The 60 Best Seiko Watches - A Complete Guide for 2024
When considering the most versatile watch brands in terms of both global reach and variety within their own brand portfolio, it’s difficult to identify a brand that surpasses Seiko. In 1881, a young entrepreneur by the name of Kintaro Hattori opened up a shop in Tokyo's Ginza where he sold and repaired watches and clocks. At just 21 years old, Hattori took a massive risk in hopes of creating something bigger. These hopes were realized in the coming century as the watch brand he created established numerous watchmaking milestones and eventually changed the course of the entire watch industry with the release of the legendary Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, in 1969.
In more recent years, Seiko has established itself as one of the most beloved brands on the market, offering a wide range of styles from dressy to sporty to space-age high-tech, all for what most would consider very accessible prices. In this blog, we dive into the wide world of Seiko watches, naming our favorites from the brand's major families, in hopes of providing a jumping-off point for your own research into a potential next purchase.
Some Ground Rules
Given the number of watches that could be included, we will need to draw the line somewhere, so don’t be concerned if one of your favorite Seiko models is not on the list. We will focus primarily on regular-production models, not limited editions that may be unavailable before too long. We've envisioned this as a fluid post and will be adding more watches to this list as time goes on. With this in mind, the approach for this list will be broken down into looking at watches within a few of Seiko’s key collections: 1.) Seiko 5, 2.) Prospex, 3.) Presage, 4.) Recraft, 5.) Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).
SEIKO 5s
The SEIKO 5 collection is known for its incredible value and versatility. Below are some standout models:
Seiko SNK800 Series
References: SNK803, SNK805, SNK807, SNK809
Specifications: Price: $75-$100, Case Size: 37 mm, Thickness: 11 mm, Lug Width: 18 mm, Water Resistance: 30 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 7S26, Power Reserve: 40 Hours, Crystal: Hardlex
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The Seiko 5 SNK800s are perhaps the most ubiquitous Seiko 5 models on the market today. For under $100, these watches have become a great casual everyday wearer. The 7S26 automatic movement is reliable and works well in a variety of situations.
Seiko SRPG27
Specifications: Price: $220, Case Size: 39.4 mm, Thickness: 13.2 mm, Water Resistance: 200 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 4R36, Power Reserve: 41 hours, Crystal: Hardlex
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The SRPG27 offers a proportioned 39.4mm case that slides in nicely between the 37mm and 42mm offered by its predecessors, while also getting a movement upgrade from the outdated 7S26 to the hacking and handwinding 4R36. Compared to rugged designs like the Bulova Hack, the SRPG27 is more refined, making it a versatile and affordable field watch to consider.
Seiko SRPD51
Specifications: Price: $236, Case Size: 42.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm, Water Resistance: 100 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 4R36, Crystal: Hardlex
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When Seiko retired the SKX lineup in 2019, they quickly followed up with an updated Seiko 5 range, including the SRPD51. It retains some of the charm and design language from the SKX but with scaled-back specs to accommodate the price point. This SRPD51 is a worthy sports timepiece with solid construction and great lume, all at an affordable price.
PROSPEX
The Prospex collection is an offering of watches from Seiko that strive to meet professional specifications, being capable of taking on the world's most taxing conditions. Yet, despite being intended for professionals, this collection has become a crowd favorite among enthusiasts.
Seiko Prospex SPB143
Specifications: Price: $1200, Case Size: 40.5 mm, Thickness: 13 mm, Water Resistance: 200 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 6R35, Crystal: Sapphire
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With an insatiable market appetite for vintage reissues, Seiko tapped into its archives for inspiration. The SPB143 offers a wearable 40.5mm case, 200m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and the automatic 6R35 movement with its extended 70-hour power reserve.
Seiko Samurai
References: SRPC93, SRPC07, SRPB49, SRPB51, SRPB53, SRPB55
Specifications: Price: $400-$500, Case Size: 44 mm, Thickness: 13 mm, Water Resistance: 200 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 4R35, Power Reserve: 41 hours, Crystal: Hardlex
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When thinking of the entry point for the Seiko Prospex series, one of the first models to come to mind is the Samurai. The fan-created moniker of Samurai was given to this collection as a result of the lines' strongly pointed hands and markers on the dial that closely resemble that of a Samurai sword.
PRESAGE
Similar to the gap the Prospex collection fills for professional divers, the Presage collection answers the call for professionals required to look their best in less physically taxing environments. The collection includes many elegant pieces while also offering a variety of everyday wearers that have become fan favorites.
Seiko Presage SRPF53
Specifications: Price: $525, Case Size: 41.7 mm, Thickness: 11.8 mm, Water Resistance: 30 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 4R35, Crystal: Sapphire
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The SRPF53 is impressively finished for the money. Its alternating brushed and polished five-link steel bracelet exudes a dressier sensibility. Despite being only $45 more expensive than the SRPF41, the SRPF53 offers a lot to like as another refined yet inexpensive Seiko offering.
RECRAFT
Seiko’s Recraft series aims to bottle the charm of old pieces while offering easy-to-digest price tags for enthusiasts to enjoy them.
Seiko Recraft SNKP23, SNKP25, SNKP27
Specifications: Price: $200-$275, Case Size: 39.5 mm, Thickness: 12 mm, Water Resistance: 50 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 7S26, Power Reserve: 40 hours, Crystal: Hardlex
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Nothing screams 1970s design like rounded-off rectangle cases with warm accents on the dial. This retro introduction to the Seiko family appeals to nostalgia with its unique wearing experience.
JDM (JAPANESE DOMESTIC MARKET)
One of the most difficult aspects of Seiko’s catalog to navigate is the number of models created within the Japanese market but made available through grey market channels. These models often feel like Seiko saves the best for its domestic audience.
Seiko SKX
References: SKX007 & SKX009
Specifications: Price: $200-$250, Case Size: 42.5 mm, Thickness: 13.5 mm, Water Resistance: 200 m, Movement: Auto Seiko 7S26, Power Reserve: 40 hours, Crystal: Hardlex
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Over the last couple of decades, there probably hasn’t been a Seiko diver more ubiquitous than the Seiko SKX. Since the release of the 7S26 series of the SKX in 1996, these watches have garnered widespread appreciation, especially with a price around $200.
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