Watch Almanac

Affordable

Is Seiko a good watch brand?

Yes. Seiko makes nearly every part of its watches itself, from the movements to the hairsprings, and at every price from $100 to Grand Seiko it gives more watch for the money than almost anyone.

Below, the numbers behind that: 49 current Seiko watches we've measured, what they use inside, and what they sell for once they're used.

List prices
$250–$3,300
median $585
Mechanical
86%
of 49 with a known movement
Sapphire crystal
51%
eBay ask vs list
100%
#3 of 18 brands

What Seiko does well

  • Fully in-house movements, unusual at this price
  • Huge range: 5 Sports, Presage, Prospex, King Seiko, all with different characters
  • Strong used market and an enormous modding community

What to watch out for

  • Entry automatics like the 4R36 are rated only to −35/+45 seconds a day
  • Cheaper models use Hardlex rather than sapphire crystal
  • Prospex and Presage prices have risen sharply over the last few years

Is Seiko a luxury brand?

Seiko itself is mostly affordable to mid-priced. Its top line, Grand Seiko, became a separate brand in 2017 and competes with Rolex and Omega.

What's inside

Of the 49 Seiko watches we've measured with a known movement: 42 automatic, 4 solar and 3 quartz. The movements are made by Seiko (49).

See every movement on its caliber page.

Do Seiko watches hold their value?

Across the 35 Seiko references we track on eBay every day, the median asking price is 100% of list. That puts Seiko at #3 of 18 brands we track; the typical brand is at 88%. Its watches ask more used than new, a sign of demand outrunning supply.

Asking prices, not sold prices, from live eBay listings. See the market tracker for every reference.

Where to start with Seiko

Or see every Seiko watch with its measurements.

Questions

Is Seiko a good watch brand?
Yes. Seiko makes nearly every part of its watches itself, from the movements to the hairsprings, and at every price from $100 to Grand Seiko it gives more watch for the money than almost anyone.
Is Seiko a luxury brand?
Seiko itself is mostly affordable to mid-priced. Its top line, Grand Seiko, became a separate brand in 2017 and competes with Rolex and Omega.
Do Seiko watches hold their value?
On eBay, Seiko watches are listed at a median 100% of their list price, across the 35 references we track daily. That ranks 3 of 18 brands we track; the median brand is at 88%.
Where are Seiko watches made?
Seiko is based in Japan and was founded in 1881, owned by Seiko Group Corporation. Of the Seiko watches we've measured, the movements come from Seiko (49).