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Top 5 Seiko Automatic Watches for Men (2025)
Japanese watchmaking has long lived in the shadow of Swiss manufacturers. However, for several decades, Seiko has established itself as one of the most credible alternatives to Swiss timepieces. Founded in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori, the Japanese brand built its reputation on reliable, innovative watches with remarkable value for money.
If you are a regular reader of the blog, you know that I particularly appreciate brands that master their own production, from design to assembly. Seiko is one of those rare fully vertically integrated houses, manufacturing almost all the components of its watches itself.
But how do you navigate the brand’s numerous collections? Should you favor the elegant Presage, the adventurous Alpinist, the sporty Prospex, or the legendary Seiko 5?
Introduction: The Seiko Heritage in Watchmaking
Founded in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, the Japanese manufacturer Seiko has established itself as a pillar of global watchmaking.
It made history by producing the Laurel in 1913, Japan’s first mechanical wristwatch, and then launching the first mass-produced quartz watch (the Seiko Quartz Astron) in 1969, which revolutionized the global watch industry.
The Seiko Quartz Astron is available here on Catawiki (explore vintage auctions for unique pieces)
Seiko is also one of the rare brands with complete vertical integration, manufacturing almost all the components of its watches in-house. This in-house expertise has allowed it to innovate continuously and compete with Swiss watches on their own turf, while offering excellent value for money.
Over the decades, Seiko has created numerous legendary ranges of automatic mechanical watches for men, appreciated by collectors and the general public alike. From robust sports watches to refined dress timepieces, the brand offers a wide choice. In this article, we present our top 5 best Seiko automatic watches for men in 2025 across four emblematic ranges: Alpinist, Presage, Seiko 5 Sports, and Prospex.
For each line, we will revisit its historical context, the target audience, its recommended uses, its strengths against the competition (Tissot, Citizen, Orient, etc.), as well as reviews from passionate users from forums.
Finally, comparative tables of flagship models with affiliate links will help you choose the Seiko automatic watch that best suits your needs.
Focus on the Seiko Alpinist: The Adventure Watch Born in 1959
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist
Launched in 1959 to equip Japanese mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Seiko Alpinist made history as the brand’s first sports watch.
Originally designed under the name Laurel Alpinist, it specifically targeted climbers and explorers, with a robust construction suitable for the mountains. The original model introduced innovative features for its time: a screw-down case back protecting the movement from dust and moisture, a reinforced leather strap to resist sweat, and luminescent hands and hour markers shaped like « mountains » at the quarter hours on the dial.
These unique markers evoking the cardinal points allowed reliable time reading from all angles – a feature that would become the signature of future Seiko sports watches. From its launch, the Alpinist achieved critical acclaim in Japan, and its reputation quickly spread beyond its borders. It paved the way at Seiko for decades of sports and diving watch creations that followed in the 1960s and beyond.
Target Audience and Recommended Uses
The Alpinist range is aimed at stylish adventurers – casual mountaineers, hikers, or simply lovers of watches with a chic rugged style. Its classic field watch design (steel case around 38-40 mm, additional crown at 4 o’clock on models equipped with an internal compass bezel) and water resistance often guaranteed to 200 m make it a versatile watch.
An Alpinist can be worn just as well hiking, where its robustness and legibility are appreciated, as for everyday wear in an urban environment thanks to its vintage charm and contained size. For example, the Alpinist « SARB017 » model with its forest green dial and internal compass has become iconic for its unique style mixing sport and refinement.
It is the quintessential tool watch for those who want a reliable outdoor timepiece without sacrificing aesthetics.
Strengths Against the Competition
Compared to Swiss field watches (such as the Hamilton Khaki Field) or other Japanese ones (Citizen Series 8, Orient Defender), the Seiko Alpinist stands out for its historical heritage and in-house manufacturing. It houses an automatic movement manufactured by Seiko (calibers 6R15, 6R35, etc., depending on recent versions) renowned for its robustness.
The Hamilton Khaki Field is available here on Catawiki (unique examples and unmissable auctions) on the left and an Orient Defender is available here on Catawiki (browse available lots and place your bids) on the right
Its power reserve of about 50 to 70 hours on modern models often surpasses that of competitors at a similar price point.
Above all, the finishing quality is excellent: carefully polished cases, dials with deep hues, precisely applied hands and indices. An enthusiast on Reddit even notes that for the same budget, « the Swiss offerings […] are not as well finished and do not have lume as powerful » as some Seiko models – a crucial asset for an adventure watch.
Furthermore, the Alpinist displays a strong personality (especially in its green or blue colors and details like the internal compass rose) where the competition often offers more classic designs. Finally, versatility is a strong point: few competing watches allow such a smooth transition from the mountains to the office with such stylistic ease.
User Reviews
Enthusiasts regularly praise the Seiko Alpinist as one of the best Seiko automatic watches for men, combining style and functionality. On Reddit, many owners boast about its versatility.
Comments often highlight the beauty of the dial (especially the famous green version) and the perceived quality exceeding the price paid. « Beautiful watch, impeccable finishes, one of the best under $500, » writes a blogger about the SARB017.
On the downside, some point to increased prices on new editions (around €700-€900 for modern Alpinists in 2025) and a modest movement frequency of 21,600 bph which may seem out of sync with the price. « I find the GMT version a bit expensive for 3 Hz, » notes a Reddit user, who would have liked a more sophisticated complication.
Nevertheless, most believe that the charm, quality, and history of the Alpinist make it a solid choice in this price range, with many not hesitating to prefer it over equivalent Swiss watches.
Seiko Presage: Traditional and Elegant Watchmaking
If the Alpinist represents Seiko’s adventurous side, the Presage line embodies Japanese watchmaking tradition and urban elegance. Launched globally in 2016, Seiko Presage is the result of over a century of the brand’s mechanical expertise.
This 100% automatic collection pays tribute to Seiko’s heritage: it draws inspiration, for example, from the 1913 Laurel (Japan’s first wristwatch with an enamel dial) and a 1895 Seikosha pocket watch with Roman numerals.
The Presage concept is clear: blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with Seiko’s technical mastery to offer elegant, reliable watches with excellent value for money. Since its introduction, Presage has achieved tremendous success, becoming one of Seiko’s flagship collections in just a few months.
The range has since expanded around iconic models like the Cocktail Time, with dials inspired by cocktails, or editions with enamel or Urushi lacquer dials made by expert artisans.
Seiko Presage (limited editions) available here on Catawiki (explore auctions for unique finds). The Seiko Presage Riki Watanabe is available here on Catawiki (discover a wide selection and exciting auctions)
Target Audience and Watch Style
The Presage collection targets men looking for a dress automatic watch combining classic charm with a touch of Japanese uniqueness. These are perfect timepieces for dressy or office wear, even for evening attire, thanks to their refined aesthetics. The Presage Cocktail Time models, for example, with their radial dials featuring changing reflections (blue Sky Diving, brown Old Clock, green Mockingbird, etc.) are ideally suited as chic and original city watches.
Other higher-end Presage models offer pure white enamel or artisanal lacquer dials, which will appeal to connoisseurs sensitive to exceptional finishes. Case sizes hover around 38 to 40.5 mm, contemporary proportions that remain refined on the wrist. In short, Presage caters to both the young executive looking for his first « nice automatic » and the collector who appreciates traditional watchmaking without wanting to invest the sums required for luxury Swiss watches.
Differentiating Points Against the Competition
In the mid-range classic watch segment, the Seiko Presage stands out for its attention to artisanal details rarely seen at this price level. Its dials are often described as « magnetic » or « hypnotic » by enthusiasts, whether it’s the guilloché patterns of the Cocktail Time or the lacquered depth of the enamel editions. A convinced Watchcrunch user testifies: « The dial is sensational, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen on any watch. »
Compared to a Tissot Le Locle or Visodate, or an Orient Star Classic, Presage generally offers a more original aesthetic and Japanese craftsmanship (enamel, Urushi) that hits the mark.
On the left, a Tissot Le Locle is available here on Catawiki (check out unique models and current auctions) and on the right, an Orient Star is available here on Catawiki (browse listings and bid on your favorite)
Technically, they are powered by in-house automatic movements (calibers 4R, 6R… derived from the same robust base as the brand’s divers) assembled in Japan, a guarantee of reliability. While some Swiss competitors in the €500-€1000 range use proven ETA or Sellita movements, Seiko has the advantage of technological autonomy.
Furthermore, the manufacturing quality is praised: steel cases with alternating polished and brushed finishes, often blued or gilded hands, and domed Hardlex or even sapphire crystal on higher-end models. Admittedly, Presage is sometimes criticized for the lack of sapphire crystal on entry-level models (being equipped with Hardlex, Seiko’s tempered mineral glass) or a slightly significant thickness. However, these compromises help maintain attractive prices (most Presage models are between €400 and €1200), where brands like Citizen or Orient do not necessarily offer the same level of dial decoration.
Seiko focuses on emotion and heritage, where the competition often concentrates on precision or technological innovation (e.g., Citizen and its solar Eco-Drive). Ultimately, the Presage range occupies a unique place for those seeking an elegant mechanical watch, imbued with Japanese culture, without reaching the prices of a Grand Seiko.
If you love textured dials, Grand Seiko is the next step up.
User Reviews and Experiences
The watch community warmly welcomes Seiko Presage, especially the Cocktail Time series, which has converted many enthusiasts. On Reddit, for example, we read: « I love mine, I wear it daily. […] I love its dial and the green second hand which adds a beautiful detail, » confides a convinced owner.
The strengths that emerge in reviews are the refined design and especially the famous dials. « Their dials are mesmerizing! » enthuses one user, before qualifying, « I just wish for a sapphire crystal and a slightly lower price. » Indeed, among the criticisms, two regularly stand out: the Hardlex crystal, less scratch-resistant than sapphire (but « sufficient if you are careful, » notes one member), and a list price considered a bit high on some references – although discounts exist.
One buyer advises waiting for promotions to get a better price. Regarding reliability, the 4R35/4R36 calibers (3 Hz, ~41h power reserve) are considered decent and easily adjustable. « Not the most accurate in the world, but mine run at +5/-5 sec per day, which is very good, » reports a user about his watches equipped with this movement. Furthermore, Presage seems spared from the quality control issues that other Seikos may have experienced (bezel alignment, etc.), as highlighted by one comment: « I have never heard of QC issues on Presage. »
In summary, customer feedback confirms that Seiko has successfully achieved its goal: offering elegant watches with an exceptional quality/price ratio, whose meticulous aesthetics bring real pride of ownership to their owners.
Seiko 5 Sports: The Legendary and Versatile Entry-Level Range
The Seiko 5 range holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, as it often represents the gateway into the world of automatic watches. Launched in 1963 with the Seiko Sportmatic 5, this revolutionary concept aimed to offer an affordable, reliable, and practical mechanical watch for the general public.
The « 5 » in Seiko 5 refers to five key attributes the model had to meet: an automatic movement, a combined day-date display in a single window (an innovation for the time), increased water resistance, a crown integrated at 4 o’clock (discreet, flush with the case), and a robust case/bracelet. Mission accomplished: the 1963 Sportsmatic 5 caused a sensation with its sporty design and was the first watch entirely designed and produced by Suwa Seikosha (a Seiko subsidiary) – it even won a Good Design Award in 1964 for its innovative character.
Since then, the Seiko 5 lineage has continuously evolved and diversified, becoming synonymous with accessible and durable automatic watches. In 2019, Seiko relaunched the collection under the name Seiko 5 Sports, with a more « youthful » repositioning and a multitude of styles (Sports, Suits, Street, Specialist, Sense) while retaining the DNA that made it successful.
A slightly more original checkered Seiko 5 Sport
For Whom and For What Use?
Seiko 5 Sports primarily targets young enthusiasts or newcomers who want to own their first mechanical watch without breaking the bank. They are perfectly suited as everyday watches: robust enough for daily use (steel case, typically 100m water resistance, proven movements) while being aesthetically casual. With the multitude of variants available, everyone can find a style to their liking: black, blue, green, orange dials, matte or sunburst finishes, diver-type rotating bezels or smooth bezels, steel, NATO, leather bracelets…
On the left, a Seiko 5 Sport Batman is available here on Catawiki (explore auctions and find this popular model) and on the right, a more dressy Classic Green is available here on Catawiki (discover a great selection and place your bids)
For example, the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD (nicknamed « 5KX » because it’s inspired by the famous SKX diver) offers a dive watch look with a unidirectional bezel and Lumibrite indices, ideal for casual or summer wear.
Conversely, models like the SRPE51 with a sober dial and no bezel offer a more versatile dressy look.
In short, the Seiko 5 range can adorn the wrist of a student daily, serve as a casual weekend watch for a professional, or accompany leisure activities (it can easily handle a run in the rain or light snorkeling, depending on the model). It is also a popular base for modders who customize their watches, proof of its cult status.
Strengths Against the Competition
The main asset of Seiko 5 is its unbeatable value for money in the affordable automatic watch market. For a price generally between €200 and €350, you get a real automatic mechanical watch, with day and date, manufactured by a historic house. At this price level, Swiss alternatives are almost non-existent (you need to spend two to three times more for an entry-level Tissot automatic, often equipped with a basic Swatch Group movement).
Direct competitors therefore come from Orient (Seiko’s sister brand) or Citizen. Orient offers automatic models comparable in price (e.g., the Mako/Ray for divers, or the famous Orient Bambino for a classic watch).
The Orient Mako is available here on Catawiki (browse available models and bid now) and the Orient Bambino is available here on Catawiki (many classic styles and great auction deals)
However, Seiko 5 retains the advantage of wider distribution and global renown: it is often the number 1 recommendation from watchmakers for those seeking their first mechanical watch. As evidenced by a Reddit user: « It was recommended to me as an easy way to get started in automatic watches, » he says, presenting his newly acquired Seiko 5 Sports.
Reliability is another key advantage: the 4R36 or 7S26 calibers that power these watches are known to endure years of operation without major maintenance. A comment on the r/Seiko Reddit sums it up well: « Congratulations. It’s an excellent first choice: no need for an expensive watch to enjoy yourself. »
Where Citizen focuses on its Eco-Drive solar technology and Orient on a slightly different style, Seiko 5 offers the tradition of a simple and robust mechanical watch, with the added bonus of a huge fan community. Finally, the ease of maintenance (abundant parts and accessories, simple movement to adjust/repair) and the value retention in the second-hand market work in its favor for a young buyer.
In short, compared to the competition, Seiko 5 remains the benchmark for accessible automatics, symbolizing a successful first step into watchmaking.
User Experience and Testimonials
Because it is often the « first real watch » for its buyers, the Seiko 5 generates a lot of affection in testimonials. On forums, messages from delighted new owners are frequent: « I finally took the plunge and treated myself to a ‘real’ automatic watch: a Seiko 5 Sports… I already love it! ». Users appreciate the versatility of the model: many highlight alternating different straps to transform the watch’s look at will (metal for the office, colorful NATO on weekends, leather for going out…). The Seiko 5 community readily shares its customization tips.
Regarding performance, reviews confirm good accuracy for the price (a few seconds deviation per day after adjustment, which is quite respectable). A telling sign is that many seasoned collectors keep one or more Seiko 5s in their watch rotation: even owners of Rolex or Omega continue to wear their trusty old Seiko 5 with pleasure, due to sentimental attachment and unwavering reliability. On Reddit, a user points out that the rare early issues (chapter ring alignment or noisy rotor on some old batches) have been corrected and that « these Seiko 5s had some issues a while back, but they have been resolved. » In summary, Seiko 5s garner almost unanimous approval: they are excellent « pleasure » watches, democratizing mechanical watchmaking for decades and continuing to convert new enthusiasts in 2025.
Seiko Prospex: Professional Sports Watches (Diving, Aviation, etc.)
Prospex (short for Professional Specifications) is Seiko’s high-end sports range, dedicated to watches designed for extreme environments – particularly underwater diving, but also aviation, polar exploration, or mountaineering. Although the Prospex label was only officially used by Seiko since the 2000s, its origin dates back to the first Seiko dive watch released in 1965: the legendary 62MAS (ref. 6217), water-resistant to 150m.
The Seiko 62MAS is available here on Catawiki (explore vintage auctions for this iconic diver)
The latter, with its clean design, rotating bezel, and generous lume, laid the foundation for the lineage of Seiko dive watches and thus the current Prospex line. In the 1970s, Seiko continued to innovate with models that became cult classics (Seiko « Turtle » 6309, « Marinemaster » 6159, « Tuna » 6159B…), setting technical milestones such as the monobloc case, the L-shaped gasket, or the first integrated depth gauge.
The modern Prospex catalog perpetuates this spirit of innovation and robustness: it includes reissues of these historical models (the Prospex « Turtle, » « Samurai, » « Willard, » etc.), but also contemporary creations like the Speedtimer chronographs or diving GMTs. All meet strict standards of durability and legibility, cherished by Seiko since the beginning.
The famous Seiko « Turtle » with its Pepsi bezel – an iconic Prospex Diver 200m model. Its cushion design and reliable automatic movement make it one of the favorite divers among enthusiasts.
Usage and Target Audience
The Prospex range is tailored for adventurers and professionals needing a trusted tool. The Prospex Diver sub-family (marked with an « X » logo on the dial) clearly targets underwater divers, with models certified ISO 6425 for diving at 200m or more, featuring notched unidirectional bezels, excellent Lumibrite luminescence, and extendable bracelets for wetsuits. A model like the Prospex SRP777J1 « Turtle » (reissue of the 6309) is thus favored by recreational divers for its comfort and reliability.
The Seiko Turtle SRP777 is available here on Catawiki (check out unique examples and vintage finds)
But Prospex is not limited to water: the « Alpinist » series (recently integrated into Prospex) caters to trekkers and mountaineers, the Land series offers compasses and tachymeter scales for the outdoors, while the Air series includes pilot watches (with an E6B slide rule on the « Flightmaster, » for example) and aviation-inspired chronographs.
In short, Prospex is aimed at the sporty, adventurous, or professional man who wants a solid, functional, and legible watch in difficult conditions, without sacrificing style. Many of these watches are indeed appreciated daily by collectors for their charismatic tool watch look.
Note that Prospex covers a wider price range (from ~€400 to over €2000 for certain limited editions or complex models like the Spring Drive) and thus attracts a varied audience, from the amateur diver looking for a good « tool watch » to the experienced enthusiast completing their collection of divers.
Advantages Over the Competition (Tissot, Citizen, Orient…)
In the realm of dive and sports watches, competition is fierce, but Seiko Prospex benefits from enormous historical capital. Recall that as early as 1968, Seiko won the Geneva chronometry competition with a diving chronometer – a feat that established its credibility against the Swiss.
Even today, Seiko Prospex Divers are often considered benchmarks in their price range.
For example, compared to a Tissot Seastar 1000 automatic (~€1000) or an Orient Triton (~€600), a Seiko Prospex « Samurai » (~€500) offers luminescent lighting often deemed superior and equivalent manufacturing quality, all with the aura of the brand that invented the affordable modern diver.
An Orient Triton is available here on Catawiki (browse available lots and place your bids) on the left, a Tissot Seastar is available here on Catawiki (many models available, find great auction deals) in the middle, and a Seiko Prospex Samurai is available here on Catawiki (explore auctions for this popular diver) on the right
Citizen Promaster rivals in reliability and sometimes price, but Citizen relies more on quartz (Eco-Drive) for its mainstream models; thus, those who prefer mechanical tradition will go to Seiko.
Furthermore, Seiko offers iconic, instantly recognizable designs (cushion Turtle case, crown at 4 o’clock, textured « Sumo » dials, etc.) where the competition often draws inspiration from Rolex or Omega codes.
An enthusiast even claims that a Seiko Turtle is « probably one of the best affordable divers at the moment, thanks to its rich history, high-quality construction, and incredibly affordable price. »
Moreover, most automatic Prospex models use proven in-house movements (calibers 4R36, 6R15/6R35, 8L35…) that are easy to maintain. At the very high end, Seiko does not hesitate to equip certain Prospex models with Spring Drive or Hi-Beat calibers derived from Grand Seiko, which has no direct equivalent at Tissot or Citizen.
Finally, the legendary reliability of Seiko dive watches, tested even by the military back in the day (the 6105 « Willard » worn during the Vietnam War, for example), continues to inspire confidence.
The Seiko Willard is available here on Catawiki (discover vintage examples and reissues at auction)
Prospex is, in short, the choice of reason and heart for anyone seeking a serious instrument watch without paying the high price of a high-end Swiss model.
What Users Say
Prospex watches generally receive excellent feedback from their owners, whether they are divers, athletes, or simply collectors. The modern Seiko « Turtle, » for example, is often cited as a must-have. « Yes – it’s arguably one of the best affordable dive watches available today. It has a rich history, high-quality construction, and an incredibly affordable price, » enthuses an English-speaking reviewer.
Owners particularly praise the robustness of these watches: they give the impression of being able to accompany you to the ends of the earth without fail. A diver might say of his Seiko that « it inspires confidence with every dive, the bezel is precise, and the lume is a beacon underwater. » On forums, many also appreciate the collectible aspect of the Prospex range, with affectionate nicknames (« Samurai, » « Monster, » « Captain Willard »…) and well-thought-out reissues of vintage models.
This creates a fan community that exchanges modifications and experiences. Some criticisms remain, however: some regret that on mid-range models (SBDC/SRP), Seiko does not always provide a sapphire crystal or finer factory regulation of the movement. Some discussions also mention bezel or chapter ring alignment issues on certain series (a defect nicknamed « alignment issue » that may have affected some Prospex models).
However, most users put these points into perspective considering the overall qualities. The satisfaction level remains very high, and many claim that their Prospex offers « much more for their money than most Swiss dive watches. » Ultimately, the Prospex range successfully satisfies both demanding professionals (many pro divers use or have used Seikos as backup watches) and informed enthusiasts who see it as a concentration of Seiko’s expertise in the sports field.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Ideal Seiko Automatic Watch for You?
In summary, Seiko offers some of the best automatic watches for men in 2025 thanks to a range of distinct collections, each with its strengths:
- Alpinist: Heir to a long tradition, it’s the watch for chic adventurers. It will suit you if you are looking for a versatile watch with a vintage sporty look, capable of accompanying you hiking as well as to the office. Its strengths: a contained size, excellent legibility, and a real history behind the name. Choose the Alpinist if you like timepieces with retro charm and proven robustness.
- Presage: The range to favor for dressy or formal use. If you appreciate beautifully crafted dials (enamel, cocktail patterns), refined hands, and movements visible through a transparent case back, Presage is for you. They offer a classic style with a touch of Japanese originality. Ideal as a dress watch, for events, or daily at work if you wear neat attire.
- Seiko 5 Sports: The rational choice to start or to have an all-around automatic watch. If your budget is tight or you want a no-fuss watch to wear every day, the Seiko 5 is unbeatable. It’s also a perfect gift to introduce a loved one to mechanical watchmaking. Robustness, reliability, and variety of design are its key characteristics. Opt for a Seiko 5 if you are looking for your first automatic or a casual watch to wear in any situation.
- Prospex: Aimed at enthusiasts of high-quality instrument watches. If you practice diving, water sports, mountaineering, or simply want a characterful watch capable of facing the toughest conditions, Prospex is the right choice. With it, you’ll have the assurance of long durability and design focused on utility (dive bezel, screw-down crown, legible chronograph, etc., depending on the model). A Prospex Diver, for example, can perfectly serve as a travel watch, for occasional dives, and even add style to your wrist daily with its assertive tool watch look.
Pour bien s'habiller, il faut comprendre le vêtement, mais aussi la marque et sa stratégie.