Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Watch with Stainless Steel Bracelet – SNKL45K1

Product Information

I also like the case design better on the SNKL45, albeit I haven't seen the SNKL23 in person so that could change my opinion about the watch overall. The only thing I prefer on the latter is perhaps the second hand, which isn't red. I might grow to like the red second hand more if I had the watch for a while, who knows. It’s possible that these watches were such a great value that Seiko felt it was limiting their ability to sell watches at a higher price. 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.

Seiko 5 watches are durable, and their 7S26/4R36 movements are reliable workhorses known to withstand some abuse and survive it. While many of us might not need such an apparatus on our watch, one that our phones can likely do better for us non-divers, I like using it to time how much time is left for food in the oven, or how much time I have left in a parking meter.

Overview

The brushed case lugs contrast with the high-polished bezel, and all-silver dial, pairing with the beautiful (although quite uncomfortably hair-pulling) mixed-metal bracelet. While no official statement has been given by Seiko on why the SARB033 & SARB035 were discontinued, there is quite a bit of speculation. I also wasn’t a fan of the all polished case of the SNXS79, and how easily the mineral crystal smudged up and looked ‘dirty’ from fingerprint smudges all the time (little did I know, sapphire crystals can be WORSE about this sometimes). The hurdles crystal is slightly domed, adding some visual distortion when looking at the watch from different angles. And the hands and hour markers are filled with luminescent paint which lights up in the dark to make the watch easier to read. But if the SNXS79 is your only watch, you might as well get the exact size strap to fit it, which is 19mm.

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 SNXL72 has a gold case, bracelet, and dial. While obviously not solid gold at this price, the watch looks just the right amount flashy, without being over the top. The watch is small, at just 37mm, so it’s not the type of gold watch for someone looking to flaunt their wealth, but rather someone who wants a touch of elegance. This is more of the vintage Rolex that has been passed down in the family for generations look, rather than the large, blingy gold monstrosities you might find on a rapper’s wrist.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. While some Seiko 5 watches are a bit too small, and others too large, the SRPE series fits right in between at 40mm. This is the sweet spot for most people’s wrists and is one of the most popular watch sizes today. The first time I owned it, I liked it. But I didn’t love it. At the time, I didn’t have many other watches to compare it to.