Hi MWC Have you looked at any watches from the Swiss company Ollech & Wajs...They do a 1000m dive watch stunner called the C1000 for approx £1200 Other models start at under £900
I disagree about the value for the money. This watch has cost me thousands and thousands of dollars. I was always into owning a watch. However, this is the one that put me into collector mode. Buyer beware!
I bought the green SNK805 and absolutely love it, for all the reasons you mention. I realized it was too small for me, though, and gave it to my son. It’s his first mechanical watch, and that’s where this piece shines…horological discovery!
That’s awesome my friend!! I think the watch has more presence with a NATO for sure! The old field watches back in the day were 34/36 mm!!! I think the Hammy Khaki field is the king but for the money this is great!
I had a Seiko 5 military watch and enjoy it until the crystal cracked. Honestly, they are great but you need to reset the time everyday. I wore automatics for many years.
@@deborafaulkner2489 that was the coward way to do it Debora!;) I bought it to review and to test for the viewers! I’m not going to be keeping it on that bracelet in fact I’m not sure where it is anymore hahaha! It’ll stay on the CWC nato I think;)
I have the blue version of this watch and use it as my everyday watch and love it. My dad gave it to me when he found he wasn't active enough to keep the automatic movement going! He had it on the original fabric strap but I have put it on a Barton Elite Silicone watch strap and it looks great. The crystal has scratched over the years but the case still looks good.
I have 2 black version and 1 of the blue, green and tan. I love love love them! The black is so good on the bracelet that i want to get a back up before they are all gone. Although the bracelet is cheap, it's total comfortable, no hair pulling and great looking in my opinion. Winner!
I have the same version, picked up a couple of years ago as a work watch for only £55. I love it, it gives a quick legible read every time. People are right it looks good on leather, I even put a deployant clasp on it. Also like it on a blue or green NATO, such a versatile watch.
You absolutely can’t beat a Seiko 5. They’re cheap and cheerful but they do pretty much everything you need a mechanical watch to do and nothing else. Every collection should have at least one but with the sheer variety of designs Seiko have put out over the years you could easily collect loads of 5s if you were so inclined. I’ve got 3 and I could easily buy more if I gave in to temptation 😂 Love the Seiko samba too 🕺🏻😂 An awesome show to kick off 2022 MWC 🙌
This was my first Seiko! I bought one for myself and one for my son. I wear it on a black leather strap. It's pretty small, but looks right at home on my skinny wrist. Great review Russell, you're now an official watch RUclipsr! 😃 ❤ ⌚
My first mechanical. My gateway drug. Never going to get rid of her. Perfect size. Easy wearing. Rugged movement. Paid around 55 USD a few years ago on Amazon. Perfection.
You made me buy this! I was looking for a beater work watch and just love the appearance. Thanks again first was the Bb58 and now this! I’m not complaining I love my Tudor and when I receive my Seiko 5 809 I’ll love it too.
I have two of the cream dials, and a blue dial. One of the cream dials is fairly beat up from work, and the other is pristine. You can tell that I love these watches!
I've got one of these bad boys, but it's stuffed with a branded 4R36 movement and Kanji day wheel. The original strap has stayed with it, since it seems to conform very nicely to the wrist.
My first Seiko, my first automatic watch, and still sits proudly in the top left corner of my watch box. I tend to wear it on a Haveston Carrier A1 strap with bead blasted hardware and it looks the dog's danglers.
This watch is the first of many Seiko automatics I have purchased and it still gets the most wrist time. I removed the cloth band immediately and first replaced it with a stainless steel mesh strap, better but still room for improvement. I then figured out what this watch really needed. So off down the modding rabbit hole. 18mm hollow oyster style female end links allow me to put on a 20mm oyster tapered brushed bracelet. Now it looks much better and wears like a dream. I also purchased the green one and but it on a green two tone canvas and leather strap like Shane at Relative Time has. The only negative to the green version is the non color matched white day-date window.
Russ mate, your videos are such a pleasure to watch , right there with the facts and figures ,but moreover your seemingly effortless charm and comedic sensibilities are always spot on.
Definitely a collectors classic. I Have this watch (I got it on the nylon - because the bracelet is crap) very nice watch, best feature is that unlike the other SNK variants the date wheel is color matched. It does feel a bit small on my 7.5 inch wrist (I prefer 40-42mm) but the small size is a perk for some I understand. A couple of similar options, with 100m water resistance, with Seiko pedigree Lorus - either titanium or Lumibrite ... cheaper than the SNK809, or (caveat is if you can find it for a decent price) Alba Titanium (unlike the Lorus this has both Titanium and Lumibrite) msrp around $85 .. but reality is that it will cost you more.
I recently bought one of these for the collection. I was amazed to find it averaging +0.9 spd after 9 days of tracking (I got lucky with this one). It's just a bit small for my liking though, so I plan to eventually give it to my son when he's old enough to take better care of his stuff.
I absolutely adore my SNK807! The blue one....And I've come to love that silly lume on the seconds. lol Can't beat the size and feel of it. Always makes me smile when it goes on the wrist... which is gonna be a lot more now. I almost forgot about the cute little bugger! Thanks for the reminder. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching! I’m annoyed I hadn’t bought this sooner to be honest ! It’s because when I started my watch crazy journey I was all ‘DIVER DIVER!!!!’ Would definitely recommend the watch
I bought the SNK805 (green dial) in October of 2018 from Amazon for $82.51 USD. I don’t wear it that often, but when I do, it runs fine, in spec, stays wound over night (on my night table).
This was a Christmas present for my nine year old this year… I’ve owned the SNZG for several years now… That’s the one that fits my 7 1/2 inch wrist… Thanks for the great review!
I also have a Flieger, the 803 (beige) variant. Will turn 5 this November. My first automatic watch. Ironically for a computer guy like me, I would prefer mechanical watches over smartwatches, for now.
My first automatic when I "returned" to wearing a decent watch was an SNK805. It's every bit a Type B Flieger. Great watch, decent price. Needs a bigger crown (I wear it on my right wrist). It's one of just two autos in my box that doesn't hack or hand wind, and it doesn't need to. I enjoyed your lighthearted approach to the review. Subbed.
I just bought the SNK809 a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful, classic design. Yeah, the bracelet is a bit rubbish (folded links! I hate those...) and I pretty much put mine on a black NATO strap immediately. I really like it. Pity it is discontinued, the black SRPH model is bigger and costs twice what the SNK series did. I'd recommend any of the SNK series if you can find them at a good price.
I have a 7.5" wrist so I opted for the SNZG15J1. Same movement and bead-blasted case, but a different style dial and handset, and larger case dims. I've put it on a Zulu strap for now, but it's a handsome little dude. I have a hard time choosing between it and my Orient Blue Ray II in the mornings. I may pick one of these up as a gift for my kiddo one of these days tho - it's a great looking watch.
This was my father-in-laws one watch for 6 years, he passed it on to me. I love it!! Just a legible, lightweight piece. His bracelet has push pins though!
Bought this watch 3 yrs ago and it has not skipped a beat. Nylon strap is rubbish so I have it on a brown vintage strap. Such a nice watch. Flieger B dial is great. Is it discontinued?
I just got one with bracelet, additional links and the box for $40 USD on offer up. I find myself wearing it a lot. Super comfortable and no worries about it getting beat up with daily use. 5/5 recommend.
Lovely review. I decided to buy a similar to your one SRPJ09K1 yesterday, and I’m waiting for delivery tomorrow. It’s a black dial with a black bracelet. But I think I’m gonna wear it on a NATO strap.
This is the best video on the snk809 i have came across by far,you even gave us a scratch test.I have the same watch on a bracelet and i have to say that even though the bracelet is a little bit crappy,i love the look of it and the only strap i would change it for is a nato.
This here (blue version) was my first ever mechanical watch!!! I think it looks great, but the small size doesn’t really work with my large wrist so I stopped wearing it a couple years ago…
I kinda like it. I've always liked the no-nonsense functionality of fliegers and field watches. Don't mind the lume on the counterbalance (if you need to time something in the dark, what does it matter?). Like the recessed crown at 4o'clock (I've killed watches by repeatedly stressing the crown while at the same time stabbing myself in the back of the hand). Really looks this business on that grey NATO. Amazing price. But off by 17seconds a day, no hacking, no winding? It reminds me why I prefer quartz.
I am heavily considering a flieger style watch and perhaps you can help answer: a. How noisy is the movement of this watch? b. If I wear it for a few hours a day, can the movement hold its charge overnight (given that it non-windable)?
if the watch is non hackable, the seconds hand position doesn't really matter no? its used to tell you that the watch is ticking more than anything else so where the lume at doesn't matter
I bought my SNK809 in 2020 for £60. Removed the supplied canvas strap and have worn it on a NATO ever since. Beautiful watch and excellent timekeeper - gains less than a minute per week. Still can't believe I got it so cheap.
I bought one of these years ago (paid about $60!) and for some reason it stopped working. Not idea why, but it just wouldn’t hold power. I tossed it in a drawer for a few years and eventually got it out to see if I could get it serviced. Well, I heard about the Seiko shake, and it’s been fine ever since. So weird. I love it now. I got mine on the trash black strap but would love to find a bracelet for it some day. It’s a killer watch and one of the best bang for buck watches out there.
I have this watch and I love it . I kept the black strap , I think it`s much better than the bracelet . My favourite part of these reviews are the " What The Wife Thinks " segment , just makes me belly laugh every time , Thank you :)
I absolutely love this watch. Size is perfect, dial is attractive and utilitarian, and the price used to be unbeatable. Unfortunately I always took for granted when the price hovered around $60-$70, putting off buying one. Now that it’s $100-$130 I will absolutely not be spending my money on the SNK809
I think you look around my friend, this is about £110 on creation watches . Where can you buy a mechanical automatic watch from a brand that has been going since 1881?!?!?! I don’t care what anyone says, a San Martin may give you upgraded specs but at the end of the day it’s a San Martin .
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR Perhaps I am a bit cynical. I just have a hard time thinking that this is worth north of $100 when it was sub $70 not that long ago
I have the same one featured showed here Madman. I love it. Iffy bracelet? No problem, a NATO does always the trick. It is considered a field watch but to me it looks a feels more like a hybrid between a field watch and a Flieger. Definitely a must own for Seiko and military watch lovers.
Great review, as per… Recently got a bead-blasted watch which I love, unfortunately I’m not ‘feeling’ the strap and was a little unsure about my options (new to collecting) will definitely give the NATO a go, so cheers!
A 4 O’clock crown usually signifies an automatic movement. When most watches were manual wind the 3 O’clock crown was needed. A 4 O’clock crown says this watch doesn’t need hand winding so we can just hide this crown in the corner.
Nice review as always! I got the 803 back when they were about $50! Put it on an army green NATO and its great for the days when I want a smaller watch... even had the army green F91W on the under side of my wrist with it for a bit! Even together they were lighter than any other auto in my collection.
Smart watch for the bucks. Like it on the NATO. I think thr lumed counter weight is just an indication that the watch is still working, like the SKX007. Great show, here’s to a better 2022 to all. 👍🏴
These seem to be going for $150+ now in the US. I picked mine up I think around 2015-ish for ~$50, but I don’t know if I’d recommend it for what it’s going for now. I’d probably suggest the SRPH series, which seems to have the same dial design, but are slightly larger.
Lume on the second hand is present to tell you the watch is running not to tell you anything related to the time. Dive watches, which this isn't, are required to have a lumed seconds hand for this reason.
Hi Russ, have owned a black dial one for 15 years! My only gripe is the water proof rating! Seiko bracelets are nearly always junk,have broken a swag of them! Had it briefly on a red leather strap,a definite head puller!Living in Australia(hot&humid) a metal band is the only practicle solution/ got another bracelet. The dial is the thing that makes the watch/ Cheers Mate
I really like this watch, however since I have about 35 watches I don't think it would stay wound that much. They have the new SRPG37 that provides manual winding capability.
Great video brother. Loving the format. I just picked up the green dial. Took the strap off replaced the skinny bars with thicker 1.5 mm ones and stuck it in a green nato by Sniper Bay. Looks amazing.
The non-hand winding just kills me. I could care less about hacking as mechanical is a sundial but, if I take it off, I'm going to want to handwind it before I set it down so when I come back to it, its running. But nope. Can't do non-handwind
The lollipop is lumed so you can be sure the watch is working. This feature is very common in diver's. Under the sea you don't need to know the exact second or you could even mistake the seconds hand for the minutes hand.
With a non-hacking movement i'd say reading the exact seconds is of no use. All you want to know in the middle of the night is if it's still running. That's why there's lume on the seconds hand and that's why it doesn't matter which side it's on - as long as it's moving. For my collection, i don't see the need for 5 as i already have the SKXs 007 and 009 in their original state. That makes two 7S26s already and that's really enough.
The point of the lume on the seconds hand is only really to let you know in the dark if the watch has stopped. It's not on the 'wrong' end for this purpose.
Also, if you want a different look use some autosol metal polish on a rag and use your finger to polish it. Mine has a half polished half brushed look. Polished at 3 and 9 fading into bead blasted at 12 and 6. Makes it look a lot more expensive and dressy on leather strap as well. 😁
Forgot to say, full size SKX has lume on 'wrong' end of seconds hand as well unlike your 013. It's also easier to see at a glance because it's in open space on the dial, less likely to be mixed up with hour markers.(more likely on a diver with bigger lume admittedly.)
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR yep it does jar a bit. I kept meaning to try the seconds hand from the beige snk it's black with red tip and rear lume. May look kinda cool... Like the lume is floating round the dial!! Keep up the good work, loved the video on alpinist limited on bund. I kinda winced at the date and lack of Alpinist wording. Still bought one though... 😏 !!
Very good vid mate! I've just ordered my very first mechanical watch. A Seiko 5 SNK805K2.. I've fall in love with the green one at first sight :D In a few days it will be on my wrist :)
Bought a blue one for my brother and a couple of NATO straps but he really likes the blue nylon strap that it comes with and has kept it on that. Great watch !
Just boughtt the snk807,. the blue dial, as all my other watches have a black dial. The strap is sturdy, but is really uncomfortable. I bought it on amazon for $89.00 Canadian, which is really a great value. Also bought a tan leather strap on $Amazon for $20 CAD. It looks great!
I got a SNK603 today, my first Automatic... Only fly in the ointment is that I appear to be stuck with the crappy folded bracelet. Still love it though
I have the 803, was not my first mechanical watch purchased, but it got far the most wrist time compared to any other piece of the collection. This is my most appreciated watch (along with my grandpa's Raketa). Would not sell ever. And yes, very well said, it probably really is the best starter watch on the market still.
I like the design and the size of this watch but the non-hand winding 7s26 is the reason why I don't wear mine anymore. It is very annoying that it tends to be very inaccurate due to never being wound-up properly. Maybe one day I will spend some money on it and have the movement replaced for the newer handwound-automatic model.
Yeh I owned one. It’s all stainless steel under that bead blasting. I polished it all off the bezel with a dermal and it looked much better. Sold it on eBay for a profit 👍
Great video. I looked at this watch ages ago when it was on amazon for £55. knew at the time it was a steal, but can't justify paying £100 for something that was £55 several years ago.
OH YES! MWC is back for 2022 ! well done matey , another great show , need another character now for 2022 ! great content as ever and all in all SOOOOPER!
Hey... Love the content and this was a fun and informative video. I would like to know if it'd be better to pick the 800series or go for SNK375 (street racer) Both models are pretty different when it comes to looks but pretty much the same movement and Seiko heritage.
You can also pick up seiko 7002s for a good price, I have one modified with a pepsi dial, you can pick up vintage seiko 5s as well, just beware of Bangladeshi specials.
The wife bought me one for Christmas, well I say she bought it, I did and oh boy did she give it to me. Anyway I like it and she does now admit that it is a nice looking watch
Defiantly looks very Fliegeresque, I would have preferred the Seiko5 to be removed and the words automatic 21 jewels. and defiantly put it on a leather strap to finish it off. Then all I would need to get is my Messerschmitt Bf 109e, and I'm sorted.
Unpopular opinion: I own several Seiko 5s, but the 809 is a watch I just never understood and that I consider massively overrated. To me it is just an inconsistent mix of styles; the size is field watch, the dial is B-Uhr, the case is neither, the specs mediocre. What message would it send on your wrist? Is it cool, classy, inventive, classic or modern, mature, daring? To me it feels just inconsistent, kind of awkward and particularly: immature - probably because I love and miss authentic military Seikos like the RAF pilot chrono. For a dirt-cheap all-purpose retro men's watch I prefer my SNKK87.
I have the blue SNK807 and it's a really pleasant watch to use... it rotates on my wrist with my SNZG13J1 depending on the mood of the day... 😅😆 Enjoy it in good health mate 😊👍 Greetings from Portugal.
Coincidentally, I ordered a 809 several days ago. I am looking forward to receiving it. Thank you for the video that is both educational and entertaining.
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR I have browsed the straps already indeed, but will buy one when the watch arrives. I understand it is very much gamble with the accuracy and hope I won't be unlucky to get one that is totally inaccurate, but if I do, would you recommend any videos to learn how to adjust the accuracy?
This is definitely a great looking watch, but it’s not that reliable. Mines lasted 1 year, the self whinder ( I know I spelled that wrong 😑) came apart and makes noises now. And it loses time even if I wear it everyday. It was my favorite in my collection when first purchased but is my least favorite because it barley works correctly. Don’t waste your money. Just get the SKX
Great review :) There is a bigger version of that snk809 that came out recently. The SRPH27. Hope you could also have a review of that in the near future. More power TMWC!
How could you come at my nylon two piece straps! I have the green and blue, just because...why not? Theyre fantastic budget beaters and my personal favourite suggestion for someone who wants their first automatic watch.
I got the SNK809 on the two piece NATO to save a few additional bucks as you mentioned - did not intend to keep it on the stock band anyway. Now just to add some 18mm straps .... its a pitty that the blue version doesnt has a colorcoded datewheel...that would be my first choice but with the white datewheel its too "HELLLOOOO" look at me Im a daydate complication....
I noticed it did went up in price significantly, I really wish it had at least the NH35 which has hacking and winding and at least a 50m water resistance, but I know the NH35 is thicker movement which might not fit in the SNK80X watch. I'm still looking to buy it though.
I've had mine for almost 2 years now. It's been in the field, on a Howitzer, and regularly on the construction job site. I've dropped it a few times from 3 to 4 feet. I've gotten it plenty wet. It's a little scuffed and I finally tossed the nylon strap a couple weeks ago. It's a fantastic beater from a really cool brand and I love it.
I own the SNK807 and I like it. Although the new model SRPH31 is an improvement on the SNK807, I don't know if the difference of price (100 USD) should be right. Anyway, I think the SNK807 and all the SNK family will be discontinued now that the SRPH models have been launched.
There is a way with the 7S26C to backhack the second hand so it stops where you want it by gently finding that sweet point between moving the hands and not moving the hands, you can even make the second hand go backwards but I don't think that is recommended lol
Great video! Okay, let's get the bad news out of the way first. The reason the SNK gets more expensive every year is because they stopped making them a couple of years ago. You've no doubt noticed the new-style Seiko 5 -- different 5 logo, larger case, more modern specs. Well, the SNK is one of the old-styled ones. One reason they were so astonishingly cheap (I got my first one for around $45 on Amazon in 2016) is because Seiko made too many of them. It's taking them years to sell all of the new old stock, but they're going. Very very very slowly, but they're going. Sort of like the original VW Beetle. I suppose you may not be old enough to remember how slowly the Beetle went from a cheap economy car to an expensive collector's item. Get your SNK while you can. Next -- bracelet?! I had no idea you could get an SNK on a bracelet! Finally, SNK809 refers only to black. SNK803 is beige, SNK805 is green khaki, SNK807 is blue and they're all lovely!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR You never know for 100% sure. Seiko COULD make more of them if they wanted to. But -- 99% certain, yeah, they'll sell off the stock and that will be that. Seiko have made it pretty clear they want to be more upscale.
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Hi MWC
Have you looked at any watches from the Swiss company Ollech & Wajs...They do a 1000m dive watch stunner called the C1000 for approx £1200
Other models start at under £900
I disagree about the value for the money. This watch has cost me thousands and thousands of dollars. I was always into owning a watch. However, this is the one that put me into collector mode. Buyer beware!
Kyle!!!! You are so right!!!!! So sorry!!!;) the SKX has cost me thousands to!!!!
Haha, couldn't agree more, cost me thousands as well. It's one I'll never ever sell👍
The SKX009 was my gateway, and I bought SNK809s for my brother and nephew. Seiko is such a great place to start!
I caught seikoitus when I was 15 when i found an old 5 in a junk shop!!
Seiko is the gateway drug man
I bought the green SNK805 and absolutely love it, for all the reasons you mention. I realized it was too small for me, though, and gave it to my son. It’s his first mechanical watch, and that’s where this piece shines…horological discovery!
That’s awesome my friend!! I think the watch has more presence with a NATO for sure! The old field watches back in the day were 34/36 mm!!! I think the Hammy Khaki field is the king but for the money this is great!
Me too and loving it 😁
I still wear mine. It is small but after a little bit you get used to it
I have this watch. It was my first automatic. Just love it.
I had a Seiko 5 military watch and enjoy it until the crystal cracked. Honestly, they are great but you need to reset the time everyday. I wore automatics for many years.
Russ making the scratch test so we know what we have to work with, what a legend
Thank you my friend!!
Should of done it on a link ( easy to change) not the clasp 🤦♂️
@@deborafaulkner2489 that was the coward way to do it Debora!;) I bought it to review and to test for the viewers! I’m not going to be keeping it on that bracelet in fact I’m not sure where it is anymore hahaha! It’ll stay on the CWC nato I think;)
I have the blue version of this watch and use it as my everyday watch and love it. My dad gave it to me when he found he wasn't active enough to keep the automatic movement going! He had it on the original fabric strap but I have put it on a Barton Elite Silicone watch strap and it looks great. The crystal has scratched over the years but the case still looks good.
I have 2 black version and 1 of the blue, green and tan. I love love love them! The black is so good on the bracelet that i want to get a back up before they are all gone. Although the bracelet is cheap, it's total comfortable, no hair pulling and great looking in my opinion. Winner!
I have the same version, picked up a couple of years ago as a work watch for only £55. I love it, it gives a quick legible read every time.
People are right it looks good on leather, I even put a deployant clasp on it. Also like it on a blue or green NATO, such a versatile watch.
You absolutely can’t beat a Seiko 5. They’re cheap and cheerful but they do pretty much everything you need a mechanical watch to do and nothing else. Every collection should have at least one but with the sheer variety of designs Seiko have put out over the years you could easily collect loads of 5s if you were so inclined. I’ve got 3 and I could easily buy more if I gave in to temptation 😂
Love the Seiko samba too 🕺🏻😂
An awesome show to kick off 2022 MWC 🙌
Thank you so much Gareth! Definitely is a collector out there with just 5’s!!!;) 3!!! Get in!!
This was my first Seiko! I bought one for myself and one for my son. I wear it on a black leather strap. It's pretty small, but looks right at home on my skinny wrist. Great review Russell, you're now an official watch RUclipsr! 😃 ❤ ⌚
My first mechanical. My gateway drug. Never going to get rid of her. Perfect size. Easy wearing. Rugged movement. Paid around 55 USD a few years ago on Amazon. Perfection.
Matthew what a steal that was! Superb!
You made me buy this! I was looking for a beater work watch and just love the appearance. Thanks again first was the Bb58 and now this! I’m not complaining I love my Tudor and when I receive my Seiko 5 809 I’ll love it too.
Congrats my friend!
I have two of the cream dials, and a blue dial. One of the cream dials is fairly beat up from work, and the other is pristine. You can tell that I love these watches!
Thanks for watching my friend! Oh yeah! Such a great line isn’t it! Very tempted by the green now!
I've got one of these bad boys, but it's stuffed with a branded 4R36 movement and Kanji day wheel. The original strap has stayed with it, since it seems to conform very nicely to the wrist.
My first Seiko, my first automatic watch, and still sits proudly in the top left corner of my watch box. I tend to wear it on a Haveston Carrier A1 strap with bead blasted hardware and it looks the dog's danglers.
This watch is the first of many Seiko automatics I have purchased and it still gets the most wrist time. I removed the cloth band immediately and first replaced it with a stainless steel mesh strap, better but still room for improvement. I then figured out what this watch really needed. So off down the modding rabbit hole. 18mm hollow oyster style female end links allow me to put on a 20mm oyster tapered brushed bracelet. Now it looks much better and wears like a dream. I also purchased the green one and but it on a green two tone canvas and leather strap like Shane at Relative Time has. The only negative to the green version is the non color matched white day-date window.
Russ mate, your videos are such a pleasure to watch , right there with the facts and figures ,but moreover your seemingly effortless charm and comedic sensibilities are always spot on.
Definitely a collectors classic. I Have this watch (I got it on the nylon - because the bracelet is crap) very nice watch, best feature is that unlike the other SNK variants the date wheel is color matched. It does feel a bit small on my 7.5 inch wrist (I prefer 40-42mm) but the small size is a perk for some I understand.
A couple of similar options, with 100m water resistance, with Seiko pedigree Lorus - either titanium or Lumibrite ... cheaper than the SNK809, or (caveat is if you can find it for a decent price) Alba Titanium (unlike the Lorus this has both Titanium and Lumibrite) msrp around $85 .. but reality is that it will cost you more.
I recently bought one of these for the collection. I was amazed to find it averaging +0.9 spd after 9 days of tracking (I got lucky with this one). It's just a bit small for my liking though, so I plan to eventually give it to my son when he's old enough to take better care of his stuff.
I absolutely adore my SNK807! The blue one....And I've come to love that silly lume on the seconds. lol Can't beat the size and feel of it. Always makes me smile when it goes on the wrist... which is gonna be a lot more now. I almost forgot about the cute little bugger! Thanks for the reminder. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching! I’m annoyed I hadn’t bought this sooner to be honest ! It’s because when I started my watch crazy journey I was all ‘DIVER DIVER!!!!’ Would definitely recommend the watch
I bought the SNK805 (green dial) in October of 2018 from Amazon for $82.51 USD. I don’t wear it that often, but when I do, it runs fine, in spec, stays wound over night (on my night table).
This was a Christmas present for my nine year old this year… I’ve owned the SNZG for several years now… That’s the one that fits my 7 1/2 inch wrist… Thanks for the great review!
Snzg09 for me. Bought my son the snzg17, harder to find now. Son gone in the army Jan 2021.
The cream dial was my first automatic watch. Still love it and looks great on a brown leather strap.
Yeah a nice old distressed leather beauty would look great!
I also have a Flieger, the 803 (beige) variant. Will turn 5 this November. My first automatic watch. Ironically for a computer guy like me, I would prefer mechanical watches over smartwatches, for now.
Superb my friend! That badboy will run and run!!!
Hey Russ you always cheer me up with your superb videos!! Your reviews are positive, honest and well analysed. Thank you my friend.
Thank you my friend!
My first automatic when I "returned" to wearing a decent watch was an SNK805. It's every bit a Type B Flieger. Great watch, decent price. Needs a bigger crown (I wear it on my right wrist). It's one of just two autos in my box that doesn't hack or hand wind, and it doesn't need to. I enjoyed your lighthearted approach to the review. Subbed.
I just bought the SNK809 a couple of weeks ago. Beautiful, classic design. Yeah, the bracelet is a bit rubbish (folded links! I hate those...) and I pretty much put mine on a black NATO strap immediately. I really like it. Pity it is discontinued, the black SRPH model is bigger and costs twice what the SNK series did. I'd recommend any of the SNK series if you can find them at a good price.
I have a 7.5" wrist so I opted for the SNZG15J1. Same movement and bead-blasted case, but a different style dial and handset, and larger case dims. I've put it on a Zulu strap for now, but it's a handsome little dude. I have a hard time choosing between it and my Orient Blue Ray II in the mornings. I may pick one of these up as a gift for my kiddo one of these days tho - it's a great looking watch.
This was my father-in-laws one watch for 6 years, he passed it on to me. I love it!! Just a legible, lightweight piece. His bracelet has push pins though!
Bought this watch 3 yrs ago and it has not skipped a beat. Nylon strap is rubbish so I have it on a brown vintage strap. Such a nice watch. Flieger B dial is great. Is it discontinued?
Oooo a brown leather does look great my friend! Glad it’s still keeping great time!
I just got one with bracelet, additional links and the box for $40 USD on offer up. I find myself wearing it a lot. Super comfortable and no worries about it getting beat up with daily use. 5/5 recommend.
Lovely review. I decided to buy a similar to your one SRPJ09K1 yesterday, and I’m waiting for delivery tomorrow. It’s a black dial with a black bracelet. But I think I’m gonna wear it on a NATO strap.
Happy New Year Buddy!
Good review.
And I'm so glad that you've kept your frenetic style for the new year. It's very reassuring.
Henry! Thank you so much for watching my friend! All the best!
This is the best video on the snk809 i have came across by far,you even gave us a scratch test.I have the same watch on a bracelet and i have to say that even though the bracelet is a little bit crappy,i love the look of it and the only strap i would change it for is a nato.
This here (blue version) was my first ever mechanical watch!!! I think it looks great, but the small size doesn’t really work with my large wrist so I stopped wearing it a couple years ago…
I kinda like it. I've always liked the no-nonsense functionality of fliegers and field watches. Don't mind the lume on the counterbalance (if you need to time something in the dark, what does it matter?). Like the recessed crown at 4o'clock (I've killed watches by repeatedly stressing the crown while at the same time stabbing myself in the back of the hand). Really looks this business on that grey NATO. Amazing price. But off by 17seconds a day, no hacking, no winding? It reminds me why I prefer quartz.
It’s a good point my friend . Will never need a battery and probably as long as you wear it on a regular basis, will never break down on you!
I am heavily considering a flieger style watch and perhaps you can help answer: a. How noisy is the movement of this watch? b. If I wear it for a few hours a day, can the movement hold its charge overnight (given that it non-windable)?
This watch is great, period, regardless the price. Simple, functional, tough, timeless
An snk809 was my first automatic watch. It jump started my collection and still get wrist time after 5 years. 100% a keeper for me
if the watch is non hackable, the seconds hand position doesn't really matter no? its used to tell you that the watch is ticking more than anything else
so where the lume at doesn't matter
Great
I bought my SNK809 in 2020 for £60. Removed the supplied canvas strap and have worn it on a NATO ever since. Beautiful watch and excellent timekeeper - gains less than a minute per week. Still can't believe I got it so cheap.
I bought one of these years ago (paid about $60!) and for some reason it stopped working. Not idea why, but it just wouldn’t hold power. I tossed it in a drawer for a few years and eventually got it out to see if I could get it serviced. Well, I heard about the Seiko shake, and it’s been fine ever since. So weird.
I love it now. I got mine on the trash black strap but would love to find a bracelet for it some day. It’s a killer watch and one of the best bang for buck watches out there.
I have this watch and I love it . I kept the black strap , I think it`s much better than the bracelet . My favourite part of these reviews are the " What The Wife Thinks " segment , just makes me belly laugh every time , Thank you :)
Haha? Thank you for watching my friend! I bet that strap will last a long time for sure!
All the best!
I absolutely love this watch. Size is perfect, dial is attractive and utilitarian, and the price used to be unbeatable. Unfortunately I always took for granted when the price hovered around $60-$70, putting off buying one. Now that it’s $100-$130 I will absolutely not be spending my money on the SNK809
I think you look around my friend, this is about £110 on creation watches . Where can you buy a mechanical automatic watch from a brand that has been going since 1881?!?!?! I don’t care what anyone says, a San Martin may give you upgraded specs but at the end of the day it’s a San Martin .
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR Perhaps I am a bit cynical. I just have a hard time thinking that this is worth north of $100 when it was sub $70 not that long ago
I have the same one featured showed here Madman. I love it. Iffy bracelet? No problem, a NATO does always the trick. It is considered a field watch but to me it looks a feels more like a hybrid between a field watch and a Flieger. Definitely a must own for Seiko and military watch lovers.
Great review, as per… Recently got a bead-blasted watch which I love, unfortunately I’m not ‘feeling’ the strap and was a little unsure about my options (new to collecting) will definitely give the NATO a go, so cheers!
A 4 O’clock crown usually signifies an automatic movement. When most watches were manual wind the 3 O’clock crown was needed. A 4 O’clock crown says this watch doesn’t need hand winding so we can just hide this crown in the corner.
Excellent my friend! Makes sense doesn’t it! What do you prefer?
Damn I've missed so much, been a hectic week for me mate. Will watch now!
Cracking little watch that isn't it!
Nice review as always! I got the 803 back when they were about $50! Put it on an army green NATO and its great for the days when I want a smaller watch... even had the army green F91W on the under side of my wrist with it for a bit! Even together they were lighter than any other auto in my collection.
Omg 😱 my fav too… really got my eye on one of these… that lume though… seems reluned? Wasn’t expecting it to glow. Keep em coming
Smart watch for the bucks. Like it on the NATO. I think thr lumed counter weight is just an indication that the watch is still working, like the SKX007. Great show, here’s to a better 2022 to all. 👍🏴
These seem to be going for $150+ now in the US. I picked mine up I think around 2015-ish for ~$50, but I don’t know if I’d recommend it for what it’s going for now. I’d probably suggest the SRPH series, which seems to have the same dial design, but are slightly larger.
Lume on the second hand is present to tell you the watch is running not to tell you anything related to the time. Dive watches, which this isn't, are required to have a lumed seconds hand for this reason.
Hi Russ, have owned a black dial one for 15 years! My only gripe is the water proof rating! Seiko bracelets are nearly always junk,have broken a swag of them! Had it briefly on a red leather strap,a definite head puller!Living in Australia(hot&humid) a metal band is the only practicle solution/ got another bracelet. The dial is the thing that makes the watch/ Cheers Mate
John! Thanks for watching! Oh yeah I love the dial !! Yes the WR!!!!!???? Seiko would never make a field/pilot with that low a rating again surely?!?!
I really like this watch, however since I have about 35 watches I don't think it would stay wound that much. They have the new SRPG37 that provides manual winding capability.
Great video brother. Loving the format. I just picked up the green dial. Took the strap off replaced the skinny bars with thicker 1.5 mm ones and stuck it in a green nato by Sniper Bay. Looks amazing.
Thank you for watching Ian!!! Oh yeah get that strap off and it makes the watch look much better!!
The non-hand winding just kills me. I could care less about hacking as mechanical is a sundial but, if I take it off, I'm going to want to handwind it before I set it down so when I come back to it, its running. But nope. Can't do non-handwind
The lollipop is lumed so you can be sure the watch is working. This feature is very common in diver's. Under the sea you don't need to know the exact second or you could even mistake the seconds hand for the minutes hand.
Thank you my friend! It’s very jarring to look at on a pilot style dial and the the size of the dial , wrong move for sure but hey!
With a non-hacking movement i'd say reading the exact seconds is of no use. All you want to know in the middle of the night is if it's still running. That's why there's lume on the seconds hand and that's why it doesn't matter which side it's on - as long as it's moving.
For my collection, i don't see the need for 5 as i already have the SKXs 007 and 009 in their original state. That makes two 7S26s already and that's really enough.
Totally agree double D!
The point of the lume on the seconds hand is only really to let you know in the dark if the watch has stopped. It's not on the 'wrong' end for this purpose.
Also, if you want a different look use some autosol metal polish on a rag and use your finger to polish it. Mine has a half polished half brushed look. Polished at 3 and 9 fading into bead blasted at 12 and 6. Makes it look a lot more expensive and dressy on leather strap as well. 😁
Forgot to say, full size SKX has lume on 'wrong' end of seconds hand as well unlike your 013.
It's also easier to see at a glance because it's in open space on the dial, less likely to be mixed up with hour markers.(more likely on a diver with bigger lume admittedly.)
Great stuff my friend! It makes sense doesn’t it just it’s a bit jarring having it on this particular design;) all the best and thanks for the info!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR yep it does jar a bit. I kept meaning to try the seconds hand from the beige snk it's black with red tip and rear lume. May look kinda cool... Like the lume is floating round the dial!! Keep up the good work, loved the video on alpinist limited on bund. I kinda winced at the date and lack of Alpinist wording. Still bought one though... 😏 !!
@@thecountrypeasanttcp1573 hahaha! Well listen if I had the money I would’ve got it to!!!!
Very good vid mate!
I've just ordered my very first mechanical watch. A Seiko 5 SNK805K2.. I've fall in love with the green one at first sight :D In a few days it will be on my wrist :)
The “Seiko Samba” 😂 must try that ..
It will catch on!!!!!;)
Bought a blue one for my brother and a couple of NATO straps but he really likes the blue nylon strap that it comes with and has kept it on that. Great watch !
Wow ok my friend! Well he needs to live a little more dangerously with his straps!!!! All the best!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR I will pass that on to him after he has watched the show ! 😁
Just boughtt the snk807,. the blue dial, as all my other watches have a black dial. The strap is sturdy, but is really uncomfortable. I bought it on amazon for $89.00 Canadian, which is really a great value. Also bought a tan leather strap on $Amazon for $20 CAD. It looks great!
I got a SNK603 today, my first Automatic... Only fly in the ointment is that I appear to be stuck with the crappy folded bracelet. Still love it though
I have the 803, was not my first mechanical watch purchased, but it got far the most wrist time compared to any other piece of the collection. This is my most appreciated watch (along with my grandpa's Raketa). Would not sell ever. And yes, very well said, it probably really is the best starter watch on the market still.
Tobias! Thank you for watching my friend!
I like the design and the size of this watch but the non-hand winding 7s26 is the reason why I don't wear mine anymore.
It is very annoying that it tends to be very inaccurate due to never being wound-up properly.
Maybe one day I will spend some money on it and have the movement replaced for the newer handwound-automatic model.
Yeh I owned one. It’s all stainless steel under that bead blasting. I polished it all off the bezel with a dermal and it looked much better. Sold it on eBay for a profit 👍
Great video. I looked at this watch ages ago when it was on amazon for £55. knew at the time it was a steal, but can't justify paying £100 for something that was £55 several years ago.
I have the black one, on a one-piece suede strap, to add to the 'flieger style'. Iove it! Timeless timepiece.
A great watch for those just starting out. Thanks for the vid Russ, really enjoyed it!
Cheers Gregson! Appreciate that a lot!
Great crisp shots Russell! Is that a result of your new kit? Decent watch too, might get my brother one for his birthday
Yes Nelson! New lens!;) thanks for watching! It’s a great watch to get the brother!!
OH YES! MWC is back for 2022 ! well done matey , another great show , need another character now for 2022 ! great content as ever and all in all SOOOOPER!
Mal! Great to hear from you my friend!!! Thanks for the support!
I've been thinking about getting one of these for ages, but I have big 7.25in wrists, and a 37mm would probably look tiny on me.
It may do but depends if you like the look of small watches my friend!! It’s you that’s wearing it
man ,you are the best! i had a lot of fun with this video and end up ordering one of these watchesThank You!
Your wife's first impressions are always the funny part of your videos haha
I was surprised with this one Gabriel!! She’s a field/military watch lover!!!!??? ;)
Hey... Love the content and this was a fun and informative video. I would like to know if it'd be better to pick the 800series or go for SNK375 (street racer)
Both models are pretty different when it comes to looks but pretty much the same movement and Seiko heritage.
Have one... Rekindled my watch addiction. Currently up to 1963 seagull on the madness
You can also pick up seiko 7002s for a good price, I have one modified with a pepsi dial, you can pick up vintage seiko 5s as well, just beware of Bangladeshi specials.
The wife bought me one for Christmas, well I say she bought it, I did and oh boy did she give it to me. Anyway I like it and she does now admit that it is a nice looking watch
Good wife!!! Thanks for watching my friend!
Defiantly looks very Fliegeresque, I would have preferred the Seiko5 to be removed and the words automatic 21 jewels. and defiantly put it on a leather strap to finish it off. Then all I would need to get is my Messerschmitt Bf 109e, and I'm sorted.
Great points here my friend!
I have the green dial one.... Lovely little watch (bar the strap) ............. Nice one MWC
I own this model for three years and I love it.
Unpopular opinion: I own several Seiko 5s, but the 809 is a watch I just never understood and that I consider massively overrated. To me it is just an inconsistent mix of styles; the size is field watch, the dial is B-Uhr, the case is neither, the specs mediocre. What message would it send on your wrist? Is it cool, classy, inventive, classic or modern, mature, daring? To me it feels just inconsistent, kind of awkward and particularly: immature - probably because I love and miss authentic military Seikos like the RAF pilot chrono. For a dirt-cheap all-purpose retro men's watch I prefer my SNKK87.
I have the blue SNK807 and it's a really pleasant watch to use... it rotates on my wrist with my SNZG13J1 depending on the mood of the day... 😅😆
Enjoy it in good health mate 😊👍
Greetings from Portugal.
Mate, recommend a smallish dress watch? 38mm or thereabouts
The Hammy khaki king my friend? Or a Tissot Visodate?
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR oooph, I've been considering the Hamiltons. Field and King are both very tempting!
@@kevincoleman242 gotta be the best time to buy one now with the likes of Ernest Jones, h samuels with the sales!!
Coincidentally, I ordered a 809 several days ago. I am looking forward to receiving it. Thank you for the video that is both educational and entertaining.
Thank you so much for this Alex! Enjoy it!! Get some straps aswell if you haven’t already!!!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR I have browsed the straps already indeed, but will buy one when the watch arrives. I understand it is very much gamble with the accuracy and hope I won't be unlucky to get one that is totally inaccurate, but if I do, would you recommend any videos to learn how to adjust the accuracy?
@@alexknezevic8327 give it time on the wrist before doing any sorts of readings! I couldn’t fully charge mine because of the lack of hand winding!
This is definitely a great looking watch, but it’s not that reliable. Mines lasted 1 year, the self whinder ( I know I spelled that wrong 😑) came apart and makes noises now. And it loses time even if I wear it everyday. It was my favorite in my collection when first purchased but is my least favorite because it barley works correctly. Don’t waste your money. Just get the SKX
Great review :) There is a bigger version of that snk809 that came out recently. The SRPH27. Hope you could also have a review of that in the near future. More power TMWC!
Not a big fan of the dial: a bit too busy for me.
I like it to be cleaner and dressier.
I’m more a SNKL23 fan. 😎
How could you come at my nylon two piece straps! I have the green and blue, just because...why not? Theyre fantastic budget beaters and my personal favourite suggestion for someone who wants their first automatic watch.
Hahahahahaha to be fair I haven’t had one in the fibre Jason but it looks bad! ;) I’m tempted on the green one!!!!
I got the SNK809 on the two piece NATO to save a few additional bucks as you mentioned - did not intend to keep it on the stock band anyway. Now just to add some 18mm straps .... its a pitty that the blue version doesnt has a colorcoded datewheel...that would be my first choice but with the white datewheel its too "HELLLOOOO" look at me Im a daydate complication....
If you are in a sad mood, think the world is crashing down upon you watch this channel as it will instantly brighten up your day!
I noticed it did went up in price significantly, I really wish it had at least the NH35 which has hacking and winding and at least a 50m water resistance, but I know the NH35 is thicker movement which might not fit in the SNK80X watch. I'm still looking to buy it though.
I like it however personally for the size and water resistance I would go for the SNZG15. Great vid again!
Thanks my friend! Yes that WR is not good is it;(
I've had mine for almost 2 years now. It's been in the field, on a Howitzer, and regularly on the construction job site. I've dropped it a few times from 3 to 4 feet. I've gotten it plenty wet.
It's a little scuffed and I finally tossed the nylon strap a couple weeks ago. It's a fantastic beater from a really cool brand and I love it.
Superb Corbyn!!!
I own the SNK807 and I like it. Although the new model SRPH31 is an improvement on the SNK807, I don't know if the difference of price (100 USD) should be right. Anyway, I think the SNK807 and all the SNK family will be discontinued now that the SRPH models have been launched.
I’ll think you’re right! Thanks for watching Ernesto!
There is a way with the 7S26C to backhack the second hand so it stops where you want it by gently finding that sweet point between moving the hands and not moving the hands, you can even make the second hand go backwards but I don't think that is recommended lol
I've got a green one, like it lots. I actually like the nylon strap, feels nice on wrist too.
Great video! Okay, let's get the bad news out of the way first. The reason the SNK gets more expensive every year is because they stopped making them a couple of years ago. You've no doubt noticed the new-style Seiko 5 -- different 5 logo, larger case, more modern specs. Well, the SNK is one of the old-styled ones. One reason they were so astonishingly cheap (I got my first one for around $45 on Amazon in 2016) is because Seiko made too many of them. It's taking them years to sell all of the new old stock, but they're going. Very very very slowly, but they're going. Sort of like the original VW Beetle. I suppose you may not be old enough to remember how slowly the Beetle went from a cheap economy car to an expensive collector's item. Get your SNK while you can.
Next -- bracelet?! I had no idea you could get an SNK on a bracelet!
Finally, SNK809 refers only to black. SNK803 is beige, SNK805 is green khaki, SNK807 is blue and they're all lovely!
Lovely stuff Steven! If the movement has been decommissioned then that goes for the watch to ay? ;) all the best!
@@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR You never know for 100% sure. Seiko COULD make more of them if they wanted to. But -- 99% certain, yeah, they'll sell off the stock and that will be that. Seiko have made it pretty clear they want to be more upscale.