A Quality-To-Price Standout: 15 Of The Best Seiko 5 Watches Worth Considering

by Karlton Miko Tyack  |  in Watches

Few entry-level sub brands have the cult following that Seiko 5 does. Whether you’re looking to buy your first mechanical watch or your hundredth, it’s likely that Seiko 5’s quality-to-price ratio will eventually draw you to one of their timepieces.

We’ve rounded up what we think are the 15 best Seiko 5 watches, all things considered. 

It may be a sports line, but their offerings are incredibly diverse. We ensured that we found a quality timepiece for every type of guy, whether you’re sporty, dressy, or anything in between.

seiko 5 watches on pink background
 

Just Show me the watches!

Back To Top

Peruse the watches before learning a bit more about the Seiko 5 line!

Seiko 5 SNK805
$195.00 $150.00

This watch eatures a stylish and durable green fabric strap that closes with a traditional buckle. The watch's green dial matches its strap and boasts easy-to-read Arabic hour and minute markers. The dial also features silver-toned hands and a date window at the three o'clock position.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 09:03 am GMT
Seiko 5 SRP481K1

A classic sport watch on steroids, this extra large timepiece is equal parts utility and statement.

Check Latest Price
Seiko 5 SNK809K
$118.80

This unique watch combines pilot and military dial qualities with the clean lines of a dress watch.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 10:53 am GMT
Seiko 5 SRPD53K1
$274.00

This SRPD watch is a timeless luxury-style sport watch, with a red and blue palette reminiscent of a GMT.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 12:03 pm GMT
Seiko 5 SPRD93
$197.65

One of the more rugged SRPD watches, this still fashionable timepiece pairs well with its original tire-track silicon strap.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 11:28 pm GMT
Seiko 5 SRPE75K1

With a sparkling Milanese bracelet and sunburst dial, this sport watch is also easily a fancy dress timepiece.

Check Latest Price
Seiko 5 SNXS73K
$184.00

This elegant Oyster Perpetual look-alike also comes in gold highlights and a beautiful black dial.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 04:38 am GMT
Seiko 5 SNZH55

Loved as a Fifty Fathoms homage, this watch’s domed crystal gives its exciting face a different look at all angles.

Check Latest Price
Seiko 5 SRPC68
$159

Stainless steel case with a red nylon strap. Uni-directional rotating rose gold-tone bezel. Brown dial with luminous silver-tone hands and dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim.

Check Latest Price
Seiko 5 SNKE06
$139.66

Gold dial enhanced by yellow gold-tone hands. Yellow Gold-tone stainless steel case with a yellow gold-tone stainless steel band. Automatic movement. 50 meters / 165 feet water resistance. Fixed bezel. Scratch Resistant Hardlex crystal. Transparent caseback.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 10:28 am GMT
Seiko 5 SNZG11J1
$169.40

A handsome leveled up field watch with a multi-dimensional and multi-stepped dial.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 08:38 am GMT
Seiko 5 SNKE01K1
$138.90 $123.60

A classy dress face uniquely paired with a sports bezel, this watch can be dressed up or down.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 09:28 am GMT
Seiko 5 SNKK25
$103.00

This watch from Seiko offers an all stainless steel case and bracelet. It includes a white dial. Finally, this beautiful timepiece features an automatic movement and is water-resistant up to 30 meters (99 feet).

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 04:58 am GMT
Seiko 5 SNK393K
$113.00

This watch features sporty and bold 12 and 6 markers unusually paired with a jubilee-style bracelet.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 11:28 am GMT

What is Seiko 5?

Back To Top

The Seiko 5 line was launched in 1963 with the Seiko Sportsmatic 5. While this mechanical sport watch is the father of the line, today’s collection is exceedingly diverse spanning the visual gamut. 

In essence, Seiko 5 is Seiko’s entry-level line of mechanical watches. It’s one of Seiko’s longest lasting sublines. 

There were, however, a few quartz watches released in the 1980s under the 5 line. Other than these anomalies, the “5” in Seiko 5 refers to the five qualities every watch in the line features:

  • Automatic winding
  • A day/date function
  • Water resistance
  • An unbreakable mainspring or Seiko’s proprietary Diaflex
  • Shock resistance, or Seiko’s proprietary Diashock 

Since all watches in this line must meet this criteria, no one Seiko 5 watch is inherently better than the other. It’s a matter of what you’re looking for!

Now that we’re caught up, let’s learn more about our watch choices…

Let’s dive into the specific Seiko 5 models

Back To Top

Here are our picks for the 15 best Seiko 5 watches, many of which are our personal favorites here at EG.

Seiko 5 SNK805 

This is one of Seiko 5’s most loved and highly-rated field watches, and I think I know why. It’s a reliable automatic timepiece, perfect for casual days. Yet, this watch boasts a fun and adventurous military aesthetic -it definitely satisfies the kid in me that played with toy tanks.

seiko 5 snk805
Seiko 5 SNK805
$195.00 $150.00

This watch eatures a stylish and durable green fabric strap that closes with a traditional buckle. The watch's green dial matches its strap and boasts easy-to-read Arabic hour and minute markers. The dial also features silver-toned hands and a date window at the three o'clock position.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 09:03 am GMT

The SNK805 isn’t a toy though. It has a stainless steel case and Seiko’s legacy caliber, the 7S26. This self-winding automatic movement features a day/date and is often referred to as Seiko’s “workhorse movement” since it’s so reliable.

Another fun quality? This style of SNKs come in different colors, like beige as one example.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNK805:

  • Case Diameter: 37mm
  • Band Material: Nylon
  • Band Width: 18mm
  • Water Resistance: 30m

Seiko 5 SRP481K1

If you combined a classic dive watch with a Hublot Big Bang, you’d get this guy. This tank of a watch is big and chunky, and is a strong statement piece that definitely takes up space. Even the indices are as thick as they can be without touching each other.

seiko 5 SRP481K1
Seiko 5 SRP481K1

A classic sport watch on steroids, this extra large timepiece is equal parts utility and statement.

Check Latest Price

The SRP481K1 features a 24-jewel automatic movement, and a unidirectional stainless steel bezel. For a subtle pop of color, the bezel numbers from the top triangle to the 20 marker are blue, while the rest are black.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SRP481K1:

  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SNK809K 

This watch is unique because it features the sporty face of a field watch, with both military and pilot aesthetics, but on the body of a dress watch. The dial is fairly busy, but the case is at a reasonable 37mm, with a smooth clean bezel.

seiko 5 SNK809K
Seiko 5 SNK809K
$118.80

This unique watch combines pilot and military dial qualities with the clean lines of a dress watch.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 10:53 am GMT

This is one of the most recommended Seiko watches out there, likely because it’s just a little unusual (but not distractingly so) when you wear it casually or formally.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNK809K: 

  • Case Diameter: 37mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 18mm
  • Water Resistance: 30m

Seiko 5 SRPD53K1

Now we enter the SRP sport watches. Each timepiece in this family has the same basic functions and construction. However, each tells a different story because of its unique color variations and original strap pairing. There’s one for every type of guy.

SEIKO 5 SRPD53K1
Seiko 5 SRPD53K1
$274.00

This SRPD watch is a timeless luxury-style sport watch, with a red and blue palette reminiscent of a GMT.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 12:03 pm GMT

The SRPD53K1 is the first of our four SRPDs, and is the most classic. Its red-and-blue color palette is reminiscent of classic sport watches, particularly the GMTs of the world, and its shiny dial adds a level of luxury.

It features the in-house caliber 4R36, which has 41 hours of power and a day/date calendar. The green SRPD63 is another classic option with just a bit more flare. 

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SRPD53K1:

  • Case Diameter: 43mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SRPD93

Next up is the utilitarian-looking, but still stylish SPRD93.

SEIKO 5 SRPD93
Seiko 5 SPRD93
$197.65

One of the more rugged SRPD watches, this still fashionable timepiece pairs well with its original tire-track silicon strap.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 11:28 pm GMT

It’s often paired with a tire-track silicon band which gives it a super rugged look. However, the design features are fashion-forward. The face matches the bezel, but the dial ring is a cream color similar to the hands and indices, giving the watch visual layers on top of its physical layers.

The SRPC59 is another tool-leaning SRP with fun color pops (and a whopping 45mm case!).

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SRPD93:

  • Case Diameter: 42.5mm
  • Band Material: Silicon
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SRPE75K1

How do you take the basic design of the SRPs and make it a fancy and fashionable timepiece? The SRPE75K1 answers this question beautifully. 

SEIKO 5 SRPE75K1
Seiko 5 SRPE75K1

With a sparkling Milanese bracelet and sunburst dial, this sport watch is also easily a fancy dress timepiece.

Check Latest Price

The Milanese mesh strap adds sparkle, while the cream-colored dial features a lovely silver sunburst finish. There’s a lot of shine on this watch, so while the lumibrite is featured on all the SRPs, it’s particularly effective on this one. 

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SRPE75K1:

  • Case Diameter: 42.5mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SRPD79

Finally, we present the SRPD79, the blacked out option on the list. It features a stainless steel case with PVD-coating making it more durable than the other SRP watches.

SEIKO 5 SRPD79
Seiko 5 SRPD79
$335.00 $251.25

This blacked-out SRPD is durable and stylish because of its PVD-coated stainless steel case.

Shop Now
02/14/2023 05:08 am GMT

What makes this watch special though is how strangely legible it is despite being all one color. Seiko does an effective job of using layers, textures, and shades to ensure that this watch isn’t just a strong, black-ops style statement, but a real, practical timepiece.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SRPD79:

  • Case Diameter: 42.5mm
  • Band Material: Nylon (Nato style)
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SNXS73K 

Somehow Seiko managed to build a beautiful Oyster Perpetual homage within their Seiko 5 line. Similar to a Rolex, the SNXSZ3K features all of the key sporty elements that make a timepiece strong and long-lasting.

SEIKO 5 SNXS73K
Seiko 5 SNXS73K
$184.00

This elegant Oyster Perpetual look-alike also comes in gold highlights and a beautiful black dial.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 04:38 am GMT

Its clean, elegant aesthetic is highlighted by the attention to detail. Both the hands and the border around the day/date window feature subtle lines and layers making this piece sophisticated beyond its price point. 

It also comes in a black face via the SNXS79K, while the SNXS75 features gold highlights for a touch of nobility.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNXS73K:

  • Case Diameter: 36.5mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 20.5mm
  • Water Resistance: 30m

Seiko 5 SNZH55 

Speaking of well-liked homages, the Seiko 5 SNZH55 is often compared to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. This 23-jewel automatic timepiece features a domed crystal that gives depth and visual play to the lines on the dial.

SEIKO 5 SNZH55
Seiko 5 SNZH55

Loved as a Fifty Fathoms homage, this watch’s domed crystal gives its exciting face a different look at all angles.

Check Latest Price

Other than being satisfyingly smooth and shiny, the unidirectional bezel also features 120 very crisp clicks. Go for the Seiko 5 SNZH57 for a more vintage Fifty Fathoms homage.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNZH55:

  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SRPC68 

This watch is one of Seiko 5’s bottlecap SRPC watches. We chose this one because its rose gold-toned bezel makes it stand out. Unsurprisingly, it’s coveted by even the highest end watch collectors.

SEIKO 5 SRPC68
Seiko 5 SRPC68
$159

Stainless steel case with a red nylon strap. Uni-directional rotating rose gold-tone bezel. Brown dial with luminous silver-tone hands and dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim.

Check Latest Price

This watch has been dubbed the rootbeer bottle cap because of its brown face, and overall warm and glossy color palette. Like its non-bottlecap cousins, this SRP also features Seiko’s in-house caliber 4R36.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SRPC68:

  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Band Material: Nylon
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SNKE06 

This is the flashy dress watch option in the Seiko 5 lineup. This timepiece is for you Midas-loving gents who think that the gold high-lighted SNXS75 just isn’t enough.

SEIKO 5 SNKE06
Seiko 5 SNKE06
$139.66

Gold dial enhanced by yellow gold-tone hands. Yellow Gold-tone stainless steel case with a yellow gold-tone stainless steel band. Automatic movement. 50 meters / 165 feet water resistance. Fixed bezel. Scratch Resistant Hardlex crystal. Transparent caseback.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 10:28 am GMT

Of course, since Seiko knows good design, they temper the all-gold toned stainless steel with a thin 7mm case and an overall weight of .4 grams. It’s a light and delicate watch that you can forget is there -at least physically. Visually, this watch is a definite look-at-me device!

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNKE06:

  • Case Diameter: 35mm
  • Band Material: Gold-toned stainless steel
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 50m

Seiko 5 SNZG11J1

This handsome field watch is a lot like the popular SNK80s, but with a bigger case and a lot more line work for a frenetic aesthetic. It also features 60m more water resistance, and physical layers on the dial for a more three dimensional look.

SEIKO 5 SNZG11J1
Seiko 5 SNZG11J1
$169.40

A handsome leveled up field watch with a multi-dimensional and multi-stepped dial.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 08:38 am GMT

It’s locked and loaded with Seiko’s 7S36 caliber, which features over 41 hours of power, 23 jewels, and is known for being a good bang-for-buck movement.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNZG11J1:

  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Band Material: Nylon
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 100m

Seiko 5 SNKE01K1

The SNKE01K1 is essentially a dress watch with a sports bezel, so it’s no wonder that it often gets compared to the Explorer II. I think the SNKE01K1’s design is actually more versatile than its premium counterpart.

SEIKO 5 SNKE01K1
Seiko 5 SNKE01K1
$138.90 $123.60

A classy dress face uniquely paired with a sports bezel, this watch can be dressed up or down.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 09:28 am GMT

Its face is elegant with applied indices, shiny batons that are pearled at the end, and Seiko 5’s “dress hands.” At 37mm, it’s also a true dress watch size. This is a great timepiece for you sporty fellows out there who are looking for a dress watch, but don’t want something too delicate looking.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNKE01K1:

  • Case Diameter: 37mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 21mm
  • Water Resistance: 50m

Seiko 5 SNKK25

This watch is also known as the “speed racer watch” because of its fun, bright, and unusual look. There are several versions, including one with a black face, but the SNKK25’s understated color palette makes it the most versatile. 

SEIKO 5 SNKK25
Seiko 5 SNKK25
$103.00

This watch from Seiko offers an all stainless steel case and bracelet. It includes a white dial. Finally, this beautiful timepiece features an automatic movement and is water-resistant up to 30 meters (99 feet).

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 04:58 am GMT

Other recognizable design qualities include its rectangular lugs that jut out of the case, and the oyster bracelet’s middle links that feature lines on the edges giving the effect of more links.

In today’s bigger-is-better world of sport watches, the SNKK25 stands out as a 38mm racing timepiece that’s also uniquely designed.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNKK25:

  • Case Diameter: 38mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 19.5mm
  • Water Resistance: 30m

Seiko 5 SNK393K

While the  SNKE01K1 is reminiscent of the Rolex Explorer II, this watch is a great homage to the Explorer I. Its hour markers are mostly batons, with selective Arabic numerals in a large, wide applied font. It features a clean bezel, but the day on the day/date is red for a subtle pop of color.

SEIKO 5 SNK393K
Seiko 5 SNK393K
$113.00

This watch features sporty and bold 12 and 6 markers unusually paired with a jubilee-style bracelet.

Check Latest Price
02/14/2023 11:28 am GMT

Like the SNKE01K1, this watch balances out dressy and sporty qualities. The face may be modern, but the bracelet is a multi-link sparkler similar to a jubilee bracelet.

DETAILS OF THE SEIKO 5 SNK393K:

  • Case Diameter: 37mm
  • Band Material: Stainless steel
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Water Resistance: 30m

Any favorite watches from our list?

Back To Top

With so much to choose from, there’s an entry-level mechanical watch for every type of guy in the Seiko 5 line.

Go for the SNXS73K if you’re feeling fancy, or any of the SRPDs if you’re feeling sporty. Which watch from this impressive line is your favorite?