Seiko 5 SNK***K1 with Bracelet Mod

[lorsban]

Hi guys,

I got my first Seiko 5 about a week ago. I was looking for an all-around watch, basic DJ style with a silver dial, which I immediately found at the local department store. Forgot what the exact model is but I do know the first and last part of the model number: SNK K1. Anyone know what it is? Anyway, here are some pics:



First thing I did was replace the bracelet with one that I had on an old Seiko Chronograph. The Chrono didn't have end links but, luckily, the center links are exactly the same size as the original one's, so I just use the original end links. The original bracelet was really quite poor in comparison to the watch itself:




The original bracelet has folded links. Feels like tin. And sort of dull looking. The Chrono bracelet was a better fit with the overall design. It has solid links, secured with pins (which I prefer over folded links).



Only problem was that the end links of the original bracelet has a brushed center. So, I took out some sandpapers; 1200 and 1500 grit and went to work polishing the center. Then I got some Eagle One wadding polish and my rotary tool and made the center more polished looking. Of course, it won't be as polished without rouge or finer grit sandpaper but I suppose it's passable.

Anyway, here's the finished product:



Specs:

Diameter: 38mm
Movement: 7S26C
WR: 30 meters

Likes:

Price!!!!
Dial design
Case finish
All-around usability
Light and comfortable
Bullet-proof movement

Dislikes:

OEM bracelet
Runs a little fast

Overall, I really dig this watch. So far, I've worn this all day and night. It's comfortable to wear, you hardly feel it. The way it looks now, I can use it for every occasion; jeans, shorts, semi-formal and maybe formal? It's a Seiko 5 though so it's generally not something to brag about but at that price range, it's got the BEST bang for buck. Amazing what Seiko is able to do with so little money. Only letdown is the bracelet but, again, it can be replaced. Just hope they offered more bracelet varieties though. It's also a little fast, but I guess a little regulation or adjustment would fix that.

Again, at this price range, can't complain.

[imranbecks]

That silver dial looks really beautiful!

[lorsban]

That silver dial looks really beautiful!

Yeah, I really lucked out on that one. It's very classy looking! Was looking at Hamilton, Frederique Constant, Tudor etc... and was pretty close on getting a FConstant that had a plain silver dial with baton markers for about $900 when I saw this one selling for less than $80! Unbelievable! And I actually think this looks nicer than the other one's I was looking at. Of course, the materials and bracelets of the other watches were far far superior but not to the extent where the others cost 10-30X as much.

Seiko really did a good job with this one. The dial design, markers, hand choice all add up to making it a handsome looking watch in my opinion.

In my opinion, the only watch that I like more is an actual Rolex DJ 116200 with a silver dial, roman numerals with an oyster bracelet. But that costs upwards of $5k. At that price, it SHOULD be better.

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[tss88]

A very nice watch setup lorsban! I have a similar model. Yes the bracelet is worthless, I put mine on leather; but yours makes me think I should consider trying a ss mesh maybe. I am sure you have a SNKK77K1 ... Enjoy that watch!!

[lorsban]

A very nice watch setup lorsban! I have a similar model. Yes the bracelet is worthless, I put mine on leather; but yours makes me think I should consider trying a ss mesh maybe. I am sure you have a SNKK77K1 ... Enjoy that watch!!

Thanks tss88! I looked at the snkk77k1 but the case and bracelet seem different. Although the dial and hands are exactly the same so I would guess that they're probably from the same family.

Nice thing about these Seiko's is that the cases are really well made. So a simple bracelet swap should be enough to spruce things up! Tough to find a replacement though with the end links being 2mm smaller.

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[mikkolopez]

Very nice Seiko and great silver dial, kabayan. Wear it in good health.

[lorsban]

Finally got the model number: SNKL51K1

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[imranbecks]

Mine is the SNKE51K1... Beautiful blue dial..

[lorsban]

Mine is the SNKE51K1... Beautiful blue dial..

That's a nice shade of blue. Reminds me of the blue of an old Rolex Submariner 16613.

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