My Seiko 5 SNKK87

When people talk about punching above their weight, they are talking about Seiko 5s.These watches (for the money) are really well made and very durable. Their looks outshine watches that cost hundreds of dollars more and this one pairs well with my custom suits or selvedge jeans.

To be a Seiko 5 there are five key requirements:

1. An automatic movement

2. A day/date window

3. A recessed crown

4. A durable steel case

5. Water resistance

All of these requirements are important to me. The automatic movement for that sweeping seconds hand and that connection to centuries of horology. The day/date window because when I’m working, being able to quickly reference my watch to jot down the day and date is crucial (no one likes someone checking their phone). The recessed crown and durable steel case help to prevent damage to the crown as my wrist may accidently swing into the side of a table or a door. And, when did a little bit of water resistance hurt anyone?

A few months ago I had the itch to buy a new watch. I looked at so many watches and when I did finally fall in love, it was with the Seiko 5 SNKK87. This particular model was released in 2013 (I found one new), has a 38mm case diameter, 12mm case height, 20mm lug width, 43mm from lug-tip to lug-tip, Hardlex crystal, and an exhibition case-back. In regards to the case size, I have a 6.5in wrist. So, larger watches over 41/42mm in diameter devour my wrist and look silly. The 38mm size of this watch sits well above or below my wrist bone, and the 43mm lug to lug keeps it in proportion. The most charming part of the watch is that on Saturday the day is blue, which I have never seen before.

In doing my research, I learned the strap that comes on the watch is not of the highest quality (confirmed on arrival). But, when you’re paying $100 for a watch, I would rather the money be spent on the watch itself. So, at the same time I purchased the watch I also got a new strap for it. I went with a $30 (in the spirit of keeping the watch low cost) simple brown leather strap with minimal hand sewn details near the lugs and the ends. This gives the watch a real casual dress feeling that goes with everything. The reality is though, this watch is a strap monster. It would look great with a metal bracelet, leather band, or NATO strap.

There is always something so intangible about why you fall in love with a watch. Is it the sunburst dial? Is it the polished applied hour markers? Is it the shape of the hands? Is it the combination of polished and brushed stainless steel case? I know it’s certainly a combination of all of those, and you know it when you see it.

Cheers,

Jake Shields