Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Watch with Textile Strap – SNK805K2

Product Information

It fits within that weird window of prior generation Seiko watches that somehow get a knowing nod from Seiko-philes and high-end watch wearers alike. Of course, there is also the replacement of the original shield for the newer printed 5 series icon.

Seiko Mods are one of the best ways to get the watch design you really want, especially if you are working to express your own design ideas. These are lame dots that glow in the dark and help improve the legibility of the watch in low-lit conditions. Other alternatives in the same style include the cheaper Timex Expedition Scout (quartz), the Orient Fl i ght or Orient Aviator Flight, the Hamilton Khaki Field or Khaki King, and on the very high end, the unfairly gorgeous IWC Pilot Pilot Mark XVIII “Petit Prince” or the even more beautiful midnight blue version. Admittedly, I’ve found the power reserve on the 7S26 to be a bit weak as well unless you really shake it.The opposite side of this hand has a luminous dot on it so you will also be able to read the seconds in the dark. This year marks Grand Seiko's 60th anniversary, and with it comes renewed attention on the company's heritage. Like any Seiko diver – both also pack an amazing lume job – with LumaBright that will shine for hours in the darkness. Perhaps it finally dawned on Seiko that beautiful product shots might convert better than pixelated messes taken on a potato?

The crown is at a more unusual 4-o’clock position, but a lot of reviewers like this as it doesn’t bite into the wrist as much. Stick close to the awesome dial and handset design, keep the matte-finished case in a size around the original's 37mm diameter, give it a slightly bigger 4 o'clock crown, throw it on a NATO strap— and you've got a winner.

Like all Grand Seikos, the Snowflake has sophisticated geometry, which makes it appear and wear smaller and thinner than it is. Yes, I liked wearing it and if you’re at all inclined, I’d seriously recommend snatching one up while you still can. As I said above, you should be aware that the dial looks a bit darker in person, but once you get over this hump, you'll realize that you have a true strap monster between your hands.

This means you don’t need to rely on the infamous ‘Seiko shake’ to recharge an idle movement, and you’ll be able to make more precise time adjustments. It isn't going to turn heads like a SARB065, but the design lends itself to interpretation, and we think it is an amazing base for innovative design work. Our attention may be drawn to the dial surface initially, but after wearing the Seiko Snowflake for a while, our focus shifts to the markers. That’s cheap money for a really wearable watch that, along with the SKX, helped introduce many of us to this addictive hobby. The Cocktail Time line of watches have some of the best Seiko OEM dial out there, and offer incredible looks for the money.

The Seiko 5 SNK805 is a bit of a funny story these days in the same way as the SKX divers during their final days. These alterations certainly give a more consistent look, though they won’t be particularly noticeable during wear. A watch that is still in my collection and one of my most prized possessions although not the most valuable in terms of money. Most of the dials in the Cocktail Time collection have the explosive radial pattern that is featured on the SARB065, which is an absolute pleasure to see. However, the different colors go on sale at different times and sales are common, so always check multiple vendors.

If I were to rock this one properly, I’d still have to switch it, as it does increase the thickness. The water resistance isn’t the most impressive, but let’s not forget this is neither a dive watch nor an expensive watch. Now, this is not COSC performance by any means, but let’s not forget that this watch costs less than 100 USD.

The SNK809 does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and nothing more: It’s accessible, affordable, and offers a more than solid entry point into the world of mechanical watches. In this post, we are looking closer at and reviewing the Seiko 5 SNK805 Automatic watch with a green dial. While many outlets have completely overhyped these new models to stay in Seikos good books, I think this is a sleek watch regardless.