Best Kinetic Watch Reviews

Updated May 16, 2023

A prototype for the first watch featuring a Kinetic movement was made by Seiko back in 1986. And in most aspects, it was identical to an automatic match. Both use movement to power themselves.

The wearer’s movements gyrate the oscillating weight within the watch, rotating the gears to power the generator and eventually the capacitor.

The key difference between automatic and kinetic watches happens to be that kinetic watches use a capacitor while the former uses a spring.

Plus, both watches need to be worn regularly to maintain their charge; however, many Seiko models come with a power reserve to keep the battery running. At some point, you will need to replace your Seiko capacitor, but that’s not a hassle.

But the question is: why should you choose a kinetic watch when you can get an automatic one?

One reason is that Kinetic watches can store their charge for many months, while automatic watches tend to lose theirs within a few days and need to be rewound.

Suffice it to say, kinetic watches are a much better option if you have a busy lifestyle and can’t stop to wind your watch every few weeks.

So if you’re looking to invest in a Seiko Kinetic watch, here’s our review of the best the brand has to offer:

 

See Our Best Kinetic Watches

#PREVIEWProduct
1
Best For Low Budgets
1Seiko SRN051P1 Kinetic Watch
Seiko - SRN051P1 Kinetic Black Dial Men's Watch
Best For Low Budgets
Seiko SRN051P1 Kinetic Watch
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2 Seiko SKA371 Kinetic Watch
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3
Best For Higher Budgets
3Seiko SRN066 Coutura Kinetic Watch
Seiko - Men's SRN066 Coutura Kinetic Watch
Best For Higher Budgets
Seiko SRN066 Coutura Kinetic Watch
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4 Kinetic Watch
Best Overall
Seiko SKA785P1 Kinetic Watch
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5 Seiko - Men's SKA366 Kinetic Watch Seiko SKA366 Kinetic Watch
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6 Seiko - SRN043P1 Men's Watch Seiko SRN043P1 Kinetic Watch
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7 Seiko - Kinetic SKA781 Black Dial Men's Watch Seiko SKA781 Kinetic Watch
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8 Seiko - Men's SKA605 Watch Seiko SKA605 Kinetic Watch
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1. Seiko SRN051P1 Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • Black dial
  • Silver-tone hands
  • Calfskin leather band
  • Stationary bezel
  • Hardlex crystal
Best For Low Budgets
Seiko - SRN051P1 Kinetic Black Dial Men's Watch

This Seiko watch comes with an original calfskin leather band, providing a luxury finish. Also, its case is constructed using silver-tone stainless steel to enhance the high-end look and feel.

It comes with a black dial complemented with silver-tone hands and a fixed bezel, giving it a touch of elegance and mystique.

Moreover, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal offers unrivaled protection to the dial, and the movement is covered with a skeleton case back.

This exquisite timepiece is classy and goes well with different outfits, especially with its crafted calfskin leather band.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
5.91 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches
Weight:
3.04 Ounces
Movement:
Kinetic
Case Diameter:
42 mm
Watch Strap:
20 mm leather (calfskin) band

Pros

  • Durable
  • Elegant
  • Versatile design
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Some users complained that it doesn't keep time well after prolonged usage

2. Seiko SKA371 Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • Fold-over clasp
  • Double push-button safety
  • Hardlex dial window
  • Stainless steel case

This sophisticated, silver-toned stainless steel watch provides excellent value for money and a stunning design.

Its silver bracelet and case contrast with the black dial with silver hour markers. Plus, the luminescent markers and dial make it exceptionally easy to read in the dark.

The face and case display an adequately-sized modern design — It isn’t overwhelmingly large. The quality and finish of the watch are impeccable, and it has all the panache of a luxurious $5000 wristwatch, like the Rolex Submariner.

If you don’t have the budget to go for a high-end timepiece but still want something classy on your wrist, this watch is your best bet.

It’s elegant, comfortable, and affordable.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
4.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches
Weight:
15.84 Ounces
Movement:
Kinetic – Japanese quartz
Case Diameter:
42 mm
Watch Strap:
24 mm stainless steel band
Battery Life:
5 years

Pros

  • Water-resistant up to 200 m
  • Durable
  • Accurate
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Some users said that the date window is a bit small, making it hard to read double-digit dates

3. Seiko SRN066 Coutura Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • Cabochon crown
  • Black ion finish
  • See-through case back
  • Sapphire crystal glass
Best For Higher Budgets
Seiko - Men's SRN066 Coutura Kinetic Watch

The Coutura model by Seiko is hard to match in both form and function. It features a kinetic retrograde cabochon crown encapsulated in a black ion stainless steel case with a see-through case back.

Furthermore, the bracelet comes with rose gold highlights to contrast its couture black finish.

Plus, The black dial is protected with a sapphire crystal glass and features accented rose-gold highlights.

As beautiful as it is to look at, its functionality is what ties it together as a magnificent timepiece.

This watch is self-winding and powered by your body movements. It also consists of a calendar to help you stay on top of the week, and it is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

If you’re a fan of modern designs but appreciate a hint of avant-garde style, you can’t go wrong with this on your wrist. The black ion finish and the gold accents give it a unique new-age look.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
5 x 3.8 x 3.3 inches
Weight:
13.12 Ounces
Movement:
Kinetic – Japanese quartz
Case Diameter:
43 mm
Watch Strap:
12 mm stainless steel band
Battery Life:
Lifelong

Pros

  • Durable
  • Elegant
  • Water-resistant
  • Easy-to-read in the dark

Cons

  • Some users found it to be heavier than other comparable models

4. Seiko SKA785P1 Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • Water-resistant
  • Fixed bezel
  • Hardlex crystal
  • Deployment clasp
Best Overall
Kinetic Watch

This kinetic Seiko model is robust and reliable with its analog dial and stainless steel construction.

It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, allowing you to use it around the kitchen or sink or even brief immersion in water.

Moreover, it displays an exquisite design through its black dial, silver markers, and luminous hour digits on the bezel.

It’s also incredibly lightweight, meaning that it can provide practical all-day wear without inflicting the slightest of discomfort.

Plus, the design is versatile; you can wear the watch to a party or work, and it won’t look out of place!

And lastly, its excellent kinetic movement frees you from the hassles of winding the watch by yourself daily.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
8.27 x 0.79 x 0.43 inches
Weight:
3.17 Ounces
Movement:
Kinetic
Case Diameter:
43 mm
Watch Strap:
14 mm stainless steel band

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Comfortable
  • Elegant

Cons

  • Some users did not like the fact that this watch does not come with a date display

5. Seiko SKA366 Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • LumiBrite index marker
  • Fold-over clasp
  • Gold-toned bezel
  • Gold stripes on the bracelet

This ceramic coated stainless steel watch is perfect if you’re looking for a long-term investment in an endurable style.

The striking black dial is shielded with hardened crystal glass to provide added security. It is also accented with gold-tone hour markers and topped off with a gold-tone bezel.

The bracelet also displays gold-tone stripes for a unique contrast.

Moreover, reading the time won’t be a hassle thanks to its LumiBrite index markers.

This kinetically powered timepiece doesn’t need batteries, and it also includes a power-reserve indicator to alert you before it dies on you.

Furthermore, its excellent Japanese quartz movement ensures the highest level of precision. It’s also water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it safe for swimming and snorkeling.

This watch piqued our interest because of its two-tone appearance and ceramic coated black finish. It makes for a welcome change from conventional monotone stainless steel watches.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
5 x 3.9 x 3.3 inches
Movement:
Kinetic - Japanese quartz
Case Diameter:
39.5 mm
Watch Strap:
20.5 mm stainless steel band

Pros

  • Easy to read
  • Water-resistant
  • Durable
  • Elegant

Cons

  • It can be worn while swimming or snorkeling, but best to take it off when diving

6. Seiko SRN043P1 Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • Silver bezel
  • Sapphire glass
  • Date and day subdial
  • Push down crown

This classic men’s timepiece works without batteries, saving you the hassle of winding by hand or finding replacements now and then.

It is pretty close to a diving watch, boasting a water-resistance rating of 10 ATM.

Therefore, you can swim to your heart’s content or shower daily without having to take it off your wrist.

It displays a monotone design with a silver-tone finish on the bracelet and case, and it has a silver dial and hour markers as well.

This model also features a sub-dial for the days of the week and a push-down crown.

Seiko has put in considerable effort to make this watch as good looking as it is functional; the overall design language is minimalistic yet elegant.

So, if you’re looking for a simple wristwatch that is low-key on the style factor yet convenient and easy to use, this one won’t disappoint you.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
4.65 x 4.65 x 3.46 inches
Movement:
Automatic - Kinetic
Case Diameter:
42 mm
Watch Strap:
20 mm stainless steel band

Pros

  • Minimalistic
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Elegant

Cons

  • Some users commented that illuminating markers for the numerals would have been a welcomed addition

7. Seiko SKA781 Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • Date calendar
  • Black leather band
  • Black dial
  • Mineral crystal dial window

This analog wristwatch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement, guaranteeing the highest accuracy in keeping time.

The watch has an impeccable design, featuring a black dial, a stainless steel case, and a black leather band. It’s also scratch-resistant and shielded by a mineral crystal dial window.

Additionally, this model doesn’t just keep time; it allows you to keep a tab on dates as well with its calendar feature.

And to add to its functionality, it’s water-resistant, in case you want to swim a few laps without taking it off your wrist. All in all, a simple, accurate, and hassle-free watch.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
4.72 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches
Movement:
Kinetic - Japanese quartz
Case Diameter:
41 mm
Watch Strap:
22 mm leather band

Pros

  • Minimalistic
  • Elegant
  • Accurate
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • You can keep wearing it while swimming or showering, but it would be best to remove it while diving

8. Seiko SKA605 Kinetic Watch

Highlights
  • Screw-down case back
  • Gunmetal-tone
  • Date subdial
  • Triple-row link bracelet
  • Water-resistant

This exclusive gunmetal-tone watch by Seiko provides a unique design and unmatched functionality. If dark tones are your thing, you will want to add this to your collection.

The gunmetal finish, coupled with the black dial, and the silver hands, add a profound mystique to this elegantly designed timepiece.

Like most high-quality Seiko watches, it is protected with a hardened mineral crystal dial window, and it is powered by the wearer’s movement, doing away with batteries.

Moreover, it’s also fitted with a 6-month power reserve to provide decent backup. It also features a date window so you can stay one step ahead of your schedule, and it is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

Specifications

Material:
Stainless Steel
Size:
4.9 x 4 x 3.3 inches
Movement:
Kinetic
Case Diameter:
42 mm
Watch Strap:
19.18 mm stainless steel band

Pros

  • Six-month power reserve
  • Stylish
  • Versatile
  • Easy to read

Cons

  • Some users were not pleased with the fact that the hour/minute hands and the hour markers lack luminescence

Kinetic Energy Watch Buying Guide

Features

Ever since Seiko released its first kinetic watch in 1986, it has been continuously evolving this technology and now features an extensive collection of kinetic models in its catalog.

To show how far the tech has come, their basic models, such as the Kinetic Direct Drive, provides one month of charge and allows for hand winding the crown.

Seiko also introduced a Chronograph Kinetic range, which offers five months of charge and includes chronograph features.

Additionally, more advanced models, such as the Kinetic GMT and Auto Drive, can preserve time for up to four years and boast a sleep mode that activates after 72 hours.

Plus, some features are now consistent through most models. Almost all Seiko Kinetic watches have some level of water-resistance and a hardened mineral crystal glass to protect against scratches.

Water Resistance

It’s always a good idea to go with a water-proof option when buying a watch so that you’re safe if caught out in the rain or if you end up splashing some water on your wrist.

But not all watches have the same level of protection.  While diving watches are specifically designed to withstand deep water pressures, most models will give up much sooner.

Watches rated water-resistant up to 30 meters can only withstand slight water splashes and are not meant to be immersed.

Moreover, watches that are water-resistant between 50 and 100 meters are safe for swimming and snorkeling but not for diving.

And finally, watches that are water-resistant up to 300 meters or higher are safe for swimming in deep waters.

Scratch Resistance

If you’re investing in a watch, you would want to preserve its clean façade. A good looking timepiece needs to keep its shine, which depends on one factor: the hardness of the case material.

This hardness will determine how long the watch stays scratch-free through consistent everyday use. A routine test –known as the Vickers Test – is used to measure the toughness of the watch face.

If you lead an active lifestyle or play sports, it’s recommended that you get yourself a scratch-resistant model. They will protect against wear and tear and also natural elements such as sand and debris.

Style & Design

Different styles suit different occasions. You can’t be wearing a digital sports watch to a white-tie event, just as you shouldn’t wear a luxury gold-tone watch to the gym.

Therefore, there are a couple of default styles to consider when making a purchase:

Dress watches are classy, elegant, and exude style. They’re at home at fancy black-tie events and pair well with tuxedos and suits. Plus, they work well in neutral tones and usually feature a black dial.

Diver watches are used in deep-sea diving. They’re bigger and optimized to be read in dark conditions, and they’re more famous for their designs than the water-resistance feature.

Racing watches are a notch above chronographs and include a tachymeter. Some of these watches are accentuated with gold and precious metals for aesthetic appeal.

Material

Stainless steel has been the most commonly used material in watchmaking since the early 20th century and has become a standard for watches, especially watch cases.

It’s sought after for its hardness and durability and also because it provides a more professional appeal as opposed to synthetic materials like plastic.

Furthermore, stainless steel watches often feature a stainless steel bracelet, but some dress watches feature a leather strap.

Titanium can also be commonly found in timepieces, and it’s preferred for its low weight and durability. And although rarely, precious metals like rhinestones and gold can also be used to embellish high-end luxury watches.

Pricing Range

If you’re looking for cheap options, basic Seiko Kinetic watches start from a range of around $100 and increase in price according to cosmetic or tech improvements.

However, most variants fall between the range of $100-$200 and are relatively affordable.

Our Verdict

Kinetic watches provide reliability and impeccable designs. They are also excellent gifts for watch collectors or anyone who could use an attractive addition to their wardrobe.

And if you’re buying one, Seiko should have an affordably priced solution for you. Although we stand by all our carefully review picks, we have chosen our favorites from the bunch:

Our review found the Seiko SRN066 Contoura to be the best higher budget option, whereas the Seiko SRN051P1 is the best lower budget option. And the watch that takes our pick for the best overall has to be the Seiko SKA785P1.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between an automatic and kinetic watch?
A:

The key difference between automatic and kinetic watches happens to be that kinetic watches use a capacitor while the former uses a spring.