FAQ (and correcting some incorrect answers I’ve given): There IS a difference between the 51 and 61. 51 comes on a bracelet with a polished bezel, 61 comes on a nato with a brushed bezel. Apologies for incorrect info below! Thanks to viewers who pointed out my error!
Yikes! That’s even higher than our list price here (about 400 NZD). We get lucky because of our department stores that can buy in volume for a significant discount and pass the savings on to customers thru sales. Hope you can find it cheaper somehow!
Great video! Seeing this on the Jubilee really sold me and I just ordered one for $185. Will be a nice new everyday piece with the StrapCode and a double dome sapphire crystal.
Thank you! And I agree the photos really sell this guy short, it looks cheap and dull in Seiko’s pics. Glad I’m able to steer people to Strapcode too LOL! Hope you enjoy and cheers!!
I got the 53 and I absolutely love it. I may change the bracelet down the line but I have no gripes about the stock one. It’s fine. The dial is really nice to look at. I’ve had watches where I’d glance at it and still not know what time it is after a SECOND glance. With this watch, it’s so legible that at one quick glance I know what time it is. I know, I’m weird.
honestly that's part of the point! SRPE sits cleanly between Seiko divers/Prospex, the other 5 sport field watches, and their other entry-level dress watches. As part of it's close cousin-hood with the field watches, combining its diver's edge with the legibility+compactness of a field watch is just one of the major reasons this watch is so lovable!
I got the 61 and it came with NATO strap. Swapped it for an Uncle Seiko and I can't believe how great it looks. It looks so much more luxurious on steel. The brushed bezel is the way to go--for me. There is something a little more elegant about it than its polished bezel sibling. The gray sunburst dial is absolutely brilliant. I daresay that it looks even better than my SARB033.
Man what a coincidence!!! My first seiko is the one you own, SNK793. I was looking for another seiko alternative that’s lug to lug is not too bigger than snk793. So I decided to get srpe51 and was looking through videos of it. You are the only one who has snk793 to compare with this newer one! This has helped me extremely well in getting an idea regarding the size difference with mine. Thank you so much for doing this 🙏
I love this watch! The Seiko 5’s that bother me are the ones that pretend to be divers, but have 100M WR. Don’t wanna be a diver? Fine! Don’t try to make people believe you’re a diver!
Just received this watch. I love it. The dial is amazing. I have always loved the indices on the SKX. I am really enjoying these indices without that rotating bezel! I still have my SKX. This current movement is definitely an upgrade. I do wish it had a screw down crown. But I’m not going to be taking it in the water anyway. The case size and curved lugs really work well on the wrist. I’ll be selling my Orient Bambino with the anthracite dial. I just won’t need it anymore. This Seiko 5 sits super comfortably on my 7 inch wrist. It’s going to be a great everyday watch. AND... the bracelet fits and is working just fine for me. It does rattle a little. Ok.. a lot! But I don’t mind the bracelet. It’s not pulling any hairs on the arm. So far. :) Maybe I’ll get a better bracelet someday from Mark at Long Island Watch. I really appreciated your review.
I purchased this with a green dial 2 days ago here in Nepal. Its so mesmerizing each time i see it in my wrist. That starp looks perfect. Definetly gonna order that strap soon.
I also bought an SRPE61 from Macy's on the Black Friday sale for the same price. Macy's has a price of $187 for that model now, which is still a good deal (the black dial with gilt hands and a steel Seiko bracelet is the same price). Long Island Watch has a jubilee bracelet designed to fit this model of Seiko 5 with solid end links, screwed links, milled clasp with three micro-adjustments, for $59. But I love putting different straps on mine.
I have the SRPE67 that is coming with a black nato strap and has a black dial. Reason I got this model is not because of the nato but the brushed finish on the bezel. The sides of the bezel are still polished. It gives the watch a more kind of different look. It doesn’t shine around all the time and I have put it on a green rubber strap. That green/black dial combo is so sweet.
Found the SRPE51 in mint condition for $120. Your video is just as relevant since I thought the jubilee would pair perfectly and you definitely confirmed. Awesome info, filming and editing!
Great review! This is on my "next watch to get" list. I would like to offer my own 2 cents about the usefulness of the "dive bezel". I own 4 "5kxs" and I depend on the bezel daily. I use it when I'm cooking, I use it to time projects with work, tracking the time in a meeting, presentations, workouts, how long kids have been in the sun at the pool or the beach, and all sorts of activities with my kids when counting down when it's time to move on, and sometimes to track a second time zone, etc. So the bezel is very useful beyond diving and for me, not just there for looks. Just my 2 cents on how this can actually be a "tool" watch outside of diving.
Hello!! I have to admit I never thought of that (and a few others have said the same). I guess I’m just too much of a spaz and need Alexa or Siri to start shrieking at me when my timers are done hahaha!!! 🤣 Anyhow, thanks so much for watching!!!
Seriously I second this, the bezel is mega useful for all sorts of things. Just last night I was using it to track how long my steaks were on the grill, among other things. Its fun to use!
I’m just getting into watches and learned about jubilee bracelets from this vid. Thanks for the nice review and I love the positive vibes from your channel, cheers
I call it the BBKX. The BB36 is a watch I’ll own someday and this was purchased as a placeholder. I have had so many watches over the years (mostly Seiko divers) and didn’t realize I just don’t gel with traditional dive watches. When the BB36 came out I was instantly inspired to put one on my short list since it was essentially a minimalist dive watch. This SRPE is probably as close as I’m gonna get aesthetically until I can get the real thing.
BBKX, love it! I might just start calling it that! You’ll love the Black Bay when you do get it, it’s a fab watch - the BB GMT is probably going to be my next purchase. Anyway, I totally understand not gelling with dive watches, especially Seikos. I have a couple but they’re absolutely massive and don’t get a whole lot of wrist time. Congrats on the BBKX in the meanwhile and definitely check out Strapcode’s offerings if you’re interested! Thanks for watching!
@@joshjamesyoutube funnily the 013 would have been perfect for me but my local shop sold the rest of the stock they had recently. The Mini Turtle I tried on is a perfect size on my wrist. They only had it on rubber so I held off as I wanted a bracelet. It’s still an option in the “diver” category. I bought a Hamilton Khaki Field but the lug length put me off so I sold it. The BBKX has kinda been “the one” albeit the least expensive lol. In the grail territory are Aquaterra 34, Oyster Perpetual 34 and the BB36. The BB just seems much more practical as a daily watch. Nothing I own is a “safe queen” so I don’t wanna feel bad about letting life happen to it.
This is the video I had to watch (no pun intended) to convince me to pull the trigger on this timepiece. That jubilee bracelet though…🔥 I’m sold! Thanks for the content man, keep it up!
2:55 finally, I found side by side comparison between this two guys which I confused to buy. Hope to see in the next video of you are wearing this two on your wrist. Top job, dude.
I have to be honest I’m not anal about accuracy even with my Grand Seiko Spring Drive which is like +/-10 seconds per month. Just the way I live I’m never going to notice if my watch is a few seconds (or frankly even a minute) off so not a problem for me so I don’t think I can answer this in a way that will be helpful to you, apologies!
Seiko 5 is my favorite choice, and the sports series with dive style snzh55 100m water resistant is the one on my wrist most of the time in 5 years, because I seen it as a time piece or a jewelry for man, that's means they don't needs to be dazzling like a female jewelry, with the company history or the classic looks as they offer can match to any vintage high end watches to suit my casual or formal occasions wearing , and the running +/-5 to 10/sec a day doesn't bother me either , so that is why I willing to pay the premiun price for everything I need in life likes cars, mortgage...etc, but never considered any costly watches for wearing, because I have some affordable and reliable in both worlds watches, likes the Seiko 5 and Citizen eco drive with their excellent offers.
Great lighting on your video, by the way. This Seiko looks like a bargain! Should we mention the explorer word? It looks that good! I wish they’d make a 3 o’clock crown. This should sell like hot cakes.
I love my SRPE51! I added a sapphire crystal and a Merc seconds hand. Only thing I'd love to get is the jubilee bracelet. They did an excellent job with this one. 👍
Hi James, I have this exact model on the uncle Seiko. I did the exact thing, black friday sale on the watch and on the uncle seiko bracelet for said prices. Cool to know someone else got hype to the idea. Great value everyday wearer
Excellent watch. As good as Swiss equivalent. Must be de-magnetized periodically to adjust time + or -. Mine now gains 1/2 minute a week, but I could not adjust speed until de-magnetized. De-magnetizer cost me $10 on ebay and it works. It works for my Tissot which has a worse problem of magnetization--mainspring coiled in shape of an egg, instead of tight circle, until de-magnetized.
Been thinking about buying this watch. Would you say that this one could be a one watch collection? Would it look good in a formal or casual wear with only the bracelet?
Great review, i have had an SRPD (from Macy’s even) for a few months now, and I love it. I know its not a true diver but I’m not a diver anyway. I love the look and 100m is more than enough for me, considering i’ll never take any of my watches swimming. I don’t even like getting my g-shock wet lol. This SRPE is definitely on my short list. May go with the blue dial but that grey is 🔥
The blue dial is BEAUTIFUL. Every time I see a photo of it I think I need to have it too - just bought a blue Grand Seiko that’s somewhat scratched the itch but will likely still pick a blue 5 up at some point if I find it on sale.
I am thinking about the spre vs srpd (diver looking one). Which do you think is the better watch even tho its largely opinion based? I appreciate you replying!
Hello! SRPE51 comes on a steel bracelet and 61 comes on a nylon nato, otherwise they’re the same. K1is the more common international model usually made in Malaysia or Thailand and J1 indicates a Japan-made model, and contrary to popular belief J1 models are sent out to international retailers as well, usually early in production until the global factories have caught up to production.
Fantastic review with some great strap/bracelet upgrades. 👍 Does the model you bought have a brushed bezel with a hint of high polish half way down the ring?
Yes! Which I got wrong in this video-the difference between the 51 and 61 is that one has a fully polished bezel and one has a brushed bezel with the small polished accent ring as you mention! :)
Hey, nice review. I have two of these watches (on in anthracite, one in green), beautiful and I agree entirely with your views. Just FYI quite a lot of us have actually dived on 100M water resistant watches without problems. There is a lot of utter twaddle written about this but lets leave it at some experienced divers are happy diving in a datejust which isn't a "full diving watch" So far I've not dived below 25M ... have you?
On the bracelet part, while I do agree Strapcode's overall quality is better, I feel like the dressier vintage inspired clasp for Uncle Seiko fits the watch much better than the very standard dive clasp Strapcode offers. I wish they would give us an option for something like US.
I have other watches Damasko DS30 and a CARTIER Cougar which is way too small to wear at present as bought Cartier early nineties. I also have Seiko 5 the matt black version on nato. I put a nice silicone strap on. What I like so much about the Sekio 5 is I can wear anywhere and not worry about the watch or knocking it. I know it's not going to be within a couple seconds a day so I don't worry about that either. The watch is not precious. It just works. Totally recommended Sekio 5.
I like the look of this very much. I love simple yet pretty looking watches. Put a good Quartz movement in it and it’s sold. I’m not into mechanical watches. Not yet anyway.
I hear you! I think most people start out with quartz only. If you ever do have an interest in picking up a mechanical piece, this would be a great cheap way to get your foot in the door of automatics! I generally prefer them simply because I don’t wear most of my watches enough to make constant battery changes worth it.
@@joshjamesyoutube I don’t see myself going for mechanical watches, my 4 watches are Quartz. The only reason I would buy an automatic watch would be a much greater choice of styles, but I will seek out the brands that offer a quality Quartz option. I fail to understand why more makers don’t offer a Quartz option but so be it, I guess they have their reasons.
I totally understand that! In general (and this is not to say I agree) quartz watches are far cheaper to engineer and manufacture, and so once you start climbing the scale I think the expectation of how much craftsmanship, engineering, and savoire fair that goes into the watch changes. With that said, you should definitely look into the Grand Seiko Quartz movements, they are INCREDIBLE not just in terms of accuracy but the craftsmanship and engineering is just exquisite. Spring Drive is also super fascinating as it truly is the best of both worlds. Cheers!
Fair enough OP, Seiko’s main modus operandi is mechanical more or less automatic. There is the tuna and solar prospex divers. Citizen is more or less quartz
Thanks for the video, I just bought this as my first automatic watch and wanted to ask is it bad to wear it while playing sports like tennis? I've noticed if I shake it somewhat hard it can make the second hand go slower/faster by like 5 seconds. Is this normal?
That definitely doesn’t sound normal. I’m not sure if I fully understand what’s happening but you definitely want to get that checked out if anything is throwing off a constant and steady keeping of time.
It’s not that it’s ‘poor’ so much as it’s a basic movement that doesn’t cost much. That said, Seiko regulates movements by machine so there’s a lot of variance. I’ve had 4Rs that actually can be regulated to near COSC spec, and others that are way off. Once regulated, it should hold for a good while, but checkups by a trusted jeweler are always important.
just a heads up...Marc over at Long Island watches sells a jubilee (also an oyster) for this model with solid endlinks and milled scissor clasp...for $60.
This watch really do have potential! But what im sad about is, it lack of aftermarket parts! Maybe because it doesn’t have much thing to change compared to the 42mm 5KX 😕
Hello! This series is quite a bit newer than the 5KX so I think that’s part of why you don’t see more aftermarket parts just yet but I’d say give it a year and there will be more. This series is so new that US retailers really just started to get it in in the last six months.
I wish I'd seen this 3 hours ago. I just ordered a jubilee from Long Island Watch with a slightly inferior clasp for about the same price as the strapcode bracelet 🙁
I'm just starting out with watches and I'm thinking of either getting this or the one with the bezel. So which should I get? I really love the look of the bezel in the 5kx but I also love the dresskx's versatility.
For me it’s this one hands down because it can be dressy and sporty, especially if this is either your first or one of your first watches! You can (and probably will want to) add the 5KX or a proper diver to your collection later on. I’d highly recommend a Samurai or Turtle; or if you can stretch a bit and go Swiss, a Tissot Seastar, Mido Ocean Star, or a Longines Hydroconquest! I’ll also say even with tens of thousands in luxury watches, I still love and reach for this one because there’s nothing else like it on the market short of the very similar bezel-less Tudor Black Bay. And that’s $4K. This is a couple hundred.
No because I think you can find it for not that much more new on sale especially as we get toward the holidays! Check out Macy’s and the like (lower end department stores). I have a video on why you should buy from Macy’s but I wouldn’t buy from eBay for something this cheap.
Uncle Seiko jubilee bracelet is not available anymore.:((( I really wanted that one more because of the inverted endlinks and price. Do you know where could I possibly find something similar?
Hello! That’s correct. I can’t remember off hand if the non marked ones are Thailand or Malaysia but it will always say on the back (lens, rotor, or bezel) where it was made.
Hello! I would google the model number and see what retailers and prices comes up. I haven’t revisited this one in a while and don’t know off the top of my head who’s got it for the best price.
Just got mine along with an Uncle Seiko president bracelet... Unable to find an Uncle Seiko jubilee bracelet here in Thailand but it looks killer anyway
I just have a question 🙋🏼♂️ what about the hours markers at 6 and 9 it seem that for Japanese and international version are like tilt or crooked is that normal?
I haven’t personally seen that but I wouldn’t be surprised-Seiko is known for having some slight QC issues like that. And I generally am forgiving of that given the low, low price you’re paying for these.
Is it so hard for watch manufacturers to make an affordable 38.5mm case, 44mm lug to lug and 20mm lug width mechanical watch ? The perfect dimensions for a gentleman's wrist watch in my opinion.
I absolutely agree with you! I love my Planet Ocean 39. On the more affordable end, Longines actually has a number of models around that size. The Heritage family and Heritage Classic which I think is a stunning piece is exactly 38.5 and beautifully done. I know that’s not exactly the same price as this but Longines in general are terrific value. For more of a tool watch for even less, Hamilton also has a few Khaki Field pieces that are 38mm. Want to say those can be found for as little as $500 or so. Cheers!!
@@joshjamesyoutube thank you! Also, I noticed that the watch has different font colors for different days of the week? Is that just for Saturday/Sunday?
Thanks! I got it and I'm having trouble removing the stock spring bars. I don't suppose you have any helpful hints? It's a little bit tought because I took off the nato strap
Funny you should ask about that because I am actually working on that right now! LOL! I get this a lot (my old video quality was pretty bad so, you’re not the only one who’s asked). Cheers!!!
@@joshjamesyoutube looking forward to it. I got my SARX057 recently and it should be coming home soon. I am currently disputing the "Duties" charged. Definitely an important topic for watches >$800
@@renatofrancorosas1397 Ah yes - I always forget to mention the import tax issue because it’s determined state by state and I don’t pay any in my state (law here states that we only pay sales tax on items sold by merchants that have a physical presence or business license in our state). Let me know if you’re able to successfully dispute it; the same is true with bringing home declarable goods from international travel as well and I didn’t know there was a way to do so.
Hello! That’s the SARX035 which unfortunately was discontinued a few years ago. The closest thing you can get on the cheaper end today that is still being sold is the SARX057 for about $1,000 USD or if you want to spend a little more you might look at the Grand Seiko SBGP003 which is $3,200 USD.
I think visually it would look exactly like this but with the straight lugs. I prefer a more stock look with custom lugs but that’s just a personal preference! Don’t think you can go wrong either way!
@@joshjamesyoutube Hi, already ordered the bracelet. Main purpose for getting the straight end was to fit in my Seiko 5 & Prsopex Alpinist Spb both has 20mm lugs, so 1 bracelet should do the work for 2 😁🤘🏻
I don't think one is better than the other, if you can I'd say go in on both LOL! BUT, I'll say if you want to do a leather strap, I'd go with the blue because it would go SO well with any kind of brown strap, but I think the gray looks better (more monochrome) if you're going to put it on a bracelet.
@@joshjamesyoutube thanks! I am waiting until a good sale comes around and order one and go from there. I probably will end up with both. How do you like polished vs brushed bezel?
Oh I see what you mean. What I meant by the title was that it’s rare that you find a seriously good watch that’s dirt cheap and affordable to most people out there (meaning not like a Rolex or omega that’s thousands of dollars and only available to a select few).
You’re half right - in general the US does get more K/international models. However, I have found that when you purchase a model that has recently been released, you are often going to get a Japan-made piece because Seiko will stock boutiques and retailers with stock from wherever they can while the Thailand plants ramp up production (the same is true of my King Samurai which was purchased from a Seiko retailer in NYC: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G4BC11k2Feg.html). I suppose I just got lucky both times, but I assure you this is the exact watch I got through my purchase from Macy’s, though again it did ship directly from Seiko USA. The same is also true of many Japanese cars. At the beginning of model runs, Toyota/Lexus often ship cars from Japan for sale until their US plants can fully ramp up production. Cheers!
