Seiko 5 SNK809 Review | Still a great deal in 2024!

There is still a place in the market for the good old Seiko 5 SNK809! This little trooper comes in at 37 mm and is without a doubt one of the smallest flieger style automatics that you can get. With Seiko moving upwards in case size with the successor (the SRPH line), these smaller field/pilots watches are getting really hard to come by. This is why I think this 100 dollar wonder, despite its shortcomings, still has potential even in 2024!

Here are the best deals I could find on Amazon US, UK and DE. Purchase via these links if you want to help the channel out, I greatly appreciate it!

United States:

United Kingdom:

Germany: (order here if you live in the European Union!)

Strap alternatives for the SNK809:

Other watch reviews by me!

Seiko 5 SNKL41 review:

Seiko 5 SNKL23 review:

Seiko 5 SRPE53 review:

Orient Bambino 36mm review:

#seiko #seiko5 #snk809

[TheWtfnonamez]

I just went on camping with mine.
In order to preserve my night vision, I would charge up the glow-in-the-dark elements on the watch face with a torch, whilst keeping my eyes closed.. It would then kick out enough light for me to just about see inside my tiny tent. Certainly enough light to find my water bottle, spectacles, and check the ventilation slots. The generic strap it comes with is brutal but very tough. Its made of this rather uncompromising nylon double stitched webbing. Its not that comfortable new, but its so robust I have resisted the urge to replace it. Great watch.

[stuff]

My father gifted it to me years ago. I remember as a child I stole it from him because I loved it, so rn it has the value for me. Still, as a firefighter, I can use it if I am in normal shift attire or formal attire, but if I am going out to a fire or even a normal traffic accident I tend to leave it in the station, safe from scratches or water/dust. I learned the lesson badly ( ending up breaking the glass in a structural fire after dodging a falling wall and failing. ) so now I protect it from anything

[rcsenior]

I have a Laco Aachen Blaue Stunde 42 on link and a Lummonix P-38 Lightning on link, and I wnat a black dial pilot on brown leather, and I'm considering which to go for, the Seiko SNZG15J1, the Hamilton Khaki Pilot, Bulova 96A245 or a Citizen Promaster Sky CB5860-19E. For sure, the Seiko is of the chart looking at value for money!

[brandlessheadphones]

Just picked one up for 80 bucks. Very nice upgrade from my 90’s timex expedition.

[janbroekema]

Thanks nice video..i have SKN 809..love it very much..when i am cooking i use de 5min scale ..i regulate the movement..in summer i use a lasercut nylon strap.. leather in the winter! I am very happy with this watch 👍

[SuranTube]

"...You don't need water resistance or else you are scewed anyways" lmao. Exactly what I was thinking.

[MudaSHoleProductions]

I have the green dial version which I find to be versatile when it comes to different band uses as well. Also, the blue dial seems quite versatile as well. However, I will agree the black dial does do better with the versatility overall.

[kirkdyer]

Nice video. I polished mine and fitted it with an uncle seiko bracelet with a dome sapphire crystal on the way. Loving this little watch

[rdstone]

In fact I happen to wear my SNK809 at the moment. I've tried some various straps (the original nylon thingy was just too itchy for me) and ended up with an elastic bond single nato strap, which is very comfortable and something I can recommend. But as you showed here, it also looks great on leather straps as well (and Vario of course makes truly great straps). These smaller classic 5 models usually elevates themself with nice aftermarket straps compared to the usually crappy folded links bracelet or the cheap itchy nylon stuff. And yes, the day/date feature here is one of the best of all the Seiko 5s IMHO, very discrete.

The SNZ always felt way too big for my broomstick wrist, and I prefer this mini Type B-flieger/field watch hybrid design on the SNK, but that new one they've just now presented would probably be a good compromise in size and looks. But I also feel that the charm and affordability of old school affordable Seiko 5 models are'nt really there anymore IMHO..

Nice video, and a great feature of this timeless classic 5 model. I will feel sad when all these Seiko backbone models are gone, and being replaced by way more expensive models.

[seangould]

The metal bracelet that matches the finish is part Seiko 3304JZ. I bought mine with the canvas strap and was not a fan. The metal bracelet looks great.

[Zangoose]

Great video, really helpful :) really liked the hirsch straps, what model are they? Are they 18mm?

[shatner]

3:55
Green guy on the left looks like a Marathon.
Please tell me the model #.
That one looks great!

[jdejes]

Great review! Just recently discovered this watch and immediately ordered the black dial SNK809. It’s a shame I didn’t discover it back when it was under $100 but it’s ok. This watch looks great with any strap. I just ordered the original Seiko green strap used for the SNK805. The green dial is very similar to the black one so I went for that one. I will look into the ones you showed here and any other strap recommendation is welcome.

[SFVYachtClub]

Ahh, my first mechanical watch. I got it on sale for $70 and sold it a few years later for $180. The only sale I regret.

[ericknguyen]

For the Hirsch straps, are those the 18mm or the 22mm (18mm Buckle)?

[MrFirefly]

Mic needs to be a bit closer since the voice is still a bit low with that said, great work keep it up

[WesWatchRoom]

Great work with the review and comparison. I have the blue dial version and I love it. Apart from the poor water resistance its nearly perfect for the price point.

[ahmadalsarraj]

Hey There..
Bro I have the same model but it came with the fabric strap not the metal one like yours. Now how can I get just A strap like yours in the beginning of the video

[ramr]

Great little watch. Prices starting to go up since Seiko ceased producing them. If you want one, get it now or else suffer the fate of those who want an SKX right now.

[gabrielepinducciu]

Hi all, does anyone know the difference between SNK809 and SNK809K1 or SNK809K2?