There are many watches similar and comparable to the venerable Rolex Explorer I. Few automatics with decent specs and at an affordable price come closer than the humble Seiko 5 model SNKK35.
These can be found pre-owned for about $50 (brand new they sell for below $80).
I personally, owned both the SNKK35 (Black Dial) and SNKK33 (White Dial). I loved them both for what they offered at such a fantastic price point.
The Seiko 5 line use the standard 7s26/36 automatic movement. It's been around for quite a few years and is utilized in nearly all their Seiko 5 watches. The one noticeable feature lacking on a 7s movement, it doesn't have a hacking second hand, meaning you cannot stop the second hand when trying to set the time. For some that might be a deal breaker, others a nuisance.
These can be found pre-owned for about $50 (brand new they sell for below $80).
I personally, owned both the SNKK35 (Black Dial) and SNKK33 (White Dial). I loved them both for what they offered at such a fantastic price point.
There are many things to love about this simple, yet attractive watch that does have a passing resemblance to a Rolex Explorer I (but at a fraction of the price). There are five (5) specifics on this watch that I wanted to discuss:
- Movement
- Dial
- Case/Crown
- Bracelet
- Overall
The Seiko 5 line use the standard 7s26/36 automatic movement. It's been around for quite a few years and is utilized in nearly all their Seiko 5 watches. The one noticeable feature lacking on a 7s movement, it doesn't have a hacking second hand, meaning you cannot stop the second hand when trying to set the time. For some that might be a deal breaker, others a nuisance.
Accuracy is rated 20-30 seconds/day. Some claim they can get nearer to COSC with about 5-10 second/day accuracy. I've owned quite a few Seiko 5's and while on a few days this might happen, overall +20-30 seconds/day is fair to expect on a 7s movement.
Dial
This is one of the best parts of the watch. It has a mirror finish and excellent lume. You can read this watch face in the dark quite well and it's one of the few areas that Seiko executes quite nicely. Hands could have used an upgrade, but are acceptable at this price point.
Case
It's a standard stainless steel case build with a see-through case back. This watch is rated for 30 meters, but that doesn't mean much more than withstanding a splash of water when washing your hands. Otherwise, the case is okay, not amazing, nor bad, just okay.
The absolute worst part of this watch is the crown. It's ridiculously small and barely extends out. You would have better luck using tweezers to set the time properly. But after some practice you can get used to it and so long as it keeps decent time you might be able to live with it. The other thing to get used to is Seiko's insistence on placing the crown at the 4 o'clock position vs the more common tradition of putting it at 3 o'clock.
Bracelet
The second worst part of this watch is the bracelet. It's crap. While functional and light-weight, it rattles like none other and just looks silly when off the wrist and sitting on your desk. I would recommend switching to a nice leather strap or getting an aftermarket metal bracelet.
What never made sense to me, other companies who sell watches can provide a fairly decent metal bracelet. Seiko somehow just doesn't understand or care at this price point to offer a decent bracelet.
Overall
Dial
This is one of the best parts of the watch. It has a mirror finish and excellent lume. You can read this watch face in the dark quite well and it's one of the few areas that Seiko executes quite nicely. Hands could have used an upgrade, but are acceptable at this price point.
Case
It's a standard stainless steel case build with a see-through case back. This watch is rated for 30 meters, but that doesn't mean much more than withstanding a splash of water when washing your hands. Otherwise, the case is okay, not amazing, nor bad, just okay.
The absolute worst part of this watch is the crown. It's ridiculously small and barely extends out. You would have better luck using tweezers to set the time properly. But after some practice you can get used to it and so long as it keeps decent time you might be able to live with it. The other thing to get used to is Seiko's insistence on placing the crown at the 4 o'clock position vs the more common tradition of putting it at 3 o'clock.
Bracelet
The second worst part of this watch is the bracelet. It's crap. While functional and light-weight, it rattles like none other and just looks silly when off the wrist and sitting on your desk. I would recommend switching to a nice leather strap or getting an aftermarket metal bracelet.
What never made sense to me, other companies who sell watches can provide a fairly decent metal bracelet. Seiko somehow just doesn't understand or care at this price point to offer a decent bracelet.
Overall
If you can get it pre-owned for $50, don't complain...this is a fantastic watch. Even brand new, it's a great deal. Seiko 5's can take quite a bit of abuse and last for years, potentially decades. They are the comparable version of the Casio G-Shock for the Automatic Watch world...inexpensive, excellent value and quality build that will last a long time.
It's NOT a Rolex, but you can wear this watch proudly and on a good leather strap this thing is a fantastic buy. The White Dial SNKK33 is also a good alternative to consider.
And if you are willing to move up the price point to the $ 300-500 range the Hamilton Khaki Automatic or Seiko SARB are even better substitutes or alternatives for anyone with Explorer I fever. But for those where that is a little too rich, the Seiko 5 variant is acceptable and shouldn't burst most people's budgets.
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