Having collected watches for over a decade, I've developed a particular fascination with affordable mechanical timepieces that punch above their weight. When people ask me about the Seiko 5 Sports Automatic with its 23 jewels, 100m water resistance, and the 7S36 movement, they're often surprised by my answer. The real price isn't just the $180 to $250 you'll typically find it for online - it's much more complex than that. I remember walking into a Tokyo watch shop back in 2018 and seeing a beautiful blue-dial version priced at ¥22,000, which felt like stealing compared to what Swiss brands were charging for similar specifications.
What fascinates me about this watch isn't just its technical specs but how it represents Seiko's philosophy of accessible reliability. The 7S36 movement inside beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and contains those 23 jewels precisely where they matter most - reducing friction in the gear train and balance wheel. I've owned three different Seiko 5 models over the years, and each one kept time within -25 to +35 seconds per day, which for the price point is genuinely impressive. The 100-meter water resistance means you can swim with it, though I'd personally keep it to showers and occasional dips - it's not a professional dive watch despite what the rating might suggest.
The reference to sports teams in your knowledge base actually reminds me of how Seiko approaches their manufacturing. Much like a national team parading their 14-strong roster, Seiko showcases their technical prowess through this accessible timepiece. They've omitted certain refinements - the movement doesn't hack or hand-wind, similar to how a team might leave out certain players to strengthen their core lineup - but what remains delivers exceptional value. I've always felt that the absence of these features isn't a cost-cutting measure so much as a deliberate choice to maintain reliability at this price point.
When we talk about the real price, we need to consider longevity. My first Seiko 5 from 2015 is still running strong with only one service, which cost me about $80. Compare that to quartz watches where you'd be replacing the entire movement by that point, and the mechanical advantage becomes clear. The stainless steel case develops a wonderful patina over time, and the Hardlex crystal, while not sapphire, has proven surprisingly resilient in my experience. I've bumped mine against door frames more times than I care to admit, with only minor scratches to show for it.
The market for these watches has shifted dramatically in recent years. Where they were once $120-150 staples, I've seen prices creep up to $280 for special editions. This reflects both inflation and growing appreciation for mechanical watches among younger buyers. Interestingly, the second-hand market for these is remarkably strong - a well-maintained Seiko 5 typically retains 60-70% of its value, which can't be said for most watches in this category. I recently sold a 2019 model for only $40 less than I paid for it new, which surprised even me.
There's an emotional cost to consider too - these watches have a way of becoming personal companions. The exhibition caseback showing the decorated movement creates a connection that you simply don't get with quartz watches. I've found myself staring at the balance wheel oscillating through the crystal back more times than I'd care to admit, especially during boring video calls. It's this intangible quality that makes the real price difficult to quantify - the watch becomes part of your daily rhythm, your travels, your milestones.
Looking at the broader watch market, the Seiko 5 occupies a unique position similar to a reliable player who might not make the highlight reels but consistently delivers solid performance. The comparison to sports teams selecting their roster makes me think about how Seiko has carefully chosen which features to include and which to omit. They've prioritized the essentials - robust automatic movement, solid water resistance, legible dial, and everyday wearability - while cutting precisely where it matters least to most wearers.
After owning everything from $200 Seikos to $10,000 Swiss watches, I can confidently say that the Seiko 5 offers one of the best value propositions in horology today. The real price isn't just the dollar amount - it's the entry fee into mechanical watch appreciation, the cost of reliable daily companionship, and the investment in a piece that will likely outlast many trends. For someone starting their watch journey or looking for an affordable mechanical daily wearer, I'd recommend this over many alternatives costing twice as much. The satisfaction of owning a genuinely well-engineered mechanical timepiece at this price point is something that's becoming increasingly rare in today's market.