Is the Seiko 5 SNK809 still a relevant watch?
The Seiko 5 SNK809 was introduced almost 20 years ago and has been a popular icon in the watch world. It's affordable price and appealing looks has made it a real gem for watch collectors, especially to new enthusiasts. But is it still relevant?
It was discontinued a few years ago, but still provides a great entry level option for new enthusiasts. The replacement SRPG line are commonly found for just under double the price, and at that level, one can look at options like the Orient Kamasu, Bambino or the Seiko SRPE line. So after even being discontinued, the SNK809 seems like an extremely likeable option.
So that makes me wonder... is this watch still relevant in 2022? Would it still be one to consider with it's aged 7S26 movement? Would it still be a high flyer for new enthusiasts? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
P.S. I'm a young watch enthusiast, and am struggling to choose what watch to ask for Christmas. Vostoks seem almost impossible to get in the UK new, older Seikos can't really be picked up new, only used. And the newer Orients and Seikos just seem a little to expensive for a college kid. I need something I can have fun with, not be worried about and still find something special about it. Currently rocking the same £10 Casio I've been using for the last 3 months or so. 🎯❤
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Sam
Student in Suffolk, I like watches.
United Kingdom
Member since
Last active: 3 months ago
16.51 cm
If you like it and can get it at the right price then buy it. As a discontinued, run-out, end-of-line model it should be getting cheaper but that does not seem the case in my market.
You can dress it up:
Dress it down:
Dress it sideways on simple leather:
Or go for fancy leather like croc:
The 7S26C movement does the job but the lack of hacking or handwinding will upset some people enough to make them look for alternatives in this price range, perhaps something from China with a Jap movement. If you wear it every day the non-handwinding is no big deal. In this price range if the mechanical watch is still on the correct minute after a week then you have a beauty.
i think it still pretty relevant. i remember i like snk809 very much back then, the only thing i dont like its just nonhandwinding feature. at the end i sold it and replace it with newer srpg version, its just because i have a laco aachen which had the same layout dial as the snk
Yes they are a great watch. If you want a vostok there's still plenty on ebay,and sellers like red star watches (UK based) have stock in and are brand new
I hated mine, and have no idea where it is now.
It was cheap, felt cheap, looked cheap, and completely turned me off Seiko. All the praise it received from prominent "influencers" made/makes me question everything they praise.
I think pointing people toward better made quartz, or slightly more expensive but better made automatics is a far better move. Particularly given that they are not all that cheap anymore, they are on Amazon for $185 CAD...
I'm a fan of Orient, and if you're savvy then you'll be able to find Orient watches at lower-than-RRP pricing. The hacking and hand-winding especially made it really easy for me to love my first Orient watch, the Maestro.
I love my snk809 and enjoying when I am wearing it.
I wanted to buy this watch in the Macy store they didn't had it and then I fell in love with the diver one I'm still very happy to have it since its Seiko 5 but still I really wanted to have SNK809. Sometimes I think what if... Its like you went to the club expected to meet this one hot chic and find out she was not there so you met another one and danced the night alway. But over all definitely its a good review its one of the top most good starter watches I truly felt it was a must for me to have it Seiko 5 runs in many different choices glad they do.
I think its one of those things that's going to survive the end of days with the Cockroach. I good go to watch
It really is a timeless design. So relevant or not, it still looks good. Just dont overpaid it since it's a discontinued model