Ever since the release of the cocktail time back in 2010, these watches have become some of the best dress watches available for the money. The original design identity was maintained with the same numeral and dial styles with the inner compass ring along the outside but was given a cyclops at the 3 o'clock and an updated 6R35 caliber within that extend the power reserve to an impressive 70 hours in comparison to the 50 hours of the 6R15. Unfortunately, I'm not the only that loves the SNK803, so it will be the hardest to find of the bunch. If we're going to make a recommendation based on the level of aftermarket support , it'll definitely have to be the SKX007/009, hands down. If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s also a wise choice since you can save money on an entry-level model.

As I mentioned earlier, perfect watch to get you into automatic watches and the exhibition case back shows off the mechanism very nicely. It’s low-beat, non-hacking and non-hand-winding but it has powered Seiko 5 watches for generations and is renowned as being pretty much bulletproof.In comparison to other automatic brands, it would be fair to say the 7S26 is a fairly basic movement. I think the olive green dial is perfectly suited for the military look of this watch, and so is the canvas strap. Also, having a case thickness of a mere 11mm, it’s also possible to fit this under the sleeve of a dress shirt. As I have mentioned, I have a large body frame, so the size of the watch, especially the black dial is not very appropriate for me.

A specially sculpted crown helps ensure the case’s 50-meter water resistance, and the movement is magnetic-resistant to 4,800 A/m. With this new reality of the SKX, enthusiasts starting looking elsewhere for alternatives that could deliver on what the SKX was providing. These days you see a lot of the 42mm dials which have become very popular, but there’s still people who prefer these smaller watches. The SNK809 is styled like a field watch, which is a style that mainstream consumers will be able to more easily appreciate.The indices have lumed dots on their outer edge, and their placement on the outside of the dial means there’s room for the date window and a lume dot for better nighttime visibility. While in all aspects virtually the same watch as the successful SPB151 and SPB153, the SPB183 will be limited to 5500 pieces worldwide. Compared to more rugged designs like the Bulova Hack and even the Hamilton Khaki, the SRPG27 is also somewhat more refined, making it a versatile and affordable field watch to consider. When it comes to dive watches, the SKX007 is a great choice due to its popularity and the countless compatible mod parts to choose from. It has 40 hours of reserve power that keeps the watch ticking when it’s not powered by arm-movements.

Seiko’s extensive historical catalog certainly helps, especially when they can look back at models like the 62MAS, the company’s very first commercial dive watch from 1965.

water resistance isn’t very high, it’s suitable for day to day use but you can’t go swimming etc with it. Seiko produce a series of watches that are popular with collectors: from the Orange Monster to the SKX007 diver. The canvas strap is a good one, but it’s not the best option in terms of durability and water-resistance. Earlier in the year we released a video reviewing and comparing the SRPF53 and the SRPF41 side by side and concluded that both pieces were impressively finished for the money. Recently, I was checking out a certain Seiko 5 Review because Seiko SNK809 version is making a lot of noise in the market today.

If you want a minimalistic style, I suggest that you take a look on the SNKl23 Seiko 5 military watch because that is, for me, the minimalist type. For those familiar with the Grand Seiko can then appreciate the message that is being sent when even mentioning this watch in the same breath as one of the best dials in all of watchmaking.

Mineral glass is scratch resistant so will resist most day to day wear, other scratches can often be buffed out which is also useful. The matte-black dial has bright colored details (red seconds hand, blue “Sports”: text at 6 o’clock, baton hands, and the day-date window at 3 o’clock and crown at 4 o’clock that distinguish the contemporary 5 Sports family.