The Best Luxury Watch for the Price Is Still a Seiko

Christopher Friedmann
·5 min read

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Any watch brand that's been around for over 140 years is clearly doing something right. Originating from a simple watch and jewelry store in 1881, Seiko is currently one of only two vertically integrated watch companies on the planet—the other being Rolex. This alone speaks volumes, but there's plenty more to tout about Seiko, which offers some of the most reliable, varied, affordable, and diverse timepieces out there.

Why You Should Buy a Seiko Watch

Most famous for introducing the world’s first quartz wristwatch back in 1969, Seiko makes top quality watches with various types of movements, from automatics to quartz. With options that range from high-tech divers to classy dress watches to sporty everyday favorites, Seiko timepieces are known for being affordable, dependable, sturdy, and well-crafted. The Seiko Prospex Sea 1965 Diver, our best overall pick, embodies that ethos, as it's a recreation of their famous 1965 diver.

Seiko is arguably the most versatile and accessible luxury watch brand out there. Where else can you find a quality diver that’s water resistant up to 200 meters for less than $500? Choosing the best Seiko from so many worthy nominees is no simple (or definitive) task. If the Prospex Sea 1965 Diver isn't quite your style, this well-rounded list of Seiko gems will point you in the right direction.

Why You Should Trust Me

My fascination with watches has consumed me since coveting my grandfather’s 1957 Hamilton as a kid. I've since covered menswear for over a decade, including a stint at the Daily Mail. I've written about award shows and fashion shows featuring everything from formalwear and streetwear to swimwear. I spend my days traveling from Los Angeles to Copenhagen to Athens and beyond in search of the latest trends for men in wine, spirits, fashion, and music.

Best Overall Seiko Watch: Seiko Prospex Sea 1965 Diver - Black Series

A reinterpretation of the famed 1965 62MAS, Japan’s first-ever diver, the stealth design of the Black Series reflects its heritage and features long-lasting bright Green Lumibrite Pro on the hour and seconds hands as well as the indexes. It shines a vivid green even in the darkest places and is water-resistant up to 200 meters.

  • CASE: Stainless steel

  • MOVEMENT: Automatic with manual winding

  • DIAL: Black

  • SIZE: 41.3mm

  • STRAP: Fabric

$3,100 at seiko
$3,100 at seiko

Best Seiko Watch for Adventure: Seiko Speedtimer

With its blue face and two black subdials, the Seiko Speedtimer watch is a minimalistic chronograph that has a long history. It dates back almost 60 years, when it was the Official Timer of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. It offers a decent power reserve of 45 hours.

  • CASE: Stainless steel

  • MOVEMENT: Automatic with manual winding

  • DIAL: Blue

  • SIZE: 42.5mm

  • STRAP: Crocodile leather

$3,000 at seiko
$3,000 at seiko

Best Everyday Seiko Watch: Seiko Astron GPS Solar

If you’re a constant traveler, nothing beats the Astron. The world’s first GPS solar watch, the Astron uses GPS satellite signals to program and set your watch at the touch of a button. A bright addition to Seiko’s X5 Titanium series, this one-of-a-kind timepiece gets all the energy it needs from the sun, so there’s no need to ever change the battery.

  • CASE: Titanium

  • MOVEMENT: GPS solar

  • DIAL: Blue

  • SIZE: 43.1mm

  • STRAP: Titanium bracelet

$2,400 at seiko
$2,400 at seiko

Best Seiko Watch Under $500: Seiko 5 GMT

Even before creating the first commercial quartz wristwatch in 1969, Seiko unveiled its 5 Sports collection of mechanical watches. The series was relaunched in 2019, and recently introduced a trio of GMT caliber offerings. They’re durable, attractive, and offer 41 hours of power reserve. The awesome orange dial of this Seiko 5 makes it a true standout—at an incredible price.

  • CASE: Stainless steel

  • MOVEMENT: Automatic with manual winding

  • DIAL: Orange

  • SIZE: 42.5mm

  • STRAP: Stainless-steel bracelet

$475 at seiko
$475 at seiko

Best Dressy Seiko Watch: Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT

The Sharp Edged GMT joined Seiko’s Presage collection in 2021. It’s best known for the beauty of its finish and the impressive dial colors inspired by the natural world. The “Aitetsu”—indigo iron—model pictured here takes inspiration from hemp leaves.

  • CASE: Stainless steel

  • MOVEMENT: Automatic with manual winding

  • DIAL: Indigo iron

  • SIZE: 42.2mm

  • STRAP: Stainless-steel bracelet

$1,400 at seiko
$1,400 at seiko

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