For those with affordability in mind, I know there are people who love their Seiko 5’s. For one, they are inexpensive and can be found under a $100 and also they are known for their longevity. But when the watch is dead, for the cost of servicing a Seiko 5, it’s probably best to just buy a new one.
Seiko 5’s are automatic and goes by movement. So, it’s somewhat of a must that you wear it or else when you do stop using it, it will work up to 40 hours and once its dead, you will need to do a lot of movement in order to get it working, and you will have to reset the time and date.
As for servicing, it’s hit and miss with people who have owned a Seiko 5 for decades and not needing it serviced. While those who have had it for a few years and needing it serviced. But for the most part, most people that I do know who own one say they got their money’s worth as the $70 spent, for $10 a year…it has performed quite well for them. So, if you are looking for a Seiko watch that you don’t plan to wear as much but want it to last long, some opt for the Citizen Eco-Drive watches.
And because they are priced quite low, you don’t have to worry about fake Seiko 5’s but I have read that people have seen them. So, in 2005, Seiko did away with their stainless steel caseback and now using a glass display (as seen from the Amazon photo above). Also, look at how the Seiko logo is curved. Fake Seiko 5’s have been seen as straight. But once again, why would they counterfeit a cheaper watch? It does happen. But if you want to save the agony of purchasing a counterfeit, order from a trustworthy company like Amazon, especially for their great return policy.
History
The watch is made by Seiko, one of the big three in Japan (along side Citizen and Casio, note: Orient is considered among the big three depending on one’s love or hate towards Casio and the latter is also owned by Seiko). Seiko began back in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch and jewelry shop known as K. Hattori in Ginza, Tokyo. In 1892, he began making clocks known as Seikosha. The word “Seiko” means “exquisite”, “minute” or “success” and in 1924, the first Seiko branded watches were released.
Known for their quartz and mechanical watches, the Seiko “5” series (which the number is the features which include shock resistance, water resistance, automatic, date and day display).
But as for the “Seiko 5”, many who own the watch for years and various versions have said it has been a reliable watch, the seconds have been very good. These are great “beater” watches, so if you are prone to dropping a watch, hitting it on a desk or some object and tend to scuff up your watch, because of its durability and its low price, it’s definitely a watch that you may want to consider.
So, far so good…any bad?
Really, this is a watch that lasts long and is quite inexpensive. If there was one caveat, for me it’s the size. I prefer the casing to be around 41-43 mm but these Seiko 5’s are 37mm-39mm. So, if you want a larger case, expect to pay a little more by going with a Seiko 5 Sports watch. These range from $140-$250.
Also, the cheaper Seiko 5’s utilize a mineral crystal and not sapphire, so those who are prone to scratching their watch may not like these because they are mineral crystal. Possibly the only caveat for me is looking at the various Seiko 5 watches from Amazon Japan and seeing the variety but also the prices compared to the limited offering on Amazon USA (at this current time, most of them are being offered by third party and very few from Amazon).
But really, there is no wrong for Seiko 5’s if you are looking for an affordable watch. But I would recommend at least saving up at least $140 for the Hardlex crystal if you want a Seiko 5 (this is for the Seiko 5 Sports models) or even going for another brand of Seiko watch (or another brand – always check out your options).
