Watches: Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E vs. Seiko 5 SNK809 (or other recommendation)

I think that it is 42mm without crown, I'm not positive though. It doesn't hand wind though. I think it uses 7s26 movement as well, but I could be wrong.
 
KrabbyKakes said:
I think that it is 42mm without crown, I'm not positive though. It doesn't hand wind though. I think it uses 7s26 movement as well, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

I think you could be right about the movement. I wish I could find the Seiko in stores to get an idea of its size, but I don't think any places around where I live carries it.
 
Save up a little bit (~$200) and get yourself a REAL watch that will last you up to 15 - 20 years with no maintenance. A Seiko SKX007.

1527491_1431339340432979_1535602017_n.jpg


7S26 movement
ISO rated Diver's watch down to 200m
Tough as nails, and classy as heck.
 
They're both fine watches and will serve you well. If you think you can put up with either watches shortcomings than either will serve you well. For me as I stated earlier I can't put up with the low power reserve of the Seiko, that alone was the killed any desire to own it for me. If you think the Seiko is the watch you will be happier with, than get it! Same with the Citizen. They are both quality made watches and will last quite a long time.
 
The-Stig said:
Save up a little bit (~$200) and get yourself a REAL watch that will last you up to 15 - 20 years with no maintenance. A Seiko SKX007.
Click to expand...
Firstly, that Seiko (SKX007) can be bought from a reputable dealer for ~$160. Even less if for the SKX007K1 instead of the K2 --- the only difference being a rubber strap (K1) vs a steel bracelet (K2).

Secondly, the Seiko 5 (SNK809) the OP is looking at uses the same movement your SKX007 uses, the 7s26, so it's as much a "REAL watch" watch as your watch is. Being exactly the same movement, it will likely last as long as yours too.

Thirdly, if you use the SKX007 for diving or other water sports, you certainly don't want to go 15-20 years without maintenance (and accompanying pressure test) or you're sure to flood the case. There's a reason gaskets (crown/stem, crystal, case, bezel) are sold aftermarket, and they need to be replaced BEFORE they fail.

Lastly, the SNK809 will go better when dressed in a sports coat or suit than the SKX007K2 as you show in your pic.
 
Last edited:
jmflem said:
Also, can you manually wind the Seiko SNZG17 or is it the same as the SNK809?
Click to expand...

The Seiko SNZG17 uses Seikos 7s36 movement. Like the 7s26 in the SNK809, the 7s36 cannot be hand wound. There is very little practical difference between the 7s26 and 7s36. The 7s36 has two extra jewels --- lower cap jewels for the 3d wheel and escape wheel --- for all practical purposes, a solution in search of a problem. I suggest you consider the 7s26, especially the 7s26B, and the 7s36 as the same and don't even consider one over the other as a selection criterion.
 
Last edited:
Why don't you go to a jewelry store and ask to try on a 42mm watch? The Seiko may wear a little smaller than the one you try on (because of the strap and thin profile), but you could still get a feel for the size.
 
leghog said:
Firstly, that Seiko (SKX007) can be bought from a reputable dealer for ~$160. Even less if for the SKX007K1 instead of the K2 --- the only difference being a rubber strap (K1) vs a steel bracelet (K2).

Secondly, the Seiko 5 (SNK809) the OP is looking at uses the same movement your SKX007 uses, the 7s26, so it's as much a "REAL watch" watch as your watch is. Being exactly the same movement, it will likely last as long as yours too.

Thirdly, if you use the SKX007 for diving or other water sports, you certainly don't want to go 15-20 years without maintenance (and accompanying pressure test) or you're sure to flood the case. There's a reason gaskets (crown/stem, crystal, case, bezel) are sold aftermarket, and they need to be replaced BEFORE they fail.

Lastly, the SNK809 will go better when dressed in a sports coat or suit than the SKX007K2 as you show in your pic.
Click to expand...
I think you're missing the point. I don't use the watch for diving, but when is the last time you drove your car flat out? I don't need to dive to 200m, but at least I know I can go swimming without worrying. Also, the SKX007 has much better shock resistance, and a thicker crystal. They are in a totally different class, even if the movement is the same.
 
The-Stig said:
I think you're missing the point. I don't use the watch for diving, but when is the last time you drove your car flat out? I don't need to dive to 200m, but at least I know I can go swimming without worrying. Also, the SKX007 has much better shock resistance, and a thicker crystal. They are in a totally different class, even if the movement is the same.
Click to expand...

I drive my old car flat out nearly every morning on my morning commute.

The SKX007 does NOT have better shock protection than the SNK809 as they both use the same movement and thus the same shock protection. The 7s26 uses Seiko's patented Diashock shock protection whether in a SKX007 case or a SNK809 case, and the 7s26 movement can withstand abuse which is why the 7s26 is the movement used in so many of Seiko's "entry level" automatic watches, whether your SKX007 or the SNK809 the OP is considering. The watches really aren't in totally different classes. One is meant for diving while the other isn't. If not diving, most people will be just as well served by the Seiko 5 as by the Seiko dive watch using the same movement --- at that point it comes down to a matter of taste and what appeals to the one buying the watch.

I'm a big fan of the 7s26. It's a tough movement that'll last a man a long time regardless of which model/case he buys it in. And the movements are cheap enough to replace in a watch vs repair when movement repair does become necessary.
 
If any of you own a Seiko SNZG watch, if you could measure the diameter of the case including and excluding the crown to help me get a better idea of the size, that would be awesome.
 
I just ordered a Seiko 5 SNK809. If I really like it I may get a SNZG17 in the future. Thanks everyone for your help! :D
 
Congrats on ordering the Seiko 5, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy my Citizen and more. It looks like a very nice watch from what I hear about it and I love the style of it (reminds me of my Citizen, how can I not love it?)

I hope the watch bug doesn't hit you, they can make our knives look cheap :eek:.

A little trick on the bands when they start to smell, use a cheap $20 ultrasonic cleaner with dawn and emerge just the band and not the actual watch for a short period of time and it will kill the smell. It may put additional wear and tear on the band depending on what it is and quality of it but it beats having to wash the dang thing every day as it gets deep down into it and cleans it thoroughly. I actually plan to buy some replacement bands that will be able to slide in/out of the watch easily so I could easily swap bands when one starts to smell before having to resort to this. I workout wearing my watch and this has been the most effective way to cleaning my bands I found thus far.
 
Last edited:
I have plenty of seiko divers, and am I big seiko fanatic. But what're you using the watch for? If it's for play and may be getting banged around I would go against the auto. Or if you have other watches in rotation. And won't be wearing it every other day it will have to be reset to the time.


long time watchuseek member and watch collector!
 
johnnyhundreds said:
I have plenty of seiko divers, and am I big seiko fanatic. But what're you using the watch for? If it's for play and may be getting banged around I would go against the auto. Or if you have other watches in rotation. And won't be wearing it every other day it will have to be reset to the time.


long time watchuseek member and watch collector!
Click to expand...

I plan to wear it everyday, but if i don't like it I won't. I don't plan to "bang it around" or abuse it in any way, just normal use. I have already ordered the Seiko 5 SNK809. Hopefully I'll like it!
 
Great choice - one can't go wrong with a Seiko 5. Ultimately, they are about the best watch for their price range, from what I've found. The one you've selected has very clean lines and design, and will be a prime candidate for selecting an alternate band/bracelet if you so choose. Enjoy! I look forward to your review/impressions once you've received it.
 
I was I'm the same position as you and was given an LL Bean Vintage Field watch by a member over at Watchuseek forum. This thing is perfect. Classic ~38mm size, great lume, easy to read. I have it on nato strap co bands, which are around $12 and extremely well made.
 
I have an Eco Drive Citizen that is very close to the model shown. I've been wearing it essentially 24/7- including to the beach for years. Very rugged & keeps great time.
 
Evo drive. I wear an skx right now. My wife bought it for me for Christmas. But if I had a choice I would have asked for the kinetic version. But shhh don't tell her that.

In 20 years I've either inherited or purchased/traded all types of watches from $25 right up to the low mid tier $15k. And to be honest having an automatic is somewhat of a commitment. Whereas the kinetic and Eco drive type watches are no muss no fuss.

The problem for me and others may differ is that the see through backs no matter which brand or price range bulk up the watch on the wrist.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top