Here is a vintage style Seiko (model# SNKM97K) that was released recently. It is inspired by the seventies design as shown in its cushion case and dial colour.
Here is a quick look at the SNKM97K.
Dial:
– 70’s style green and hour markers.
– gold accent matches very well with the green dial.
Case:
– cushion case with flat crystal.
Caseback:
– see-through caseback.
– watch is powered by the 7S26C movement (non-hack/handwind).
Bracelet:
– brushed outer links and polished center link.
– folded end links.
– folding clasp with push button lock.
Hangtags:
This watch is distributed in Singapore by Thong Sia Company. List price is SGD259.00 inclusive of GST. Price shown is for reference only. Please note that I am not a watch seller.
Diameter: 44mm excluding crown
Lug width: 24mm
Thickness: 11mm
Water resistance: 5 Bar
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Seiko SNKM97K featured in this post is provided by:
K2 Watch Company
845 Geylang Road, Tanjong Katong Complex
#03-K1. Singapore 400845
Tel: 6746 0270
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Yeoman's Watch Review 
Wow, that is indeed a beauty, Thomas! Why did it take Seiko so long to realize that there’s no shortage of cushion cased Seiko collectors around the world? I really like the green dial and Seiko is very adept at making semi-matte (or semi-shiny) green and blue dials.
The SNMK97K is not marketed under the Seiko 5 family and it’s very rare for the company to do that. If I’m not mistaken, the large sized, SNFK05K,07K,09K and 11K were the last 7s26 models that were not sold as a Seiko 5 or a diver’s watch. This watch’s dial layout and hands remind me of one of the Orient 3-Star low end automatics though. There appears to be no lume, therefore this is designed as a dress watch.
Is the SNMK97K the only one of its kind or are there other variations of this timepiece? 🙂
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I also notice once in a while Seiko will release a model that does not belong to the Seiko 5 line. You are right, last time it was the BFS. This time round it is this model.
Here are the other variants (picture taken from the Internet):
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Hi Thomas,
Thanks for including the catalog pics of the SNKM97K’s brethren. The scanned image looks like the catalog was really from the 70s! 🙂 I’m surprised that Seiko is now using a 4-character prefix for these models. “SNK” models have been mostly the base Seiko 5 automatics and except for JDM models, Seiko usually sticks to the three-character prefix for their international (non-Japan market) watches.
I guess they’re running out of letters since the company has used up all the numbers with the “SNK” prefix; therefore they had to use “SNKA” at one time. The letters “I” and “O”, to my best knowledge have never been used as they can be mistaken for the numbers “1” and “0” respectively.
I remember there were a few folks on the SCWF discussion board who particularly didn’t like the “Seiko 5” logo – probably for the same reasons some people don’t like the Orient crest. 🙂
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If they keep releasing more, one day they will reach SNKZ. 🙂
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Hi Yeoman,
Thanks for the review, and I do enjoy all your reviews. 🙂
It really look nice. craving sets in. 😛
Any idea why the movement is 7S26? left over stock?
Is this the only model with this design?
Supa4 🙂
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Seiko is still making the 7S movement and this watch is using the latest 7S26C.
There are other colour variants. Do a check on the internet and you will find them.
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Hi Yeoman,
This watch’s popularity is approaching BFS levels in the Philippines again – and is informally called the BFR (Big Fat Retro) at PWC.
Specific models (SNKN01 and N02) are always sold out even online.
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Nice to hear that, Tobey. Nice community you have over there.
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I was just at the mall doing some last minute holiday shopping and happened to see 1 SNKN01 just sitting pretty in the glass of the JCPenny retail store. I had to put it on and told my wife it looked so vintage and loved the look with the leather band. Sure enough it was on sale and she got it for me for Xmas. It is back in the box and now I can’t touch it/wear it till I open it on Xmas day. Def a great find walking through the mall.
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Not sure if my previous comment went through since my Safari force quit. I mentioned that I happened to be doing some holiday shopping today at the mall and my wife and I walked into our retail store JCPenny. I happened to see 1 SNKN01 just sitting there standing out from all the other watches and I had to put it on. I told my wife it looked so vintage and loved the look with the black leather band. It was on sale and it is now my Xmas present. What a great random find and can’t wait till I can open it again to wear on Xmas Day!
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That’s a nice Xmas present. Congrats on your new watch.
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Excellent review! I know you’re not a reseller, however could you point out where to buy online? I really like this watch, but i’m in Europe …
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It is very new. May take a while for online sellers to have stock.
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Thanks, found one on ebay.com. Can’t wait to receive it 😉
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please could you tell me if you find this watch in europe ……????
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did you buy it from a european seller ,please i’m going mad to buy this watch
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Sorry, I live in Singapore. Not sure if this model is available in Europe. Please google the model number and see it is available online.
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yeoman,
my friend who collect seiko longer than me told me the 7s26 movement inside the gear is a lot of plastic gear which wear off eventually if not wear on a regular basis. if one adjust the date movement often, it will wear off the wheel. what ur thoughts on this?
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I understand that it uses a plastic gear for the day mechanism. I am of the opinion that it will last for many years if you use it correctly. To avoid breaking the plastic component, it is best to avoid adjusting the day/date when the time is between 10.30pm to 3.30am.
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Hi Yeoman,
May i know where you bought it at in singapore?Looking to purchase one.Thanks.
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I didn’t buy this model but K2 has this a while ago.
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I saw this watch at Macy’s and got for $165.00 after discount. They had the other ones as well but I liked the way this one looked the best. I love the look, nice and retro just like my old turntable.
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Congrats!
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the only thing i am hardly missing on the nice green dial of the SNKM97K are phosphor dots.
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