Have been wearing mine for a year now. Gorgeous watch. Gets more compliments than my Hamilton lol. Shame about the lugs but I actually bought an aftermarket solid oyster bracelet with the same center link width. Feels much nicer, only problem is that the bracelet swap is pretty much permanent as the center link does not have notches for the spring bars...😂
I like bracelets. I rarely put alternate straps on watches. So, no big deal. I also like narrow bezels. I also blue dials. Might have to look at it more seriously.
i already have a useless vintage seiko because of the integrated bracelet case design . its quite a beautiful model except that the integrated bracelet was trashed out and way too small for my 8 inch wrist anyway . good thing i only paid twenty dollars for it but i guess 20 bucks is worth it to know never to buy that type of watch ever again .
I have the black tone version. Was also gutted when I found out I couldn’t swap out to a new strap. Even the Amazon description said it had 20mm lug width. It’s still a great watch regardless. And It gets a lot of time on wrist.
I have this watch and it's awesome. The bracelet isn't actually that bad very comfortable to wear. This watch comes in white dial and black dial also. The white and the black dial has a matching date wheel so it doesnt stand out like the blue with white date.
Had mine (white) for over 5 years and i love it. The wear definitely makes it look like a vintage 70s sports watch imo. Those bezel markers come off tho.
It's an older Seiko 5 release featuring the 7S26 movement and the older "5" logo. If I had to guess, the lugs are extremely short, hence no effort to integrate some kind of hollow end links, they went with that kind of fixed end link instead.
Is it possible that the lug shape that doesn't allow for strap changes is designed to make the lug to lug a compact length of only 40.6 mm? That's incredibly compact for the size of the watch!
I'm not much of a Seiko fan, but quite like that one. Petty about the bracelet, and I would have to sort that beat error. 0.5 and below is OK, 0.8 is quite poor
No "ahoy there" at the start, no "very very soon" at the end. Pity as these were your unique touches that injected your personality. Don't loose your unique enthusiastic style. Cheers.
I'm sure the meeting at Seiko went like, "Well, after 20 years of research we have determined that this is the perfect bracelet for this watch, why would anyone want to change it?"
Nice watch and shame about the bracelet Gary but all is not lost. I had a similar watch a number of years ago and I actually found a nylon strap for a Casio DW5600 on Ali Express that was exactly the right size and had a kind of metal support bar so the strap stayed straight at the lugs. It was perfect. Now the size might not be the same but it might be worth measuring the internal lug size to see if you can get one to fit. The one I got was a blue "fiber nylon leather watchband" for DW5600. No guarantee this particular one is the right size but you might find something. 👍👍
This is a great way to make a sturdy bracelet for a inexpensive watch. It’s actually generally true for all watches, but especially on these Seiko 5’s where the alternative is flimsy folded end-links. So it is great if you want the bracelet but a dealbreaker of you don’t. It is what it is. I wouldn’t assume that everybody wants what you want though.
Nice video, as always, thanks for that! I never was and never will be a Seiko fan. Seiko and thei bracelets were never a a working relationship. The nice blue on the dial looks like a Casio blue dial for 50 Euros. Maybe Seiko should reduce thei business on producing movements. But that´s just my opinion 😀. So thank you, looking forward to your next video 👍👍👍
Great looking watch and outstanding value for money. Shame about the bracelet but definitely not a deal breaker for a watch this good at such an affordable price. The crude Seiko 5 bracelets might feel cheap but look and work fine in my experience. Certainly no worse than the garbage leather straps that some supposedly 'quality' brands are sticking on watches costing 3-4 times what this does.
There is black leather straps of this size on Aliexpress. They technically fit, but they are pretty small so they don't integrate that well. They are 18mm while the original bracelet is almost 20mm. There is reddit posts suggesting taking box cutters to a silicone or leather strap, but I don't mind the bracelet that much so for now I don't mind. Maybe I'll put on a milled clasp on it some day but for these measurement you mostly find the Pagani Design style/Rolex clone clasps and I don't like them either. To be honest, it's currently one of my favourite watches in my collection. I love my 5KX for the all night lume but it's really too big for my tiny arms. This one, even though the lume is very small, it lasts all night for me and I love how small it is, while still feeling substantial. I love my SNK809 a lot too, but compared to that, this watch feels a lot more substantial, while still wearing great. I doubted for a long time between getting this blue one and the black one. In the end I got the black one, but this video made me impulse buy the blue one as well xD
Update. Gary, check Alpina watch straps on Ali Express. If that middle part is 12mm it will be a perfect fit. Good luck and let's know if it might work. 👍
I’ll never understand integrated bracelet end links...... Weirdly, I’m firmly in favour of fixed spring bars for tool watches as seen in last year’s Tudor Pelagos FXD.
I have the black dial, I can't find a silicone braclet for this model, 37 mm is a bit small for this model, 39/40 would have been nice, but otherwise it's a nice watch, better than several s5 models
Similar to the Lorus RL487AX9 Men's Automatic Day Date, that comes on a Leather Strap. Seems to be available from John Lewis in the UK for £139.00, but on offer from F Hinds for £100
Overall a good looking watch if you do not mind the integrated bracelet, it is an entry level auto after all. For me it's the fake drilled lugs and "50M WATER RESIST" that make absolutely no sense. Regards Gary
Depending on how much one loves this watch, there are artisans who would be able to make a fine leather strap. It might cost more than the watch but, when money is no object...
Yeah, the fact that you can't take it off the bracelet sucks, but I like how SS bezels look with bracelets anyway. It's a great-looking watch at that price (I'm going to brab the blue one and see if I can get the crystal upgraded to sapphire)
I've seen lug adapters as small as 12mm, that may be an option. Alternatively a bund style strap could work. I've done that on a skinny lugged vintage watch before.
I have a couple of stainless bezels. One on the gmt steinhart, smaller version that they don’t release themselves for some reason and the other on a Seiko baby marinemaster. The Seiko’s bezel tends to be a little large for the watch but it’s not too bad.
Never been a fan of SS bezels myself...or of printed bezels that don't actually move. (Definitely agree on non-standard lug widths and integrated straps). Which is to say: I'll pass. 😉
Nice-looking watch, but not only is it bad enough that you can't change the bracelet, what I noticed in the video right away was the huge space between the end links and the lugs. As they say on "Shark Tank," for these reasons, I'm out. Seiko Prospex on a good sale is the sweet spot for me.
Drilled lugs but fixed endlinks… now that is curious. One of my first watches was an SNK793. “Similar” blue dial. I still love it, but I find the crown to be a bit too small.
I have the Rotary Henley GMT Mens GB05295/04 model which has a SS bezel much like the Seiko. It really does look a far more expensive watch than it is.
What about modding it, and replace the case with another compatible Seiko 5 case which permits bracelet swap? Would it be possible to unscrew the bezel and mount it on another Seiko 5 case? Has anyone done that?
I have an old Seiko5 that is identical except that it has a plain bezel and thankfully, doesn't have the oversize "WATER RESIST" text. Same 7S26 movement, same white day/date, same sunburst dial, and same damned bracelet. It's at least 10 years old, and I much prefer it over the review watch. It appears less cluttered without the extraneous dial text and with its posh, polished bezel.
If it had a gmt hand (is that the ok term? ) , then it would be lots better. Re the lugs, maybe you can modify a strap to make it fit. I've seen some watch peeps do that. But it does take some work and patience
I've a couple of old Seiko 5s with the same strap arrangements, never felts the need to change them. Don't like the bezel at all but It's the mineral glass that would put me off, those days should be gone by now.
To be fair - some very expensive watches have the same undesirable feature, my own IWC Inge for example. Of course the bracelet is a bit better quality.
Thank you for the review. It seems to me that this one is very cheap and considering the target market, which is first time buyers or impulse buyers, would be a good buy. Not for me though. I would spend much more honestly to get what i want..
Had one of these in my sight until watching this think I will give it a miss now cheers Gary 👍 By the way when are you announcing the winner of the grand Seiko?
I wonder why they didn't just make the lugs thst way. 🤔 The design of the case looks like the "end links" should be detachable but why even give that illusion? 🤣
I'm wearing a Heimdallr, and all I can say is the word Seiko is costing a lot of money. On the Heimdallr I'm paying for features. Sapphire, loads of lume, ceramic insert, decent bracelet and clasp. On the Seiko, you're getting that name. At least it's not all skew whiff. For once.
Seiko, Seiko, Seiko...why? Integrated bracelet with drilled lugs has to be a first...and hopefully last. Oh Seiko, you were really something in your day
Are we really at a point to complain about a discontinued model which was released in late 2000. It's still great that you get a decently automatic for this price these days.
That is unfortunate…I was a buyer for a minute there. The text is a bit much, but that bracelet is a dealbreaker. Maybe I can just change the clasp and be happy.
Seiko Business Model: Do more dumb shit that smart shit. Seiko Mission Statement: Make watches for ourselves and only ourselves. Seiko Customer Care Program: (Still in development since business formation) Seiko Customer Satisfaction End Goal: Fuck'em. 😂😂😂
I've been looking at these for a while but that has really put me off. The worst part is they have deliberately made it look like you can change the bracelet.
It is an attractive watch for a good price. Two things are disappointing, the 7s26 movement and the crap bracelet. If this is your only watch, it wouldn't be a problem.
no way would i buy this watch with integral bracelet ( crap) even for 100 $ , however it might be possible to cut a leather or fabric strap to fit the case without too much trouble .
Seiko doesn't care for their fans, they only care for the money. That's why I dropped them as far as respect goes when they started the absolute cringefest of their countless limited editions.
Agreed, scrap that stupid bracelet fitment idea Seiko, No one wants it,.... Another point do we really want anything other than a sapphire lens on our watches now-days?, it's common place on many much cheaper brands, I do not see it as a luxury spec anymore and should be a necessity on a new watch.
They seem to do this fixed end links with a lot of their seiko 5 models. Love that you are including pressure testing in your recent videos
Have been wearing mine for a year now. Gorgeous watch. Gets more compliments than my Hamilton lol. Shame about the lugs but I actually bought an aftermarket solid oyster bracelet with the same center link width. Feels much nicer, only problem is that the bracelet swap is pretty much permanent as the center link does not have notches for the spring bars...😂
Where did you buy that bracelet if I may ask?
Yes please, let us know I really want a different bracelet
Uncle Seiko!
@@kyeyimloh5190 is it the SNKL bracelet?
I like bracelets. I rarely put alternate straps on watches. So, no big deal. I also like narrow bezels. I also blue dials. Might have to look at it more seriously.
I appreciate you use Herman again. I think we viewers appreciate water tests. I also was bummed out a the permanent bracelet.
Thanks for reviewing this watch Gary, I was tempted by these on Amazon and had no idea the bracelet was integrated. I definitely won't buy one now!
Glad it helped!
Same here!
i already have a useless vintage seiko because of the integrated bracelet case design . its quite a beautiful model except that the integrated bracelet was trashed out and way too small for my 8 inch wrist anyway . good thing i only paid twenty dollars for it but i guess 20 bucks is worth it to know never to buy that type of watch ever again .
I have the black tone version. Was also gutted when I found out I couldn’t swap out to a new strap. Even the Amazon description said it had 20mm lug width. It’s still a great watch regardless. And It gets a lot of time on wrist.
I have this watch and it's awesome. The bracelet isn't actually that bad very comfortable to wear. This watch comes in white dial and black dial also. The white and the black dial has a matching date wheel so it doesnt stand out like the blue with white date.
Had mine (white) for over 5 years and i love it. The wear definitely makes it look like a vintage 70s sports watch imo. Those bezel markers come off tho.
It's an older Seiko 5 release featuring the 7S26 movement and the older "5" logo. If I had to guess, the lugs are extremely short, hence no effort to integrate some kind of hollow end links, they went with that kind of fixed end link instead.
Also if you look at the polished part, just to the side of the “end link”, its definitely too thin to hold a strap.
Is it possible that the lug shape that doesn't allow for strap changes is designed to make the lug to lug a compact length of only 40.6 mm? That's incredibly compact for the size of the watch!
Really like the blue,sharp looking 🤩
I'm not much of a Seiko fan, but quite like that one. Petty about the bracelet, and I would have to sort that beat error. 0.5 and below is OK, 0.8 is quite poor
I like the bracelet .... so that watch is definitely a good deal
No "ahoy there" at the start, no "very very soon" at the end. Pity as these were your unique touches that injected your personality. Don't loose your unique enthusiastic style. Cheers.
Love this watch. Added to my one to buy list. Bracelets never leave my watches so I’m fine with that!!
I'm sure the meeting at Seiko went like, "Well, after 20 years of research we have determined that this is the perfect bracelet for this watch, why would anyone want to change it?"
Lol
That´s exactly the way they do it!!
because its as uncomfortable as a hair shirt to wear ?
Bugger you got me on that thumbnail ‼️
Thought it had a red bezel insert 🤣🤣
Lol….really 😂
Totally agree with on this one Gary. Great looking watch, but if I owned one, I would have fitted an Uncle Seiko bracelet, but not in this case.
Very good looking watch but i have one question Gary, which is better this one or seiko recraft that you reviewed, thanks
The recraft….
@@ILikeWatches2 thank you very much
Nice watch and shame about the bracelet Gary but all is not lost. I had a similar watch a number of years ago and I actually found a nylon strap for a Casio DW5600 on Ali Express that was exactly the right size and had a kind of metal support bar so the strap stayed straight at the lugs. It was perfect. Now the size might not be the same but it might be worth measuring the internal lug size to see if you can get one to fit. The one I got was a blue "fiber nylon leather watchband" for DW5600. No guarantee this particular one is the right size but you might find something. 👍👍
At this price, it's a very beautiful watch!
It's a shame about the bracelet, unfortunately.
Thanks for the review, Gary!
well, I was desparate to buy one untill you showed the big mistake that seiko did. thanks a lot sir!!!
This is a great way to make a sturdy bracelet for a inexpensive watch. It’s actually generally true for all watches, but especially on these Seiko 5’s where the alternative is flimsy folded end-links. So it is great if you want the bracelet but a dealbreaker of you don’t. It is what it is. I wouldn’t assume that everybody wants what you want though.
possibly you could buy an aftermarket bracelet to fit that wasnt a POS ?
Nice video, as always, thanks for that! I never was and never will be a Seiko fan. Seiko and thei bracelets were never a a working relationship. The nice blue on the dial looks like a Casio blue dial for 50 Euros. Maybe Seiko should reduce thei business on producing movements. But that´s just my opinion 😀. So thank you, looking forward to your next video 👍👍👍
Your first video without the very prominent Cola Can. Congratulations!!
Great looking watch and outstanding value for money. Shame about the bracelet but definitely not a deal breaker for a watch this good at such an affordable price. The crude Seiko 5 bracelets might feel cheap but look and work fine in my experience. Certainly no worse than the garbage leather straps that some supposedly 'quality' brands are sticking on watches costing 3-4 times what this does.
Any alternative like this model with the bezel that I could replace the strap?
So why the drilled lugs?
Was wondering the same. Are we SURE the end links don't remove, leaving a standard lug configuration?
100% sure…the holes reach to the spring bar holi g in the first centre links
Nice looking watch, agreed why go and do that for the bracelet, the doughnuts!!
There is black leather straps of this size on Aliexpress. They technically fit, but they are pretty small so they don't integrate that well. They are 18mm while the original bracelet is almost 20mm. There is reddit posts suggesting taking box cutters to a silicone or leather strap, but I don't mind the bracelet that much so for now I don't mind. Maybe I'll put on a milled clasp on it some day but for these measurement you mostly find the Pagani Design style/Rolex clone clasps and I don't like them either.
To be honest, it's currently one of my favourite watches in my collection. I love my 5KX for the all night lume but it's really too big for my tiny arms. This one, even though the lume is very small, it lasts all night for me and I love how small it is, while still feeling substantial. I love my SNK809 a lot too, but compared to that, this watch feels a lot more substantial, while still wearing great.
I doubted for a long time between getting this blue one and the black one. In the end I got the black one, but this video made me impulse buy the blue one as well xD
If the width of the midlink is same as on replacememt strap, I see no problem... On the contrary, you get kinda free solid endlinks.
Wow! I have a Lorus homage to this model. A homage to a Seiko 5...
Certainly looks much more expensive. Weird how often Seiko manages to wrestle "meh" from the jaws of perfection.
Lol
Update. Gary, check Alpina watch straps on Ali Express. If that middle part is 12mm it will be a perfect fit. Good luck and let's know if it might work. 👍
I too am a proud owner of a Seiko 5 😍
Can you turn the bezel?
Wearing this watch now and I love every single thing about it, BUT the freaking bracelets which I can't even change :(
Great looking dial🤩
I’ll never understand integrated bracelet end links...... Weirdly, I’m firmly in favour of fixed spring bars for tool watches as seen in last year’s Tudor Pelagos FXD.
I really wish they put the blue dial on the black pvd version. That woulda been cool
Lovely watch reviewed by a lovely bloke
I have the black dial, I can't find a silicone braclet for this model, 37 mm is a bit small for this model, 39/40 would have been nice, but otherwise it's a nice watch, better than several s5 models
Similar to the Lorus RL487AX9 Men's Automatic Day Date, that comes on a Leather Strap. Seems to be available from John Lewis in the UK for
£139.00, but on offer from F Hinds for £100
Overall a good looking watch if you do not mind the integrated bracelet, it is an entry level auto after all. For me it's the fake drilled lugs and "50M WATER RESIST" that make absolutely no sense. Regards Gary
Depending on how much one loves this watch, there are artisans who would be able to make a fine leather strap. It might cost more than the watch but, when money is no object...
Yeah, the fact that you can't take it off the bracelet sucks, but I like how SS bezels look with bracelets anyway. It's a great-looking watch at that price (I'm going to brab the blue one and see if I can get the crystal upgraded to sapphire)
I've seen lug adapters as small as 12mm, that may be an option. Alternatively a bund style strap could work. I've done that on a skinny lugged vintage watch before.
I have a couple of stainless bezels. One on the gmt steinhart, smaller version that they don’t release themselves for some reason and the other on a Seiko baby marinemaster.
The Seiko’s bezel tends to be a little large for the watch but it’s not too bad.
I've gouged my black one's Hardlex crystal. I also wish I could replace the bracelet.
Never been a fan of SS bezels myself...or of printed bezels that don't actually move. (Definitely agree on non-standard lug widths and integrated straps). Which is to say: I'll pass. 😉
Nice-looking watch, but not only is it bad enough that you can't change the bracelet, what I noticed in the video right away was the huge space between the end links and the lugs. As they say on "Shark Tank," for these reasons, I'm out. Seiko Prospex on a good sale is the sweet spot for me.
Does anyone know the difference between snkd99k1"S" vs snkd99k1? What does the "S" designate?
Drilled lugs but fixed endlinks… now that is curious. One of my first watches was an SNK793. “Similar” blue dial. I still love it, but I find the crown to be a bit too small.
I have the Rotary Henley GMT Mens GB05295/04 model which has a SS bezel much like the Seiko. It really does look a far more expensive watch than it is.
What about modding it, and replace the case with another compatible Seiko 5 case which permits bracelet swap? Would it be possible to unscrew the bezel and mount it on another Seiko 5 case? Has anyone done that?
I have an old Seiko5 that is identical except that it has a plain bezel and thankfully, doesn't have the oversize "WATER RESIST" text.
Same 7S26 movement, same white day/date, same sunburst dial, and same damned bracelet. It's at least 10 years old, and I much prefer it
over the review watch. It appears less cluttered without the extraneous dial text and with its posh, polished bezel.
very nice like it a lot.. but dont like the intergrated braclet cheers
Well if anyone can fk it up , it’s Seiko. Cheers G
You had me until you came to the fixed end link bracelet. Like you I would prefer the watch on a leather strap. Enjoyed the video.👍
Exactly…
If it had a gmt hand (is that the ok term? ) , then it would be lots better.
Re the lugs, maybe you can modify a strap to make it fit. I've seen some watch peeps do that. But it does take some work and patience
I've a couple of old Seiko 5s with the same strap arrangements, never felts the need to change them. Don't like the bezel at all but It's the mineral glass that would put me off, those days should be gone by now.
To be fair - some very expensive watches have the same undesirable feature, my own IWC Inge for example. Of course the bracelet is a bit better quality.
For me it's a big date window. The only seiko I have is a quartz chronograph that I bought because the big date window reminded me of A Lange.
Thank you for the review. It seems to me that this one is very cheap and considering the target market, which is first time buyers or impulse buyers, would be a good buy. Not for me though. I would spend much more honestly to get what i want..
Had one of these in my sight until watching this think I will give it a miss now cheers Gary 👍 By the way when are you announcing the winner of the grand Seiko?
I bet you could still get a decent oyster style bracelet to fit
I wonder why they didn't just make the lugs thst way. 🤔 The design of the case looks like the "end links" should be detachable but why even give that illusion? 🤣
To save money…they don’t have to make two end links now…
I'm wearing a Heimdallr, and all I can say is the word Seiko is costing a lot of money. On the Heimdallr I'm paying for features. Sapphire, loads of lume, ceramic insert, decent bracelet and clasp.
On the Seiko, you're getting that name.
At least it's not all skew whiff. For once.
Wait... so integrated bracelets AREN'T desirable?
When done well they are !
Seiko, Seiko, Seiko...why? Integrated bracelet with drilled lugs has to be a first...and hopefully last. Oh Seiko, you were really something in your day
Are we really at a point to complain about a discontinued model which was released in late 2000. It's still great that you get a decently automatic for this price these days.
That is unfortunate…I was a buyer for a minute there. The text is a bit much, but that bracelet is a dealbreaker. Maybe I can just change the clasp and be happy.
Ace show Gary... But what can I say ???? A bezel on a Seiko 5 ???
Seiko Business Model: Do more dumb shit that smart shit.
Seiko Mission Statement: Make watches for ourselves and only ourselves.
Seiko Customer Care Program: (Still in development since business formation)
Seiko Customer Satisfaction End Goal: Fuck'em.
😂😂😂
I like the dial...but the reset...not really. Thanks Gary.
why they need to make that lugs that way??? whyyy??? why can't they just make it 18/20mm normal lugs? i do love the white/cream dial more...
I have this one with a black waffle dial and mine looks like absolute shate
I think it's a Japanese design strategy, they do it really well and throw in a curveball lol.
I've been looking at these for a while but that has really put me off. The worst part is they have deliberately made it look like you can change the bracelet.
That "WATER 50M RESIST" on the dial is pretty bad too.
Don’t get it, is it a dress watch or something else? Ho well each to their own
Seiko's laughing at us! Whyyyy 21…? Looks much bigger than a 36ish on and off your wrist.
Beautiful dial spoiled by too much writing, do they need to prominently advertise 50M WATER RESIST....
True!
I don't care for the Day Date on this watch 👎 . What's the watch with the Orange dial on the shelf ?
Omg why Seiko. Can't believe you can't change strap.
How is this a GMT? Perhaps in the same way it's a compass? High time the poor man's gs GMT was a gmt
Thanks Seiko 🤬
I don’t understand the difference between fixed and non fixed end links. Time for more TH-cam lol
Luminescence IS NOT GLOW
Would look much better with some stick hands
Folded links are even beneath my standards.
It is an attractive watch for a good price. Two things are disappointing, the 7s26 movement and the crap bracelet. If this is your only watch, it wouldn't be a problem.
no way would i buy this watch with integral bracelet ( crap) even for 100 $ , however it might be possible to cut a leather or fabric strap to fit the case without too much trouble .
Seiko doesn't care for their fans, they only care for the money. That's why I dropped them as far as respect goes when they started the absolute cringefest of their countless limited editions.
If pagani did a propper lugged real GMT wahay all the way
Seiko!!! Damn shame really. If they'd gone the more conventional route they'd have sold a million
Agreed, scrap that stupid bracelet fitment idea Seiko, No one wants it,.... Another point do we really want anything other than a sapphire lens on our watches now-days?, it's common place on many much cheaper brands, I do not see it as a luxury spec anymore and should be a necessity on a new watch.
What a mistaka toa make-a….
So much potential, and........ garbage because of bracelet choice. Typical seiko
Long winded
Junk bracelet, not for me.