Best Seiko Watches for Men

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 13, 2023
Seiko is a world-known brand that has been the official timekeeper of many major sporting events including Olympic Games, FIFA, and ...Read more
PROS

It has a unique textured dial with amazing gradient blue stripes that are supposed to resemble waves and the depth of the ocean. 

CONS

The silicone band is not sweat-resistant.

OUR VERDICT

The Save the Oceans Seiko Turtle is a beautiful, accurate, and durable everyday/sport watch. It can become a perfect accessory for anyone who is crazy about the marine theme. 

detailed parameters
Best For

Men

Movement

Automatic with manual winding capacity

Caliber

4R36

Display

45-mm stainless steel case with Hardlex mineral glass

Material of Band

Silicone

Extras

Day/Date display, Stop second hand function, Unidirectional rotating bezel, Lumibrite™ coating on hands and indices

Water Resistance

Up to 660 feet (200 meters)

Warranty

3 years (registration required)

PROS

The watch has three addition subdials one of which shows time in 24-hour format. Hence, you can set and track time in any corner of the world.

CONS

The date window is too small.

OUR VERDICT

The Seiko Men's RECRAFT seems to be like a "go-to" summer watch. And the chronograph in 1/5-second increments with split time measurement function will help you on any sports event. 

detailed parameters
Best For

Men

Movement

Quartz (Solar сell)

Caliber

V175

Display

43.5-mm stainless steel case with Hardlex mineral glass

Material of Band

Nylon

Extras

Date display, chronograph, 24-hour indicator, split time measurement function, Lumibrite™ coating on hands and indices

Water Resistance

Up to 330 feet (100 meters)

Warranty

3 years (registration required)

PROS

The watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. It's water-resistant up to 330 ft, making it a perfect choice for occasional swimmers.

CONS

No luminous coating on hands and indices.

OUR VERDICT

It's a stunning watch suitable for a number of occasions from swimming in a pool to posh events. This elegant timepiece works equally well with a dress suit or a casual pair of jeans and a Polo shirt.

detailed parameters
Best For

Men

Movement

Quartz (Solar Cell)

Caliber

V157

Display

41-mm stainless steel case with black Ion finish and Hardlex mineral glass

Material of Band

Stainless steel with black Ion finish

Extras

Date display

Water Resistance

Up to 330 feet (100 meters)

Warranty

3 years (registration required)

PROS

You can see the movement through the transparent case back. The watch is made with the 7S36 movement that is made in Japan. 

CONS

The band wears out after a while (replacements are easily available).

OUR VERDICT

A reliable movement along with the distinctive appearance of the Seiko Sports 5 watch makes it a great choice for any man who wants a simplistic model that will stand the test of time.

detailed parameters
Best For

Men

Movement

Automatic with manual winding capacity

Caliber

7S36

Display

42-mm stainless steel case with Hardlex mineral glass

Material of Band

Nylon

Extras

Day/Date display, Lumibrite™ coating on hands and indices

Water Resistance

Up to 330 feet (100 meters)

Warranty

3 years (registration required)

PROS

The unidirectional rotating bezel can function as a timer if need be. The watch is covered with Hardlex mineral glass.

CONS

The days are written in Sweden. 

OUR VERDICT

The Seiko SNZF17 resembles the famous Rolex Submariner but unlike the Rolex, this is a reliable yet affordable watch you can use for any activities. Be it garden work, fishing, swimming, or running errands.

detailed parameters
Best For

Men

Movement

Automatic with manual winding capacity

Caliber

7S36

Display

42-mm stainless steel case with Hardlex mineral glass

Material of Band

Stainless steel

Extras

Day/Date display, Unidirectional rotating bezel, Lumibrite™ coating on hands and indices

Water Resistance

Up to 330 feet (100 meters)

Warranty

3 years (registration required)

Limited Edition

If you're craving for something unique and prestigious that could impress your friends and colleagues, the Seiko Prospex SRPC91 SAVE THE OCEAN is what you need. This high-end watch belongs to the new limited edition of the Seiko's dive watches. Actually, this model is based on the popular 6000 range of vintage watches by the brand. But now it's more rugged and beautiful.

To begin with, this very model is nicknamed Turtle due to its cushion-shape case. And the textured dial with the amazing gradient blue color just hypnotizes people and makes them keep looking at it all the time. The attention-getting face of the dial is supposed to resemble ocean waves and the depth of the ocean. The undulating blue stripes run across the dial with the transition from a medium blue at the top to a very dark at the bottom. However, the face looks its best in the flesh. The colors and patterns appear to shimmer in the light for full effect. Absolutely gorgeous.

The original rubber strap that comes with this model is also great. It's well-suitable to wear for extended periods of time. It's very supple, pliable, good looking, and comfortable, while the stainless steel clasp is robust enough to endure long years of heavy use. Overall, the watch feels well made and is definitely worth every penny.

Great Watch. Great Cause.

Another feature that makes this watch unique is the gunmetal finish around its unidirectional 120-click bezel and screw-down crown. It provides a nice contrast to the stainless finish of the case. The large hands and markers are also stainless steel; they contrast nicely with the dial color and are easy to read at a glance. Plus, they have a luminescent coating to be well-visible in dark conditions.

Speaking about the core, this watch features a Seiko 24 jewel (4R36) movement. The movement is automatic but you can hand-wound it if needed. Overall, the watch keeps time accurately, for which Seiko is famous.

Finally, we would like to emphasize that by purchasing this watch, you donate to the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center which helps to conserve and keep the marine life safe. So, it's a great watch for a great cause.

To sum up everything said above, this Save the Oceans Seiko Turtle watch is beautiful, accurate, and durable. It can become a perfect accessory for anyone who is crazy about the marine theme.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07DCRH4ZL

Gulf Racing Watch

The Men's RECRAFT watch is one more uber-stylish looker from Seiko. It comes with an oval-shaped case and has a complex dial that was the rage in the sports watches of the 70s.

The watch face is a beautiful blue of faded denim that actually seems to change in various lighting conditions. The ice-blue face looks very rich when indoors, but the true brilliance of the blue comes to life outside. The blue dial gives a sunburst effect as the watch moves, making it even more attractive.

The Tachymeter ring also relies on light. It can be blue, black, gray, or silver depending on how the light hits it. The sub-dials appear to be a dark navy blue. All the numbers and indices in this watch are white.

Overall, the dial is well-readable and all buttons work as expected. The only downside is the fact that the tiny date window between 4 & 5 o'clock is virtually impossible to see. Only if you catch it in the right light and the right angle, you'll be able to read it.

Speaking about the strap, it's very attractive and comfortable. The Gulf racing color scheme of the band matches the colors on the watch face. Yet, this tri-color NATO strap can be removed for other options. The lugs make standard 22mm, so you can easily find a replacement to dress up your watch with a swap of the band.

It Loves Sun

Plunging into details, we would like to emphasize that the watch has three addition subdials one of which shows time in 24-hour format. Hence, you can set and track time in any corner of the world. Another nifty feature is the chronograph function. It's great and runs very smoothly. Plus, it has a split timer function. Great on any sports event.

Take note that it's a quartz watch, so you can expect superb accuracy from it. In practice, the watch really keeps excellent time, running at +1.5 sec per week. Another perk is that the watch uses not a typical quartz movement but a solar-charged one. That is to say, it's powered by any light energy. And once fully charged, the solar cell will provide a 6-month power reserve. That means you'll never have to replace the battery on the watch.

All things considered, the Seiko Men's RECRAFT seems to be like a "go-to" summer watch. Its sunburst blue dial is to die for and the tri-color NATO strap looks very stylish. And since the watch has the chronograph in 1/5-second increments with split time measurement function, it will be handy during any sports event.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0792MBNGJ

The Best Price/Quality Ratio

Are you eyeing up a super stylish black-on-black watch? Would you like it to be priced appropriately? If you have two "yes", the Seiko Men's SNE325 watch may be a real steal for you.

The watch looks great with beautiful and solid craftsmanship. It has clean lines and is not too "busy" or flashy. It looks sharp and sophisticated, just like a finely crafted piece of jewelry.

Also, it's made of quality materials - the Japanese quartz movement, stainless steel case with Hardlex dial window, and stainless steel strap. Therefore the watch feels a bit hefty but in a good way, like Omega or Rolex.

How is the quality of the black plating? Actually, the fine brushed black finish will stay in a top-notch condition even if you wear the timepiece all the time. No scratches or nicks. So, we can conclude that this slick watch says that its owner appreciates quality but doesn’t want to overpay.

Another great thing about the product is that it's manufactured with solar quartz mechanism with astounding accuracy. And since it's solar, no batteries are needed. That’s a good feature for those individuals who aren't going to wear it every day and don’t want to worry about it winding down.

For Any Occasion

Yet, the main highlight is the fact that the watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. It's water-resistant up to 330 ft, making it a perfect choice for occasional swimmers. And what makes it appealing for other adventurers is its wide range of operating temperatures - from 14 to 140 degrees F. As you see, this stylish and masculine watch is suitable not only for dress and casual occasions but for sports as well.

Also, this timepiece is great for just any wrist size. It's fitted with a stainless steel bracelet with a push-button clasp, which is very easy to resize by removing the links. The band has a ceramic coating that is not polished and accordingly not too shiny. It boasts the right amount of shine to become an eye-catcher without going overboard.

Speaking about the face, it's also black, which we consider as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it looks very sleek but, on the other hand, it does make it hard to read hands and numbers in low light situations. The black indices aren't reflective, so they blend with the face and disappears when you are trying to read them. We wish they would add some contrast. However, it's a minor flaw with an otherwise perfect watch.

It's a stunning watch suitable for a number of occasions from swimming in a pool to posh events. That is to say, this elegant timepiece works equally well with a dress suit or a casual pair of jeans and a Polo shirt.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $201.16
Stock In stock
ASIN B00I1LBE9Q

Adopts to Your Style

It’s hard to tell for sure when the mass fascination with military watches began, but the fact remains the fact - military timepieces are very popular among users of any age nowadays. And that fascination brings us to the Seiko 5. Although it belongs to sports lineup and doesn't meet any military specification, the khaki design makes this timepiece look identical to iconic mil-spec watches used during the First World War and the Second World War.

The watch has a nice simplistic look and boasts rugged construction. Its dial is clean with Seiko logo at the top and the calibre branding at the bottom. The date window is neatly positioned in the right section - it shows the date and day. It's well-readable yet small enough to leave a clean, legible dial that remains true military field watches. But what makes the watch look completely akin to them is a green strap with brown accents. The band is mainly made from fabric but the brown detailing is from leather.

The bandwidth makes 20 mm, meaning you can easily swap the original one for any other to make your watch look different. Actually, if combined with a silicone strap, it'll look quite sporty. And a stainless steel band can make it look classy and suitable for almost any occasion.

Japan Quality

Born in 1963, the Seiko 5 Sports watch became Japan’s first automatic day-date model. That is to say, it has been on the market for more than 60 years and still stays one of the most demanding Seiko models of all time. Throughout these 60 years, the timepiece has been delivering high levels of reliability, durability, performance and great value. Actually, the Seiko 5 should possess the following 5 key features (hence, the name):

  • Automatic movement;
  • Water-resistance;
  • Shock resistance;
  • Day-date display;
  • Case and band built for durability.

And we dare say that owing to this deft combination, the Seiko 5 watch has even endeared it to aficionados of mechanical watches. Actually, the quality of movement is exceptional here. Unlike many other models from the brand, the 7S36 movement of this watch was made in Japan, the country known for its incredible total quality control. The 7S36 caliber features 23 jewels and beats at a rate of 21,600 beats per hour.

Summarizing everything said above, we can conclude that a reliable movement along with the distinctive appearance of this watch makes it a great choice for any man who wants a simplistic model that will stand the test of time.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $189.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B004A916H8

Like a Rolex

Are you crazy about famous Rolex Submariner but don’t want to spend a fortune on it? Then, Seiko has an affordable replication for you - the Seiko SNZF17 watch, also called Sea Urchin watch. Why Urchin? Because they both are black in color, and the watch has those white marker lines that look similar to spikes coming from the sea urchin.

To begin with, we would like to emphasize that it's not a cheap copycat that imitates closely a popular swiss Rolex Submariner; it's a decent timepiece that has an identity. We mean it has unique styling elements making it a watch on its own.

Yes, this classy watch has the same black dial, coin-edged bezel with silver index markers on a black background, as well as a rugged silver-toned bracelet. But although the bezel markings are almost the same as those of the Rolex in terms of placement, they are bigger.

Take note that the bezel of the Sea Urchin is a unidirectional rotating bezel that can function as a timer. The bezel ring can be rotated counter-clockwise only.

Another glaring difference between these two watches is the day/date display on the right side of the Seiko SNZF17 watch. The Rolex has a bigger window with just a date.

And lastly, the Sea Urchin has larger and wider spear-shaped hands that make it easier for users to read the time, especially in low light conditions. They also make the watch look sportier.

Decent Construction

Out of the box, the watch looks fantastic without any issues. As mentioned above, its appearance is strikingly close to the Rolex, without being a direct copycat. It looks great on the wrist and doesn't feel too heavy. The case has a standard 42-mm size and a very classy design, so it doesn't seem like this watch will go out of fashion soon. The case is covered with a hardlex crystal that is considered to be stronger in terms of scratch resistance when compared to the standard mineral crystal.

The 22-mm silver-toned bracelet goes well with almost any outfit. The strap is stoutly-built with a double lock clasp that has a Seiko signature print. The double lock clasp gives you more peace of mind as you know it won't let the watch fall off accidentally.

Inside the Sea Urchin has the legendary 7S36 automatic self-winding movement. It has been proven to be robust, accurate, and reliable. It's non-hacking and non-stem-winding.

In a word, the Seiko SNZF17 is one of the best automatic watches around. It resembles the Rolex Submariner but unlike the Rolex, this is a reliable yet affordable watch you can use for any activities. Be it garden work, fishing, swimming, or running errands.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $339.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B001IBF15Y

What Are Seiko Watches?

The story of Seiko began more than 130 years ago. In 1881, Kintaro Hattori opened a small shop selling and repairing watches in central Tokyo. Eleven years after that, he established the "Seikosha" factory that grew into one of the most well-known manufacturers of timepieces in the world.

What Seikosha is most famous for is that it created the first quartz watch, the type that is still considered to be the most accurate. So, no wonder that most of modern Seiko watches are made with quartz movement. Many of them have undergone significant improvement and now can be charged via solar power, meaning you'll never ever need to buy a new battery for them.

Also, Seiko was one of the world's pioneers in creating durable, reliable dive equipment. Hence, most of its watches boast exceptional durability and a high level of water resistance. By purchasing a watch from this brand, you can expect reliability, accuracy, and style. The company offers different lineups and we have chosen the best Seiko watches from each one to simplify your choice.

However, take note that no watch from this review offers smart possibilities. So, if you're interested in this type of gadget, you may also want to check our selection of the best smart watches.

What Features to Compare

Movement

Before purchasing a Seiko watch, one of the most crucial things to come up is its movement - the core mechanism that makes hands sweep around the face. Basically, there are three main types - mechanical, automatic, and quartz.

  • Mechanical models feature a movement that is powered by a mainspring that must be wounded by hand on a regular basis. Although the manual mechanism may not seem that convenient, it's the #1 choice among true aficionados. Mechanical watches are about refinement and the highest quality of craftsmanship.
  • Automatic models, also called self-winding, don't trail behind the competition in terms of accuracy. Yet, this type of watches doesn't require you to hand-wound it to keep ticking. It has a special slipping clutch inside that prevents the watch from getting over-wound while on your hand. However, if you haven't worn an automatic watch for a good while, you may need to put it in a watch winder.
  • Quartz movement uses a solar battery as the power source. To create power, a battery here sends an electrical current through a quartz crystal, electrifying this crystal and creating vibrations. Quartz movement is typically found in standard, frills-free watches. Seiko solar watches are currently the most popular models among users worldwide.

Caliber

Seiko uses different types of calibers for their watches. In this review, you'll find the following calibers:

The 4R36 movement has hours, minutes and seconds hands. It's the only caliber in the 4R3x lineup which has the day and date displayed. It beats at 21 600 bph and has 24 jewels. It boasts a 41-hour power reserve with no sub-dials.

The V175 movement is of quartz type. It has hours, minutes, and seconds hands. The V157 quartz movement is almost the same but it has an added benefit of showing date and day.

The Seiko caliber 7S36 is an automatic movement typically used in entry-level watches. This movement has been on the market since 1996, which speaks a lot about its exceptional durability. People also love it because it doesn't hack and is not hand-windable.

Style

Style is also among the most crucial things when it comes to choosing a watch. Your accessory not only shows your sense of style but also complements your status. Also, a watch shouldn't stick like a sore thumb when matched with your outfit. So, you need to consider what types of events you usually attend and what watch will suit your needs better. Think of whether you need a watch for everyday wear or just for special occasions.

Seiko watches are available in a variety of styles from classic and dress models to sports and dive watches.

Did you know?

When It All Began

In 1881, Kintarō Hattori opened his first shop called "K. Hattori" that sold watches and jewelry in Tokyo, Japan. And only eleven years later, he began producing clocks under the name Seikosha that roughly meant something like the "House of Exquisite Workmanship" (Seiko is a Japanese word meaning exquisite or success).

Over time, the company grew into a successful business and one of the major watch brands. Now Seiko watches are the 5th most bought in the world. They are extremely popular even though they do not fall into the luxury category. It is quite interesting to know that the average cost of Seiko watches ranges from $100 to $480. And despite they are so moderately priced, you can still find cheap replicas of Seiko-branded watches.

So Many Firsts

One of the best Seiko watches and the most remarkable milestone model is definitely the Quartz-Astron 35SQ. It is the world’s first quartz wristwatch that was introduced in December 1969. It was accurate within 5 seconds per month, 100 times more accurate than any other existing watch at that time. Because it was so advanced, it was made in a gold case and cost the same as a medium-sized car. Nowadays, the company produces over 100 million quartz movements for other brands annually.

Seiko watches have long become more just quartz movement watches. Seiko has also developed the kinetic technology that is as precise as quartz movement. It’s widely used in the mobile phone industry.

In 1959, the company launched the "Magic Lever", a new self-winding mechanism.

In 1973, the world’s first six-digit LCD watch appeared.

In 1982, the brand produced the first LCD TV watch.

In 1999, the Seiko Spring Drive was introduced.

And in 2006, the Seico Spectrum hit the market. It was the first electronic paper watch.

Approved by Olympic Sportsmen

After Seiko released its Seiko Sportsmatic the Five in 1963, the company got the status of the Official Timekeeper for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. This fact not only sparked a huge demand for Sportsmatic the Five but also led to the development of many innovative products.

Among new 36 watch models and 1278 instruments, the company produced the world’s first touch-pad timer for swimming which is still widely used in major swimming competitions.

Also, Seiko has created the first world’s mini printer for those Olympic games, which resulted in its biggest subsidiary - Epson.

On TV

By the way, Seiko watches have been used not only as timepieces for sports tournaments. They can be seen on actors’ wrists in many famous movies such as Aliens, Predator, The Abyss, Apocalypse Now, and numerous James Bond episodes.

Seiko is also remarkable for the fact that the first ever television advertisement broadcasted in Japan was for the Seiko’s Comet Flower Clock.

Other reviews