Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Self-Winding Watch with Stainless Steel Bracelet – SNXS73K

Product Information

The SNXL72 has a gold case, bracelet, and dial. While obviously not solid gold at this price, the watch looks just the right amount flashy, without being over the top. The watch is small, at just 37mm, so it’s not the type of gold watch for someone looking to flaunt their wealth, but rather someone who wants a touch of elegance. This is more of the vintage Rolex that has been passed down in the family for generations look, rather than the large, blingy gold monstrosities you might find on a rapper’s wrist. With that said, the Seiko 5s are not perfect. They have a hardlex crystal which isn’t as scratch resistant as sapphire, their included bracelets and straps are mediocre and sometimes downright uncomfortable, and the included 7S26 is reliable, albeit basic, and can be inaccurate. One of the main things that can affect how a watch looks is the dial. Not only do you have to choose a dial color and layout that suits you, but also one with the right finish. Sunburst watch dials can be a bit flashy, as they vary greatly in different lighting conditions, while glossy or matte dials usually look rather neutral.

At 37mm, and with a crown at 3:00, the SNKL41 disappears on the wrist and is more than comfortable enough for everyday wear. If you’re somebody who wants to swim with your watch, get a Seiko 5 Sports instead of a regular Seiko 5. The Seiko 5 Sports often have 100 meters of water resistance which is enough to safely swim with, while older models usually have around 30 meters, which is not enough. Movement The 42mm Seiko 5 Sports “5KX” divers are a bit larger, as dive watches typically are. Traditionally, this was so dive watches could have larger hour markers, and be more legible when divers used them underwater. Today, 42mm is no longer a “large” watch by modern standards. This is closer to the watch size you likely see on most people’s wrists. Along with its all-polished case, this watch is often compared as a budget alternative to the much more expensive Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which typically costs around 5 figures.

The watch doesn’t have a sapphire crystal, which helps prevent scratches, nor a screw-down crown, making it a deal-breaker for some. Though, I’ve taken mine on vacation and beat it up. The included hardlex crystal doesn’t have a scratch on it, and despite only having 100 meters of water resistance, I was still able to take this watch swimming in pools and the ocean, without any issues whatsoever. No, Seiko hasn’t discontinued the Seiko 5. They are still in production, however, Seiko has no longer released any new 37mm original Seiko ‘5’ badge models. Instead, Seiko is releasing new Seiko 5 Sports watches, such as their SRPD 5KX dive watch, SRPE DressKX, SRPG field watch, and SRPH29 pilot watchmodels. Because of its extremely simple and clean white dial, the SNKL41 is a blank slate. This watch will look absolutely perfect on any strap and is the perfect watch to dress up with a dressy exotic leather strap or dress down with a bright and fun-colored NATO. They’re mostly unique designs made by Seiko, a very well-regarded company in the watch world, and while these watches aren’t top-of-the-line (for the price, you can’t expect them to be) they’ve become a bit of an icon in their own right.

With that said, the movements in Seiko 5 watches are known to last exceptionally long without ever needing service. For example, my grandfather’s gold Seiko 5 from 1989 has been passed down to me, and 33 years later, it still runs perfectly fine, without ever having been serviced. You may have noticed there are two different types of Seiko 5, the regular with a “5” badge logo, and those with a Seiko 5 Sports logo. How do these two differ? Its pinstripe tuxedo dial adds texture and interest to an otherwise simple and classic design. This is the perfect watch for someone who wants something simple, yet elegant and refined. The amount of jewels in a Seiko 5 varies depending on the movement used. Watches with the 7S26 movement have 21 jewels, and those with the 4R34 and 4R36 have 24 jewels. Some older, vintage Seiko 5s that use discontinued movements have 17 jewels. What About Vintage Seiko 5s?One of the first mechanical watches I ever bought for myself, the SNXS79, has an extremely luxurious and rich-looking sunburst anthracite dial. While some Seiko 5 watches are a bit too small, and others too large, the SRPE series fits right in between at 40mm. This is the sweet spot for most people’s wrists and is one of the most popular watch sizes today. The SNKL45 is becoming harder and harder to find at a good price as it starts to creep up in popularity. Despite having all of these features, the SSK003 manages to stay relatively thin and affordable compared to other GMT watches. And it looks great while doing so!