Seiko 5 SNK793 Review - An Affordable Classic
The Seiko 5 SNK809 is another very affordable watch from the kings of them, Seiko.
In comparison to the Seiko SNK793, this is more of a daily beater watch that you can use anywhere, anytime, and not have to worry about it.
It is also extremely simple and functional, and for a watch around the 100 dollar mark, is amazing that it has an automatic movement too.
The Seiko 5 Range
Seiko came out with the Seiko 5 range nearly 70 years ago as a low cost, reliable, yet feature rich range of watches. They made them with 5 main features, hence the “Seiko 5”:
- Automatic winding
- Day/date displayed in a single window
- Water resistance
- Recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position
- Durable steel case and bracelet
And yes, that is still true of these watches today!
The Face
The SNK809 face is a little busier than it’s cousin the 793, but is still quite a simple and functional watch.
It features both an hour marker train on the inner, and a larger minute marker set along the outside edge. Both of these are using roman numerals that are very easy to read. They are separated by a thin white line that matches the rest of the dial.
The outer rim of the face has a simple minute marker train with larger dots every 5 minutes, and the 60 minute mark has a triangle instead of a number.
For the rest, it is classic Seiko 5, with the logo and the Automatic 21 jewels inscription.
The Case
The all stainless steel case is very simple and elegant. Something you would expect from Seiko. It is also quite flawless, which is impressive for a watch around this price point.
The back features and a clear exhibition window which allows you to see the 21 jewel automatic movement that you are lucky to get on this watch, and the other Seiko 5 features is the 4 o’clock crown.
The other thing to note with this watch is the low profile at 11mm and the small case size of 36mm. This might be too small for some.
The Strap
The strap is nothing to write home about – a relatively cheap affair made of nylon, with a perhaps annoyingly small and unusual width of 17mm.
Many people will choose to change it with another Nato or Perlon strap and I certainly would get onto that the minute you get hold of this puppy.
Size & Weight
The size and weight of the SNK809 are also impressively small and might be a reason you grab this watch.
At 36mm, the case is on the small side, and even though it houses an impressive automatic movement it is also quite slim at 11mm.
Overall, the watch also weighs in at just over 2 ounces, so you almost won’t notice you are wearing this watch. Another reason it is a great daily watch to wear. Light, well-made, feature-rich and almost bullet proof.
The Features
As I have harped on about a number of times, one of the most notable features of this range is the 7S26 Automatic movement with 40 hrs power reserve. It is quite a basic movement for Seiko, but let’s face it – it’s automatic. So, it should be a lot more expensive. Most Swiss watches of this calibre will cost you north of 500 dollars.
But it does not stop there with a Seiko 5 – there is also day/date window with this watch at the 3 o’clock position, and 30m water resistance. This means you can actually get it a little wet, however, don’t go swimming with it on purpose. It might not last.
One thing some people complain about on this watch is the Hardlex proprietary mineral crystal. Sure, it is not as nice as a sapphire glass, and it tends to scratch more, but is actually probably more shatter resistant. So, all in all, a good thing to have if you treat your watches very rough.
The Specifications
For those who want to see the full specs in all their glory, here they are below:
- Case size: 36mm diameter, 11mm 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
- Band: Nylon
- Features: Day/Date window at 3 o'clock
- Weight: 2.08 oz (59g)
Summing It All Up
Any Seiko 5 is actually a no-brainer, and the SNK809 is a purchase you won’t regret. With all the features (waterproof, automatic movement, day/date, exhibition back etc) as well as the low price point, the only thing stopping you is the look or the color. And Seiko have so many options with this watch – that is unlikely to be the reason.
Go on, grab one. You won’t regret it.
