Recently I got obsessed with watches, especially the mechanical ones. So, I started to look around for some affordable options to start my collection. That’s when I bumped into the Seiko SNK series. You know, Seiko is a pretty solid brand, and I heard good things about their entry-level automatic watches.
I spent a few days digging through forums and blogs. Lots of folks were talking about the SNK and the SNXS. Both are great, look pretty good. But people said the hands on the black dial models of the SNK are easier to see, and it make sense. Someone said that it is a good choice if you need a dress watch, which I don’t really need at that time.
After a while, I noticed that there’s a newer line called SNZG, which is supposed to replace the SNK. The SNZG is a bit bigger, with a 41.5mm case, and it’s a tad thicker too, at 11.7mm. And they changed the lug width from 18mm to 22mm, which is a more common size. I guess that makes it easier to find replacement straps. Also, some people said that the more expensive SKX is an inferior one if you don’t plan on scuba diving, it is better in almost every way. So I decided to give SNK a shot.
Then I went ahead and ordered a Seiko SNK from an online store. I paid around 80 bucks for it, which I think is a pretty good deal. It arrived in a week, and man, it looked even better in person. The movement inside is the Seiko 4R series, I believe, part of their flagship 9 series movement. These include 9S, 6R, and 4R, and are known for being reliable and accurate.
What I Did with My Seiko SNK
- First Impressions:
When I first got the watch, I was pretty impressed with the build quality. It felt solid and well-made, especially for the price.
- Wearing It:
I started wearing the SNK every day. It’s comfortable on the wrist, and the size is just right. The black dial is really easy to read, even in bright sunlight. I can tell that the hands contrast better as people said on the internet.
- Strap Change:
The original strap was okay, but I wanted to switch it up. Since the lug width is 18mm, I had to get a new strap specifically for this size. I went with a leather one, and it made the watch look even better.
- Accuracy Test:
I checked the accuracy of the watch over a week. It was losing about 10-15 seconds a day, which is not bad for an automatic watch in this price range. I mean, it’s not perfect, but it’s definitely good enough for daily wear.
- Exploring the Movement:
I got curious about the movement, so I took off the case back to take a look. The 4R movement is pretty cool to see in action. It’s not the most beautiful movement, but it’s definitely interesting to watch the gears and springs working together.
Overall, I’m really happy with my Seiko SNK. It’s a great entry-level automatic watch that looks good, feels solid, and keeps decent time. If you’re thinking about getting into mechanical watches, I’d definitely recommend checking out the SNK series. It’s a great way to get a taste of what Seiko has to offer without breaking the bank.
