The Most Attainable Snoopy Watch: Seiko Snoopy SPRK25 Review

Just recently I did a comparison of Seiko’s from the “golden years of affordable quality” against their modern successors. Long story short, the modern Seiko’s not only put up a fight, they won the contest. A part of this comparison featured the Seiko Snoopy going up against it’s predecessor, the Seiko SKX013. Now I will preface I judged them based on my own preference, I would be hard pressed to call the Seiko Snoopy an objectively better watch. However, compared to the SKX013, I would much rather the Seiko Snoopy all day everyday.

Besides, with the recent Snoopy hype and everyone including my grandma hopping on board (looking at you Swatch), it’s hard to resist the splurge. If you’re a collector who likes to balance brand heritage and value-for-money, all the while getting a Snoopy collaboration? You’ll find it difficult saying no to the Seiko Snoopy (SRPK25), especially for those with smaller wrists.

Oh and it’s a limited edition; having only 6,500 produced worldwide.

What’s the Story on the Seiko Snoopy?

When Seiko discontinued the SKX013 in 2019, they did enthusiasts with smaller wrists extremely dirty. Not only did we have to face the sudden increase in Seiko SKX013 prices, we were also robbed of basically the ONLY 38mm diver in the Seiko catalogue. Though I supposed that set the stage for microbrands to swoop in but that’s a different story.

Close to four years later, Seiko released the successor to the SKX013 in the form of a Seiko 5 38mm dive-style watch – the new SRPK line up. From what I could recall, the reactions were mixed. Some were happy we finally got an “updated” version of the Seiko SKX013. However, most were annoyed that the SRPK’s were stripped of everything that made the SKX013 a legend in the watch community. Seiko took away the ISO-rated 200m water resistance, no more screw-down crown, no Hokusai wave, and gone is the “jingly-jangly” jubilee that we all loved. On the upside, the SRPK’s had an upgraded movement and a better-wearing slimmer case.

Much like everyone else, the new SRPK’s felt like a kid’s watch to me, as opposed to the tank that was the SKX013. Safe to say I wasn’t much of a fan, even though I did consider grabbing the SRPK29. Everything changed when Seiko announced they were releasing a Snoopy variant of the SRPK. All of a sudden I found myself flopping to the first website I could find selling one of these, and bought one immediately.

Seiko Snoopy Dimensions

Case & Bezel

The case on the Seiko Snoopy is reminiscent of the SKX013, except it’s more soft and has more of a rounded edge finish. One thing about the SKX013 that I was never a huge fan of was how thick and “slab-ish” the case felt. It was also very angular and sharp on the edges, which is great for an aggressive diving look, but wasn’t comfortable on the wrist. The Seiko Snoopy adopts not only a slimmer case (almost 1mm thinner), there’s also a lot more finesse around the chamfered edges. Compared to the SKX013 which felt rudimentary, the Snoopy feels refined and thought out.

As part of the Snoopy collaboration, the bezel is printed with the Comic Sans font, befitting of the Snoopy Comics. Again, the Seiko Snoopy doesn’t take itself seriously and constantly finds opportunities to reflect it’s goofy nature. Another example is the paw print signed-crown. I mean, not even $1500 Seiko’s nowadays have a signed crown, talk about effort and creativity!

The caseback features a translucent glass with a visual of Snoopy riding waves on a surfboard. Yes, you heard that right, it isn’t just a regular transparent caseback showing the 4R36. Actually you can barely see the movement behind the translucent glass. Look I know Seiko gets a lot of bad rep these days. But it’s hard to deny their watchmaking prowess even when it comes to fun collabs like the Snoopy.

Dial & Hands

There’s been a rise of white dial divers as of late. But one with Snoopy peeking behind a surfboard on a beach? That’s what makes the Seiko Snoopy so bloody special. I would have preferred for the text on the surfboard to read something else other than “Seiko 5 Sports”, or just leave it blank. But that’s about the only complaint I have for the Snoopy dial, everything else is done perfectly. The Snoopy decoration blends into the dial and gives it a 3D effect without being an eyesore. Seiko could’ve left out the 5 logo because I personally find it dead ugly – it looks like a DC superhero icon (Shazam).

The handset follows the classic SKX-style minute and hour hand, with a lollipop seconds that’s painted orange on the long-end. I personally love a tinge of orange accent in my watches, this one here reminds me of the polar Explorer. You’ve got the usual date and day complication from a Seiko 5, and the indices are applied and has a metallic polished finish. And before you ask, yes, the bezel and the dial aligns.

Other than the white dial, you’re really buying the SRPK25 for Snoopy. And compared to the plastic MoonSwatch? The Seiko Snoopy wins via default.

OEM Strap + Uncle Seiko President Bracelet

The OEM NATO strap that comes on the Seiko Snoopy is a color-matched and if I’m honest, a really good fit for the dive-style watch. In terms of quality, the stitching is solid, and the gray + white stripe matches the Snoopy dial perfectly. If you’re fan of NATO straps on divers, then you won’t be disappointed with what Seiko’s delivering out of the box.

I did splurge on the Uncle Seiko Presidential bracelet made specifically for the new SPRK models, and it’s a treat. By no means is it cheap at USD $90, but it’s worth the extra for an “upgraded” Seiko Snoopy. With the NATO strap, I felt limited in where I could take the Snoopy; it can give out “kid’s watch” vibes. With the Uncle Seiko bracelet, the Seiko Snoopy feels matured with a hint of playfulness. If you’re on the fence about a USD $90 aftermarket bracelet, I’d say go for it. It’s worth it.

Comfort & Wearability

I have zero complaints about the comfort and wearability of the Seiko Snoopy. On the NATO, I’ve always been able to find a perfect fit, and naturally I am able to adjust whenever I need to. The NATO strap was turned into a single-pass by myself, but I do that to all NATO’s. On the Uncle Seiko President bracelet, it becomes 10x more comfortable. The 12.1mm thinness is sublime, do rejoice small wrists. The wearing experience is equivalent to removing all the negatives from the SKX013. The Snoopy isn’t bulky, top-heavy, and disproportionate. Between this and the recently reviewed slim turtle – both are perfect for smaller wrists.

If you find the NATO strap a little too “kiddy”, the Snoopy is a strap monster. I’ve had it on Barton, and even Seiko OEM rubber straps. Although nothing will beat the Presidential look. The Uncle Seiko bracelet truly upgrades the watch and makes it that much more versatile. Though you do have to take into account the additional USD$90.

Buy the Seiko Snoopy before it’s too late!

I bought the Seiko Snoopy when it first came out late 2023. Now in April 2024, it’s already sold out in most places. Trust me, you won’t regret buying one of these if you have the chance. If you don’t like it, just resell it for the same, if not slightly higher price tag. Personally, I don’t find myself wearing it very often. But that’s only because I’m not much of a dive-watch person. The Seiko Snoopy is a timepiece that I enjoy admiring. I find myself picking it up and enjoying all it’s uniqueness, then straight back into the watch box. It’s a Snoopy collaboration that’s hard to ever get sick of.

Seiko Snoopy: Closing Thoughts

Aesthetics: What’s not to love about a white dial dive-style watch with Snoopy hiding behind a surfboard? And when you flip the watch over, Snoopy is riding the waves. Seiko knocked the design out of the park with this one.

Comfort: Along with the SPB317J slim turtle, the Seiko Snoopy is one of the most comfortable dive-style watches in the entire Seiko catalogue.

Price: I got mine at launch for the absolute steal of USD$310 from a local AD here in Sydney. If you can grab them at RRP which was around USD$400, jump on it. Do not pay resell market price for this, which I believe is now upwards of USD$700. It’s not worth it at that point.

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