Been involved with Seiko for many years now. The Correct info for what Seiko 5 Stands for is: 1. Diaflex (unbreakable mainspring), 2. Diashock (Seiko's shock resistant design, equivalent to the Swiss "Incabloc"), 3. Automatic winding, 4. day/date indication, and 5. Water resistant.
Calls the video 'A Week on the Wrist'. But talks nothing about the one week experience with the watch. Just talks about the features of the watches, and the SKX. Come on James. Did you really wear it for a week, or just regurgitate Seiko's press release? We expect much better from Hodinkee, really.
The detractors in this comment section are out of control with their criticism. The SKX became the ultimate beginner's watch because it was high-quality, stylish, and functional. The 5KX is all of those things. NOBODY uses a watch for professional diving anymore. This watch provides 100m of water resistance and can survive a day at the pool just fine. It looks great, feels sturdy and is still the perfect "first automatic" for someone getting into the hobby. It's remarkable how out of touch some watch collectors have become.
I recently received this watch for my 13th Birthday. It’s a great entry level Automatic Watch. I really recommend it! I especially love the open case back.
A plot twist: You can get these for $120-180 at Macy’s/Kohl’s in the US. I think it’s a great deal for that price point. I own an SKX, but I wear the new Seiko5 more often.
Ai Ai They usually give a hefty discount for budget watches, such as Citizen, Timex, and Casio (of course, Seiko 5.) If you are savvy enough to find their coupons and deals, you can score them at a good price.
I’ve got one. (Along with many other seikos) and I love it. Ignore the fanboys who think they need a 200m dive watch when they work in a office and occasionally go to the beach. It’s a well rounded watch with decent proportions and decent build quality.
Hodinkee, times have changed and these condensed 5 mins videos are no longer desirable. The audience craves more substance. Don't shy away from doing 15+ minute videos. Currently, your videos feel like glorified ad spots. To be fair, a lot of them ARE ads anyway.
The skx007 was my gateway drug into watch’s and horology for sure. I purchased one for myself without realising what it was or knowing anything about watches. It sparked a true passion for watches in me and even now despite its flaws I adore it and find all seiko divers very sentimental
I bought one a year ago from Kohl's and it quit working within a week. Took it back for a full refund no problem. Last night I just saw another one at a different Kohl's and pulled the trigger. SRPD95. Wish me luck, it is such a beautiful watch!
I have SKX007, Seiko 5 Sport (blue face with metal bracelet) and the Samurai (black waffle face). If you aren't actually using the watch for diving (lets be real.... probably 98% of SKX users), get the Seiko 5 Sport as it is better. The big pros of the SXK007 is the jubilee bracelet (unique, retro and very comfortable) and the 200m diver certified. I swapped the jubilee bracelet on to the Seiko 5 Sport and it looks awesome with the center polished links matching real nicely with the shiny sunburst blue and metal applied hour indices. I had to "fatten up" the spring bar with tape though in order to perfectly fit the jubilee bracelet correctly though. I am a big fan of the jubilee. The Seiko 5 Sport advantages are better looking face, applied indices, better text, better bezel with the blue sunburst, hack and winding, exhibition case back and definitely more accurate movement.... I have recorded the timing over the past 2 days from time.gov and it has been perfectly timed. Only 2 days but still. I am going to keep checking as well. I have never had accuracy like that happened with any of my other automatic watches. My SKX007 was +10 to +15 consistently per day so I would actually time my watch about 2 minutes behind actual time to "counter" the difference and won't need to change the time as often. My Samurai was getting like 3 seconds per day which is really great the last time I checked over a couple days span. I don't need to have the most accurate watch and I actually don't mind changing my time once in a while but it is still nice to have a very accurate watch.... I paid $188 plus tax for my Seiko 5 Sport from Macy's with a 10% rakuten rebate which is much cheaper than my SKX007 $220 and Samurai $260.
I had the same one, it’s in my daily driver for almost daily driver since I got it the only other watches that are in my daily rotations RB citizen AR Drive (actual name of the model it’s been discontinued for about five years) and Heimdallr Seaghost in black. The seaguast is a titanium dive watch based on the one from the James Bond film no Time to die. It only cost me about 250 bucks brand new highly recommended
I obviously like your high-end reviews (as the watches tend to be more interesting and out of reach) but it's refreshing to see a review of an entey-level Seiko. Keep up.
Yup. Seiko really screwed the pooch here. Actually, this all started a couple of years ago when they discontinued the SARB series and introduced the new Prospex line that meant you could no longer get a new Seiko with the 6R15 movement starting at around $300 (I paid $328 for my SARB033, new, 3 years ago). You now had to pay *at least* $700 to get anything with the superior 6R15, or you could settle for something in the $200-500 range with an inferior movement. They actually *downgraded* the movements in each price bracket, and this was at a time that I was expecting them to upgrade them (for the $800-1200 they were charging for their most expensive watches with the 6R15 you could have watches with well-regulated Swiss ETA and Sellita movements from the likes of Hamilton, Oris, Squale and others). Seiko's low and medium end mechanical watch offerings are just so poor right now it's a joke, I've no interest in anything from them that isn't Grand Seiko, and I wouldn't recommend any of their less expensive watches to someone looking for something in the $200-1000 range, either - there are just *so* many better companies in that price range right now.
I bought one...the new Seiko 5 sports brought a little of “drama” around this release. I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It’s a lovely beater and I got mine for 200.00 and it’s been great. My least expensive watch but a joy to wear.
No lume pip, no screw down crown, 100m water resistant, no improvement concerning bezel and chapter ring alignment, price increase. Congratulations Seiko
I'd wager that 99.9% of people who buy divers never actually go diving with them. Anything greater than 100m depth and screw down crown are pointless for most people.
@@ibrahimb6226 Do we buy dive watches to dive in? For most of us no. Do people buy 911's to drive it at 300km/h on open roads? No. Do we buy chronographs to time events? Probably not. The appeal is imo to own something that has the ability to do something even if it's not used that way. Even if i would never go diving, I don't want a watch that looks like a diver with a pointless rotating bezel and no more water resistance than the bottom of a pool the same way I don't want a chronograph with useless registers and fake pushers.
The truth is, ACTUAL DIVERS almost always wear Citizen Aqualand's. Seiko in the diving world is seen more as a fashion brand. Ive been an Instructor since 1994 and almost never see anyone wearing anything other than a Citizen other than perhaps tourists, try-divers, and snorkellers. A giveaway of a non diver, dive watch is a bracelet. A bracelet means that the watch can't fit over a suit (particularly a dry suit) and it cannot be attached to anything such as a BCD. A bracelet is also blinding when diving in shallow water during bright daylight. A bracelet will also corrode, even when rinsed, thanks to grit and salt entering deep into the links. Finally, almost no Seiko dive watch is ISO certified. Im not hating on the brand. Seiko have made some beautiful pieces.
Are you saying you've never seen a diver wear an SKX? I'd always thought these were pretty commonplace. The sort of watches, along with Citizens, that you would find available in dive shops. These new 5's are of course not the real deal.
I've seen a couple of divers rocking the Skx 007/009 here in Bali, Indonesia. Usually paired with long rubber straps and sometimes accompanying a dive computer as well.
PADI rescue diver here with 100+ logged dives and I concur with you. and i don't even understand why would anyone dive with a watch to begin with. it'll always catch onto something when you're taking off your BCD, and dive computer is already taking up significant space/drag on your wrist.
As a former diver, it's a mystery why anyone would wear a watch diving. Need to call into a meeting at 3pm or pull a turkey out of the oven? A dive computer is superior. Is it like owning a 4WD SUV--like, I could go off road if I wanted to.
It’s a good range of watches, a true value proposition. Not that it will silence the naysayers like Dingming Zou. I have an SKX007, which I love, it may have 200m water resistance, a screw down crown, lume pip and ISO certification, but it has no drilled lugs, hand winding or hacking. For a top manufacturer, knocking these out at these prices is admirable.
I gave thumbs up to many home-made video reviews of seiko 5 sports, but i think this deserves the best one. Good short review. There's an unboxing review from somebody else of a blue metal strapped seiko 5 sports which was also very useful.
The video is nicely shot, presented and it's nice to get a small overview of the product...but what's the "verdict" after having worn it for a week? I feel there is something missing. Having said that I own one of these and I'm very happy with it. I don't consider it as a SKX replacement though, it's purpose is completely different.
Was going to get a SKX used yesterday and after seeing the price of $300. to $450. range they’re going for used with no 200mm guaranteed, I decided to go for a new Seiko 5. It only costed me $169. for a new open box for the SRPD 55. So for about half what the wanted for a used , I’m getting a new SRPD and not worry about serving a used SKX to have it dive proof. Bc there’s no guarantee that the used SKX will be 200mm water proof unless it’s a new unused one.
For a beginner getting into watches, this line isn’t bad. The average Joe isn’t gonna need a true dive watch like the old SKX. A lineup of sporty time pieces with multiple options and an updated movement that hacks and hand winds is not the worst option in the world and heck, if having an all out diver is a deal breaker, Orient can scratch that itch at a similar price point.
Thanks for reviewing something real entry level. I’m just getting into watches and didn’t know where to start. Ordered one of these and I hope it’s a good first step.
Look, honestly who is going to be diving below 300ft? Probably next to no one who would buy this watch. That being said I did recently pick one of these up for a great price of $200. I got blue dial and bezel on a Milanese strap. I am super happy with it, extremely well built, stylish and also I am happy that this does not have a screw down crown. It makes manual winding time/date/day setting so much more convenient. To top it all off (yes I know accuracy specs are a mixed bag in this price range) my Seiko 5 runs at about +1 seconds a day... that is ridiculous.
Well if you look at how water resistance ratings actually work, a watch rated to 300 feet is likely to not hold up when diving. More for swimming or snorkeling but without a screw down crown it's likely going to at least get moisture in the movement if you dive with it.
Maybe this is just some teasing (fair game, if so) but that is a Leica Q in the video. It's the same camera I used to shoot the entire review, too. I use a Canon 580exII as that is the flash I owned from my previous 5D3 setup and I like the manual controls.
I hear so many people complaining about the new srpd Sekio 5 being only 100m and not iso certified. The new Seiko 5 srpd is not a replacement for the skx, it's a replacement for the snzf series (sea urchin). The old snzf 7S movement did not have hacking or manual wind, so the new 4R is an improvent. Also the snzf was rated for 100m and sold for around 180 dollars which is in line with what these new srpd Seiko 5's are selling for in department stores. So for all those complaining how about how the new srpd's are inferior to the old skx's, do some research. The turtle and the samurai are the true replacements for the skx.
people were really upset about the price of a Leica. A lot of them don't get why it is so expensive, and go as far as calling Hodinkee a sell out. People are calling photographer subpar as well. It's a lot of negativity. As a person who know aboout Leica history, they are just as innovative as many watches, but people don't see that.
I was so critical until I handled it...I bought one and a few months later I love it so much. Lots of wrist time. One of my least expensive watches but real fun.
Karan Harsh Wardhan I live in Australia and have never had an issue (have owned three). And they still make better watches than this pos. Hodinkee are being paid to sell them. It’s a seiko 5 that costs 2-4 times as much as they usually do.
For the life of me, I cant understand why Seiko would take their beloved SKX and put it in the seiko 5 category. Instead of keeping it in the prospects line and making the new upgrades available. They could have given it the upgraded bracelet and dial, a slightly domed sapphire crystal and a 6R15 movement and sold it for $600 to $700 and made a killing.
@@NathanChisholm041 Mechanical watch snobbery correlates strongly to Leica snobbery. Leicaphiles point to the exquisite machining on their cases, the excellent optics, and the heritage. Literally everyone else points to the high cost and functional/ergonomic idiosyncrasies that make Leicas less tools and more fetish objects....kind of like how most dudes with a Rolex Milgauss will never need or use the strong anti-magnetic design.
"Specificity is the soul of narrative" You say something so utterly pompous, yet not actually give a review! All you've done is read some specs and marketing materials. No mention of quality, value, utility, or any information that's actually useful for the buyer beyond what they can read on Seiko's website.
Antoine Zertyty - where did u see an orange one?...I lost mine, it had an orange dial, way back 30 yrs ago (with st. stl. bracelet, 2 tone coloured bezel) & it was stunning
Excellent video!! I just bought the orange dial SRPD59, am waiting for it to arrive, as I purchased for a Christmas gift for myself from some amazon gift cards I was given.
If you're referencing the shot of me in the video with a camera, maybe take a second look. That's my Leica Q, it's all I use for this sort of work and I shot the entire review (photos and stills in the video) with it. In the video I am using my Canon 580exii flash but it's mounted to my Leica. I know you all love to hate on the videos and the idea that I might actually use a Leica, but it's my actual camera for watches, cars, and other work.
@@jamestacey I feel like the only reason you're responding is to let people know you own something. We get it. You want to be seen with a luxury item. As for your first assumption, no. I'm referencing the Canon kits that are clearly in the video. Maybe you should watch it again. As for your second assumption, we don't hate the videos. In fact, no one knows you and no one cares anywhere near as much as you. It's evident from the need to make a video of yourself saying "I shoot Leica," and posting it on YT just to stroke some fragile ego. It screams pompous asshole while also being extremely insecure. I don't know how you accomplished that, but bravo.
@@roguegeek Ok. That's not my intention but I can certainly back off. My apologies for any offense or presumption, my only hope was to clarify based on the feedback.
I like some of the Seiko 5 models. I bought two for a good price. The all green version with the gold hands etc. is great and I like the Black version with the white scale in the Suits line up. The Seiko 5 is a sports watch. It is not a Diver although I would love to have a srewdown crown on the Seiko 5. If people want a diver then the Samurai or Turtle is great. It it a smart move by Seiko to discontinue the SKX imho. In a few years time the SKX will return and will be better and probably more expensive. Everybody will want one.
The lack of a screw down crown is a bad move. Seiko is clearly going for street wear vs heritage with this watch. The SKX was a phenomenal watch that just needed an upgraded movement
Never buy the latest from Seiko directly. Go to Macy's/Kohl's and buy them in person. 1. You WILL get a better price. 2. You will be able to check the watch and avoid misaligned bezels/chapter rings/etc
FYI Macys has these on their website and if you wait you can often find them at quite a bargain. You can often use their Friends and Family 25% off discount to get these down to $170-200 depending on the model.
the green seiko 5 model with glit indexes and hands (SRPD63) is missing here. i think it is the best looking version. although i am not considering to buy any of the new seiko 5 models, because i have already own a skx007, i think seiko made the right decision by introducing this line up. the most of criticisms directed towards this line up is just because of the disappointment of a "skx replacement" expectation. you have to understand that this is not a skx replacement but a new marketing strategy to introduce ordinary people with affordable mechanical watches.
Have actually bought the SRPD63 and I like it more than my SKX009 as I can wind it, has hacking seconds and no need to screw the crown... as a daily rocker, there are only improvements
I have two of the srpd watches. Very nice to be fair but I can’t let go of my skx 007. It’s my daily watch and it’s been everywhere with me it’s also 27years old this year and still all original except the strap
Seiko 5 means a recessed crown at 4 o'clock, what about all the other Seiko 5s including the one i'm wearing with a crown at 3o'clock? So that said what does Seiko 5 really mean
I still got my 007 as my daily driver and 013 bnob from 2019. Problem is 5kx blackout one is lookin really good. Should i mod my 007 or buy 5kx? and how does the price compare? *sorry for my bad english
I have the 5kx (Dark Blue). It’s my first watch and I love it. There are people that say that it’s bad because it doesn’t have 200m water resistance and doesn’t have a sapphire crystal. I would suggest you buy this because it looks good and you can get it at a discount. Plus most people who buy dive watches dont remotely go near depths of 100m. 5kx is good for everyday recreational activities and it’s hard to beat at this price point.
With the new "5KX" lineup, In my POV, Seiko is trying to appeal more to the "regular" people, moreover than having them completely replace the SKX as a certified dive watch. Seiko already has the said field covered already. The actual divers' watches might not appeal to the "regular" people, or these people might not even find themselves to these models (which can be the case with local jewellery shops with fashion watches mostly). The variety in colours and strap options can really help the not-watch-enthusiasts to learn that choosing a watch shouldn't be dependent on straps, or that there's more to mechanical watch world. "but, but, 100m water resistance, it's not a true diver!" - having such a vast variety already should give a message that they probably didn't even consider making it a "true" diver's lineup - instead, an relatively easy to operate sportd watch, that can withstand everyday activity and some, as the name already implies, sports activites. Cheers
Then they shouldn’t have made it look identical to the SKX while at the same time killing that line. It’s a marketing ploy moving an inferior product while trading off the reputation of the old watch.
Most of these reviews were done when they were more expensive. I picked up the blue one with nylon strap for under 200. Love it. Really good lume. The skx being 300 dollars, I can't justify paying $100 extra for 100 feet of water resistant I would never use. My only compliment is the lack of screw down crown. I'm putting it on a leather strap so not going to swim with it anyways.
I have a blue one also, I think made just before the full redesign, has the old "Seiko 5 sports' logo, but does have the 4r36 movement, which runs at +6/7 sec. per day for me and seems to have really good power reserve. I actually really like the non screw down crown because it's so much faster to hand wind, and set the time 👍👍
That is my thought. I will only ever just go to the beach for light swimming or the pool. So I should be good right? I think most people won’t admit it but they won’t use it as a “dive watch” either
been waiting for a proper Hodinkee review on this watch for a while now! I personally don't mind the lack of screw-down crown as I wont be using this for rigorous water sports, but I really do love the color palettes and design choices they made with this new lineup. If I find it on sale at Macy or Hudsons Bay up here in CAD, this is a sure purchase for me!
Thanks for occasionally posting something for us peasants. 👍🏼
LOL SAME!!
Hahaha yes
😂😂😂👍
What, no Patek Philippe ? Watches under 10 000 $? I unsuscribe from this channel immediately 😜
My grail! :)
Been involved with Seiko for many years now. The Correct info for what Seiko 5 Stands for is:
1. Diaflex (unbreakable mainspring),
2. Diashock (Seiko's shock resistant design, equivalent to the Swiss "Incabloc"),
3. Automatic winding,
4. day/date indication, and
5. Water resistant.
Just bought mine today, it's my first automatic watch. I'm very happy with it. Will shelf my Apple Watch unless I'm at the gym or on a run.
…Why are so many people here acting like they actually dive?
😄
Haha good one
In the pool sure.
Most people who own iso Dive rated watches never even go near a swimming pool .
Calls the video 'A Week on the Wrist'. But talks nothing about the one week experience with the watch. Just talks about the features of the watches, and the SKX. Come on James. Did you really wear it for a week, or just regurgitate Seiko's press release? We expect much better from Hodinkee, really.
The detractors in this comment section are out of control with their criticism. The SKX became the ultimate beginner's watch because it was high-quality, stylish, and functional. The 5KX is all of those things. NOBODY uses a watch for professional diving anymore. This watch provides 100m of water resistance and can survive a day at the pool just fine. It looks great, feels sturdy and is still the perfect "first automatic" for someone getting into the hobby. It's remarkable how out of touch some watch collectors have become.
I recently received this watch for my 13th Birthday. It’s a great entry level Automatic Watch. I really recommend it! I especially love the open case back.
Just bought one of these for my first automatic watch. Mind blowing for the price. Got some compliments. Love this watch.
That's awesome, which one model did you go for? They're fantastic timepieces for the price.
You certainly made the right choice. You can't go wrong with Seiko
i just bought the srpe74k1 and i love it
A plot twist: You can get these for $120-180 at Macy’s/Kohl’s in the US. I think it’s a great deal for that price point. I own an SKX, but I wear the new Seiko5 more often.
Why are there so much cheaper at these stores?
Ai Ai They usually give a hefty discount for budget watches, such as Citizen, Timex, and Casio (of course, Seiko 5.) If you are savvy enough to find their coupons and deals, you can score them at a good price.
@@NBaeK01 Never buy the latest from Seiko directly. Go to Macy's and get them from there.
I’ve got one. (Along with many other seikos) and I love it. Ignore the fanboys who think they need a 200m dive watch when they work in a office and occasionally go to the beach.
It’s a well rounded watch with decent proportions and decent build quality.
I agree to a point. The fanboys may say the SKX was a better spec'd watch for less money. They look cool however and should prove popular.
Dean Speerbrecher SKX was great. But the movement was desperate for a update.
The newer movement in this is better, hacking and hand wind etc.
Get a turtle and get all of the good stuff
bingoberra18 I’ve got a turtle, prefer the size of the 5 / skx
@@deanspeer1 Not sure it takes a fanboy. Anybody who can read the specs could demonstrate that fact.
Hodinkee, times have changed and these condensed 5 mins videos are no longer desirable. The audience craves more substance. Don't shy away from doing 15+ minute videos. Currently, your videos feel like glorified ad spots. To be fair, a lot of them ARE ads anyway.
@Dan L. LMAO
Momo i guess you want people to produce content for you for free. Send them a check every month and they want need ads
HUH? I don't want free content? I just want more substantive content? Also did you know longer videos can be ad supported?
The skx007 was my gateway drug into watch’s and horology for sure. I purchased one for myself without realising what it was or knowing anything about watches. It sparked a true passion for watches in me and even now despite its flaws I adore it and find all seiko divers very sentimental
I bought one a year ago from Kohl's and it quit working within a week. Took it back for a full refund no problem. Last night I just saw another one at a different Kohl's and pulled the trigger. SRPD95. Wish me luck, it is such a beautiful watch!
Sorry that happened, I got one a little while back, maybe about 2 months ago and I'm loving mine, hope your new one is better!!
@@alecwesterholm9122 on my wrist as we speak. Has not missed a Beat!👍
@@woodentulike2no great mate👊
All Swiss companies are in business due to the Seiko 5's
It's with them the watch bug is caught and gets us addicted to watches for life
Jaspreet singh..started with a SKX..then Sumo..then Tudor BB..Now a speedy! So I concur!
For now. Seiko's move upmarket, and their apparent embarrassment at their legacy of widely-available affordables, is going to kill that off I think.
It's so nice seeing any watch in a more realistic way than stock photos.
Great video
James, the topest notch Hodinkee dude
I honestly just came out of a watch store trying on these Seiko 5s. Thanks . Looks stunning.
I have SKX007, Seiko 5 Sport (blue face with metal bracelet) and the Samurai (black waffle face). If you aren't actually using the watch for diving (lets be real.... probably 98% of SKX users), get the Seiko 5 Sport as it is better. The big pros of the SXK007 is the jubilee bracelet (unique, retro and very comfortable) and the 200m diver certified. I swapped the jubilee bracelet on to the Seiko 5 Sport and it looks awesome with the center polished links matching real nicely with the shiny sunburst blue and metal applied hour indices. I had to "fatten up" the spring bar with tape though in order to perfectly fit the jubilee bracelet correctly though. I am a big fan of the jubilee. The Seiko 5 Sport advantages are better looking face, applied indices, better text, better bezel with the blue sunburst, hack and winding, exhibition case back and definitely more accurate movement.... I have recorded the timing over the past 2 days from time.gov and it has been perfectly timed. Only 2 days but still. I am going to keep checking as well. I have never had accuracy like that happened with any of my other automatic watches. My SKX007 was +10 to +15 consistently per day so I would actually time my watch about 2 minutes behind actual time to "counter" the difference and won't need to change the time as often. My Samurai was getting like 3 seconds per day which is really great the last time I checked over a couple days span. I don't need to have the most accurate watch and I actually don't mind changing my time once in a while but it is still nice to have a very accurate watch.... I paid $188 plus tax for my Seiko 5 Sport from Macy's with a 10% rakuten rebate which is much cheaper than my SKX007 $220 and Samurai $260.
I just bought the all blue today, love it.
I had the same one, it’s in my daily driver for almost daily driver since I got it the only other watches that are in my daily rotations RB citizen AR Drive (actual name of the model it’s been discontinued for about five years) and Heimdallr Seaghost in black. The seaguast is a titanium dive watch based on the one from the James Bond film no Time to die. It only cost me about 250 bucks brand new highly recommended
I obviously like your high-end reviews (as the watches tend to be more interesting and out of reach) but it's refreshing to see a review of an entey-level Seiko. Keep up.
I’m obsessed with this! Just got my first ever seiko 5 and I’m loving it! ❤️😍
Lack of screw down crown and a reduced water resistance make Orient the new entry-level dive king.
Yup. Seiko really screwed the pooch here. Actually, this all started a couple of years ago when they discontinued the SARB series and introduced the new Prospex line that meant you could no longer get a new Seiko with the 6R15 movement starting at around $300 (I paid $328 for my SARB033, new, 3 years ago). You now had to pay *at least* $700 to get anything with the superior 6R15, or you could settle for something in the $200-500 range with an inferior movement. They actually *downgraded* the movements in each price bracket, and this was at a time that I was expecting them to upgrade them (for the $800-1200 they were charging for their most expensive watches with the 6R15 you could have watches with well-regulated Swiss ETA and Sellita movements from the likes of Hamilton, Oris, Squale and others).
Seiko's low and medium end mechanical watch offerings are just so poor right now it's a joke, I've no interest in anything from them that isn't Grand Seiko, and I wouldn't recommend any of their less expensive watches to someone looking for something in the $200-1000 range, either - there are just *so* many better companies in that price range right now.
I bought one...the new Seiko 5 sports brought a little of “drama” around this release. I’ve been pleasantly surprised. It’s a lovely beater and I got mine for 200.00 and it’s been great. My least expensive watch but a joy to wear.
I have one too, great watch for the money
How hard would it have been to just maintain the dive rating? Was it that much more expensive?
No lume pip, no screw down crown, 100m water resistant, no improvement concerning bezel and chapter ring alignment, price increase. Congratulations Seiko
Agreed. Very disappointing.
I'd wager that 99.9% of people who buy divers never actually go diving with them. Anything greater than 100m depth and screw down crown are pointless for most people.
@@ibrahimb6226 Do we buy dive watches to dive in? For most of us no. Do people buy 911's to drive it at 300km/h on open roads? No. Do we buy chronographs to time events? Probably not. The appeal is imo to own something that has the ability to do something even if it's not used that way. Even if i would never go diving, I don't want a watch that looks like a diver with a pointless rotating bezel and no more water resistance than the bottom of a pool the same way I don't want a chronograph with useless registers and fake pushers.
@@ibrahimb6226 yeh your right they will attract the nobodies and posers. Bad decision from seiko.
The truth is, ACTUAL DIVERS almost always wear Citizen Aqualand's. Seiko in the diving world is seen more as a fashion brand.
Ive been an Instructor since 1994 and almost never see anyone wearing anything other than a Citizen other than perhaps tourists, try-divers, and snorkellers.
A giveaway of a non diver, dive watch is a bracelet. A bracelet means that the watch can't fit over a suit (particularly a dry suit) and it cannot be attached to anything such as a BCD. A bracelet is also blinding when diving in shallow water during bright daylight. A bracelet will also corrode, even when rinsed, thanks to grit and salt entering deep into the links.
Finally, almost no Seiko dive watch is ISO certified. Im not hating on the brand. Seiko have made some beautiful pieces.
Are you saying you've never seen a diver wear an SKX? I'd always thought these were pretty commonplace. The sort of watches, along with Citizens, that you would find available in dive shops.
These new 5's are of course not the real deal.
I've seen a couple of divers rocking the Skx 007/009 here in Bali, Indonesia. Usually paired with long rubber straps and sometimes accompanying a dive computer as well.
PADI rescue diver here with 100+ logged dives and I concur with you. and i don't even understand why would anyone dive with a watch to begin with. it'll always catch onto something when you're taking off your BCD, and dive computer is already taking up significant space/drag on your wrist.
I’m a diver, I dive with my SKX whenever I hit the water. Maybe its a location thing with you guys?
As a former diver, it's a mystery why anyone would wear a watch diving. Need to call into a meeting at 3pm or pull a turkey out of the oven? A dive computer is superior. Is it like owning a 4WD SUV--like, I could go off road if I wanted to.
It’s a good range of watches, a true value proposition. Not that it will silence the naysayers like Dingming Zou. I have an SKX007, which I love, it may have 200m water resistance, a screw down crown, lume pip and ISO certification, but it has no drilled lugs, hand winding or hacking. For a top manufacturer, knocking these out at these prices is admirable.
I gave thumbs up to many home-made video reviews of seiko 5 sports, but i think this deserves the best one. Good short review. There's an unboxing review from somebody else of a blue metal strapped seiko 5 sports which was also very useful.
The video is nicely shot, presented and it's nice to get a small overview of the product...but what's the "verdict" after having worn it for a week? I feel there is something missing. Having said that I own one of these and I'm very happy with it. I don't consider it as a SKX replacement though, it's purpose is completely different.
I wrote 3800 words on the site, too. The video is meant to be a summary alongside the text. My apologies if the format isn't to your liking
@@jamestacey Don't get me wrong. I like the video! As i said I just felt there was a verdict missing, but that's only my opinion.
@@fastbikesandtoomuchcoffee6871 What kind of verdict do you need if you own one anyway? Can't you come up with your own verdict? lmao
any clue as to when/if they'll reproduce the 38mm skx013?
If not, I think these will rise in value soon
I quickly nabbed one
@@lukewilliams4423 me too!
Bought my SKX007 a couple of years ago. Couldn't be happier!
Was going to get a SKX used yesterday and after seeing the price of $300. to $450. range they’re going for used with no 200mm guaranteed, I decided to go for a new Seiko 5. It only costed me $169. for a new open box for the SRPD 55. So for about half what the wanted for a used , I’m getting a new SRPD and not worry about serving a used SKX to have it dive proof. Bc there’s no guarantee that the used SKX will be 200mm water proof unless it’s a new unused one.
The SKX was great, just needed a new movement....
Just bought one with pepsi colours and it looks fantastic! And its running -3 per day which is amazing for this watch.
Over a year still love my 5KX. Great looks and does the job.
Dammit Hodinkee, you did it again. You sold me another watch
For a beginner getting into watches, this line isn’t bad. The average Joe isn’t gonna need a true dive watch like the old SKX. A lineup of sporty time pieces with multiple options and an updated movement that hacks and hand winds is not the worst option in the world and heck, if having an all out diver is a deal breaker, Orient can scratch that itch at a similar price point.
Oriënt says, move over, i am on my way
I own the SKX013 and I love it! Glad I picked it up before they replaced that line for this 5s. I like the new models but I still prefer the OG skxs
Glad I got a skx007j a few years back
That Watch in the thumbnail with the Blue dial is just stunning! :)
Greetings from Germany 😌👌🏼
Not having Screw Down Crowns is really disappointing..
Thanks for reviewing something real entry level. I’m just getting into watches and didn’t know where to start. Ordered one of these and I hope it’s a good first step.
Great video guys love to see more affordable watches on here
Look, honestly who is going to be diving below 300ft? Probably next to no one who would buy this watch. That being said I did recently pick one of these up for a great price of $200. I got blue dial and bezel on a Milanese strap. I am super happy with it, extremely well built, stylish and also I am happy that this does not have a screw down crown. It makes manual winding time/date/day setting so much more convenient. To top it all off (yes I know accuracy specs are a mixed bag in this price range) my Seiko 5 runs at about +1 seconds a day... that is ridiculous.
Well if you look at how water resistance ratings actually work, a watch rated to 300 feet is likely to not hold up when diving. More for swimming or snorkeling but without a screw down crown it's likely going to at least get moisture in the movement if you dive with it.
www.watchcentral.com/understanding-the-water-resistance-of-watches/ pretty good explanation
I thought you shot Leica?
Maybe this is just some teasing (fair game, if so) but that is a Leica Q in the video. It's the same camera I used to shoot the entire review, too. I use a Canon 580exII as that is the flash I owned from my previous 5D3 setup and I like the manual controls.
Hey man do you have a video breakdown on your seiko skx mod?
I hear so many people complaining about the new srpd Sekio 5 being only 100m and not iso certified. The new Seiko 5 srpd is not a replacement for the skx, it's a replacement for the snzf series (sea urchin). The old snzf 7S movement did not have hacking or manual wind, so the new 4R is an improvent. Also the snzf was rated for 100m and sold for around 180 dollars which is in line with what these new srpd Seiko 5's are selling for in department stores. So for all those complaining how about how the new srpd's are inferior to the old skx's, do some research. The turtle and the samurai are the true replacements for the skx.
johnshu1988x plenty can be found even cheaper than that on eBay. I’ve found some brand new for $150
May I ask why HODINKEE turned the comment section off in the last Leica video?
they disable it every one of em
people were really upset about the price of a Leica. A lot of them don't get why it is so expensive, and go as far as calling Hodinkee a sell out. People are calling photographer subpar as well. It's a lot of negativity. As a person who know aboout Leica history, they are just as innovative as many watches, but people don't see that.
@@khaiphong1 yup, but i dunno what makes the conventional 35mm did so special, i argue it have anything to do with the glasses
Specificity is the soul of narrative. Amazing quote
Can you provide details on the bezel mod and NATO brand on your modded SKX? It’s a very tasteful combo.
Yes to this 👆
I was so critical until I handled it...I bought one and a few months later I love it so much. Lots of wrist time. One of my least expensive watches but real fun.
ITT: Folks who don't dive complaining about dive-specific features
yup, people crying about features that they'd never take advantage of anyway
no you don't understand when my 1500 usd dive computer fails, I will feel feel happy knowing I have a 200usd dive watch!
@@HarshNerf Then buy the right tool for that job. Most here will never be in that situation and 100m WR is more than enough
They'd better keep an eye on the Orient Kamasu, way better watch in the same price tier imo.
Hey Hondinkee, you've placed this video in the "Talking Watches" playlist.
Seiko SRPD - удивительная находка! Seiko - на высоте!
The orient is a wonderful alternative. They have some models in 2019 that are making history...and not for its price point. #Kamasu
Daniel Barea exactly. I have the Triton and it’s leaps and bounds ahead of this thing.
I have the Mako USA 2 and it's the best $199 I've ever spent. Sapphire glass, solid end links, 120 clicks bezel, in-house movement, anything else?
can't buy orients good watches anywhere. trash inventory outside the US
Karan Harsh Wardhan I live in Australia and have never had an issue (have owned three). And they still make better watches than this pos. Hodinkee are being paid to sell them. It’s a seiko 5 that costs 2-4 times as much as they usually do.
For the life of me, I cant understand why Seiko would take their beloved SKX and put it in the seiko 5 category. Instead of keeping it in the prospects line and making the new upgrades available. They could have given it the upgraded bracelet and dial, a slightly domed sapphire crystal and a 6R15 movement and sold it for $600 to $700 and made a killing.
Oh no, he wasn't taking photos of the watch with a LEICA. Benny Clymer wont be happy
What's the deal with the comments referring to Canon v Leica?
@@NathanChisholm041 Mechanical watch snobbery correlates strongly to Leica snobbery. Leicaphiles point to the exquisite machining on their cases, the excellent optics, and the heritage. Literally everyone else points to the high cost and functional/ergonomic idiosyncrasies that make Leicas less tools and more fetish objects....kind of like how most dudes with a Rolex Milgauss will never need or use the strong anti-magnetic design.
Where is the #myleica ?
What’s the model number for the watch at 2:50 ? Specifically looking for the model with that cool strap! Can’t find it in the 5 sports lineup
SRPD55K3
@@jaidevtyagi1033 No mate, it is SRPD73K2 www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/5sports/srpd73k2
Brilliant video. I just ordered my new Seiko 5.
"Specificity is the soul of narrative"
You say something so utterly pompous, yet not actually give a review! All you've done is read some specs and marketing materials. No mention of quality, value, utility, or any information that's actually useful for the buyer beyond what they can read on Seiko's website.
The orange one is CRAZY, definatelty gonna buy one
Antoine Zertyty - where did u see an orange one?...I lost mine, it had an orange dial, way back 30 yrs ago (with st. stl. bracelet, 2 tone coloured bezel) & it was stunning
jmcassonetto seiko boutique
Antoine Zertyty - is there a link?...thx
Just ordered this bad boy. The Seiko watches I have are epic for me.
That was it?
just put on my 30 year old 7009 3040 after watching this.....hasn't been worn in over a year, fires right up after a few shakes.....
I'm disappointed that they've decided to not meet ISO standards like the SKX007 does.
Excellent video!! I just bought the orange dial SRPD59, am waiting for it to arrive, as I purchased for a Christmas gift for myself from some amazon gift cards I was given.
glad I picked up the SKX before prices shot up.
Warning: This video is not a commercial.
This video cleared up a few details for me. Thanks, James.
Partnered with Leica. Shot with Canon. Even Hodinkee knows to use the right tool for the job when it comes down to it.
If you're referencing the shot of me in the video with a camera, maybe take a second look. That's my Leica Q, it's all I use for this sort of work and I shot the entire review (photos and stills in the video) with it. In the video I am using my Canon 580exii flash but it's mounted to my Leica. I know you all love to hate on the videos and the idea that I might actually use a Leica, but it's my actual camera for watches, cars, and other work.
@@jamestacey I feel like the only reason you're responding is to let people know you own something. We get it. You want to be seen with a luxury item. As for your first assumption, no. I'm referencing the Canon kits that are clearly in the video. Maybe you should watch it again. As for your second assumption, we don't hate the videos. In fact, no one knows you and no one cares anywhere near as much as you. It's evident from the need to make a video of yourself saying "I shoot Leica," and posting it on YT just to stroke some fragile ego. It screams pompous asshole while also being extremely insecure. I don't know how you accomplished that, but bravo.
@@roguegeek Ok. That's not my intention but I can certainly back off. My apologies for any offense or presumption, my only hope was to clarify based on the feedback.
I like some of the Seiko 5 models. I bought two for a good price. The all green version with the gold hands etc. is great and I like the Black version with the white scale in the Suits line up. The Seiko 5 is a sports watch. It is not a Diver although I would love to have a srewdown crown on the Seiko 5. If people want a diver then the Samurai or Turtle is great. It it a smart move by Seiko to discontinue the SKX imho. In a few years time the SKX will return and will be better and probably more expensive. Everybody will want one.
Seiko turtle mini PADI is a good option
^ This
any alternatives (on cheaper side) for skx013? 38-40mm
Orient ray/mako series
I got the SKX007 and the Samurai with the black waffle face. I will be adding the new Seiko 5 to my collection. I am digging the blue or green face.
Seiko has just taken the Skx and turned it into a shitter.
I got it and I love it. I feel inspired every time I take a glance at the time! :D
not the fanciest watch by any stretch but it is still a really nice watch, it is my first Mech. Movt and I love it very much
The lack of a screw down crown is a bad move. Seiko is clearly going for street wear vs heritage with this watch. The SKX was a phenomenal watch that just needed an upgraded movement
Never buy the latest from Seiko directly.
Go to Macy's/Kohl's and buy them in person. 1. You WILL get a better price. 2. You will be able to check the watch and avoid misaligned bezels/chapter rings/etc
It's sad that they don't make the skx013 version of the SRPD series, I love the these watches but 42mm is just too big for my 6" wrist
You sure? I have a 6.25 inch wrist and it’s not too big at all. The lug to lug is actually very very compact. It wears more like a 40mm.
That SKX was stunning .
Hi, just got this watch. When i put the watch on, the nato strap it came with, how do i hide the long bit that cones out from the back?
FYI Macys has these on their website and if you wait you can often find them at quite a bargain. You can often use their Friends and Family 25% off discount to get these down to $170-200 depending on the model.
$165 for mine during BF sale.
crumbsnatcher74 got the same deal!!!!
the green seiko 5 model with glit indexes and hands (SRPD63) is missing here. i think it is the best looking version. although i am not considering to buy any of the new seiko 5 models, because i have already own a skx007, i think seiko made the right decision by introducing this line up. the most of criticisms directed towards this line up is just because of the disappointment of a "skx replacement" expectation. you have to understand that this is not a skx replacement but a new marketing strategy to introduce ordinary people with affordable mechanical watches.
Have actually bought the SRPD63 and I like it more than my SKX009 as I can wind it, has hacking seconds and no need to screw the crown... as a daily rocker, there are only improvements
Well said.I still don't get why people consider this as the successor of the SKX. This watch stays true to the values of the older Seiko 5 models.
How do you manually wind it?
Just wind the crown
I have two of the srpd watches. Very nice to be fair but I can’t let go of my skx 007. It’s my daily watch and it’s been everywhere with me it’s also 27years old this year and still all original except the strap
Seiko 5 means a recessed crown at 4 o'clock, what about all the other Seiko 5s including the one i'm wearing with a crown at 3o'clock? So that said what does Seiko 5 really mean
I love your skx bezel insert lol
same that shii look good
what is the brand of the bezel on the skx007?
I still got my 007 as my daily driver and 013 bnob from 2019. Problem is 5kx blackout one is lookin really good. Should i mod my 007 or buy 5kx? and how does the price compare?
*sorry for my bad english
I have the 5kx (Dark Blue). It’s my first watch and I love it. There are people that say that it’s bad because it doesn’t have 200m water resistance and doesn’t have a sapphire crystal.
I would suggest you buy this because it looks good and you can get it at a discount. Plus most people who buy dive watches dont remotely go near depths of 100m. 5kx is good for everyday recreational activities and it’s hard to beat at this price point.
Where can I find the steel SKX bezel insert?
Grain of salt is: HODINKEE sells these at full msrp
With the new "5KX" lineup, In my POV, Seiko is trying to appeal more to the "regular" people, moreover than having them completely replace the SKX as a certified dive watch. Seiko already has the said field covered already. The actual divers' watches might not appeal to the "regular" people, or these people might not even find themselves to these models (which can be the case with local jewellery shops with fashion watches mostly). The variety in colours and strap options can really help the not-watch-enthusiasts to learn that choosing a watch shouldn't be dependent on straps, or that there's more to mechanical watch world. "but, but, 100m water resistance, it's not a true diver!" - having such a vast variety already should give a message that they probably didn't even consider making it a "true" diver's lineup - instead, an relatively easy to operate sportd watch, that can withstand everyday activity and some, as the name already implies, sports activites. Cheers
Then they shouldn’t have made it look identical to the SKX while at the same time killing that line. It’s a marketing ploy moving an inferior product while trading off the reputation of the old watch.
Most of these reviews were done when they were more expensive. I picked up the blue one with nylon strap for under 200. Love it. Really good lume. The skx being 300 dollars, I can't justify paying $100 extra for 100 feet of water resistant I would never use. My only compliment is the lack of screw down crown. I'm putting it on a leather strap so not going to swim with it anyways.
I have a blue one also, I think made just before the full redesign, has the old "Seiko 5 sports' logo, but does have the 4r36 movement, which runs at +6/7 sec. per day for me and seems to have really good power reserve. I actually really like the non screw down crown because it's so much faster to hand wind, and set the time 👍👍
That is my thought. I will only ever just go to the beach for light swimming or the pool. So I should be good right? I think most people won’t admit it but they won’t use it as a “dive watch” either
This is coming from a huge Seiko fan - BOOOOOOOO!!! Seiko screwed this up like the alignment on their dials.
I own the SRPE75 (Champagne) dial. Frickin awesome
been waiting for a proper Hodinkee review on this watch for a while now! I personally don't mind the lack of screw-down crown as I wont be using this for rigorous water sports, but I really do love the color palettes and design choices they made with this new lineup. If I find it on sale at Macy or Hudsons Bay up here in CAD, this is a sure purchase for me!