Seiko Club Singapore Museum

[Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

fyeebiyd
[Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Hello butties,



I got to know that you guys have moved here from EDMW. Firstly, must thank the butties who shared so much back then that made me buy my 1st Seiko 5 automatic watch, a SNKH military styled watch with blue face.



Now, the watch had served me well and it's time to retire it due to that the servicing + repair can buy a brand new one already.



So i'm looking for another Seiko and here is my budget and preferences:

Budget: around $300

Condition: New or Used, both also can, so long as it's still in good condition for used.

Size: Going to try for >40mm this time as last time , the 38mm looks a tad small for my wrist.

Other preferences: Metal bracelet and can be abused as this is my daily work watch.



Oh and one more thing is, is there anywhere I can offload my retired watch so that it can be recycled for parts and such? It's still working just that time time goes forward by about 2 to 3 mins in 1 day. So I'm guessing some parts may be salvaged as spares.



Thanks for reading! :D
zazawa
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
I personally feel that one will nvr go wrong with any Seiko dver.



and as for your first seiko, have you thought of keeping it for keepsake?
Ed.YEO
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
欢迎欢迎，热烈欢迎！

With your budget of $300, you can find quite a number of selections in the market that packed with the same movement you had, 7S2x movement with your old watch. And there are those that sized 40mm or slightly larger as well, all BNIB.

However, most of the watches that falls under your $300 mark, are mostly WR with 100m or lower. Those with 200m WR and above will suck more $$$ from you.

BTW... nowadays, most of the SEIKO 5 watches will have the "5" logo sticked on the dial, which annoys quite a number of eyes from various collectors.



Just some more stuff to add, which i posted in other forum...

on where to get best price...

Generally now most SEIKOs in the market price are quite controlled liao. Should there be any difference, the gap should only be a green bill or 2 apart. To get a better price when you go bargaining around... i suggest that you go to Mustafa center where their prices are quite fixed with discount, also open to public as well... Then use the price you saw, to make comparison at other shops where you may be going to make your purchase, go and bargain for extra savings... Yea... it sounds very much un-ethical... but that's the only way we can get good discounts on the SEIKOs we want to get.



However, in comparison, other shops will not have wider range as what Mustafa may have.

As mentioned, there'll be some models available in BigTime that other shops, including Mustafa may not have. Hence, BigTime will have an advantage of charging a little high on some market obsolete models. To date, the only shop that i find to have models that BigTime will also carry, is the one in Chinatown PPC, Watch Fashion aka SKYWATCHES that is...



In Bencoolen, majority of the models you saw, will be what you get to see in Mustafa as well... not much niche models.

The same applies to Twinkle @ PPC as well as K2, who carries much lesser options.


on country of manufacture and sapphire glass...

There's no need to feel sian lah...

It's a fact in reality now that not all SEIKOs are truely MIJ, unless you're spending big numbers on GS or other high-end makes such as ANANTAs. General models sold in the market, inclusive of those that you see niche models that carries "PROSPEX" labels, could have high tendencies of MI.EW aka Made In Else Where.

In the past, there're movements that are made in SG and MY, then further assembled in MY. Then it evolves into movements made in MY, then further assembled in Thailand. Eventually, movements made in Thailand, further assembled in China. Then the rumors goes on and on...

Currently there are both K makes and J makes that are MI.EW and MI.J.... or to be clear, assembled in Else Where and assembled in Japan, with components sourced from different places.

All i do know is that, majority of the electronic movements are truly manufactured in china and philippines.

Hence... there's no need to go sian.



There are some SEIKOs with sapphire glass, however only available in some dress watches only. You won't be able to find sapphire glass in general ranges.

The rest of the other ranges, which made up of roughly 85% of the produced volume, have only mineral glass crystal which SEIKO themselves brand it as HARDLEX which they're so damn proud of. So no need to sian as well...
fireal
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
2-3 min a day is no big deal la haha...





anyway u can just take a pic and post it in the sale section of the forum
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Wah thanks buttie!



Time for me to go watch shopping again.



Actually the reason why I'm not keeping it is that the watch is "dying" already. might as well donate out the spare parts that is still workable than to keep it. Enquired the amount to fix it, it's the same amount that I can pay for another one of this watch with a metal bracelet, so might as well "recycle" it.



Currently i'm using an online website skywatches.com.sg to scout for models and shortlisted the following:



SRP031 (Only 2 things that makes me hesitate about this is that it does not have the day of the week function and it is not a metal bracelet.) - http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-100m-sport-watch-srp031k1-srp031.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/skz211j1-skz211-seiko-5-sports-superior-200m-watch.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/skz211j1-skz211-seiko-5-sports-superior-200m-watch.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-srp037j1-mens-automatic-world-time-sport-japan-watch-srp037.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-srp037j1-mens-automatic-world-time-sport-japan-watch-srp037.htm" false;



Any comments on these models?
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"fireal"

2-3 min a day is no big deal la haha...





anyway u can just take a pic and post it in the sale section of the forum


Is it? I'm not too sure how jialat it is but to me, it's quite a goner as condensation builds up even though I don't bring it to go swimming. So I'm guessing, at most, there might be a few parts that can be salvage for this watch.



The Seiko 5 is my 2nd automatic watch and it made me fall in love with automatic watches again. I had a swatch automatic in my younger days. That poor watch was also abused until quite jialat by me.



There's 1 design flaw for this watch that I own, which is that the bezel does not really protect the glass, which resulted it in having a few deep scratches.



When it was new back then, it's really a fine watch, which makes me want another Seiko and not looking at other brands. Got a period I was looking at Frédérique Constant but their watches are more like dress watches to me.
big-e-294
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"fyeebiyd"

Wah thanks buttie!



Time for me to go watch shopping again.



Actually the reason why I'm not keeping it is that the watch is "dying" already. might as well donate out the spare parts that is still workable than to keep it. Enquired the amount to fix it, it's the same amount that I can pay for another one of this watch with a metal bracelet, so might as well "recycle" it.



Currently i'm using an online website skywatches.com.sg to scout for models and shortlisted the following:



SRP031 (Only 2 things that makes me hesitate about this is that it does not have the day of the week function and it is not a metal bracelet.) - http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-100m-sport-watch-srp031k1-srp031.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/skz211j1-skz211-seiko-5-sports-superior-200m-watch.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/skz211j1-skz211-seiko-5-sports-superior-200m-watch.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-srp037j1-mens-automatic-world-time-sport-japan-watch-srp037.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-srp037j1-mens-automatic-world-time-sport-japan-watch-srp037.htm" false;



Any comments on these models?


you can get it serviced at K2.



but if you have made up your mind on a new watch, then the SKX007 is a classic that is under your budget.

Or even the Black Monster (SKX799)



alternatively, you can check out the Buy/Sell section on SC.. :D
Ed.YEO
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"fyeebiyd"


SRP031 (Only 2 things that makes me hesitate about this is that it does not have the day of the week function and it is not a metal bracelet.) - http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-100m-sport-watch-srp031k1-srp031.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/skz211j1-skz211-seiko-5-sports-superior-200m-watch.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/skz211j1-skz211-seiko-5-sports-superior-200m-watch.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-srp037j1-mens-automatic-world-time-sport-japan-watch-srp037.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-srp037j1-mens-automatic-world-time-sport-japan-watch-srp037.htm"FLIEGER" design. You can get this with bracelet roughly 300 from K2, where Mr.GOH have stock with bracelet.

The last model, most likely is a 4s36 if i'm not wrong. The PWR RSV is roughly about 40hrs. Price can be high from skywatches, probably due to the use of sapphire glass. Which fits your requirement well if you're looking for something that's rugged and scratch resistant. However, if you're looking for something with world time display, look out for SRP129 and SRP132 where the rotating bezel is a ease of use. I just came back from Mustafa, the SRP129J1 w/o warranty goes for $250. Hence, from skywatches, which is another $6 extra is a much better buy since the warranty is in-house.
KKG
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Hi Ed.YEO



If there are two versions of the same model, i.e. one made in Japan and the other ?elsewhere?, which would be a better buy, quality wise?



Thanks & Cheers
lunarin79
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"KKG"

Hi Ed.YEO



If there are two versions of the same model, i.e. one made in Japan and the other ?elsewhere?, which would be a better buy, quality wise?



Thanks & Cheers


one's a J suffix, one's a K suffix.



if u ask me, the diff is only the assembly area.



One is assembled in Japan(J), one is assembled in Asia(K)



no diff in quality but got diff in price($30-$50)
Ed.YEO
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"lunarin79"

...no diff in quality but got diff in price($30-$50)


yep... that's very true, especially when most of the components comes from the respective production plants around asian region. Majority of the folks will still believe in "Made In Japan" quality, hence the demand and presence of goods with "Made In JAPAN" prints on dial in the market.



Most of the new watches will be released from "K" 1st, then follows by "J" roughly about 4mths later. This happens to the SRP12x WORLD TIMER, which we now see significant number of stocks popping up in the market now when "K" was released during last November/December period.



If given a choice, i would most likely to fall on the "J"s as they are much cheaper by few red bills, provided with in-house warranty provided by the respective sellers. Those "K" makes that are warranteed by ThongSia, although newer than "J", are usually priced abt 8 red bills more...
big-e-294
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"Ed.YEO"

[quote="lunarin79"]...no diff in quality but got diff in price($30-$50)


yep... that's very true, especially when most of the components comes from the respective production plants around asian region. Majority of the folks will still believe in "Made In Japan" quality, hence the demand and presence of goods with "Made In JAPAN" prints on dial in the market.



Most of the new watches will be released from "K" 1st, then follows by "J" roughly about 4mths later. This happens to the SRP12x WORLD TIMER, which we now see significant number of stocks popping up in the market now when "K" was released during last November/December period.



If given a choice, i would most likely to fall on the "J"s as they are much cheaper by few red bills, provided with in-house warranty provided by the respective sellers. Those "K" makes that are warranteed by ThongSia, although newer than "J", are usually priced abt 8 red bills...[/quote]

for these mass produced watches, i wouldn't put too much thought into.



simply put: these are all made by robots, whether it is in Japan, Malaysia, etc... All the robots are made in Japan, so to me it is not much difference in quality.



for the SKX009, I would prefer the 'J' simply bcos i like the extra '21 jewels' text on the dial and I dont like the 'mov't malaysia' :oops:
KKG
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch




Just bought this, SNZH53J1, from Hannifa's, no warranty/box, S$175. They have the other variants as well but liked this the best among the lot.



Cheers
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"Ed.YEO"




Note that by default, all prices shown in skywatches are always displayed in U.S dollars. You'll need to change the currency display to see the actual selling price.



The first and last model are both hackables. The 2nd and 3rd model are both full autos.

The first model is a 6r15 if i'm not wrong. The PWR RSV is about 50hrs. There's no day wheel version version for this "FLIEGER" design. You can get this with bracelet roughly 300 from K2, where Mr.GOH have stock with bracelet.

The last model, most likely is a 4s36 if i'm not wrong. The PWR RSV is roughly about 40hrs. Price can be high from skywatches, probably due to the use of sapphire glass. Which fits your requirement well if you're looking for something that's rugged and scratch resistant. However, if you're looking for something with world time display, look out for SRP129 and SRP132 where the rotating bezel is a ease of use. I just came back from Mustafa, the SRP129J1 w/o warranty goes for $250. Hence, from skywatches, which is another $6 extra is a much better buy since the warranty is in-house.




Thanks for the advice! blur web user, didn't realised can change the currency. I just auto do a rough conversion in my mind when browsing.



What's the meaning of hackable? Actually these are the selections that catches my eye at first glance. I'd like a different dial colour but I have a close buddy who wears an orange dial seiko diver's watch. Won't wanna look like "couple" with him to wear a watch with an orange dial.
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"KKG"





Just bought this, SNZH53J1, from Hannifa's, no warranty/box, S$175. They have the other variants as well but liked this the best among the lot.



Cheers


Nice choice dude. :D
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
took a 2nd look at the website and shortlisted the following after eliminating some of the choices i made earlier on. I doubt my budget can get me a sapphire glass watch so it'll just be a bonus if it comes with sapphire glass. Otherwise, hardlex is fine.



SNZJ21K1 (this is very striking and caught my attention big time in terms of looks but when practicality sets in, i believe the "black" stainless steel will be easily faded off and cause it to look really ugly with scratches after long term usage and abuse.) - http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-5-sports-mens-automatic-diver-watch-snzj21k1-snzj21.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-5-sports-automatic-men-s-diver-watch-snzj15k1-snzj15.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-5-sports-automatic-men-s-diver-watch-snzj15k1-snzj15.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/japan-seiko-5-sports-mens-automatic-diver-watch-snzg85j1-snzg85.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/japan-seiko-5-sports-mens-automatic-diver-watch-snzg85j1-snzg85.htm"sport watch" to me than a work watch.) - http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-5-sports-automatic-gents-watch-skz263k1-skz263.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-5-sports-automatic-mens-black-watch-srp157k1-srp157k-srp157.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-5-sports-automatic-mens-black-watch-srp157k1-srp157k-srp157.htm



SNZH69J1 (My only concern for this is I think the bezel will have the same problem as my current watch) - http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/japan-seiko-5-sports-mens-automatic-watch-snzh69j1-snzh69.htm"http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-automatic-mens-scuba-200m-skx007k2.htm" false;





just wondering, are there any sites apart from here where I can also get a view of the watch prices and design?



jialat... from 4 designs now increase to 7. I saw the Black Monster SKX799. No feeling towards it mostly due to the bezel design.



I'll probably pop by k2 one of these days and see if it is worth it to repair and service the current watch. Meanwhile, just enjoy looking at more beautiful watches first. :lol: :lol:
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Just saw a video on Seiko's divers. Seems like my perception that the Bezel will provide some protection to the glass is wrong.



Thus, not going to take that into consideration but I'd like the markings to be a brighter colour as a stock watch to add some colour to the watch.



feel free to comment about my shortlist. Will be going to Mustafa soon to check out the prices before heading down to Bencoolen and PPC to shop for it.
KKG
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"KKG"





Just bought this, SNZH53J1, from Hannifa's, no warranty/box, S$175. They have the other variants as well but liked this the best among the lot.



Cheers


Saw this model but without the 'J', at Mustafa's and it is priced at S$349.00. That's twice the price from Hannifa's, not just a few 10's.



Cheers
Ed.YEO
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"fyeebiyd"

...What's the meaning of hackable?...


Hackable movements gives you the ease of stopping the seconds hand should you want to align your time setting with internet/teletext "official" time.



Of all those models you've listed, some of 'em are not available @ K2. If you want something "J", 007 is available @ K2, but no bracelet option.



Regarding the PVD coating's by SEIKO, so far what i have, SNZG17 both "K" and "J" makes with TiCN coatings, have been with me for 10mths, doesn't show any signs of scratches or peel off yet. While the latest addition, SNN233 and 237 chrono with ION Plating, is still too early to judge on the quality of the coating.

I suggest that you get a in-expensive SEIKO PVD coated watch, regardless of any models of your choice to try out first. Then determine that whether you're comfortable with the quality, to continue with the "black" collections.

So far, i have not seen any negative comments of the SEIKO PVD watches yet...


"KKG"

...Saw this model but without the 'J', at Mustafa's and it is priced at S$349.00. That's twice the price from Hannifa's, not just a few 10's...

Brudder... what you saw @ Mustafa is a ThongSia local warranteed model. Hence the higher price tag.

The one you got @ HANNIFFA's is for export, aka, non-warranteed set on your own risk. Should any "winter melon, tofu" happened to your piece after days of purchase, you won't be able to get any repairs or exchange on your lemoned piece.

For mechanicals, i should had suggested you to go to Bencoolen or PPC to get your piece... mostly which are attached with in-house warranty.
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Thanks for sharing the information Ed.YEO.



I'm still contemplating about "black" watches. One side of my say it's gorgeous but the other side is arguing that if want black, might as well just go for rubber strap.



For my budget, the type of watch i'm getting is more of looks and a decent movement.



i'm not very picky about it being J or not as if it is not J, those with in-house warranty will do well for me.
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Today just took some time go Bencoolen jalan jalan to see if any of them is really grabbing my attention. That's the perks of doing shopping at shops rather than online shopping.



Apparently, not all that I've shortlisted online are available. I'm wondering if there are some models which are not on display. went to 3 shops, 2 featured this baby:

SNZJ21K1 - http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/seiko-5-sports-mens-automatic-diver-watch-snzj21k1-snzj21.htm" false;



still concerned about the black finishing as I believe i will fell damn sian when I scratch this fella. The size is really nice. Makes me ignore the rest completely.



Saw some yellow dial divers too but not much feelings towards it. The watch hunt continues. damn jialat, the orange dial and detailing is really eating into me.
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Thanks for the intro. seems very comprehensive and spotted a few more beauties for me to check out!
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Just to share, After seeing petrolnut's blog. Don't know is it because the way it was presented, I picked up a liking for these pieces:



SKZ265





SKZ229





SKZ221





anyone who owns these watches? Care to share what are your thoughts about them? I read from WUS, the Atlas aka landshark is quite durable.



Sauce: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f304/seiko-skz211k1-%93atlas%94-review-276071.html" false;



To me, it'll be the 1st time i own an analog watch that functions as both a compass and map meter. it's got a cool appeal to me and that extra knob makes it looks unique to me too.
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Chanced upon a shop at Beach road and they had the SKZ221 on display.



After checking it out in person, the desire for it suddenly disappeared. Then at Chinatown, managed to catch a glimpse of different dial colour SKZ229.



I think this will be the one i'm going for but can't seem to find the exact SKZ229 available in local shops. anyone came across it before?
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
I'm like making this thread my "blog" to getting my new watch.



Visited Jennifer at Twinkle. Really very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, the SKZ229K1 is currently out of stock. Does anyone have any idea how soon will they stock up?



Then went up to level 3, saw another watch shop there and saw the piece in person but couldn't come to terms with the price. not in the mood to bargain, so just molest it and walk away disappointed.
roo7
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Did you check with her if she can reserve a piece for you ?
seiko siao
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"roo7"

Did you check with her if she can reserve a piece for you ?


confirm plus chop no need to check.just leave model no and phone no. down and she will call u when the watch arrival.



Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
roo7
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Yup, I heard so many members reserving a piece with her, shouldn't be an issue unless she don't bring in that model anymore..
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch

"roo7"

Did you check with her if she can reserve a piece for you ?


didn't specifically say reserve for me though. But she did say she will contact me when they have stock.



So i'm wondering what is the period of waiting time to manage my own expectations and prevent myself from going shopping around during this period.



Won't want to be a person who ask her about it, then after that go somewhere else to buy it especially she took the effort to help me source for the watch already.
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Some twist and change of event for my watch hunt. I am receiving a generous sponsorship for a new Seiko watch at a budget of max $1,000.



Any suggestions of what range should I look at? It'll be good to still have the map meter function but will prefer a good automatic movement and able to take abuse.
khmak
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
for me i still like my very first skx007, with me since 2006 and doing good. value for $ imo
chromehead
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
the classic skx007 lo, for me at least won't get sick of the design unlike my monster drawer queen



cocktail and blue dial sarb045 also nice since u got bigger budget now
fyeebiyd
Re: [Help] Recommend me a Seiko Automatic watch
Thanks for the suggestions.



I'll shop around and check out SKX007.



SAR045 is not very enticing to me but from the looks of it, it looks like a nice piece to be made as a dress watch with classic leather strap.



As I surf around, I'm getting poisoned to get a Sumo!



Save me! :o :o