye on the assemblers in a Malaysian factory. As far as I am aware, the parts are made in Japan, I assume by automated machines, but the meticulous assembly can only be affordably carried out by skilful, very low paid, Malaysian craftspeople. I got the Made in Japan one 20 months ago at a slight cost premium, but I wouldn't bother in the future, the quality is the same, either way. Regarding the Hardlex crystal, I'm not sure it's harder than normal mineral crystal, but I would say that it's super transparent, right up there with sapphire, it can often look like it's coated. Timekeeping, I'm getting 1-2 seconds a day! A brilliant watch.
Dude your mic is so clear i can hear the watch tick. Or is the movement that loud?
I wish this watch was still $100 it is about double that now. I found one on sale for $150. Asked for it for Christmas 😅
Is in blue or green colors?
at 8:23... this is not a timekeeping movement for the....?
can you please do a review on seiko snn231p2?
Where do you buy your Seiko at? Love the videos by the way.
how long does this one hold power? i read that it only holds for 12 hours or so...and the smaller seiko 5 holds it for 40 hours
It has a power reserve of about 40 hours.
Very good video! How has this particular watch lasted since you made this video?
+Antonio Glendinning it's still in the family and running great!
+555 Gear That's great! I hope to order myself one in the next month or two. Best looking military style field watch I have ever seen!
Nice watch! , what's the size if your wrist?
You mention that the 7S36 movement is an introductory level movement.. Could you comment on some of the better, more accurate movements? 15 seconds a day is a little too much for me.
Dustin Korpi these can be regulated to +/- 5 seconds a day, if you’re patient.
Sir, What year did these seiko field watches manufactured?
Hi!!! Please respond!!!! Does your watch make a lot of noise when worn? Is mine defective?
+Devin Yu
It does make noise. It's the interior components working. Nothing to be alarmed about. Just something you have to get used to.
i was thinking about buying this 100$ nice clock, but what kept me of doing that is that my 30$ timex weekender and my 45$ timex scout both have indiglo light making them easy readable in low light situations, it's a shame because i was liking this one a lot
i had 5 timex scouts break in the last 4months. they are cheap and made poorly. i have this seiko too. the seiko is worlds above the timex on all fronts.
I agree, but I havent quit the timex world only because of the indiglo, I like it a lot, and I hate that I want to spend more than a 100 dollars on a much better watch only to find out that only has some luminous paint, I'd love to have at least a Seiko 5 with indiglo :(
You don't have to wear it around until it's running again, just shake it up 10 or 15 times, and it'll be running enough to set, strap on, and go.