Seiko Recraft Automatic Watch SNKN45 Review

seiko recraft automatic watch snkn45 review

You might have seen these relatively low-priced Seiko automatics floating around lately. They’re part of Seiko’s Recraft collection and seem like a bargain for an automatic watch. PRAKTICALA has its Seiko Recraft Automatic Watch SNKN45 review below – take a look at what we think!

Seiko Recraft automatic watch SNKN45 review

Seiko describes their Recraft collection of watches rather ambiguously as “forging the past and present” into a series of retro-styled timepieces.

seiko recraft automatic watch snkn45 review

While the SNKN45, like other Recraft models, throws back to the design sensibilities of the mid-20th century, it doesn’t necessarily invoke Seiko’s older watch designs, like the classic Seiko 5 (which also happens to be my favorite watch ever).

seiko recraft automatic watch snkn45 review

It sports a 44mm case in polished gunmetal stainless steel, along with a scratch-resistant Hardlex dial crystal. The watch face itself ditches numeral hour markings in favor of accented hash marks, much like the famous Swiss railway clock face. A convenient day/date function rests at the 3 o’clock position (just like on the Seiko 5).

The black leather strap, perforated with red accents, lends a modern and interesting appeal. Overall, the watch certainly garners attention, and is better suited for casual situations rather than formal or business events.



The construction

The Recraft watches are powered by either automatic mechanical movements or a solar-powered batteries. The SNKN45, with its Malaysian-made automatic movement, winds itself using your natural arm movements. Under normal, everyday-wear conditions, this negates the need to “charge” or manually wind the watch.

Like the Seiko 5, the SNKN45 lacks the ability to be manually wound by turning the crown, so if you want to wind the watch, you’ll have to give it a few good shakes.

seiko recraft automatic watch snkn45 review

You can see the automatic movement through the Hardlex caseback, which reveals its Malaysia origin stamp. (Seiko manufactures many of their watches in Malaysia, including my awesome Seiko 5.)

seiko recraft automatic watch snkn45 review

In addition, it’s water resistant up to 5 bar, or 50 meters / 165 feet, so you should be able to splash water on it occasionally without issue.

Conclusion

PROS: Great quality for the price, especially for an automatic watch from a great brand. Looks cool.

CONS: Not quite as solid-feeling as the Seiko 5. Trendy design may not be for those who prefer classic or more formal styling.

seiko recraft automatic watch snkn45 review

With its automatic movement, trendy (but not gaudy) design, quality materials, and reputable manufacturer, the SNKN45 makes a good “starter” watch for making your way up to higher-end Japanese and Swiss automatics. Between this and some fashion-branded quartz poser, it’s a no-brainer.

For a more classic look in the same price range, you may want to check out the Seiko 5 (my personal favorite) or a Citizen Eco-Drive.

You can find the SNKN45 here, as well as several other Recraft collection watches here.

seiko recraft automatic watch snkn45 review

What are your thoughts on the Seiko Recraft automatic watch? Leave a comment below!

 

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