When you gonna do citizen? I owned 1 once and I suspect one of my sons not so wholesome friends named Sam lifted it cause that's the last time I saw him or my watch . Things that make you go hmmm.
I had a $200 gift card in 2014 and bought a Seiko orange Monster v2 for $150 and a Seiko snk809 for $50. Worst purchase I ever made because I’ve been invested in the hobby since then.
I bought the SNK809 on the cloth strap and immediately changed it to a black Milanese band. That was better but still I thought I could do even better. I bought 18mm female hollow end links and put a 20mm (Yes 20mm) solid link oyster style bracelet with a deployant clasp with fold over on it. It works perfectly and makes the watch look a little more substantial with the tapered bracelet. I wear this watch far more than any other watch in my collection. Hand winding would make this close to perfect, I bought the Seiko SRPG27 thinking that it would be better. The end links and bracelet links are fine but the deployant clasp only had two adjustment holes and was disappointing. I purchased a milled deployant clasp with more adjustment holes and it is much better. I still wear the SNK809 much more because I like the dial better and it is the perfect size, weight, and is more comfortable.
The SNK809 was my first Seiko automatic watch. Served me faithfully for several years before I gave it to my daughter, and it is now it is serving her faithfully as well. I got the one with the nylon strap and didn't bother with the bracelet, Seiko bracelets in general are not great, you have to go pretty high up in their catalog before you get a watch with a decent one. Which is why companies like StrapCode exist.
i have a Seiko SNK809 with leather watch strap, I've been wearing it for 10 years and it still works, every day it runs about 3 minutes fast, so I never miss an appointment.
My father in law wore this for 6 years before gifting it to me. Its a fantastic piece with a ton of scars. Very comfy and wearable. The crown doesnt dig in at all. Perfect for working out. The 7s26 is a great workhorse and the lack of hacking/handwinding reduces the stress on the movement
The Seiko is definitely a gateway drug. I paid $165 for the 100 meter rated SNZG15J1 for my college bound son, assuming kids won't be careful with it. He now has a mesh style aftermarket bracelet. I told him if he loves it, I would eventually get him a swiss made field watch with hacking and a screw down crown. Please keep up your fine wine on both of your channels.
I remember buying Seiko 5s almost daily at the Latin shops around town that sold phones, calling cards, luggages, medicines, and what not. They would sell them together with Citizen and Orient automatics, and you would always see some of these watches being sold with Jesus and Virgin Mary images on the dials 🤣 You could buy any Seiko 5, Citizen 21 jewel automatics with the little red eagle symbol on the dial, and the Orients with the funky dials for $40, up to $60 and $80. I always favored the Citizen because they were more robust, more of an oyster case look, and looked better with the solid case-backs, than the cheesy Seiko see thru case-backs that just looked too damn cheesy and cheap, with a plain non decorated movement as a display. The vintage Seiko 5s from the late 60s to 70s hands down were much better constructed, and looked much better than the later models. I still have a lot of those vintage 5s. I have basically sold off all of my Seiko divers, and now just stick to the Steeldive version of these watches. They are in my opinion far superior than the Seikos with sapphire crystals, ceramic bezel inserts, and come with Seiko NH35 movements, and the bands are sometimes better made than the Seikos. The Steeldive Tunas and Captain Willards are awesome, along with their monobloc versions. Just awesome, at a much much better price. You should look into these brands like Addiesdive, Steeldive, San Martin, Seestern, and many more.
Wow, this just popped up in my feed. I didn't realize that this was a second channel of yours at first. Subbed. Been a watch fan and collector for years. Looking forward to your take on this hobby as well.
This Seiko model helped propel me deeper down the watch collecting rabbit hole. It was too small for my taste and yet I loved it so much it made me start looking for a similar watch in a bigger size. My version came on a canvas and leather strap. Which sounds like a good thing based on that bracelet review.
We had two of this Seiko 5 in our family and sadly both of them stopped working after 2 years. I really think Seiko is a great watch brand with amazing value for the money - but I can't recommend Seiko 5. If on a budget like this, better go for Orient.
Long island watches now do a bead blasted, matching bracelet for this watch, and (having bought it) i can recommend it. Really lifts the watch. Haven't taken it off in weeks.
Folded link clasps are my nemesis. Done all sorts of bracelet adjustments but some links with those slide out like butter, some refuse to budge!! I only own one 7S26 movement watch (the Seiko SNK371K "Speed Racer" in Blue) but accuracy does drift a bit over the days. Could do with an adjustment.
Hey, watches are cool (of course), but one item you might want to review and compare would be auto-winders...how well they work, how noisy are they, how reliable are they, etc. A coworker of mine has about three of them. One does more than one watch at a time. Just an idea to expand your channel. Good luck.
So happy you started this channel. I follow your other channel too. I asked you once on your other channel, about a year ago, what watch you were wearing. You replied and said either a Tag or a Tissot and that you had several. I have this SNK809 too. In fact, I have a great cheap watch collection too. Are you planning to include microbrands too?
My fav is the "Black" Rado Captain Cook ...just can't hang with the $3200 fine. Seen it or it's brethren from $1300 to $3600. So Dude, find me a great reasonable replacement and Will Love Synth Audio for Ever.
Huh… I have a Seiko SNK809, and a 1972 Air King that I inherited. I love both of them… but I haven't worn either of them at all since last Fall, when I got an Apple Watch. (The AW is just addictive - please don't hate me.)😐
@@cheapwatchman_official Exactly, awesome for exercise. Plus massive weather info, timers, etc. And one swipe to the left of my display face is my audio face: DB meter, Soundhound (or Shazam), recorder, and controls for music and audiobooks on my phone. And on and on. Maybe my favorite gadget ever, and that's saying something.
"This not $150 watch" the air king isn't the most expensive rolex...but it's still a rolex. If the inner workings and repair of mechanical watches interests you at all check out wristwatch revival. Also I really dig your audio channel and was pretty stoked to see you had a watch channel as well.
I’d 💯 recommend the bracelet. Why? Because those end links are impossible to find aftermarket. You can change the band itself and use those end links if you do your research. But you NEED those end links.
The size of the Air King is in line with its origins, i.e. a pilot's watch issued by Rolex for the British military during the second world war, when 34mm was considered big size. The perception of what is too small and too big is in part influenced by the culture we find ourselves in. When wristwatches made their debut, they were considered a woman's accessory and no man would wear them; instead, they used pocket watches. The perception shifted during war time, when men realized the advantages of being able to cast a quick glance on the wrist to tell time. In short, you should wear this sucker more often. It's a stellar watch with a rich history, as well as being a family heirloom.
The Citizen EcoDrive Field watch BM8180-03E is about as close as you will get to that WR 3 bar Seiko (Amazon used $125 Citizen). Sim. size, day/date, easy to read, solar powered, nice size crown, 10 bar. GBR!
First time seeing your videos and really enjoy your review style. I have the blue dial version of these on a aftermarket nato, its a really great bang for the buck watch. The stock strap is terrible though. But still a great watch to get started.
$115? Damned inflation, I got mine for $69; picked up the other three colors for the same price (I think the cream was $89). To be fair, I got them all on the canvas straps.
Like the new channel, enjoying the reviews. I'm a little particular about the watches I buy, mainly due to budget constraints. I lean towards these brands as far as what I like for design: Citizen, Sturhling, and Skagen. Though Skagen has been bought out by Fossil and getting anything as far as replacement bands for older models is near impossible. Once the stock ran out, you were out of luck. Skagen's leather bands are nice at first, but they are a two piece design glued/pressed together and after a year-ish separate and need to be replaced. Issue is they are a screw on connection and it's very hard to find that style of band. ( the band slides into the case ends and two screws on each side hold it in place)
@@cheapwatchman_official Not really very simple actually. Pull out the two tiny screws and the band slides out left or right. There are some aftermarket bands, but none in the original color/design. Had to order a plain black one, not the perforated blue it comes with.
Check out the orient pilot (RA-AC0H03B10A)! Has a similar looking dial, screw down crown and a little larger of a watch case. That was my first field type watch and probably my most worn watch atm!
Great video Randy! That Seiko is a tremendous value. I love the military/aviator dial. The small crown wouldn’t bother me because I wouldn’t use it very often if I wore the watch every day. Your Rolex is a beauty. It too is a workhorse that you shouldn’t be afraid to wear daily It can “take a licking and keep on ticking. “ Someone should trademark that. 😀
Dan... you should be doing marketing for these companies. I'd be sick if something ever happened to my Rolex. It's more banged up than I'd like it to be.
I got snk809 that comes with the nylon strap instead of the bracelet. It was a few bucks less. The crown sucks and I have to set it everytime I wear it as I only wear it once every couple of weeks, which also makes me long for hand winding as well.
Niiice video Randy... Might wanna check out the Seiko SNZG13J1, 15J1, 17J1 models... 😁 Costs a bit more but better in sizes n more workable crowns too. 😉 You can thank me later. 😁
Ok, I'm browsing over here after watching the audio channel since the beginning. Seiko. My dad brought a couple back from Japan when using the navy in the 70s. So I have a soft spot for them but I've also always been intrigued by Victorinox. Something about them seems just right especially in the budget area. Thoughts?
Randy to bad I already have a draw full of Seiko watches because that linked Seiko with the black band looks sharp and affordable. Thanks for the review
@@cheapwatchman_official Thanks for your none response CAM but for me it is. Without your sarcasm (and maybe a little bit of mine too), it is a ligit question. I have an Invecta and it doesn't last a 8hr sleep. I need to adjust time always and it's a bugger. If it doesn't keep time correctly although it's beautiful, it's like (in the audio world) a very beautiful amp that sounds bad.
sorry, Richard. I was a bit sarcastic. Not that it matters, but I get 100's of comments a day and sometimes I really don't enjoy even looking at them because there is always going to be something negative. It puts me automatically on the defense and sometimes my skin gets a little thin. I haven't spent a ton of time with this Seiko off the wrist. I also have an invicta that would stop overnight. granted it's about 17 years old. I should have mentioned the power reserve. I"m still developing my "style" for this channel and will continue to learn and get better. Thank you for watching.
Great video, Randy. Your Air King is probably worth quite a bit; they've increased in value quite a bit in recent years. The black-faced Air King is pretty sharp..................just saying!
Hello, little man. Boy, I sure heard a bunch about you. See, I was a good friend of your dad's. We were in that Hanoi pit of hell together for over five years...
I'll take the Air King, thanks. The old Seiko 7s movements, especially in this model are simply not worth it, IMHO. Better to get a good Quartz movement watch which there are many in this size, style and price point.
Seiko SNK809 amzn.to/3KpO5Yb
RUclips.com/cheapaudioman
Great take Randy. This channel keeps getting better
When you gonna do citizen? I owned 1 once and I suspect one of my sons not so wholesome friends named Sam lifted it cause that's the last time I saw him or my watch . Things that make you go hmmm.
I had a $200 gift card in 2014 and bought a Seiko orange Monster v2 for $150 and a Seiko snk809 for $50. Worst purchase I ever made because I’ve been invested in the hobby since then.
I bought the SNK809 on the cloth strap and immediately changed it to a black Milanese band. That was better but still I thought I could do even better. I bought 18mm female hollow end links and put a 20mm (Yes 20mm) solid link oyster style bracelet with a deployant clasp with fold over on it. It works perfectly and makes the watch look a little more substantial with the tapered bracelet. I wear this watch far more than any other watch in my collection. Hand winding would make this close to perfect, I bought the Seiko SRPG27 thinking that it would be better. The end links and bracelet links are fine but the deployant clasp only had two adjustment holes and was disappointing. I purchased a milled deployant clasp with more adjustment holes and it is much better. I still wear the SNK809 much more because I like the dial better and it is the perfect size, weight, and is more comfortable.
The SNK809 was my first Seiko automatic watch. Served me faithfully for several years before I gave it to my daughter, and it is now it is serving her faithfully as well. I got the one with the nylon strap and didn't bother with the bracelet, Seiko bracelets in general are not great, you have to go pretty high up in their catalog before you get a watch with a decent one. Which is why companies like StrapCode exist.
i have a Seiko SNK809 with leather watch strap, I've been wearing it for 10 years and it still works, every day it runs about 3 minutes fast, so I never miss an appointment.
It's tough to go wrong with a Seiko. I own several and enjoy them all very much.
My father in law wore this for 6 years before gifting it to me. Its a fantastic piece with a ton of scars. Very comfy and wearable. The crown doesnt dig in at all. Perfect for working out. The 7s26 is a great workhorse and the lack of hacking/handwinding reduces the stress on the movement
The Seiko is definitely a gateway drug. I paid $165 for the 100 meter rated SNZG15J1 for my college bound son, assuming kids won't be careful with it. He now has a mesh style aftermarket bracelet. I told him if he loves it, I would eventually get him a swiss made field watch with hacking and a screw down crown. Please keep up your fine wine on both of your channels.
I remember buying Seiko 5s almost daily at the Latin shops around town that sold phones, calling cards, luggages, medicines, and what not. They would sell them together with Citizen and Orient automatics, and you would always see some of these watches being sold with Jesus and Virgin Mary images on the dials 🤣 You could buy any Seiko 5, Citizen 21 jewel automatics with the little red eagle symbol on the dial, and the Orients with the funky dials for $40, up to $60 and $80. I always favored the Citizen because they were more robust, more of an oyster case look, and looked better with the solid case-backs, than the cheesy Seiko see thru case-backs that just looked too damn cheesy and cheap, with a plain non decorated movement as a display. The vintage Seiko 5s from the late 60s to 70s hands down were much better constructed, and looked much better than the later models. I still have a lot of those vintage 5s. I have basically sold off all of my Seiko divers, and now just stick to the Steeldive version of these watches. They are in my opinion far superior than the Seikos with sapphire crystals, ceramic bezel inserts, and come with Seiko NH35 movements, and the bands are sometimes better made than the Seikos. The Steeldive Tunas and Captain Willards are awesome, along with their monobloc versions. Just awesome, at a much much better price. You should look into these brands like Addiesdive, Steeldive, San Martin, Seestern, and many more.
Wow, this just popped up in my feed. I didn't realize that this was a second channel of yours at first. Subbed. Been a watch fan and collector for years. Looking forward to your take on this hobby as well.
Nice. thanks, man. I appreciate you watching
This Seiko model helped propel me deeper down the watch collecting rabbit hole. It was too small for my taste and yet I loved it so much it made me start looking for a similar watch in a bigger size. My version came on a canvas and leather strap. Which sounds like a good thing based on that bracelet review.
Great! I’m into watches for years and kind of a collector when my budget says yes. Subscribed!
Awesome! Thank you!
I bought the green dial SNK805 just for fun. I now have all 4 colorways and a problem.
We had two of this Seiko 5 in our family and sadly both of them stopped working after 2 years. I really think Seiko is a great watch brand with amazing value for the money - but I can't recommend Seiko 5. If on a budget like this, better go for Orient.
Long island watches now do a bead blasted, matching bracelet for this watch, and (having bought it) i can recommend it. Really lifts the watch. Haven't taken it off in weeks.
Folded link clasps are my nemesis. Done all sorts of bracelet adjustments but some links with those slide out like butter, some refuse to budge!!
I only own one 7S26 movement watch (the Seiko SNK371K "Speed Racer" in Blue) but accuracy does drift a bit over the days. Could do with an adjustment.
Hey, watches are cool (of course), but one item you might want to review and compare would be auto-winders...how well they work, how noisy are they, how reliable are they, etc. A coworker of mine has about three of them. One does more than one watch at a time. Just an idea to expand your channel. Good luck.
So happy you started this channel. I follow your other channel too. I asked you once on your other channel, about a year ago, what watch you were wearing. You replied and said either a Tag or a Tissot and that you had several. I have this SNK809 too. In fact, I have a great cheap watch collection too. Are you planning to include microbrands too?
My fav is the "Black" Rado Captain Cook ...just can't hang with the $3200 fine. Seen it or it's brethren from $1300 to $3600. So Dude, find me a great reasonable replacement and Will Love Synth Audio for Ever.
lol, got my snk809 for 52 in Nov 2017. love it still
Huh… I have a Seiko SNK809, and a 1972 Air King that I inherited. I love both of them… but I haven't worn either of them at all since last Fall, when I got an Apple Watch. (The AW is just addictive - please don't hate me.)😐
of course not. they're pretty cool. I was actually thinking about getting one for heart rate stuff and old guy exercising.
@@cheapwatchman_official Exactly, awesome for exercise. Plus massive weather info, timers, etc. And one swipe to the left of my display face is my audio face: DB meter, Soundhound (or Shazam), recorder, and controls for music and audiobooks on my phone. And on and on. Maybe my favorite gadget ever, and that's saying something.
"This not $150 watch" the air king isn't the most expensive rolex...but it's still a rolex. If the inner workings and repair of mechanical watches interests you at all check out wristwatch revival. Also I really dig your audio channel and was pretty stoked to see you had a watch channel as well.
I’d 💯 recommend the bracelet. Why? Because those end links are impossible to find aftermarket. You can change the band itself and use those end links if you do your research. But you NEED those end links.
Great info and review. Thanks for your time and effort, as always.
My pleasure!
The size of the Air King is in line with its origins, i.e. a pilot's watch issued by Rolex for the British military during the second world war, when 34mm was considered big size. The perception of what is too small and too big is in part influenced by the culture we find ourselves in. When wristwatches made their debut, they were considered a woman's accessory and no man would wear them; instead, they used pocket watches. The perception shifted during war time, when men realized the advantages of being able to cast a quick glance on the wrist to tell time. In short, you should wear this sucker more often. It's a stellar watch with a rich history, as well as being a family heirloom.
The Citizen EcoDrive Field watch BM8180-03E is about as close as you will get to that WR 3 bar Seiko (Amazon used $125 Citizen). Sim. size, day/date, easy to read, solar powered, nice size crown, 10 bar. GBR!
Ha. Northwestern tomorrow
I much prefer the Seiko 5 sports field watches to the older model you have
I bought the Seiko on fabric strap $89 The Hamilton Khaki field $349 on jomashop
There called Leaf hands I agree about the Seiko Five badge I prefer the new printed sideways 5
First time seeing your videos and really enjoy your review style. I have the blue dial version of these on a aftermarket nato, its a really great bang for the buck watch. The stock strap is terrible though. But still a great watch to get started.
Thanks, Wes. I'll check out your videos
@@cheapwatchman_official anytime and appreciate that. Thanks. Enjoy the rest of your weekend
$115? Damned inflation, I got mine for $69; picked up the other three colors for the same price (I think the cream was $89). To be fair, I got them all on the canvas straps.
Like the new channel, enjoying the reviews. I'm a little particular about the watches I buy, mainly due to budget constraints. I lean towards these brands as far as what I like for design: Citizen, Sturhling, and Skagen. Though Skagen has been bought out by Fossil and getting anything as far as replacement bands for older models is near impossible. Once the stock ran out, you were out of luck. Skagen's leather bands are nice at first, but they are a two piece design glued/pressed together and after a year-ish separate and need to be replaced. Issue is they are a screw on connection and it's very hard to find that style of band. ( the band slides into the case ends and two screws on each side hold it in place)
wow. that sounds a bit complicated. would be cool if some after market folks made some straps for them
@@cheapwatchman_official Not really very simple actually. Pull out the two tiny screws and the band slides out left or right. There are some aftermarket bands, but none in the original color/design. Had to order a plain black one, not the perforated blue it comes with.
Any thoughts on the Marathon GPQ/GPM?
Hey CWM, how about one on how your store your cheap @$$ watches and the expensive ones too?
I have this watch in green but I never wear it. The dial is a type B flieger.
I'll tell you one thing, you only get to live once thus wear your beloved pieces while you can, doesn't mean you won't take care of them though.
Check out the orient pilot (RA-AC0H03B10A)!
Has a similar looking dial, screw down crown and a little larger of a watch case. That was my first field type watch and probably my most worn watch atm!
Great video Randy! That Seiko is a tremendous value. I love the military/aviator dial. The small crown wouldn’t bother me because I wouldn’t use it very often if I wore the watch every day. Your Rolex is a beauty. It too is a workhorse that you shouldn’t be afraid to wear daily It can “take a licking and keep on ticking. “ Someone should trademark that. 😀
Dan... you should be doing marketing for these companies. I'd be sick if something ever happened to my Rolex. It's more banged up than I'd like it to be.
I must confess, I stole that from 1960s Timex ad.
I got snk809 that comes with the nylon strap instead of the bracelet. It was a few bucks less. The crown sucks and I have to set it everytime I wear it as I only wear it once every couple of weeks, which also makes me long for hand winding as well.
Niiice video Randy... Might wanna check out the Seiko SNZG13J1, 15J1, 17J1 models... 😁
Costs a bit more but better in sizes n more workable crowns too. 😉
You can thank me later. 😁
I'll check it out!
@@cheapwatchman_official Have fun! 😊
That seiko watches can not be manually wind. Other than that it is as good as any other automatic watches
I have one. It is nice looking but too much trouble to wear. It sits in a storage box.
Ok, I'm browsing over here after watching the audio channel since the beginning. Seiko. My dad brought a couple back from Japan when using the navy in the 70s. So I have a soft spot for them but I've also always been intrigued by Victorinox. Something about them seems just right especially in the budget area. Thoughts?
I want to get some in. I've never owned one
Ditch the bracelet for a nato and this watch is golden.
Where do you source your straps/bracelets? I’ve got a watch that is uncomfortable to wear because of the strap and I’d love to swap it out.
I bought a bunch of Barton straps from Amazon. They seem to be pretty good
@@cheapwatchman_official thanks. Might be a good video topic?
Randy to bad I already have a draw full of Seiko watches because that linked Seiko with the black band looks sharp and affordable. Thanks for the review
anytime, FOR (short for Father of Rocktopus)
@@cheapwatchman_official lol
I believe that Airking is supposed to be 34mm.
I’d go for Hamilton any day
You should check out the snk621k.
I'll do it
@@cheapwatchman_official it's a great looking watch, I fear it'll be hard to find bands for it though.
Did I miss how long this keeps time idle (ex. if you take it out before going to bed)?
Kinda important no?
Very important, Richard. Very
@@cheapwatchman_official Thanks for your none response CAM but for me it is. Without your sarcasm (and maybe a little bit of mine too), it is a ligit question. I have an Invecta and it doesn't last a 8hr sleep. I need to adjust time always and it's a bugger. If it doesn't keep time correctly although it's beautiful, it's like (in the audio world) a very beautiful amp that sounds bad.
sorry, Richard. I was a bit sarcastic. Not that it matters, but I get 100's of comments a day and sometimes I really don't enjoy even looking at them because there is always going to be something negative. It puts me automatically on the defense and sometimes my skin gets a little thin. I haven't spent a ton of time with this Seiko off the wrist. I also have an invicta that would stop overnight. granted it's about 17 years old. I should have mentioned the power reserve. I"m still developing my "style" for this channel and will continue to learn and get better. Thank you for watching.
@@cheapwatchman_official We're all good. Sorry for being sarcastic too, wasn't my intention. Thanks for being real and humble. I like your channel !
I got one
Great video, Randy. Your Air King is probably worth quite a bit; they've increased in value quite a bit in recent years. The black-faced Air King is pretty sharp..................just saying!
Hello, little man. Boy, I sure heard a bunch about you. See, I was a good friend of your dad's. We were in that Hanoi pit of hell together for over five years...
pulp fiction?
@@cheapwatchman_official yes sir! 😂
I enjoy watching your audio show, looking forward to seeing you watch content as well.
from a distance I would think the Seiko was a Hamilton
No, it isn’t, but they both only tell the time. Buy the Seiko and invest what you would wasted on a Rolex.
It’s a $100 watch-it isn’t going to be perfect.
Dive watches rule!!!
I agree
I'll take the Air King, thanks. The old Seiko 7s movements, especially in this model are simply not worth it, IMHO. Better to get a good Quartz movement watch which there are many in this size, style and price point.
seiko > rolex
👍
I have one response to this: SNZG13