Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Watch with Stainless Steel Bracelet – SNKL45K1

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It’s hard to go wrong with a watch with such classic dimensions that looks great on any wrist, looks great on just about any strap and happens to be one of the most affordable automatic watches you can buy. I also like the case design better on the SNKL45, albeit I haven't seen the SNKL23 in person so that could change my opinion about the watch overall. The only thing I prefer on the latter is perhaps the second hand, which isn't red. I might grow to like the red second hand more if I had the watch for a while, who knows. Made by master craftsmen in one of Seiko’s luxury micro-studios, Grand Seiko timepieces are made of far superior materials to the brand’s flagship collections. This makes them way more expensive, sure, but the quality is right up there with that of some other luxury watchmakers. When purchasing a watch which has a metal bracelet with adjustable links, we will gladly adjust the watch bracelet to fit your wrist before sending the watch to you - free of charge!

But over time, like most other things about this watch, not only did they grow on me, but I began to appreciate them more and more. That’s why I’ve bought this same exact watch THREE times. The Final Verdict I also wasn’t a fan of the all polished case of the SNXS79, and how easily the mineral crystal smudged up and looked ‘dirty’ from fingerprint smudges all the time (little did I know, sapphire crystals can be WORSE about this sometimes).That’s when I did some more digging, to find an automatic watch that was affordable, looked great and had solid build quality. I do appreciate craftsmanship and inginuity of many Swiss pieces, but like you said, as far as reliability and affordability, Seiko is hard to beat. The included bracelet isn’t the best, but with a watch so affordable, it’s easy to overlook, and this watch looks good on a variety of different straps if you can work around the odd 19mm lug width. What I didn’t realize at the time was that a smaller watch is actually classier and more versatile, as it’s more subtle and discreet.

Essentially a more affordable version of the SARB033, the SZSB012 takes all of the design queues of the SARB but cuts a few corners in its overall fit and finish to keep costs down. But what makes this one of the best Seiko watches, particularly in the chronograph category, is that it automatically receives radio signals to keep the time and calendar precise.The majority of Seiko 5s have their crown at 4:00 instead of 3:00 like most watches. Although a bit unusual, this is a specific design trait of the 5 that makes the watch more comfortable to wear when on your wrist. Though few and far between, there are a few 5s that have a crown at 3:00, such as the SRPE35. But, I implore you to try the 4:00 crown before judging it. You may find you prefer it after all! Dimensions Leather? NATO? RUBBER? No problem. This watch is a strap monster, and the neutral silver-white dial means you can really have fun experimenting with different colors as well. That’s how I’m able to appreciate the value proposition of the SNXS79 so much more, this time around. Seiko 5s typically use the entry-level 7S26 or slightly upgraded 4R36 movement. Both movements are made in-house by Seiko, a rarity in affordable watchmaking. Seiko 5s are often compared to watches much more expensive than they are for their subtle, understated designs that give them a luxurious look. Their combinations of various finishes, both brushed and polished, on their cases and bracelets, is something that only Seiko seems to go the extra length to do at such an affordable price point.

The watches in Seiko’s flagship collections don’t compare to the quality of Rolex timepieces—then again, they’re not really supposed to. The craftsmanship that goes into Grand Seiko watches, however, is perfectly capable of rivaling Rolex. Hope you enjoyed this SNXS79 review! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. I respond to every comment! – Anthony In my experience Swiss watches are like German cars expensive to buy, expensive to maintain and no where near as reliable as Japanese cars, especially Toyotas and Suzukis. This brings us to the SNXS73K, a simple, understated timepiece with automatic movement and a silver dial to match its silver bracelet and 36.5-millimeter case. It’s a simple piece but qualifies as a dress watch all day. Suit up, have fun, and don’t overthink it.Personall I think that the Seiko SUR311P1 should be considered as well, except for the works inside it is almost a spitting image of the SARB033 which has become to expensive these days. Reply Since the Seiko SARB033 and SARB035 have been discontinued, many watch collectors have continued to seek an alternative to this pair of extremely expensive-looking, once affordable, Japanese watches.

Regular non-sports Seiko 5s. These are typically the “dressier” and older models. Although less modern, these watches are extremely comfortable to wear, and often look a bit more elegant and refined, due to their classic sizing. Thesework best on those with small – medium wrists, with a circumference of 7.5″ and less, but will still look fine on those with larger wrists as well.Seiko is known for generally having very strong lume on their watches, but some of the Seiko 5 models fall short in this area. The 42mm Seiko 5 Sports “5KX” divers are a bit larger, as dive watches typically are. Traditionally, this was so dive watches could have larger hour markers, and be more legible when divers used them underwater. Today, 42mm is no longer a “large” watch by modern standards. This is closer to the watch size you likely see on most people’s wrists.