Seiko SNZJ05 (K1)

[Seiko5Fan]

It was on May 16th, 2011 that my grey market Seiko Model SNZJ05 arrived from Hong Kong. I should point out that I'm not a Seiko collector. I'm what I like to call "a loyal customer" who buys a new Seiko about every 4-5 years and retires the previously purchased Seiko to its own little red velvet bag where it rests next to all of its predecesors in a mahogany box. OK, so I'm a little obsesive compulsive.
Anyway, back to my new Seiko. I purchased the SNZJ05 (k1) from an eBay Seller in Hong Kong with 99.7% positive feedback and several thousand transactions. The first big surprise was that the watch arrived in only 5 or 6 days. I was already REALLY impressed and I hadn't even opened the package. The watch came with its original, white Seiko box with the watch resting inside on a little black pillow. As expected there was no paperwork although the little original Seiko tag with maodel number and UPC code was hanging by its thread. My auction price was $77.60 with an additional $28.00 for insured, registered air mail from Kowloon Hong Kong. I had watched this model selling on eBay for about 6 weeks and know that my ending auction price was about 15-20% less than average.
I was amazed at how handsome the watch looked in numerous photographs and was a bit nervous that the actual item would be a let down. Not a chance! The SNZJ05 looks every bit as handsome as the photos. The case, bezel and crystal are perfect...literally! The stainless steel case and bracelet construction are heavy and flawlessly machined and polished. I went to mail something the next day at my local Post Office and asked if they would weigh it on the postal scale. It weighed in at 6.4 oz.
One of the curiosities of my grey market Seiko is that the day wheel is in English & Arabic. VERY cool. It also has the newer bracelet clasp that has the 2 little buttons to release it. The reverse has the standard see-through crystal that lets you see the 7S36b, 23 jewel movement.
If you have been thinking about buying a new (non diver) automatic Seiko I cannot recommend this one highly enough. It has a reliable movement, attractive & robust bracelet, beautifully finished case and an intricately detailed dial. It's a grey market steal being offered on eBay in both the "K" and "J" variants from retailers located in both Hong Kong and Singapore. Most of the eBay SNZJ05's are being offered as BIN Buy it Now watches but about 1 in 8 will be up for auction. Happy Hunting!

[Chronopolis]

Thanks for the review! What an almost-perfect bargain! Why 'almost'? Bcz I wish Seiko wouldn't do the compass bezel, and also remove that idiotic SPORT 5 logo. I have never seen a watch company make so many 'almosts.'

[ftn93]

Nice Looking watch I have the "K" model and I absolutely love it. I really like the new bracelet that comes with the watch. I bought mine on ewatches.com got it for around $120.00. The only down side to it is the omnirotational bezel. It really moves freely. I guess I am just used to the unidirectional bezel of a divers watch? Overall I give the watch a definate thumbs up. It has a much more expensive feel to it.