When it comes to cheap, affordable but quality mechanical watches, Seiko 5 Sports is perhaps one of the first names you would hear about or would recommend to consider. The Seiko 5 collection is often the first stepping stone on a collector’s path to greatness. This affordable lineup gives you the full taste of what a mechanical watch is without breaking the bank.
Over the last couple of years, it seems that Seiko has been mainly focusing on the SRPD & and recently added SRPE 20mm line, but what about the SNK Field collection? Luckily, our prayers have been answered, and now there is finally a replacement for the SNK80X models.
The SNK line in the cheapest collection among the Seiko 5 watch collection. If discounts are being offer, you can pick up a Seiko 5 SNK80X model watch for 60.00USD-80.00USD. However, the SNK80X models are not that great as lots of enthusiasts with large wrists find the 37mm case of the SNK a bit too small.
Recently, Seiko released the SNZG series with very similar styling, but a much larger case. Lets take a closer look at the new Seiko 5 SNK replacement, the SNZG line. To start off, the Seiko 5 Sports SNZG watches are now much bigger at 41.5mm case size, thickness of 11.70mm, and lug width size has been changed from the rare 18mm to the more common 22mm.
Even though the SNZG wears quite large, the 11.70mm case thickness is relatively thin for an automatic watch, so it will be very comfortable on your wrist and you might even forget that you’re wearing a timepiece. Since it’s part of the Seiko 5 collection, you will most certainly be familiar with the in-house 7s36 movement lodged inside the SNZG. The only difference between the 7s26 and 7s36 is the addition of two non-working jewels to bump up the total to 23.
This is purely aesthetical, and the reliability, accuracy, and general operation of the movement remains the same. The 7s36 is an automatic caliber that beats at a low frequency of 21,600 bph, has around 40 hours of power reserve, and is rated for about -25 to +35 seconds per day. Unfortunately, this workhorse movement lacks the ability to hand-wind and hack. One of the greatest selling points of the Seiko 5 Sports collection is the increased water resistance compared to regular Seiko 5 models.
The water resistant level has increased from 30m all the way up to 100m, which is more than enough for recreational swimming. The SNZG’s case is very well-done, so it looks good and will be durable for decades to come. The whole case (except for the case back) is satin-finished, which contributes to the field watch styling of the SNZG. One of the main reasons why people would buy Seiko 5s is not only because of the price, but for their timeless field watch look.
Just by looking at it, you can already tell that your SNZG will be able to sustain tough weather conditions. To be honest, it’s quite hard to find something bad to say about the Seiko SNZG series. Not only is the watch affordable, reliable, and has gorgeous styling. This is the reason why this model is so popular amongst collectors, and I think you would be very pleased by adding this piece to your collection. Seeing as the lug width have changed from 18mm, and now to 22mm, there are a ton of selections out there for you to choose from. Be sure to visit our store at http://www.strapcode.com, to check out all kinds of watch bands we have available.
FEATURES
Calendar: Day of the Week and Date display at the 3 o’clock
position
Movement: Automatic
Functions: Date, Day, 24 hour, Hour, Minute, Second
Power-Reserve: 40 hours
Engine: Seiko Caliber 7S36
Water Resistant: 100 meters / 330 feet
Dial Type: Analog
Crystal: Scratch Resistant Hardlex
Hands: Luminous
Second Markers: 24 hour Markings. Minute Markers around the outer rim
Dial Markers: Arabic Numeral
Luminescent: Hands and Markers
Band Type: Strap
Band Width: 22 mm
Case Back: Skeleton
Case Dimension: 42 mm
Case Shape: Round
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Crown: Pull / Push
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Written by Sam
Photo by Toni
@strapcode team
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