What makes the new 5 logo interesting, at least to me, is that it cunningly integrates all three identity markers of the old Seiko 5 Sport watches. The new laidback 5 can equally be read as a laidback S, and if you look at just the outline of the figure in a kind of bleary-eyed, unfocused way you can see the shape of the shield upon which the old 5 was always emblazoned. A brilliant instance of the graphic design genius the Japanese are so justly famous for.
exactly My thoughts! never understood why people don't like it. The old one was awful, but this one is great, one of the reasons why I purchased this watch actually
I'm SUPER new to watch collecting (I only had one basic quartz Fossil watch until maybe 6 months ago) and today I picked up the gray dial version of this one as my first Seiko AND first automatic. (I wanted the blue dial, but I found the gray dial for the equivalent of about $190 US, so I pulled the trigger.) Loving it so far. I just can't stop looking at it. :)
Minor correction, the bracelet links are hollow folded, if you look carefully you'll be able to see a line running along their length where the two pieces meet. I like these new Seikos, and I wish more companies would do bezel-less diver style watches, I think there is a market for them. They balance that sporty and dressy look quite well which makes them very versatile for everyday use in any setting.
I bought one on a nato from Macy’s over the holidays for 184 USD. Grey version after seeing this and Shane’s review at Relative Time. Very pleased with it. Watch for sales. Good daily ware. Worn on a variety of straps. Strapcode makes a bracelet for it I’ll probably get
I just cant understand that with the economies of scale that Seiko/Epson have why they dont out spec everything else on the market? They clearly could if they so chose. Adding sapphire, signed crowns solid links etc etc would be trivial in cost (to them) yet add so much more value to the consumer. I have felt for quite a long time that Seiko as a value proposition is actually now quite poor.
Marc Riches My guess is that they look at the market, measure what they think their name is worth, and design watches for all price points. The challenge becomes explaining that their very expensive watches are worth it. In my mind, Seiko has marketed themselves as the value alternative to European watch making. How does that value proposition add up when you increase the price of your standard watches to Swiss levels?
Mineral crystal, pressed clasp, unsigned crown, hollow end links, push pins.....come on Seiko, at this price point some of the above boxes should be ticked.
Be carefull, Seiko fan boys police will come soon at your comment to tell you "you cant compare Seiko to micros" "seiko have history" etc. Etc. Im a big Seiko fan but they became a NO value for money.
@@richardminnick6797 same man, i will buy one next month maybe also if they make full black classic sub 40mm with black ceramic sub bezel insert and black dial like first version 43mm was.
Went for the gold, silver two tone, sooo damn comfortable & good lookin' on the wrist. My barber actually thought it was a Rolex. I just bought it based on looks, movement & wearability so if your pleased with all that, which I am, all the other stuff it doesn't have, isn't part of the equation...
@aero it is more clean to the eye. even though the complication y useful, i have watches without the day and they look more uniform. the dress watch is, the less is better. look also at the explorer 1 or the sub no date. i understand the usefulness of the date but sometimes you want a watch that tells time and nothing more
impossible nowadays to find a ''5'' without day-date function. only their ''ancestors'', the ''sportsmatics'' can still be found without date. i just got an old seiko sportsmatic with no date from japan.
I don't understand people's fascination with signed crowns. Except maybe on haute horlogerie pieces it is just needless advertising and more clutter to me, much like excessive text on the dial. Same for a screw-down crown: The SRPE has 100 m water resistance, a large crown guard and the crown can only be pulled out from underneath. Why fiddle with delicate threads whenever you want to top up the power reserve?
These ones I like a lot. Honestly I believe the prices now are laughable... 1-2 years in production and the gray market will sell these at about half of what you can get 'em now. Also I do believe that the Seiko Alpinist bracelets fit this case... (not 100% sure so don't quote me on that). Anyways - great watch and video! (btw I'm that dude from Watches Gadgets and Stuff channel that hated on your Proteus video... Lol)
I 'm the proud owner of a Seiko SRPE 67 ,w/ matte black Dial,.bought it from a guy from Ottawa,in North Glengarry. All i have To say,it's a keeper !! A real tank,a every day watch ! Very accurate watch w/ 21 sec loss/ day. Which is very good ! Changed the original black nato, for a leather strap,and it looks very nice !! Very happy w/ this dress skx!! Lifetime keeper ! Need i say more ? May i go now officer ?!!.
Definitely a good choice for them new blood in the watch game. But when I first saw this model and read the specs, I couldn't stop thinking about the sarb033, about how much better it is, being old and with better specs and better case design.
Love mine. Picked it up for $177 (on sale at Macys, full MSRP $285). I bought the gray sunburst dial with the brushed bezel. Absolutely brilliant. I think it was a decent price, but I'm no watch expert.
LOOOOOOOVE this watch (especially in “GILT”) ....it’s been a minute since I’ve been so excited about a new Seiko and I’ve loved them for years 👍‼️ Great Review
It's a beautiful watch, and a solid first automatic for anyone. I have a few more expensive ones, but this is my daily. Can't recommend it enough. Only issue i had with it was the bracelet fit. Was either a bit too tight, or too lose. I went for "too tight" and it was the right choice cause it loosened up in a few days, and now fits great. In the end, was a good thing, cause it pushed me to learn how to fit bracelets my self, and the tools required aren't expensive either.
@@JeeGee114 you should try kamasu red, the sunburst is beautiful. I think kamasu is the best value for money for it segment. But still the bracelet quality is a let down.
According to Long Island Watch these are actually folded links with covers on the side. You can tell by looking closely at a link that has been removed. If that's true, these are pretty embarrassing for the price that Seiko is charging.
I was able to get one of the JDM versions of this in the olive drab dial and matching nato for around $215. Watch Nation I believe they're called. They're based out of England and are a Seiko A.D. so nothing to worry about. Super fast shipping as well.
also in Australia, ordered one blue with nato strap last month from long island watch for $432.90 AUD (paypal exchange rate) with shipping. Simply because US market supply are made in japan. due to the current situation in the world, it is still on the way.
I don't agree with the comments saying that Seiko is overcharging for the specifications. Companies like Island Watch, San Martin, Heimdallr, and others like them don't spend much time or resources making original watch designs. Brand history and original design are worth a lot of value to me. A watch is more than the sum of the cost of its parts.
The Sarb has made it very very difficult for me to be interested in any of the new seiko models - totally agree with your point! Finding it difficult to see the value for money in new models. Bought my Sarb brand new for £180 a few years ago - glad I did!
I got one with black dial, gold on the hands.. promotion price $AUD 299.00 from Angus&Cotes. I totally love with that.. second hand's movement is very smooth like my other watch Omeg Seamaster.
I picked up this in the black dial version (SRPE55) from a high street retailer here in Australia for A$225 on “clearance” which I found amusing for a current model. It’s a very versatile model which works well in formal situations as well as dressed down. I’m actually super impressed with the lume on this.
Great watch. Have the gilt dial on the way. Small correction, the bracelet is actually folded. It's just really well polished on the sides. You can see the seams if you look closely. Great review Jody!
Periodically I get brand nostalgia and buy a Seiko. Then shortly after I sell it and buy a micro brand. So much more bang for the buck and I love the entrepreneurial spirit.
Yes these are nice. I got one with a great dial. The dials are perfect. Simple, not much on them, the nice new logo, Automatic in script. It would have been nice to have a screw down crown, but I still like it very much. It's 40mm but wears like a small watch. It feels like I have 36mm watch on.
Got mine in grey for £195 GBP and absolutely love it and I am in no way a Seiko fanboy. Hates = Hardlex (no excuse for using that rubbish) and the bracelet. I take issue, Jody, it’s not solid it’s folded links. Looking at the polished edge I can clearly see it is on mine. The micro adjust is crap too so the bracelet had to go. Tried it on a kudu leather strap I had lying around and it looked fab but ended up putting it on a grey and black striped, 20 quid MN style elastic strap and it looks and feels amazing - and so comfortable to wear. The 40mm is perfect cos of the short lug to lug and the bigger crystal than the 5KX makes it far more legible. Can’t wait to see if someone brings out a double domed sapphire crystal for it; that’d be my perfect mod. Other than that it’s everything one could want in a daily wear, explorer-style, field watch.
When I saw your t-shirt I remembered you work at the Opera House and you met your wife there. I didn't comment on that video, but that was a nice touch (disclosing a little bit of your life). Cheers!
I think those watches are really cool watches! I only have two gripes with them. The first is no screw down crown, and the second is price! With no screw down crown it I would only pay a max of $125. I would pay $150 if it had the screw down crown! It's a shame because I really want one!!! I'm just can't justify the little value for money.
The WornAndWound review of the Helm Vanuatu mentions how it's such a good deal that it skews people's concept of value in a watch and raises the expectations people have of other brands. I think Seiko are going the opposite way though.
It’s a fantastic looking watch, thanks for the review. I think the white date wheel balances the 9 marker. A 40mm sport watch with 100m water resistance and a 4R36 movement is a bargain at the price. The days of the SARB 33/35 value , with their sapphire and 6R15, are long gone. Seiko is still delivering good value here, the folded link bracelet isn’t the best, but it looks good and the watch is a stunner on leather. I don’t have an issue with hardlex. As long as the chapter ring is decently aligned and it keeps good time then I think it’s a winner. The cocktail time presages are about £100 more expensive and have the same level of movement (4r35), hardlex, folded end links etc. So I think this is fine. Whilst cash is tight this will certainly scratch my Sinn 556 and Tudor black bay 36 itch.
Seiko have become way too overpriced . When you consider you can get a tissot pr100 with a chronometer certified powermaric 80 movement plus sapphire for a very similar price . Nice looking watch though ....
No you actually can't. That watch has been sold out everywhere at that price. Good luck finding it under $500 anywhere right now. Consider yourself hitting the lottery if you can snag it at that price.
These have already been available in the States for $185. Last year's 5KXs are available right now from a Singapore gray market seller for $169 with free shipping. Why does everyone keep comparing Seikos' MSRPs to other brands' best sale prices?
Just picked up two from the Middle East, one grey dial and one blue, thanks Jodie, I’m curious, what size is the clasp is I want to swap it out? Would a 18MM work? (I didn’t see a 17.5 version listed )
I just received this watch from Amazon for $206 before taxes. I already own some 58 watches but I was so taken by this review when I first saw it in July, that it hung in the back of my mind. Then I saw another review by Teddy Baldassarre the other day and just had to find it. What a charming watch. Though I could essentially assemble something similar myself, I am so pleased I purchased it. Thanks for doing this review!
My god, for the price and lack of standard specs I am giving up on Seiko. Rather go with heimdahlr, steelediver or San Martin. Even the Paris and pagani design for one third the price give much more
Man... On paper, this watch sounds like a dream. Dressy SKX, applied indexes and seiko, sunburst dial. I actually have no gripes with hardlex, since I have never managed to scratch that material.But they get a 0 on the x-factor. If I were to only listen to your review, I would have bought one already. But just looking at them, they are missing that je ne sais quoi. May be I just need time.
I think they're really sharp. I love what they did with the logo as well. Although I've always been grateful that I don't get hung up on logos etc. It makes things so much easier 😂 The new grey marble ish looking 5KX is pretty interesting as well. Excellent point about the SARB. Cheers Jody
hey Jody, great video, as always, tahnks! I wonder though, what are those other watches that do a very similar job than this? care to share a list? I seriusly looking at the black dial SRPE with a bracelet, but I do see a bit of the "less feautures for more money" policy from Seiko here. I´d be interested to know what options are out there for a versatile, ledgible, bezeless watch. Thanks again.
I managed to get my Seiko 5 sports in Pepsi from Prouds for $380 from $495. Plus buying in store allowed me to eye ball the alignment. Great watches the 5 range...
i bought the gilt dial version for 175 on black friday and i think it is amazing at that price. the bracelet is def one of the downsides but it is still wearable and i dont mind it. the resemblance to the black bay 36 is a plus in my eyes as i was thinking about buying that, but this is a good cheaper alternative.
I may be wrong, but sometimes I think that the "5" below Seiko, could actually be just "S" for Sports. Most of Seiko 5 models still have the regular "5", it's the Seiko 5 Sports models which shows that unique "5" logo under Seiko.
@@JustOneMoreWatch oh absolutely. Think Marc at LIW might commission a solid end, screwed link bracelet with milled clasp. I'll step in there if he does. Such a beautiful piece. And everything lines up. Always a bonus on a 5. US models all made in Japan where the QC seems better....
Nothing, this watch is awesome. Only obsessive watch snobs who actually don’t understand what this is are complaining. They prefer their microbrand junk because specs mean value to them. I just got one on sale for $210, and couldn’t be happier.
Hey Jodi this watch is very similar to the seiko5 sports ,from the mid 80s,apart from the size and movement which was 37mm case size and a 7009 movement. I still own the original and wear it regularly . Looks a lot like a black bay 36,but with day date .
Just picked up a JDm SBTR011 - a honey of a mechaquartz chrono instead of the seemingly beloved Seiko Speedtimer. Can't wait for it to get here. Stunning dial and amazing value for money compared to the speed timer. I'm planning on throwing it on a nice leather or strapcode bracelet and for around $250 USD it'll be a heavy hitter for value. Might be worth checking out in the future for the channel, I've heard lots of people love the SBTR027 colorway in particular.
Nice looking watch but for that feature set you can get a much wider array of Orient offerings (plain, Arabic, Roman or combo indices, date only, small seconds, etc.) with the same quality at half the price or less.
Pretty sure if you look closely you’ll see the links aren’t solid as you say. There is a very fine line on the outside where the links are pressed. So although not typically hollow like older folded link bracelets, they certainly aren’t solid either
I actually ended up buying one and got it around a week ago. $300 AUD with delivery from StarBuy! Brand new, out of the box, I averaged +11 spd after a week of wear. Not too shabby at all! To be honest, that's on par with all of my other watches, including a previously purchased (and returned) Grand Seiko. Ended up regulating it and it's currently running at +2 spd. Let's see how it runs after a month - whether it will hold that rate or require more regulation. I was really lusting over the BB36 in blue, however now having this Seiko on my wrist, I'm not sure if I can pay 15 times as much for something that is so, so similar and does not have a date, which I really like to have. Only main criticism for me is the bracelet - feels cheap and squeaks. I ended up getting an Uncle Seiko Jubilee and it not feels and looks fantastic!
38mm, saphire crystal, 6r15, screw down crown, decent quality bracelet - 500 $ tag. That would make sense. But now i'll wait for the 4r35 version from Steeldive or other AE company.
I bought the slightly more priced model with the chain bracelet, what are your opinions on that? I like that it's slightly heavier than the regular steel, but the clasp barely closes for me. I'm a little scared it might fall off but it hasn't yet
I wish the day/date window had a border like the indices. It would create a much more uniform look. Also, the day/date print looks off center in the window.
@@Ferdous1440 Last week, black Friday week, was when the best deals were to be found. For instance, I picked up an SRPE57 for $160 (!) from Electronics Express - that's a "Made in Japan" version on a bracelet. Currently, there are multiple sellers on eBay as well as Macy's selling them between $185-$195. With the watch in hand I can now say that anything under $250 is reasonable, and anything under $200 is practically stealing.
Good-looking watch but having said that, if you're going to spend anywhere near $300 buy a Long Island Islander. sapphire crystal, solid end links bracelet with screw links, milled clasp can't beat it for the price in my opinion.
Nice One Jody ...... by the way am I feeling better yet? I think so but if you could let me know?! Also why are you so down on crowns being unsigned? Kindest
we ought to think of a new category for this kind of watch....they're tool/dress watches aren't they. Polished up field watches/reduced dive watches. You have this at the affordable end and the Rolex Milgauss at the high end. You're right everyone does need something like this. A 'non prissy' dress watch.
I'm very close to buying this... But I'm not sure what color I want (currently interested in a mid-/light-green dial version) but also wondering if Orient will be coming up with a competitor... Maybe a sporty Bambino? Hhmmm...
Microbrands have been making Seiko look over priced based on the specs for a few years. Now the rise of Chinese factory brands are making Seiko look ridiculous. San Martian would be doing that just as well finished if not better, with solid end links and sapphire crystal for 1/2 the price
I recently replaced the clasp on mine with the Aliexpress clasp you recommended. Wow does it make it way more wearable with that extra micro adjust. My only problem with the watch is that it proves I should be wearing something in the 42-46mm range. It looks small on my large wrists with the bracelet. Putting it on a tapering grey extra long Suede strap from straps co makes it look awesome on my wrist though. I can see why older generations liked wearing smaller watches. Makes me wish Seiko had put it on more of a tapering bracelet perhaps.
And your right about the Tudor. They must have been looking at that watch when coming up with this one. I don't mind the hardlex either, I put a 5 buck gorilla glass screen protector on it and I just don't worry about it anymore. No one notices its there but me and I have to look real close to see it.
I wish I had my knowlegde about watches back in the days when sarb was released.
Just pick one up. They are still a good buy. I would go with the Sarx personally nowadays if I needed a dresser.
I would have bought two.
@@JeeGee114 I am currently unemployed. As soon as I got money I will buy a cream dial sarb.
@@mustafasahinturk9651 God bless you sir.
And the money 😂
What makes the new 5 logo interesting, at least to me, is that it cunningly integrates all three identity markers of the old Seiko 5 Sport watches. The new laidback 5 can equally be read as a laidback S, and if you look at just the outline of the figure in a kind of bleary-eyed, unfocused way you can see the shape of the shield upon which the old 5 was always emblazoned. A brilliant instance of the graphic design genius the Japanese are so justly famous for.
exactly My thoughts! never understood why people don't like it. The old one was awful, but this one is great, one of the reasons why I purchased this watch actually
I'm SUPER new to watch collecting (I only had one basic quartz Fossil watch until maybe 6 months ago) and today I picked up the gray dial version of this one as my first Seiko AND first automatic. (I wanted the blue dial, but I found the gray dial for the equivalent of about $190 US, so I pulled the trigger.) Loving it so far. I just can't stop looking at it. :)
I just got the grey dial brother. How is it treating you?
@@willwcbb It's good. I won't lie, a big part of me wishes I'd held out for the blue, but it's still a great watch.
Minor correction, the bracelet links are hollow folded, if you look carefully you'll be able to see a line running along their length where the two pieces meet. I like these new Seikos, and I wish more companies would do bezel-less diver style watches, I think there is a market for them. They balance that sporty and dressy look quite well which makes them very versatile for everyday use in any setting.
I bought one on a nato from Macy’s over the holidays for 184 USD. Grey version after seeing this and Shane’s review at Relative Time. Very pleased with it. Watch for sales. Good daily ware. Worn on a variety of straps. Strapcode makes a bracelet for it I’ll probably get
I just cant understand that with the economies of scale that Seiko/Epson have why they dont out spec everything else on the market? They clearly could if they so chose. Adding sapphire, signed crowns solid links etc etc would be trivial in cost (to them) yet add so much more value to the consumer. I have felt for quite a long time that Seiko as a value proposition is actually now quite poor.
Perhaps they have a "gentleman's agreement" with the Swiss, like Honda, Nissan and Toyota had in the 90s.
- They see Seiko fanbios and think "we could make them pay AUS$500 for a Seiko 5 with minimal specs."
Marc Riches My guess is that they look at the market, measure what they think their name is worth, and design watches for all price points. The challenge becomes explaining that their very expensive watches are worth it. In my mind, Seiko has marketed themselves as the value alternative to European watch making. How does that value proposition add up when you increase the price of your standard watches to Swiss levels?
@@eggsII if they think that way, i'll not buying any of this kind of seikos at all.
It is very simple. They want you to pay $800+ for a Prospex.
Mineral crystal, pressed clasp, unsigned crown, hollow end links, push pins.....come on Seiko, at this price point some of the above boxes should be ticked.
Be carefull, Seiko fan boys police will come soon at your comment to tell you "you cant compare Seiko to micros" "seiko have history" etc. Etc. Im a big Seiko fan but they became a NO value for money.
Yeah. I'm thinkin Pagani Design. Best watch for the money.
@@richardminnick6797 same man, i will buy one next month maybe also if they make full black classic sub 40mm with black ceramic sub bezel insert and black dial like first version 43mm was.
If San Martin can offer all of this and more (screw down crown, ceramic lumed bezel) on the 62 mass for 200 dollars I will wait for their version.
Seiko 5 is overpriced fashion watches
Went for the gold, silver two tone, sooo damn comfortable & good lookin' on the wrist. My barber actually thought it was a Rolex. I just bought it based on looks, movement & wearability so if your pleased with all that, which I am, all the other stuff it doesn't have, isn't part of the equation...
Just wished Seiko came out with a no date version.
@aero it is more clean to the eye. even though the complication y useful, i have watches without the day and they look more uniform. the dress watch is, the less is better. look also at the explorer 1 or the sub no date. i understand the usefulness of the date but sometimes you want a watch that tells time and nothing more
Daniel Eraso I occasionally look to my watch for the date, never for the day. This would be a much better looking watch without a day window.
seiko 5 line must have day/date or something. one of the 5 things i think
impossible nowadays to find a ''5'' without day-date function. only their ''ancestors'', the ''sportsmatics'' can still be found without date. i just got an old seiko sportsmatic with no date from japan.
No cyclops, at least.
I don't understand people's fascination with signed crowns. Except maybe on haute horlogerie pieces it is just needless advertising and more clutter to me, much like excessive text on the dial. Same for a screw-down crown: The SRPE has 100 m water resistance, a large crown guard and the crown can only be pulled out from underneath. Why fiddle with delicate threads whenever you want to top up the power reserve?
These ones I like a lot. Honestly I believe the prices now are laughable... 1-2 years in production and the gray market will sell these at about half of what you can get 'em now. Also I do believe that the Seiko Alpinist bracelets fit this case... (not 100% sure so don't quote me on that). Anyways - great watch and video! (btw I'm that dude from Watches Gadgets and Stuff channel that hated on your Proteus video... Lol)
I 'm the proud owner of a Seiko SRPE 67 ,w/ matte black Dial,.bought it from a guy from Ottawa,in North Glengarry.
All i have To say,it's a keeper !!
A real tank,a every day watch !
Very accurate watch w/ 21 sec loss/ day.
Which is very good !
Changed the original black nato, for a leather strap,and it looks very nice !!
Very happy w/ this dress skx!!
Lifetime keeper !
Need i say more ?
May i go now officer ?!!.
Definitely a good choice for them new blood in the watch game.
But when I first saw this model and read the specs, I couldn't stop thinking about the sarb033, about how much better it is, being old and with better specs and better case design.
Love mine. Picked it up for $177 (on sale at Macys, full MSRP $285). I bought the gray sunburst dial with the brushed bezel. Absolutely brilliant. I think it was a decent price, but I'm no watch expert.
LOOOOOOOVE this watch (especially in “GILT”) ....it’s been a minute since I’ve been so excited about a new Seiko and I’ve loved them for years 👍‼️ Great Review
Yeah, I had my trigger finger hovering over that black and gilt one myself...... 😬😬
Holt333 you must be easily pleased
It's a beautiful watch, and a solid first automatic for anyone. I have a few more expensive ones, but this is my daily. Can't recommend it enough.
Only issue i had with it was the bracelet fit. Was either a bit too tight, or too lose. I went for "too tight" and it was the right choice cause it loosened up in a few days, and now fits great. In the end, was a good thing, cause it pushed me to learn how to fit bracelets my self, and the tools required aren't expensive either.
No tools needed,did mine with a nail a hammer and a lot of carefulness.
The problem these bottom end automatic Seikos all have is that Orient usually seem do something better for less money 😆
Well design wise I just don't like Oriënt. I do like to see that red colour of the Kamasu a lot more.
@@JeeGee114 you should try kamasu red, the sunburst is beautiful. I think kamasu is the best value for money for it segment. But still the bracelet quality is a let down.
@@wans5885 I love my red Kamasu....and my blue one, too.
@@SilverSergeant cool, i have the green one, or should i say the tial color dial
Everyone always seems to sleep on the Orient Triton/Neptune, one of the best divers under 500 of all time.
According to Long Island Watch these are actually folded links with covers on the side. You can tell by looking closely at a link that has been removed. If that's true, these are pretty embarrassing for the price that Seiko is charging.
Seiko is embarrassing themselves with all their new pricing.
I got the gray variant for under 200 US! I have a 7.5 inch wrist and it wears amazing. Perfect everyday watch 👌🏽
I was able to get one of the JDM versions of this in the olive drab dial and matching nato for around $215. Watch Nation I believe they're called. They're based out of England and are a Seiko A.D. so nothing to worry about. Super fast shipping as well.
also in Australia, ordered one blue with nato strap last month from long island watch for $432.90 AUD (paypal exchange rate) with shipping. Simply because US market supply are made in japan. due to the current situation in the world, it is still on the way.
I don't agree with the comments saying that Seiko is overcharging for the specifications. Companies like Island Watch, San Martin, Heimdallr, and others like them don't spend much time or resources making original watch designs. Brand history and original design are worth a lot of value to me. A watch is more than the sum of the cost of its parts.
The Sarb has made it very very difficult for me to be interested in any of the new seiko models - totally agree with your point! Finding it difficult to see the value for money in new models. Bought my Sarb brand new for £180 a few years ago - glad I did!
I love my Sarb033 too but the 40mm case makes me feel like a boss!
I got one with black dial, gold on the hands.. promotion price $AUD 299.00 from Angus&Cotes. I totally love with that.. second hand's movement is very smooth like my other watch Omeg Seamaster.
I picked up this in the black dial version (SRPE55) from a high street retailer here in Australia for A$225 on “clearance” which I found amusing for a current model. It’s a very versatile model which works well in formal situations as well as dressed down. I’m actually super impressed with the lume on this.
Great watch. Have the gilt dial on the way. Small correction, the bracelet is actually folded. It's just really well polished on the sides. You can see the seams if you look closely. Great review Jody!
Periodically I get brand nostalgia and buy a Seiko. Then shortly after I sell it and buy a micro brand. So much more bang for the buck and I love the entrepreneurial spirit.
Yes these are nice. I got one with a great dial. The dials are perfect. Simple, not much on them, the nice new logo, Automatic in script. It would have been nice to have a screw down crown, but I still like it very much. It's 40mm but wears like a small watch. It feels like I have 36mm watch on.
Seiko is just waving everyone over to Orient.
I just picked up the 53 and the 57. I’m gaga for them both. I can’t decide which to wear. What an awesome problem.
That’s one way to address bezel alignment issues. Ditch the bezel. I may have to get me one of these.
Most people had problems with chapter ring alignment rather than bezel. Which is also likely to be trouble here
You stole my post idea.
Got mine in grey for £195 GBP and absolutely love it and I am in no way a Seiko fanboy. Hates = Hardlex (no excuse for using that rubbish) and the bracelet. I take issue, Jody, it’s not solid it’s folded links. Looking at the polished edge I can clearly see it is on mine. The micro adjust is crap too so the bracelet had to go. Tried it on a kudu leather strap I had lying around and it looked fab but ended up putting it on a grey and black striped, 20 quid MN style elastic strap and it looks and feels amazing - and so comfortable to wear. The 40mm is perfect cos of the short lug to lug and the bigger crystal than the 5KX makes it far more legible. Can’t wait to see if someone brings out a double domed sapphire crystal for it; that’d be my perfect mod. Other than that it’s everything one could want in a daily wear, explorer-style, field watch.
When I saw your t-shirt I remembered you work at the Opera House and you met your wife there. I didn't comment on that video, but that was a nice touch (disclosing a little bit of your life). Cheers!
I think those watches are really cool watches! I only have two gripes with them.
The first is no screw down crown, and the second is price! With no screw down crown it I would only pay a max of $125. I would pay $150 if it had the screw down crown! It's a shame because I really want one!!! I'm just can't justify the little value for money.
The WornAndWound review of the Helm Vanuatu mentions how it's such a good deal that it skews people's concept of value in a watch and raises the expectations people have of other brands. I think Seiko are going the opposite way though.
It’s a fantastic looking watch, thanks for the review.
I think the white date wheel balances the 9 marker. A 40mm sport watch with 100m water resistance and a 4R36 movement is a bargain at the price. The days of the SARB 33/35 value , with their sapphire and 6R15, are long gone. Seiko is still delivering good value here, the folded link bracelet isn’t the best, but it looks good and the watch is a stunner on leather. I don’t have an issue with hardlex. As long as the chapter ring is decently aligned and it keeps good time then I think it’s a winner. The cocktail time presages are about £100 more expensive and have the same level of movement (4r35), hardlex, folded end links etc. So I think this is fine.
Whilst cash is tight this will certainly scratch my Sinn 556 and Tudor black bay 36 itch.
Loved it even more after buying and wearing it. I put it on doing my pool laps. No issues with the water resistance
Seiko have become way too overpriced . When you consider you can get a tissot pr100 with a chronometer certified powermaric 80 movement plus sapphire for a very similar price . Nice looking watch though ....
Hey mate who has a good price for Tissot in Aus?
No you actually can't. That watch has been sold out everywhere at that price. Good luck finding it under $500 anywhere right now. Consider yourself hitting the lottery if you can snag it at that price.
If anyone pays $500 for a Seiko 5, they need their head examined.
These have already been available in the States for $185. Last year's 5KXs are available right now from a Singapore gray market seller for $169 with free shipping.
Why does everyone keep comparing Seikos' MSRPs to other brands' best sale prices?
You mean the *non-servicable* non-adjustable Tissot movement with a mere three year lifespan? It's a disposable watch.
Just picked up two from the Middle East, one grey dial and one blue, thanks Jodie, I’m curious, what size is the clasp is I want to swap it out? Would a 18MM work? (I didn’t see a 17.5 version listed )
I just received this watch from Amazon for $206 before taxes. I already own some 58 watches but I was so taken by this review when I first saw it in July, that it hung in the back of my mind. Then I saw another review by Teddy Baldassarre the other day and just had to find it. What a charming watch. Though I could essentially assemble something similar myself, I am so pleased I purchased it. Thanks for doing this review!
I can really see this as a great field watch too, especially if it was bead blasted and with a distressed nut brown leather strap. Hmmm
The dial you have is beautiful! Well done to Seiko for actually changing the case size!!! Great video Jody!
In my experience, the 4R36 has always performed more accurately than the 6R15.
What I don't get about the 6R15 is why it seems to need recalibration every few months. Maddening.
10:05 What is the model name of the black dial watch. Looks great.
My god, for the price and lack of standard specs I am giving up on Seiko. Rather go with heimdahlr, steelediver or San Martin. Even the Paris and pagani design for one third the price give much more
Pushing Chinese crap doesn't exactly address the issue, nor does the lack of awareness that you are rewarding forced slave labor. Have some morals.
@@PETERJOHN101 Chinese crap? Why is it crap? Everything comes from there.
Rather buy Zelos than those, Seiko is taking the piss out of people now tbh.
Man... On paper, this watch sounds like a dream. Dressy SKX, applied indexes and seiko, sunburst dial. I actually have no gripes with hardlex, since I have never managed to scratch that material.But they get a 0 on the x-factor. If I were to only listen to your review, I would have bought one already. But just looking at them, they are missing that je ne sais quoi. May be I just need time.
Jody I seriously love this blue Pagani datejust. Thanks! This thing is lovely.
I'm ordering the grey for my Christmas present for myself.
Nice watch. Just hope Seiko will release no-date version of this watch.
At last. The much awaited review! Thanks
I think they're really sharp. I love what they did with the logo as well. Although I've always been grateful that I don't get hung up on logos etc. It makes things so much easier 😂 The new grey marble ish looking 5KX is pretty interesting as well. Excellent point about the SARB. Cheers Jody
hey Jody, great video, as always, tahnks! I wonder though, what are those other watches that do a very similar job than this? care to share a list? I seriusly looking at the black dial SRPE with a bracelet, but I do see a bit of the "less feautures for more money" policy from Seiko here. I´d be interested to know what options are out there for a versatile, ledgible, bezeless watch. Thanks again.
I managed to get my Seiko 5 sports in Pepsi from Prouds for $380 from $495. Plus buying in store allowed me to eye ball the alignment. Great watches the 5 range...
FYI the links are folded, not solid. Have a closer look. You can see the line on the sides of the bracelet links
i bought the gilt dial version for 175 on black friday and i think it is amazing at that price. the bracelet is def one of the downsides but it is still wearable and i dont mind it. the resemblance to the black bay 36 is a plus in my eyes as i was thinking about buying that, but this is a good cheaper alternative.
Yep. Have the blue and gilt. Thinking about a third. Best strap? Shark mesh.
I may be wrong, but sometimes I think that the "5" below Seiko, could actually be just "S" for Sports.
Most of Seiko 5 models still have the regular "5", it's the Seiko 5 Sports models which shows that unique "5" logo under Seiko.
It's an ambigram. Right side up, it stands for the S of Sports. Flip it upside down, and you'll see the 5.
I bought this in the grey dial......Coupled with an Uncle Seiko bracelet, it looks and wears great!!!!
What's the best alternative to the original Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope? Any decent homage or replica available?
One of the fortunates who snapped it up immediately from Long Island Watch.... Absolutely love this thing
Yeah, I see all sold out there. I trust that you are enjoying it? Cheers mate.
@@JustOneMoreWatch oh absolutely. Think Marc at LIW might commission a solid end, screwed link bracelet with milled clasp. I'll step in there if he does. Such a beautiful piece. And everything lines up. Always a bonus on a 5. US models all made in Japan where the QC seems better....
The mini statue Steve Irwin holding a croc on the shelf like it's holding gattling gun is amazing. Just letting you know.
Need your advice....what do you think about cerruti 1881 watches...is it really swiess made ? And its worth to buy it ?
This is lovely. Seiko have done a lot of thins right here. Only wish they but an applied boarder round the day/ date. 8/10
Great mentioning and showing the SARB - that is better value indeed.
love your channel Jody
What's controversial about the 5? I like it, looks slick, between 5 and S.
Gotta agree, I don’t follow the controversial FIVE?
Please help Jody?
Nothing. It just debuted on the imaginary SKX "replacement", so it became part of the fanboys' gnashing of teeth.
Nothing, this watch is awesome. Only obsessive watch snobs who actually don’t understand what this is are complaining. They prefer their microbrand junk because specs mean value to them. I just got one on sale for $210, and couldn’t be happier.
Hey Jodi this watch is very similar to the seiko5 sports ,from the mid 80s,apart from the size and movement which was 37mm case size and a 7009 movement.
I still own the original and wear it regularly .
Looks a lot like a black bay 36,but with day date .
Just picked up a JDm SBTR011 - a honey of a mechaquartz chrono instead of the seemingly beloved Seiko Speedtimer. Can't wait for it to get here. Stunning dial and amazing value for money compared to the speed timer. I'm planning on throwing it on a nice leather or strapcode bracelet and for around $250 USD it'll be a heavy hitter for value. Might be worth checking out in the future for the channel, I've heard lots of people love the SBTR027 colorway in particular.
Nice looking watch but for that feature set you can get a much wider array of Orient offerings (plain, Arabic, Roman or combo indices, date only, small seconds, etc.) with the same quality at half the price or less.
Welll... really shows how great value a SARB was while they were still in production.
I just got the srpe51, gray dial, brand new on bracelet for 160. Cant go wrong for 160 USD.
This will be Seikos biggest seller, respects from South Africa. Apparently has AR coating
Imagine how amazing it would be with quartz.
Pretty sure if you look closely you’ll see the links aren’t solid as you say. There is a very fine line on the outside where the links are pressed. So although not typically hollow like older folded link bracelets, they certainly aren’t solid either
Whats with the space between the crown and the guards?
another great informative review ...thanks for bringing this particular Seiko model to light, and your always very appreciated insight !
Just got this and it looks great on a black leather strap. Going to be a daily driver for the foreseeable future.
I actually ended up buying one and got it around a week ago. $300 AUD with delivery from StarBuy!
Brand new, out of the box, I averaged +11 spd after a week of wear. Not too shabby at all! To be honest, that's on par with all of my other watches, including a previously purchased (and returned) Grand Seiko.
Ended up regulating it and it's currently running at +2 spd. Let's see how it runs after a month - whether it will hold that rate or require more regulation.
I was really lusting over the BB36 in blue, however now having this Seiko on my wrist, I'm not sure if I can pay 15 times as much for something that is so, so similar and does not have a date, which I really like to have.
Only main criticism for me is the bracelet - feels cheap and squeaks. I ended up getting an Uncle Seiko Jubilee and it not feels and looks fantastic!
38mm, saphire crystal, 6r15, screw down crown, decent quality bracelet - 500 $ tag. That would make sense. But now i'll wait for the 4r35 version from Steeldive or other AE company.
The SRPE60 with a golden bezel really rocks.
I bought the slightly more priced model with the chain bracelet, what are your opinions on that?
I like that it's slightly heavier than the regular steel, but the clasp barely closes for me. I'm a little scared it might fall off but it hasn't yet
I wish the day/date window had a border like the indices. It would create a much more uniform look. Also, the day/date print looks off center in the window.
To those griping about the price, these have been available all week (black Friday) for $160-$175. How much are the Hamiltons?
where? can you please give the link?
@@Ferdous1440 Last week, black Friday week, was when the best deals were to be found. For instance, I picked up an SRPE57 for $160 (!) from Electronics Express - that's a "Made in Japan" version on a bracelet. Currently, there are multiple sellers on eBay as well as Macy's selling them between $185-$195.
With the watch in hand I can now say that anything under $250 is reasonable, and anything under $200 is practically stealing.
Good-looking watch but having said that, if you're going to spend anywhere near $300 buy a Long Island Islander. sapphire crystal, solid end links bracelet with screw links, milled clasp can't beat it for the price in my opinion.
Is it based on the SKX013?...do they share common parts?
Nice One Jody ...... by the way am I feeling better yet? I think so but if you could let me know?!
Also why are you so down on crowns being unsigned?
Kindest
Looks like it's already scratched at the 9" clock position.
still looks nice.
I will stick with the SARB035 for now. Should it break though it would be a contender.
SRPE is the best line of the 5’s in my opinion
we ought to think of a new category for this kind of watch....they're tool/dress watches aren't they. Polished up field watches/reduced dive watches. You have this at the affordable end and the Rolex Milgauss at the high end. You're right everyone does need something like this. A 'non prissy' dress watch.
Is this Seiko assembled on the vostok assembly line that dial looked very dusty🤔
I'm very close to buying this... But I'm not sure what color I want (currently interested in a mid-/light-green dial version) but also wondering if Orient will be coming up with a competitor... Maybe a sporty Bambino? Hhmmm...
Microbrands have been making Seiko look over priced based on the specs for a few years. Now the rise of Chinese factory brands are making Seiko look ridiculous. San Martian would be doing that just as well finished if not better, with solid end links and sapphire crystal for 1/2 the price
I hope soon 😁
CockOfJustice I’ve just got the San Martin sub copage and it’s incredible value for money. Can’t wait to get the 62 Mas copage soon
I recently replaced the clasp on mine with the Aliexpress clasp you recommended. Wow does it make it way more wearable with that extra micro adjust. My only problem with the watch is that it proves I should be wearing something in the 42-46mm range. It looks small on my large wrists with the bracelet.
Putting it on a tapering grey extra long Suede strap from straps co makes it look awesome on my wrist though. I can see why older generations liked wearing smaller watches. Makes me wish Seiko had put it on more of a tapering bracelet perhaps.
And your right about the Tudor. They must have been looking at that watch when coming up with this one. I don't mind the hardlex either, I put a 5 buck gorilla glass screen protector on it and I just don't worry about it anymore. No one notices its there but me and I have to look real close to see it.
Can't decide which one to get, this blue or the grey dial one...
I love that dial
whohoo i want this .. the grey sunray dial version.. love it...
Great review Jody. Other reviewers indicated that the links where folded, not solid. Just an FYI.
can u suggest the best seiko 5 casual/dress or in between ?
I bought one of these and love it. A bit over priced maybe but it's got everything I need. Mine says "made in Japan", which makes me happy.