
Seiko 5 GMT Assessment: Your Reasonably priced Mechanical GMT in 2024?
The Seiko 5 GMT has been my favourite launch from the previous few 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 once they formally introduced the drop, I knew I needed to get my palms on one.
Watch collectors are all the time 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 probably the most), I’m assured in delivering this Seiko 5 GMT assessment to you and explaining why it has been one in all my favorites.
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Key Takeaways
- The Seiko 5 GMT is an reasonably priced mechanical GMT underneath $500 with a basic SKX-inspired case design.
- The up to date Jubilee bracelet is a pleasure to put on. It’s harking back to a Strapcode bracelet and a big enchancment over the unique SKX bracelet.
- The distinctive split-finish bezel design units the Seiko 5 GMT aside from 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 the event you’ve been contemplating a GMT watch, the Seiko 5 GMT is likely to be the proper choice, particularly in the event you respect the SKX case design and up to date options.
- After a month of wear and tear, the Seiko 5 GMT has turn into a daily in my rotation. I usually select it over my Rolex Pepsi for its versatility and under-the-radar enchantment.
Professionals
- Reasonably priced mechanical GMT underneath $500
- Basic SKX-inspired case design
- Up to date, snug jubilee bracelet
- Distinctive split-finish bezel design
- Clean, friction-fitted bezel motion
- Versatile and does not entice undesirable consideration
Cons
- Not a “true GMT” motion (traveler’s GMT)
- Stamped clasp on the jubilee bracelet
- Will not be a needed buy in the event you already personal an SKX or Seiko 5 Sports activities mannequin
Comparability To The Basic SKX Case Design
When excited about a basic 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 recognized 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 reasonably 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 reasonably priced mechanical GMT from a revered model.
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The Up to date Jubilee Bracelet
I’ve all the time 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 fans however doesn’t trouble me, because it retains the prices low and will get the job executed.
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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 good 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, in contrast to ratcheting bezels you discover on different dive watches. different watches available on the market.
For any of you who’re conversant in 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 exhausting stops or some odd noises you will get from turning the bezel. The Seiko 5 GMT bezel may 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
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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 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 go up.
Nonetheless, if GMT problems aren’t actually your jam and also you already personal an SKX or Seiko 5 Sports activities mannequin, this might not be an important buy. It’s in the end the identical watch you understand 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 obtainable individually.
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Video Assessment
Ultimate Ideas
After a month of wear and tear, the Seiko 5 GMT has earned a daily place in my rotation. I usually select it over my Rolex Pepsi for its related model and performance with out attracting undesirable consideration.
In the event you’re available in the market for an reasonably priced mechanical GMT with attraction 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 in the event you’re searching for an reasonably priced mechanical GMT with a well-recognized case design and up to date options, I extremely suggest it.