Brand History
Seiko is a well-known name in watches – some would say it’s synonymous with the word “watch” – and the company has a long history that earned it that reputation.
In 1881, a 21-year old-entrepreneur named Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. After 11 years, he started a factory known as “Seikosha,” a Japanese term which translates roughly to mean “exquisite house.”
Kintaro Hattori first started producing clocks, and then expanded to create a pocket watch. In 1913, he got ahead of the curve by producing Japan’s first wrist watch, the Laurel, followed in 1924 by the first Seiko-branded wrist watch.
The company continued to lead the way in timepieces, with the development of a shock-resistance device known as “Diashock” in 1956, a magic lever self-winding watch in 1959, the Grand Seiko watch in 1960, the introduction of a stopwatch capability, and the development of a diving watch.
The Seiko wrist watch has always been cutting-edge. The company has the prestige of developing these “world’s first” innovations, truly an impressive list: a quartz watch; a watch with six-digit liquid crystal display; an automatic chronograph watch; a multi-function digital watch; a 600-meter diver’s watch with a titanium case; a TV watch; a voice recording watch; a watch with computer functions; a diver’s 1000-meter watch with a ceramic case; a kinetic watch; a computerized diver’s watch…and more. The list goes on.
With its creation of so many innovative timepieces, it’s no wonder the Seiko name is synonymous with “watches.”
Best Seiko Watches For Men
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Best For Higher Budgets
4Seiko Prospex Solar Dive Men's Watch
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Best Overall
5Seiko Men's SNK615 Watch
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1. Seiko Men's Automatic Watch
The Seiko 5 watch features a slim stainless steel case (which protects an accurate automatic movement), a mineral glass lens, and a canvas strap that’s comfortable and elegant. In addition, this Seiko design lets you see the mechanism’s movements due to the transparent back cover. This way, you get to see the gears and the rotor that winds the mainspring.
In addition, the analog dial is painted black to showcase the silver-toned hour and minute markers, and luminous hands. Also, the red sweeping second hand is easy to follow as it moves through time. In addition, the watch features a day and date feature, at the 3 o’clock position.
Lastly, the Seiko 5 is water-resistant, which makes it the ideal companion in almost any adventure, be it outdoors or in the office.
Specifications
Pros
- Impressive & comfortable design
- Accurate self-winding movement
- Second hand & Day and date feature
- Skeleton case back
- Easy to read dial with luminous hands
Cons
- Not for swimming, snorkeling, or diving
- The strap is not the best
Why We Chose This
It is a marvelous watch, with good features, and a solid build that recommends it for both outdoor activities and the office. In addition, it has luminous hands and watch aficionados will definitely enjoy the skeleton back cover that lets you peek inside.2. Seiko Men's Recraft Series Watch
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, luxurious, but also manly timepiece, this may be the one! The Seiko SNKP27 is part of the Recraft series and features an emerald green dial encased in a rectangular jewel-like face with golden-tone markers and a brown leather strap.
The stainless steel case is rather massive, which means the watch sits a bit tall on the wrist (it may not fit under the sleeve of a shirt). On the back, you’ll notice a completely transparent exhibition case, while on the front, there is a beautiful Hardlex crystal lens that enhances the luxurious deep green color of the dial.
The mechanism is based on one of Seiko’s old-school automatic self-winding movements (there’s no hacking and winding) and has an approximately 41 hours power reserve. The watch also features a date complication, by the 3 o’clock position, a three-hands movement and golden stick hour markers and hands.
Lastly, everything is tied together by the calfskin leather strap which is a bit thick (for increased durability). It is, however, flexible so it’s easy to put the watch on, but it may add to the bulkiness.
Specifications
Pros
- Beautiful jewel face design
- A luscious green face that looks amazing in the light
- Accurate self-winding movement
- 41h power reserve
- Exhibition case back
Cons
- No loom on the hands or hour markers
- It can be bulky on someone with small wrists
Why We Chose This
The Seiko SNKP27 is probably one of the coolest men’s watches for an elegant event or for when you want to show off your style and fashion taste. It looks incredibly well and, even though it doesn’t have many functions, it still looks manly (even from a distance). The combination of colors is absolutely spot-on and this can be the piece de resistance to any outfit!3. Seiko Men's Excelsior Watch
A beautiful, stainless steel watch that features a rugged elegance and showcases an analog black dial with four complications and a three-hand Japanese quartz movement. The Excelsior is a priceless timepiece that plays with two silvery tones and has a beautifully sculpted bracelet that raises feelings of admiration in viewers.
But this is more than just a good-looking watch with a solid-built! The three subdials (chronograph, stopwatch, and alarm) and date window (in the 3 o’clock position) are features that come in handy in a wide range of scenarios. In addition, the silver hands and hour markers are luminous, so visibility in low-light conditions is possible.
Lastly, the Excelsior has great water resistance (100m/ 330ft) and stays comfortably on your wrist due to the foldover clasp with double push-button.
Specifications
Pros
- Beautiful two-toned design
- Impressive bracelet and face
- The black analog dial features silver hands and markers
- The watch features 4 complications
- Good water resistance
Cons
- It can be a bit bulky for some outfits
- The finish on the band wears off
Why We Chose This
The Excelsior is a true eye-catcher but its features also make it indispensable in fields where you need an accurate and reliable stopwatch or chronograph. The three dials and the date window make it one of the best watches for paramedics.4. Seiko Prospex Solar Dive Men's Watch
This watch is delivered in a beautiful blue box (perfect for gifts) and the unboxing experience is quite pleasant. Once you take it in your hand, you can tell it is a high-quality timepiece, with a beautiful stainless steel bracelet with diver extension and a solid stainless steel case and a Hardlex crystal lens.
The fact that it runs on solar power and its great water-resistance, make the Prospex watch perfect for adventurers who enjoy summer water sports or specialists who need to work on or near water.
In addition, the black dial features a uni-directions diving bezel and luminous hands and markers, for better visibility in low-light conditions. Besides the three-hands movement (V175 quartz), the dial also features three chronograph subdials and one date window. For setting these complications, there are two screwdown pushers (in the 2 and 4 o’clock positions) and one screwdown crown (at 3 o’clock).
Overall, the Prospex is a masculine-looking watch, with several impressive features. As such, it works well in most professional environments where it will attract words of praise and admiration.
Specifications
Pros
- Beautiful aspect with manly vibes
- Powered by light and a 6 months power reserve
- Solid build and good diving features
- Four complications for chronograph and date
- Accurate and reliable movement
Cons
- A bit on the heavy side
- The crown and pushers can dig in the back of your hand
- It is tall for people who wear sleeved shirts
Why We Chose This
The Prospex is a Seiko solar power watch with lots of great features for adventurers and regular people. It’s also a diving watch with brightly lumed hands and markers, which improves visibility in low-lit environments. Lastly, it is perfect for various physically demanding activities and professions.5. Seiko Men's SNK615 Watch
A beautiful stainless steel watch with Japanese automatic movement and day and date complications in two languages (English and Spanish) at the 3 o’clock position. In addition, the blue analog dial features two luminous silver-toned hands and luminous silver-toned baton hour markers, a yellow sweeping second hand, and yellow minute markers.
As a result, the face of this Seiko design is extremely clean-cut, especially since it’s being framed by a brushed and polished stainless steel case. To add to the beautiful design, the mechanism can be observed through the stainless steel exhibition back case. Lastly, the Hardlex crystal lens helps maintain great visibility even in low light conditions.
The watch is supported by a stainless steel link bracelet, which can be adjusted according to your needs, and has a custom crown at the four o’clock position.
Specifications
Pros
- Elegant design & clean face
- Day & date complication in two languages
- Easy to read dial
- Solid stainless steel build
- Luminous hands and hour markers
Cons
- The band is a bit difficult to adjust
- The lug width doesn’t allow to swap the band
Why We Chose This
If you’re looking for the best dress watch under $200, this Seiko Automatic is a wonderful choice. The beautiful bracelet and clean design attract everyone’s eyes and let you feel confident and empowered. In addition, everyone will think you’re wearing a much more expensive design!Best Seiko Watches For Women
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1. Seiko Ladies Sapphire Titanium Women's Watch
The Seiko name is synonymous with quality watches, and this titanium model for women doesn’t disappoint, combining quality with style.
It has a grey/silver titanium case and two-tone titanium bracelet, silver with yellow gold tone highlights. Even the bezel is titanium.
The watch face itself is white with gold-tone hands displaying second, minute and hour, and a day and date display at 3 o’clock. Features quartz movement and a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. It’s water resistant to 330 feet (100 meters).
Specifications
Pros
- Comes with the Seiko name, known for quality watches.
- Sleek and stylish dressy watch for women.
- Water resistant to 330 feet.
Cons
- Doesn’t have the extra bells and whistles of a smart watch, which some women may want.
Why We Chose This
Besides being sleek and stylish, with a dressy silver and gold design, this watch also comes with the Seiko name, renowned for making great timepieces. The fact it’s water resistant is a bonus.2. Seiko Solar Diamond-Accented Women's Watch
Elegant, reliable, and solar-powered, this timepiece can be the perfect solution for busy ladies. The visual impact is very pleasing due to the two-toned (silver & gold) stainless steel bracelet and case. In addition, the bezel features a golden tone and is set with diamonds.
The analog dial has a Mother Of Pearl background with a three-hand Japanese quartz movement and a date window in the three o’clock position. The hands and hour markers are golden, which affords the watch a sense of luxury.
The face of the watch and the mechanism inside are protected by a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal lens which improves visibility. However, it’s important to note that this is not a watch with good water resistance. While it can withstand the occasional splashing, it may not recover if you take it swimming.
Specifications
Pros
- Elegant & durable design
- It can be accessorized with classy & casual outfits
- Reliable & accurate quartz movement
- The bezel is adorned with melee diamonds with several facets (not chips)
- It doesn’t need a battery
Cons
- The diamonds are quite small
- Visibility can be difficult in certain light conditions
Why We Chose This
This is a cute little timepiece that attracts lots of compliments for people around. The fact that it is solar-powered can be seen as an extra bonus to an already classic and elegant design. We love the little crystals on the bezel (they shine nicely in sunlight) but we also appreciate the Mother of Pearl bezel and the golden-toned three-hands movement. Overall, this is a nice piece of jewelry on your wrist!Seiko Watch Buying Guide
Technology
Seiko has a wide range of technology behind its watches. As witnessed by its history and the number of “world’s first” watches, Seiko is innovative in its production of timepieces, and the top Seiko watches all feature some kind of innovative technology.
Here are a few examples:
- Seiko automatic movement watches feature an automatic movement that places these timepieces in the high quality mechanical market.
- The Seiko Quartz was the first watch of its kind, bringing innovation to the history of watches.
- Seiko watches can also be solar. The GPS solar watches connect to the GPS network and adjust your time zone at the touch of a button. The GPS solar watches gain all their energy from light alone, and never need a battery change.
- The Kinetic watch is the first quartz watch powered by human movement. This development was significant enough that it led to application for over 50 patents. The automatic movement of this watch is unique in that it converts kinetic movement into electrical energy. There are also Kinetic Direct Drive, Kinetic Perpetual and Kinetic GMT watches.
- Spring Drive technology offers precision, reliability and durability. The Spring Drive winding system has a shorter winding period and a longer reserve of power.
Where Are Seiko Watches Made?
The Seiko “Made in Japan” tag means that the watch movements can be manufactured outside of Japan, but the manufacture must be overseen by a Japanese national.
The majority of Seiko watches are assembled in Japan, while many of the parts used to make them can be made at subsidiary locations in other parts of Asia.
Seiko also manufactures different lines or brands under the umbrella of the Seiko Watch Corporation. The Astron line is the quartz watch collection. The Prospex is for sports lovers and divers. There’s also a Premier line and the Presage line.
Seiko even has a high-end line known as Grand Seiko, and all those timepieces are manufactured in Japan.
What Makes them Stand Out?
Seiko may have started small, but with innovation and perseverance, the company has been transformed into one of the most respected watchmakers in the world. The number of “world’s first” watches and timepiece innovations laid the groundwork for their consistently high-quality timepieces, produced with Japanese craftsmanship.
Seiko’s reputation is stellar. Besides making innovative watches that keep precise time, they also look good, and they’re durable. Some models are even comparable to Swiss made watches.
Besides being known for quality quartz watches, Seiko also produces solar, kinetic and other watches, as well as specialty timepieces like diving watches.
Warranty, Return and Exchange Policy
Seiko has a 30-day return period if the watch is purchased from an authorized Seiko store or the Seiko online store. They also offer a one year warranty if there proves to be a defect in material or workmanship, which does not include the battery, glass or plastic cover, or accessories. Once again, the product must be purchased from an authorized Seiko store.
During what Seiko calls a “guarantee period,” Seiko will provide free repair or adjustment of any defects that occur with the watch head, which includes the movement and case, and the metallic band. Be sure to follow the instruction manual when using your watch. You should receive a guarantee certificate when you purchase your Seiko wrist watch or Seiko dress watch, which is what you must present to access service.
Seiko will also repair or adjust the watch in a number of situations during the guarantee period or under guarantee coverage, but the repairs will be done at cost. Examples include damage to the case, glass or band caused by accidents, incorrect usage or natural disasters, or when repairs are done by a repair person who is not part of the Seiko service network. It also covers battery replacement, and exchange of a leather, urethane or fabric band. They will also do repairs at cost if the certificate of guarantee is not presented.
Where To Buy Seiko Watches?
You can find Seiko watches all over the world. They are sold in jewelry stores and there are even Seiko boutiques in many locations. Many department stores sell Seiko watches, and the Seiko website has a store locator to help you find a location near you.
The Seiko Flagship Salon and Seiko Boutiques feature their hand-crafted, limited edition timepieces, Seiko classic watches and watches from the premium collections.
For those looking for convenient shopping and accessibility close to home, Seiko watches can be found at your local Wal-Mart. You can also order them online at Amazon.
