Why Seiko 5 Remains a Smart Choice Among Men’s Automatic Watches?

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Seiko 5 watches for men and its comparison with Citizen and Orient brands

12/24/2025 Author | Translator:

Many customers love the Seiko 5s watch series because it is one of the best automatic watches. Great mechanical movement, good quality, and fantastic design are its pros. In the mid-level price range, the Seiko 5 series act like quartz watches, but one key difference is important: these watches are automatic.

Popular models of Seiko 5, like the SNK809, SNXS79, and SRPD55, show the Seiko 5 build quality. You have no limit because you can choose the Seiko 5 watch from military, classic, and diver-style. Most of the Seiko watches, like the 7S26 or 4R36 models have built-in movements. Most of these watches have the ability to show the day and date.

In this article, we introduce the Seiko 5 watch series for men. Also, we compare them to other automatic men's watches from popular brands like the Citizen and Orient that have the same price range, good for daily use to help you make a better choice.

What Makes the Seiko 5 Series Special?

Seiko 5 watches are automatic and work mechanically. These watches do not require manual adjustment. The case of the watches in this series is metal. One of their special features is the ability to display the face and date. For example, the SNK809 model has a 37 mm steel case and works with a 7S26 movement. Transparent case back with Hardlex crystal, and water resistance up to 30 meters are important visible points, and many watch collectors focus on them.

When looking at the Seiko 5 watches, realize these watches are not luxury; they are impressive in their range. A good example is the SNK809 model; The price of this model is $50 (like mid-level quartz watches), Also, has an average of approximately per day, which is good for a mid-level automatic watch.

Some Popular Seiko 5 Automatic Models

  • Seiko 5 model SNK809 (military): This model has a 37 mm case, waterproof to 30 meters, a canvas strap, and uses Hardlex crystal in the front. This watch is very slim and has a pilot style. With 7S26 automatic movement you have a watch for a long time without any expiration date. This model is good for wear at daily and semi-formal events or parties.
  • Seiko 5 model SNXS79 (classic): Like the SNK809 model, it has a 37 mm frame. Classic Oyster watches are a good competitor for this watch. It has three hands for showing the day/date on the watch. Seiko 7S26 movement gives it power. It has a slim look. People who enjoy buying a luxury watch can go for this model. It has average accuracy, which is good for watches in this category.
  • Seiko 5 model SRPD55 (Sports-Diver): This model has a 42.5 mm steel frame and a textured green background. The movement of this model is 4R36. This watch is waterproof to 100 meters of deep water. It has shining hands, two automatic and manual winding, and strong construction. It has average accuracy, similar to other Seiko 5 models.

Model Style Movement Water Resistance
SNK809 Field and Military Seiko 7S26  30m
SNXS79 Dress Classic Seiko 7S26 30m 
SRPD55 Diver (5 Sports) Seiko 4R36 100m

Seiko 5 sports dive watches

Seiko 5 Automatic vs Other Men’s Watches

In this section, we compare Seiko 5 watches with high-level and famous brands in terms of design and quality to understand their values. If you are in doubt, keep reading.

Orient Watches vs Seiko 5

Attention to detail and quality give Orient automatic watches power and attention. “Bambino” is the name of a famous watch series of the Orient brand. The Bambino series uses the sapphire crystal and a classic design vibe. Orient divers’ watches, such as the “Mako II” or “Kamasu” (which cost over $200), are waterproof up to 200 meters.

The movements used in Orient watches (such as the F-series) support both automatic and manual winding. The design of this brand’s watches is generally nostalgic and conservative. Seiko has a wide price range; the prices start from $100 to $2,000. Orient watches have $100 and $600 price.

Orient and Seiko 5 have high value in their range of action. Seiko has been keeping people's trust for a long time, but a large group of people believe that: “Orient acts better than Seiko in some areas like quality of crystal, water resistance, and accuracy.

Seiko 5 vs Orient

Citizen Watches vs Seiko 5

Some Citizen watch series, from a Japanese brand similar to Seiko, fall within the same price and quality range as the Seiko 5 series. For automatic Citizen models, we can mention the NH8350 ($150). The Mechanical Citizen New Tsuno series is a good example. This watch has 21 to 24 jewel movements.

In this category, Eco-Drive quartz watches have an important advantage. These watches have a high accuracy of around 15 seconds a month. high accuracy usually compares to the daily range of Seiko 5 automatic watches. These watches don't need batteries and get their energy from sunlight (even in low-light). Many field or sports quartz watches are waterproof to a depth of 200 meters and use screw-down crowns. For example, the Citizen Promaster diver carries an ISO certified 200-meter water resistance rating and is powered by Eco-Drive technology.

We cannot compare these two brands based on the design because Citizen (especially the Eco-Drive series) is more modern. In addition, Citizen has a wider range of international services.

Seiko 5s vs Citizen

Who Should Buy a Seiko 5 Watch?

Seiko 5 watches are good for buyers who prefer automatic timepieces. Personal preferences always play a significant role in choosing and buying a watch. If you want to buy a watch in the Seiko 5 series, you should check basic features such as the type of movement, crystal, waterproof and style. In many cases, watches from high level brands like Orient or Casio act better than Seiko; they are also having excellent performance at the same price range.

Before buying a Seiko 5 watch, it is important to find your intended use. If you are in love with diver-style watches, take a look at the sports models (like the SRPD55). If you use the watch with a formal and everyday style, choose the SNXS79 model. If water resistance is a priority for you, you should know that most models in this series are water resistant between 30 and 100 meters (for example, the Seiko 5 Sport is water resistant up to 100 meters).

Like many watches in the same price range as the Seiko 5 have Hardlex or mineral crystal, but the Orient brand uses sapphire crystal, which has scratch resistance. Additionally, some models come with simple straps. You can replace straps with leather or metal ones after buying.

Finally, if you care about the quality of services that you get, choose Citizen and Seiko watches because they have international support. Remember, you should buy from reputable stores for getting full support services.

Is the Seiko Still Good for Buying in 2025-2026?

The watch market has changed; smartwatches have become more common and many brands have improved their technologies, (such as quartz). Due to this volume of changes in the watch market, it is obvious that watches are becoming more expensive every day. The Seiko 5 has largely keeps its position. According to many customers, Seiko 5 is considered one of the oldest and most enduring watch brands that has maintained its quality.

Seiko 5 automatic

With the Seiko 5, buyers can get a watch that is modern, automatic, and beautiful. These watches do not require battery replacement and do not incur any additional costs for you. Some models of these watches have luminous hands that are readable in dark environments. Due to the high variety of the Seiko 5 series, you can buy any model you want according to your taste.

Like any other product, the Seiko 5 series have its flaws. For example, they are less accurate than quartz watches. They also do not have high water resistance. For some buyers who consider the use of sapphire crystal important, the Seiko 5 may not be attractive. However, for many people, these features are not considered a problem and the brand's watches are still among the best-sellers.

Buying Advice & Similar Models

Men who are looking to have an automatic watch on their wrist, especially those who are new to mechanical watches, will enjoy the Seiko 5. Many buyers appreciate the Seiko 5 as a reliable everyday watch from a well-established brand.

Many people usually choose Orient or Citizen brands that have a price similar to the Seiko 5. We can compare the Seiko 5 with some of the watch models of the mentioned brands in terms of price, but it does not have their important features, such as high accuracy. Seiko remains popular simply because of its global reputation. If you also like Seiko 5 watches, you can visit the products available on our site.

Before you check out the Seiko 5 models in our online store, please make sure about your ideals in some fields like price, visual, impact resistance, water resistance, etc. to make the best choice. You can contact us for more buying advice and guidance.

Why Seiko 5 Remains a Smart Choice Among Men’s Automatic Watches?
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Author | Translator: Land of Watches
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