First automatic watch

You cant go far wrong with a Kamasu out of those two, It is a better watch, Just thought I would offer up some cheaper options which I can vouch for as being best bang for buck and good all rounders-

Addiesdive and Steeldive are well worth a look, Amazon have plenty of options

Never heard of these, so thanks for the comment!!

How about Citizen Tsoyusa?

Both sapphire lenses and Seiko movements and screw-crowns for around £100

I would get the SRPE for most versitility. Just few extra straps and you are good to go. Can be dressed up or down, suits every occasion.

If you have other watches then Kamasu is the better option. But limited by versitility but a great bang for buck.

Actually what you need is anything with a NH35 movement in it which is hacking and hand winding. The low end Seiko's and Orients do not have that. My first was an Invicta with that NH35 from Seiko and the bracelet was better also.

SRPE are hacking, handwinding and extremely versatile. Personally I'd go with either the sunray grey, or the brushed black dial, brushed case.

Pay attention to the style number since both dial colors come in a polished (typically on bracelet) or a brushed (typically on NATO).

I say typically since you can find them for $100-$150 US on ebay and Reddit, but they will more than likely have a different bracelet.

Don't worry about the only 100m WR, or Hardlex crystal. Mine has been fine and @kentuckyman30 has several pics in his reviews of this Seiko underwater.

Thank you for the super useful comment!

Check out Islander! They offer great specs for a good price point.

The Kamasu is a better watch for the money. Better construction, case, bracelet, crystal, WR, screw down crown.

But the SRPE will be more versatile than a full on diver aesthetic if you can only have one.

All of the new Seiko 5s come with a 4R36 (NH36) and all the Orient divers also have hacking and handwinding movements (F6992).

Only the old generation 5s with the 7S26 don't have hacking, but the production of these movements stopped in 2011.

I own both and although the kamasu is a very good desk diver I find the dresskx way more versatile and lighter for an everyday watch. Like someone said the 20mm lug size makes it a strap monster and with a 100m you can be sure it's good for all (not hardcore) situations! The grey version makes it even more versatile.

To help you with the references for the other models.

SRPE57 (Black dial and gold accents)

SRPE55 (Black dial)

SRPE51 (Sunburst grey)

SRPE53 (Sunburst blue dial)

All the references that come on a bracelet have case finishing with a mix of polishing and brushing, a more versatile look. The bezel in particular is polished.

SRPE67 (Black dial)

SRPE61 (Sunburst grey dial)

These two references come on nato straps. Has an all-brushed finish except for the polished sides. More tool watch look. The other two references with this brushed finish are the SRPE63 (blue dial) and SRPE65 (green dial)

Or maybe look into the Hamilton Khaki. They have nice automatic watches aswell in a similar style.

My first mechanical watch was a Seiko 5 SNKL81K1. It's a bit more on the dressy side, so it depends on whether that's your aesthetic or not. It also comes with the rather primitive calibre 7S26, which doesn't feature hacking or hand winding.

Wrist size is important to know but that Kamasu will punch way above its weight class compared to the Seiko model you picked. That being said, depending on your budget, I can almost guarantee you can find an even better option form a reputable micro brand.

Those new Orient Mako 40mm look mighty fine.

I like the look, but i heard the quality wasn't the best and it isn't as versatile as the Seiko or Orient.

Just a bit out of my price range😬

The Seiko. That's the best first automatic for anyone, ever. Goes with any strap, has an okay bracelet, can be modded for a personal touch with lots of options...

The SRPE is the best product from any Japanese watch brand in the last 10y probably.