Reddit reviews Seiko Men's SNZG15 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Nylon Strap

Seiko 5 Sports SNZG series (07/09/11/13/15/17)

Price: $105-160 (depends on the model)

Water Resistance: 100m

Movement: Seiko 7S36 automatic

Size: 42mm w/o crown, <49mm tall

Link: 07 09 11 13 15 17

Surprised this thread lasted this long without this one. This particular Seiko is the big brother to the quite popular SNK803/805/807/809 line. Typical 7S movement means no hacking and hand winding. You get a Hardlex crystal, day and date complications, famous Seiko lume, and a display back. The larger case is sometimes preferred by those who find the SNK line's 37mm a bit too small. The main series is the 07/09/11/15, featuring a bead blasted case finish (matte) and a nylon strap which is matched to the color of the dial. The 13 has mixed finishing of brushed and polished and comes on a metal bracelet (folded end links and folded links, nicely concealed), and the 17 is PVD coated with a PVD coated bracelet as well (for that tacticool look), and has lumed numerals (all the others just have lumed indices).

This Seiko 5 - SNZG15 is my first automatic watch. I’ve owned this watch for 2 weeks now but I didn’t want to post it here until I received the dark brown leather NATO I ordered for it. I think it compliments the watch nicely and gives it a more sophisticated look from the cheap strap it comes with. I was torn between this watch and the Seiko SNK809 but after looking it over I chose the SNZG15 because its larger in diameter (42mm vs. 37mm) as well as it is waterproof up to 330ft (100m). If anyone else owns this watch I’d love to see what straps you recommend for it. Thanks!

FYI on Amazon it states that the band width is 20.6mm. This is false. Order a 22mm

Amazon SNG15

Amazon SNK809

Leather NATO

Seiko SNZG15 is 42mm.

You might want the version made in Japan, for a few dollars more.

The SRP625 is 44mm.

Would be pretty tough to find a clear case back below $200.

At that price range, you'd be going for a quartz watch (for reliability)

Casio MDV106-1A $45 Diver (Quartz)

Casio MTP4500D-1AV $54 (Aviation style)

Seiko SNZG15 $120 (Automatic, not quartz)

If you're a real fan of the Diver look (the classic bond-style Rolex GMT) then look at Steinhart watches - starting at 400 Euro, they're out of your current budget, but typically have the same/similar guts as a $5K rolex, with great build quality too)

I'm currently rocking a Parnis "sterile" GMT (no logo) - A Chinese automatic that looks exactly like a classic 60's Rolex, but i'm under no illusions about it's waterproofness.

My next watch will be a Gnomen OVM 39 - a Steinhart diver watch with smaller dimensions, as my current one is a bit heavy on my slimmer wrist - i find i'm occasionally removing it during long coding sessions on the keyboard.

Stay subscribed to this sub, and check the reviews on these sites so you get an idea.

• Colombia Watch
  
  
• Worn and Wound
  
  
• Watch Roundup
  
• WatchSeekUSA Site and Forums
  
  

The Seiko 5 is a great watch and gets recommended often. Just remember, it only has a case diameter of 37mm (the Weekender is 38mm). It is going to look silly on your wrists if you have an athletic build of any kind.

There are Seiko 5s with bigger case diameters but they can be a little more pricey.

My humble opinion:

• The best dive-style watch under $200 is the Casio MDV106-1A: https://amzn.com/B009KYJAJY - Video review: https://youtu.be/rHdx6Ox7nYE
  
• The best dress-style watch under $200 is the Orient Bambino: http://www.longislandwatch.com/Orient_ER2400BW_Dress_Watch_p/er2400bw.htm - Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeNKjEf8sdw
  
• The best field-style watch under $200 is the Seiko SNZG15: https://amzn.com/B006I22GT2 - Video review: https://youtu.be/pdg0TlN9KEw -- If you're looking for a cleaner design, check out the Seiko SKA727: https://amzn.com/B01BG05OP, and it also comes in Cream: https://amzn.com/B01BGW46LE
  
  

Seiko 5's are a great choice. Great entry level automatics with a workhorse movement.

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Black-Nylon/dp/B006I22GT2

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002SSUQFG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420265314&sr=8-1

first result

Edit: from there, you end up here

Hamilton's khaki line is tough to beat in terms of fit and finish for the price, but some other options are:

• Seiko SNZG15, far less expensive or nice as the Khaki, but a great, tough automatic.
  
• Bertucci make a titanium-cased automatic version of their field watches: A-3T Navigator Ti-Matic. Dunno the exact movement but I'd guess its a Miyota.
  
• Lum-Tec and their Combat series have a "modern field watch" vibe to them. Their mechanical models are more expensive than the Hamilton but I've only heard great things about their watches.
  
• Victorinox has some automatic models and have only heard good things about their watches as well.
  
  I personally think the Khaki is the best all-around value/best looking, but you may fancy another one more so. Either way, take your time and find something you love. Hope you find what you're lookin for!

If you ask most watch snobs (and I include myself in this) then they'll steer you towards mechanical watches over quartz. Old fashioned mechanicals, while a lot less accurate than quartz, do tend to have a certain charm to them.

And then most mall-brands like Fossil don't typically get a lot of love, although recent models are definitely nice looking and I think the one you found is an example of that.

On the topic of the overall style I'd say it's somewhat in between a Flieger (old pilot style watch) and a Field watch, in a nice clean modern look.

If you do a Google Image search for 'flieger watch' and then 'Field Watch' you will find a whole lot of them in that general style.

At 120 US$ you're mostly looking at quartz (solar, etc.) I suppose. One mechanical (automatic, self-winding watch) that's in that range and in a similar style would be the Seiko SNZG15. Link to this watch on Amazon It has a display caseback so you can see the mechanical movement ticking away. There is a review of this watch here.

But when getting quartz then there's not much wrong with what you found. The black Citizen that was recommended I looked at in person, but I think it's quite hard to read due to the black-on-black 'Stealth' design, pluse the lume (the luminous material that lights up in the dark) is quite dim, which was the main dealbreaker for me.

Alrighty, here it is: SNZG15

My personal opinion is no. The general advice is to buy a watch from a watch company, rather than a company that puts its brand on another company's watch.

What draws you to this watch? It kind of looks like you like simple black watches. Do you like large watches? Do you like field watches? Do you care about quartz (battery powered) vs. automatic (a weight swings around in the back and winds the spring; less accurate, kind of cooler, more expensive to service in five years). Like pencilcup said, field watches are a very casual style.

Seiko 5 automatic field watch, 37mm: http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNK809-Automatic-Watch-Canvas/dp/B002SSUQFG/

Seiko 5 automatic field watch, 42mm: www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Black-Nylon/dp/B006I22GT2/

Citizen field watch 37mm (Eco-Drive, solar powered): http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BM8180-03E-Eco-Drive-Canvas-Strap/dp/B000EQS1JW/

Or maybe you'd like something more like a flieger watch?

http://www.countycomm.com/maratacpilotlarge.html

Or a black Orient bambino?

anything from the "seiko 5" lineup, great starter automatic watch (a automatic winds by your hand movements to keep ticking, if you stop wearing it for more than 1.5 days it stops ticking til you shake it and begin wearing it again. These types of watches can lose time or gain time meaning they aren't 100.0000% accurate, more like 99.9999998%)

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Black-Nylon/dp/B006I22GT2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417111110&sr=8-1&keywords=seiko+5+snzg

I don't have the hugest wrists so the SNK809 sits really well on mine, but if you're looking for something a bit larger within the same Seiko 5 family I'd recommend the SNZG15 at 42mm. Similar design and looks pretty slick in it's own way as well.

A nice leather strap on it would probably change up the feeling of it to more refined.

How cheap? For around $100, you can get something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2/

Or for around $60, this is a little more of a pilot style, but is a classic: https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNK809-Automatic-Stainless-Canvas/dp/B002SSUQFG/

Both are automatics.

I believe it is a SNZG15.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006I22GT2/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1418016847&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Maybe my experience will help. I have an average/narrow wrist (6.5") and am not into really big watches so I bought a Seiko SNK. The size works well, as I said I wanted something small and this fits the bill but I wouldn't go any smaller. Also if you have some size on your arms you can size up even more. No regrets though, great watch for the price.

If you have a larger wrist, like 7.25" or more, you might be happier with a SNZG15. It's also in the Seiko 5 line, has similar styling as the SNK, a bit more expensive but is 4mm larger and $40 really isn't much extra when you're talking about inexpensive, high value automatic watches.

Another one to look into is the Orient Defender. 42mm, slightly pricier than the SNZ15 but still a good value. Because it has a larger face it will tend to look a little larger on the wrist than the SNZG despite having the same size case.

You say the SNK809 is too small, have you taken a look at its big brother the SNZG15?

I think we're thinking of the same thing?

If you're looking for something a bit fancier but not crazy expensive, check out the Seiko SNK809 or SNZG15 automatics (same general style but different sized cases). No more batteries and they're pretty bulletproof. I've got a 809 that I've been wearing for about six or so years now. The only thing I've had to do to it was swap on a NATO strap when the original one finally wore out.

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Go for the original, this one seems like a shoddy clone.

Can't really go wrong with either.

Pros for the Seiko:.
It's automatic, if that kind of thing interests you. No electronic parts to go bad, can be maintained potentially for life.
Does well for people with smaller wrists, at 37mm (I personally find that the scale of watches <39-40mm look off on me.
Cheaper.
Less complex.

Pros for the Citizen:.
It's Eco-Drive, if that kind of thing interests you. No need to wind or change battery.
Is a more versatile size at 39mm. Works relatively well for large and small wrists.
Additional complication of Chrono is interesting and potentially useful.
Strap is a beefier size. Still an uncommon size, but not really narrow like the Seiko.

I generally prefer autos, but one of my favorite watches is an ED (I actually wore it today). If it were me, I buy the Citizen between these two.

Instead, I'd buy the Seiko SNZG15.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006I22GT2

Better size for me.
More standard strap size.
Auto.
41mm.
Cheaper than the Citizen.

Then the only reason for the Citizen is the Chrono. It's up to you on how important that is. But, if you do want a Chrono in this price range, Citizen is probably your choice.

I have an automatic Stuhrling that i just wear occasionally as a beater that I'd sell you for pretty cheap, if you were interested. PM me if you wanted some pictures and details.

Seiko 5 circlejerking aside, that's probably your most popular option buying new. That said, I'm personally not a fan of the <$100 SNK models. The 37mm case fits well on a lot of people but looks like a toy on my wrist, and just not a fan of the overall design.

Some other suggestions around $100 if you were buying new:

• Any number of Orient watches. Check out Longislandwatch.com for a good selection...the Bambino and Mako are probably the most popular.
  
  
• Seiko 5 SNZ series: For about $40 more, I like these watches infinitely more than the SNKs. Here's an example. Much better water resistance, hand winding, bigger and (in my opinion) more appealing case.
  
  
• Invicta 8926OB: Basically a sub homage. I tend to avoid Chinese companies, and the Invicta brand is (rightfully) hated around here for their sketchy marketing and quality consistency, but it's a solid watch for the money. The NH35A movement is one of the few you'll find at this price point too that can be hand wound. Rodina and Seagull are a couple of other Chinese companies you might want to look at. Again, buyer beware with a lot of those, but they definitely have some catchy designs.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Get a reputable brand... a Seiko 5 or spend a little more and get a Hamilton Khaki

I have the same size wrist as you, I am looking for a beater for the summer (yard work, camping etc...), I love the price of the 809, i love the dial face, the size is whats throwing me, seeing it on you makes me feel ok, but it still on the small size for my liking.

I am considering the SNZG15 which is 42mm in dia, but I just dont like the dial as much as the 809.

Here is the bigger version (although different). Costs quite a bit more. I think for $50-$60 the SNK809 makes a perfect beater watch for camping, shooting, yard work ect.

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2

So this is my first ever automatic, I picked it up at Indiegogo actually, and was a little hesitant at first about spending money north of $100 on an unknown brand, but after doing some research on the movement, I went ahead and pulled the trigger!

I'm actually pretty glad I did. I don't own any automatics, and my only other real watch is a hand-me-down PRC 200 from back when Michael Owen was still relevant (I love it to bits, but it needs a good servicing really), so this was a really exciting buy for me.

It's a 26000 bph movement iirc, so the sweep isn't Rolex-esque but it's infinitely nicer than my jumpy quartz, so i'm still ecstatic about the change.

This thing's really caused me to get bit by the automatic bug though, so much so that i've already lined up my next purchase (The SNZG15).

-----------------

Tl;dr Excitable student buys first automatic watch from unknown French brand on Indiegogo, he lives happily ever after.

It's totally a beast, absolutely true.

Let's get Amazon-y...

This Seiko Automatic is nice, 42mm though.
http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Black-Nylon/dp/B006I22GT2/

Citizen Eco Drive, I have this but Chrono, love it.
http://www.amazon.com/Citizen-BM8180-03E-Eco-Drive-Canvas-Strap

Momentum Atlas is kind of close
http://www.momentumwatch.com/pages/products/list-of-products/atlas.php

Bertucci has a line that's sort of similar. Decent watch IMO
http://www.amazon.com/s?page=1&rh=n:7141123011,p_4:Bertucci,p_6:ATVPDKIKX0DER

And uhh...this Timex...
http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T49877-Black-Leather-Quartz/dp/B0073RIH44/

$200 probably isn't going to get you the gorgeous Hamilton Khaki Automatic (I can't afford it either, because I can never afford to spend more than £200 max on a watch), so you could do what I'm planning on doing next month, and getting a Seiko 5 "poor man's khaki auto" (SNZG15) and sticking it on said red NATO if you so choose :)

It would work pretty well with the black and white field style watch with red detailing :)


___

Alternatively, if you don't fancy an Automatic you could try and squeeze a bargain on a quartz Hamilton Khaki!

got this watch. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006I22GT2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon says it is 20.6 millimeters, would you do that size?

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel-Bracelet/dp/B006I22GT2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347800821&sr=8-1&keywords=seiko+snzg

You can also just google around for the Seiko SNZG. You should be able to find other vendors.

The SNKM77 is the size you are looking for but doesn't have the exact same numbering as the 809.

The next step up from the 809 is the SNZG15 which clocks in at 42mm.

I'll echo the sentiment here for Hamilton and also suggest Seiko SNZG series. They sort of strike the same tone, for me anyway.

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Black-Nylon/dp/B006I22GT2

Seiko SNZG15

http://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Black-Nylon/dp/B006I22GT2/ref=sr_1_5?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1348259661&sr=1-5

It is a great watch. They actually do make it in a 42 mm size, the Seiko Men's SNZG15. For example on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_241_tr_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JX5XCPB80FQW8AFJJ58T

In either size, it's a lovely watch. Unbelievable that they can sell it for just 50-100 bucks.

If you want basically the same watch in a bigger size, there's the SNZG15

There's also this Hamilton that's pretty similar

I actually just purchased (still on the first week) a Seiko 5 SNZG15 and absolutely love it so far. It's slightly larger than the SNK809 (42mm for the SNZG15 vs 37mm for the SNK809), so that might factor into your decision. Here's the Amazon link. It's a gorgeous watch, looks even better in person.

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2

I recently got my first paycheck and thought I'd get myself something nice. I've narrowed it down to the following:

SNZG15: https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2

BU2055: https://www.jomashop.com/citizen-watch-bu2055-08x.html

I was hoping to get some advice one way or the other. I have skin on the darker side and wrists on the smaller side.

A 37mm Watch is gonna feel small on your wrist, you can get that Seiko cheaper.
I would shop around. They are typically much closer to 100 bucks. https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2. https://www.jomashop.com/seiko-5-mens-watch-snzg15.html?utm_source=googleproduct&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=googleproductsearch?&pt_source=googleads&pt_medium=cpc&pt_campaign=(ROI)+Shopping+-+Sale+Watches+Under+$100&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtbnjBRDBARIsAO3zDl8-m2S2rmVRe1DMwU-vvZqUrqHLCMnm40Grm49XiFLZGnolE-i-ubIaAvV4EALw_wcB

Like everyone else said learn about mechanical watches before you jump in. I think the more
Expensive version your finding is the “j” model which is made in Japan by Robots.....don’t get caught in that trap just buy the cheap one. Japanese robots are the same as mylasian robots.

Thanks for the feedback. Is there any big difference between the Seiko linked above and this one?

Seiko Men's SNZG15

Check out the SNZG13 or SNZG15 – they're styled like a Khaki, but are much cheaper so you won't fret as much, and they have brushed cases that won't show scratches as much.

You don't give much to go on, but I'll throw out a few suggestions.

Timex Weekender

Timex Easy Reader

Citizen Eco Drive Solar Powered.

Seiko Automatic

Casio Duro

Orient Quartz and auto

what style are you looking for? we can certainly make suggestions based on price and style.

say for example.. my favorite $100 watch... (well, $110)

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2/ref=sr_1_41?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1498144017&sr=1-41&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=seiko+watches

42mm automatic and nice lume.

Seiko 5 SNZG15

Here are a couple.

(each word is a separate link, btw.)

Is Amazon sketchy?

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2

Thanks for this! Ebay was the first place I went once I saw all the online stores were out of stock. Unfortunately, with shipping that would make this watch roughly $330+. I love the watch, but that is double what I originally saw it for.
Now, since I posted this - I saw a similar watch on Amazon for $120. I would have to buy a leather band to slap on it, and it doesn't look quite as sharp. But it's close. :) I may keep looking a little longer for the 715, and then use this one as my fallback!
https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2

It's the one that comes with this watch

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467236198&sr=1-5&nodeID=6358540011&keywords=seiko+5

I just switched them around

That model is on the smaller side. This one is bigger.

out of those 2, the chrono for sure. 36mm is just too small.

out of ANY watch period? thats tough.

orient bambino

seiko SNZG15

Seiko SNZH55

possibly one of these and hope it surprises me

https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SNZG15-Automatic-Stainless-Steel/dp/B006I22GT2

Out of those two options, I prefer the Tissot; however, I would suggest something that could be considered a little more classic/timeless (without trying to sound snobby).

My Suggestions

• Bernhard Corsair II $339 + $20 NATO from AguaTradingCo
  
  
• Watkins Chronograph
  
  
• Seiko SNZG on a NATO (saves you some money by being well under $500)