Seiko 5 SNK793 Review - An Affordable Classic
The Seiko 5 SNK793 is a super affordable all stainless steel watch that you will wear for years to come.
This watch does not pretend to be over the top or unique, but comes with the bargain priced quality you expect from Seiko, featuring an automatic movement and stunning looks to match.
The Seiko 5 Range
Seiko came out with the Seiko 5 concept back in the 60s and have been making them ever since. Why? Because they offer so much for such a low price:
- Automatic winding
- Day/date displayed in a single window
- Water resistance
- Recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position
- Durable steel case and bracelet
Try finding those features on a watch that sometimes hits the 100 dollar mark! And from Seiko, no less.
The Face
The SNK793 is simplicity embodied. With little to embellish this watch, the wonderful blue shine of the sunray dial stands out in almost any light. If you look closely at the image, you can see there are actually two distinct sections of the blue dial, separated at the point where the markers begin. It’s quite a cool look.
The raised silver bar hour markers and clean and clear. The hands are thick and well lumed, ensuring you can see this baby well in the dark.
The clear Seiko 5 marking is at 12 o’clock, and at 6, you can see that this is an automatic watch with 21 jewels.
Nothing fancy, but simplicity is sometimes all that is needed in a face like this.
Seiko SNK793 Face
The Case
The all stainless steel case is both brushed and polished, giving the watch a classy but restrained look. The polished section is on the bezel and back of the case, with the rest (give or take) is brushed.
The bracelet is a typical Seiko 5 level with a deployant clasp and two-button release on the side. Making it nice and easy to get on and off.
The back features and exhibition window which clearly shows the inner workings of the automatic movement.
The other notable feature is the crown at 4 o’clock, which is typical of the Seiko 5 collection.
The SNK793 is also blessed with quite a low profile which you can see in the image below. Being on 11mm thick despite holding the automatic movement.
The Bracelet
The bracelet is a classic stainless steel with deployant clasp, to help stop you from losing it. It also comes with a dual-side button release, which is a nice touch to help take it off, without having to fiddle with the clasp or get your nail under it (a typical problem with metal bands).
Because stainless steel is typically a magnet for scratches, a lot of manufacturers have worked on ways to prevent this. Seiko in particular has a great solution with a Dia-shield coating which they have also added to this watch.
So, instead of having a classy stainless steel watch that looks like a scratched mess in a few months, this one will last you a long time to come.
Size & Weight
Overall, this is a very small watch for a Seiko mens at 36mm and 11mm thick. The band is also quite slim, measuring 18mm, which is quite a bit smaller than the standard 20-22mm we normally see.
Being a stainless steel case with such a complex movement, it is never going to be light. In fact, it might seem a bit heavy for some at 5.6oz. I for one don’t mind a heavy watch when it’s made of all metal materials.
The Features
The most notable features of this Seiko 5 are the 7S26 Automatic movement with 40 hrs power reserve. It is quite a basic movement from Seiko, which fits the price range of 1-2 hundred. It has no hacking or self-winding, so be sure to wear it most days, or it will stop working and need some time to recharge on your wrist.
There is a decent day/date window with this watch at the 3 o’clock position, again quite standard for a decent watch in this range.
There is only 30m water resistance which means you can get it a little wet, but don’t take it directly in the water. In that sense, this is more a dress/work watch only and not meant for water sports or prolonged outdoor use.
This watch also features a cost saving Hardlex proprietary mineral crystal which at first glance seems not as good as a synthetic sapphire you would get on more expensive models, but is actually probably more shatter resistant. So, all in all, a good thing to have if you treat your watches rough.
The Specifications
For those who want to see the full specs in all their glory, here they are below:
- Case size: 36mm diameter, 11.5mm thick
- Case material: Stainless steel with see-through back
- Movement: Seiko 7S26 caliber automatic (with 40hr reserve)
- Crystal: Hardlex mineral crystal
- Waterproof: 30m / 99ft bar
- Bracelet: Stainless steel with deployant clasp
- Features: Day/Date window at 3 o'clock
- Weight: 5.6 oz (158g)
Summing It All Up
The Seiko 5 SNK793 is a perfect entry-level watch with both an all stainless steel look and an automatic movement. Part of the Seiko 5 range, you almost can’t go wrong with a watch like this – water-resistant, stylish, long-lasting bracelet and a great looking blue sundial face.
