Seiko Men's SNK809K Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

There are two distinct lines within the 'Seiko 5' collection, the classic Seiko 5, and the Seiko 5 'Sports' model. The classic Seiko 5 models were first introduced in 1963, and so named because they are to offer 5 specific features, which are (I think): 1. self-winding auto-mechanical movement 2. water & shock resistant design 3. day 4. date, 5. exhibition case back (so mechanical movement is visible). The classic Seiko 5 models were introduced before the Seiko 5 Sports models, and most of them are intended as 'dress' style watches. They are also 'traditional' in size, between 36-38mm (approx). Another common element is having a crown that's positioned at 4 rather than 3 o'clock. This is supposed to make for better comfort, avoiding an angle for the crown that might poke the back of the hand or into the wrist. Later in time, Seiko began adding models with larger case diameters and implementing a wider variety of (casual) styles. Though they continue to offer the same 5 features, branding is as Seiko 5 'Sports' models. My impression is that Seiko no longer adds to the standard Seiko 5 collection. New "affordable" models are added to either the Sports collection, (and include the newer 4R3x automatic movement, and have model numbers beginning with SRP or SAA) or to a relatively new collection known as "Recraft" (which has emphasis on retro styling. New Recraft models are also 'retro' in that they come equipped with the otherwise superseded 7S26 movement),.. Seiko rarely if ever updates a specific model after the original release. Instead, it prefers, eventually and somewhat irritatingly, to retire them from production... and then, at some later time, if the model was popular, the company may produce a 're-issue' with a new model number. The re-issues typically update design and movement to contemporary standards. The classic Seiko 5 models seem unlikely to ever be re-issued, unless smaller watches come back into style in a big way. Seiko seems to just continue production of (most) current models, and may do so more or less indefinitely, because there is continuing demand. The classic Seiko 5 provides exceptional value, now, as has always been the case. This model (and it's color variants) are atypical within the 'classic' Seiko 5 series, in that it has a casual (military pilot 'B'/field type dial) design and is not a dress watch. In fact, it's so 'different' that earlier on I had thought it *was* a 'Sports', till one day I looked closely and noticed the logo on the dial has the '5' but not 'Sports'. I'm not certain, but suspect this model was transitional to the Seiko 5 'Sports' series. It's still a relatively small case diameter (37mm), has the 4 o'clock crown, etc., but seems to represent an early effort by Seiko to extend it's '5' catalog to include more casual designs. There are 4 different dial-color variations of this particular model, black, cream, olive/military green, and blue. So far as I know, only the black dial version provides an alternate release with a matching bead-blasted, stainless steel bracelet (folded, hollow links). This is my second purchase from this series - I already have the cream dial version. I wanted this one because I like the one I already had, and wanted another inf a different color, and also because I wanted to put the stainless steel band on the cream colored one (which is hard to match for color, in terms of a replacement band). I got a burgundy colored leather band for this one, which I think looks great (black matches everything). IMO, this watch *defines* the point of diminishing returns as far as value -- you can spend infinitely more, but plunk down a modest amount, $60-70.00 bucks, and you'll be most of the way to wrist watch nirvana. The watch is stylish (in an unpretentious way), and has a high quality feel to it. Because of the low price, I am also comfortable taking off the case back to regulate the movement for accuracy. If I happen to destroy the watch in the process (pretty easy to do if the tool used slips and pokes the spring beneath the regulation lever), it's OK, I can get another one without setting back my retirement. The first one I bought was running about 20 seconds fast per day -- unusually bad; most other Seiko's I've had are very accurate out of the box. I was able to regulate it to about 1 sec/day. The one I bought more recently (this one) required no adjustment -- it was only 1 sec per day fast. So, for less than $130.00 I have two wonderful watches that are each just as accurate as a Rolex "superlative chronometer" (-2 to +2 sec/day) -- a situation that makes me very happy. So if the question is "would you buy it again?", ... clearly yes. And I'm tempted to get the blue-dial version also. Some other points that might be useful: * Comes with the SI 7S26 movement, which has been generally superseded by the 4R36 in newer models. The 7S26 lacks feature support for manual winding of the watch (and also lacks hacking [stopping of the second hand to facilitate exact setting of time). * The movement self-winds very well, but if you're not particularly active, may take 6-12 hours to become fully wound. A 30 minute walk will definitely wind it fully (if you swing your arms normally while walking). To get the watch started, you can sway the watch back and forth, horizontally, face up, not too vigorously, imitating the motion of your wrist while walking)... and you can keep swaying for a while if you want to wind it fully (about 5 minutes required) , but there is no real need to do that. About 60 seconds will add enough power reserve for amplitude to reach an accurate level of operation). * Make sure you know the difference between an auto-mechanical and quartz movement before buying this (mechanical) watch. * Be aware that it's quite small compared to most watches these days. It's 'cute as a button', and not much larger. * Taking out links to size the band is difficult unless you master a certain trick. Take a small, tough jeweler's screw-driver, slot it just behind the t-bars. There's a small, thin, depression that will hold the screw-driver in position to lever out a link's t-bar (if you slowly and gently press down the screw-driver). Push out the t-link (in one gentle motion) as far as you can. If you stop too soon it's hard to pull the t-bar out the rest of the way. A narrow spring bar remover tool will also work for this, but it's likely to get bent a little and may even break. If you have the right tool, and get the hang of the method described, links are easy to remove, but otherwise save yourself frustration and have this done by a local watch shop. * I find that, once sized properly, the steel band is comfortable. Getting the one that's supplied with the black dial version (or the same OEM version on Ebay or Amazon) is about the only way to find a bracelet that will match the bead-blasted case perfectly. * In the long run, I found the canvas band I had on the cream-colored version a little scratchy, and wanted to replace it. * The watch is rated "Water Resistant", with no specific rating other than that. Seiko considers water resistance a key feature for it's Seiko 5 models, and I trust Seiko's design accomplishes this effectively. But "Water Resistant" is a pretty limited rating -- not for diving to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. I find it fine for casual exposure to water (washing dishes or getting caught in the rain), but swimming, showering etc., might be OK, but a bit risky. * Seiko watches always have excellent lume (if there is any lume). This watch is no exception, though the lume dots are tiny so output is not as bright as larger models with larger illuminated markers. In summary, THIS IS A GREAT WATCH, and I highly recommend it*****.

If you are reading this review, you know what Seiko 5 is all about and you should know what a great value the 7S26C movement is. If not, read other reviewer, I’m trying not to repeat what has already been said. There are thousands of reviews for the SNK80_ series watches. It’s a great movement; my is losing about 3 seconds/day right out of the box. The Seiko SNK809K1 is a great alternative for anyone wanting the SNK809 (K2), but not wanting the cheap “canvas” strap. The last time I check canvas is not made from cheap nylon cords. Anyways after see the watch in-person, I was very impressed with the watch itself, but the nylon strap looked like cheap junk that I would never use. I saw this same watch with the metal bracelet for a few bucks more so I went for it. The watch I purchased from Mini Watches was shipped to me via Registered Mail from Singapore. It took 11 days to be delivered. What I received was definitely a gray market watch, which is what I excepted. The package was inferno to other Seiko 5’s I’ve purchase, and there was no manual, no warranty card. The only paper in the box was the Seiko model number tag, attached with string around the bracket. This tagged lack the MSRP in any currency. Amazon should really remove the $185.00 MSRP, since watch is not offered by Seiko to the US market. The language on the day function is English and Spanish, which makes me speculate that the watches were intended to be sold in South America, but savvy buyers in Singapore, purchase some of them before they made it to the port. There is no Made in Malaysia or Japan or anything else to mark the country of origin. The movement is marked 7S26C. The caseback is marked ST STEEL 7S26-02J0 A4 KY, SEIKO, WATER RESISTANT. I can only assume that the movement was made from parts in multiple countries and there was not a significant value added in any one country to let it be mark Made in Japan or anything else. Which leads me to believe that Seiko used a blend cheapest countries for the parts and assembly and didn’t want to mention any by name. Be that as it may, I am confident that Seiko quality control was in place where ever it was made. This is just a part of buying a gray market watch; it’s not the same as buying a Seiko from a local authorized dealer. As long as you are educated about what you are buying and have an understanding of what 60 USD ($50 + $10 shipping) will get you delivered to your door, you shouldn’t be disappointed. This watch claims to offer a warranty thru a 3rd party and Amazon. Hopefully I don’t need it, but I’m not count on any warranties being honored. All that gray market stuff being said, I received exactly what was described, other than there is no MSRP in USD for a watch not intended to be sold in the USA. The bracket is an inexpensive folded sheet metal type. Its pull a few hairs, but it’s not unbearable. It has a nice clasp with the Seiko 5 logo. There is a lot of play in the links and a little noise when it is moved. This is not a solid link bracelet you get with a Grand Seiko; it’s a very nice ten dollar SS bracelet that nicely compliment the rest of the watch. The bands bead blast finished nicely matches the case. Personally I’m not a huge fan of the bead blasted stainless stain, but it matches the function of this type of watch very well. A tool watch should be the opposite of fancy dress watch. The bead blasted bracelet, in addition to the bead blasted case, makes the watch a very dull gray plain looking timepiece. It’s all bead blasted, except, inside of the bracelet clasp, the side of the case between the lugs, the case back and the screw back is all polished. I can only assume that Seiko mass produces the watch case and bracelet and they all start off as polished. I understand the need to cut corners in order to hit the intended price point, but not bead blasting all the steel leaves a mismatch of finishes that I do not like. It’s hard to appreciate this is a photo, but in person the polished SS and the bead blasted finish contrast sharply and offensively. The bead blasted SS looks like gray primer paint, and the polished SS looks like a mirror. For the price point, albeit offensive, this is completely acceptable. This watch is a believable value at under 100 bucks. If you want an inexpensive tool watch, and have enough self-respect to want an automatic movement on your wrist, than this is your watch. You may find yourself wanting to add a more expensive dress watch to your collection, but this watch is definitely one you’ll want to keep and wear than you don’t want to ruin your dress watch. The steel bracelet with this model is well while the few extra bucks and the extra shipping time.

Die Uhr war sehr gut Verpackt. Die Uhr selber sieht super aus und läuft wie ich von Seiko erwarte sehr gut. Kann ich nur weiterempfehlen, hab sogar gleich ein 2tes bestellt.

Bien reçue, un samedi, ce qui est le mieux pour : - mettre le bracelet inox de la marque à ma taille. Par chance la plus petite taille va exactement à mon poignet très fin de 15 cm, ce n'est pas toujours le cas des bracelets acier. 1ère bonne nouvelle. Et un système spécifique qui le rend plus facile à ajuster que d'autres (attention, aux habitués des ouvertures classiques, de bien regarder). Bracelet assez fin, en cohérence avec la montre, argenté mat, ce qui est plus sobre que brillant et me plait bien pour ma part. Sur l'image, on pourrait d'ailleurs croire que c'est la montre qui est grosse, alors c'est le bracelet qui en fait assez petit. Mais ne fait pas du tout féminin, et plutôt aventure que bling-bling, à l'image de la montre qui est de type "military", soit un affichage de l'heure qui se veut hyper-lisible, et la montre sobre et élégant à la fois. En effet, blanc sur noir, c'est imparable de côté là. - régler la date, le jour de la semaine, l'heure ; - attendre 24 heures pour savoir si la montre retarde légèrement, ou avance légèrement. En fait, je n'ai pas regardé précisément, mais c'est forcément moins d'une minute donc rien de dramatique. - la passer sous le robinet pour vérifier qu'elle est bien étanche aux éclaboussures et autres (ok). C'est pour l'instant un plaisir d'avoir cette montre. J'aime le look. C'est la seule qui affiche à la fois les minutes et heures sur le cadran (5.10.15;20 etc .... et 1.2.3.4 ...). Je retrouve aussi la trotteuse des secondes, que j'avais perdue sur d'autres modèles à quartz. La date le jour de la semaine sur une simple montre à aiguille, c'est un retour aux sources agréable aussi, qui change des affichages à cristaux liquide. Autre point sympa : au lieu d'allumer une diode hyper consommatrice à la nuit tombée comme sur les "cristaux liquides" (mon fils de 2 ans a appuyé quelques secondes, et plus de pile), ce sont 12 points "phosphorescents" (c'est le terme) qui s'éclairent naturellement. C'est autrement plus beau et pratique. Montre idéale pour les petits/très petits poignets donc, alors que les plus récentes sont souvent grosses : 43 voire 45 mm de largeur de cadran tout compris (même non étanches). Ici je suis à 38 comme beaucoup de montres classiques, au passage indémodable, et cela fait tellement corps avec le bras que je peux dormir avec, sans jamais la cogner ou la sentir dépasser du poignet. Après avoir testé de plus grosses montres, plus bas de gamme aussi, c'est un bonheur. Plus légère également. Après 24 heures, j'espère avoir trouvé un montre pour longtemps. On verra. Un super rapport-qualité prix. PS: Attention, comptez au moins 30€ de plus pour avoir une vrai étanche (ATM 10 au moins) de la même gamme, soit 100€ minimum.

Purtroppo le pessime immagini, non rendono giustizia all'orologio. Anche io sono stato abbastanza incerto nell'acquisto vedendole, invece... Dal vivo, invece, è molto bello. Calendario arabo (o qualcosa del genere)/inglese, bracciale da 18 leggero ma sabbiato, che fa la sua figura. Poi, con quattro lire, se uno proprio vuole , mette il bracciale che preferisce, ma si sa, Seiko punta sulla sostanza del segnatempo, non sui bracciali o le scatolette.... Gli indici, per esempio sono a smalto su un fondo nero lucido. La visibilità elevata. Non so dire la precisione, è arrivato oggi, prenotato venerdì, ma l'impatto visivo è molto buono anche perchè è di dimensioni non eccessive, e non si sente al polso. Per il prezzo pagato, è assolutamente consigliato. Mi riservo di aggiornare la recensione tra qualche tempo, ma per ora sono soddisfatto. Dopo una ventina di giorni circa, non posso che confermare la bontà dell'acquisto. Per essere preciso è preciso, mi perde +\- 5 secondi al giorno; ho messo un bel bracciale in cuoio nero stile aviatore e sembra molto più costoso di quello che è. Sicuramente consigliato, non è un padellone eccessivo, sicché nemmeno si sente al polso. Praticamente, pur avendo un’altra decina di orologi, anche costose, lo sto mettendo di continuo. Però, se volete vendere questi orologi, cambiate le foto sul sito. Sono veramente pessime, e solo quando ce l’hai in mano ti rendi conto che è ben fatto. Per una sola questione di estetica, dovessi riprenderlo, sceglierei un modello con il bracciale non metallico, ma in tessuto, o in pelle. E poi, francamente, ma questo non c’entra nulla con la bontà dell’orologio, non capisco proprio la necessità di fare un fondello trasparente. Avrei preferito un fondello chiuso, ma questo è una mera questione estetica, e non intacca di un solo millimetro il giudizio estremamente positivo per questo segna tempo. Sono questioni di seiko…

Lo uso a diario desde hace un mes aproximadamente, y es perfecto para eso. No pesa mucho, y la correa de acero es fácilmente ajustable a la muñeca con un destornillador muy fino, se sacan los eslabones que se necesiten y ya. El acabado es correcto, se nota una calidad más que buena para su precio. Como punto a favor, diría que es extremadamente sensible, comienza a andar enseguida. Por contra, no es muy preciso. Adelanta unos dos o tres minutos por semana, como ya advierte el fabricante en las instrucciones. Es así, y así hay que quererlo. Sin duda lo recomiendo.

Excelente reloj, recomiendo para personas con muñeca o brazos delgados por qué es chico.