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

What watch do you buy if you have only $100 to spend but you want something that will last a lifetime? What is the best place to start for your first new automatic timepiece? Today I review a watch that has been long overdue for a closer look and review. In my opinion, the Seiko SNK809 is the best option under the $100 price point. Its heritage, classic design and well respected movement make it the perfect ticket into our wonderful and massively rewarding hobby of watches. No matter if it is the only watch you need for everyday or simply to add some affordable fun to any collection, the SNK809 has got you covered.

[rockinginafreeworld]

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

[andyv]

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

[Furyjoell]

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

[jeffreychilton]

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.

[AverageThinking]

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

[hodsmat]

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.

[CityFannn]

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

[timkatsapas]

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

[maartensnelder]

Amazing intro!

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

[dustinw]

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!

[Speedskater]

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."

[ooharhh]

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

[tantowangsa]

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.

[theleastsignificantbit]

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.

[skimt]

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

[markduberry]

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

[KRW]

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

[kal.pom.]

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!!!

[philiplondonaz]

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.

[Timo-ytxw]

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!