Introduction

You’re looking for a watch. Something classy, but not expensive. But not cheap either—something with a little watchmaking oomph behind it. Not just your average Amazon watch, which will probably disintegrate in the first month or two after you buy it.

So whether this article or the name Seiko found you first, you came to the right place. Seiko is one of the best bang-for-your-buck brands, with dozens of watches that are both gorgeous and shockingly affordable for what you get.

And I’m here to help you maximize that. Here are the 15 cheapest Seiko watches, the ones that give you the most elegance and watchmaking chops for the price. We’ll be looking across Seiko’s many excellent collections, so you see the most affordable options for each of the styles that you’re interested in.

What to Know for Buying Seiko Watches

Most people immediately associate watchmaking with Switzerland, but they’re wrong to do so. As a matter of fact, Japanese watchmakers like Seiko have been killing it for a long time, making excellent watches for just as long as the Swiss.

Seiko started way back in 1881, so it’s well over 140 years old at the time of writing this—an age only rivaled by a select few Swiss watchmakers.

Seiko was also responsible for Japan’s first wristwatch, as well as the first Japanese dive watches and chronograph watches. Perhaps most notoriously of all, Seiko is also responsible for the world’s first-ever quartz watch, a timepiece that would change all of watchmaking history.

As such, Seiko is a brand that deserves more attention than many people pay it today. They make excellent watches that have a history of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking technology.

All that remains, ultimately, is for you to pick the watch that’s best for you, for your individual needs and lifestyle. Each one of Seiko’s watches is a quality timepiece, so you really can’t go wrong with any one of them.

Are you more of a sporty person, looking for a stylish but everyday-wear watch that can follow you anywhere? Keep your eye on the Prospex and 5 Sports collections that I’ll include below. In need of a dress watch? Look out for the Presage and King Seiko.

Into cutting-edge technology? The Astron is for you. Or are you in the market for a bit of everything? Then this list will be perfect for you as a whole. Whatever your interests, I encourage you to just sit back and enjoy each one of these lovely timepieces.

The 15 Best Seiko Watches

Okay, that’s enough introduction. Now that you’re thoroughly prepared to find the best watch for your lifestyle and your tastes, let’s get right into the list! I’ve curated a list, like I said, of the 15 best Seiko watches across all their collections.

As such, some of these will be the cheapest in their category and will still be significantly more expensive than others. But there’s something for every interest and budget here, so I guarantee that you’ll find something for you.

Prospex SNE549 – $395

We’re starting things off strong here with a spectacular Prospex diver, a special edition that’s also one of Seiko’s most affordable watches.

This Prospex was made in collaboration with PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the organization responsible for most of the scuba training available worldwide.

That’s not all, too, as this watch is also solar-powered and, once fully charged, can even run for 10 months without seeing the sun in between. Here’s to hoping your hometown isn’t quite that overcast, but this feature definitely makes for a versatile watch that can handle almost anything thrown at it.

If you’re planning on taking the SNE549 diving, it’s rated for 200m or 660 feet, and you’ll be sure to make use of the large and tactile rotating bezel to time the length of your dive. It’s everything you could ask for from a dive watch, plus a few extra bells and whistles thrown in. All for under $400!

Prospex SNE573 – $475

Looking for a diver but not quite crazy about that last one? The SNE573 is a great alternative option—or perhaps a great second dive watch after you fall in love with the SNE549! Compared to the rather bright blue-and-red color scheme of the SNE549, the SNE573 is much more restrained, with a black silicone strap in place of a bracelet and a monochromatic black-on-steel palette.

In every technical regard, it’s the same as what we just looked at: solar-powered, 10 months of charge, and 200m dive rating. It’s just a great dive option all around, with a more restrained presence that could get away with following you from the water into a board meeting. 

Prospex SRPE93 – $495

Another variation on the Prospex line, the SRPE93 is a spectacular mechanical alternative to the two solar-powered options we looked at earlier.

Not only does it have that large rounded silhouette to make it larger on the wrist and more durable, but features Seiko’s automatic caliber 4R36 with a power reserve of 41 hours.

This is a great option for if you’re looking for something mechanical for a bit more watchmaking prowess as well as for additional versatility, as this little beauty won’t even need sunlight to keep running.

Like the other two Prospexes so far, it’s also rated to 200m. Oh, and don’t forget about the day-date function, which is more helpful than the standard date on the other two if you’re the type of person who tends to forget which day it is.

Prospex SNJ039 – $525

This massive 47.8mm dive watch is exactly what you’re looking for if you’re a professional diver who’s looking for something a little more useful than just a rotating dive bezel.

The special-edition SNJ039 features a huge suite of features displayed on its ana-digi face, including a chronograph to measure elapsed dive time, a daily alarm, a full calendar correct to the year 2100, a battery life warning (so your watch doesn’t die on you when you need it most!), and an LED illuminating function so you can easily read it underwater or in low-light conditions.

There’s not much more you could ask for from a dive watch, honestly, and the SNJ039 also does it all in style thanks to its blue-green color palette.

Presage SRPE45 – $425

We’ve now firmly transitioned from the realm of wetsuits to two-piece suits, and the SRPE45 is one of the finest watches ever to be slipped under a shirt cuff. You’ll be a huge fan of the guilloché-style dial, with that rich patterning that shifts and plays in the light.

Likewise, the large faceted hands and polished numerals will be gorgeous in any conditions. Plus, it runs on an automatic mechanical movement which can be admired through the exhibition caseback if you need a pretty cool party trick in a pinch.

Presage SRPJ17 – $450

Comparing to the SRPJ17 to the SRPE45 is like apples to oranges: that is to say, they’re not as different as you’d think based on how people talk about them, but they are each strikingly distinct. Not quite interested in the color palette of the SRPE45? No worries.

This one just might hit the spot for you. I’m a huge fan of the faceted rose gold indices, which are just so lovely and well-done. Likewise, this new guilloché pattern is something new that you just might end up falling in love with.

Under the hood, however, everything’s the same: it’s still the caliber 4R35 with an exhibition caseback and 41 hours of power reserve. This just might be the dress watch for you!

Astron SSJ013 – $2,200

Yes, this watch is by far the most expensive option on the list. And yes, it is still the cheapest model in its collection, which is why I’m including it here. Most of all, let me assure you that this watch has just as much bang for the buck as every other one here.

Seiko’s Astron is by far the most technically advanced option in their catalog, and it’s as practical as it is cool to use.

This watch doesn’t just use quartz technology to stay precise and on-time—it actually syncs with GPS satellites to automatically adjust its time, keeping it 100% precise no matter where you are on the globe.

Yep, you heard that right: it automatically corrects for changes in time zone, so no matter where you step off a plane on your next trip, the Astron will have the right time for you.

Need I mention as well that the case and design is every bit as striking as the technology inside? It may be a $2,000 watch, but in terms of value, it’s one of the best options in Seiko’s catalog.

King Seiko SPB283 – $1,700

The King Seiko line is Seiko’s flagship, a historical collection that went under for a while and was just recently revived in 2022. Like the Astron, this is by no means a cheap watch, but it’s the most affordable in the King Seiko catalog, which means it’s a lot of value for your money.

On the surface level, it looks pretty much just like a Presage, except for the large King Seiko text on the front. After all, the dial is rather plain and simple, with a black sunray finish and dauphine hands. But it’s in the little details, as with any good dress watch, that this piece shines.

Note, for example, the striking stippled pattern on the 12:00 marker, and the vintage styling of the broad lugs and sharply finished case. Turn the watch over, and you’ll be treated to an engraved King Seiko logo, which conceals the spectacular mechanical caliber 6R31 underneath.

It’s a dress watch that’s the epitome of restrained class and quality, to be appreciated by those in the know.

5 Sports SRPJ85 – $295

Taken with the look of classic explorer’s watches but looking for a great price? The SPRJ85 is probably the very best option out there, considering that any similar watch by another brand won’t offer the same quality and durability that you need for a field watch that should follow you anywhere.

With this piece, Seiko marries a clean, classy design to rugged versatility that pairs with any outfit and any environment. I love the matte finish of the dial, as well as the off-white tone of the indices and hands which somehow complements it perfectly.

Most of all, however, I’m a fan of the automatic movement inside. At this price point, I was almost certain this watch was quartz before I saw the caliber 4R36 in the specs. For just $295, a spectacular mechanical timepiece like this is extremely hard to come by.

5 Sports SRPE57 – $295

And now for something completely different! While it remains in the 5 Sports collection, the SRPE57 is much more of an everyday wear watch than it is a field watch. Its case is strongly reminiscent of the Rolex Explorer, but several touches like the 4:00 crown shake the silhouette up and make it strikingly new.

If you’re a fan of vintage like I am, though, your favorite part will be that lovely gilt dial. It’s classy and simple with gold tones on black, and the cursive Automatic print at 6:00 is just a perfect extra touch.

Like the SRPJ85 above, it features the automatic caliber 4R36 inside, which also supplies you with a day-date window for a little extra versatility.

5 Sports SRPK33 – $325

Not a fan of the gilt dial and looking for something a little more modern? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with another one of Seiko’s finest and cheapest: this lovely turquoise dial dive watch. I really like the font of the numerals on the bezel, which just feels perfect for the vibe of the dial.

In what’s probably a bid for introducing a few more colors into the dial, Seiko has opted for steel indices and seconds hand and gold-tone hour and minute hands.

It’s a rather odd choice in my opinion, but I do find it a little charming. Like the last few watches, it runs on the caliber 4R36 which gives you that helpful little day-date window.

Coutura SNE444 – $425

Seiko’s Coutura collection is one that is immediately polarizing because of its striking design. You either love it or you hate it. It’s in your face and not afraid to be loud.

Thanks to its many facets and the rich interplay of its two-tone surfaces, it’s really a watch that you can look at for a long time and still find more to admire.

I’ve decided, after long review, that the part I love most is the bracelet: it’s strikingly distinct from what I’ve seen before while also remaining rather simple from a far-away view.

The dial too, however, has a lot to be admired, from the striking diamond-set indices to the sector construction with a smooth finish in the center and radial grooves outside.

For versatility, this watch is solar-powered and can run for 10 months after a full charge. Effortless elegance at its finest!

Coutura SSC376 – $495

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more in-your-face, the Coutura found a way to be even louder. The SSC376 keeps the same essential silhouette of the case and bracelet, but the dial is at first glance a wasp’s nest of activity.

All those little dials and numbers provide you with a sizable variety of functions: alarm, power reserve, perpetual calendar, day, and date. I actually quite like the dial on this one.

With all that’s going on, it definitely could’ve bordered on the unreadable, but once you know what you’re looking at, it all makes sense.

Because of its full suite of features, you “only” get 6 months after a full charge. Oh well. I guess you’ll have to go outside now and again with this one…

Diamond Collection SUT068 – $450

Looking for a lovely ladies’ watch on a budget? I’ve got just the thing: this beautiful two-tone watch with a striking bezel design and a gorgeous opalescent mother-of-pearl dial. But most of all, your favorite part of this timepiece will be the real diamonds set in the bezel.

Yes, for only $450, those are actual diamonds. Not CZs or moissanite. That’s mind-blowing to me. Seiko value at its finest! But the rest of the watch is just as lovely as the diamonds set into its bezel.

Plus, with a solar-powered movement, you’ve got a beautiful luxury watch that you can buckle on and forget about.

Diamond Collection SUR581 – $485

The SUR581 is another gorgeous member of the Diamond Collection, with a much more restrained appearance than the SUT068. There’s no two-tone to be seen here, and the bezel is notably diamond-free.

Instead, the dial is left to be the real star of the show. The indices are set with, yes, real diamonds, and the rich sunray-finished blue of the dial is even more beautiful than the natural stones that adorn it.

I also really love the hands here, which are a nice broad dauphine style with ample lume so they’re legible in the dark. Unlike the SUT068, this is not a solar-powered watch, but thankfully its prodigious battery life means it’ll last a solid 3 years before needing a change.

Conclusion

Seiko has a lot to offer at extremely affordable prices, and even their very cheapest watches are still spectacular options for any budget. If you found anything you liked here, that’s perfect! If you didn’t, it’s still worth looking through Seiko’s catalog: there are many more excellent options at affordable prices that just don’t happen to be the absolute cheapest. Enjoy your next Seiko watch!