Seiko 5 SNZF17J2 Sea Urchin

I wanted a Seiko 5 SNZF29 as it's a better size, but they are hard to find and only one I saw was asking $400, ridiculous for a basic Seiko 5. Instead, I picked up the bigger SNZF17J2 and it's not too bad. The dial is a glossy black with applied indices that have decent lume. Lugs fit 22mm straps and it looks good on a dark brown leather band.

Now for the bad...bezel is crap, it does 'turn' but you need to really grip it hard for it to move. It's pretty much for 'show' only...although, then I got mine preowned so maybe it's defective? The skx007 had a much better bezel action. It has a typical +15-20 second/day accuracy which is average for the 7s movements. I leave it crown up at night and that seems to even it out by slowing it down a bit...I'm still experimenting and getting it close to +5 seconds/day. This one uses the 7s36 a 23 jewel calibre vs the 7s26 21 jewel I've see in other 5's. But I see no difference in quality or function.

Lacks a screw down crown and has an exhibition back so this is clearly a 'diver style' and not a true dive watch. But it looks good anyway. The dial has many design cues from the higher end MarineMaster 300.

It does wear large and the smaller snzf29 might be a better choice. For me it fits okay, although the pictures make it appear larger than it really is. I was looking for an automatic beater and this guy fits the bill. For kicks, this watch can't be beat if you can snag one for $100 or so. They also sell it with a metal bracelet, but in general the quality of those bracelets for basic 5 models is chintzy at best.

Update 7/21

I'm liking this watch more and more. It looks fantastic and on it's stock rubber strap it's quite comfortable. And for what it cost me I am not worried about it, a perfect beater. I want to keep this for a while.

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