The Seiko 5 GMT has been my favourite launch from the previous few years. Once I heard rumors of Seiko making an inexpensive GMT within the Seiko 5 Sports activities line, I didn’t know what to anticipate. However once they formally introduced the drop, I knew I needed to get my arms on one.

Watch collectors are at all times on the hunt for the following nice timepiece so as to add to their assortment. When Seiko introduced an inexpensive 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 probably the most), I’m assured in delivering this Seiko 5 GMT evaluate to you and explaining why it has been certainly one of my favorites.

Key Takeaways

• The Seiko 5 GMT is an inexpensive mechanical GMT beneath $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 presents easy, satisfying motion with out the alignment points present in a few of Seiko’s ratcheting divers.
• In case you’ve been contemplating a GMT watch, the Seiko 5 GMT is perhaps the right choice, particularly in the event you recognize the SKX case design and up to date options.
• After a month of wear and tear, the Seiko 5 GMT has develop into an everyday 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 interested by 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 somewhat than a brand new one, making it a Caller GMT as an alternative of a “true GMT,” this doesn’t trouble me. In the end, it doesn’t detract from its enchantment as an inexpensive 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 quite a lot of different fanatics however doesn’t trouble me, because it retains the prices low and will get the job carried out.

The Distinctive Bezel Element

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

For any of you who’re aware of 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 may get from turning the bezel. The Seiko 5 GMT bezel could be very easy, 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 individuals who have been holding out on including a mechanical GMT to their assortment, the Seiko 5 GMT presents a significantly compelling choice. Sure, a quartz JDM (Japanese Home Market) Seiko GMT might are available barely cheaper, however having a mechanical motion from such a good model at this value level is hard to cross 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 a necessary buy. It’s in the end the identical watch you already know and love, with the addition of a GMT hand and a brand new bezel. That stated, I’d nonetheless extremely suggest selecting up the up to date jubilee bracelet if Seiko makes it out there individually.

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Last Ideas

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

In case you’re available in the market for an inexpensive mechanical GMT with allure and Seiko’s signature quirkiness, the Seiko 5 GMT is straightforward to suggest. I’ve totally loved my time with the Seiko 5 GMT, and in the event you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive mechanical GMT with a well-known case design and up to date options, I extremely suggest it.