Have you ever wondered which Seiko 5 is best? If so, then you have come to the right place.
The Seiko collection is vast and can be a bit overwhelming when you’re are trying to choose one.
In this Seiko 5 watch review we’ve gone through the entire collection. We’ve chosen only the best Seiko 5 watches that you should consider buying.
There is no arguing that Seiko makes excellent mechanical watches for those with modest budgets. Seiko 5 is one of their top affordable watch collections.
Scroll down and discover the best Seiko 5 watches out today.
What is Seiko 5?
The Seiko 5 watch collection is a best-selling line of watches. They are considered a sub brand of Seiko, with a huge range of mchanical watches on offer.
The Seiko 5 watch collection was started in 1963, with the release of the Seiko Sportsmatic 5.
What does Seiko 5 stand for?
You are probably wondering what does the 5 in Seiko 5 mean.
Well Seiko 5 stands for the 5 features that each Seiko 5 watch has. These 5 main features are:
- Automatic movement
- Date display
- Day display
- Water resistance
- Shock resistance
Which Seiko 5 is best?
If we had to recommend one best Seiko 5 watch then it would have to be the Seiko 5 SNK809, or sometimes nicknamed the Seiko Flieger watch.
The Seiko 5 SNK800s series are some of the best affordable, entry level mechanical watches you can buy today. You can’t go wrong picking up one of these.
Plus they come in a few colors to choose from.
Best Seiko 5 Watches
Comparison: Best Seiko 5 Watches
Here is a handy breakdown of some of the pros and cons of the Seiko 5 watches in our review.
| Seiko 5 Watch Collections | Features | Price |
| Seiko 5 Flieger | German pilot watch inspired 37mm case size Low quality canvas strap Super affordable Very popular Seiko watch | Check price |
| Seiko 5 Sea Urchin | Homage Rolex Submariner 42mm case size Not built for scuba diving like the Sub Very popular Seiko watch | Check price |
| Seiko 5 SNK700s | Gorgeous dials – especially sunburst blue 36mm case size Low water resistance Super affordable | Check price |
| Seiko 5 Bottle Cap | Quirky watch case shape 45mm case size Might be too large Very popular Seiko watch | Check price |
| Seiko SNKL23 | Classic watch 38mm case size Very affordable Watch is now discontinued | Check price |
| Seiko 5 Sports | Really cool, modern designs Controversial collection Big selection of styles Affordable | Check price |
Seiko 5 Flieger (SNK800s)
The Seiko 5 Fliegers, also called the SNK800s, are the best value Seiko 5 watches around today. They are an unbelievable price for an automatic Seiko watch!
Seriously, just take a look at how much one of these Seiko 5 watches costs.
The style of the Seiko 5 SNK800s may have been inspired by the German World War II pilot watch, commonly referred to as a flieger watch. That’s where the Seiko 5 SNK800s get their nickname.
The original flieger watches were huge, but Seiko opted for a smaller case size of 37mm. Ideal for most wrist sizes.
All of the Seiko 5 Flieger’s come with a canvas strap too adding to the old school vibes. However, the straps are rather low quality. So you’re better off replacing the straps when you can. NATO straps are a great choice.
You’ll need to buy an 18mm width strap to fit the Seiko 5 Flieger watches.
The biggest issue with this watch has to be the lume on the minute hand. It doesn’t illuminate the tip, instead it illuminates the tail end. So you need to add 30 seconds to the time when reading in the dark.
But the SNK800 series, despite its flaws, is still considered one of the best Seiko 5 watches you can buy.
SNK809
The Seiko 5 SNK809 is the classic and timeless looking flieger inspired watch of the series. This is the most popular version too.
This watch makes for a great everyday timepiece. It’s an elegant and understated watch from Seiko 5.
SNK803
Next is the Seiko 5 SNK803, which is the beige version of this watch. It comes with a light dial. This is often described as a desert style military watch.
Another similar watch to this is also from the Seiko 5 collection and is the SNZG07J1.
SNK805
Then the Seiko 5 SNK805 comes in a lovely army green, again with a matching dial and canvas strap. Ideal choice of color if you’re after a more military looking watch.
SNK807
Finally the Seiko 5 SNK807 is the blue version, with its deep blue shade for the dial and strap. We think this color looks great with the bright shade of red on the tip of the minute hand.
This shade is almost as popular as the classic black watch.
Seiko 5 Sea Urchin
The Seiko Sea Urchin, also known as the Seiko 5 SNZF17. Is one of Seiko’s most popular Seiko 5 watches.
That’s thanks to its super popular design. It’s often likened to a Rolex Submariner homage timepiece.
Its nickname likely comes from the spiky bezel that frames the monochrome dial and bezel ring on its black dial.
It may not be as expensive as a Rolex Submariner watch, but for those who like to collect homage watches. The Seiko 5 Sea Urchin has been hailed as a dead ringer for the iconic Rolex Submariner Ref. 16610.
If you get this watch you could swap out the steel strap and pair it with a NATO strap if you want to achieve that James Bond NATO watch style. As seen with the Rolex Sub in Goldfinger.
This watch takes a 22mm strap width.
You can find the Seiko Sea Urchin on Amazon.
Seiko 5 SNK700s
Of all of the Seiko 5 watches the SNK700s are some of the dressiest watches of the collection. These watches are an ideal pick if you want a watch that can suit a formal occasion, as well as an everyday steel watch.
They come in an array of dial colors to choose from, our top pick has to be the sunburst blue dial.
Plus the SNK700s are again at another really inexpensive mechanical watch from a top brand.
SNK789
The Seiko 5 SNK789 comes with a lovely bright white dial, which allows the red minute hand to pop nicely against it.
SNK793
The Seiko 5 SNK793 has to be our favorite, thanks to its lovely blue sunburst dial. It really looks like a more expensive watch than it actually is.
SNK795
Then lastly, the Seiko 5 SNK795 comes with a black dial. This watch looks lovely, and is a great option if you’re unable to afford the SNKL23. Which we will feature next.
Seiko 5 SNKL23
The Seiko 5 SNKL23 has become increasingly popular in recent years. We can see why as it’s as it’s a very slick looking watch.
The sword hands of this model make it look dressier than other designs. Along with the its clean tuxedo style dial. It’s an ideal Seiko 5 watch if you want a classic timepiece, that can go with almost any look.
The price is set to rise, as it has now been discontinued by Seiko. Yet, it’s still a very affordable watch and is one of the more popular Seiko 5 watches today.
You can still purchase this classic watch on Amazon.
Seiko 5 Bottle Cap (SRPC6s)
You’ll either love it or hate it. But you have to admit that the Seiko 5 Bottle Cap watches really stand out with their unique shape.
We love them. Their cool case shape really makes these watches look original. Their Bottle Cap nickname is thanks to this very round case shape too.
These Seiko 5 watches are the largest on this list, coming in at a case size of 45mm. So they are definitely on the large side, and would likely not suit a slim wrist.
SRPC63K1
The second Seiko Bottle Cap watch that we love is the Seiko 5 SRPC63K1. This watch comes with a blue dial and bezel. Plus this watch also comes with a see through caseback too.
Again this Seiko Bottle Cap has just 100m (330ft) of water resistance, so it can’t be considered a working dive watch. It just is in the style of one.
We think that a NATO strap suits this watch even better. Especially a strap with an orange shade in it to match the orange minute hand. You can find many NATO straps on Amazon.
You’ll need a 22mm width strap to fit this Seiko 5 watch.
SRPC61K1
The Seiko 5 SRPC61K1 version is a unique looking Seiko 5 watch, thanks to its funky case shape. Yet this watch keeps it classic thanks to its monochrome dial with silver hands.
This watch has the look of a dive watch but without the high level of water resistance. As it only comes with 100m (330ft) of water pressure resistance.
However, for the price you get a really great and quirky Seiko diver style watch.
Seiko 5 Sports
We saved the most controversial Seiko 5 watches for last, and that would be the Seiko 5 Sports watches.
The Seiko 5 Sports collection was released in 2019, and it received mixed reviews. The majority of watch enthusiasts found many reasons to complain about these Seiko 5 watches.
Seiko fans were hurt at the time because their beloved SKX dive watches were discontinued the same year that the Seiko 5 Sports was launched.
Many were infuriated that the Seiko 5 Sports watches didn’t act like a worthy enough replacement for the iconic SKX dive watch collection (which you can still find on Amazon).
The Seiko 5 Sports watches were criticized because they had:
- Only 100m (330ft) of water resistance
- No screw down crown
- A see-through caseback
- The price
We think comparing the SKX dive watch series with the Seiko 5 Sports collection is unfair.
If you’re after a robust dive watch then the Seiko SKX series is hard to beat. It has higher water resistance, a screw-down crown, and no see-through caseback. But these discontinued Seiko divers are roughly the same price as the Seiko 5, or more now.
We think this Seiko 5 Sports collection got an unfair judgement when it was first released, and now they are getting the love they deserve. Seiko fans are slowly coming around to this collection.
We think these sports watches make some gorgeous and modern looking watches, and they are pretty affordable for a mechanical sports watch.
The Seiko 5 Sports watches usually come in at a case size of 42.5mm. Which is a popular size for watches nowadays and sits well on even slimmer wrists.
Seiko 5 SRPD95
The Seiko 5 SRPD95 has a very sporty look to ir. This is mainly thanks to its textured silicone band.
This watch makes for an ideal everyday sports watch from Seiko.
Seiko 5 SRPD75
We think the Seiko 5 SRPD75 is one of the best looking watches of the Sports collection. The lovely Milanese bracelet is what sets this timepiece apart.
Plus the gorgeous green dial and bezel really shine through against the silver stainless steel. Overall it’s just a great looking watch.
Seiko 5 SRPD91
An excellent everyday watch is the Seiko 5 SRPD91, with its dark green nylon strap to match. Giving the watch a more rugged look.
This watch is one of the most popular Seiko 5 Sports watches.
Our Verdict
All of the watches listed in this review are some of the best watches Seiko 5 have to offer.
If we had to choose one to buy then we’d have to pick the classic and timeless Seiko 5 SKN809 also known as the Seiko Flieger.
The whole SNK800s series offer superb value for money. They are an excellent entry level mechanical watch, and an ideal everyday watch too. You can’t go wrong with one of these.
Why are Seiko 5 watches cheap?
Seiko 5 watches are cheap for a number of reasons.
The first is that Seiko can make their Seiko 5 watches for very cheap. The movements in Seiko 5 watches are mainly manufactured by machine. So they can keep costs very low.
Another big reason is that the Seiko 5 designs and watch parts are old. These aren’t Seiko’s latest designs, yet that doesn’t make them bad. Seiko 5 watches still are great.
That’s why Seiko 5 Sports watches are getting more love nowadays. Many are appreciating that many of their designs look very modern, yet are still affordable.
Final reason for why Seiko 5 watches are so cheap, is that Seiko have their Seiko 5 watches made outside of Japan. You can tell when a Seiko watch is made entirely in Japan if they have a J at the end of their reference number.
