Any thoughts on this Seiko watch?

[Quattro Pete]

I'm trying to find a dress watch that's not too flashy. I also don't want a huge watch. This one has a 37mm case, and that is probably as big as I'm willing to go. Bigger watches will look funny on my relatively small wrist.

I also want a black or dark grey bracelet and black faceplate and I want to stay under $300.

So far, this Seiko is the only thing that came up close in all my searches. Any thoughts on it? Is it worth the money? Feel free to suggest others.

I'm wondering how long that bracelet will remain that color (PVD plated), although I'm not planning to swim in it.

Link

 

[msparks]

Are you specifically looking for an automatic?

would you opt for a eco-drive or kinetic?

 

[deven]

I am sorry sir but that to me does not look like a dress watch. No offense man. Dress watches, you want Movado, Tag Heuer, Rolex and others.

 

[moribundman]

If you like the design then there's not reason to not get this watch, if it offers all you need. Dress watch? Meh. You can wear any classy watch with your favorite little red number.

You really want a functional watch, which is never out of place, no matter what you wear.

50 m meters means you may go for a swim, but barely. I wouldn't make a habit of it. If the bezel can be turned, you can use it as a countdown timer, for example as a reminder when the parking meter needs to be fed. The crown is not protected. Mechanical Seiko movements are generally good. Service is required every 3 to 5 years if you want the watch to last.

PVD coatings, unlike tegiment coatings, will abrade over time, especially at edges that are exposed to the most wear and tear. PVD coatings may also chip and pop off, taking some of the underlying material with it.

For a little over $300 I would however buy a Fortis Flieger. While it is a man's watch, though a small one, I got one for my better half a few years ago. This watch is reliable and tough. Readability is outstanding. It cost under $400 with a steel band then. The price may possibly have doubled, since watch prices have increased considerably over the past few years. The steel has a matte grey finish that resembles more titanium than it does steel. It has a screw-down crown and is 200 m water resistant. Also available in black PVD. A 24 hour dial version is also available.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: msparks
Are you specifically looking for an automatic?

No. The one that I liked just happened to be automatic.


Originally Posted By: deven
I am sorry sir but that to me does not look like a dress watch.

I just want a relatively classy watch for any occasion. Dress watch may have been the wrong term to use by me.

Originally Posted By: moribundman
Mechanical Seiko movements are generally good. Service is required every 3 to 5 years if you want the watch to last.

What sort of service? What will that typically run me?

 

[tom slick]

I have a low end Seiko quartz that is 25+ years old. ran great until I ran it through the washer and drier. still kept time when it came out but the face and crystal had come loose. For sentimental reasons I wanted it fixed. $120 and 2 weeks later I had a like new watch back form seiko. That was a new crystal, stem, and movement.
I bought a citizen eco-drive a year ago and still like it. only time will tell how "good" it is.

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: moribundman
Mechanical Seiko movements are generally good. Service is required every 3 to 5 years if you want the watch to last.

What sort of service? What will that typically run me?


Disassembling, cleaning, replacing worn parts, replacing gaskets/seals-o-rings, reassembling, lubing, adjusting, restoring water resistancy.

I have never had a mechanical Seiko, so I have no idea how much they charge for a maintenance service. Maintenance cost may seem unreasonable in case of inexpensive watches. The more expensive a watch, the less the service cost matters. In case of a complicated chronograph you are looking at $100 to $200, possibly more, every 3 to 5 years. It's like buying shoes...

If you want a service-free watch, stick with an electronic watch (no electro-mechanical hybrids). Even then the case gasket/o-ring and crown/pusher o-rings need to be replaced after a few years, if the watch is supposed to remain water resistant.

 

[msparks]

Also don't forget with an automatic you will lose some accuracy especially in a low end auto.

Quarts watches will be more accurate than an automatic.

I'm pretty happy with my Seiko Kinetic, though it only has a 50 meter rating, I do not take it in the water at all.

 

[tom slick]

I should have added that I was amazed that seiko had replacement parts for a low end 25 yo watch.

 

[Audi Junkie]

I very much like that Seiko and have been on a Seiko kick for a few years. I'm going back-to-basics after owning a Heuer that was just never repaired correctly after MANY attempts. I like the 1970's Japanese styling of most Seikos and the orange second hand always reminds me of my Grandfather's Seiko from that era. That Fortis looks a lot like a Seiko. Overstock.com is a good place to browse, but you can buy anywhere, even JCPenny.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I had to send my Seiko Kinetic back to NJ as it stopped storing power (or making it?) after 6 years. $110 later I got it back and it runs like new. Sort ticked off they only cover their work for 90 days (its been a year now) but I like the watch and it is not made anymore.

Sold my Rolex on ebay about 5 years ago when someone tried to rip it off my arm at work. They did not get it and was arrested but decided then that having a $4k watch was something I did not want any longer. I had that watch for 20 years and made a nice profit on it. Looked like new except the white turning to a ivory color on the dial.

I think the coating on the Seiko above will not wear well. Also the autos do not do well on keeping time. You'll be adjusting it weekly. On my divers Seiko I had it lost about 20 secs a week.

Take care, Bill

PS: I like the look of the Seiko above!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: msparks

Also don't forget with an automatic you will lose some accuracy especially in a low end auto.

Yeah... the one review I found reported accuracy to be around +6 seconds/day. In comparison, my old Casio quartz watch is about +1 second/day.

Question about these automatic watches: is it a problem if you don't wear it often? How much 'action' does it require to keep going? Can I just shake it a bit once in a while if I want to wind it?

 

[greenaccord02]

Seiko 5s are a wonderful piece of machinery. I have an older model - Stainless with a black face... Beautiful watches.

Right now I've got my gold/black face citizen eco-drive on. I like it, but it doesn't quite have the heft of the 5.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: msparks

Also don't forget with an automatic you will lose some accuracy especially in a low end auto.

Yeah... the one review I found reported accuracy to be around +6 seconds/day. In comparison, my old Casio quartz watch is about +1 second/day.

Question about these automatic watches: is it a problem if you don't wear it often? How much 'action' does it require to keep going? Can I just shake it a bit once in a while if I want to wind it?

I'd say rolling it side to side for 30sec to a min once a day will be enough.

It was on my Seiko Divers auto. But I wore it weekly and it was off for the weekend.

How much do they want for the watch?

Take care, Bill

 

[james49]

My brother-in-law gave me Seiko quartz watch which looks similar except in color to the one you are interested in. I don't know how long it had been running before I got it, but I haven't had to replace a battery after 3 years. I think there are some mechanical watches that are accurate to a few seconds a month, but not for $300.
My only complaint with the watch is if a month doesn't have 31 days you have to reset it.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: james49

My only complaint with the watch is if a month doesn't have 31 days you have to reset it.
Every one will require that if it is a day only watch.

Digital know how many days per month and take care of that.

Bill

 

[BrianWC]

Looks great. If you like it, that's all that matters. Sears was having a sale on Seiko this weekend. Don't know if it's still on...

 

[moribundman]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Question about these automatic watches: is it a problem if you don't wear it often? How much 'action' does it require to keep going? Can I just shake it a bit once in a while if I want to wind it?



Mechanical watches do not like to sit around with the mainspring run down. How many hours per day you have to wear an automatic watch to keep it sufficiently wound depends on your lifestyle. If you walk and move your arms or wrists normally, wearing the watch a few hours per day will keep it running. A mechanical watch commands some marginal attention and commitment. Shaking an automatic watch will not wind it. If keeping the watch wound is a concern, you may be better off with an electronic watch, be it battery or solar powered. Kinetically powered watches still require some minimal motion to keep them going. You can of course use a watchwinder with an automatic watch, but the least expensive winders approach $100.

Judging by your questions, I can't recommend a mechanical watch. I suggesteded the Fortis, because I thought you wanted a mechanical watch.

Check the line of Victorinox Swiss Army quartz watches. They don't cost an arm and a leg and there are black models.

 

[kingrob]

Quote:
Check the line of Victorinox Swiss Army quartz watches. They don't cost an arm and a leg and there are black models.


+1

Best watch I've ever owned. Classy (in a sense) and very durable. The factory band does not last long at all though, be prepared to replace it within a year if you wear it everyday.

Another recommendation is Bulova. A little pricier but you'll never need to own another watch, quality wise it's the closest I've come to replacing my stolen Rolex, at an eighth of the price.

I used to recommend Gruen, but their quality has slipped considerably over the last ten years or so. I see quite a few pre-90's models on ebay and amazon going for good prices.

Pricey, but my current favorite, is the Omega Bond model Seamaster. I have the 2541 model shown in the second photo, with a brown leather strap. I never could get used to a metal band, as they rip the hairs from my wrist. You could always roll with the non-007 Seamaster, but then you wouldn't be as cool as him.

 

[harrydog]

I've heard generally good things regarding Seiko mechanical watches, especially Grand Seiko's, although Grand Seiko's are quite expensive.
I love mechanical watches but they're not for everyone. They are not as accurate as a quartz watch which bothers some people and they do require regular servicing. I think every 5-7 years is adequate for most good watches, unless you are exceptionally hard on them, although there are many people who have watches that go 10, 15 years or even longer with no service and they still run fine. A good mechanical watch will last for a lifetime and then be passed on to you children if maintained properly.
A full service usually includes the complete disassembly of the watch, replacement of any worn parts, replacement of all gaskets and seals, refinishing of the case and bracelet, lube and reassembly, and testing to insure accuracy and water resistance. It's usually best to have this done by the factory or by a factory authorized independent watchmaker. This will cost you quite a bit depending on the brand of watch, but generally speaking you can expect to pay around $500 and up for this service. If the thought of that doesn't sit well with you, you should probably just get a quartz watch.