Seiko 5 GMT Review: Your Affordable Mechanical GMT in 2024?

The Seiko 5 GMT has been my favourite launch from the previous couple of years. After I heard rumors of Seiko making an reasonably priced GMT within the Seiko 5 Sports activities line, I didn’t know what to anticipate. However after they formally introduced the drop, I knew I needed to get my fingers on one.

Watch collectors are at all times on the hunt for the subsequent nice timepiece so as to add to their assortment. When Seiko introduced an reasonably priced GMT watch of their Seiko 5 Sports activities line, it instantly caught my consideration. After spending a month with the orange variant (the one which caught my eye essentially the most), I’m assured in delivering this Seiko 5 GMT evaluate to you and explaining why it has been one in all my favorites.

Key Takeaways

• The Seiko 5 GMT is an reasonably priced mechanical GMT underneath $500 with a traditional SKX-inspired case design.
• The up to date Jubilee bracelet is a pleasure to put on. It’s paying homage to a Strapcode bracelet and a big enchancment over the unique SKX bracelet.
• The distinctive split-finish bezel design units the Seiko 5 GMT other than different watches in Seiko’s lineup.
• The friction-fitted bezel provides clean, satisfying motion with out the alignment points present in a few of Seiko’s ratcheting divers.
• Should you’ve been contemplating a GMT watch, the Seiko 5 GMT could be the right possibility, particularly should you recognize the SKX case design and up to date options.
• After a month of wear and tear, the Seiko 5 GMT has grow to be a daily in my rotation. I typically select it over my Rolex Pepsi for its versatility and under-the-radar enchantment.

Comparability To The Basic SKX Case Design

When excited about a traditional case design from Seiko, the SKX involves thoughts. It’s the watch that kicked off many individuals’s watch-collecting journeys. One quirky factor the SKX was identified for was the jangly jubilee bracelet. Whereas some didn’t prefer it, I beloved that bracelet for its consolation and suitability for the watch.

Though the motion is a modified off-the-shelf caliber slightly than a brand new one, making it a Caller GMT as a substitute of a “true GMT,” this doesn’t trouble me. In the end, it doesn’t detract from its enchantment as an reasonably priced mechanical GMT from a revered model.

The Up to date Jubilee Bracelet

I’ve at all times been a fan of the unique SKX jubilee bracelet, so seeing it up to date within the Seiko 5 GMT was an actual deal with. It’s nonetheless a rattly bracelet however not as versatile as the unique SKX one. That’s one thing I can get behind as on the wrist, it feels nearly like a Strapcode jubilee bracelet. The stamped clasp, appears to trouble a variety of different fanatics however doesn’t trouble me, because it retains the prices low and will get the job performed.

The Distinctive Bezel Element

The Seiko 5 GMT’s bezel design caught my eye with its cut up black and mirror-like end, one thing I haven’t seen on different Seiko watches. One thing good that I believe Seiko did was have the bezel fitted on as a friction-fitted bezel. This lets you flip it with out alignment points and provides a satisfying, clean motion, not like ratcheting bezels you discover on different dive watches. different watches in the marketplace.

For any of you who’re acquainted with Vostok bezels and the way additionally they have a friction-fitted bezel. Nonetheless, this watch isn’t as janky and doesn’t have points like bizarre laborious stops or some odd noises you will get from turning the bezel. The Seiko 5 GMT bezel could be very clean, and when you get into place, it stays in place, and it doesn’t actually get knocked round as soon as it’s in your wrist

Ought to You Purchase the Seiko 5 GMT?

For many who have been holding out on including a mechanical GMT to their assortment, the Seiko 5 GMT presents a severely compelling possibility. Sure, a quartz JDM (Japanese Home Market) Seiko GMT could are available barely cheaper, however having a mechanical motion from such a good model at this value level is hard to move up.

Nonetheless, if GMT problems aren’t actually your jam and also you already personal an SKX or Seiko 5 Sports activities mannequin, this is probably not an important buy. It’s in the end the identical watch you recognize and love, with the addition of a GMT hand and a brand new bezel. That mentioned, I’d nonetheless extremely suggest selecting up the up to date jubilee bracelet if Seiko makes it out there individually.

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Ultimate Ideas

After a month of wear and tear, the Seiko 5 GMT has earned a daily place in my rotation. I typically select it over my Rolex Pepsi for its related fashion and performance with out attracting undesirable consideration.

Should you’re out there for an reasonably priced mechanical GMT with appeal and Seiko’s signature quirkiness, the Seiko 5 GMT is straightforward to suggest. I’ve completely loved my time with the Seiko 5 GMT, and should you’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced mechanical GMT with a well-known case design and up to date options, I extremely suggest it.