Seiko is known for producing great watches that don’t break the bank. They have different lines, and we’re especially fans of their SNK collection. The Seiko SNK809 is a fabulous field watch – we’ve talked about it in-depth.
Before you dive in, go through the below table.
The SNK809 looks like the standard field watch. Although its face is wide, its case is not that big. It’s only 1.45 inches (37 mm). The timepiece has a NATO strap – more on this later. Just know that it’s made from canvas. The material is durable.
The watch looks rugged. This shouldn’t be a surprise as it was made for the outdoors. We like that it’s black. It makes the timepiece look chic. We think the 809 is probably the best-looking choice from the SNK line.
We especially love that it comes with an exposed back. It’s an automatic device, so it has many gears moving. Its skeleton case back also makes it more premium.
The device doesn’t have a wide strap. This is good as wide straps make you sweat, especially ones made from fabric.
There are Arabic numerals on its dial. They are present in the form of 2 rings. One of them reads the minutes in an hour while the other reads the hours in a day. As its dial is pitch-black, its white numerals pop. Unfortunately, there isn’t any lume on them. There is pigment on its hands, but we don’t know the type used. The SNK809 has an indigo back-light – how great is that?
You’ll have to look close to notice its calendar feature. It’s in the 3 o'clock position and reads the day as well as the date. It’s hard to notice as Seiko didn’t do a good job with its colourway – it looks faded. However, it’s at an easy-to-read angle, so you won’t be straining your neck.
The crystal on its window is Wrist Watch Pro approved. The watch company used Hardlex. The glass is their version of mineral but is tougher. It’s not as durable as sapphire, though.
The metal on its case and bezel are quality stainless steel. It’ll never corrode or rust. It’s also great at handling scratches. Speaking of its case, you might’ve noticed that its crown is in a peculiar position – It’s at a 4 o'clock angle. This keeps it from slamming into your wrist. Seiko loves placing its crowns like this.
NATO straps were made to be extra secure. Although they’re traditionally made from nylon, all sorts of materials can be used. Not only are they more secure, but they’re easier to take on and off. This is as there are loops for you to pass the strap into – you won’t be working with buckles and holes.
Seiko makes all types of watches, but they’re known for their automatic ones. The mechanism in the SNK809 is Japanese automatic. Its specific movement is the 7S26. It’s a workhorse. You’re getting 21 jewels and a 40-hour power reserve.
You want as many jewels as possible; they prevent friction from wreaking havoc. They’re not real – they’re made out of glass.
Automatic watches use movements from your arm to wind their gears. When it’s off your wrist, they continue to do this through the energy they’ve collected. How long they can do this is indicated by their power reserve. 40 hours is the standard. Swiss automatics are known to have the best ones.
We’re a sucker for an automatic movement, but this being on a field watch doesn’t make sense – traditionally at least. The watch was created for men in the military to provide accurate time. Quartz watches, especially Japanese ones have fewer parts. This makes them more reliable.
The Seiko 5 Automatic SNK809 is not the most water-resistant. It can only handle 100 feet (30 meters) underwater. As it’s not meant for diving, such depths are fine. Its nylon strap is durable, but the material is fabric. It’ll easily get wet and take a long time to dry.
As mentioned, it comes with quality steel all over its body. This helps it handle submersions. The watch company says that the timepiece can only handle brief dips in the pool – don’t think about swimming with it.
If you’re looking for the best Seiko watch, the SNK809 is a top contender for field watches. Let’s see how well it fares against alternatives.
The SNK803 looks completely different from its brother. It comes in a beige body that is softer. The timepiece isn’t big. Its case is 1.45 inches (37 mm), so it’s perfect for smaller wrists.
Its colourway isn’t the most functional. You won’t be able to camouflage with a beige watch.
Not only is its strap canvas, but it’s NATO too. This means you can easily take it on and off.
The device can’t handle that much water. Its resistance rating is 100 feet (30 meters). As it’s just a field watch, we don’t mind. We also like its exposed back – we love watching its gears move.
Yes, it’s an automatic device. The movement inside is the 7S26. In case you forgot, it’s in the SNK809.
Other than its strap, its body is made from quality stainless steel. Its face is wide even though its case is not that large.
Something we’re fond of is the position of its crown. Just like in its sibling, it’s in the 4 o'clock position.
You’re probably wondering what crystal is on its display – it’s none other than Seiko’s favourite Hardlex.
The timepiece doesn’t look a lot like the SNK809 – it looks more well-built. This isn’t a surprise as it is more expensive.
It has a large display. It is 1.65 inches (42 mm). If you have smaller wrists, it’ll look awkward on you.
We love that it’s pitch-black – it makes it chicer. Its strap is the deepest black. It’s made from canvas, just like its counterpart. As you guessed it, it is NATO.
You’ll see large Arabic numerals in place. They’re present in the form of two rings. Both of them read the hours in a day. One of them does so in a 12-hour format while the other does so in military time.
Its calendar reads the day as well as the date. Seiko made it easy to read as it comes in a bold font.
The timepiece can handle much more water than the SNK809. It’s resistant up to 330 feet (100 meters) underwater. Don’t forget what we said about getting its strap wet.
It is a Japanese automatic. We’re glad to see an exposed back. The mechanism it rocks is the superior 7S36. It comes with 23 jewels and a 41-hour power reserve. If you didn’t know, the more jewels a watch has, the smoother it will run. The SNK809 only had 21 of them.
We’re not too happy with the placement of its crown, but you can’t always have everything.
What about its window? It’s made out of hardlex.
The SNK805 is a vision in green. As it comes in a green body, it’ll camouflage well. That being said, the colour doesn’t make it look good.
Like its brother, you’re getting canvas on its strap. It is NATO.
The timepiece doesn’t have a large case. It’s only 1.45 inches (37 mm). Just like the SNK809, its face is wide even though its case is small. Speaking of its front, there is Hardlex in place.
The Arabic markers on it are present in rings. One of them reads the minutes in an hour while the other reads the hours in a day – in a 12-hour format.
It has an indigo backlight, just like the SNK809. It has its crown in the 4 o'clock position.
We think its calendar is especially easy to read. Not only does it read the day and date, but it’s in contrasting colours.
You’re looking at another automatic device. The SNK805 comes with the 7S26 movement. You’re already very familiar with it. Thankfully, its case back is exposed.
It is water-resistant. However, it can’t handle considerable depths– it’s only resistant up to 100 feet (30 meters).
They produce all types of watches. Seiko field watches are great. They have a whole collection, and we believe that the SNK809 will serve you well. It also comes in a full black body that’s good-looking. If you’re not a fan of the timepiece, we ran through other field watches that would suit you.