How long has it been since these Seiko 5's were "discontinued"? Content creaters have been saying these watches are going away for well over four years now, yet there's plenty available. For company that's well managed as Seiko, that's terrible inventory management to have that much unsold stock still sitting around. There's something strange going on here worth digging into.
Don't find it officially stated that they are discontinued anywhere, so maybe they just let a few more come out since they probably have great profit margins
I'll see if I can get a response from Seiko about this, though the SNKK is listed as discontinued on multiple sites, so I'd be surprised if the other model wasn't also. Unfortunately, many big brands don't seem to like replying to me haha
The SNXS line of old Seiko 5's is by far my favourite, mini Datejust with killer loom and in combination with an aftermarket jubilee bracelet and a sapphire crystal it's a stunning little piece. Most of the 36-37mm Seiko 5's were easily obtainable for 50-70 $ for years, but as years went by, the price increased gradually. But even to this day, if purchased at the right price, it's a great buy and some of the models (SNXS line for instance) might even be future collectibles.
absolutely agree, I can still remember these watches used to cost around 50 pounds in the far east (it's literally 5 or 6 years ago)and it was probably one of the best watch ones can buy with that budget - even more so for a Seiko automatic! The sports collection sat usually slightly higher at 100 pound point but with a far better quality 4R36 that offered superb performance for the money paid. These watches, in my very honest opinion, represented the original spirit of the Seiko 'Sportsmatic' 5 - functional, reliable, while also being affordable at the same time as a sports watch or a tool watch.
Everything is getting more expensive nowdays, Orient is a good alternative, but I am not sure if you can find an automatic from orient under 100 dollars.
It's not really going up in price but look dollar was not worth that much anymore, Imagine buying S5 for 90 buck when average salary is 500 in 1990s it's not really affordable though, so today pricing is exactly where it should.
Just bought my son his first automatic watch on Christmas. It was the Seiko SNK369, and he's been wearing it nearly everyday. Was perfect for the price and solid Seiko, unique sporty design and all for a 16 year old.
Interestingly I think this SNK371, may have the same case and bracelet as the SNK381, which my Mrs recently got me for my Birthday. The SNK381 is supposed to be a reissue of the 6119-8100 'MACV-SOG' watch used by US Special Forces during the Vietnam war, which is why I wanted it!
The best thing about these watches is the dial and hands. They make perfect use in the dress skx series. I’ve used the dial and hands from a SNK361 and placed it in an SRPE model with the 4r35 movement. These dials also fit the SRPD models.
I've just bought the blue one! I bought a Blancpain "fifty fathoms" one back in 2018 (my first) and I still love it now. He now has a brother ❤ Thank you
@@koshk3224 unfortunately, those days of inexpensive Seikos are long gone. Maybe about 5 years ago when I bought my SNK for $80. Now I see them selling on Amazon for $150 even $200.
It’s honestly a shame that the last gen Seiko 5s got the axe (and now the Orient TriStars as well). They were an island of great unisex-ish sizing and sharp designs with the functionality of day-date, all at an attainable price for even those on a tight budget.
I recently replaced the caseback of my snxs77 to a solid non-see through one. It completely changed the feel on wrist and all but completely eliminated the UFOness of it. I love it so much more now.
SNK371 has the very nice 01V0 case, but 37mm diameter and 18mm lugs. SNKK27 has the 02W0 case which has a 38.5mm case and 20mm lugs. I really wish Seiko had made more models in the '5' range in this size!
Hey men, congrats for the nice channel you have here... Youre helping me make a list to begin my collection... Quick question, have you ever heard of the brand "S. Coifman"? Or Simon Coifman, apparently is a really old company with really good looking pieces, and with a great price! ... Can you please make a review of one of their watches?
I looked at the blue dial SNK online a while ago but ended up buying the black dial when I saw one in the window of a local independent watch shop. I really like it and don't mind the rattley bracelet. After watching this video I thought about getting the white dial of the SNKK but via the link I saw there was a yellow one...and I love a yellow dial so have ordered one of those instead :)
Late to reply to your post, but I did the same a month or more ago. $90 on Ebay and I love the dial. The bracelet needs a link on each side taken out for it to fit my wrist though. Somebody did a video showing a perfectly matching silicone band in red and black, but I can't find it now. I would really like that band.
I picked up a used 'railway time' 5 from the '80's a few years back for £30. Serviced it , bought a strap for it and it runs fine. Nice bargain piece of Seiko history for next to nothing.
I only have one Seiko 5 left in my collection, the SNK381 which looks like it has the same case as your SNK just with a more understated dial. Which is perfect by me - if it had sapphire crystal, more water resistance and a newer movement, it would be the best looking affordable Explorer alternative.
i have a seiko 5 that's design wise not the same, but most likely has the same movement etc. It's just such a fun watch to have and look at without having to break the bank. These are my favorite type of watches
Picked up an SNXS79 with a blue dial at an indoor fair with OG box and OG strap for £40. Incredible bargain. Replaced the metal strap with a NATO and it's easily one of my favourites. It is absolutely insane how cheap you can get things for outside of retail stores.
ive had a similiar seiko once and you get what you pay for. the bracelet is trash, the finishing and looks are questionable. On leather strap its an ok watch. i would def. save up more to around $200-$300 and you can get a really nice seiko, like the srpg35.
Im from India and this watch has been pretty much unavailable for a long time now. Ordered it through Amazon uk after seeing your video. How it reaches without any issues. This also happens to be my first automatic too. Just asking the strap size for these are 18mm ryt?
Five years ago Creation in Singapore had a massive selection of Seiko 5s for under £50, and could sell you an SKX around £120. They still have a decent selection of 5s for around £80 but even at that I'd only see them as a nostalgia buy compared to much of the Chinese opposition. Compared to the RRPs of the latest Seiko 5 range though I'd say they are still worth buying.
I never really liked the hash marks between 12 and 20 on these but on a similar note I did grab the snsx79 reaceantly before they disappear and I love it apart from the cheap bracelet. Even though the uncle seiko bracelet is nearly as much as the watch it deserves it.
All these Seiko’s are lovely. I saw some of them at the reputable dealer. They tick all the boxes despite one, very important for me, a diameter. 37 mm looks a bit funny on my wrist. All Seikos l like very much are too small for me. I like 43 and more. And that’s the problem with this brand. Anyway, thank you for a brilliant presentation.
That old outdated 7s26 movement is a reliable old workhorse. No hand wind, no hacking... BUT... I have an original "Orange Monster" with that movement. Mine keeps remarkably good time, has never been serviced, but just keeps plodding along with no issues. When I fancy wearing it, I just pick it up, give it the good old "Seiko Shuffle" set it and it's good to go !!
I also have some Seiko watches from the old generation with the old logo at prices around 100 euros, here I am talking about Seiko SNKK87K1 and Seiko SNKK65K1, and they are very good watches, the only thing about them is that the mechanism cannot be turned manually.
Nice little watches and fortunately the link provided has a Valentine sale on so an extra 10% off so cant complain. but definately needs the strap or bracelet replacing. not sure about the KK version looks a little bulbus in comparison. and at the size great for the smaller wrists
Hey i watched one documentary video(wich released 6 days ago) and it had sponsor of holzkern watches can you make video of them are those scam like filipo or a great deal
The speed racer is in reference to the watch design resemblance to the original Japanese Anime and ironic sharing of the number 5 with the Mark Five and Seikos Sport 5 series
Some of the most desirable models in the pre-2019 Seiko 5 collection are creeping up in price and availability is starting to be a problem. I just sold my SNKL23K1 for 130€, of course pre-owned with box+papers, and I literally made a bit of money over the price I paid for it brand new. If you’re in the fence about jumping on a SNKL/SNXS/etc, just do it now or soon it might be too late.
My aliexpress watch from seestern (with a on the fly adjust bracelet...) vipes the floor with my seiko 5 sport at the same price and my more expensive prospex when it comes to crystal, qc, markings, attention to detail and its a draw on wrist feel and case finishing. Old seiko 5s look like 5 euro watches to me
I've had one of these seikos in my ebay cart for like 2 years straight. I've always wanted the white dial with the red accent and put it on a red nato strap. I will say that specs make this a fantastic watch, but the finishing on these is meh and cheapens the overall feel (maybe cheapens is an incorrect description but more so dates the watch). I did get one of these and the case back unscrewed while riding my bike and sweat got in and fogged up the watch. Luckily I noticed right away and put it in a bowl of rice to absorb the liquid out, but I will probably not buy one of these again. Its a great watch for the office or school but for a $50 more you can buy something stronger with better finishing
For anyone thinking about buying one of these...they're crap, they feel cheap, the date change breaks soooo easily. I wouldn't pay more than 50 for them.
I had owned Seiko 5s and they were the worst garbage I’ve ever owned. Noisy and inaccurate. For a company that also has the magnificent Grand Seikos and whose market is full of excellent micro brands (plus some less excellent, of course) and smart watches, I cannot understand why they go this way. The legacy went out the window.
Any other Seiko 5's you think are also worth grabbing while still available?
🛒 WATCHES FEATURED (Affiliate)
Seiko SNK300 Series:
- SNK371 (Blue Dial) ➡ geni.us/seikosnk371
- SNK69 (White Dial) ➡ geni.us/seikosnk369
- SNK375 (Black Dial) ➡geni.us/seikosnk375k
SNKK Series:
- SNKK27 (Blue Dial) ➡ geni.us/Seikosnkk27
- SNKK25 (White Dial) ➡ geni.us/seikosnkk25
Definitely the SNK381 and SNXS79
I ordered a Seiko snk371 , it finally arrived today!
How long has it been since these Seiko 5's were "discontinued"? Content creaters have been saying these watches are going away for well over four years now, yet there's plenty available. For company that's well managed as Seiko, that's terrible inventory management to have that much unsold stock still sitting around. There's something strange going on here worth digging into.
Interesting
It's not Seiko selling you the watch. It's the 10 000 dealers who each hold stock.
Don't find it officially stated that they are discontinued anywhere, so maybe they just let a few more come out since they probably have great profit margins
I'll see if I can get a response from Seiko about this, though the SNKK is listed as discontinued on multiple sites, so I'd be surprised if the other model wasn't also. Unfortunately, many big brands don't seem to like replying to me haha
@@BensWatchClubbut just to be sure as a SNXS79 owner, the SNXS series has been discontinued right?
The SNXS line of old Seiko 5's is by far my favourite, mini Datejust with killer loom and in combination with an aftermarket jubilee bracelet and a sapphire crystal it's a stunning little piece. Most of the 36-37mm Seiko 5's were easily obtainable for 50-70 $ for years, but as years went by, the price increased gradually. But even to this day, if purchased at the right price, it's a great buy and some of the models (SNXS line for instance) might even be future collectibles.
I have a snk371 that I put nh35 in and double domed sapphire crystal, it is keeping perfect time and looks great. It was a lotta fun doing it too
I had no idea these models were so affordable. The blue and yellow one is gorgeous.
really?
It's unfortunate that Seiko is doing away with one of it's biggest advantages over other brands.
Affordability.
absolutely agree, I can still remember these watches used to cost around 50 pounds in the far east (it's literally 5 or 6 years ago)and it was probably one of the best watch ones can buy with that budget - even more so for a Seiko automatic! The sports collection sat usually slightly higher at 100 pound point but with a far better quality 4R36 that offered superb performance for the money paid. These watches, in my very honest opinion, represented the original spirit of the Seiko 'Sportsmatic' 5 - functional, reliable, while also being affordable at the same time as a sports watch or a tool watch.
Everything is getting more expensive nowdays, Orient is a good alternative, but I am not sure if you can find an automatic from orient under 100 dollars.
It's not really going up in price but look dollar was not worth that much anymore, Imagine buying S5 for 90 buck when average salary is 500 in 1990s it's not really affordable though, so today pricing is exactly where it should.
There is still some good value "modern Seiko's" but yeah the old days where you can get a sarb017 or skx at a affordable price is long gone
Just bought my son his first automatic watch on Christmas. It was the Seiko SNK369, and he's been wearing it nearly everyday. Was perfect for the price and solid Seiko, unique sporty design and all for a 16 year old.
Interestingly I think this SNK371, may have the same case and bracelet as the SNK381, which my Mrs recently got me for my Birthday.
The SNK381 is supposed to be a reissue of the 6119-8100 'MACV-SOG' watch used by US Special Forces during the Vietnam war, which is why I wanted it!
I still like my SNK809😊
Love the smaller SNK Seiko 5's, they got me into watches and the size is perfect for those of us with smaller wrists.
I have a SNK369 that my dad gave me and I use it as my beater. Love the size and short lugs. Fits my puny wrists perfectly.
The best thing about these watches is the dial and hands. They make perfect use in the dress skx series. I’ve used the dial and hands from a SNK361 and placed it in an SRPE model with the 4r35 movement. These dials also fit the SRPD models.
I've just bought the blue one! I bought a Blancpain "fifty fathoms" one back in 2018 (my first) and I still love it now. He now has a brother ❤
Thank you
Love that blue and yellow combination
This couldn't have come at a better time, as I was just looking into getting one of these. Thanks Ben!
Probably the reason my watch collection grew. Every month I’d find a Seiko 5 for just $70/$80.
Omg where
@@koshk3224 unfortunately, those days of inexpensive Seikos are long gone. Maybe about 5 years ago when I bought my SNK for $80. Now I see them selling on Amazon for $150 even $200.
That’s at about 50 more than they’re worth unless you just buy them for the appearance.
for all that money you cound get 1 or 2 actually decent watches
thats me right now 🤣 got offered a preloved snk371 for 60$
I have the SNKK27, easily one of my favorite beaters, especially since I’ve put a leather strap on it.
It’s honestly a shame that the last gen Seiko 5s got the axe (and now the Orient TriStars as well). They were an island of great unisex-ish sizing and sharp designs with the functionality of day-date, all at an attainable price for even those on a tight budget.
Thinking of buying this and swapping the hands with baton style hands and a more needle like seconds hand
I recently replaced the caseback of my snxs77 to a solid non-see through one. It completely changed the feel on wrist and all but completely eliminated the UFOness of it. I love it so much more now.
SNK371 has the very nice 01V0 case, but 37mm diameter and 18mm lugs.
SNKK27 has the 02W0 case which has a 38.5mm case and 20mm lugs. I really wish Seiko had made more models in the '5' range in this size!
They are well and alive in the Philippines surprisingly! Here right now for a vacation and to visit home again
Hey men, congrats for the nice channel you have here... Youre helping me make a list to begin my collection... Quick question, have you ever heard of the brand "S. Coifman"? Or Simon Coifman, apparently is a really old company with really good looking pieces, and with a great price! ... Can you please make a review of one of their watches?
To be clear these movements are not discontinued. They are still used in Seiko's Lorus range of automatics, just with a different reference.
I have the blue/ yellow one it’s one of if not the first automatic I ever bought, but it looks super tiny on my wrist. You pull it off much better.
I looked at the blue dial SNK online a while ago but ended up buying the black dial when I saw one in the window of a local independent watch shop. I really like it and don't mind the rattley bracelet. After watching this video I thought about getting the white dial of the SNKK but via the link I saw there was a yellow one...and I love a yellow dial so have ordered one of those instead :)
i grabbed the snk 375 because of your video from awhile back. that dial has not failed to impress since.
Late to reply to your post, but I did the same a month or more ago. $90 on Ebay and I love the dial. The bracelet needs a link on each side taken out for it to fit my wrist though. Somebody did a video showing a perfectly matching silicone band in red and black, but I can't find it now. I would really like that band.
I picked up a used 'railway time' 5 from the '80's a few years back for £30. Serviced it , bought a strap for it and it runs fine. Nice bargain piece of Seiko history for next to nothing.
I only have one Seiko 5 left in my collection, the SNK381 which looks like it has the same case as your SNK just with a more understated dial. Which is perfect by me - if it had sapphire crystal, more water resistance and a newer movement, it would be the best looking affordable Explorer alternative.
5:56 - Yes! Seiko 5's look so good, but I just can't get myself to buy one because of that
i have a seiko 5 that's design wise not the same, but most likely has the same movement etc. It's just such a fun watch to have and look at without having to break the bank. These are my favorite type of watches
Those are nice but the white dial JDM one is the go to I think. They look so clean
Picked up an SNXS79 with a blue dial at an indoor fair with OG box and OG strap for £40. Incredible bargain. Replaced the metal strap with a NATO and it's easily one of my favourites.
It is absolutely insane how cheap you can get things for outside of retail stores.
I recently bought SNKA05K1 for around ₹11,000 ($130) in India, which also happens to be my first Seiko automatic watch.
ive had a similiar seiko once and you get what you pay for. the bracelet is trash, the finishing and looks are questionable. On leather strap its an ok watch. i would def. save up more to around $200-$300 and you can get a really nice seiko, like the srpg35.
Love the video! Any chance of a look at the San Martin SN0113W-2? I got one for my birthday recently and I'd love to see your thoughts on it!
Im from India and this watch has been pretty much unavailable for a long time now. Ordered it through Amazon uk after seeing your video. How it reaches without any issues. This also happens to be my first automatic too. Just asking the strap size for these are 18mm ryt?
Five years ago Creation in Singapore had a massive selection of Seiko 5s for under £50, and could sell you an SKX around £120. They still have a decent selection of 5s for around £80 but even at that I'd only see them as a nostalgia buy compared to much of the Chinese opposition. Compared to the RRPs of the latest Seiko 5 range though I'd say they are still worth buying.
I'm pretty sure the "Speed Racer"-moniker specifically refers to the colors matching the car from the retro anime
I never really liked the hash marks between 12 and 20 on these but on a similar note I did grab the snsx79 reaceantly before they disappear and I love it apart from the cheap bracelet. Even though the uncle seiko bracelet is nearly as much as the watch it deserves it.
I owned both these Seikos a while back but just didn't love them so I sold them on. Kind of wish i had kept the white one now.
Annnnd I just bought the snk369 for £80 and picked up a red leather strap too....Thanks BEN! ;)
All these Seiko’s are lovely. I saw some of them at the reputable dealer. They tick all the boxes despite one, very important for me, a diameter. 37 mm looks a bit funny on my wrist. All Seikos l like very much are too small for me. I like 43 and more. And that’s the problem with this brand. Anyway, thank you for a brilliant presentation.
SNK381 is my favourite.
That old outdated 7s26 movement is a reliable old workhorse. No hand wind, no hacking... BUT... I have an original "Orange Monster" with that movement. Mine keeps remarkably good time, has never been serviced, but just keeps plodding along with no issues. When I fancy wearing it, I just pick it up, give it the good old "Seiko Shuffle" set it and it's good to go !!
What's the model number for the black dial one shown at 0:52?
I believe that is the Seiko 5 SNKL23.
@@SimplySoul thank you
I also have some Seiko watches from the old generation with the old logo at prices around 100 euros, here I am talking about Seiko SNKK87K1 and Seiko SNKK65K1, and they are very good watches, the only thing about them is that the mechanism cannot be turned manually.
The blue and yellow touched dial version is quite lush actually 👍
This is my favorite Seiko 5 case. Easy to mod with sapphire and a NH36.
I have this one…I really like it
Nice little watches and fortunately the link provided has a Valentine sale on so an extra 10% off so cant complain. but definately needs the strap or bracelet replacing. not sure about the KK version looks a little bulbus in comparison. and at the size great for the smaller wrists
Hey Ben, can you do a review on fossil CH2927. It is a fusion of dive and chronograph.
Possibly a daft question, but, can you still get the links from jewelers? I have a large wrist, have needed extra links on every watch I've purchased.
They are like 169€ on Amazon in Germany 😶
Worth looking at some of the other links in the description, they are much cheaper thankfully
@@BensWatchClub thank you
I have the SNK369 on a bond Nato strap as my everyday beta , I can't believe how many people comment how much they like it !
I prefer the white SNKK. Think I'll pick one up
Lorus makes very similar watches, the finishing is acceptable, the bracelets are slightly inferior and the price is lower, overall a good deal imo.
Walmart has them for sale today.
Seiko snk621 cause of the day and date feature plus budget price
Hey i watched one documentary video(wich released 6 days ago) and it had sponsor of holzkern watches can you make video of them are those scam like filipo or a great deal
Surely quartz are the only watches worth considering these days .
Last fall, I got my hands on a MACV-SOG inspired SNK381 from Jomashop for $100.
I have one snk371 , it's colorful.
The speed racer is in reference to the watch design resemblance to the original Japanese Anime and ironic sharing of the number 5 with the Mark Five and Seikos Sport 5 series
Some of the most desirable models in the pre-2019 Seiko 5 collection are creeping up in price and availability is starting to be a problem. I just sold my SNKL23K1 for 130€, of course pre-owned with box+papers, and I literally made a bit of money over the price I paid for it brand new. If you’re in the fence about jumping on a SNKL/SNXS/etc, just do it now or soon it might be too late.
I have that watch .. grabbed it for $85 CND. Now 2 years later going for $185.
Great watch, I just replaced the band with a leather.
This is the first mechanical i ever bought and continues to be my most worn watch
Plenty of them in 3 different colours available on creation watches for £80-85!
I got the yellow dial version of that dial for $50 on Ebay.
Looks great apart from the£30 tax added on..
Is the SNK375K1 difrerent?. Its the same, no?.
Only if the black one’s dail and hands could be fitted in a sroe
Which year we are in?
Relic? I have watches that are 60 years old and wear them regulary 😅
Thanks Ben❣️
The red and white one was my first auto and the only watch I've ever dropped and broke the movement. 😢
You have a chance to replace that cruddy movement with a nh36.
I'd take one of these over any Pagani or other Chinese knock-off anyday.
My aliexpress watch from seestern (with a on the fly adjust bracelet...) vipes the floor with my seiko 5 sport at the same price and my more expensive prospex when it comes to crystal, qc, markings, attention to detail and its a draw on wrist feel and case finishing.
Old seiko 5s look like 5 euro watches to me
0:56 anybody know what seiko model is this?
I'm trying to find that one too. Any luck?
SNXS77
Seiko men's 5 snk371k1
Seiko SNKK27K1
I was about to hit “buy it now” 😅
Let it be in the past😊
Plenty of older Seiko 5's still around
Some of this seikos are still available in dubai lol
What's the point of highlighting 00 to 20? Seemingly no functional purpose and I hate that.
6:04 Nice.
Very happy with my Pagani design black submariner 43!
60£!
No point to buy Seiko 🐽
That little watch dominates your wrist
looking forward to the price of mine going up lmao
SNXS 73.
Those are cool watches, but I can't stand the bracelets 🤮
I've had one of these seikos in my ebay cart for like 2 years straight. I've always wanted the white dial with the red accent and put it on a red nato strap. I will say that specs make this a fantastic watch, but the finishing on these is meh and cheapens the overall feel (maybe cheapens is an incorrect description but more so dates the watch). I did get one of these and the case back unscrewed while riding my bike and sweat got in and fogged up the watch. Luckily I noticed right away and put it in a bowl of rice to absorb the liquid out, but I will probably not buy one of these again. Its a great watch for the office or school but for a $50 more you can buy something stronger with better finishing
Snk803 is my favorite watch ive had… i’ll get another one soon…
Nice
For anyone thinking about buying one of these...they're crap, they feel cheap, the date change breaks soooo easily. I wouldn't pay more than 50 for them.
I had owned Seiko 5s and they were the worst garbage I’ve ever owned. Noisy and inaccurate.
For a company that also has the magnificent Grand Seikos and whose market is full of excellent micro brands (plus some less excellent, of course) and smart watches, I cannot understand why they go this way.
The legacy went out the window.
Dude what happened to your hair?
I don't buy watches from Amazon.
They're each linked on 2-3 different sites in the video description 👍
First