I'm Japanese I'm proud of SEIKO And I'm delighted that foreign people appreciate SEIKO Thank you, gentry. I can't listen to English words well But I'm always looking forward to seeing your channel
My father gave me his old 60's Seiko 5 some 30 years ago. He said, "take good care of it, it's a gift from your grandfather". I've never met him. I was mesmerized by the sweeping second hand. Many years and watches after that it's still my favorite timepiece. Life's been good to me but this is the watch I wore at my brother's wedding, my grandma's funeral and to celebrate my nephew's birth and it's going to him when I die, still ticking.
I'm glad you are enjoying it. I bought a Seiko 5 about 5 years ago and strongly disliked it. I disliked it's small size and the incredibly small crown. It's like a woman's watch. I'm assuming your Seiko 5 is "full size"?
I bought one of these about 18 years ago for my dad when I was 15 and it outlasted him. Now I have the watch and it still works perfect after all these years.
Where did you buy it from? When you were were 15, what shop? 18 years ago, as a 15 year old? how did you pay for it? So, in 2003 you went to some shop and bought an expensive watch for Dad? ha. Bullshit
Nice review and overview. I have had my Seiko 5 since July of 1968, a gift to me from my Japanese uncle upon arrival to Japan. It has served me well for 50 years and is due for a service. I love my Seiko 5 as much as I do my 1975 Rolex Datejust. Beautiful timepieces!
Predrag Jo I didn’t understand him to say it had never been serviced in 50 years. I understood him to say that he’s owned it for 50 years and it’s due to be serviced, not necessarily the first time. If he’s got 50 years out of it, my assumption would be that he’s had it serviced it regularly.
You have mastered the art of expert watch reviewing like no other. I've also seen many reviews made by others, but there is none who is anywhere close to you in terms of the Standard, Style, Elegance, Incredible Ease and above all, Tonnes of Finesse in your presentation which I opine is leagues ahead of others in the business. Keep it up TGV.
Hi TG. This review for me has made my day. The reason for this is that i have a seiko 5 which my father bought new when i was born 42 years ago. I've had the watch in my collection now for about 3 years and early last year i had put a cola reb strap on it which i purchased from Holbens thanks to you. Of course this watch being the age that it is, is made in Japan. It is in fully original condition and would you believe till this day it has not had a single service and holds time perfectly. I would love to send you some pictures but not sure where to.
A few weeks ago I bought a $20 Casio calculator watch as my first watch and after finding your channel I've just bought a Seiko 5. Absolutely in love with it as my first automatic and happy to be inducted into this new hobby
I wanted the SNK 809 Military ones, but I don't know about the nato strap, will it still looks nice with a normal steel strap? There's version that comes with the steel straps so i'm just wondering
You know I’ve only had my seiko 5 for about a month now and I ordered a sapphire crystal along with it to switch. But haven’t changed it yet but anyway I’ve whammed it a coupe times and instantly thought “ yup there’s the first scratch” and yet hasn’t happened. Really impressed with the crystal!
How about now 3 years later? Do you still have the watch? I am borderline ordering it as the SNKL23 is back in stock for 99 usd. Ans the Sapphire crystal for it is only 25 usd I thought of buying a spare too. I
@@crBudgetWatches I still haven’t switched the crystal out. Don’t get me wrong the original crystal has some scuffs and scratches now but it doesn’t bother me all that much. I decided if and when I switch the crystal, I might as well do a movement swap as well
@@alexthelegoguy4504 nice to hear I already took the plunge on a SNKL23J1 from Jomashop after discount I paid 102 usd I think it was too good to pass for such a beauty.
After buying a few high end watches I still love the sieko 5. The best bang for the buck out there. And I must say the new Grand Sieko spring drive is in a class well above any rolex.
People think rolex is the pinnacle of watches but they don't make tourbillons or perpetual calenders, sun moon phase, or anything other than a day date.
You made me fall in love with the art of watchmaking and this will be my first automatic watch. It should arrive in about 10 days. Many thanks, good Sir.
Great watch for a kid. Got my 8 year old a blue one and put it on a Bond nato strap. He loves it and appreciates watches in general. Hard to imagine a watch suffering more abuse than a 2nd grader puts it through. It takes it all and keeps surprisingly good time. Honestly, it's usually a better watch than most of the grown ups in the room are wearing. It's really something to see a kid wearing a mechanical/auto watch with a day and date function next to a grown man with an Apple Watch. (Not that I can't appreciate the Apple Watch for what it is).
Muumipappi it's 36mm so it looks like a bigger watch would on an adult, but it doesn't look overly huge. It wears small at least compared to a 36mm datejust, for example. In theory it's a man's watch but it looks insanely small on my wrist, not just slightly small- if you saw it you'd ask why I'm wearing a ladies' watch. The bigger version of the watch would be too big. The original strap is too big, but with the nato strap it can accommodate any size wrist.
I wanted to thank TGV for all of his well intentioned advice and research. I just purchased my first automatic watch the Seiko 5 SNK809 and looking forward to using it everyday. Your respect for your audience comes right through the video, you are a gentleman.
I bought a Seiko 5 (SNK807) for myself about a year ago, and you're right about it being the "gateway drug" of mechanical/automatic watches. It definitely piqued my interest, and today I got a Timex Marlin from my husband as a gift - Timex's first hand-winding watch since 1982. I'm fascinated by the way these watches work and look. Anyway, great review and thanks for what you do!
TGV, this is inspiring. Reminds me of when I started getting into cameras. It's too easy to go out and purchase the cheapest and most affordable when starting out but then we do a little research and realize there is quality out there that anyone can afford. Then eventually we make our ways to the Leica.
In my opinion the Seiko 5 class is the best for beginners. My first 2 watches were 5s. I bought a $107 one and a $75 one. 2 completely different styles because I wanted to get a feel for automatic watches and to see if it was something I wanted to start seriously looking into. Well those 2 Seiko 5s got me to the 20 or so collection now. They are great for the money. My most expensive watch is about $1,000 and I still regularly wear my Seikos. Or at least the one my wife didn't claim. Thanks for the content. God bless
I just purchased two Seiko 5s (SNK703 and and SNK805) coincidentally two weeks ago, and couldn't agree more with your really fantastic review. I'm ashamed as a watch fan that it has taken me this long to dip into the Seiko waters, but now I finally understand why true watch fans rave so much about them, and GSs. Never mind the ridiculously affordable prices, but the fact that you can get an automatic, tough as nails, in-house mechanical movement watch with dial furniture and cases so impressively finished, from such a storied brand that is so important to the world of horology, is mind blowing to me. This is one of those rare occasions of a democratization of great design that allows everyone to enjoy the world of mechanical watches, and it's great to see you celebrate it on such a wide platform. I can't wait to form a long and interesting personal history with my two new watches.
perfect example of why your channel is the best. Showing love for a very inexpensive watch when your channel often has some quite expensive time pieces. Thanks my man.
I own a Seiko 5 since november 1969, and is still working... it's a great watch. And I recently bought my Snkl23, just because I couldn't resist. I think that nobody gives more for your money than Seiko. Regards from Buenos Aires.
I just ordered this watch with a leather band from watch gecko I have three generations of Seiko watches. My grandfathers, my fathers, and now I ordered one for my self for my first automatic watch!
First, my respect for these brilliant, enthusiastic and objective reviews. In 1996, I bought my first Seiko Kinetic Sports 150, as a 'replacement' for my Rolex Submariner, which did not run precisely after an overhaul and was constantly in the watchmaker's complaint. I gave the Seiko to my father about 10 years later and he still wears it today. Even after 22 years it runs precise and carefree. Recently I bought a Seiko 5 Sports SNZH55K1 and i am excited about it. Precise, stylish and noble, big and yet light and comfortable to wear. Total contrast to my Invicta Reserve Sea Dragon and the Invicta Reserve Hydromax, which almost cause a postural damage when worn. Cheers, Gentlemen.
Got my first Seiko 5 today, gorgeous watch. Olive green face but so unsaturated it's hard to tell (exactly as I wanted), and got a solid black nato to go with. Couldn't be happier with it.
Because of you I got in the watch hobby. I had a G-Shock that I liked, but nothing more than that. And then I started watching your videos. And then I bought a Seiko 5 SNKE51. AND IT IS AMAZING! I absolutely love it. I really love having that mechanical art on my wrist. It feels like having a living being on my hand. Kudos to you, man! You corrupted another one! Now, if only I could get my hands on an affordable swiss watch.
I'm so excited to try this on soon! I meant to wait for a more responsible time, financially speaking, but the stock went from 28 to 11 in a day. I had to pull the trigger! Thanks for a fantastic review. My first automatic watch, and with that caseback! Mesmerising.
Ok, finished watching the video. Completely agree with you, I have 2 Seiko 5's: a Sea Urchin (my first automativ ever) and the SNK with the olive green dial (christmas gift from my gf, I got her the blue dial one lol) and they're definitely one of the best entry level autos and a very reliable under-100-dlls watch. The quality is there even though it's far from being a luxury piece.
Bought this exact same model few days ago after watching this Vid. Thank you for sharing your passion. I never thought I would consider buying more watches as I progress in life and I am starting with this Seiko 5. Thanks for being awesome. Cheers
One of my favorite watches. I’m on my third, because I gifted my first 2 right off my wrist to friends. In order to share my love for near perfect simple mechanical time pieces. Thanks for recognizing simple and inexpensive (not cheap!) time pieces.
I got a Seiko 5 (snzh57). The movement is worse than any Orient at the same price point (the old orient 469 movement is better). The hardlex is a scratch magnet, even mineral crystal is better. And the bracelet that came with it is just nasty, a rattling piece of garbage. I can't recommend a Seiko 5 do anyone. Orients are just better value for the money under at any price point under $200. So the Seiko 5 can't compare even to the Orients, waste of time comparing to the SARB line.
I'm spending a few months in a desert with the military, I was considering taking my explorer 2 but I am tempted to get one of these simply to see if it is up to the task
This will be my first mechanical. I thought I had a mechanical when I was a kid and I loved it! I loved looking at the rotor spinning around. It turns out it is an auto-quartz! Excited to watch the movement, you've turned me on to self-winders as a result of your videos! (no rotor, better view in a skeleton)...
My father had a late ‘60s era Seiko 5, too! It had the Blue dial with stake numbers! He picked it up, either in Japan, or Hawaii, whilst on leave from fighting with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. This is my most treasured possession from his estate, and I enjoy it to this very day! It was my introduction to automatic watches! - Cheers!
I love the concept of an automatic watch. Long before man discovered that putting an electrical charge to a piece of quartz crystal made the crystal vibrate at a specific, predictable and measurable frequency that could be counted and used to make a clock keep time (ironically, Seiko unveiled the worlds first quartz watch in 1969), man made gears. Lots and lots of gears and used rubies in points of high friction and later even discovered how to use the effects of gravity to store potential energy in a spring which would unwind and turn the gears. So in effect, in 1969, man discovered how to overcome gravity twice. Once by figuring out how to keep time without it. And second, how to leave our planet for the moon. But the idea that on my wrist I have a device that uses the effect of the mass of the earth bending space time which in turn causes other mass (the rotor in the watch) to fall towards the “low pressure” of the thinning of space time where there is mass, that then helps me mark my current place in space time, that’s why I love automatic watches.
SEIKO 5 YESSSS!!! After i got My Beloved Rolex Explorer 14270, (Get one, Get One, GET ONE!!!!), my Sweet Little Seiko 5 SNK 809 was the first Auto-mechanical i bought on-line. This looks like a shrunken LACO Fleigeruhren "B", right down to the sandblasted case, and the concentric Minute/Hour dial and classic sword hands. This is such A Little Sweety, if i wear it for 10hrs +++ a day and leave it dial down on the nightstand, it gains 2"+ per day! REALLY! I paid $50 for this in 2013. On the Standard grey N.A.T.O, (the Original N.A.T.Os WERE Grey), it is Flight Ready. This watch IS Phantasmagorical and i daresay it Breaks The Sound-Barrier! Also, don't Kvetch TOO much about entry-level bracelets. Ever see the bracelets on 60s & 70s Rolexes & Omegas??? PEEE-YEWWW!!!
Today I picked up my Seiko 5 Sports SRPD91 cal.4R36 Dude I love this watch it's so fresh and wife can't stop staring at it. It's got everything I want in my first automatic watch. Thanks for your videos man I really dig the watch educational videos. Now I can enjoy my watches. 👊😎🤙
Color me impressed. I have a much greater respect for the Seiko 5 after watching this. Could someone explain the movement wobble TGV mentioned in the video? What is that exactly and what does it tell a user about the quality of the watch? Thanks.
I brought a seiko 5 in 1983 with my first weeks wages. It's still going strong and never had it serviced. I don't wear it as much has I would like, but when I do it feels good to have it back on my wrist.
Oh what have you done. You have opened a whole new world to explore. I now have a Seiko 5 SNXS79K. Totally loving it, really elegant affordable piece. And now have my eye on a Hamilton Khaki field automatic, to replace the One Eleven field solar that I bought on a whim, and little too big for my wrists. Awesome channel, you're a gentleman and a scholar.
Great show. My favorite watch is a Seiko 5. 1969. It was my Fathers during Vietnam 69 thru 71. He was wearing it when his helicopter was shot down. He survived and it did as well. The crystal is scratched from the wreck.
I got this as my first mechanical automatic watch + same strap and binned my tags cal36 knock off that I got as a present... thank you for getting me into the hobby/passion!
TGV, love your new New York theme intro. Am also a big fan of the Seiko 5. It is probably is the watch getting the highest wrist-time in my rotation, as I grab it coming back from work (and put the Explorer back in the drawer)
TGV - thank you for making this video. As I reflect on the past 18months, I realize how integral your channel - and this video in particular, have been to my watch collecting education. I bought an SNKL 45 on the advice of this video and I LOVE IT
I wanted to take a moment to express some gratitude to you. It is because of this and some of your other videos that I bought a Seiko Five for my child. I also got some straps to allow it to be usable for different occasions (also thanks to your channel). He is graduating college in May. Things are tight fiscally at the moment and I prefer not to use credit unless I have to. You allowed me an opportunity to get my child something that is befitting the moment and really lovely. Entering the rabbit hole of your channel has exposed me to a new hobby that I am slowly dipping my toe into modestly. Modest being a Casio World Time and a Weekender. The first automatic for dad? Not sure yet. I am biding my time, seeing what is out there, and saving towards it. I have explored some other youtubers and some of them are good, others are less than kind, and life is too short for that. Additionally, your content is enjoyable and informative beyond mere watch reviews. Well done. Apologies for being verbose. Again, thank you for being a guide to purchasing my child a quality automatic watch as a graduation present that I could afford in this season.
Hi there @jamie Cheslo There is some talk about making it #seikosaturday instead? so keep an eye out for both. I'm thinking that this could be an instagram thing, since our fearless leader, TGV already has an instagram account. but keep an eye out for #seikosunday as well, as this idea is fresh and has yet to settle down. There was already a trend to #SKXsaturday, which is already a "thing" so there is talk about what to do with that. So stay tunned. Don't know what's going to happen. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you
I couldn't agree more with all that's said on this video. I have a Seiko 5 (7S26 caliber, military green color with textile strap) I bought off eBay on 2011 (it was brand-new, not used). I'm wearing it right now and it's one of my favorites in my collection. Durable, precise (given you have it adjusted every once in a while) and very good-looking.
Could you be kind enough to tell me the exact color you put on that Colareb leather Spoleto band? Brown band, dark brown band, or swamp band? I just ordered my Seiko SNKL23 and love the way the strap looks on your video. Oh and by the way, the Seiko SNKL23 is nearly sold out every where! No longer is it under $100
deadpoet415 it's supposed to be the A1 brown but I saw it on his website as having a 20 mm width and 20 mm buckle. In the video he says it's 18 mm in width which is a little concerning. I want that exact strap too but I don't want to risk getting the wrong size.
I have 3 Seikos with 7S26 movements. My oldest is an Orange Monster which I bought around 20 years ago. It gains about 20 seconds a day... good enough for a decent dive watch. Very big and heavy thought. Three years ago I purchased a blue faced Seiko 5 and it's very nice although the - so called - sunburst face wasn't very sunburst. Loses about 6 seconds a day. Pretty damn good! Recently I saw a 5 with with a cream colored face and sword hands and felt the need to buy it. I am wearing it now - dang, I got lucky. It's a good looking watch and only is losing around 10 seconds every week!
You had me at Automatic under $100 and the transparent case back. Totally sold. Will definitely be my first watch. Thanks a lot for your review. Subbed
I've just found your wonderful channel, I'm currently watching all your previous videos. I'd love to buy this exact watch, unfortunately I can't find it in stock anywhere. Bugger :-)
Everytime I watch a video here, I buy it for myself. I then plan to pass these watches down to my future generations. LOVE this hobby so much! Thanks TGV.
I admire how tgv pays the same attention and respect for a $90 watch as a $6000 watch. I love that integrity.
Amen
Michael Hencin refreshing after spending some time on a rather elitist r/watches subreddit
That's the main difference between a true enthusiast and a snob.
I honestly can't justify spending 6k on a watch 1k on the other hand
Michae
I'm Japanese
I'm proud of SEIKO
And I'm delighted that foreign people appreciate SEIKO
Thank you, gentry.
I can't listen to English words well
But I'm always looking forward to seeing your channel
Thank you sir! I am humbled and honoured by your words.
Best regards,
TGV
+The Urban Gentry ARIGATOU
No, thank you to your country for having a company like Seiko.
They really make western watch companies look overpriced.
DANDY MR. I like Japanese items, the best.
those minimalist japanese are the coolest people on earth. thankyou for making seiko hats off.
I gotta quit watching these videos. Six months ago I had two watches. Now I have 5. Somebody stop me.
Stop😂
Stop
You are not alone. 😀
how about you now :D tell me the trust
A year a go I have 1 watch, this year my watch collection become 3 😂✌️
My father gave me his old 60's Seiko 5 some 30 years ago. He said, "take good care of it, it's a gift from your grandfather". I've never met him. I was mesmerized by the sweeping second hand. Many years and watches after that it's still my favorite timepiece. Life's been good to me but this is the watch I wore at my brother's wedding, my grandma's funeral and to celebrate my nephew's birth and it's going to him when I die, still ticking.
I'm glad you are enjoying it. I bought a Seiko 5 about 5 years ago and strongly disliked it. I disliked it's small size and the incredibly small crown. It's like a woman's watch. I'm assuming your Seiko 5 is "full size"?
I bought one of these about 18 years ago for my dad when I was 15 and it outlasted him. Now I have the watch and it still works perfect after all these years.
I’m sorry for your loss. Hopefully the watch helps keep you connected to your dad’s mojo, and his love for you. Best regards.
Where did you buy it from?
When you were were 15, what shop? 18 years ago, as a 15 year old? how did you pay for it? So, in 2003 you went to some shop and bought an expensive watch for Dad? ha. Bullshit
Picture now. It would be amazing to see the watch.
Now a vintage, watch. Alex. send a picture please to show all the watch lovers. Picture now?
Alex, PICTURE PLEASE?
My wife has stopped me from buying watches for a while. She hasnt said anything about watch straps. This looks great
I told my wife I would stop buying watches when she stopped buying shoes. Guess who is still buying watches?
Than buy a mustang
I am absolutely grateful to this man! Made me fall in love with horology. This is the first watch i got! Almost 2 years now!
Nice review and overview. I have had my Seiko 5 since July of 1968, a gift to me from my Japanese uncle upon arrival to Japan. It has served me well for 50 years and is due for a service. I love my Seiko 5 as much as I do my 1975 Rolex Datejust. Beautiful timepieces!
Wait wait wait 50 years withput service?????
Predrag Jo I didn’t understand him to say it had never been serviced in 50 years. I understood him to say that he’s owned it for 50 years and it’s due to be serviced, not necessarily the first time. If he’s got 50 years out of it, my assumption would be that he’s had it serviced it regularly.
My great grandfathers caravelle pocket watch hasn’t been serviced ever... so since the late 1800s.
Gift from my dad when i was 15 years old.
Still wearing in my job every day.Real beast, Bravo Seiko!
Man..you practically force me to buy this watch. Take me money away seiko..goodbye fancy food
Fancy food? who needs regular food?
Food turns to shit from your arsehole. Watches can be kept forever!
@@Gamebred-Nightmare u can also put watch in your asshole if are a POW and pass it down generation
@@90AlmostFamous lmao like 3 people got that reference.
90AlmostFamous is this a pulp fiction reference 😆
You have mastered the art of expert watch reviewing like no other. I've also seen many reviews made by others, but there is none who is anywhere close to you in terms of the Standard, Style, Elegance, Incredible Ease and above all, Tonnes of Finesse in your presentation which I opine is leagues ahead of others in the business. Keep it up TGV.
Man this guy is such a good salesman,thanks to his camera and editing skills.
Hi TG. This review for me has made my day. The reason for this is that i have a seiko 5 which my father bought new when i was born 42 years ago. I've had the watch in my collection now for about 3 years and early last year i had put a cola reb strap on it which i purchased from Holbens thanks to you. Of course this watch being the age that it is, is made in Japan. It is in fully original condition and would you believe till this day it has not had a single service and holds time perfectly. I would love to send you some pictures but not sure where to.
Timur Hafouz nice
Timur Hafouz i have a silver one also, 35 yrs old, automatic and still holds time perfectly.
A few weeks ago I bought a $20 Casio calculator watch as my first watch and after finding your channel I've just bought a Seiko 5. Absolutely in love with it as my first automatic and happy to be inducted into this new hobby
My wife bought me a SNKL23 several years ago and she was amazed at how nice the dial looked when it arrived. You cannot go wrong with Seiko.
I'm 15 and I recently got a Seiko 5 and I love the watch. I think its just so amazing how a watch can run on your movement and be so accurate.
So glad to hear, enjoy Richard.
Thank you and enjoy!
Best regards,
TGV
I am also 15 and am looking forward to getting this watch. I have been watching reviews and videos about it in the meantime.
Finntabulous Im 15 and just ordered mine
I wanted the SNK 809 Military ones, but I don't know about the nato strap, will it still looks nice with a normal steel strap? There's version that comes with the steel straps so i'm just wondering
I'm 15 and I just bought the Seiko 5 SNKD97K1
You know I’ve only had my seiko 5 for about a month now and I ordered a sapphire crystal along with it to switch. But haven’t changed it yet but anyway I’ve whammed it a coupe times and instantly thought “ yup there’s the first scratch” and yet hasn’t happened. Really impressed with the crystal!
How about now 3 years later? Do you still have the watch? I am borderline ordering it as the SNKL23 is back in stock for 99 usd. Ans the Sapphire crystal for it is only 25 usd I thought of buying a spare too. I
@@crBudgetWatches I still haven’t switched the crystal out. Don’t get me wrong the original crystal has some scuffs and scratches now but it doesn’t bother me all that much. I decided if and when I switch the crystal, I might as well do a movement swap as well
@@alexthelegoguy4504 nice to hear I already took the plunge on a SNKL23J1 from Jomashop after discount I paid 102 usd I think it was too good to pass for such a beauty.
Rediscovered my grandfather's 1972 Seiko 5. Took it out of the box it had been languishing in for 15 years. It still works after 49 years. Amazing
i am 47 and got my first seiko 5 auto from my dad at the age of 12 .... 12 years old with a seiko 5 you were the king !!!
After buying a few high end watches I still love the sieko 5. The best bang for the buck out there. And I must say the new Grand Sieko spring drive is in a class well above any rolex.
People think rolex is the pinnacle of watches but they don't make tourbillons or perpetual calenders, sun moon phase, or anything other than a day date.
I watch this video just for the intro every morning because it makes me feel how exciting and beautiful life can be.
You made me fall in love with the art of watchmaking and this will be my first automatic watch. It should arrive in about 10 days.
Many thanks, good Sir.
Great watch for a kid. Got my 8 year old a blue one and put it on a Bond nato strap. He loves it and appreciates watches in general. Hard to imagine a watch suffering more abuse than a 2nd grader puts it through. It takes it all and keeps surprisingly good time. Honestly, it's usually a better watch than most of the grown ups in the room are wearing. It's really something to see a kid wearing a mechanical/auto watch with a day and date function next to a grown man with an Apple Watch. (Not that I can't appreciate the Apple Watch for what it is).
Tree Corleone Isn't it too big for a kid's wrist?
Muumipappi it's 36mm so it looks like a bigger watch would on an adult, but it doesn't look overly huge. It wears small at least compared to a 36mm datejust, for example. In theory it's a man's watch but it looks insanely small on my wrist, not just slightly small- if you saw it you'd ask why I'm wearing a ladies' watch. The bigger version of the watch would be too big. The original strap is too big, but with the nato strap it can accommodate any size wrist.
Club Soda ...lol, how does that make me wrong?
Club Soda trye
Club Soda He propably just has a big wrist
I wanted to thank TGV for all of his well intentioned advice and research. I just purchased my first automatic watch the Seiko 5 SNK809 and looking forward to using it everyday. Your respect for your audience comes right through the video, you are a gentleman.
The proportions of the Seiko 5 are perfect! I have 6 of these and they're some of my favorites.
I bought a Seiko 5 (SNK807) for myself about a year ago, and you're right about it being the "gateway drug" of mechanical/automatic watches. It definitely piqued my interest, and today I got a Timex Marlin from my husband as a gift - Timex's first hand-winding watch since 1982. I'm fascinated by the way these watches work and look. Anyway, great review and thanks for what you do!
I have the same one the army green one. Just picked up this year they're almost gone
I love how my Seiko 5 is more accurate than my moms automatic Cartier ^^
TGV, this is inspiring. Reminds me of when I started getting into cameras. It's too easy to go out and purchase the cheapest and most affordable when starting out but then we do a little research and realize there is quality out there that anyone can afford. Then eventually we make our ways to the Leica.
In my opinion the Seiko 5 class is the best for beginners. My first 2 watches were 5s. I bought a $107 one and a $75 one. 2 completely different styles because I wanted to get a feel for automatic watches and to see if it was something I wanted to start seriously looking into. Well those 2 Seiko 5s got me to the 20 or so collection now. They are great for the money. My most expensive watch is about $1,000 and I still regularly wear my Seikos. Or at least the one my wife didn't claim. Thanks for the content.
God bless
I just purchased two Seiko 5s (SNK703 and and SNK805) coincidentally two weeks ago, and couldn't agree more with your really fantastic review. I'm ashamed as a watch fan that it has taken me this long to dip into the Seiko waters, but now I finally understand why true watch fans rave so much about them, and GSs. Never mind the ridiculously affordable prices, but the fact that you can get an automatic, tough as nails, in-house mechanical movement watch with dial furniture and cases so impressively finished, from such a storied brand that is so important to the world of horology, is mind blowing to me. This is one of those rare occasions of a democratization of great design that allows everyone to enjoy the world of mechanical watches, and it's great to see you celebrate it on such a wide platform. I can't wait to form a long and interesting personal history with my two new watches.
Bloody hell, u just convinced me to buy an automatic Seiko watch to my G-SHOCKs collection.
A good automatic watch doesn't have to be that expensive.
No, it doesn't have to be expensive, but more luxury watches are automatic and expensive! OTO, my Seiko 5 isn't expensive :)
Methane EXACTLY! Watches like this one help to shatter that preconception!
I love my Orient Bambino 2.
Exactly!!!
Think of Russian watches
I got mine a couple days ago with a padded gray suede/leather strap and I absolutely love it. What a brilliant watch for the price. Thanks TGV!
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TekGeekHD purchase link plz
Where did you get it from? Please share a link brother. Or you just bs’ing us?
No one Can find this watch please help
Can you share the link
perfect example of why your channel is the best. Showing love for a very inexpensive watch when your channel often has some quite expensive time pieces. Thanks my man.
I own a Seiko 5 since november 1969, and is still working... it's a great watch. And I recently bought my Snkl23, just because I couldn't resist. I think that nobody gives more for your money than Seiko.
Regards from Buenos Aires.
Woaa 50 years?
@@SLEEPERER Nearly 53 years...
@@sg2654 have it ever been repaired or stuff?
This Seiko 5 Snkl23 has become my first automatic watch and I fall in love with it. It might become my first drug gateway 🤣 to watch hobby ⌚.
I love my Seiko 5's, I have 3 already and just bought another Seiko the SSA939J1 Presage. I also have a Laco Paderborn which I love
I just ordered this watch with a leather band from watch gecko I have three generations of Seiko watches. My grandfathers, my fathers, and now I ordered one for my self for my first automatic watch!
Where did you order it from?
@@mokiemook8854 I got mine from amazon.
First, my respect for these brilliant, enthusiastic and objective reviews.
In 1996, I bought my first Seiko Kinetic Sports 150, as a 'replacement' for my Rolex Submariner, which did not run precisely after an overhaul and was constantly in the watchmaker's complaint.
I gave the Seiko to my father about 10 years later and he still wears it today. Even after 22 years it runs precise and carefree.
Recently I bought a Seiko 5 Sports SNZH55K1 and i am excited about it. Precise, stylish and noble, big and yet light and comfortable to wear.
Total contrast to my Invicta Reserve Sea Dragon and the Invicta Reserve Hydromax, which almost cause a postural damage when worn.
Cheers, Gentlemen.
Got my first Seiko 5 today, gorgeous watch. Olive green face but so unsaturated it's hard to tell (exactly as I wanted), and got a solid black nato to go with. Couldn't be happier with it.
TGV's intro are so FIRE! They get me pumped up for the video every time!
Got me the SZNG15 after watching this. Incredible watch. My first auto, thank you gentry.
Stayed up late waiting for the video (live in Wales, U.K.), love the affordable watches you highlight. Great work!
Yes, same here! South Coast UK.
Nice one! Thank you Louis, sorry for the delay, long day cleaning the flat and doing laundry. Typical Saturday thing.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Worth the wait! Thank you.
Just across the Severn Bridge in Bristol :-)
I just got mine, and I´m very happy to have listened to your advice ! The metal bracelet is not that bad, but I a leather strap is on the way.
Because of you I got in the watch hobby. I had a G-Shock that I liked, but nothing more than that. And then I started watching your videos. And then I bought a Seiko 5 SNKE51.
AND IT IS AMAZING! I absolutely love it. I really love having that mechanical art on my wrist. It feels like having a living being on my hand.
Kudos to you, man! You corrupted another one!
Now, if only I could get my hands on an affordable swiss watch.
Just bought my second ever mechanical watch last week from an auction, and it happens to be a seiko 5 from the late 80s
I FINALLY GOT IT !!! WAAAYYY BETTER THAN I THOUGHT !!! LOVE IT AND WILL MAKE A REVIEW ON IT !!!
Thank you and so glad to hear, enjoy!
Best regards,
TGV
Where to get that strap as on review?
What's the strap size in mm?
most lower range Seiko 5 looks much better in videos (and real life) than they are in catalogue pictures.
Faren Sabri Thank God I'm not the only who thinks that 😂😂
Faren Sabri absolutely, they seem to remove the chrome effect from photos for some reason. Makes everything look so dull...
Faren Sabri This is so true. Even my little SNK 805 will get a compliment every now and then.
Faren Sabri just change he the stock bracelet and you'll have a better watch and compliments
I think that could be said for seikos in general
I just bought my first ever watch, mainly based on your videos. I got a Seiko 5 SNK711 and I already know I’m addicted!
I'm so excited to try this on soon! I meant to wait for a more responsible time, financially speaking, but the stock went from 28 to 11 in a day. I had to pull the trigger! Thanks for a fantastic review. My first automatic watch, and with that caseback! Mesmerising.
Looking at my wife right now and she still doesn't know I just ordered one. Gonna be pissed.
Lmao how was the aftermath?
@@NPow94 Ha...she was more pissed than I thought, so I cancelled the order. 😞
Joe P happy spouse happy house. No charge for window shopping though, I’ll be doing the same ha!
Why? $90 isn't too much
@@motorbloxx I'll bet if he wanted to buy his wife a $90 pair of shoes, she'd be just fine with it. 😊
Yet another beautiful and affordable watch from Seiko, how can someone not like this brand?!?!
Um
liked before watching lol. Did it unconsciously, I guess that's because I trust TGV well enough. Loving the intro!
Ok, finished watching the video. Completely agree with you, I have 2 Seiko 5's: a Sea Urchin (my first automativ ever) and the SNK with the olive green dial (christmas gift from my gf, I got her the blue dial one lol) and they're definitely one of the best entry level autos and a very reliable under-100-dlls watch. The quality is there even though it's far from being a luxury piece.
Bought this exact same model few days ago after watching this Vid. Thank you for sharing your passion. I never thought I would consider buying more watches as I progress in life and I am starting with this Seiko 5. Thanks for being awesome. Cheers
One of my favorite watches. I’m on my third, because I gifted my first 2 right off my wrist to friends. In order to share my love for near perfect simple mechanical time pieces. Thanks for recognizing simple and inexpensive (not cheap!) time pieces.
Still think you should do a Seiko 5, SARB, Presage, Grand Seiko Comparo. Would be most interesting, I think.
Thank you Art, I can not deny it would be great.
Let me add it to the extremely long list! LOL ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
I would like to see this too. You can do it with the milgaus/aqua terra looking seikos from the lines you mentioned.
I got a Seiko 5 (snzh57). The movement is worse than any Orient at the same price point (the old orient 469 movement is better). The hardlex is a scratch magnet, even mineral crystal is better. And the bracelet that came with it is just nasty, a rattling piece of garbage. I can't recommend a Seiko 5 do anyone. Orients are just better value for the money under at any price point under $200. So the Seiko 5 can't compare even to the Orients, waste of time comparing to the SARB line.
+celtiberian I agree with you entirely. But they are all Seiko lovers here.
So no debate is possible
The Urban Gentry we still need this video
Another watch sold. Thanks for the education and inspiration.
Holy shit that intro
next level shit
That intro by itself would make a great commercial for Seiko.
It's amazing how passionate you are, even about a watch that doesn't cost very much and isn't by Rolex or any other high-priced brand
Ordered it, needed a dress watch like this little time piece without breaking the bank. Thanks TGV 👍
Seiko episodes are my favouuurriiitteeee ❤❤❤❤
Haha, of course they are! How many do you own now if I may ask?
Thank you Vanessa, hope you are well.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry I am well, thank you, hope the same for you? I actually sold some of my watches... I am down to 25 now from 34 😂
The Urban Gentry, Hi, could you, please, specify the color of the strap. Thank you.
Brown vintage ColaReb SPOLETO, you can find it on colareb ebay page.
how many mm do you suggest to buy the strap for this watch? i have a small wrist by the way. Thanks
That beat you used to open the video was fire!
I'm spending a few months in a desert with the military, I was considering taking my explorer 2 but I am tempted to get one of these simply to see if it is up to the task
This will be my first mechanical. I thought I had a mechanical when I was a kid and I loved it! I loved looking at the rotor spinning around. It turns out it is an auto-quartz! Excited to watch the movement, you've turned me on to self-winders as a result of your videos! (no rotor, better view in a skeleton)...
My father had a late ‘60s era Seiko 5, too! It had the Blue dial with stake numbers! He picked it up, either in Japan, or Hawaii, whilst on leave from fighting with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
This is my most treasured possession from his estate, and I enjoy it to this very day! It was my introduction to automatic watches!
- Cheers!
I love the concept of an automatic watch. Long before man discovered that putting an electrical charge to a piece of quartz crystal made the crystal vibrate at a specific, predictable and measurable frequency that could be counted and used to make a clock keep time (ironically, Seiko unveiled the worlds first quartz watch in 1969), man made gears. Lots and lots of gears and used rubies in points of high friction and later even discovered how to use the effects of gravity to store potential energy in a spring which would unwind and turn the gears. So in effect, in 1969, man discovered how to overcome gravity twice. Once by figuring out how to keep time without it. And second, how to leave our planet for the moon. But the idea that on my wrist I have a device that uses the effect of the mass of the earth bending space time which in turn causes other mass (the rotor in the watch) to fall towards the “low pressure” of the thinning of space time where there is mass, that then helps me mark my current place in space time, that’s why I love automatic watches.
G Funk Thanks for this.
The first watch in space was an accutron, not a quartz.
May want to slow down on the weed man. A few hits is good enough.
Loved the white glove treatment you gave the Seiko 5. Great vid TG!
Thank you Jorge :D
Best regards,
TGV
SEIKO 5 YESSSS!!! After i got My Beloved Rolex Explorer 14270, (Get one, Get One, GET ONE!!!!), my Sweet Little Seiko 5 SNK 809 was the first Auto-mechanical i bought on-line. This looks like a shrunken LACO Fleigeruhren "B", right down to the sandblasted case, and the concentric Minute/Hour dial and classic sword hands. This is such A Little Sweety, if i wear it for 10hrs +++ a day and leave it dial down on the nightstand, it gains 2"+ per day! REALLY! I paid $50 for this in 2013. On the Standard grey N.A.T.O, (the Original N.A.T.Os WERE Grey), it is Flight Ready. This watch IS Phantasmagorical and i daresay it Breaks The Sound-Barrier! Also, don't Kvetch TOO much about entry-level bracelets. Ever see the bracelets on 60s & 70s Rolexes & Omegas??? PEEE-YEWWW!!!
Thank you Bruce, always enjoy your comments :D
Best regards,
TGV
Immediately ordered this watch after watching your video.
This Seiko is a must have in the collection.
Today I picked up my Seiko 5 Sports SRPD91 cal.4R36 Dude I love this watch it's so fresh and wife can't stop staring at it. It's got everything I want in my first automatic watch. Thanks for your videos man I really dig the watch educational videos. Now I can enjoy my watches. 👊😎🤙
I really love what you did with the bracelet. It changes the whole look of the watch. Going to get this for sure.
I just got one of these, the K version. It's amazing. Thanks.
Color me impressed. I have a much greater respect for the Seiko 5 after watching this.
Could someone explain the movement wobble TGV mentioned in the video? What is that exactly and what does it tell a user about the quality of the watch?
Thanks.
I brought a seiko 5 in 1983 with my first weeks wages. It's still going strong and never had it serviced. I don't wear it as much has I would like, but when I do it feels good to have it back on my wrist.
38 years without service seiko 5😲😲😲
Oh what have you done.
You have opened a whole new world to explore.
I now have a Seiko 5 SNXS79K. Totally loving it, really elegant affordable piece.
And now have my eye on a Hamilton Khaki field automatic, to replace the One Eleven field solar that I bought on a whim, and little too big for my wrists.
Awesome channel, you're a gentleman and a scholar.
Hi my friend, where can I find this model under $100 , the link you provided is over $130, thanks
I would add this watch to my collection... I am trying to buy it online but I don't find it anywhere. Where can I buy it?
Looks like a lot of hard work! I subscribed and watched the pre-roll ads! keep it up! :D
Great show. My favorite watch is a Seiko 5. 1969. It was my Fathers during Vietnam 69 thru 71. He was wearing it when his helicopter was shot down. He survived and it did as well. The crystal is scratched from the wreck.
I got this as my first mechanical automatic watch + same strap and binned my tags cal36 knock off that I got as a present... thank you for getting me into the hobby/passion!
Blue face silver body tan strap will be my first auto watch 😊 love the seiko 5
TGV, love your new New York theme intro. Am also a big fan of the Seiko 5. It is probably is the watch getting the highest wrist-time in my rotation, as I grab it coming back from work (and put the Explorer back in the drawer)
Thank you Herve, so pleased to hear you are a Seiko 5-er! Nice :D
Best regards,
TGV
I'm pretty sure this epic into is Japan themed. There's the Tokyo tower, the Feudal castles, the Tokyo streets and the famous cossroad!
I'm pretty sure this epic intro is Japanese themed. There's the Tokyo tower, the Feudal castles, the Tokyo streets and the famous cossroad!
They even have one for $55 lol with a fabric strap.
TGV - thank you for making this video. As I reflect on the past 18months, I realize how integral your channel - and this video in particular, have been to my watch collecting education. I bought an SNKL 45 on the advice of this video and I LOVE IT
I wanted to take a moment to express some gratitude to you. It is because of this and some of your other videos that I bought a Seiko Five for my child. I also got some straps to allow it to be usable for different occasions (also thanks to your channel). He is graduating college in May.
Things are tight fiscally at the moment and I prefer not to use credit unless I have to. You allowed me an opportunity to get my child something that is befitting the moment and really lovely. Entering the rabbit hole of your channel has exposed me to a new hobby that I am slowly dipping my toe into modestly. Modest being a Casio World Time and a Weekender. The first automatic for dad? Not sure yet. I am biding my time, seeing what is out there, and saving towards it.
I have explored some other youtubers and some of them are good, others are less than kind, and life is too short for that. Additionally, your content is enjoyable and informative beyond mere watch reviews. Well done. Apologies for being verbose.
Again, thank you for being a guide to purchasing my child a quality automatic watch as a graduation present that I could afford in this season.
This intro i like much better than the regular ones...
Your intros are absolutely amazing, they have sold me many watches in the past 👍🏽
TGV? Maybe we should start a 'Seiko Sundays'? hash tag #seikosunday? I have three seikos, all of them inexpensive and beautiful.
I like it!
Thank you Steve. I will try the next sunday and see if it catches on!
Best regards,
TGV
Count me in! I have several that I would love to show off! What forum would we do this on?
Hi there @jamie Cheslo
There is some talk about making it #seikosaturday instead? so keep an eye out for both. I'm thinking that this could be an instagram thing, since our fearless leader, TGV already has an instagram account. but keep an eye out for #seikosunday as well, as this idea is fresh and has yet to settle down. There was already a trend to #SKXsaturday, which is already a "thing" so there is talk about what to do with that. So stay tunned. Don't know what's going to happen. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you
Steve Bowden
I couldn't agree more with all that's said on this video. I have a Seiko 5 (7S26 caliber, military green color with textile strap) I bought off eBay on 2011 (it was brand-new, not used). I'm wearing it right now and it's one of my favorites in my collection. Durable, precise (given you have it adjusted every once in a while) and very good-looking.
I placed an order for this watch as my first automatic. It really is a gateway watch for getting into the hobby. Thank you TGV!
You've convinced me I'm going to get one.
BreakBeatPaul SAME! Bought one on Amazon like a day ago 😁😁. Can't wait until it arrives in the mail :)
hi im kinda late but are you liking it ? im considering buying it
*Great video , that watch is hard to find though*
Have you found it?
Watch Addiction Watch Reviews yeah beautiful watch but they are around 150+ unfortunately
Rakuten has them
Wouter Masselink you got a link? I went on that site and I didn't see it
De'kwon sure, here you go global.rakuten.com/en/store/seiko3s/item/snkl23k1/
Could you be kind enough to tell me the exact color you put on that
Colareb leather Spoleto band? Brown band, dark brown band, or swamp
band? I just ordered my Seiko SNKL23 and love the way the strap looks
on your video. Oh and by the way, the Seiko SNKL23 is nearly sold out
every where! No longer is it under $100
deadpoet415 Good luck getting it anywhere. An idiotic move from Seiko. And you would be a fool paying more than $100 for it.
deadpoet415 it's supposed to be the A1 brown but I saw it on his website as having a 20 mm width and 20 mm buckle. In the video he says it's 18 mm in width which is a little concerning. I want that exact strap too but I don't want to risk getting the wrong size.
18mm is the correct size, as stated in the video. Watch specifications from sellers are commonly wrong. They do 18mm sizes for those straps too :)
Also wondering about the color of the strap, did you ever find out?
I have 3 Seikos with 7S26 movements. My oldest is an Orange Monster which I bought around 20 years ago. It gains about 20 seconds a day... good enough for a decent dive watch. Very big and heavy thought. Three years ago I purchased a blue faced Seiko 5 and it's very nice although the - so called - sunburst face wasn't very sunburst. Loses about 6 seconds a day. Pretty damn good! Recently I saw a 5 with with a cream colored face and sword hands and felt the need to buy it. I am wearing it now - dang, I got lucky. It's a good looking watch and only is losing around 10 seconds every week!
You had me at Automatic under $100 and the transparent case back. Totally sold. Will definitely be my first watch. Thanks a lot for your review. Subbed
I think a duel between the Seiko 5 and the Orient Bambino would be interesting. They are both around $100!
Great idea,
I will certainly consider it.
Thank you Peter,
Best regards,
TGV
Doesn't Seiko own Orient?
I've just found your wonderful channel, I'm currently watching all your previous videos. I'd love to buy this exact watch, unfortunately I can't find it in stock anywhere. Bugger :-)
Seiko 5 are awesome, love the glass back
Thank you Tony,
Best regards,
TGV
Can someone assist to where i can buy while i am in middle east Saudi Arabia
Ir Qureshi online always helps
Ir Qureshi there is Seiko showrooms
My first automatic watch is a 30 year old seiko 5 . My grandfather had it and it is still working really well. These watches are truly amazing
Everytime I watch a video here, I buy it for myself. I then plan to pass these watches down to my future generations. LOVE this hobby so much! Thanks TGV.