The Seiko SNXS79 from the Seiko 5 line has been a remarkable watch and has often been regarded as a poor man’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Just a simple Google or YouTube search will prove my point. But then, is this watch still worth it now in the year 2023?
If you prefer a video version of this article, check out my video here:
WHY IS THE SEIKO SNXS79 WORTH BUYING?
1. Affordable Price Tag
You can get the Seiko SNXS79 for around USD $100 (at the time of writing this). I couldn’t think of any other watches with similar specifications that are available in this price range, except probably the Orient Tri-Star line. However, if you want a mechanical Seiko on your wrist; it is not going to happen unless you are willing to spend quite a fortune, especially the newer Seiko 5 line.
2. 7S26 Mechanical Movement
YES. Along with the mechanical automatic movement on your wrist, you also can stare at its transparent case back. Inside, you have the Seiko caliber 7s26 ticking away. It is an automatic movement used in many popular Seiko divers including the famous, Seiko SKX and the entry-level Seiko 5 watches.
Introduced in 1996, the Seiko 7S26 caliber is a non-hacking and non-winding mechanism, with its accuracy ranging from +/- 20 to 49 seconds per day. Undoubtedly, some wearers do complain about the inaccuracy of the movement, I would say it is still worth getting. Although it is an old movement, it is known to be one of the most reliable movements out there.
3. Seiko
Seiko was founded in 1881, by Kintarō Hattori. Needless to say, Seiko is a Japanese watch brand that has a good reputation in watchmaking. Seiko is a highly regarded brand with strong heritage brand and making their marks everywhere in the watch industry.
You can’t go wrong with a Seiko. It is a brand that transcends watch enthusiasts. Try asking people (watch nerd or not) around you, I bet most of them know about Seiko.
4. High-Quality Design – especially the dial
This watch doesn’t look cheap at all. When you observe this watch properly, you will notice that there has been research and work articulated in this piece. From the the amazing sunburst dial, the 4 o clock crown tucked in nicely in the case, it’s perfect size, the transparent case back, and the lume. But if I were to name 1 best thing about this watch – it’s gotta be the dial of the watch because check it out! It’s stunning! Photos don’t do them justice. You can check them out better in my video here.
5. Rolex OP Alternative
I am a huge fan of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Something about the timeless design and the sunburst effect captivated me. But I knew that I will never spend or will ever afford to get that watch. So how? I get this lah~ (apologies for my Malaysian slang coming out).
This is such a good alternative, because it isn’t exactly a copy for copy homage watch because you can see that Seiko still preserves its own originality design into it, and I love it for that!
I just do not want to be seen wearing a fake Rolex. I want an authentic watch with pride in its own design. Of course, you can’t deny that it might have been inspired by the Rolex, but then again it’s not a 100% copy. Which reminded me of a quote that I recently came across in a book:
“Every new idea is just a mashup or a remix of one or more previous ideas.”
Austin Kleon, Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. Get this book here
Credit: rolex.com
WHY IS THE SEIKO SNXS79 NOT WORTH BUYING?
1. Non-Sapphire Crystal
This watch doesn’t have sapphire crystal. Huh? Here’s a short explanation: A watch crystal is the top part (the transparent glass material) covering the watch.
A sapphire crystal is made out of premium material – diamond and sapphire. This combination makes it more scratch resistant compared to others. Meaning, you need not to worry about wearing a watch with a sapphire crystal and bringing it anywhere. It won’t scratch as easily.
Seiko’s own Hardlex on the other hand, which is a type of crystal glass Seiko produces by heating a mixture of barium and silicon. According to Seiko, this material comes in several grades and is more scratch-resistant than your normal mineral glass.
Based on my experience of wearing this watch for more than 1 year. I can barely see any scratches.
Note: It is my go-to watch and I wear it almost daily.
2. Quite An Old Movement That Is Non-Hackable
Look, this 7s26 movement is not the best looking ones out there. Nor it is the latest. This Seiko’s automatic cal. 7s26 does not hack and not hand-wound (two functions that have become increasingly popular watches).
Modern Seiko watches are currently using caliber 4R36, thus discontinued this 7s26. It is not very accurate. It runs at +/- 20 to 49 seconds per day. If you’re super OCD about the timing of your watch, please do not get this, else you will go crazy.
But for those who don’t mind, this movement does its job and known to be one of the most reliable movements out there.
3. Ugly Bracelet and Odd Case Shape Design
I have to be honest, the original bracelet doesn’t look appealing. It looks and feels like a different metal compared to the watch case itself. But fret not! You can change the bracelet into any 19mm watch straps, or just get one of these oyster bracelets.
I guarantee that it will bring your Seiko SNXS watch to a whole new level. I personally got this watch bracelet from AliExpress.
Note: you have to use back the original end links, because the one from AliExpress, just doesn’t fit correctly. So make sure you keep the original end links.
Right: AliExpress’s bracelet
SEIKO SNXS79 Is Suitable For:
1. Girls, Woman, Ladies!
Being a female myself, I understand the struggle of finding a watch that is not dainty-looking, without sparkly stuff on it. I love how this is a watch that is somewhat a middle between masculine and feminine.
Whether I’m wearing dresses or shorts, I still wear this as my daily watch. Or even in my formal attire. This is my go-to or default watch when I couldn’t decide which watch to pair with my clothes. In fact, I even wore it to my wedding!
2. First Time Watch Owners
If you recently get into this watches, and wanting to learn more yet, not wanting to spend a fortune on having a good watch, this watch is for you. You can also check out other Seiko 5 line here. There are so many designs out there.
3. Seiko SNXS79 is suitable for Both Genders!
Boyfriends/Husbands Looking For Gift For Their Female Loved Ones: because you know what, you can wear this too. It fits nicely for both genders.
The Verdict – Yes! This old but ‘gold’ Seiko SNXS79 is still worth it!
Yes, it is still worth it and I’m just really happy with this piece. I probably say this about all my watches, but this is my favorite! Although the price was inflated due to its popularity on YouTube, I would say it is still worth buying now.
If you are interested in getting this watch or any other models from the Seiko 5 line, check it out here.
You can read my review of the Seiko SNK803 model here.
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