Beginner needs help! Seiko 5 SRPE

For 300 Euros, you would be very, very hard pressed to find another watch with the fit, finish, quality, and reliability of a Seiko.  This is a corporation that has mastered lean manufacturing and builds micro-electronics, for god's sake!  The reason some of their high end Grand Seiko models have spring drive technology, and the SLGH005 has the new dual-impulse escapement with 36000vph, 80 hours of power reserve, and under 12mm case thickness, is because of their prowess in "micro-electro-mechanical-systems" (MEMS).  

And, all of that technology and know-how trickles down into their entire portfolio of offerings.

The Seiko won't let you down.

Thanks for your great input! Isn't the Seiko a bit small? I often heard that fashion watches are way too big and that's definitely true. What do you think? Maybe my viewing habits are a bit off. 

I have the SRPE61 that I put on an aftermarket bracelet. It's a nice, reliable watch. Seikos are a great value. Size is somewhat subjective, but the SRPE51 is a great size at 40mm, and based on the picture, seems to fit you perfectly in my opinion.

40mm is the perfect size.  Unless you're John Cena, 40mm is the perfect size for mere mortals.

Thank you for your feedback. More and more I think the watch will complement my wrist perfectly.

@Omeganut and @gbelleh speak the truth. For that price, you really can’t beat a Seiko. 

This watch is great!! I think in this budget range only a couple of micobrands could compete Seiko when talking about actual prices in the EU including VAT. You cannot really go wrong with Seiko, especially if you are able to examine the watch yourself for possible QC mishaps. And there is a great variety of dial case color combinations. 

As it is your first "real" watch, it should be a watch you can try out in a shop, don't buy this one from a catalogue. I presume from your username that you are based in German-speaking part of Europe. So, what watch brands with watches within your budget are available to you to pick from a shop? Probably:

• Seiko (sic!)
• Lorus - a budget brand of Seiko, but generally good quality. This should be at this stage of your life a serious consideration, but you may find only quartzes
• Orient - part of the Seiko/Epsom group, good watches, perhaps not something for a 20-year-old, but the style you want is your call. Not sure you'd get it in many retail shops over there.
• Citizen - a well-respected brand that people keep forgetting about. Should be on your radar, as it has affordable watches aplenty.
• Dugena, Gigandet - these brands do not get a lot of love in watch circles, and not a lot of hate either. Basically, outside the German-speaking world hardly anyone knows these brands exist, and inside they are considered entry-level.  Thing is: you are entering.

I would not dismiss any of those brands out of hand. I suggest look online to create a shortlist of watches you like, see at your local retail outlets which of those are available, and see how they appeal to you in the flesh. Just to throw a random alternative suggestion at you:  Gigandet G16-002.

I would buy an SRPE51, but watch buying is about what you want, and not about what I think is good for you, and not even about a specific watch. What I'm trying to say is: Try to figure out what really interests you in a watch, enjoy the process of finding that out, and the resulting search.

There are plenty of good reliable watches on the market. Once you have narrowed down the list of possible watches you like, I would then ask if there are any concerns. 

I am in the exact same situation : 20 year old and beginner into watches since 2 years now. I also buy the casio F91. student budget... you know. The question of first "real" watch was important for me to. recently for my birthday I finaly decide to buy the Hamilton khaki field (500€) and I saw the same seiko 5 (other variant) than you and I hesitated.

A great compareson and to be honest I didn't know Dugena nor Gigandet. Your expertise is quite wise. I will definitely throw an eye on Citizen. Thanks for the advice 😊

It's hard with such a tight budget. I also love the Rolex Explorer II. Obviously it's ahead my budget. That's why the Pagani Design homage also tingles me. But, let's be honest, it's a counterfeit...

Size is really about your preference and wrist size. Measurements (case, lug to lug, lug width) are important but watches also wear differently and it’s always better when you can try it on. 
 

From the picture, it seems to fit your wrist well. The market has been much more focused on large watches but the trend seems to be starting to shift. And that’s why I think it’s so important to reiterate to buy based on your preference and style. Buy what you like. 
 

Seiko is a great value in that price range. If you continue to grow your collection it will be something you can enjoy for many years. 

Within that budget, Seiko 5's are hard to beat.  You can see the quality immediately when you have one in hand.  That's partly because you'd be buying a watch from one of the few vertically integrated watchmaker.  

The SRPE in your photo is perfect for a daily.  If you need something a bit more casual but sharp - can always go with a blacked out model like the SRPH45.  

We put out an article on the Seiko 5 Sports line not too long ago.  See if that helps.