As a relatively new watch in the market, this automatic offer from Seiko offers an interesting prospect for those looking to dip their toes into the world of luxury timepieces. With its robust design and clean lines, this is sure to turn heads as well as keep you on your best behaviour.
The "seiko snk809" is a watch that is made for people who like to wear watches. It has an automatic movement, and it has a mineral glass face. The timepiece also comes in 18K gold plated, stainless steel, and titanium.
- To the start the watch initially, swing from side to side in a...
- 37 mm stainless steel case and Hardlex mineral dial window and...
In This Article...
My first encounter with the SNK809 Seiko 5 occurred on January 12, 2014, and it would go on to change how I judged reasonably priced automatics.
August 19, 2016 update - I'm eager to look at this watch again since the SNK809 had a significant influence on my viewpoint. It was the first reasonably priced automatic watch I evaluated that was produced by a well-known watchmaker, and it was also the first that showed me that a budget automatic didn't have have to look or feel cheap.
I made the decision to purchase a second one and use it for a while. Since I've learnt a lot in the last two years, I was interested to see how I would feel about the SNK809 now.
The SNK809 Seiko 5 is one of the greatest deals in the watch industry right now, in my opinion, just as it was when I first evaluated it two and a half years ago. Let's investigate.
Technical Information for SNK809 Seiko 5.
- SNK809 as the model number
- MSRP: $185
- 37mm case diameter
- Alternate Models: Tons of versions & colors available
- Seiko 7S26 automatic movement
- Problems: Day/date display
- Energy Reserve: around 40 hours
- 30m/99ft of water resistance
- The crystal is made of hardlex.
SNK809 Seiko 5 Aesthetics & Design
The SNK809 is not what I'd describe as attractive. The SNK809 is beautiful, and I'll explain why shortly, but it doesn't have the best appearance compared to certain other budget watches (even some of Seiko's own budget watches, like the Recraft).
The SNK809 is flat and straightforward, much like the adored Timex Weekender. Arabic 5 minute marks are printed on the little, white bumps that serve as hour markers. I like it since it's basic yet not minimum. Due to this, the dial has a very flat look; the only things that have depth are the Seiko 5 logo and the hands themselves, in addition to the scarcely discernible height of the hour markers.
Flat isn't a terrible thing, and this watch is one of my favorites in part because of it. It's basic and adaptable enough to be worn up or down with ease. The SNK809 can be transformed into almost anything by just switching out the strap, which is simple to do because to its 18mm lugs. It will never be formal, so if you're searching for something dressy you may want to seek elsewhere.
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I enjoy the little variation that the crown sits at 4 o'clock as opposed to 3 o'clock (where it is on 99% most watches). When bending your wrist up and down, the crown at 4 o'clock does not dig into your wrist as it would if it were at 3 o'clock, according to one review. I really enjoy how this little modification modifies the typical watch case form.
Pewter-grey lugs and the top of the case have a sheen that shimmers in the light but isn't too reflective. The SNK809's polished bottom displays the unadorned but nonetheless gorgeous 7S26 automatic movement when you turn it over. The outstanding Alpinist's 6R15 movement, which is based on the 7S26, was not shown in my evaluation of the Alpinist because I was upset with Seiko's decision. The SNK is a great option for those who like mechanical things.
The SNK809's black canvas strap, which is sturdy but not very appealing, is where I believe it falls short. At least the hardware is finished in the same pewter-grey hue as the casing and has the name of Seiko engraved on it. In my perspective, the SNK809 looks excellent with a quality leather NATO and decent without. (I will provide an update with a few mix-and-match photos; I have a couple on order.)
The SNK809 is appealing and functional despite not being very gorgeous overall. With a few straps, you can create a wonderful everyday wearing.
Build Quality of the SNK809 Seiko 5.
The SNK809 confirms the excellent things I've learned about Seiko watches in general. It doesn't seem fancy or expensive, but it does feel well-made. Its construction conveys a feeling of dependability, which the SNK809 is chock full of, as millions and millions of units sold have shown. Any watchmaker should be able to repair it quite cheaply if it ever breaks.
Crystal, Case, & Dial
Seiko alone uses the substance called Hardlex (and its subsidiaries). It's meant to be tougher than a typical mineral crystal, and I've had good luck using Hardlex on a number of watches. Hardlex is resistant to scratches, but sapphire is scratch-proof, however I have yet to see a wear mark on the face of a hardlex crystal. Whatever the case, its usage is quite reasonable given the cost.
The case's matte texture provides a beautiful appearance and the additional advantage of protecting against scratches. A polished casing likes to show off every blemish, but its mat finish actively hides such flaws. Naturally, the casing will still become damaged while you wear it, but the scratches won't be as noticeable. This is great for a watch that many consider to be the greatest daily wearer on the market.
The dial is as near to flawless as I believe you'll find on a watch costing between $50 and $100, in all its bare-bones magnificence.
Strap & Clasp
The black canvas strap is well-made; there are no loose threads or frays that may harm it, and the holes where the clasp connects are reinforced with leather or vinyl of some kind. The strap's main advantage is that it is sturdy and resilient even if it isn't the watch's aesthetic centerpiece.
Without the aid of anything sharp, you won't be able to shred or tear it. The cloth is sturdy but not heavy, and it is plenty comfortable to wear.
The buckle is etched with the Seiko logo, and the hardware is polished to match the case. Although unremarkable and conventional, it serves its purpose and won't create any issues.
A Significant Watch with a Prominent Past Is the Seiko 5.
I won't go into the Seiko 5's whole history in this article, but I did want to briefly discuss what makes the Seiko 5 watch line significant. Seiko set out to design a watch in 1963 that had five essential features: automated winding, day/date display in a single window, sufficient water resistance, a recessed crown at 4 o'clock, and a robust case/strap.
Two significant "firsts" occurred during the development of the Seiko 5 brand and product cycle:
- first practical synthesis of the aforementioned five components
- The Seiko '5 Sports' Speedtimer, the first automated chronograph, was released in 1969.
You are wearing a significant piece of contemporary watch history when you wear a Seiko 5. The Seiko 7S26 movement, which initially appeared in a modern 5 in 1996, has established itself as a cost-effective and dependable movement. It has been tried, tested, and proved, and is likely one of the finest automatics available for the prices they are.
The 7S26 Automatic Movement from Seiko
A simple yet reliable movement is the 7S26 automated movement. The movement, which has 21 jewels and beats at 21,600 bph, misses a number of functions, like as hacking and manual winding, available on watches that are even somewhat more expensive, but it more than makes up for those omissions with its dependability and cost. It goes without saying that obtaining an automatic from a company like Seiko for $100 or less isn't something that happens often in the watch industry.
The SNK809 may be off by as much as a minute every day since its standard deviation is -20/+40 seconds per day. I can't compare the two SNKs I've had since I didn't really evaluate their accuracy in my first evaluation, but I did test this one using toolwatch.io (have I mentioned how much I like that website?) and discovered that it was +34 seconds each day. Yes, it is a lot, but it is within specification and can be adjusted.
Both of the SNK809s I've tried have been excellent in terms of dependability. Despite Seiko selling millions of them, you won't find many reports about difficulties online.
Setting the SNK809
- Pull the crown to the furthest point to set the time (3). Clockwise rotation sets the time. At midnight, the day/date display will automatically rollover.
- Pull the crown to the middle position to select the day and time (2). Set the day by rotating counterclockwise; the date by rotating clockwise.
The SNK809 Provides Outstanding Value. It’s a Wonderful Watch, Too.
It's quite difficult to write a review that isn't simply 1,000 words of praise for a watch when the only criticism you can level at it is the strap. The SNK809 is indeed deserving of praise; it has shown itself to be one of the greatest watches available for under $100, if not the best watch available in that price range. It often sells for less than $70 on Amazon.com.
I have personally tested approximately 70 watches since I founded WYCA in 2013, with the SNK809 being one of the first and still being a favorite. It's a purchase you can make with assurance and satisfaction since it is built of all the components that constitute a fine watch, will endure for a long time, and will provide you with years of use.
The SNK809's significance isn't solely due to its automated movement. The exceptional evening vision and the day/date difficulties are two additional elements that are valuable in and of themselves. The Hardlex crystal and exhibition caseback both support this.
You're receiving a 37mm casing, which is the sole restriction on the value. That makes it a unisex size, which is great for most individuals, but if you have larger arms or wrists, you could find that 37mm is a little bit tiny. The price increases by roughly $35 when switching to the bigger 42mm size (for the same watch in a larger size, see the SNZG15). The Seiko 5 SNZG15 version is still a superb bargain even at $110 for it.
Everybody needs at least one Seiko 5 in their watch collection, in any flavor, in my opinion.
Image Gallery
Summary
evaluated by
C. M. Martel
Review Period
2014-01-12
Observed Item
SNK809 Seiko 5
Rating
The "seiko snk809 dimensions" is a watch that has been recently released. It has an automatic movement and a stainless steel case.
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