The Best Automatic Watch Under $100 & The Perfect Choice For Your First Watch - Seiko SNK809 Review 

I love how he wears gloves on a cheap watch. This is a man who has respect for a watch no matter what.

Ok, its settled. This will be my first automatic.

lol 6 years later $209 on amazon

I've had the SNK809 for about 5 years and worn it on many international trips. After regulation it has kept amazingly accurate time. I've bought higher end watches but I reach for my old traveling companion often.

This was my first automatic, it's covered in dings and scratches now but it still makes me smile when I wear it.

I bought this as my first automatic by pure dumb luck. I just saw it on Amazon for a great price and decided to get it. I didn't realise it's such a great watch - few years down the line and I threw a leather strap on it and it's totally refreshed. Love it. Best value for money watch ever

I was actually going to buy this as my first automatic. I've just decided to get onto the hobby recently and I'm reading a lot of great things on these Seikos. It's really nice to see a review like this because not everyone can afford to spend several hundreds of USD on watches.

This video helped convince me to buy an SNK809 as my first automatic nearly a year ago, and I'm back now to say I'm so glad I did. The price is creeping up now that they are discontinued (I bought mine last year at $80 USD), but I would still have no problem paying $100 for this watch. As a field watch/flieger, I think the smaller size is perfect. It does not impede one's movement while working with one's hands outdoors or moving through woods, yet it is easily legible and can be recognized at medium distance. The strap, while a bit scratchy, is nearly indestructible and does not pull hair like the metal bracelets of the classic Seiko 5 range. Without a doubt, this is becoming a modern classic, and I am becoming a Seikoholic. Thanks for the recommendation!

That's my watch! I purchased it shortly after finding this channel and I'll never regret it! I'm hooked on watches now

Amazing intro! Edit: 5 minutes later, the watch has been ordered.

My first and only automatic until just a few weeks ago, when I got my first SKX. Its been running strong for 4 years. Your review resonated with me and reminded me why I bought this watch. The display back undoubtedly made me fall in love with mechanical watches. It really is a feature that, had it not been there, I may never have understood the beauty of horology. An although the strap is a bit cheap, its still the only strap I've ever had on it and is holding up well! Thanks for the great review, this watch will always be a part of my "collection."

Innocently starts off with a cheap Seiko SNK809, couple months down the line your eating instant noodles saving for a Tudor Black Bay lol REPLY

Have this watch for about 6 months now...absolutely LOVE it. and it keeps unbelievable accuracy without any regulation of the movement !! It has been working straight for about 2 months now and the time is EXACTLY what it says on my phone I salute you Seiko

Great start for the new chapter. I own the SNK803, bought it soon after finding this channel, and could not resist the appeal of the mechanical movement. This is my 2nd automatic watches, the first one was a given from my parents, so this is the first automatic watch that i bought. Love it and wear it every single day with pride. Sure my next watch will be SKX.. Thanks TGV.

I Just ordered, a Seiko SNK803 (the beige model) which arrives tomorrow, and I paid $111.00 Canadian Dollars, and which arrives tomorrow, and this is my first automatic watch, very excited for it.

You're description of this watch is art on its own. I'm sold on this watch, probably the best watch review channel on youtube!

Bought one of these about 6 weeks ago. So versatile and definitely a "strap monster", and I did buy a new strap immediately. I need to change the time once a week as it gets a minute or two ahead, but at this price I can live with that. Rotate between this and my SKX009

I bought one for a work watch, and man is it incredibly durable. I work as a welder, read out of that what you will. It needs an adjustment about once a week, but that's okay. My personal opinion, it steals the old Timex motto. Takes a licking but keeps on ticking. For seventy five dollars on Amazon, how the hell do you beat that steal for such a good watch. I couldn't be happier with it.

I'm 27 and have only had more "fashion" brand watches. Recently I've learned much more about watches and am about to purchase my first good watch. Looking at a Seiko 5 SRP599 diver watch I am very excited to dip my toes in the true watch market and keep learning more.

This may be the most thorough RU-vid review I've ever watched. Very impressed, so much, the watch has been ordered.

I'm wearing a Seiko while watching this. I've got EIGHT of them. I'm a Seikoholic. THANKS Tristano!

I just bought one to commemorate 5 years in my current career. Seemed fitting.

About 2 years ago I got bitten by the bug because of this Video. Since then my love for field and Flieger watches is unbroken. Thanks to this video I got into the Hobby and I am still wearing this small Seiko and love it till this day, although my collection got bigger and I have some pieces which cost 10 times as this small beauty. Thanks TGV!

I bought this watch as my first automatic last month and I absolutely love it. Just got back home from work and saw this video at the top of my home page, made my day!

TGV, now that I have watched this vid for the third time I am convinced I must add this little gem to the collection. Love Seiko the more I learn, thank you for the keen insight.

The one negative thing about TGV, is that whenever I see one of his watch reviews, I feel the need to have whatever he’s reviewing! This was ordered before the review finished! Good work as always. And thank you for getting me started on my watch journey 👍🏼

I downsized my watches, keeping only the Seiko SNK 809, my Casio G-Shock Square, an original WWII Hamilton ORD wristwatch, and a Hamilton 992B railroad pocket watch. I wear the Hamiltons only on special occasions because of their age. The Seiko SNK 809 and the Casio are my daily watches. I’ve had a watchmaker install a sapphire crystal on the Seiko and regulate it. It’s amazing how much Seiko included on a watch that can be bought for less than $100. Recently I considered buying an expensive Swiss watch, but I couldn’t see it taking the place of my Seiko. Not only is it value for money, but it saved me from adding more watches to the collection.

My first automatic timepiece. My wrist is on the large side but it still looks decent on it. With the bead blasted finish, scratches and scuffs gives it much more character. Produced in my home country too, which gives it a little more meaning to me owning it. Quite an incredible watch for its price.

This is a brilliant watch. It (SNK809) was one of the first automatic watches that I bought new and it surely didn't disappoint. I was fortunate enough to get it off amazon on black Friday for I believe 40 or 45 USD which is just an incredible price, for a completely automatic watch. While it lacks some features like hand winding or hacking, it's still an incredible beater watch that goes with tons of strap options!

I have two, the 809 and the 803. My favorite watches I own. I wear them everyday. Have the 803 on today, with a red and navy nato. I wish I could find more brands making affordable watches in this size or even smaller

My 2nd 809 will be here tomorrow ! Gave my first one to my grandson , missed it a lot so ordered another great vidio you can't go wrong with this one IMHO

Started two years ago at the end of university with an SNXS, my first mechanical timepiece. Went on with a New Turtle a few weeks later. Got the usual "watch guy" addiction, wearing a Tudor BB or a Junghans Chronoscope today, looking forward to get the Milgaus or a DD one Day... And all because of your great work! Almost everything i know about watches i've learned on your channel, thank you so much!!!

BROUGHT MY FIRST SEIKO IN 1966 ON OKINAWA WITH THE USAF GREAT WATCH TKS RON

I have only ever had a couple pocket watches that were given to me as a gift when I told my stepdad I was into them. I then decided one day I needed a wristwatch and bought this Seiko SNK809. Mostly due to Seiko's heritage and the absolute bargain that this watch is! I wanted an automatic and decided on this for the day/date complication. Only gripe is i didn't realize how small it would look on my 7 1/2 inch wrists :D Still love it! BTW mine runs at -2 seconds a day.

I've owned a SNK809 for a couple of years and I love it. It is considered a field watch but to me it looks a feels more like a hybrid between a field watch and a Flieger. Definitely a must own for Seiko and military watch lovers.

I started to get back into watches and stumbled onto your channel. By far the best watch enthusiast channel. I learned alot about affordable and sought after "inexpensive" watches. You Soo talked me into the Seiko watches lol. I bought this watch which I love (I do wish it were bigger). I also bought an snzg15 and am now thinking of building an skx piece by piece. Oh and that flight master 👍🏼. I'm keeping my eye out for the white dial one. Pretty much what I'm trying to say is Thank You buddy.

I got so much spoiled by my 37mm Seiko SNK361, my 37mm Seiko SKX025 and my father's 36mm Rolex Datejust that when I put on a 40mm watch I get the feeling like putting on some 52mm Invicta monstrosity 😅😅😅

I've had mine (SNK805) for 6 years now, slightly modded, I did a 5,5 year update video on it, and it has really been thru hell and back!!

I just bought this watch a month ago and I'm wearing it on an olive Nato strap too. This is my first automatic watch and I don't think it will be my last. I'm so happy with it, thank you for bringing me to this watch. You're doing awesome work. Greetings from Germany to all watch enthusiasts!

I bought this one 8 years ago and never bought another! I use in daily basis and never regret this watch! LOVE this one very much!

I've been requesting this review from you for a long time I'm so happy you did it thank you very much

You just sold me my next watch. Enjoy your informative and entertaining postings. Well done Sir!

I love these watches. They go on every wrist, every bracelet, strap, any ocasion. Fantastic.

The best Seiko affordable Flieger faced Seiko for people with tiny wrists and who love Seiko under $100. Glad you're back TGV, I miss your Seiko wittering.

I've got the khaki green version, absolutely love it. My first automatic and I've well and truly caught the horology bug now. Next stop, Hamilton field mechanical.

I recently purchased the Blue one ($57) for my Mom upcoming Birthday. Hopefully she like it. It's going to be her first Automatic watch. Great video!

When I bought my SNK809 (via an eBay watch seller) it was already a year old, and my watchmaker said it was spot on, according to the timegrapher. Now, after 2 years of wear, it says it's -2 to +5 s/d. Since most of my clocks are 10 minutes fast, 10 +10 s/d ids just fine for me.

My first automatic, too! The value proposition is beyond question. Mine was -7s/day out of the box. I had it regulated and it is now about -3.5 sec/day, which is very impressive indeed! As with all mechanical watches, the limitations are part of the charm. I suspect that it will always have a place on my wrist. Cheers!

I'd been buying Casios for years, then ditched them for Timex, and just a couple of months ago found this little beauty online. I'm very brand-loyal, and for years (since my teens) I deemed Casios fantastic and durable timepieces. But then I encountered the harsh reality of having to find replacement bands for some of these. Frustration, and maturity, eventually steered me toward affordable and durable analog watches, and Timex fit that bill perfectly. For a while, at least. Although I still own some vintage and modern Timex pieces, I set out to find a nice automatic watch to fit my active lifestyle. Lo and behold, the Seiko 5 SNK809 loomed into view on my Amazon account. I also have a smaller wrist, and this watch looks and feels great on me. At first I thought I would only wear it on weekends, but found myself working with it (construction, carpentry) and leaving it on while indulging in metal detecting deep in the woods of New England. In short, it's my everyday watch now. I'm not an avid collector as you and many of your subscribers, but I can feel now (after owning this little gem of a watch for a while) a subtle pull. Wonderful channel. Cheers mate, and thanks for the wonderful and informative videos!

Another great intro.

Late to the party on this review but.... I've had one of these in my collection for a couple of years now and, although there are (too) many other watches to choose from, most of which are many times more expensive than this little gem, I still wear it often. It looks great on a Nato and just has an ineffable charm. Lovely review TGV... too many reviewers confuse the cost of a watch with its value.

And ordered it. Thank you so much for this review. I've been looking for an affordable, entry level watch that does not start acting up after a couple of months in use. And based on your review I think I've found it. Thanks again and keep going. A great channel you have here!

Seiko 5 is a good place to start when looking at mechanical watches. Great video as always TGV. ⌚️

This watch has in fact gone over $100.

On a bond NATO it is taking far too much wrist time but I just love it. Especially the black day date on the black face, such class.

I love that intro. Totally matches the sleek and low key style your channel is going for.

I like how you demonstrate the watch measurements. I'm sometimes skeptical of announced measurements without actually seeing it.

Finally, a good show with my morning coffee. Thank you sir!

This was the first automatic watch I bought to start me on my watch journey. An phenomenal watch regardless of cost.

Just bought myself and our two young Sons (10 and 14) this time piece. Very excited because this is my first auto. Thanks for the amazing video👍

My buddy from work wears this and I wear my 009 we are cool cats

Where can I download that amazing SEIKO chart, that appears in this video?

This is the only watch I own and I like it alot!

I just bought this same watch with the black band for my son. Always loved field watches, and I like that it has a black date wheel.

wow, great, the next show at the start. I used to have Seiko 5 Military (SNK803K2) "Desert Storm" Automatik (7S26C). was also a good watch.

It was gifted from my Father a couple of days ago. Amazing watch!!!! Great!!

I've got the SNK807 coming in the mail tomorrow and I'm really excited. I've just been wearing a Citizen Eco Drive for the past five years (present from my father, first adult watch). I love watching these videos. I think it's fantastic how TGV can take any watch at any price point, and appreciate it. Even if he has better stuff available.

Great review with lovely video work and close-ups! Possibly my favourite watch in my budget watch collection (sub $500) . Somehow the SNK809 has it’s own personality and I can’t help love it. It’s a everyday, unpretentious watch that does the job. The movement is ultra reliable, and ‘eager’. It literally comes to life after 2 or 3 shakes and although not so precise across different positions like a much more expensive movement, it is still consistent and surprisingly accurate when on the wrist. I would say the lume is excellent (rather than just satisfactory) and it is very easy to read the time quickly in most light conditions.

Just bought it a couple of weeks ago, love it. Also great video.

Considering the negatives of this watch in the video (great video btw): For a few dozen dollars/euro's more, you can get the SNZG seiko 5's, they have a lumed triangle at the 12 o'clock (in fact quite a bit more lume overall), crown on the 3 o'clock and the leather part of the strap (22mm) doesn't get stuck as much because it doesn't have an extra metal ring. 100m water resistance, and it's 42mm, which should please some people. The dial layout is more like a fieldwatch and less like a flieger, however. Often also under 100 dollars during sales and such. In my opinion this is a better pick for the pricerange.

This is my first official brand-name automatic watch that didn't come from a lab in China. I've probably owned it a week now and I already love it! I've only taken it off 3 times!

You should do the best skeleton watch for its value. Some people like to see whats going on in a mechanical watch. Also nice video!

"The seiko SNK 803, 807 and 809 are the cheapest Seikos you can find for mechanical type!" > Looks at the US pricing. > Looks at the Italian Amazon Pricing. [ S A D C A N N O L I N O I S E S ]

I purchased this phenomenal timepiece a few days ago. When I first opened the box, it appeared very small to me because I usually wear larger watches. I put it on my wrist and yes it is small but very legible and I can't argue that it is a very well and artistic timepiece. I haven't taken it off my wrist since I purchased it because there's something magical about it. Thanks for the great review.

Your videos got me into the beautiful world of watches and this is actually the first automatic watch I bought few months back and and I love it. Thank you so much and keep up the great work.

Rewatching 3 yrs later and the price has definitely gone up, but still a cool cheap watch

If you're watching this now, the SNK809 is on sale for $48 on Amazon

got it at christmas for 50$, best choice ever. my first watch in years (i had a rolex explorer from my father that got stolen, decided to never get an expensive watch again until i can afford that specific rolex again

I like your intros, the way you edit, photograph the watches and the background is so interesting.And of course you conversation about each watch is what keeps us coming back. And even going back through your older video reviews. Great work all round.

maybe the best intro you've ever done imho! :D Great to have you back!

This intro was on the money. Enjoyable video as always. 👌🏼

Just pulled the trigger on this. Also ordered a four pack of Nato bands to include another green, a black, and a tan that might work nicely. Thank you very much for the review as it helped me to make my decision to purchase my first automatic and Seiko both at once.

I was looking for this watch for over a year. Yesterday, I've pulled the trigger and bought it from Amazon. I'm waiting for the delivery. Thanks TGV.

Funny enough, I bought this one 3 weeks ago for 60 bucks. Pretty awesome with a brown leather strap!

I have debated between getting this and the seiko 5 sngz-15. I have chosen the sngz because it is better in every way but it costs £50 more. I defenetly recommend it and I would have a look at it.

What an amazing intro! I just ordered the SNK809 and it's my first automatic watch.

This was my first mechanical watch. I got the green. Thanks on part to this video. I sometimes wear it on a brown strap, though the strap it comes with has grown on me. I'm now anxiously awaiting an Alpanist. This Seiko 5 is for me a keeper and a beater. I do everything with it including swimming. It got me on into watches. I love the Seiko 5 concept, and there are a few others I want to get to round put my fledgling collection. Thanks for your content.

excellent, as always. would you be so kind as to mention what make that brown strap you showed it with (11:55) is, or where one can purchase it? thanks, p

A mechanical piece at this price point is really something. KS

I don't even wear a watch and found your channel completely by mistake but you've almost convinced me on a 009j. I must be impressionable😂. Kidding, good on you for this wealth of knowledge.

My wife bought this for me on our 10 year anniversary as a symbol of the time we've spent together. I have no doubt the qualities that make this watch so wonderful is what makes our relationship tick as well. Very tough and will last a lifetime.

I too was wowed by this video. But I tend to prefer a slightly larger watch on my wrist, and when I went looking on Amazon, I found the SEIKO 5 SPORTS Automatic SNZG15J1 - VERY similar to the Seiko SNK809, but a tad pricier at $130. 42mm vs 37 mm, and some slight style differences, but I must say I like the look of the SNZG15J1 more. Does anyone have any thoughts/comments on this?

oh I saw this watch somewhere .... yeah on my wrist 24 hours a day :)

That's the reason I'm watching this video. Because I want to buy this watch. Now it's confirmed, I'm going to order it. Thanks for the precious and valuable informations.

I bought the bracelet version of this watch about 6 months ago and have not skipped a day of wearing it every since. It's absolutely gorgeous to look at if you appreciate a more toolish, military style of watch and wears very comfortably owing to its light weight and thin case. The 4 o'clock position and low profile of the crown also add substantially to its comfort as an everyday timepiece. While I haven't really scrutinized its timekeeping, I have not found it to be grossly out of time at any point, a minute or two off after a month or so at the very most. If accuracy is your main concern you are probably not interested in buying an entry level automatic watch any way. I got mine with a domed sapphire crystal that is still impeccable after 6 months of full time service. While some might argue that it is too small for a domed crystal and that its pricepoint is out of keeping with the more premium sapphire material, I personally think that it suits the watch very well and adds a touch of elegance or luxury to its otherwise very functional appearance.

Finally a review on this haha. Great watch! I miss mine

selling for 150 now people seem to really love it

I bought my first Seiko 5 more than 7 years ago. Then my 2nd one a year later. They have never stopped working, and as a big Seiko FAN my brother, and also my dad wears Seiko 5 now. :)

Been using my Seiko 5 for YEARS. Made it through almost 8 years of use while I was in the Air Force, almost daily wear. Still going strong to this day.

Alright Jeez! You convinced me!