For most of us, we all have that one watch that started it all. The one watch that kick-started this seemingly endless hobby. Traditionally these watches are more affordable than some of the grails we share but one thing remains universal. These pieces are always remembered as number one, the first watch.
The Seiko 5 SNKL23 fitted to Classic Mesh in Polished - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
- Regular price
- $153.00 AUD
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$153.00 AUD - Sale price
- $153.00 AUD
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- Regular price
- $144.00 AUD
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- $144.00 AUD
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- Regular price
- $68.00 AUD
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- $68.00 AUD
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Although there are so many watches that can be chosen as the starting point, one specific Seiko seems to crop up again and again as the one many people own and treasure as being ‘the beginning’.
The Seiko SARB033 vs the 5 SNKL23, pretty similar right? - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Seiko is a very popular choice for people’s first watches and although it wasn’t my first watch (that spot is reserved for a watch I had when I was about 7), the Seiko SARB033 was my first mechanical watch. This watch here, the Seiko 5 SNKL23 is infamous at the sub £100 mark.
So before we take a first look at this little Seiko 5 we should probably start with the price. You can pick one of these Seiko 5s up for right around £80 brand new. I’d recommend keeping that in mind as we run through this watches stats…
To start with, the SNKL23 is 38mm wide with a thickness around 10.6mm and lug to lug distance of 45.5mm. The case design itself is pretty modest and elegant, the only distinctively unique aspect is probably the crown position at 4 o'clock, everything else is stylish, smart and clean. So far, you’re getting a lot for £80…
The Seiko 5 SNKL23 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Flipping the watch over and we see (yes, this watch has a display caseback) the Seiko in-house calibre 7S26 comes with 21 jewels which sits in an almost endless amount of Seiko divers, most noticeably the SKX, which is priced at £250. The 7s26 comes with 21 jewels,
The display caseback of the Seiko 5 SNKL23 - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Sure it doesn’t have hacking or hand winding but I’m not sure how much of a deal-breaker this is for something that costs less than most official straps from the Swiss giants. Back to the front of the watch, we see dauphine hands with touches of lume, a day and date function and black dial in a pin-striped tuxedo style.
For £80, the dial on the Seiko 5 SNKL23 is pretty attractive - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Design-wise this is a hard watch to fault. It’s not offensive or out there in any way with the most abstract feature being the crown at 4 and that dial change up. Everything else is modest and executed well.
How does it wear?
So, how does this wear on the wrist? Well, This is a very classy looking watch on the wrist. Much like the SARB033 or pieces from the Grand Seiko line up, it’s versatility is it’s selling point. The first thing that jumps out is how symmetrical the case is. That hidden crown at 4 has quite a large impact on this watches aesthetics.
The Seiko 5 SNKL23 fitted to a crocodile print leather strap, here is a very similar strap! - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
It’s such a compact tidy package that genuinely punches well above its price point. When you consider that this is an entry-level watch with pretty attractive looks, solid stats, a respectable size and is made from a well known brand, it's very hard to fault.
Watch Straps for the Seiko 5 SNKL23
The Seiko 5 SNKL23 fitted to a crocodile print leather strap, here is a very similar strap! - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The lug width on the SNKL23 comes in at 18mm which traditionally could be a little tricky, however, in this case, it has two bonuses. Firstly, 18mm on a 38mm wide watch is a great transition to keep the footprint of the watch down, contributing to the overall package of the watch. And secondly our recently growing range of 18mm straps can really transform this watch.
Classic Style Milanese Mesh Strap in Polished
The Seiko 5 SNKL23 fitted to Classic Mesh in Polished - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Here we’ve gone for the Classic Milanese Mesh strap to really make the watch pop on the wrist. If you didn’t think this watch punched above its weight beforehand, then this combo is sure to change your mind.
If you're eager for more strap pairings for the Seiko SNKL23, check out our curated selection of straps just fit to complement any Seiko model.
Final thoughts on the Seiko SNKL23
The Seiko SNKL23 stands up well to other luxury watches - Image Credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
- Regular price
- $144.00 AUD
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $144.00 AUD
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- $144.00 AUD
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $144.00 AUD
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- $144.00 AUD
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $144.00 AUD
- Unit price
- per
Well, it's a perfect gateway piece to ensure people who are looking to get into the hobby end up with a watch that can inform them about the extensive nature and passionate work that goes into horology. Sure, it doesn't have cutting edge technology but what would you expect for a watch priced around £80? Well, I'm pretty sure you'd expect a lot less than what the SNKL23 offers.
If you’re starting to get interested in watches and you’re looking for your first purchase, this one here packs the right amount of punch, has a decent amount of features at a fantastic price point and will look great while it does it. All while getting a respectable nod from the rest of the watch community.
We’ll be comparing this watch to other more expensive offerings from Seiko in the future so stay tuned to that. We also have a lot more reviews of watches planned for the rest of the year, so keep your eyes open for lot more of those in the coming weeks.
