Seiko 5 SNZF17J2 Sea Urchin

Seiko 5 SNZF17J2: A Solid Choice for an Automatic Beater

I initially wanted a Seiko 5 SNZF29 because its a better size, but finding one has proven challenging. The only listing I saw was asking for $400, which feels ridiculous for a basic Seiko 5. Instead, I picked up the larger SNZF17J2, and it’s not too bad. The glossy black dial features applied indices with decent lume, and it fits 22mm straps beautifully, especially on a dark brown leather band.

The Downsides

However, there are a few drawbacks. The bezel quality is subpar—it does turn, but you really need to grip it tightly for it to move. It feels more like it's for show than for function. Since I bought mine pre-owned, it could be defective, but I remember the bezel action on the SKX007 being significantly better.

In terms of accuracy, this watch typically runs about +15 to +20 seconds per day, which is average for the 7s movements. I’ve been experimenting with leaving it crown up at night, which seems to slow it down a bit; I'm currently working on getting it to around +5 seconds per day. The SNZF17J2 uses the 7s36 movement, a 23-jewel caliber, as opposed to the 21-jewel 7s26 found in other Seiko 5 models, but I don’t see any noticeable difference in quality or function.

The watch lacks a screw-down crown and features an exhibition back, indicating that it’s more of a "diver style" rather than a true dive watch. Nevertheless, it looks great and takes design cues from the higher-end MarineMaster 300.

Fit and Value

While it does wear large, I find that the fit is okay for me, although it does appear larger in photos than in person. I was looking for an automatic beater, and this watch fits the bill perfectly. If you can snag one for around $100, it’s a steal. It’s also available with a metal bracelet, but the quality of those bracelets on basic Seiko 5 models tends to be lackluster at best.

Update 7/21

I’m liking this watch more and more each day. It looks fantastic, and on its stock rubber strap, it’s quite comfortable. For the price I paid, I’m not overly worried about wear and tear, making it an ideal beater. I want to keep this one for a while!

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