enChronoVerdict
enChronoVerdict

Brand file

Seiko 5

Seiko’s entry-level automatic line, launched in 1963 and still in the catalogue.

Updated 12 November 2026Desk research, no hands-on testingAffiliate retailer links

ChronoVerdictRecommended2027

Case closed

The verdict

Who it is for

Anyone who wants an automatic from a major house on a small budget.

Who it is not for

Anyone expecting luxury-watch finishing.

The real flaw

Mineral crystals and, on older models, a movement with no hand winding.

Investigation

The evidence

Seiko was founded in Tokyo in 1881. The Seiko 5 line was born in 1963 with a simple promise: a robust automatic watch, with day and date, within reach of as many people as possible.

The brand makes its own movements. Classic models such as the SNXS77 use the 7S26 calibre, tough but with no hand winding. The range was relaunched in 2019 as Seiko 5 Sports, with a more recent calibre.

The crystal is a hardened mineral that Seiko calls Hardlex. It resists better than ordinary mineral, less well than sapphire.

Origin
Japan, Seiko since 1881
Line launched in
1963
Movements
Seiko automatics
Crystal
Hardlex mineral
Sold at
Tempus

Selection

The models worth buying

Our pickSeiko 5 SNXS77 SNXS77K1

Photo: Tempus Shop

Seiko 5 SNXS77

Automatic · 37 mm · 30 m · ref. SNXS77K1

The old-school Seiko 5: small case, blue sunburst dial, day and date, steel bracelet.

  • Proven Seiko movement
  • 37 mm size, discreet and comfortable
  • No hand winding, no hacking seconds

Prices checked 12 November 2026

Tempus€175.20View

See the full verdict and compare →

Comparison

The models side by side

ModelMovementDiameterCrystalWater resistanceBest price
SNXS77Seiko 7S26 automatic37 mmHardlex mineral30 m€175.20

Catalogue

18 Seiko 5 references

Every Seiko 5 in stock at Tempus, with today’s price.

See all 18 references

Questions

Questions about Seiko 5

What does the 5 in Seiko 5 mean?

It refers to the line’s five original features, including the automatic movement, the day and date display and water resistance.

Can a Seiko 5 be wound by hand?

It depends on the calibre. The 7S26 in the classic models cannot be wound by hand; recent Seiko 5 Sports can.

Is Seiko 5 a good first automatic watch?

Yes. It is one of the cheapest automatics offered by a major manufacture.

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