Seiko 5: stylish, versatile, well built & reliable for super value
I purchased this watch after much consideration. The Seiko 5 is a fine piece of craftsmanship, and I expect it to last many years. I actually purchased it for my dad, to replace his backlit, batteried Casio with a high quality timepiece, but he rejected change - although it's basically exactly the same width, styling, etc. He also prefers a stretch band, which I could have gotten, but no go. Sigh. So the watch is now mine. I have worn is every day since that time, and it has worn very well. There's not a scratch on the glass/crystal, and just the faintest wear near the lugs.
The SNK381K1 model in particular met all my wishes (for a gift watch for my dad any way). Fairly large face, but not too big or heavy, easy to read Arabic numbers that illuminate for a decent amount of time in the dark, the date, all stainless steel construction, and a deployable clasp.
If you're looking for a solid, automatic, this is a great buy. I got it for around $100, which I thought then and now was a steal.
Update: After about a year of use, give or take, I personally prefer a larger watch face. I think this face size is 36mm, and I would like a 45mm+ size instead (see Lumino Atacama). I have a medium sized wrist I'd say, and yet the watch appears fairly small. I would say the watch size is rather 'classic', but todays modern styling I think is towards more pronounced, wider. Chalk it up to personal preference.
The Seiko has been exceptional for daily use. Wears well, looks clean. The lug width is 18mm, and I've swapped out the stainless band for a custom leather NATO strap.
It does keep time really well I have found, although, as far as losing seconds, I haven't noticed any loss, perhaps because I have a habit of setting the time 5 minutes ahead so I'm always early. ha The stainless band I found less polished, and had semi sharp edges. I thought perhaps I'd got back to and upgrade the stainless band, but I think I'll resell the watch instead and buy a larger width, perhaps a larger Luminox Atacama field watch, although 4x the price of this Seiko 5.
For a first and or everyday wear automatic, I can recommend the Seiko 5.
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