Seiko SNXS79 review: The affordable Datejust alternative.
The Seiko SNXS79 is often dubbed the affordable Datejust alternative. It’s easy to see why with its baton markers, clean dial and date window — but make no mistake, the SNXS79 very much posses an identity of its own. Let’s see if the Seiko SNXS79 truly lives up to its reputation as an affordable Datejust alternative.
Case and bracelet
- Diameter: 37 mm
- Thickness: 12 mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 43 mm
- Lug Width: 19 mm
- Water Resistance: 30 m
The bezel sits atop a polished case with a Hardlex crystal protecting the dial. (Edit: This watch has a uniform brushed finish on the top of the case and I cannot confirm if this was how it was produced for older models or if this was a custom job done by a pro. Current models sport a polished surface on the entire case.) The exhibition caseback is also made of Hardlex and is a nice addition at this price point.
The sides are polished and the midcase is a rather thin layer with straight lugs, slightly reminiscent of vintage King Seikos. The case design of the SNXS79 is rather unique in that the caseback “protrudes” out the bottom. Due to this, a gap will always be present between your wrist and the lugs. It may seem unsightly or weird, but there’s no discomfort from my personal wearing experience. Looking at the SNXS79 from above, the relatively wide lugs connect seamlessly to the bezel to give it a tonneau look.
The crown is recessed into the case at 4 o’clock as with most Seiko 5s. While this design ensures that the crown doesn’t dig into your wrist, it also makes adjusting the watch cumbersome at times as you have to “pop” the crown out from the case through the back of the watch. Its 30 m water resistance means it’s splash-proof and is adequate for everyday wear.
The Seiko SNXS79 comes on a brushed bracelet with hollow end links, folded links and a stamped clasp. The bracelet feels cheap and sounds rattly, so I promptly swapped it out for a strap instead. While the 19 mm lug width may be odd, I managed to squeeze in a 20 mm leather strap.
Dial and Hands Set
The grey sunburst dial has a dynamic play with light, appearing dark grey to a light anthracite. You’d be surprised at the quality and finish of the dial at this price point. Hours are marked by rectangular applied indices with lume and are highly-polished, giving it a visual pop on the dark dial against the light. The thicker markers at the 6 and 9 o’clock and the double marker at 12 provide orientation and is a nice attention to detail. I also see traces of the Seiko 62MAS in its lume markers.
The baton hands are beveled through the middle to increase legibility and are also generously filled with lume. The Seiko brand and Seiko 5 badge on top are applied, mirrored by 2 lines of text at the bottom. Framing the dial is a printed minutes track in white. The white day-date window provides some symmetry to the lume filled markers and is also framed in the same high-polished metal. I feel that a date-only display would give it better symmetry, but that goes against the principles of Seiko 5.
Movement
- Caliber: Seiko 7S26
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- BPH: 21,600
- Stated Accuracy: +45/-20 sec a day
The 7S26 movement is what you get with entry level Seiko watches. While it does not hack or handwind, it has been known to run for decades without the need for servicing. The 7S movements have been discontinued and replaced with the 4R movements that offer both hacking and handwinding. Prices have also increased, of course.
Summary
The Seiko SNXS79 may often be compared to a Datejust, but I would say it is more than that. It is a flattering comparison, but the Seiko SNXS79 stands on its own by taking the best elements of several watches and interpreting it in its own unique way. This is one of the best dials you can find in a Seiko 5 and the rectangular hour markers and baton hands exude class against the brilliant sunburst grey dial. There’s probably no better alternative among Seiko 5s if you’re looking for a classic everyday watch that would still look relevant decades from now.
Other fantastic options from the SNXS line are the SNXS73 (Silver dial) and SNXS77 (blue dial). Personally, the grey dial of the SNXS79 wins it for me with its classy vibes.
