Seiko SNE479 Review - The Sleekest Seiko You've Never Heard Of
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Wristwatches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From tiny field watches to gigantic monstrosities, there really is something out there for everyone. Nevertheless, I didn’t see this one coming.
One of my favourite parts of this community is that we are always trying to help each other out with different suggestions. I see plenty of people recommending Seiko 5 watches, such as those featured in my last post. While they are great watches, they’re not always appropriate. I think it’s rare that someone after a slim quartz fashion piece would want something like a traditional and fairly chunky mechanical Seiko. They simply don’t fill the same niche.
What if we looked outside of the Seiko 5 range though?
That’s what I did a few weeks back when I stumbled upon this; the Seiko SNE479. To me, this Seiko looks nothing like any Seiko I’ve come across before. In fact, I’m wondering if this could almost be the ultimate replacement to some of the stereotypical ‘fashion watches’ out there? I have the watch linked throughout this post, if you want to take a look yourself, thanks to Amazon for covering the cost of this for the review. You have the sleek looks, but does the rest of it stack up? Let’s peel it back, layer by layer…
Watch Dimensions
The first thing you notice is the slim profile. At just 8.7mm in thickness, it sits flush to the wrist and though the 40.5mm diameter is wider than many traditional Seiko’s, it’s kept in check by the rather short 45.8mm lug to lug; which includes the protruding links.
Case & Bracelet
The large dial is accentuated by the very thin case surround, which is almost indiscernible from above. This combination of a large dial squished into a slightly smaller, skinnier package results in a round watch that is well-accommodated to most wrist sizes. The only caveat is that the unique lug design does restrict the flexibility of the bracelet, to an extent where the very largest wrists may struggle to find a comfortable fit.
Unfortunately, standardised straps won’t fit here either, so you’re more than likely stuck with the stock option. Thankfully the quality is good. This houses solid links throughout, with a pleasing alternating brushed and polished surface and a push-button clasp for pain-free removal. It looks great, fitting the retro look of the watch, with only one real downside. There are no micro-adjustment holes on the clasp; meaning those with specific wrist sizes like mine will struggle to find a comfortable setting. In its current state, the clasp visually integrates nicely but it’s either too loose or too tight when another link is removed, which sucks. It might be worth purchasing an alternative 20mm clasp that provides this basic feature; though it may not look quite at home with the distinct styling. While that is disappointing, it’s leagues better than most Seiko 5 bracelets which belong in the garbage.
The stainless-steel case features a polished finish, including the rather impractical crown, which features no grip whatsoever. Luckily, you’ll barely be touching it due to the movement choice which I’ll touch on in a second. Flipping the watch over reveals the brushed steel solid rear, which secures the limited 30m water resistance rating. You don’t want to be getting this watch wet if you can help it.
Arguably the most distinctive feature of this piece is the dark grey bezel, which protects the circumference of the flat Hardlex crystal. I’m yet to see one quite like this, which contrasts so strikingly with the case beneath.
Watch Dial
That dark colourway continues through to the dial, which exudes a similar grey-black hue; this time featuring a strong sunburst effect that makes this watch look all the more classy. It’s paired with a similarly reflective raised inner section around the circumference and a black date window that blends in very nicely.
The design features very little clutter, with the only notable features being the tiny, dull hour markers and the two areas of text. One is the silver applied Seiko logo, whilst the other reveals this watch’s party trick. Indeed, this piece is powered by a solar quartz movement. A portion of the dial features photovoltaic cells, which convert light into electrical energy, for storage in a rechargeable cell contained within the watch. This stored energy can then be used to power the movement when light is no longer available.
Movement
The SNE479 is rated as having a 10-month power reserve when fully charged, which is incredible when compared to the likes of a mechanical watch. This all but removes the need to ever have to change the battery; which is not only great for the environment but your wallet too. It works not only with sunlight but will also charge using indoor lights to a lesser extent.
Functionally it’s excellent and visually it looks refined enough to make it viable as a dressy and casual piece. The watch is only available in this dark colourway, which does inhibit legibility rather significantly. Fortunately, those lighter hands do provide some contrast so you can just about read the time but they also have no luminescence, so it still won’t be winning any low-light awards.
I have to say though, this unit is excellently aligned, with the second hand hitting the indices precisely and with very low recoil as it completes its 360-degree journey. It’s my first time with one of these V157 movements and my impressions are very positive.
Final Thoughts
Slim watches are very popular among non-watch folk due to their visual benefits and lots of fashion brands are pushing out pieces of junk in these thin packages to cater to those desires. When I was newer to watches I wasn’t particularly into the more traditional brands like Seiko as their popular models all seemed to be quite thick for my thin wrist. It’s nice to see them trying something new with this model, perhaps they can capture some of that audience?
Do I think the beauty is only skin deep though?
Well, for a retail price of just over £100 at the time of recording, I think you still get a solid amount for the money. The construction feels good and the watch looks very sleek and minimalist. Sure, you don’t get the automatic movement found in the likes of a Seiko 5 but you have the benefits of a solar system and a much more durable bracelet that doesn’t feel like it’s made out of a tin can.
If you’re after a Seiko that doesn’t look anything like your other Seikos, this offers an original take on minimalism that I think you might enjoy; for a price comparable to many poorer-constructed fashion brand alternatives.
