The Seiko 5 series, a must-have at a low price.

If you are a watch lover, you must have already heard of Seiko 5 . This series of mechanical movement watches is manufactured by the Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko and is known for its quality, simplicity and robustness, while remaining affordable.

The history of the Seiko 5 dates back to the 1960s, when Seiko had the idea of ​​creating a watch that would fulfill five essential functions expected of a timepiece. The concept was simple: create a watch that has a mechanical movement with automatic winding, tells the time with night mode (fluorescent index), displays the date, is waterproof and is shock resistant. Thus, Seiko 5 was born.

Since then, the Seiko 5 watch series has become very popular among watch enthusiasts due to its reliability and timeless design. The watch is easily identifiable by the number "5" located just below the Seiko inscription on the dial.

We will take a detailed look at the features that made the Seiko 5 famous around the world.

1 - The movement

The Seiko 5 series is equipped with Seiko's self-winding mechanical movement technology, which allows the watch to operate without a battery. This means that the watch only needs to be worn regularly to keep it running and is recharged using a rotor in the mechanism.

The announced movement precision is of the order of +/- 30 seconds per day, which is rather reasonable for a watch in this price bracket. Obviously, the precision will vary depending on the caliber fitted to your model, with some being much more precise than others. Chronologically, the following calibers were originally fitted to this series:

• 6619, 7619
• 5126, 5139, 6106, 6119, 7019
• 6309, 7009
• 7S26A, 7S26B, 7S26C
• 4R36

The power reserve indicated by the manufacturer is around 40 hours depending on the variation of the caliber; This data is verifiable in perfect conditions, in use we will be able to notice a few hours less autonomy. The oscillation frequency is 21,600 beats per hour, which allows the seconds hand to move linearly, with as little jerk as possible.

Another important detail, to say the least, is that the movement is systematically visible on all Seiko 5s thanks to the case back which has a porthole. This transparent background is ideal for observing and understanding how your tocante works.

View of the model caliber 7S26C, mounted on a Seiko 5 type SNKP

2 - The dial

The Seiko 5 series offers a wide variety of dial models, with different colors and a multitude of finishes. This versatility makes it possible to adapt to everyone's tastes and anyone can find the model that suits them best.

The date and day are displayed through a small window located on the right of the dial, near the crown, which is generally positioned at 3 or 4 o'clock. Since the date and day are displayed next to each other, reading them becomes easier and faster, unlike other more complex display systems such as sub-dials.

The choice of the day can be made from two languages, and when selected, the chosen language will remain by default thereafter. Depending on the models and countries of distribution, the languages ​​will differ, but in all cases English will be one of the two. In particular, we will find the following combinations:

• English and French
• English and Spanish
• English and Arabic
• English and Japanese (in Kanji form)

Note that one and the same model can be available in several languages.

Grid dial of a Seiko 5 SNXF05K1 , with day display in French (in addition to English)

In addition, all Seiko 5 dials are equipped with indexes coated with LumiBrite paint, which allows you to read the time in the dark. The principle is to accumulate light and release it when the watch is in the dark, for a period of 3 to 5 hours. By the way, much longer than models with classic phosphorescent paint.

3 - The case

The manufacture of the case is intended to be simple and efficient, so Seiko has chosen a safe bet in terms of material: stainless steel. This material is the ideal compromise to be able to offer a watch at a reasonable price without neglecting its quality and reliability. The advantages are numerous, such as its excellent resistance to scratches and corrosion, its ease of maintenance, etc.

The excellent resistance of the case is one of the manufacturing criteria of this series. In use, it is a robust watch that will be difficult to scratch and which will resist shock very well, making it a perfectly suitable model if you are the type who never takes it off your wrist.

However, be careful with the waterproofness of this one, depending on the models, you will not be able to carry out all the activities or wear it in all situations.

• Entry-level models such as SNXS or SNK (to name a few) will generally have a resistance of around 3 ATM, the equivalent of 30 meters. In other words, they will only allow you very limited contact with water and will need to be removed when showering or swimming.
• More advanced models, for example the SNKP or SRPH types, will have much higher water resistance, of the order of 5 to 10 ATM. You will then have the possibility of showering with it, or even immersing it completely during a swim or sport swim.

Concerning the glass, the cases are most often equipped with a so-called “Hardlex” glass produced by Seiko, which is a tempered mineral glass. It combines high impact resistance and low scratchability. Of course, you will not have all the advantages of a sapphire crystal, once again, for the price, these Hardlex glasses largely do their job if you take a minimum of care.

Matte gray case with Hardlex glass from a Seiko 5 SNK803K2, note the date written in Arabic

4 - Price and availability

The very essence of this series was to offer the general public a simple, versatile model at a fair price. However, a disparity in prices is remarkable, due to the different models and the different options or finishes they offer.

For a “classic” model, that is to say with a simple movement, a basic design and low water resistance, you can find what you are looking for from around €150. For slightly more sophisticated models, for example with a rotating bezel, high water resistance or a specific type of bracelet, prices can range from €250 to several hundred euros.

Start from the principle that your Seiko 5 is like a car: the more complex you make it or add options, the higher the price will be. The diversity of models generally makes it quite easy to find what you're looking for, whether you have a metal or fabric bracelet, whether you want a shiny or matte finish, or whether you want a particular case shape, there will definitely be a Seiko 5 that suits you. will match.

You will surely have noticed that it is practically impossible to find them in stores in France and in Europe in general, and that is normal! In fact, these models are primarily intended for the Asian and Middle Eastern market. This is the reason why you cannot find them in official stores in the West, with the exception of certain models.

Are you looking for a model from this series? You are in the right place. We work with official suppliers around the world, which allows us to offer you all the Seiko 5 models in the PSB WATCHES catalog. To find all the references, explore the associated collection directly on our site.

From bottom to top: Seiko 5 SNXG47K1 , SNXS75K1 , SNXS73K1 and SNXS79J1

Conclusion :

The Seiko 5 collection is a series of quality automatic watches that offer excellent value for money. With its timeless design, reliability and functionality, the Seiko 5 watch is an ideal choice for all watch enthusiasts, whether novice or experienced.

To discover all the models in this iconic series, click here.