Mini review - Seiko 5 Sports diver SNZH55K1
Discussion
I thought that I would write a mini-review of my new Seiko diver. This is the SNZH55K1 that I posted on the Incoming thread the other day and a couple of people expressed an interest in getting one. I must say that the Italian postal service isn't nearly so bad as I heard. I've bought 3 watches from Italy in total and they have all arrived very quickly.
The case diameter size is 41 or 42mm, with a 22mm lug width. It sits on my sub 7 inch wrist nicely. I read a bad comment about the bracelet somewhere, but I think it's pretty good. I don't have an expensive bracelet to compare it to, but I am usually very fussy with bracelets and find most of them uncomfortable and tug on my poor little wrist hairs. This bracelet is not giving me any problems, so I'm pleased with it. By contrast, all my other Seiko 5s bought a few years ago (which have folded links) are terrible. This one has solid links and it is really easy to adjust.
The lume is good, but there's not much of it on the dial. It's a pity there is no lume pip on the bezel. Lovely jet black dial and very reflective. The bezel insert is also shiny black and has been covered by a ring of glass/crystal. This has quite a pleasing effect and has the advantage that it will be resistant to wear and damage.
The rear is clear as seems to be the norm for Seiko 5s these days. The case and bracelet is a mix of brushed and polished. If I was going to complain, I would say that the sides would look better if they were brushed as well. It's a little flashy, especially when sitting next to my CWC RN diver with its very down to earth practical looks. I may have a go at brushing the case sides later. Overall, I think the watch looks more expensive than it is.
The bezel movement is unidirectional and it feels precise and positive. Better than that on my CWC. The crown does not screw down, which explains the 100m depth rating which is poor for a divers' watch. It has the usual 5 movement with the quickset day/date, but no hacking. It is possible to stop the movement by applying a little back pressure to the crown when it is in the hand setting position, thus enabling it to be set precisely.
It's still running in, but I have been wearing it for 7 hours now and it's gained two or three seconds. I can't really comment on the accuracy yet, but it looks to be within an acceptable standard so far. I notice that the minute hand does not hit the marker dead on until the second hand is at the 12 seconds past position. That's close enough for me, but I thought I would mention it as some people get a little OCD over that sort of thing.
In summary, it's not a proper dive watch, but it's the ideal desktop diver. I'm really pleased with it
The case diameter size is 41 or 42mm, with a 22mm lug width. It sits on my sub 7 inch wrist nicely. I read a bad comment about the bracelet somewhere, but I think it's pretty good. I don't have an expensive bracelet to compare it to, but I am usually very fussy with bracelets and find most of them uncomfortable and tug on my poor little wrist hairs. This bracelet is not giving me any problems, so I'm pleased with it. By contrast, all my other Seiko 5s bought a few years ago (which have folded links) are terrible. This one has solid links and it is really easy to adjust.
The lume is good, but there's not much of it on the dial. It's a pity there is no lume pip on the bezel. Lovely jet black dial and very reflective. The bezel insert is also shiny black and has been covered by a ring of glass/crystal. This has quite a pleasing effect and has the advantage that it will be resistant to wear and damage.
The rear is clear as seems to be the norm for Seiko 5s these days. The case and bracelet is a mix of brushed and polished. If I was going to complain, I would say that the sides would look better if they were brushed as well. It's a little flashy, especially when sitting next to my CWC RN diver with its very down to earth practical looks. I may have a go at brushing the case sides later. Overall, I think the watch looks more expensive than it is.
The bezel movement is unidirectional and it feels precise and positive. Better than that on my CWC. The crown does not screw down, which explains the 100m depth rating which is poor for a divers' watch. It has the usual 5 movement with the quickset day/date, but no hacking. It is possible to stop the movement by applying a little back pressure to the crown when it is in the hand setting position, thus enabling it to be set precisely.
It's still running in, but I have been wearing it for 7 hours now and it's gained two or three seconds. I can't really comment on the accuracy yet, but it looks to be within an acceptable standard so far. I notice that the minute hand does not hit the marker dead on until the second hand is at the 12 seconds past position. That's close enough for me, but I thought I would mention it as some people get a little OCD over that sort of thing.
In summary, it's not a proper dive watch, but it's the ideal desktop diver. I'm really pleased with it
I'm super-ocd about minute hands not lining up with the markers when the seconds hand passes 12... more ocd than having a misaligned bezel (although I always have my bezels lined up to 12!)
Easy enough to sort with a non hacking mov't tho, just set it dot on the baton, wait till the second hand passes 12 and click it in - sorted!
I couldn't live with it being dot on at +12 seconds, that would make me twitch!!
Nice review though!
Easy enough to sort with a non hacking mov't tho, just set it dot on the baton, wait till the second hand passes 12 and click it in - sorted!
I couldn't live with it being dot on at +12 seconds, that would make me twitch!!
Nice review though!
Mr Happy said:
Easy enough to sort with a non hacking mov't tho, just set it dot on the baton, wait till the second hand passes 12 and click it in - sorted!
With a bit of backward pressure on the crown almost all non-hacking movements will stop, so it's simple to do. 
It annoys me as well!
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