The Best Automatic Watch Under $100 & The Perfect Choice For Your First Watch - Seiko SNK809 Review
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- Опубликовано: 19 сен 2017
- What watch do you buy if you have only $100 to spend but you want something that will last a lifetime? What is the best place to start for your first new automatic timepiece? Today I review a watch that has been long overdue for a closer look and review. In my opinion, the Seiko SNK809 is the best option under the $100 price point. Its heritage, classic design and well respected movement make it the perfect ticket into our wonderful and massively rewarding hobby of watches. No matter if it is the only watch you need for everyday or simply to add some affordable fun to any collection, the SNK809 has got you covered.
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Хобби
I love how he wears gloves on a cheap watch. This is a man who has respect for a watch no matter what.
Affordable
Muralha reapect
Except a Daniel Wellington
True but this watch may be affordable (till now) but not cheap!
I have to agree
This was my first automatic, it's covered in dings and scratches now but it still makes me smile when I wear it.
That is priceless! Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry I'm currently in the process of obtaining my first automatic timepiece, and I'm a bit stuck on which one to get: the Orient Ray II, Seiko SNZH and Seiko SNZF. Which one would be best for my 17cm wrist in your opinion?
chataclysm2112 if it was me, I would choose the orient. It is so worth it for the price and I just love it personally.
+chataclysm2112 Me too, brother.
replace that crystal with sapphire
Ok, its settled. This will be my first automatic.
It gonna be mine too.
Now it will be mine
Trust me gents! It's a lovely timepiece. This is coming from an owner of a Rolex Oyster. I love the Seiko 5, it's brilliant, and you will enjoy it. I love my Seikos.
Mine too.
You'll love it. It was my first auto, also. I've owned my 809 for like 7 or 8 years , and it's still my favorite. Her name is Laila. I own many watches now, including pieces worth several thousand dollars. It's on the original canvas strap that has like 5 extra holes worn into it, and I still get excited to put the 809 on.
I don't know what it is about this one watch. I personally find it to be just so beautiful in its simplicity, and it just feels right on the wrist.
I paid $54 for it in 2012, including tax. If I lost it and had to pay $500 to get it back, *I WOULD* . It's one of a very small number of inanimate objects that I actually feel real love/emotion for.
I've had the SNK809 for about 5 years and worn it on many international trips. After regulation it has kept amazingly accurate time. I've bought higher end watches but I reach for my old traveling companion often.
lol 6 years later $209 on amazon
I just got it's twin seiko skx431
Second handed for $45 us here in Egypt
Lol 6 years later and $50 on aliexpress 🫶🏻
$221.34 on Amazon today. I paid $49 for mine on Poshmark some time ago.
I bought this as my first automatic by pure dumb luck. I just saw it on Amazon for a great price and decided to get it. I didn't realise it's such a great watch - few years down the line and I threw a leather strap on it and it's totally refreshed. Love it. Best value for money watch ever
I was actually going to buy this as my first automatic. I've just decided to get onto the hobby recently and I'm reading a lot of great things on these Seikos. It's really nice to see a review like this because not everyone can afford to spend several hundreds of USD on watches.
This video helped convince me to buy an SNK809 as my first automatic nearly a year ago, and I'm back now to say I'm so glad I did. The price is creeping up now that they are discontinued (I bought mine last year at $80 USD), but I would still have no problem paying $100 for this watch. As a field watch/flieger, I think the smaller size is perfect. It does not impede one's movement while working with one's hands outdoors or moving through woods, yet it is easily legible and can be recognized at medium distance. The strap, while a bit scratchy, is nearly indestructible and does not pull hair like the metal bracelets of the classic Seiko 5 range. Without a doubt, this is becoming a modern classic, and I am becoming a Seikoholic. Thanks for the recommendation!
They're discontinued?
@@yankswap yes. You can still buy them from retailers, but from what I understand, it is just leftover old stock from the high volume production Seiko used to do. Seiko's new SRPH33 seems to be it's successor.
Amazing intro!
Edit: 5 minutes later, the watch has been ordered.
BRANDSLANG rs yeah I hate when a TUG video makes that happen! lol
I ordered the black one 😄
Same haha
I bought the one with silver metallic strap
Shit..me too
That's my watch! I purchased it shortly after finding this channel and I'll never regret it! I'm hooked on watches now
Congrats Andrew,
No better hobby for a person to get into! Enjoy the journey my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Andrew Tomasi it's the same for me. Cheers buddy
The Urban Gentry I'm already saving my change for a Hamilton "Interstellar"! I should be ready to get it by Christmas
Andrew Tomasi , same here I'm addicted to buying watches as well.
me too
Innocently starts off with a cheap Seiko SNK809, couple months down the line your eating instant noodles saving for a Tudor Black Bay lol
REPLY
Ooh Arhh I know right? Bought a 803 a month ago and before it arrived I thought "I'm not going to buy another watch for a long time" but now I'm so into watches that I want to buy divers, dress watches, other field watches, and tons of different colors and materials straps :)
Let’s be real we are fat. Buy the watch and eat noodles like Japan. 😂
Hear hear! 😂👍🏼👍🏼
Lmao, im saving for a seiko presage blue enamel :) i’ve aquired a taste for maruchan cup noodles
We all been in this situation dude 😂
This may be the most thorough RUclips review I've ever watched. Very impressed, so much, the watch has been ordered.
Have this watch for about 6 months now...absolutely LOVE it. and it keeps unbelievable accuracy without any regulation of the movement !! It has been working straight for about 2 months now and the time is EXACTLY what it says on my phone
I salute you Seiko
CityFannn How accurate is it?
@@bruce000000070000000 technical +40 - -20 seconds a day. Although I don't think its correct as to it seems far more accurate
I've been requesting this review from you for a long time I'm so happy you did it thank you very much
My first and only automatic until just a few weeks ago, when I got my first SKX. Its been running strong for 4 years. Your review resonated with me and reminded me why I bought this watch. The display back undoubtedly made me fall in love with mechanical watches. It really is a feature that, had it not been there, I may never have understood the beauty of horology. An although the strap is a bit cheap, its still the only strap I've ever had on it and is holding up well! Thanks for the great review, this watch will always be a part of my "collection."
Great start for the new chapter.
I own the SNK803, bought it soon after finding this channel, and could not resist the appeal of the mechanical movement.
This is my 2nd automatic watches, the first one was a given from my parents, so this is the first automatic watch that i bought.
Love it and wear it every single day with pride.
Sure my next watch will be SKX..
Thanks TGV.
Bought one of these about 6 weeks ago. So versatile and definitely a "strap monster", and I did buy a new strap immediately. I need to change the time once a week as it gets a minute or two ahead, but at this price I can live with that. Rotate between this and my SKX009
TGV, now that I have watched this vid for the third time I am convinced I must add this little gem to the collection. Love Seiko the more I learn, thank you for the keen insight.
Great review, so glad you are back too, it was a long few weeks with no new content from you. I had already decided I needed this watch, but now I KNOW I am getting this one for my birthday next month one way or the other! I have always had a thing for watches and clocks, but had kinda 'fell out' of them for a while. Your enthusiasm and joy for timepieces is quite contagious, thank you so much for that!
I like your intros, the way you edit, photograph the watches and the background is so interesting.And of course you conversation about each watch is what keeps us coming back. And even going back through your older video reviews. Great work all round.
Finally, a good show with my morning coffee. Thank you sir!
You just sold me my next watch. Enjoy your informative and entertaining postings. Well done Sir!
You're description of this watch is art on its own. I'm sold on this watch, probably the best watch review channel on youtube!
Thanks for the review. Bought mine last week. I love it a lot. More power to you and your channel.
I Just ordered, a Seiko SNK803 (the beige model) which arrives tomorrow, and I paid $111.00 Canadian Dollars, and which arrives tomorrow, and this is my first automatic watch, very excited for it.
does it still work?
Tomas why wouldn’t it?
This watch has in fact gone over $100.
And ordered it. Thank you so much for this review. I've been looking for an affordable, entry level watch that does not start acting up after a couple of months in use. And based on your review I think I've found it. Thanks again and keep going. A great channel you have here!
Another fantastic video! Great way to start off the new series.
TGV thanks for the great content and sharing your passion for watches. Came across the channel a few weeks ago and you inspired me to get into watches. I have loved exploring through the channel library of videos and diving deeper into this fantastic world.
This was my first automatic watch I purchased only recently from your seiko 5 recommendation and am really enjoying it!
I am loving every second of this new lifetime hobby. Thanks so much for all you do in sharing it!
It was gifted from my Father a couple of days ago. Amazing watch!!!! Great!!
BROUGHT MY FIRST SEIKO IN 1966 ON OKINAWA WITH THE USAF GREAT WATCH TKS RON
Your videos got me into the beautiful world of watches and this is actually the first automatic watch I bought few months back and and I love it. Thank you so much and keep up the great work.
I love your intros man! Toshiro Mifune! Great stuff! And a great channel as well!
I just bought one to commemorate 5 years in my current career. Seemed fitting.
I bought one for a work watch, and man is it incredibly durable. I work as a welder, read out of that what you will. It needs an adjustment about once a week, but that's okay. My personal opinion, it steals the old Timex motto. Takes a licking but keeps on ticking. For seventy five dollars on Amazon, how the hell do you beat that steal for such a good watch. I couldn't be happier with it.
Just bought myself and our two young Sons (10 and 14) this time piece. Very excited because this is my first auto. Thanks for the amazing video👍
I love that intro. Totally matches the sleek and low key style your channel is going for.
Great review with lovely video work and close-ups! Possibly my favourite watch in my budget watch collection (sub $500) . Somehow the SNK809 has it’s own personality and I can’t help love it. It’s a everyday, unpretentious watch that does the job. The movement is ultra reliable, and ‘eager’. It literally comes to life after 2 or 3 shakes and although not so precise across different positions like a much more expensive movement, it is still consistent and surprisingly accurate when on the wrist. I would say the lume is excellent (rather than just satisfactory) and it is very easy to read the time quickly in most light conditions.
I'm wearing a Seiko while watching this. I've got EIGHT of them. I'm a Seikoholic. THANKS Tristano!
which one do you love the most?
Herry, my fav is the SKA371. It's a kinetic so it's a pain to keep charged, but is looks like a Seamaster.
@@KRW628 nice pick buddy, bit too big for my wrist
Im starting to be one dammit hahaha.... i have the sarb017 which was really hard to acquire, the snzg15k1, the sprd59 orange dial, king samurai save the ocean manta, and still getting shipped from outside my country is the presage irish coffee ssa401j1 (only 1000 made and i got the serial no 0002/1000!!!) Super happy even though it cost way more than a presage should... but hey, they only made 1000 piece world wide and i got 2nd piece made!!
Thank you TGV for recommending this watch!
After watching your videos I decided to get my first mechanical watch, which is this Seiko 5 SNK809 and I am loving it!
Love your videos and thank you again!
I bought this watch as my first automatic last month and I absolutely love it. Just got back home from work and saw this video at the top of my home page, made my day!
how is it? Still works? :)
I got so much spoiled by my 37mm Seiko SNK361, my 37mm Seiko SKX025 and my father's 36mm Rolex Datejust that when I put on a 40mm watch I get the feeling like putting on some 52mm Invicta monstrosity 😅😅😅
This is a brilliant watch. It (SNK809) was one of the first automatic watches that I bought new and it surely didn't disappoint. I was fortunate enough to get it off amazon on black Friday for I believe 40 or 45 USD which is just an incredible price, for a completely automatic watch. While it lacks some features like hand winding or hacking, it's still an incredible beater watch that goes with tons of strap options!
What an amazing intro!
I just ordered the SNK809 and it's my first automatic watch.
I'm 27 and have only had more "fashion" brand watches. Recently I've learned much more about watches and am about to purchase my first good watch. Looking at a Seiko 5 SRP599 diver watch I am very excited to dip my toes in the true watch market and keep learning more.
Caleb Garrett good for you, be careful though trust me🤣
The one negative thing about TGV, is that whenever I see one of his watch reviews, I feel the need to have whatever he’s reviewing! This was ordered before the review finished! Good work as always. And thank you for getting me started on my watch journey 👍🏼
I have two, the 809 and the 803. My favorite watches I own. I wear them everyday. Have the 803 on today, with a red and navy nato. I wish I could find more brands making affordable watches in this size or even smaller
Haha, you have great taste Ryan, enjoy them and wear them with pride!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Started two years ago at the end of university with an SNXS, my first mechanical timepiece. Went on with a New Turtle a few weeks later. Got the usual "watch guy" addiction, wearing a Tudor BB or a Junghans Chronoscope today, looking forward to get the Milgaus or a DD one Day... And all because of your great work! Almost everything i know about watches i've learned on your channel, thank you so much!!!
Love your channel....brings quality to the masses......cheers Chris
I have only ever had a couple pocket watches that were given to me as a gift when I told my stepdad I was into them. I then decided one day I needed a wristwatch and bought this Seiko SNK809. Mostly due to Seiko's heritage and the absolute bargain that this watch is! I wanted an automatic and decided on this for the day/date complication. Only gripe is i didn't realize how small it would look on my 7 1/2 inch wrists :D Still love it! BTW mine runs at -2 seconds a day.
This intro was on the money. Enjoyable video as always. 👌🏼
Thank you so much Rob :D
Best regards,
TGV
I got my first automatic watch, the SNK807 in Navy blue, based on your previous 'best under $100 review' video and I'm finding more and more that I turn to this little gem instead of my G-Shocks or even my ProMaster for casual daily wear. I picked up two additional straps (one leather, one silicone) and I have a great watch with 3 strap options for under $100. Thanks again for demystifying horology for the rest of us and a great video!
@theurbangentry all the way from capetown, southafrica thank you so much for this review. Im getting engaged this weekend and getting my own Seiko SNK809 as a present thanks to your reviews. so excited to get mine this weekend!
Another great intro.
Thank you Jonathan :D
Best regards,
TGV
An Akira Kurosawa film I presume.
I thought it was a Wu tang video
I've had mine (SNK805) for 6 years now, slightly modded, I did a 5,5 year update video on it, and it has really been thru hell and back!!
Can you keep it on your wrist in the bath/shower, or do you always take it off?
@@JackGreystoke I've seen vids of him swimming in the sea with it
Ive been waiting for this review for a long time now. My first seiko. Its the watch that got me into this hobby.
I just bought this watch a month ago and I'm wearing it on an olive Nato strap too. This is my first automatic watch and I don't think it will be my last. I'm so happy with it, thank you for bringing me to this watch. You're doing awesome work.
Greetings from Germany to all watch enthusiasts!
Seiko 5 is a good place to start when looking at mechanical watches. Great video as always TGV. ⌚️
It is a good place to end too
olegzu no no my fren alpinist!
Just bought it a couple of weeks ago, love it. Also great video.
So glad to hear,
Thank you Lewin,
Best regards,
TGV
TBSB49 lol just trolling. How’s the watch so far ??
Definitely purchasing this as my first ever mechanical piece :) Thanks TUG for an informative and classy video.
It was a Fossil I inherited from my grandpa that got me into watches but TGV is my influence in getting my first Seiko-thanks to this video-and I never felt so right in buying a watch! Looking forward to getting an SKX soon. Amazing content as always!
My buddy from work wears this and I wear my 009 we are cool cats
Haha I love it, stay cool my friend!
Best regards,
TGV
P.s. Forgive me, I forgot to say thank you.
Taylor Weldon 009 is my favorite seiko
Where can I download that amazing SEIKO chart, that appears in this video?
This is my first automatic watch and i need to thank you for the review of the other Seiko 5. I love it (especially the back). You are awesome! :))
I've got the SNK807 coming in the mail tomorrow and I'm really excited. I've just been wearing a Citizen Eco Drive for the past five years (present from my father, first adult watch). I love watching these videos. I think it's fantastic how TGV can take any watch at any price point, and appreciate it. Even if he has better stuff available.
maybe the best intro you've ever done imho! :D Great to have you back!
Thank you sir! Very much appreciated. Great to be back.
Best regards,
TGV
I recently purchased the Blue one ($57) for my Mom upcoming Birthday. Hopefully she like it. It's going to be her first Automatic watch. Great video!
brian martinez I'm sure she will!
Fantastic review as always!
excellent, as always. would you be so kind as to mention what make that brown strap you showed it with (11:55) is, or where one can purchase it? thanks, p
Alright Jeez! You convinced me!
My first automatic, too! The value proposition is beyond question. Mine was -7s/day out of the box. I had it regulated and it is now about -3.5 sec/day, which is very impressive indeed! As with all mechanical watches, the limitations are part of the charm. I suspect that it will always have a place on my wrist. Cheers!
Excellent video! Loving your work.
Finally a review on this haha. Great watch! I miss mine
I've got the khaki green version, absolutely love it. My first automatic and I've well and truly caught the horology bug now. Next stop, Hamilton field mechanical.
I downsized my watches, keeping only the Seiko SNK 809, my Casio G-Shock Square, an original WWII Hamilton ORD wristwatch, and a Hamilton 992B railroad pocket watch.
I wear the Hamiltons only on special occasions because of their age. The Seiko SNK 809 and the Casio are my daily watches.
I’ve had a watchmaker install a sapphire crystal on the Seiko and regulate it. It’s amazing how much Seiko included on a watch that can be bought for less than $100.
Recently I considered buying an expensive Swiss watch, but I couldn’t see it taking the place of my Seiko. Not only is it value for money, but it saved me from adding more watches to the collection.
Thank you so much for reviewing this watch. This was my first automatic watch purchase and I'm in love with it. I had requested you to do a review of this watch many months ago. I had a big smile when I saw this video was up. I just love your watch reviews. Thanks again for introducing me to the world of automatic watches. And like you rightly mentioned in the end, the Seiko SNK809 truly is the undisputed king in its price range. Thank you very much again.
An absolute pleasure Ali, enjoy the journey in this hobby of ours.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I like how you demonstrate the watch measurements.
I'm sometimes skeptical of announced measurements without actually seeing it.
Thank you sir, that is precisely why I do it like this.
Best regards,
TGV
I'd been buying Casios for years, then ditched them for Timex, and just a couple of months ago found this little beauty online.
I'm very brand-loyal, and for years (since my teens) I deemed Casios fantastic and durable timepieces. But then I encountered the harsh reality of having to find replacement bands for some of these. Frustration, and maturity, eventually steered me toward affordable and durable analog watches, and Timex fit that bill perfectly. For a while, at least.
Although I still own some vintage and modern Timex pieces, I set out to find a nice automatic watch to fit my active lifestyle. Lo and behold, the Seiko 5 SNK809 loomed into view on my Amazon account. I also have a smaller wrist, and this watch looks and feels great on me. At first I thought I would only wear it on weekends, but found myself working with it (construction, carpentry) and leaving it on while indulging in metal detecting deep in the woods of New England. In short, it's my everyday watch now.
I'm not an avid collector as you and many of your subscribers, but I can feel now (after owning this little gem of a watch for a while) a subtle pull. Wonderful channel. Cheers mate, and thanks for the wonderful and informative videos!
You're the greatest watch reviewer i have ever seen. You are vey informative and love your watches. Keep up the good work
About 2 years ago I got bitten by the bug because of this Video. Since then my love for field and Flieger watches is unbroken. Thanks to this video I got into the Hobby and I am still wearing this small Seiko and love it till this day, although my collection got bigger and I have some pieces which cost 10 times as this small beauty.
Thanks TGV!
Loving the intro. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Noshad :D
Best regards,
TGV
Rewatching 3 yrs later and the price has definitely gone up, but still a cool cheap watch
OMG... That Intro! Loved it. Love my Seiko 5 as well. :)
Your channel has inspired me to start a watch collection of my own. This Seiko was my first purchase and I even decided to buy one of your nato straps to customise.
If you're watching this now, the SNK809 is on sale for $48 on Amazon
@madone 05 Just bought one new on eBay for $88 with taxes.
Just ordered on Amazon for $78 USD
£78
Currently $114 on Amazon. Shouldn’t have waited.
@@ORflycaster thought the same :(
wow, great, the next show at the start.
I used to have Seiko 5 Military (SNK803K2) "Desert Storm" Automatik (7S26C).
was also a good watch.
I'm still rocking mine, wearing it with pride while watching this video!
FuwaForestFilms I love my snk809 but I have found its actually fairly inaccurate, weekly I have to reset it and also it is quite small too. Even on my wrists yet when I see it in pictures or videos it looks huge.
One of the best made intros I've ever seen! As always, great video.
Shana tova,
SBL
My 2nd 809 will be here tomorrow ! Gave my first one to my grandson , missed it a lot so ordered another great vidio you can't go wrong with this one IMHO
I too was wowed by this video. But I tend to prefer a slightly larger watch on my wrist, and when I went looking on Amazon, I found the SEIKO 5 SPORTS Automatic SNZG15J1 - VERY similar to the Seiko SNK809, but a tad pricier at $130. 42mm vs 37 mm, and some slight style differences, but I must say I like the look of the SNZG15J1 more.
Does anyone have any thoughts/comments on this?
What you think of the aesthetics, you make of it. The watch will wear larger, but The main advantages are:
1. The Better 7S36 Movement, Which should be more accurate.
2. The upgraded water resistance. You can take it swimming.
3. The generous lume, and more legible index markers, which make it much easier to tell time.
"The seiko SNK 803, 807 and 809 are the cheapest Seikos you can find for mechanical type!"
> Looks at the US pricing.
> Looks at the Italian Amazon Pricing.
[ S A D C A N N O L I N O I S E S ]
Same, brother
Great review as always. This is my first mechanical watch after I got addicted to horology thanks to TGV. Definitely one of the best quality/price options out there.
I love you’re openings in some of these videos they are amazing
You should do the best skeleton watch for its value. Some people like to see whats going on in a mechanical watch. Also nice video!
Great idea, I will certainly look into it.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
A mechanical piece at this price point is really something. KS
Thank you KS and so true KS, worthy of respect just for that.
Best regards,
TGV
I agree Seiko truly puts outs amazing products. I am impressed at every turn. Thanks.
I started to get back into watches and stumbled onto your channel. By far the best watch enthusiast channel. I learned alot about affordable and sought after "inexpensive" watches. You Soo talked me into the Seiko watches lol. I bought this watch which I love (I do wish it were bigger). I also bought an snzg15 and am now thinking of building an skx piece by piece. Oh and that flight master 👍🏼. I'm keeping my eye out for the white dial one.
Pretty much what I'm trying to say is Thank You buddy.
Funny enough, I bought this one 3 weeks ago for 60 bucks. Pretty awesome with a brown leather strap!
I bet it looks super on a brown strap, congrats on the pick up.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
jorgefs4 where from ?
oh I saw this watch somewhere .... yeah on my wrist 24 hours a day :)
Loved the intro! Best so far!
I bought blue version yesterday with leather strap and it's marvelous.
selling for 150 now people seem to really love it