Seiko Unisex Analogue Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Bracelet – SNXS79K

Product Information

It has a 37mm diameter like many Seiko 5 models and a very condensed 42mm lug to lug dimension. This means it’ll fit comfortably on most people’s wrists without hanging over the edge, even on those with smaller wrists. At the time, after wearing a dive watch for a couple of months, I thought the Seiko 5 looked too small and effeminate on me. It is a ‘smaller’ case size (37mm in diameter) and is maybe even smaller than average by modern day standards. What I didn’t realize at the time was that a smaller watch is actually classier and more versatile, as it’s more subtle and discreet.

It doesn’t really compare to the Seiko 5, even though they cost about the same. It’s just a different style. Invicta Pro Diver 8928OB vs. Seiko 5 SNXS79The 7S26 has been recently discontinued – the entry-level Seikos are being upgraded to a day-date version of the 4R35 (aka NH35A), the 4R36. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. The 4R series is better, but this also means an increase in prices. While an upgrade is a good thing, in this case, I’d go with the “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” credo. The dial However, in practice, it’s an excellent movement. The rotor action is quiet. Sure, you can hear it, but that’s that. A considerable advantage of this one is Seiko’s Magic Lever bidirectional winding system, first introduced in 1959. It’s simply a role model for winding efficiency. As someone I know spoke of the Seiko 5, you can just rest on the couch all day, and get up only when you need to, and it’ll still give that movement just enough motion of the rotor to keep it going. Meanwhile, the lume-filled rectangular hour markers, paired with this color, are a nod to the legendary 62MAS. For whatever reason, the day I received it, on my way to the market I just had to listen to some Creedence Clearwater Revival. Just how versatile can a “budget” watch get? Chris Van Hoven is a multifaceted writer with a keen interest in technology, watches, and the world of automobiles. When he geeks out about technical details and specifications, his enthusiasm for these subjects is contagious.

The included bracelet isn’t the best, but with a watch so affordable, it’s easy to overlook, and this watch looks good on a variety of different straps if you can work around the odd 19mm lug width. The brilliant and rich sunburst grey dial looks really dynamic and with the all polished stainless steel case, the look really comes together to create the appearance almost of that of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual homage, but with enough unique design elements to stand on its own in terms of originality. I think the brushing on the bracelet kind of looks out of place – like it doesn’t belong on this watch. Especially since there are absolutely no brushed surfaces on the case to tie the look together.Seiko is known for generally having very strong lume on their watches, but some of the Seiko 5 models fall short in this area. As my appreciation for watches (and my watch collection) grew, I began to appreciate the little aspects and nuances of a watch, more. The Seiko SNXS79K is exceptionally light, weighing only 3.04 oz, or 86 grams. What are the advantages of a solar watch?

First released in 1996, the Seiko caliber 7S26 is one of Seiko’s most common automatic movements, found in many Seiko watches and divers and most of the Seiko 5 line. It’s a true workhorse and is highly regarded as one of Seiko’s most reliable movements. The Seiko 7S26 movement has powered the watches of military service members, deep-sea divers, and emergency responders for almost 30 years, which is all the testament you need regarding its durability and reliability. It’s also easy to repair and service, with parts widely available worldwide. It doesn’t last for an extremely long time, but fades out gradually and helps the watch be more legible in the dark and at night. Folded Link Bracelet The Seiko SNXS79K's case is waterproof for up to 30 meters. While not adequate for scuba diving, its 30m water resistance should withstand splashes and light precipitation. However, since its crown doesn’t screw down, swimming with the watch isn’t recommended. Seiko usually understates its cases' water resistance, so even if you forget to remove it when going for a swim, the watch should be fine, so long as you aren’t scuba diving or doing laps. It doesn’t have any screws, or even pushpins, like most bracelets, so sizing it can be extremely difficult. That’s how I’m able to appreciate the value proposition of the SNXS79 so much more, this time around.This is especially helpful if you already own watches and watch straps with an 18mm width, so you can swap between them. Most all of them feature a relatively prominent ‘5’ badge under the Seiko logo at the top. I used to think the badge was kind of… Over the top. And took up too much dial real estate. Along with the Seagull 1963, it’s the most versatile watch I own. It doesn’t look out of place with any outfit. This particular version is the 7S26C. It only differs from the 1st generation 7S26A in two details: the shape of the rotor has been changed (in the 7S26B), and the previous regulator has been replaced with the slightly more potent Etachron. On paper, it’s nothing special. Not exactly pretty, but not bad. I’ve heard claims that it’s made from a different steel alloy than the case. Sure, the brushed finish plus a lightweight folded link structure can give you that impression. However, without any evidence, the claim can’t be confirmed.

In addition to his automotive pursuits, Chris's horological inclinations are evident in his work for Calibre Magazine and Vintage Grail. Here, he explores the latest watch releases, trends, and the significance of various vintage timepieces, captivating readers with his knowledge and enthusiasm. It doesn’t take much sunlight to charge it, either. Just a few minutes standing in direct sunlight and the lume will be fully charged and ready to go. Seriously, looks amazing. If there’s one problem I could point at here, it’s the action of the day-date display. It’s slow. Very slow. The date mechanism engages at 9 PM, starts switching some time past 11, and completes the switch by just after midnight. The weekday wheel, however, takes longer. It engages before midnight and ends the switch sometime before 4 AM. I also wasn’t a fan of the all polished case of the SNXS79, and how easily the mineral crystal smudged up and looked ‘dirty’ from fingerprint smudges all the time (little did I know, sapphire crystals can be WORSE about this sometimes). The good news is, this raises the entire watch off your wrist a bit and gives you a bit of extra wiggle room when moving your wrist around, adding to the overall comfort.The crown is small, but given that the movement doesn’t hand-wind anyway, you don’t need a bigger one. While some don’t like the fact that it’s recessed, it does wear comfortably. There’s just no way for it to dig into your wrist. I’ve learned to live with the original bracelet. After a few days of constant wear, I just got used to it. Sure, it isn’t the height of engineering, but it’s nowhere near as foul as the Jubilee-style bracelet that Seiko used on 5s in the 1970s and 1980s. Now, these were the hair-pinching contraptions that were just meant to land up in the bin. This bracelet is nothing like it. For the moment, I feel no need to replace it. While the bracelet feels rather light and cheap, I must admit, it’s rather comfortable on the wrist. My story of owning this SNXS79 is a funny one. Like I said earlier, it was my own personal first mechanical watch I’ve owned for myself.