5 (Seiko import) Automatic Watch SNZG09J1 imports

Decided to get a Seiko 5 because the model has been around since 1963 and seems to have won many fans with its ruggedness and straightforward design. I also decided to get the version made in Japan (SNZG09J1), as everything I'd read indicated that the ones made there are higher quality than one you'd get at most retailers in the U.S. (which I believe are made in Malaysia). How much higher, I can't say. But so far, the watch seems to be solidly made, with a nice hefty feel. The face of the SNZG09J1 is dark olive green and the strap is a slightly lighter olive green. The strap has an additional piece of material over the area where the holes are for reinforcement. Strap width appears to be 22mm. (Sometimes this watch is listed as having a 21mm strap, but I measured 22mm.) The dial is very easy to read -- noticeably better than other military-style watches I've had in the $100-$200 price range. Numbers 13 through 24 (for military and European time) are displayed at about a third of the size of numbers 1 through 12. The seconds hand, which has a red arrow-shaped tip, makes no sound, for all practical purposes. (I can hear it only if I hold the watch directly next to my ear.) And yes, "MADE IN JAPAN" appears on the face between numbers 8 and 6. I bought the watch (via Amazon) from MOON-DOG. What I received was exactly what I ordered. Service was excellent. When I placed the order, there was a notice that my order would not be processed for two days because of a holiday in Japan. Although I knew this would delay shipment slightly, I appreciated the clear, honest communication. I knew what to expect. But the watch seems to have been shipped immediately after the holiday, and it arrived quickly through Japan Post Service. It was very well wrapped, and the watch, inside a Seiko box, was in perfect condition. I would highly recommend MOON-DOG.

This is a great watch! My hubby can't live without it! very comfortable and the color matches every of his outfits, reliable and a good value for the money he paid. I wish the bands are inter-changeable that's all

Fast shipping from overseas. Watch is very easy to read even in low light. Fit was perfect right out of the box. It’s keeping time more accurately then some expensive Swiss autos I’ve had in the past. Build quality is beefy yet slim and you can tell this watch is built well and to last. Can’t go wrong with Japanese build quality and movement from Seiko. Best value for the money if you are looking for a reliable well built automatic movement in a easy to read watch face at an affordable price.

I have had several seiko watches that have all been great and may have just got a bad one. The watch looks great, but the first time I took it out of the box and tried to set the time and date the date wouldn’t adjust. The time asjust fine but when I push it to adjust the date the nob just spins freely.

Made in Japan Seiko... well, not really. First, I’d like to say this is a very nice watch. The green color is great. I was worried that with my skinny wrists it would look too large. It’s fine. I think the biggest selling point was the “made in Japan” on the watch. It got me to research the origin of this watch and what classifies as “made in Japan” Ok, simple answer is that Japanese law allows products to be marked “made in Japan” if the Japanese company fully owns the facility on a foreign soil and it’s build processing is overseen by a Japanese national. So, it doesn’t have to be made on Japanese soil to be marked “made in Japan”. Seiko designates the watch models with a K or J. This doesn’t designate country of manufacturing but the country they can export the product to. Since the USA requires product to be marked with country of manufacturing, the “made in Japan” J model can’t be imported so Seiko sends the K models to the USA. These have the “true” country of manufacturing marked... Malaysia. If you open the watch it Is made of mostly Chinese parts. It was assembled in Malaysia. Other countries have different import laws, so they can import the J models. These watches are identical (K and J) other than a few markings, they are made in exact same location in Malaysia using Chinese and Malaysian parts. Built by automated process with very little human interaction. If you want a Seiko made in Japan by skilled Japanese watch makers, you have to spend the money on a Grand Seiko model. Even some of those models outsource the parts but are made truly in Japan. You will spend $$$ on those models. Also, since this was a “grey market” purchase, there is no manufacturer warranty since it was never meant to be sold in the USA. Seiko will not honor this purchase. The warranty card is removed. So my recommendation, knowing what I know now, is that I could have saved money getting the K version and I would have a full warranty. Lesson learned. Hence, I’m docking one star. Overall, for the price it’s still a very nice watch. It’s just not made in Japan the way you think it is. No company could compete with the labor cost of Japanese worker to make a watch at this price point in Japan.

This is my first automatic, tho this is about my second week with it to make a correct evaluation, I'll come back later, for starters it's just awesome if you like the simplicity in a watch, just the time (I whish I there was a version of only that LOL), for time keeping it's on the odd end, I knew from reviews you'll loose accuracy over time +/- 15s also stated in the manual tho I found that the biggest addition is oneself when making the adjustment, I'll probably go later with a watch expert to set it up properly, overall in a week I seen it fall behind 10s, but in the second week it hasn't added more, I atribuye this to me setting it up plus the normal accuracy error due the mechanics (don't worry it does have an adjustment lever tho I don't have the confidence to do it myself lol), as for the quality of the materials, the straps were... Well not for me, tho I like the see thru back I still changed them for a Zulu strap, people say the glass will scratch but only time will tell, at least for me it has hold pretty well. The last but not least thing is the luminous, dang some few hours of light will make it super bright, good thing it dim down as the night sets it.

The watch arrived timely and well packaged; in perfect condition. The inner packaging appears to be official Seiko with user’s manual and warranty registration. I wanted a watch that was understated and utilitarian, yet with a classic look. That is exactly what I received. The face is relatively uncluttered and easy to read. The watch is a bit heavier than I expected it to be but not so heavy that I am always aware of its presence. It is comfortable to wear and it does not interfere with my jacket sleeve. I have just under an 8 inch wrist circumference and the wrist band is attached at the 3rd hole from the end. There are 6 more holes for smaller wrists, spanning 1-1/2 inches. After 3 days of wearing, the wrist band fabric has relaxed a bit; I may snug it up a bit in the weeks to come. I almost never read instructions when I assemble or set things up. That is why the day/date on my watch changes at 12 noon! Read the instructions and you’ll be OK. Regarding accuracy, it seems I have lost 1 minute over a 3 day period. Keeping in mind that this is a mechanical watch and not a quartz electric, that’s satisfactory to me. I love the idea that, as an automatic self-winder, the watch will never, ever need a new battery or capacitor. Self sufficient! All in all, I like the look of this watch and I like wearing it. My partner wants me to get a Bond NATO wristband for it; perhaps someday. In the meantime, this is a very good value for the money.

First Automatic watch. Best budget automatic watch. Have owned Seiko quartz watch and i trust their quality and workmanship. Moreover this is made in Japan and paid the extra premium to get this one. Attached some pics to justify that this is made in Japan. Its been three days now and the deviation has been 1 minute so far. 1 Minute in three days is not bad and given that mechanical watch accuracy is dependent on so many other factors. Like the Lumibrite hands. Its really bright. I couldnt point out one single flaw in this model or may be, its just me. Only thing i didnt like is that all the Original booklet and warranty card were removed from the box. I even suspect the blue Seiko box is even original, cos it had that made in china sticker on it, which is unusual on Authentic box.