Is the Seiko SNXS77 Still Worth it in 2024?

Often regarded as the $100 Rolex Oyster Perpetual alternative, well at least it was in the last decade. You used to be able to go on any online retailer and pick one up for 70 bucks. Now? You’d be lucky to pay under $150. Ever since Seiko made their transition into the upmarket segment, they gradually started discontinuing their classics. The Seiko SNXS77 was part of the sacrifice. I suppose you can’t introduce more upmarket pieces with the past still lingering around.

Just earlier this year, Seiko unveiled the new SNXS replacement, the SRPK89. Coming in at USD$425, I don’t suppose many of us will be lusting over it. Especially when the SNXS77 can still be had for less than half the price. Granted the newer SNXS line up of SRPK’s have a better movement, case design, and a better bracelet. But seriously, I’m not convinced.

My opinion? The Seiko SNXS77 is still king, even at hiked up prices.

History of the Seiko SNXS77

We can’t talk about the SNXS77 without first touching on the iconic Seiko 5 line up. First introduced in 1963, it was Seiko’s sports line up for the ultra-affordable market. It was Seiko’s attempt to create a series of timepiece that could stand the test of time. The “5” refers to the 5 key characteristics in every Seiko 5:

1. Water Resistance
2. Date & Date Display
3. Automatic winding
4. Recessed crown at the 4 o’clock
5. Durability

Seiko held up their end of the bargain for decades; the SNXS77 could be had for as little as $50. If you had looked up the term Value Proposition on the dictionary, it’d be a picture of a Seiko 5. A watch that could last a few decades for a cost of a night out. And the SNXS77 is without a doubt the best representation of the line up.

Of course in 2019, Seiko rebranded the “5” and gradually began their price hikes. Being discontinued, the SNXS77 saw their prices slowly increase, but still readily available online.

Nowadays, Creation Watches have theirs listed for UD$114 brand new. And to be honest, even if all the other better spec’ed watches out there (hint AliX). This outdated little gem is still one of the best watches in the affordable market. And without question, worth every penny.

Seiko SNXS77 Dimensions

Case & Bezel

The fully polished SNXS77 can only be described as having a “UFO” case. Something directly reminiscent of the late 20th century. Whether that’s the subtle chamfered edges where the lugs meet the mid-case. Or the recessed crown. And not to mention the massively protruding display caseback. The SNXS77 is undoubtedly a blast from the past. One thing I’ll always love about Seiko is their nod to their history. I supposed we’re all in the same boat, lusting over the elusive Seiko DNA in their timepieces.

I’m not a big fan of all-polished cases. But on the SNXS77, it just kind of works? It’s not overly shiny unlike other polished cases I’ve experienced. It brings in a “dressier” vibe to an otherwise relatively plain everyday watch. Though I am heavily against the display caseback due to the extra height attached. If Seiko had swapped it for a closed Seiko 5 caseback, it would’ve easily been 1mm thinner. Though I suppose that would remove the UFO charm, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.

The recessed crown have always been a “love it or hate it” feature on the Seiko 5. For me, it’s an absolute love as it’s a distinctive feature of a Seiko 5. I fully accept that it’s only operable with one finger on the bottom of the case. But I do have relatively skinny fingers so take of it what you will.

Dial & Hands

Not arguably, but easily the best dial you can buy for under $500. Yes, it’s a simple blue dial, but god is it mesmerizing. The SNXS77 sports a sunburst blue dial that is very vibrant under direct lighting. But in the dark, it leans closer to being a matte blue, sometimes even black. It’s insane how dynamic the dial is for the price. Even Kevin O’Leary is a huge fan of Seiko dials, and we know how tough of a critic he can be!

Applied rectangular markers surround the dial, with exception to the 3 o’clock day-date complication. The handset follows a similar polished metallic tone and the rectangular shape. Naturally, they’re coated with Seiko’s lumibrite and reads well in dark environments. The classic Seiko 5 emblem sits below the Seiko logo, and a simple automatic text at the 6 o’clock.

Yes the crystal is Hardlex. But in all honestly I don’t get the hate that surrounds it. Sure it scratches more easily than sapphire but I’ve never have a single scratch on any of my Hardlex crystals. To you folks I say: Treat your watches more carefully! Remember, you’re not actually James Bond – only joking of course.

Bracelet

Do yourself a favor if you will/have an SNXS77, remove the OEM bracelet. Then, spend roughly $20 on this AliExpress aftermarket oyster bracelet. Remember to do two things with your new AliX bracelet:

1. Use the end links on the OEM Seiko bracelet
2. Use the OEM Seiko clasps

And with that, you’ll have a quality bracelet that matches the charm of the watch head. It’s not that the OEM bracelet isn’t comfortable, but it’s a rudimentary folded-link bracelet. For around $20, the AliX bracelet transform the SNXS77 from a $150 watch to a $500 in an instant. It tapers, and brings some heft to the SNXS. The best part? You can swap the OEM clasp on and it’ll seem like an OEM bracelet. Call me delusion but it completes the SNXS77.

Comfort & Wearability

With a case diameter of 38mm and a lug-to-lug of only 42mm, it’s impossible to not find the SNXS77 comfortable. On my skinny 6 inch wrists, the lightness of the SNXS77 is very much appreciated. Compared to the SARB033, I much prefer how the SNXS77 sits on the wrist. BUT, I have a huge nitpick on the SNXS77, and that’s the display caseback. Why is it so disproportionally thick? There is a significant gap between the display glass and the movement within, why? It doesn’t affect the wearing experience very much given I don’t even notice the protrusion. But I’d imagine it would wear 10x better with a slimmer caseback.

As for wearability, the SNXS77 is the perfect blend of business and casual. Got a night out with your partner? Or just hanging out with friends, just grab and go. The SNXS77 looks at home in an office environment as well, blending in a serious tone. However, do not take this to the beach, or anywhere near a body of water. Remember, it’s only got 30m of water resistance. And no matter how robust you think a Seiko 5 is, it ain’;t Jason Momoa.

Is the Seiko SNXS77 Still Worth it in 2024?

Short answer, yes. Long answer, re-read from the top.

Look, I know the prices aren’t what they used to be, but they used to be borderline robbery. That is, us robbing Seiko. Even at inflated prices, which USD$140 isn’t all that ridiculous. The Seiko SNXS77 is still one of the best bang-per-buck watch out there. With rich Japanese watchmaking history, a gorgeous dial, and a movement that rivals the low-maintenance of a Toyota Corolla. You have the Seiko SNXS77, a watch that will forever be in my collection.

Seiko SNXS77: Closing Thoughts

Aesthetics: It’s arguably the best looking Seiko 5 dial ever made, the SNXS77 gets a 10/10 in terms of looks.

Comfort: I did bash on the extra height from the caseback, but the SNXS77 still sits comfortably on the wrists. It’s lightweight, and can easily go under cuffs.

Price: Before the price hikes? It was a steal. After the price hikes? Still a steal. Bargain.

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