Best Seiko Watches Under 200 Dollars (That Look Expensive)
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Japanese manufacturer Seiko are infamous for their extensive range of high-value, budget wristwatches. In fact, there are so many options…it can become overwhelming! Lots of them have strange codenames and look very similar.
Therefore, I’ve carefully crafted this list, showcasing a selection of the very best Seiko watches under 200 dollars that you can pick up today. Each watch featured has a unique look and great build quality, for a very affordable price. There’s something here for everyone’s taste.
Seiko 7N42 Dress Watch
This beautiful dress watch is a real stunner. Boasting a highly-textured dial, accompanied by applied indices and a slim case design; this watch is a true compliment-getter. This piece features a quartz movement.
Unlike some of the other watches on this list, the default bracelet that comes fitted with the watch is half-decent, with predominantly solid steel links and only hollow end-links. The circular case shape gives this watch a sleek look that is well-tailored to dressy environments.
Key features:
40mm diameter / 10mm depth
Quartz movement
Steel case & bracelet
100m water resistance
Seiko SNDC31
This classic, workhorse chronograph is a well-sized daily wearer that brings vintage vibes to the 21st Century. I’ll be featuring the SNDC31 in an upcoming blog post. Design-wise this chronograph features an interesting steep, raised chapter ring, displaying the minute and hour markers.
I particularly like the stopwatch reset function, where the quartz movement makes the second hand smoothly glide back to the 12 o’clock position. Surprisingly, you also get 100m of water resistance, which is rather unexpected in this style of watch.
By default, it comes fitted with a dark brown croc strap, which feels okay and makes this watch suitable for very casual wear, but also more formal events (outside of black tie). The cream dial and brown strap will easily match with a variety of other leather goods, such as belts, shoes and watch straps too. A quick note, the 9mm depth listed in several places online is false, this watch actually comes in slightly thicker, at a fraction over 10mm.
Key features:
40mm diameter / 10.3mm depth
Quartz movement
Steel case
100m water resistance
Seiko SNXS79K
One of the most popular Seiko 5 watches, the SNXS79K provides a look somewhat similar to a Rolex Datejust, at a fraction of the cost. Featuring the 7S26 automatic movement, you’ll also get somewhat of a secondhand sweep. This makes for a very versatile watch, which can be worn with a variety of outfits; casually or for more formal occasions.
This model features an automatic movement, along with the famous Seiko 5 recessed crown sitting at the 4 o'clock position, which can be tucked tightly into the case.
At 37mm in diameter, like other Seiko dress watches, this will wear subtly on small to medium-sized wrists; looking classy in the process. To get an even better look, you can even swap out the included bracelet with a higher quality third party one, for very little money on Aliexpress. Check out my recommended bracelet here.
While the images online suggest the dial is black, in person, it’s more like a deep grey instead.
Key features:
37mm diameter / 12mm depth
Automatic movement
Exhibition caseback
30m water resistant (splashproof)
Steel construction
Day-date display for French & English
Seiko SNZH55
Sometimes known as the Seiko Fifty Five Fathoms, the SNZH55 is often considered the best looking Seiko 5 model available; with aesthetics similar to the famous Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.
The lightly domed hardlex crystal, paired with the thick hour markers and the chunky hands give this watch an heir of authority. At 43mm, this watch is certainly on the larger side, so those with thin wrists may need to look for alternatives. However, if you’re after a premium looking diver for under £200, this one comes highly recommended.
Key features:
43mm diameter / 12mm depth
Automatic movement
Unidirectional rotating bezel
100m water resistance
Luminescence
Seiko SNAF73P1
Perhaps the classiest watch on this list, the Seiko Premier chronograph (aka SNAF73P1) is a refined, minimalist watch; with a solid link bracelet, stainless steel construction and sapphire crystal to boot.
This is a very slim watch, at just 10mm in depth, meaning it slips under shirt sleeves with no issues. I particularly like the straight lugs, which tightly flank the bracelet; giving a sleek, dressy look that makes this a great go-to for formal attire. The blue hands ensure this piece matches nicely with a navy suit or blazer, should that be your outfit of choice.
Key features:
41mm diameter / 10mm depth
Sapphire crystal
Chronograph, alarm functions and more
Full steel construction
100m water resistant
Seiko Kinetic SRN054
This attractive watch is part of the ‘Kinetic’ range, meaning it features an unusual hybrid movement; allowing for the movement of your wrist to charge the movement for several months, rather than the typical day or two that’s common with automatic watches.
They even inform you of potential low charge, by ticking in bursts of two ticks at a time; though typically will tick once per second, as with a quartz watch. The big advantage of this is it removes the need for replacement batteries.
This SRN054 has a simple rose-gold steel case, paired with a black textured dial, featuring clean, vertical lines. If that isn’t to your taste, this watch also comes in a variety of alternative colours, including some with different band options.
Key features:
42mm diameter / 14mm depth
Kinetic movement
Sapphire crystal
Exhibition caseback
Multiple colour options
Seiko SUR311P1
Available in 2 sizes, these SUR300 series watches make for a fantastic quartz alternative to the Seiko SARB and Grand Seiko Heritage lines, for a fraction of the cost. If you enjoy the reliability of quartz, these watches offer other strong specifications for the price; including 100m of water resistance and sapphire crystal watch glass. I particularly like the lumed dauphine hands, which contribute to making this watch feel like a much more expensive piece.
Like other low-cost Seiko watches, the bracelet is far from luxury. However, given the sub-£150 price tag, you can use the money you’ve saved to treat yourself to a much better alternative band. The smaller model, at just under 36mm is perfect for skinny wrists, whilst the larger 40mm variant is a handy size for medium to larger arms.
Key features:
2 Sizes available / 35.7mm (SUR319P1) and 40.2mm (SUR311P1)
Sapphire crystal
100m water resistance
Quartz movement
Steel construction
Seiko SSC667 ‘recraft’
A slick retro chronograph, this SSC667 is part of the Seiko recraft range and oozes with personality. The blue dial, with silver and red accents pairs beautifully with the 70s styled Nato strap.
This watch operates using a solar-powered movement, meaning no battery changes are ever required; convenient for you and your wallet. As with many similar chronographs, it is fairly large, at over 43mm in diameter, so this is well-suited to those with a big wrist.
At less than £175, this is great value.
Key features:
43.5mm diameter / 14mm thickness
Solar-powered
Multiple functions including GMT
Hardlex crystal
Seiko SNZF15J2
This sporty, pepsi-bezel dive-style watch is simple, colourful and practical.
It typically comes fitted with a durable, waterproof silicone strap for comfort during everyday usage or demanding tasks. There are alternative colourways available, though the blue and red version is arguably the most popular. Outside of the Invicta Pro Diver range, which also features Seiko movements, these SNZF watches are often considered as one of the best, cheap alternatives to the venerable Seiko SKX lineup; which currently retails for around double the cost of this model.
I wouldn’t describe this as particularly viable for dressier situations, the SNZH55 previously mentioned is probably a tad more versatile in that regard. Nevertheless, I’d say it’s better sized for average wrists, at just 40mm.
Key features:
40mm diameter / 12mm depth
Automatic movement
Exhibition caseback
Luminescence
100m water resistant
Seiko SNE095P2
Alongside the mechanical SNK800 series, the SNE095P2 is one of Seiko's most popular budget field watches. This solar-powered monster has garnered many fans due to its hardy construction and simple aesthetic.
This one features a dark grey sunburst dial, with a fairly typical field watch design. I like how Seiko have implemented a black date wheel, to accurately match the darker dial colour; something missing from most low-cost watches, including others on this list, which are just left with white displays.
It’s also fitted with some reasonable lume, which should give you some visibility in low-light conditions; perfect for when you’re out adventuring.
Key features:
40mm diameter / 10mm depth
Solar-powered
Luminescence
100m water resistant
Textile strap