Buying guide for best men’s Seiko watches
Investing in a new watch is a big decision, especially if it’s something you intend to wear on a daily basis. If you’re looking for a design that exudes fine taste and elegance and is equipped with cutting-edge technology, look no further than a men’s Seiko watch.
Seiko was founded in Japan in 1881, and the iconic brand has been producing attractive watches with fine craftsmanship and exceptional engineering ever since. The company’s collections range from classic, everyday designs to sophisticated Astron GPS solar watches and Prospect diving watches. Regardless of the different designs, Seiko watches all share one thing in common: they are examples of the company’s ongoing commitment to creating watches that far exceed the wearer’s expectations.
If Seiko watches have caught your attention, read our buying guide to learn more about the various styles and unique technologies. Take a look at some of our favorites, too. Whether you’re looking for a simple or high-performance watch, we’re sure you’ll find a Seiko that suits your style.
Key considerations
Case size
A watch’s case is the part that contains the dial and the movement. Seiko men’s watches range from 37 to 54 millimeters in diameter.
If you’re wondering how large a case you should choose, refer to the circumference of your wrist. If your wrist measures approximately 7 inches, look at the watches with smaller cases. If your wrist is closer to 8 inches, opt for a larger case.
On average, watch cases range from 6 to 14 millimeters thick. Dressier Seiko watches tend to be thinner, while sports and performance watches can be 10 to 14 millimeters thick.
Display
As you compare designs, you’ll find that Seiko watches vary when it comes to the display, which includes the digits, hands, and overall appearance of the watch face. Seiko displays show the date and time, though sport and performance watches often display additional information like the day or, if it’s solar-powered, its power reserve.
For some men, their choice in watch largely depends on how easy the hands and dial are to read. Larger hands are easier to read from a distance, especially if their color contrasts with that of the watch face. As far as the time indicators on the dials go, those that are thicker, as well as those whose color contrasts with the watch face, remain fairly easy to read.
Band
While stainless steel is a popular choice for Seiko watch bands, you’ll also find styles with attractive leather bands. While these materials remain popular for everyday wear, Seiko’s sport and performance watches have bands made of silicone or woven materials. Not only are these lightweight and comfortable, but they hold up well in aquatic environments, too.
Water resistance
The water resistance tells you how well-sealed the watch case is against liquids. On average, Seiko watches have a water resistance of 30 meters or 100 feet. Note, however, that this rating is from a one-time test. It doesn’t mean the watch can withstand prolonged exposure in 30 meters of water. Some of Seiko’s diving watches are water-resistant up to 600 meters or approximately 1,968 feet. These watches have been subjected to more rigorous testing to make sure they can withstand more prolonged immersion.
Movement
The movement is what powers the watch’s hands other functions besides telling time. There are three types of movement: Japanese quartz, mechanical, and automatic.
Japanese quartz: With a Japanese quartz movement, the second-hand moves over the dial in individual ticks. These watches do not require winding.
Mechanical: With these movements, the second-hand moves in a smooth, sweeping motion. These watches require winding.
Automatic: This type of movement is powered by the kinetic energy of the wearer, which in turn drives the mechanism of the watch. These watches do not require winding.
If you’d like to personalize a Seiko watch as a gift, you can have it engraved. It’s recommended that you do this after gifting the watch, because you’ll first want to confirm the recipient likes the style you’ve chosen.
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Seiko collections
Seiko 5 Sports
Seiko 5 watches include styles with five key attributes: automatic winding, date and date window, water resistance, display case back, and stainless steel construction. Keep in mind that these Seikos aren’t designed for a particular sport; rather, they have a sporty appearance that is versatile enough to pair with both casual and formal attire.
Astron GPS Solar
The Astron GPS Solar collection, which debuted in 2012, features exquisite precision and boasts ease of use. With these watches, you can change time zones with the press of a button rather than a tedious setting. As these watches derive their energy from sunlight, they don’t require battery changes, which saves you money on maintenance over the long term.
Prospex
Seiko’s Prospex watches are designed for adventurers who enjoy activities in the water, on land, or in the air. Certain Prospex designs are the preferred watches of some competitive divers. The reinforced cases are more durable than those on other Seiko watches, and the bands are made of flexible silicone or high-quality stainless steel.
Presage
The Presage collection hearkens back to traditional Japanese designs popularized by Seiko in the 20th century. Watches in this collection feature sleek, attractive faces with either stainless steel or finely crafted leather bands. These elegant designs go well with business attire or formalwear.
Coutura
Seiko’s Coutura collection has risen in popularity in recent years, both for its everyday style and its contemporary designs. Detail-oriented and capable, Coutura watches are equipped with a solar movement, chronograph, and alarm functions. They’re highly regarded as the ideal balance between function and fashion.
DID YOU KNOW?
While some Seiko watches are water resistant, not all of them are ideal for all water sports. Certain designs can be worn while swimming and snorkeling, but they aren’t recommended for scuba diving.
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Men’s Seiko watch prices
Men’s Seiko watches range in price from $110 to $7,000, so there’s definitely a design to suit every budget. As expected, the more specialized or high-tech the design, the more expensive the watch.
Inexpensive: If you’re in the market for a simple, everyday Seiko watch, you can find a wide variety priced between $110 and $600. While these watches are only equipped with a couple functions, they’re well made and look great.
Mid-range: If you’d like a more stylish Seiko watch, or one equipped with more functions, you’ll spend between $600 and $1,500. Sporty designs in this category are more durable and tend to have greater water resistance. Formal designs feature finer details, such as unique watch bands.
Premium: If you spend between $2,000 and $7,000 on a Seiko watch, you’re investing in either the company’s finest craftsmanship or a limited edition timepiece or a high-end diving watch. These designs feature Seiko’s latest and greatest technology and are constructed with a collection of high-end, durable materials.
If you’d like to be able to read the watch in low-light conditions, invest in a Seiko watch with a backlit face.
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Tips
- Keep the original box. If you don’t have a valet or watch box, save your Seiko’s box as well as all its literature. The box serves as a storage option for your watch, plus it’s a safe place to keep your proof of purchase.
- Take pictures of your watch. In the event your Seiko watch is lost or stolen, you may wish to open a claim with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. In addition to purchase information, the insurer may request pictures and other documentation.
- Get the watch sized. For a comfortable, secure fit, have the watch band sized to your wrist. An approved jeweler can remove links, which you should save and store carefully in case you need them added later.
FAQ
Q. What type of warranty does Seiko offer?
A. Seiko offers a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase. Seiko also offers an additional year if you register your watch with the company online. There is also a 1-year global warranty card included with each Seiko, which covers service and repairs done outside the United States.
Q. What is a chronograph watch?
A. A chronograph watch is one that has a stopwatch function, which includes an additional hand for time tracking. In certain watches, you’re able to set or track time for more than one event. This function is especially useful to competitive athletes, divers, racers, bikers, and even professionals who intend to track time during meetings.
Q. Where can I take my Seiko watch for repair?
A. According to Seiko, it should only be serviced by an authorized Seiko Service Center or Seiko-appointed dealer. If you’re not sure whether a jeweler or store fits these approved categories, contact Seiko directly to find a location in your immediate area. In the event that you take your Seiko watch elsewhere and the watch sustains damage, it could affect or void your warranty.
