Seiko is one of the most prolific watch brands in the world. Its quality materials, best-in-class movements, and largely approachable prices are some of the key factors contributing to the success of Japan’s oldest watchmaker.
Though my list of the best Seiko watches from its many collections barely scratches the surface, it’s a broad enough sampling to give you a feel for what the company stands for, the materials it uses, and its staggering range of prices and designs. If you’ve always thought of Seiko as a “cheap” watch brand, I hope this list of the 14 best Seiko watches for men can change your mind.
Key Takeaways
With a dizzying number of collections and models to choose from, the best Seiko watches feature outstanding movements, unrivaled affordability, and versatility in terms of where you can wear them. All of which are present in my top overall pick: the Seiko 5 SNKL45. Another budget-conscious pick that’s right up there is the SNK809K.
A watch doesn’t have to be flashy or have a bunch of bells and whistles to be called the best. At least, that’s what I’m running with for this one. Among the most popular Seiko 5 models, the entry-level automatic SNKL45 has a crowd-pleasing stainless steel band and case, ironclad movement, and a handsome black dial that adds a touch of elegance to its already understated appearance.
This is your chameleon Seiko. The one you can wear to a wedding, the office, drinks after the office, on a date, anywhere. Another reason it takes the top spot on my list of the best Seiko watches is its price, which likely won’t scare off even the newbiest of watch newbies.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 37mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
To most people, “Seiko” and “budget” are already synonymous with one another. And while the iconic brand does produce dozens of high-end timepieces at the top end of the price spectrum, the efficient construction behind Seiko’s mainstream collections results in largely affordable price points throughout its catalog.
But you’d never know it when you look at the SNK809K. Similar to my top pick up there, its black dial and brushed stainless steel bracelet and case result in an elevated look. Meanwhile, a 21 jewel Japanese automatic movement helps keep you on time for any occasion. Except maybe playing basketball. Bad basketball watch.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 37mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
The dive watch wears a lot of hats. Some are catered to the world’s professional divers out there braving the oceanic depths. Others are catered to the swan divers out there braving the deep end of the neighborhood pool. The Seiko 5 Sports SRPD51 falls heavily into the latter camp.
Still, it’s a fine example of the species with its sturdy stainless steel case, water resistance to 330 feet, and rotating bezel. It’s the kind of dive watch that doesn’t smack you in the face with its dive watch-ness, making it yet another wear-anywhere option.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 42.5mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
With so many automatic Seiko watches out there, choosing the best is like shooting fish in a barrel. Not that I’ve ever done that. Weird analogy. Why did we all end up adopting that? Anyway, here we are with another Seiko 5, this time the military-inspired SNK805.
The green dial and green nylon strap are nice to look at and would team up well with a white linen button-down, solid colored t-shirt, or even a casual summer suit sans tie.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 37mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
Here’s an interesting one. Check out the design on that stainless steel bracelet. Looks like something from the future if the future was all about making cool watch bracelets. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, you’re working with a solar-powered watch featuring a Japanese quartz movement, respectable water resistance, and three subdials with a 60-minute timer, seconds counter, and alarm.
It’s a specific look but still a versatile one that you can dress up or semi-down. For being one of the best Seiko watches under $500, the Excelsior packs a punch.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 43mm | Movement: Japanese Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
As you can imagine, a company that was founded in 1881 is going to have a few vintage watch options to pull from. So many. There are just so many. But if we’re talking widely available options that you can find outside of hobbyist’s collections and one-off dealers, which we are, then we need to be talking about the vintage-inspired SNKP23 Recraft.
The first thing you’ll notice is the unique shape of the case, which is a sort of rounded rectangle. Further drawing the eye in is the stunning blue dial that keeps the vintage vibes coming. Under the hood, its mechanical automatic movement is going to last. And keep lasting. And last some more after that.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 39.5mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
Of all the types of watches on the market, gold timepieces are among the most specific. It’s a tricky look to pull off. One of the things I like most about the solar-powered SSC700 is its subtler, gentler take on the gold-finished watch. The alternative, the type of canary yellow gold number that you might catch on Gordon Gekko’s wrist, takes a deft sartorial sensibility to pull off.
This is an elegant piece with dramatic elements meant to elicit comments, head turns, and the throwing of flower petals in your general direction. One of those dramatic elements is its black dial featuring intricate subdials and more gold accents. Rather than holding up your collection, this should be considered a background player in your watch wardrobe. The one you break out when you’re really feeling yourself.
Material: Stainless sSteel | Diameter: 43mm | Movement: Japanese Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
Sexy. Plain and simple, that’s what the solar-powered SSC773 is. This is mostly thanks to its black dial and black bracelet made of oh-so-durable ion-plated stainless steel. Its subdials and chronograph pushers are also aesthetic icing on the cake.
Quartz movement. Scratch-resistant case. Adequate water resistance. Standout 41-millimeter case. Gang’s all here. If you’re looking to make an impression with your watch as opposed to having it blend seamlessly into your wrist, this’ll do that and do it well.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 41mm | Movement: Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
Part of the Coutura collection, the SSG009 is another crowd-pleaser with some nice look-at-me features. For starters, it’s got a 44.5-millimeter case. Chunky but not obnoxious. The blue-accented subdials are subtle but can’t be ignored. And the sapphire crystal and cabochon crown adds a touch of understated class.
But what makes this one of the best Seiko watches, particularly in the chronograph category, is that it automatically receives radio signals to keep the time and calendar precise.
“What’s that? I can’t hear you over the coolness of my radio-controlled watch.” You, at the office or some party.**
**Never say that.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 44.5mm | Movement: Japanese Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
If you’re reading this and you’re an actual pilot, I’m willing to bet your research process began years ago, and you’ve already got things pretty well sorted out. If you’re not a pilot but are drawn to the aesthetics and some of the features of that specific breed of a timepiece, this non-pilot pilot watch is for you.
The case is 44 millimeters, making for easy time-reading at arm’s length. A blue tachymeter is present and accounted for, as are chronograph pushers and subdials with 60-minute and 60-second counters. So sure, you could probably fly with this thing. But you could also just sort of walk around town in it.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 43.9mm | Movement: Japanese Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
Made by master craftsmen in one of Seiko’s luxury micro-studios, Grand Seiko timepieces are made of far superior materials to the brand’s flagship collections. This makes them way more expensive, sure, but the quality is right up there with that of some other luxury watchmakers.
The Grand Seiko Heritage Automatic is a silver-on-silver masterpiece. With its 37 jewels, heirloom-worthy movement, screw-down crown, and timelessly elegant dial, this could easily become the crown jewel of your collection.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 40mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
So far, I’ve featured a lot of stainless steel bracelets on my list of the best Seiko watches. And for that, I’m not sorry. Stainless steel bracelets can translate to almost any situation. But right up there with stainless and nylon is leather.
It’s a classic look that exudes confidence, and this leather-banded watch from Seiko’s Presage collection is a stunner. It’s got all the function and capabilities you’d expect from a Seiko at this price point, but the main draw for me is the come-hither emerald green band that’s all but begging for a cocktail party to hang out in.
Material: Stainless Steel, Leather | Diameter: 40.5mm | Movement: Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
Worn with enough confidence and with the right outfit, almost any watch can become a “dress watch.” Still, a few commandments must be adhered to. You’re going to want a smaller case, for starters. It should also have a slimmer profile. And though traditional wisdom points to a leather strap as appropriate for a dress watch, we evolve and we move on. Stainless now works just as well.
This brings us to the SNXS73K, a simple, understated timepiece with automatic movement and a silver dial to match its silver bracelet and 36.5-millimeter case. It’s a simple piece but qualifies as a dress watch all day. Suit up, have fun, and don’t overthink it.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 36.5mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
The best Seiko watches for men on Amazon don’t necessarily have to be the most reviewed. In fact, sometimes under-the-radar is the point. As is the case with this sly Amazon entry—another excellent reinterpretation of an early Seiko model, the Prospex Alpinist.
The blue dial contrasts nicely against the stainless steel case and bracelet, and the design is perfectly vintage from top to bottom. If making a statement without begging for one is your thing, this watch will do swimmingly. Speaking of, can we please bring back “swimmingly?”
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 38mm | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
What To Look For When Buying The Best Seiko Watches
Aesthetics
When you get a Seiko, you know you’re getting a watch with tough-as-nails movement and ironclad construction throughout. You also know you’re probably getting a good price. By that logic, looks are going to matter. Seiko offers a staggering array of styles—pick one that speaks to the look you’re trying to achieve, and you can’t go wrong.
Your Lifestyle
If you’re the active type and don’t have the budget to amass a stable of Seiko watches for men, avoid formal looks and stainless steel bands. Instead, opt for something along the lines of a field watch, pilot watch, or a digital watch. More of the professional type? Keep things classy with leather bands, smaller case sizes, and sleeper options like moon phase watches.
Budget
From the humble-yet-mighty 5 series all the way up to Grand Seiko timepieces, the range of Seiko’s prices is wide. Collectors will find plenty of modest and high-end options, but Seiko is a solid option overall for the casual watch-wearer looking for extreme quality at surprisingly approachable price points.
Final Verdict
You don’t have to have a timepiece collection or keep up with watch trends to know that Seiko has an outstanding reputation for quality, attention to detail, and price. The Seiko 5 SNKL45 tops my list due to its ability to meet all of those criteria while being understated and attractive enough to look good in almost any scenario.
FAQ
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Seiko has an outstanding reputation for its quality craftsmanship and damn-near bulletproof movements. They also happen to be available at very reasonable price points, which can often be confused with average quality.
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The watches in Seiko’s flagship collections don’t compare to the quality of Rolex timepieces—then again, they’re not really supposed to. The craftsmanship that goes into Grand Seiko watches, however, is perfectly capable of rivaling Rolex.
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Seiko is known for creating some of the most well-constructed watches available and offering them at approachable prices. It has also become a household name in the watch industry and is Japan’s oldest watchmaker.
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