Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Self-Winding Watch with Stainless Steel Bracelet – SNXS73K

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They were made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Seiko and became the go-to suggestion for new watch collectors. I think the brushing on the bracelet kind of looks out of place – like it doesn’t belong on this watch. Especially since there are absolutely no brushed surfaces on the case to tie the look together.

Like most of the non-Sports models, this one is rated water-resistant to 30 m. Technically, it’s only splashproof. However, I’ve seen people submerge – even swim with – these watches, so I presume that it’s relatively safe to expose them to water. However, it all depends on whether you want to take your chances or not. Seiko understates the water-resistance of their cases. If that pattern extends to the 5s as well, you’re probably safe if you forget to take the watch off before going for a swim. As an ordinary precaution, I’d still advise protecting it from unnecessary risk. The bracelet It doesn’t really compare to the Seiko 5, even though they cost about the same. It’s just a different style. Invicta Pro Diver 8928OB vs. Seiko 5 SNXS79 No, Seiko hasn’t discontinued the Seiko 5. They are still in production, however, Seiko has no longer released any new 37mm original Seiko ‘5’ badge models. Instead, Seiko is releasing new Seiko 5 Sports watches, such as their SRPD 5KX dive watch, SRPE DressKX, SRPG field watch, and SRPH29 pilot watchmodels.The watch doesn’t have a sapphire crystal, which helps prevent scratches, nor a screw-down crown, making it a deal-breaker for some. Though, I’ve taken mine on vacation and beat it up. The included hardlex crystal doesn’t have a scratch on it, and despite only having 100 meters of water resistance, I was still able to take this watch swimming in pools and the ocean, without any issues whatsoever. The radiant blue sunburst dial of the SRPE53 compliments the polished bezel, and brushed bracelet, although this watch would look just as at home on a NATO strap or leather band.

This particular version is the 7S26C. It only differs from the 1st generation 7S26A in two details: the shape of the rotor has been changed (in the 7S26B), and the previous regulator has been replaced with the slightly more potent Etachron. On paper, it’s nothing special. Not exactly pretty, but not bad. The 7S26 has been recently discontinued – the entry-level Seikos are being upgraded to a day-date version of the 4R35 (aka NH35A), the 4R36. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. The 4R series is better, but this also means an increase in prices. While an upgrade is a good thing, in this case, I’d go with the “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” credo. The dial If there’s one problem I could point at here, it’s the action of the day-date display. It’s slow. Very slow. The date mechanism engages at 9 PM, starts switching some time past 11, and completes the switch by just after midnight. The weekday wheel, however, takes longer. It engages before midnight and ends the switch sometime before 4 AM. Generally, the older Seiko 5 models are smaller, around 37mm, and less expensive (although prices have been creeping up recently due to exclusivity). However, while the watch will survive for generations, if properly looked after, you will need to have the movement serviced by an experienced watchmaker. This is the case with every mechanical watch, as its series of tiny mechanical parts need to occasionally be cleaned and lubricated to run properly.It helps that it’s so light and weightless, making it good to wear in warmer summer months. It also surprisingly doesn’t tug on my arm hairs like some other cheap bracelets tend to. SNXS79 Strap Choices and Suggestions The Seiko 5 Sports GMTs from Seiko change the game. They’re the most affordable automatic GMT watches you can find from a well-known brand.

It doesn’t have any screws, or even pushpins, like most bracelets, so sizing it can be extremely difficult. The SNXS79’s lume, however, shines bright like a torch. It helps that the hour markers are so large and bold. A common feature in 5s for a few decades now was a day wheel in two languages. Most had it in English and French, or English and German. Current J-suffix models have it in English and Japanese. So, I’ve no idea why my (theoretically) European market model has it in English and Arabic. I don’t know if Seiko has on purpose delivered these to Europe, or was my watch some glitch in their exports, and was meant to be sold in the Middle East. Technically, any non-JDM SNXS79 is an SNXS79K, so that’s possible. Rays reflecting in the sunburst pattern. Sunday in red – typical feature of Seiko day-date movements. The case (and how it wears) Dimensions As long as you take care of it, avoid excessively dropping or bumping it, and avoid water damage, a Seiko 5 can last a lifetime. The Seiko SNXS79 has rather unusual dimensions that, on paper, don’t really reflect how the watch wears. Let me explain. DimensionsBut over time, like most other things about this watch, not only did they grow on me, but I began to appreciate them more and more. That’s why I’ve bought this same exact watch THREE times. The Final Verdict The included bracelet isn’t the best, but with a watch so affordable, it’s easy to overlook, and this watch looks good on a variety of different straps if you can work around the odd 19mm lug width. My story of owning this SNXS79 is a funny one. Like I said earlier, it was my own personal first mechanical watch I’ve owned for myself. Seiko 5s are often compared to watches much more expensive than they are for their subtle, understated designs that give them a luxurious look. Their combinations of various finishes, both brushed and polished, on their cases and bracelets, is something that only Seiko seems to go the extra length to do at such an affordable price point.