Kinetic watches are some of the greatest innovations from Seiko. They combine the power of both mechanical and quartz watches. In this article, we’ll list down the best Seiko kinetic watches in different types of timepieces. This highlights the flexibility and uniqueness of this new platform that Seiko offers.
| Our Top Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
My Favorite Choice Read Our Review | Seiko SKA371
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Seiko SUN023
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Seiko SKA366
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Seiko Coutura SRN064
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Seiko SKA723
| Read Our Review |
Read Our Review | Seiko SKA727
| Read Our Review |
Best Seiko Kinetic Dive Watches
Seiko SKA371
- Solid feel being made from stainless steel
- Can be brought to any informal outdoor trips
- Water resistance makes it capable of withstanding light dives
- LumiBrite technology makes the lume safer and easier to read
- The size of the dial may be small compared to the total case size
- Thick case + heavy weight makes people either love it or hate it
Analyzing the overall design of the watch, the SKA371 exudes a sleek and cool design fit for an outdoor timepiece. It is entirely made out of stainless steel, with a few touches of black to complement the appearance of the watch. Its bezel is black, highlighting the white numbers for its minute marks. Its white hour markers also fit the black dial design.
It’s worth noting that the case is thicker than quarts or other normal automatic watches since the kinetic mechanism inside takes more space. Don’t be fooled, it actually looks bigger than its real size.
Key features of the Seiko SKA371 include its 5M62 caliber which helps keep good time and the LumiBrite technology allowing a safe, clear, and radiant lume for the timepiece. It is an excellent companion for outdoor adventures especially for water sports.
Being a dive watch, the SKA371 features its 200m water resistance that is ISO 6425 certified. When underwater, the lume shines brightly and clearly for hours using the timepiece’s LumiBrite technology. This makes it easier to read the time underwater and even at night.
Features:
Seiko Men’s SKA371 Kinetic Dive Watch | |
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.8 mm |
| Dial | Hardlex |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Uni-directional |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Overall the SKA371 is a great kinetic timepiece from Seiko. Being a diver’s watch, it opens up a lot of potential to where and when you can bring it. The design makes it more dress-worthy, giving a cool and sleek feel to its entire appearance. As a dive watch, its bright lume and 200m water resistance makes it great for scuba diving and other water sports.
Seiko SUN023
- Bezel and dial design makes it very easy to see and identify
- LumiBrite technology brings a bright lume for the recognizable dial
- Its large size and weight is a welcome preference for its functions
- Rubber strap may not be to everyone’s preference
The design for the Prospex SUN023 is fun and sporty, showing quite detailed work. It features large and legible hands, markers, and symbols to help people reading the watch underwater or at night. It has orange and white bezel markers with the dial being as equally playful with its color scheme. It has white hour markers, orange minute hand, blue and white hour markers both symbolizing local and set hour.
For the internal machinations of the Prospex SUN023, it is powered with the 5M85 caliber, offering more charge retention than its predecessors. The 200m water resistance makes this dive watch excellent for water sports and for dives. Utilizing LumiBrite technology, it offers a great and long-lasting sight for the watch when diving, something that avid enthusiasts will appreciate.
Features:
Seiko Prospex SUN023 Kinetic Watch | |
| Case Size | 48 mm |
| Case Thickness | 15 mm |
| Dial | Hardlex |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Polyurethane |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Uni-directional |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters |
The Prospex SUN023 features a cool and fun take on this kinetic diver’s watch. Rated at 200m, it is excellent for scuba diving and for other water sports. It has a unique dial that is color-coded to its different hands, making it easier to use on dives or at night. Adding its LumiBrite features make it much easier to read. It is fit for informal and outdoor adventures.
Best Seiko Kinetic Dress Watches
Seiko SKA366
- Two-toned timepiece that is very attractive yet subtle
- Very classy and can be brought on formal to casual trips
- As a dress watch, the 100m water resistance is high compared to others with just 50m
- Lume may not be as bright as other watches
- The black tone may not be suitable users with darker skin
As a dress watch, the Seiko SKA366 features an eye-catching design. The two tones create a subtle, yet obvious aesthetic that may not be obvious at first sight, but a second look at its black steel façade and gold strips will definitely turn you around when noticed.
It is a kinetic timepiece powered by Seiko’s 5M62 caliber. It has a 39.5mm case diameter that fits just right. It is a fully stainless steel watch whose colors define its character. There is a calendar placed on the 4 o’clock mark which is a subtle move from the usual 3 o’clock placement. The gold accents are found along the stripes, its crown, bezel, hour markers, and hands.
Features:
Seiko Men’s SKA366 Stainless Steel Two-Tone Kinetic Dress Watch | |
| Case Size | 39.5 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.2 mm |
| Dial | Hardlex |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
The Seiko SKA366 is a dress watch that bares its charm subtly. It is a two-toned timepiece that features gold on black for its colors, an excellent combination for special occasions. Its water resistance is a welcome addition, giving it resistance when accidentally spilled with water. It’s also noteworthy that Seiko’s water resistant technology is one of the most reliable in the market, so you’re assured of quality.
Seiko Coutura SRN064
- A bold timepiece utilizing the tones of white and gold
- Commands attention through its dial along with its stainless steel band
- Light water resistance gives basic protection against water
- May feel heavy compared to how it looks
The design of the Coutura Retrograde leans to the clean and simple side of watch aesthetics. It has a silver band with gold accents that appear on the dial, bezel, and the middle row of the band. This middle row is a unique look because of its sharpness, unlike normal triple-row bracelets. The bezel is enveloped by a gold lining at the outer edge.
The dial is a unique wonder on its own. Although it has a simple white background, it has gold hands and hour markers. The addition of the day-of-the-week indicator adds flair along with a date window at 3 o’clock.
The Coutura Retrograde plays along the features of a kinetic timepiece. It is a dress watch powered by the caliber 5M84, offering a reliable movement along its kinetic properties. It is a practical offering from Seiko playing with the idea of arm swings powering the luxurious piece. The 100m water resistance rating is also a great waterproofing addition that prevents unnecessary trouble with water.
Features:
Seiko Men’s Coutura Kinetic Retrograde Watch | |
| Case Size | 44 mm |
| Case Thickness | 11.8 mm |
| Dial | Synthetic Sapphire |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Stainless Steel |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
The Seiko Men’s Coutura Retrograde is a bold timepiece that draws attention to it immediately. It features a stainless steel embellished by gold. The dial is also unique through its day-of-the-week calendar accompanied by a day feature. If you opt for a dress watch that is sure to capture attention, this is the timepiece for you. Brave, bold, and unique describes the watch.
Best Seiko Kinetic Field Watches
Seiko SKA723
- The simplicity and casual feel of the watch makes it easy to wear anywhere
- Its design makes it very easy to pair up with any style of clothing
- 100m water resistance give it some protection against accidental dips
- Large dial numerals make it easy to glance at
- Some may think the leather strap lacks design
The look of the Seiko SKA723 is straight to the point. It features a stainless steel case, a brown leather strap, and simple markers at the dial. This creates the overall character of the timepiece. It is casual and sturdy, fitting a lot of outfits and can be brought from informal outings, outdoor adventures, and even formal gatherings.
The SKA723 field watch is powered by Seiko’s 5M82 caliber. A recent version compared to other calibers, it is aligned to help with the watch’s sturdiness while remaining efficient. As a kinetic timepiece, it still relies on your movements to keep ticking. This makes its large demographic fitting as it can be brought anywhere, helping it remain wound up every time.
Features:
Seiko Kinetic SKA723 Beige Dial Brown Leather Band Men’s Watch | |
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12 mm |
| Dial | Synthetic Sapphire |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Calf skin |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
The Seiko SKA723 offers a casual field watch that boasts simplicity and ease of matching up with. If you opt for a timepiece that has its basic functions set and is extremely easy to style with, then this is for you. The large dial makes it easy to look at and its design makes it dress-worthy to almost any occasion.
Seiko SKA727
- A simple and bold timepiece that is easy to get used to
- The design makes it easy to dress up with casually
- Large dial markers make it easy to read time immediately
- Added protection of 100m water resistance
- The strap design may feel cheap for some users as they swap it for others
For its design, the SKA727 features a stainless steel case that is emphasized by its black nylon strap and eye-catching black dial. These characteristics make the watch bold yet simple through the lack of design additions. It can match a lot of outfits for most outdoor and casual activities but may need more considerations when brought to formal events, though it is still possible.
The timepiece is also powered by the 5M82 caliber, producing good movement along with its kinetic properties. It offers the basic functions of a classic wristwatch without the modern complications added from today’s innovations.
Features:
Seiko Kinetic SKA727 Black Dial Black Canvas Band Men’s Watch | |
| Case Size | 42 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12 mm |
| Dial | Synthetic Sapphire |
| Bezel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Band Material | Nylon |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Bezel | Stationary |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Overall, the Seiko SKA727 field watch is a good option for a unique kinetic timepiece. It matches perfectly with its casual and simple style with informal or outdoor gatherings. If you opt for a timepiece that can be brought almost anywhere aside from formal events, then this timepiece is a good choice. It matches with a lot of outfits and is easy to use with its large dial markers.
What is so special about the Kinetic movement?
Kinetic watches are a hybrid of mechanical and quartz mechanisms. It combines the two platforms and creates a unique type of movement for the timepiece. It absorbs the swing-powered quality of the mechanical with the battery-powered property of the quartz.
Released by Seiko in the 1980s, the kinetic movement was powered by charging up an internal capacitor through the arm’s swings and movements, and is discharged as it continues to be used by the wearer. Essentially, it is a rechargeable battery powered by the continuous swinging of the arms as it is used in daily life.
This short video will show you how a kinetic movement works:
Credit: birthyearwatches.com
Regarded by Seiko as the watch movement of the future, there is a lot of potential in kinetic timepieces. The platform is still being developed by the brand to be able to store more power and lose the least amount while not being used. It is definitely a great choice for people who like unique timepieces.
Seiko Highlights and their Achievements in Technology
Seiko has contributed greatly to the advancement and growth of timekeeping since its establishment in 1881. It is undeniable that the company has already set a firm and stable foundation in the growing watchmaking industry. Its several achievements make it a trusted and reliable company that offers innovative and sturdy timepieces that are well-loved globally.
Some of its most notable achievements include:
1969 – Seiko introduced the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch
1973 – The world’s first LCD quartz watch with 6 digits debuted
1982 – The company created the world’s first TV watch
1988 – Kinetic watches are introduced to the world
1999 – Seiko introduced the world’s first Spring Drive watch
2008 – The world’s first timepiece dedicated to spacewalking was made
2012 – The new Seiko Astron is the world’s first GPS solar watch
Through all of these innovations in the watchmaking industry, it is no wonder that Seiko is still celebrated as one of the most successful and trusted watchmaking company in the world. Their thirst for innovation and reliability has made them a staple in most topics when it comes to choosing the most valuable watch for its price.
Kinetic watches, Seiko, and the Future
Seiko believed and still believe in the potential of kinetic timepieces. It offers the best of both worlds with mechanical and quartz platforms by integrating both. The article highlights the best Seiko kinetic watches, showcasing reliable features with a great fir for the kinetic platform.
The movement is relatively young, but shows a lot of potential. This proves the strength and prowess of Seiko when it comes to creating innovative timepieces. With their array of technological achievements, the future is bright for the watchmaking company.
Related Articles:
Good Affordable Skeleton Watches
High-Quality Winders For Rolex Watches
Good Seiko Watches under $1000
References: