The must-have Macro Loupe for all watch lovers

Panzer watch for Seiko fans. This Japanese-made version features a robust 42mm case, water resistance to 200m, a screw-down crown, and the famous Seiko 5 automatic 7S36 movement. It also features a compass and a diving bezel. I used it every day for a long time, and it's very sturdy. The lume is very powerful, making it very visible at night. Any drawbacks? The compass isn't locked, so it can easily turn due to friction, and when measured with the two crowns, the size is substantial (it's a bit bulky).

Japanese Landshark

Seiko fan's personal opinion: a very beautiful, rather chunky watch, clearly not for a small wrist. It has a decidedly 70s look, and is magnificent with its iridescent green background. The touches of gold give it a decidedly retro look. It's comfortable to wear despite its size. Despite the basic mechanics, it's very precise, more so than others I own that are more expensive, which just goes to show...
Any flaws? Yes, first of all, the crown isn't screwed down, I know that might not be a problem, but I do. The bracelet, if it's impressive, when you touch it, you can see that it's cheap. And finally, the absolute worst part: no lume, clearly a major weakness. Despite this, I find it very nice; it looks dressy and goes well with a suit.

SNKM97 Seiko recraft watch

I will immediately clarify that my opinion is not objective, I am lobotomized by Seiko. The watch is magnificent, imposing, it is "diversifying", we have a mass on the wrist, we love it or we hate it, I love it. The background is magnificent, deep green with reliefs, it is well done. The reading of the time is very good, the lume is perfect as always with Seiko, the hands are perfect. Wearing the watch is very comfortable but I specify that I have a big wrist, possibly for a small wrist it will be too big, try it before buying if you are rather thin. The bracelet is typically in the spirit of the brand, it suits me after that it is a question of taste. The watch also comes with a blue rubber that I left in the box for the moment. The crown is imposing placed at 4 o'clock, personally I find that it is the best place. There you understand that I am satisfied with my watch. Any defects? Yes of course, the crown is not signed, neutral, I find that it is stingy at this price, and the precision, it is delayed by one minute every 15 days: it is not much but hey I have more precise. There you go I hope that I have made you want to buy this marvel.

Seiko Sumo SPB431J1 Steel bracelet and rubber strap

The Seiko brand, founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in the Ginza district of Tokyo, has become one of the most influential and respected watch companies in the world. Since the opening of its first store, Seiko has continued a path of constant growth and innovation.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Seiko brand</h2>
The year 1924 marked the first watch produced under the Seiko brand. The company continued to develop new technologies, and in 1956 it released the first self-winding wristwatch made in Japan. The real game-changer came in 1969 with the introduction of the Seiko Astron, the world's first quartz watch. This innovation not only changed the direction of Seiko but also revolutionized the entire watch industry.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Seiko solidified its reputation as a technological leader with the development of solar-powered watches and the introduction of professional divers' watches. In 2005, Seiko presented the Spring Drive, a unique movement combining the strength of mechanical watchmaking and the precision of quartz.
In recent years, Seiko has continued to innovate by creating eco-friendly watches and supporting various environmental initiatives. The brand is known for its commitment to quality, precision and sophisticated design.
<h2 dir="ltr">What are Seiko&rsquo;s iconic models?</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/prospex">Seiko Prospex</a></h3>
This collection is dedicated to those who seek adventure, whether underwater, on land or in the air. The Prospex offers solid cases, water resistance up to 200 meters, steel or silicone bracelets, and automatic or solar movement. These watches are often associated with professional divers and adventurers.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/presage">Seiko Presage</a></h3>
Bringing together the best of traditional Japanese watchmaking and modern design, the Presage offers stainless steel cases, leather straps, automatic movement, and exquisite dials. The collection is appreciated for its elegance and style.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/astron">Seiko Astron</a></h3>
This iconic collection represents Seiko innovation. With titanium or stainless steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, metal bracelets, solar quartz movement with GPS, the Astron continues to be at the cutting edge of technology.
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/seiko/5_sports">Seiko 5 Sports</a></h3>
The Seiko 5 Sports collection is a symbol of youth and dynamism. With steel cases, water resistance up to 100 meters, steel or fabric straps, and automatic movement, it is designed for the active lifestyle.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Seiko watch cost?</h2>
The prices of new Seiko watches change regularly and vary depending on the model. Most cost between &euro;500 and &euro;1,000 depending on the finishes. Price differences can be significant between the brand's different collections. For example, the price of a Seiko 5 fluctuates between &euro;200 and &euro;400 and the Seiko Prospex between &euro;300 and &euro;2,500. Prices also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Seiko.
<h2 dir="ltr">Seiko: An essential brand for starting out in watchmaking</h2>
Seiko is a brand that has charted its path through over a century of innovation and excellence. Its main models reflect a diverse range that meets the needs of sportsmen, divers, luxury enthusiasts and fashionable young people. Seiko's positioning in the watch landscape is unique, offering high quality watches at different price points, and remaining at the forefront of technology and design.
To find out more about these models, the brand's website is a useful information resource. Furthermore, the Dialicious owners' reviews are essential to making the right choice from this historic brand. Choosing a Seiko watch is more than a purchase; it&rsquo;s an investment in a piece of Japanese watchmaking history that continues to shape the future. Some may prefer <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/grand_seiko">Grand Seiko</a> but this is another journey...
Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_japanese_watch_brands">Ranking of the best japanese watch brands</a>, including Seiko.
(Updated November 2023)

The Seiko SNKM97 is a men's watch from the Seiko Recraft collection, featuring a retro style inspired by the 1970s. Here is a detailed description of its main features:

Case:

Cushion shape (square with rounded corners) typical of the 1970s.
Material: Stainless steel, with a brushed finish on the top and polished sides.
Diameter: 43.5 mm (which makes it rather substantial).
Thickness: Approximately 11.4 mm.
Screw-down, transparent caseback (exhibition case back) allows for a view of the movement.
Lug width: 24 mm.
Water resistance: 50 meters (5 bar), which protects it from splashes and accidental immersion, but is not suitable for swimming or diving.

Dial:

Color: Deep emerald green with a sunburst effect that dynamically catches the light.
Indexes: Applied, gold-toned, generously sized, contributing to the vintage style.
Hands: Skeletonized, gold-toned hour and minute hands with black tips. Bright orange central seconds hand adds a touch of contrast and visibility.
Day and date window at 3 o'clock, with a gold outline and black inscriptions on a white background (the day can be displayed in English or Spanish).
Black and green minute track with silver markers and numerals on the outer flange.

Movement:

Caliber: Seiko 7S26, a robust and reliable self-winding mechanical movement (21 jewels, 21,600 vibrations per hour).
Power reserve: Approximately 40 hours.
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, and date.
The 7S26 movement does not have a "stop-second" (hacking) function, meaning the seconds hand does not stop when the crown is pulled out to set the time.

Bracelet:

Material: Stainless steel, with a brushed finish and polished side links.
Clasp Type: Seiko-branded double-security folding clasp with push buttons.
Bracelet Width: 24 mm at the lugs, tapering to 18-20 mm at the clasp for comfort.
Other Features:

Crystal: Scratch-resistant Hardlex (hardened mineral crystal).
Luminescence (no luminous material on the hands and indexes) can make reading the time difficult in low light conditions.

In summary, the Seiko SNKM97 is an automatic watch with a bold, retro design, featuring an attractive green sunray dial accented with gold accents and an orange seconds hand. Its substantial case size and cushion shape give it a noticeable presence on the wrist. It is powered by a proven Seiko automatic movement, offering good value for money for vintage-style watch lovers.

Often-mentioned strengths:

Unique and eye-catching retro design.
Gorgeous green sunray dial.
Good value for a Seiko automatic watch.
Comfortable to wear despite its size thanks to the case shape and well-designed bracelet.
Transparent case back allows for a view of the movement.

Often-mentioned weaknesses:

Relatively large size (43.5 mm) which may not fit all wrists.
Lack of luminescence.
Stainless steel bracelet, perceived as "entry-level" by some.
7S26 movement without stop-seconds. Water resistance limited to 50 meters.

Automatic and Bold: The Seiko SNKM97, Retro Style

A beautifully crafted 70s-look watch with a Seiko 7s26 automatic movement with a 41-hour power reserve. I fell for the look of this watch, which is a bit big all the same with a diameter of 43.5mm but which sits well on my wrist despite everything. The quality/price/pleasure ratio is always there at Seiko. It's a nice watch that I wear from time to time and that I enjoy wearing on its original metal bracelet or on a Barton brand rally-type leather strap or on an olive green nato strap from Sniper Bay.

Seiko Recraft Series SNKM97

Atelier Jalaper est une marque horlog&egrave;re franco-belge fond&eacute;e en 2019 par Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper. Elle se distingue par une approche unique qui fusionne l'horlogerie traditionnelle avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile en int&eacute;grant des &eacute;l&eacute;ments authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires dans ses montres.
<h3>Origines et Fondation</h3>
Louis Jalaber et Simon Szleper se sont rencontr&eacute;s lors de leurs &eacute;tudes &agrave; l'ESCP Europe, partageant une passion commune pour l'horlogerie et l'automobile. Leur ambition &eacute;tait de cr&eacute;er une montre qui ne se contenterait pas de s'inspirer du design automobile, mais qui int&eacute;grerait v&eacute;ritablement une partie de l'histoire automobile. Cette vision les a conduits &agrave; fonder Atelier Jalaper en 2019.
<h3>Concept et Philosophie</h3>
La philosophie d'Atelier Jalaper repose sur l'id&eacute;e de donner une nouvelle vie &agrave; des voitures embl&eacute;matiques en les int&eacute;grant dans des montres de haute qualit&eacute;. Chaque garde-temps est con&ccedil;u avec des cadrans fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de voitures l&eacute;gendaires, offrant ainsi aux passionn&eacute;s une connexion tangible avec l'histoire automobile.
<h3>Collections et Mod&egrave;les</h3>
Collection DB5
La premi&egrave;re collection d'Atelier Jalaper rend hommage &agrave; l'Aston Martin DB5, une ic&ocirc;ne des ann&eacute;es 1960. Les cadrans de ces montres sont d&eacute;coup&eacute;s dans le capot en aluminium d'une v&eacute;ritable DB5, conf&eacute;rant &agrave; chaque pi&egrave;ce une patine unique. La collection comprend quatre mod&egrave;les :
<ul>
<li>AJ001-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ001-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
<li>AJ002-S : Mod&egrave;le avec affichage du jour et de la date, bo&icirc;tier en acier inoxydable</li>
<li>AJ002-B : Version avec bo&icirc;tier en PVD noir</li>
</ul>
Ces montres sont &eacute;quip&eacute;es de mouvements automatiques Miyota, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche de 42 heures.
Collection Miura
La deuxi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Lamborghini Miura, souvent consid&eacute;r&eacute;e comme la premi&egrave;re supercar au monde. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques de la Miura, et la collection propose plusieurs variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-P400-V : Version avec r&eacute;haut vert</li>
<li>AJ-P400-N : Version avec r&eacute;haut noir</li>
<li>AJ-P400-O : Version avec r&eacute;haut orange</li>
<li>AJ-P400-B : Version avec r&eacute;haut bleu</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage manuel Sellita SW270-1 M, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 45 heures.
Collection Jaguar Type E
La troisi&egrave;me collection s'inspire de la Jaguar Type E, l'une des autos les plus reconnaissables entre toutes. Les cadrans sont fabriqu&eacute;s &agrave; partir de pi&egrave;ces authentiques d'une Jaguar Type E semi-lightweight de 1962, et la collection propose deux variantes :
<ul>
<li>AJ-003-B : Version au cadran stri&eacute;</li>
<li>AJ-003-W : Version au cadran noir anodis&eacute;</li>
</ul>
Ces mod&egrave;les sont anim&eacute;s par des mouvements &agrave; remontage automatique Sellita SW300-1, offrant une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 42 heures.
<h3>Processus de Fabrication et Savoir-Faire</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collabore avec des artisans et des experts horlogers bas&eacute;s &agrave; La Chaux-de-Fonds, en Suisse, pour assurer une qualit&eacute; exceptionnelle. Le processus de fabrication implique une d&eacute;coupe pr&eacute;cise des pi&egrave;ces automobiles pour cr&eacute;er des cadrans uniques, suivie d'un assemblage minutieux pour garantir la fiabilit&eacute; et l'esth&eacute;tique de chaque montre.
<h3>Engagement envers l'Authenticit&eacute; et l'Innovation</h3>
La marque s'engage &agrave; pr&eacute;server l'authenticit&eacute; des mat&eacute;riaux utilis&eacute;s tout en innovant dans le design et la fonctionnalit&eacute;. Chaque montre est num&eacute;rot&eacute;e et porte en elle l'&acirc;me de la voiture dont elle est issue, offrant aux collectionneurs et aux passionn&eacute;s une pi&egrave;ce de l'histoire automobile &agrave; leur poignet.
<h3>R&eacute;ception et Perspectives d'Avenir</h3>
Depuis son lancement, Atelier Jalaper a re&ccedil;u des retours positifs pour son concept novateur et la qualit&eacute; de ses montres. La marque continue d'explorer de nouvelles collaborations avec des voitures l&eacute;gendaires, &eacute;largissant ainsi sa collection et renfor&ccedil;ant sa position unique &agrave; l'intersection de l'horlogerie et de l'automobile.
En conclusion, Atelier Jalaper se distingue par sa capacit&eacute; &agrave; fusionner l'art horloger avec l'h&eacute;ritage automobile, cr&eacute;ant des montres qui racontent une histoire unique et offrent une exp&eacute;rience &eacute;motionnelle aux passionn&eacute;s des deux univers.
Inspirez-vous des avis clients Dialicious pour choisir la montre Atelier Jalaper qui vous convient le mieux. D&eacute;couvrez &eacute;galement le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_de_sports_mecaniques">classement des marques de montres inspir&eacute;es du sport automobile</a>.
(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2025)

Atelier Jalaper is a Franco-Belgian watch brand founded in 2019 by Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper. It is distinguished by a unique approach that merges traditional watchmaking with automotive heritage by integrating authentic elements of legendary cars into its watches.
<h3 dir="ltr">Origins and Foundation</h3>
Louis Jalaber and Simon Szleper met during their studies at ESCP Europe, sharing a common passion for watchmaking and automobiles. Their ambition was to create a watch that would not only be inspired by automotive design, but would truly incorporate a part of automotive history. This vision led them to found Atelier Jalaper in 2019.
<h3 dir="ltr">Concept and Philosophy</h3>
Atelier Jalaper's philosophy is based on the idea of ​​giving new life to iconic cars by integrating them into high-quality watches. Each timepiece is designed with dials made from authentic parts from legendary cars, providing enthusiasts with a tangible connection to automotive history.
<h3 dir="ltr">Collections and Models</h3>
Collection DB5
Atelier Jalaper's first collection pays homage to the Aston Martin DB5, an icon of the 1960s. The dials of these watches are cut from the aluminum cover of a real DB5, giving each piece a unique patina. The collection includes four models:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-S: Model with date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ001-B:&nbsp;Version with black PVD case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-S: Model with day and date display, stainless steel case
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ002-B: Version with black PVD case
</li>
</ul>
These watches are equipped with Miyota automatic movements, offering a power reserve of 42 hours.
Collection Miura
The second collection is inspired by the Lamborghini Miura, often considered the world's first supercar. The dials are made from authentic Miura parts, and the collection offers several variations:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-V: Version with green flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-N: Version with black flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-O: Version with orange flange
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-P400-B: Version with blue flange
</li>
</ul>
These models are powered by Sellita SW270-1 M hand-wound movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.
Jaguar E-Type Collection
The third collection is inspired by the Jaguar E-Type, one of the most recognizable cars of all. The dials are made from genuine parts from a 1962&nbsp;Jaguar E-Type semi-lightweight, and the collection offers two variants:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-B: Version with vertically brushed dial
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
AJ-003-W: Version with black anodized dial
</li>
</ul>
These models are driven by Sellita SW300-1 self-winding movements, offering a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
<h3 dir="ltr">Manufacturing Process and Know-How</h3>
Atelier Jalaper collaborates with artisans and watchmaking experts based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to ensure exceptional quality. The manufacturing process involves precise cutting of automotive parts to create unique dials, followed by careful assembly to ensure the reliability and aesthetics of each watch.
<h3 dir="ltr">Commitment to Authenticity and Innovation</h3>
The brand is committed to preserving the authenticity of the materials used while innovating in design and functionality. Each watch is numbered and carries within it the soul of the car from which it comes, offering collectors and enthusiasts a piece of automotive history on their wrist.
<h3 dir="ltr">Reception and Future Prospects</h3>
Since its launch, Atelier Jalaper has received positive feedback for its innovative concept and the quality of its watches. The brand continues to explore new collaborations with legendary cars, expanding its collection and strengthening its unique position at the intersection of watchmaking and automobiles.&nbsp;In conclusion, Atelier Jalaper stands out for its ability to merge the art of watchmaking with automotive heritage, creating watches that tell a unique story and offer an emotional experience to enthusiasts of both worlds.
Take inspiration from Dialicious customer reviews to choose the Atelier Jalaper watch that suits you best. Also discover the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_brands_of_motor_sports_watches">ranking of watch brands inspired by motorsport</a>.
(Updated March 2025)

The Seiko Recraft collection is a series of watches that combines the vintage aesthetics of decades past with modern technology, providing a unique watchmaking experience. These watches are inspired by designs from the 60s and 70s, while incorporating reliable automatic movements and contemporary materials.
<h3 dir="ltr">Design and Aesthetics</h3>
One of the most striking aspects of the Recraft collection is its retro design. Dials often feature bold colors such as emerald green, deep blue and classic black, with sunburst finishes that catch the light elegantly. The cases, usually made of stainless steel, feature cushioned or rectangular shapes, reminiscent of popular styles from previous decades. Applied hour markers and dauphine hands add a touch of sophistication, while some models incorporate elements such as orange-colored seconds hands for a striking contrast.
<h3 dir="ltr">Movement and Performance</h3>
The Recraft series watches are equipped with Seiko's 7S26 automatic movement, a 21-jewel caliber known for its robustness and reliability. This movement offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Although the 7S26 does not allow manual winding or stopping the seconds (hacking function), it has proven itself in many of the brand's models and is appreciated for its durability.
<h3 dir="ltr">Comfort and Portability</h3>
With case diameters ranging from 40mm to 44mm, Recraft watches offer a noticeable presence on the wrist without being overly imposing. Stainless steel or genuine leather straps ensure comfortable wearing and suit various occasions, whether it's a business environment or a casual outing. The ergonomic design of the cases and straps ensures that the watches fit well on a variety of wrist sizes.
<h3 dir="ltr">Additional Features</h3>
In addition to the time display, many models in the Recraft collection offer additional features such as day and date display. These practical complications are generally located at 3 o'clock and are easy to read thanks to clear typography. Some models also offer water resistance of up to 50 meters, making them suitable for everyday use and occasional exposure to water.
<h3 dir="ltr">Value for money</h3>
One of the strong points of the Recraft collection is its excellent value for money. The watches in this series offer reliable automatic movements, careful design and quality finishing, all at an affordable price. This combination makes it an attractive choice for watch enthusiasts looking for an automatic watch with a vintage aesthetic without compromising quality.
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
The Seiko Recraft collection succeeds in capturing the essence of retro design while offering the benefits of modern watchmaking technology. Whether you're an avid collector or simply looking for a stylish and reliable watch, Recraft models are a worthy option.
For a detailed review of the Seiko Recraft Series, check out the Dialicious customer reviews.
(Updated March 2025)

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