
The years have treated Seiko well, or rather, Seiko has made the most of its time in the spotlight by carving out an admirable reputation that focuses on the utmost efficiency of timekeeping.
Simply put, they are some of the best to do it, and their masterful pieces of horological art perfectly reflect their talent. They are pristine, they are luxurious, but most notably, they are affordable. There is perhaps no other watch brand that comes close to Seiko’s bang-for-your-buck value.
A brand that has been a part of every horological development is bound to pick up a thing or two. Whether it be their flawless quartz movement or their iconic divers, one Seiko trait that is indisputable is consistent variety, and it is because of this commitment to making every piece into the best version it can be that we, the consumer, get to benefit from this across-the-board quality.
Their generous prices make every piece worth looking into, and today, I have compiled some of the best pieces on the market that are all under $500.
Seiko’s legacy
Before we get into the pieces themselves, let’s establish a brief historical overview of this legendary watch company, just in case you’re unfamiliar with the rich legacy. Founded in 1881 and originally a standard clock repair shop, Seiko quickly grew into one of the most innovative forces in the watch world.
Most notably, Seiko is known for pioneering the quartz technology, kinetic movements, and the spring drive, allowing for the bridging of both mechanical and electronic pieces.
They also produced the first-ever Japanese wristwatch called the Laurel, which, of course, led to the horological explosion of Japan, where many other big-name brands, including Citizen and Orient, derive from.
A century later, Seiko is stronger than they have ever been, and its innovative ideas have only become more revolutionary. This list is very diverse, featuring watches from all across the board.
That’s the beauty, though; no two Seiko watches are the same, but you can be sure that they both come with the same level of elevated quality.
Seiko SRPD53K

Starting strong with a classic dive watch, the SRPD53K is a simplistic beauty, displaying everything great about Seiko divers on a single 42mm wide frame. The simple stainless steel is beautiful, and the bottlecap red edging on the dark blue bezel gives it that unique pop.
The numerals come thick and silver, and the dial itself matches the dark-blue hue of the outer bezel. With 100m of water resistance, this watch holds true to Seiko’s utilitarian excellence, making this a particularly highly coveted piece among diver fans.
This is about as classic as it gets, but the aesthetic does everything right. It preserves itself enough while also throwing in a sparky flare that will appeal to almost anyone. Definitely recommend.
The Seiko SRPD53K costs $220.
Seiko Presage SRPB41J1

The Presage brings a well-formed, subtle elegance that is truly undeniable. The slender sword hands look as if they could slice through butter, and the graduation pattern backdrop of the dial provides an exquisite amount of luxurious detail.
This piece is quite formal, but it has been refined to exhaustion as its perfect symmetry is one of the most appealing features to take away.
The Caliber 4R35 ticks flawlessly from behind the open caseback, which is surprising considering the price, as you typically don’t see a 23 jewel movement of this caliber translate to a price like this. Nevertheless, Seiko unapologetically delivers every prestigious feature that dress watch lovers go crazy for.
The Seiko Presage SRPB41J1 costs $450.
Seiko Prospex SNE573

Always seeking to innovate, Seiko delivers its solar power Prospex SNE573 in 38.5mm of stainless steel. Its dark design is perhaps outshone by the bright hands and indices that pair quite nicely with the little white marks along the bezel.
Seiko takes a pragmatic approach, but it is rewarded with articulate features that further cement this piece as a technological innovation.
The solar movement can operate for approximately 10 months when fully charged, and the quick start function and the overcharge prevention feature keep things running smoothly.
With 200m of water resistance, this watch can reach extraordinary depths. Seiko obviously knows who they’re catering to, as I can imagine their diver fans were undoubtedly blown away.
The Seiko Prospex SNE573 costs $475.
Seiko Prospex Golden Turtle SRPC44
The turtle is an all-time classic. The oval case and outlined hands are strikingly bold, and in this gold version, their aesthetic features stand out even more.
This watch boasts an unashamed amount of attention as it sits proudly on your wrist, and the glamorous bling will either appeal very strongly to you or not so much.
I can respect the gold plating, because obviously, it’s not authentic gold, but Seiko doesn’t try to claim anything they are not. This is just supposed to be a fun piece that has the undeniable talent of being able to turn heads. You’re going to notice a theme, as this watch comes with a 200m diver rating as well.
Can you see now why so many diver fans hold Seiko to such a high standard? Even when they aren’t necessarily trying to make a diver watch, they still deliver very high water resistance with their watches, which goes back to that theme of consistency I mentioned before.
The Seiko Prospex Golden Turtle SRPC44 costs $525.
Seiko Titanium SSB387

This titanium chronograph is a technological wonder. It features three subdials that bring a distinguished look to the palette, and the industrial nature of the titanium is felt all throughout the design.
The carbon surface mashes elegance and sportiness together in a very appealing fashion, while the primary dial itself is incredibly meticulous.
The chronograph is equipped with up to 12 hours of power in ⅕ second increments, and the battery life of the entire piece lasts up to 3 years. This piece is simply beautiful, and it carries a sense of refinement while also holding fast to those high-end technical features.
The Seiko Titanium SSB387 costs $398.
Seiko SRPJ85

From the recently launched 36mm line from Seiko 5, the SRPJ85 comes rocking the 4R36 movement, an automatic that can be seen hacking and winding from the see-through caseback.
This is a very straightforward, fundamental piece that kind of mimics an older style of watch. The beige colors and textures partially light up the dark palette of what would otherwise be a bland aesthetic, adding just enough life to turn heads.
The tropical hands are what does it for me, the outlining is gorgeous, and paired with the pebble texture of the dial, this watch holds a very unique presence on the wrist.
The Seiko SRPJ85 costs $295.
Seiko Coutura SSC700

This magical piece is shimmering with an elevated mystique and boldness. Perhaps one of the most unique-looking Seikos I’ve ever seen, the SSC700 comes with a sophisticated gold tone and is powered by a solar chronograph, giving it three differently proportioned subdials resting in a vertical pattern on the dial itself. Very large in size, the SSC700 measures 44mm in diameter and resists waters of up to 100m.
The perpetual calendar also adjusts for odd and even months, including February of leap years up to the year 2100.
The Seiko Coutura SSC700 costs $400.
Seiko Prospex PADI Tuna SNE499

The blue, can-shaped shroud securely protects the Tuna, adding a sturdy, submarine-like bulk that Seiko diver fans go crazy for. This is quite the hefty watch, 47mm to be exact, but in an attempt to make it appear smaller, the lugs tuck under the case, surprisingly providing those with smaller wrists with a more comfortable fit.
The Tuna proudly supports the iconic blue and red colors of divers past, but the best part of the design is the little wave pattern of the dial that delivers a much more detailed aesthetic than many other divers of the same caliber.
With 200m of water resistance, this behemoth is suitable for any water activities, and it seems to me that the security features on this piece are designed to keep you at ease no matter how deep you go.
The Seiko Prospex PADI Tuna SNE499 costs $450.
Seiko SNKL45

Reminiscent of the Oyster Perpetual, the SNKL45 is designed to be an everyday watch, suitable for anything. Symmetrical, precise, and flawless are the three defining characteristics, and they’re felt throughout the piece.
With a simple, jet black dial, this piece is very aware of itself, and the elegant sword hands blend perfectly with the buttery smooth steel of the case. It seems like a quiet tone is what Seiko is going for, after all, if you’re designing a watch to suit any occasion, causing it to be too loud or glamorous would surely interfere with their goal.
These are the kind of watches that catch my eye the most, and they’re the ones I keep revisiting as their design is just too alluring to ignore.
The Seiko SNKL45 costs: $142.
Seiko Recraft SNKP27

The Recraft’s vintage spunkiness is cherished and highly praised. Serving as both a dress watch and a piece you can wear every day, the Recraft is very reminiscent of the 1980s, a time when watchmaking was more authentic.
The multi-sectioned dial combines shiny, clean surfaces with varying shades of green the further you get to the center, and the gold outlining of the hands and indices provides a prestigious feeling.
The leather strap, however, ties the whole piece together and tops off the design with a unique flair. This is a very fun piece to indulge in, and it’s obviously made for a particular crowd, but if you fall into that category, you will not be disappointed.
The Seiko Recraft SNKP27 costs $207.
Seiko Essentials SUR307

With classic sport styling that is fit for high-functioning dress wear, the SUR307 operates with a silver subtly that relies heavily on sophisticated minimalism. The dial is equipped with a sunray finish that features a date window beside the three o’clock position.
It’s shiny and reflective, capable of holding light that seemingly enchants the entire aesthetic. Speaking of light, the sword hands as well as the indices have a LumiBrite feature, capable of maintaining their visibility in the darkest environments.
The features on this piece don’t jump out; instead, they work in silence, crafting a versatile presence on the wrist, one that is difficult to pick up on. It’s Seiko’s subtle design choices that allow for such a presence, and it’s a kind of style choice I greatly admire.
The Seiko Essentials SUR307 costs $250.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPE55

Consistent reliability and high-level performance are what set the 5 Sports Series apart, and the philosophy of dependable timekeeping that Seiko works so hard to uphold is fully embodied in the SPRE55.
The black sunray dial is iconic at this point, and the SPRE55 shines as a dark and beautiful piece, made even more incredible by its technical prowess. Powered by an automatic movement that can reserve approximately 41 hours, the SRPE55 beats at 21,600 vph.
It also features a day/date calendar positioned at three o’clock, and the hands are equipped with high-visibility LumiBrite. The durable stainless steel case ensures durable performance, and with 100-meter water protection, this piece comes with the classic Seiko insurance.
The Seiko 5 Sports SRPE55 costs $295.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPL31
Another, newer, 5 Sports model, the SRPL31, is part of the Yuto Horigome Limited Edition collection. With just 4,000 made, this piece features the production serial number engraved on the case back, displays the signature Yuro Horigome logo on the dial, and has a see-through case back design similar to early pilot watches.
The 60-minute track is framed by the black and brown dial, offering a unique hue that embodies a retro tone, and the case is crafted of stainless steel.
This is an automatic piece, powered by a Caliber 4R36. It beats at 21,600 vph and has 24 jewels, sporting a healthy power reserve of 41 hours. The greatest praise I can give this watch is that it’s unique. Even for a collector’s item, it has a certain boldness and swagger that I have yet to see from Seiko.
The Seiko 5 Sports SRPL 31 costs $410.
Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNE585

The Prospex series prides itself on holding fast to technological excellence and flawless design, which allows it to meet every challenge with a swift solution. The SNE585 is sleek and thin, holding a much more compact feel than other solar watches.
It also combines the performance of earlier diver models with the solar superiority that Seiko has perfected. With an energy sufficient solar cell that any light source can power, this piece offers a 10-month power reserve when fully charged, no battery change required.
It also boasts a 200m water resistance rating as a nice little cherry on top. But how does it look? The SNE585 comes with a highly legible blue sunray finish dial, with a date calendar at the 3 o’clock and ultra LumiBrite hands and indices. I really love the bezel as well.
It was finished the same way, but provides an overarching compliment to the entire piece. This watch embodies a fresh sense of functionality while being downright beautiful.
The Prospex Solar Diver SNE585 costs $495.
Seiko Coutura SNE565

This stylish beauty delivers an elevated tone highlighted by the silvery case and dial. Measuring 42.5mm in diameter, the SNE565 gives us a lot to work with, though it doesn’t necessarily feel that way. The curved lugs and domed dial cause it to appear thinner and more compact than it actually is, and with a design like this, it works.
The dial is a combination of grey and blue accents, with angular lines to elevate the sophistication, and a bezel surrounding the design with a blue ion finish. The stainless steel is about as smooth as you can get, causing the watch to look more versatile than you would expect.
The Seiko Coutura costs $375.
Seiko Essentials SUR555

This Essentials piece quite literally focuses on the essentials, proudly sporting one of the most straightforward designs I’ve ever seen from Seiko. With simply polished steel and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, perhaps the most standout feature of this piece is the vibrant blue dial, which isn’t really saying much.
Not that it’s a bad thing, the SUR555 is an updated classic, and you can tell it holds on very tightly to its original roots. It’s a versatile watch with a simple design that is suitable for any environment. Inside is as straightforward as the outside, with a simple Quartz Caliber 6N51 powering the movement.
The Seiko Essentials SUR555 costs $315.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD61

The SRPD61 is a unique entry to the 5 Sports collection. Its vibrant green sunray dial immediately caught my eye, as it stands out even among the brightest colors. The bezel is the same shade, and I couldn’t tell you why, but something about this color is so alluring that I couldn’t help putting it on this list.
It feels like it’s embodying the tone of an emerald green sea, but this isn’t necessarily a watch made for divers, though you can certainly wear it on an actual green sea should you so desire.
Powered by an automatic Caliber 4R36, this piece beats at a comfortable 21,600vph, holding a power reserve of 41 hours.
The Seiko 5 Sports SRPD61 costs $325.
Seiko Presage SRPB77
The Presage collection continues to be my personal favorite Seiko collection. The SRPB77 is a stunner. Its highly detailed dial features a pressed pattern that shimmers under certain lights, enhanced by seven layers of gloss finish and the clarity of box-shaped crystals.
The slender blue hands are sleek and exotic, giving the watch a more reserved profile, and the strength of the piece is held together by beautifully polished stainless steel. Automatic movement allows both self and automatic winding capabilities, ticking at 21,600vph.
Funny enough, this is one of the only pieces that falls under the 100m water diver rating mark, as the SPRB77 only totals out to 50m. It makes sense, you aren’t going to be exploring the oceans, this is a dress watch through and through.
The Seiko Presage SRPB77 costs $450.
Seiko Essentials SSB425

The SSB425 is a very dynamic chronograph with a singular silver sundial, accompanied by two black ones. I’ve always admired the exquisite detail that Seiko adds to their chronograph. The black tachymeter outer ring frames this piece’s beauty, perhaps adding the most amount of finely-tuned detail.
The main dial itself is silver, with slender hands gracefully moving across the backdrop, and with various indices and numerals, the greatest praise that I can give this watch is that it all comes together to a very balanced aesthetic that looks divine on the wrist. A powerful Quartz Chronograph sits at the heart, fueled by the Caliber 8T63.
The Seiko Essentials SSB425 costs $250.
Seiko Coutra SUR566

Aside from the gold-plated exterior, the most notable feature on the SUR566 is the multi-layer carbon-fiber patterned black dial, with applied indices to provide a rich sense of 3 dimensionality.
The two main hands match the outer layer of gold on the case, but the red second hand somehow increases the bold aesthetic even more. This piece is very unapologetic, as the gold will only appeal to some.
It is admirable, however, that Seiko was able to craft such a unique design that delivers an impeccable amount of detail while instilling such a prestigious feeling. The SUR566 uses a Quartz Caliber 6N52 as a power source and can withstand water depths of 100m.
The Seiko Coutra SUR566 costs $450.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the sleek luxury of the Presage series or the high-performing chronographs that never cease to impress, Seiko has something for everyone, and once you see the price tag, it’s going to be hard not to pull the trigger.
In fact, the more pieces Seiko releases, the harder I find it to keep my hand off the trigger and the money in my wallet. They are simply irresistible, and it’s difficult to become accustomed to anything else when you have watches that are as consistently versatile as this.
I hope that this list has narrowed down your search for the perfect affordable watch, and if you have the money to spend on pieces within this price range, you would be foolish to ignore the countless Seiko masterpieces available.