SEIKO Men’s Automatic Sports Watch, Blue Dial

I have this movement in a Seiko Presage and so I thought I would like this watch as well. But it is way too thick for a field watch and way too thick for the diameter of the case. It feels very large on my wrist. I included a comparsion with my G Shock 2100 which is a significantly larger watch. As you can see, the G Shock seems much smaller on the wrist and is far more comfortable. The Seiko looks bulky and awkward. It is actually slightly thicker than the G Shock which, as I said, is ridiculous for a field watch. The entire effect is that it makes the watch feel very cheap, despite the well-made case, attractive dial, and solid movement.

This watch looks very beautifully designed in person, the way the case shape, colours, and strap work together. A lot of online watch reviews miss the point. They say things like “doesn’t have a sapphire crystal, therefore not worth $xxx”, like they just tick off the various features the watch does or doesn’t have, and then say whether they think it is worth what you paid for it. No review I saw gave this watch credit for how much the strap has been improved over the previous model (SNK807). The new strap is a beautiful deep blue colour, comfortable, with the smooth orange surface next to your skin, and of a satisfying thickness that complements the watch thickness perfectly. The drilled lugs put an end to the problem of “clicky pins”, where the pin ends can tend to move around in their sockets making a clicking noise that I find annoying. Don’t worry about the stiffness of the strap when you get the watch. Just bend it back and forth a lot to break it in, and it becomes very comfortable.

To cut a long story short, you are paying for something beautifully and uniquely designed here. As a graphic designer myself, I know how hard it is to come up with a design that is sharp and contemporary and original. That’s what you’re paying for here, and it is well worth it.

I originally purchased this watch as a daily driver, to go to work with. I have bashed the glass and case so many times and it still looks new. I have owned the watch for 6 months prior to this review and it still keeps great time.

As my first watch I did a ton of research mostly focusing on size. The size it perfect. Many online reviews said it was really thick for its size. I did notice that to be the case and it wears very nice. I bang my wedding ring around a lot and was a little worried about a watch but it’s totally fine. I totally recommend this for a first watch or any of the Seiko 5’s that are similar.

Product came quickly and in solid packaging. The watch is my 4th watch and the quality and value is unmatched in my collection at the moment. I also have to note photos don’t quite capture how easily readable and vibrant this watch face is.

An incredibly accurate and well made wristwatch. Seiko rarely disappoints, and this sporty field watch stays on my arm. The luminosity declines a bit quickly in darkness, but maintains sufficiently through the night.