Seiko 5's with leather straps or alternatives

ManofKent · Aug 1, 2010

I'm planning on getting my first automatic. On a strictly low budget.

I like the look of some of the Seiko 5 faces, but I'm not really a metal strap fan. I was thinking of getting one and replacing the strap with a chunky leather one, but wasn't sure about the aesthetics. Has anyone got any photos? Do I need to look for narrow 'lugs'?

Or has anyone got any suggestions for inexpensive reliable automatics with a leather strap?

aeglus · Aug 1, 2010

No pics but I can say that Seiko 5s are great. Good pick!

MyOtherLife · Aug 1, 2010

I have the SEIKO 5 AUTOMATIC SNKE11J1

Img Src: http://www.21jewels.com/productsdeta...producttype=30 http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&s...=&oq=&gs_rfai= The metallic band on this model shimmers somewhat and is very pleasing to the eye (imho). A combination of brushed and polished segments that is eye-catching but not garrish. I really enjoy wearing it, metal band and all, with respect to your own preferences. If you go SEIKO 5, make sure the design offers the option of changing the band. This model I have has a proprietary design that won't easily allow for another band.

As far as the watch itself is concerned, it is my daily workhorse watch and is built tough.

Mr.K · Aug 1, 2010

If you want to start with a cheaper automatic, you can try Parnis, they can be had for around a 100.00 US. They are decent quality and sell with leather bands. The Seiko 5 would look fine on a leather band. If you look in the Seiko watch thread you should see a couple. You will also see them on NATO bands.

ManofKent · Aug 1, 2010

Originally Posted by Man Of Lint

If you go SEIKO 5, make sure the design offers the option of changing the band.
This model I have has a proprietary design that won't easily allow for another band.
Thanks - is it easy to tell which will take other straps?

Originally Posted by Mr.K

If you want to start with a cheaper automatic, you can try Parnis, they can be had for around a 100.00 US. They are decent quality and sell with leather bands. The Seiko 5 would look fine on a leather band. If you look in the Seiko watch thread you should see a couple. You will also see them on NATO bands.
Thanks - the face on the models with the nato straps seem a bit fussy to my eyes. I'll have look at Parnis as well.

Kaplan · Aug 1, 2010

Here are a couple from a quick googling of 'Seiko 5's with leather straps':

The last one was posted by AlanC in the Wath P0rn thread.

MMorley · Aug 1, 2010

Those are rather nice, Kaplan.

Kaplan · Aug 1, 2010

Thanks, though none of them are mine; I just found the photos.

MoK, if you aren't dead set on the Seiko 5's, there are some other nice looking Japanese-market-only Seikos, like the Seiko Spirits. I would recommend taking a look at Seiya, but unfortunately the site is down right now.

Dewey · Aug 1, 2010

On the recommendation of one or more people on this forum, I bought one of these and wear it with a variety of grosgrain and leather straps. I love the watch. It has a quality movement, and it makes a good daily beater. It is not too large, and with the cream-colored face and a leather strap, it can pass as a dress watch. The price is low (I learned) because it is "gray" market. But I'm not a watch person and I don't play one on fora.

ManofKent · Aug 1, 2010

Originally Posted by Kaplan

Here are a couple from a quick googling of 'Seiko 5's with leather straps':

Thanks - I quite like that one - I was thinking of a blue or black face with leather strap. I've only had a quick look on ebay.co.uk and amazon.co.uk and there aren't many leather strap 5's on either site.

Originally Posted by Kaplan

Thanks, though none of them are mine; I just found the photos.

MoK, if you aren't dead set on the Seiko 5's, there are some other nice looking Japanese-market-only Seikos, like the Seiko Spirits. I would recommend taking a look at Seiya, but unfortunately the site is down right now.

I'm not set on a 5 just restricted budget wise (I'm not paying for it

).

Originally Posted by Dewey

On the recommendation of one or more people on this forum, I bought one of these and wear it with a variety of grosgrain and leather straps.

I love the watch. It has a quality movement, and it makes a good daily beater. It is not too large, and with the cream-colored face and a leather strap, it can pass as a dress watch.

The price is low (I learned) because it is "gray" market. But I'm not a watch person and I don't play one on fora.

I'm happy grey market. I like the military watches as a casual watch, but I'm after something simpler that would go with a suit as much as a sportsjacket.

Kaplan · Aug 1, 2010

Another '5' on a leather strap:

Some pics of Seiko Spirit SCVS003:

And yet another Seiko on leather:

Grayland · Aug 1, 2010

I'm under the impression that the Seiko Spirit was discontinued.

Kaplan · Aug 1, 2010

^ The scvs013 was discontinued earlier this year - I don't know about the one above or other Spirit models...

MMorley · Aug 1, 2010

I believe I read that there was a replacement coming up, but I have yet to see it. Seiyajapan.com doesn't seem to be working for me, so I can't check it.

Dewey · Aug 1, 2010

Originally Posted by ManofKent

I'm after something simpler that would go with a suit as much as a sportsjacket.

That same ebay seller has had other Seiko 5 models in the past -- not just the military version I own & linked to. He seems like a good source to do this budget automatic on a budget.

Seiko 5's with leather straps or alternatives

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