Seiko Observations
After more or less six weeks in the rotation there is probably enough wrist time to make some observations about the two newest additions to my watch collection.
Seiko 5 (SNKL23J1)
My son, for whom this watch was purchased, calls this "Seiko Automatic" and the amount of excitement he gets out of handling it under my supervision is well worth the sub-$150 price of admission. The line of small dial 7S26 powered references in the Seiko catalog is extensive and well known around the world. This particular reference is:
- Noisy. The 7S26 is not quiet by any means. The rotor is loud, and one can hear the escapement in a quiet room. Not that a quiet room is often encountered if a toddler is around.
- Really attractive. The mix of brushed and polished faces is well done and adds depth when viewed at a variety of angles. The polishing on the hour indices really makes them shine in the light and is a consistent design element across Seiko products all the way up to their Grand Seiko line.
- Highly legible. The face is not covered in garbage that detracts from telling the time. Even the day-date complication is easily legible. In fact, of my three Seikos this is the only one with a date one can read without squinting.
- Somewhat annoying to adjust. The crown is small and at the 4 o'clock position. Getting sufficient purchase to turn it between fingertips is basically impossible for me, so I just roll the crown across the side of my finger.
- Back-hackable. There is no hacking feature, so if you want to actually synchronize it with another source you will have to back hack and pray. If the movement is fully wound this is very difficult as even slight back pressure will start running the movement backwards.
- Not blessed in the power reserve department. One finds reference to a ~41hr power reserve on the 7S26, but in my experience it rarely makes it a full 36hrs in the case. The practical implication of this is that if one is particularly annoyed by having to set the time on their watch, this particular piece either needs to be worn for a substantial number of hours each day or placed on a winder at night. If not, it will be dead the next time it is selected and the time (and probably date) will need to be set again.
So, it is an attractive but noisy piece that benefits from daily use to prevent annoyance at some of its less glowing features. Recalling the cost, it is hard not to recommend this as a viable piece for someone who wants to get into mechanical time pieces and needs something that could easily blend in to most normal social settings. Just keep it out of the pool or hot tub, as the 30m of water resistance may not be up to the task.
The original bracelet that comes with this reference has never been on my wrist, as I swapped it for a jubilee-esque offering from Long Island Watch. With an 18mm lug width, I can share straps between this piece and my Hamilton. I find it looks and feels great on both the Islander bracelet, and a blue leather "racing" strap from Barton.
Seiko Speedtimer (SSC813P1) - The "Seitona"
The panda Speedtimer has been on my list for a year or two as it has a robust solar powered quartz movement with a chronograph feature, 100m of water resistance, and a bracelet. My son calls it "Seiko Solar ChronoGRAPH" every morning when he needs to tell it hello and remind everyone that he should not drop it. An authorized dealer inside the local mall offered a price I could not pass up. This checks the box for an excellent all-arounder that I would be happy to wear pretty much anywhere to do pretty much anything. There is not much more to say about the watch. It looks good, has insane amounts of power reserve, and is reasonably legible. The date window is useless, and is perhaps the only negative. Among quartz chronographs I have personally tried, it has buttons offering the most tactile feedback.