An interesting series coming out of Seiko's factories is the "Recraft" line. These are modern watches with vintage design cues at an affordable price point. Akin to a Seiko 5 series but not necessarily so. I believe Seiko found that the current level of quality required of a Seiko 5 with the 4R winding and hacking movement will require them to price it to a level that would not make Seiko 5s the 'cheap value-for-money' watches it used to be.To solve the affordability issue, Seiko created the 'Recraft' line that firmly puts the brand in the hands of the masses. I have collected a number of watches under this more affordable line and they are truly value-for-money works of art.
The latest into the collection is the SNKP27. This is a square shaped watch which is seldom seen in the realm of Seiko. It has a MSRP of USD275. Made out of stainless steel, it is 40 mm horizontally and 46 mm vertically. It also has a thickness of 12 mm thick. Lug width is 22 mm. The watch is paired with a leather strap with a signed buckle.
Powered by Seiko legendary 7S26 caliber workhorse, it creates a package that is hard to beat when it comes to capabilities at such a low price point.
The Series
The SNKP27 (right) is part of a trio of rectangle type watches launched recently by Seiko. The other members of the trio is the SNKP23 (left) and SNKP25 (middle).
Unfortunately, Seiko has decided not to import this series to Malaysia (at the time this review was written). I had to get it halfway around the world via Amazon.
A few years ago, if given the option, I would prefer to get the SNKP23 as it comes with the standard bracelet. However, my interest has changed and strap watches looks more dashing to me. Moreover, the SNKP27 comes in my favorite color, green.
This is a handsome watch. The rectangle shape of the watch casing has that vintage look that is seldom found in modern watch designs. Although the sharp angles between the side wall and the bezel as well as the side wall and the bottom surface are magnets for dents, it looks cool nonetheless.
The Dial
The dial is designed to have two distinct levels. The lower level is circular while the upper level follows the rectangular shape of the watch casing. Both levels are predominantly in sunburst dark green.
There are only three lines of text on the dial, all located on the lower level. The brand “SEIKO” is gold plated whereas the other two are in white. There are also hour markers in the form of white dots on this level. Meanwhile, the day and date aperture is heavily framed and is gold plated. The date and day wheels are based on a white background. The day function has two language options; English or Spanish.
The upper level has thin black ring at the inner edge and minute markers in the shape of white lines are located in this area. Beyond this area, the minute markers transitioned to bright green lines and extend right to the other edge of the dial. Gold plated rectangle plates are use as hour markers on this level. Apart for the 3 o’clock (due to the day and date aperture) and 12 o’clock (as a starting reference) hour markers, all the rest are similar in design. Do note the intermittent border wall in very dark green at the outer edge of the dial.
The minutes and hours hands are rectangle and gold plated. Their center sections are painted with Seiko luminous paint; LumiBrite. Meanwhile the seconds hands is pin-like and also gold plated.
The Casing
As highlighted earlier, this rectangle shaped watch is made out of stainless steel with flat surfaces and angled corners. A mixture of polished and brushed surfaces gives a nice texture combination that reinforces its ‘vintage’ design. With dimensions of 40 mm horizontal, 46 mm vertical and 12 mm tall, this ‘Recraft’ is smaller than other watches under this vintage-style series.
The short hooded lugs with width of 22 mm help reduce the overall size even further. The watch sits firmly on my wrist without any ‘overhang’ of the lugs. Those with thinner wrist will find this design very accommodating.
The dial is protected by Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal. It has a flat surface with beveled edges and the surface extends about 0.5 mm above the bezel. This gives another interesting visual cue but also exposes the crystal to potential side impact.
The crown is simple tubular shaped crown approximately 6 mm wide located at the 3 o’clock position. It has fine groves on the barrel surface while the top has a polished surface. Using a push-in system, it has three positions, first is lock, second adjusts the day and date, and third adjusts the time.
The watch comes with a screw-down display case-back also made out of Hardlex crystal. On it you will find the serial number of the watch as well additional information such as the make as well as the water resistant limit. This watch is rated for 5 ATM or 50 meters. I am proud to note that the watch movement is made in Malaysia. The same is also stamped on the rotor of the movement.
The Movement
The movement is the classic 7S26C workhorse by Seiko. It has 21 jewels with a power reserve of approximately 40+ hours. It is a non-winding and non-hacking movement with day and date complications. Although not as accurate as more modern designs, it is dependable and can take a lot of abuse. More importantly, it is cheap to make and that helps keep prices low. I am rather proud to note that the movement is made in Malaysia!
The Strap
The strap attached to the watch is stressed double-layered brown calf leather with border stitching. It comes with a signed buckle. It tapers from 22 mm at the lugs to 19 mm at the buckle. Unlike typical leather straps, the tail is squared off instead of shaped to a pointed tip.
End-to-end, the strap extends to 24 cm. It is capable of securing the watch to a wrist with a maximum circumference of 21 cm or 8.3 inches.
I find the strap comfortable and the thickness gives the impression of able to last for a long time.
The Reveal
The box is new design. This is the first time I’ve seen it. It comes in two sections.
The first section is an outer sleeve made out of white cardboard with a window cutout at the top. The second section is the main watch-box made out of hard cardboard. The top piece is in white with the brand printed in silver. This is the part that one can view via the cutout in the outer sleeve. The bottom part of the box is in black and it sticks out at the bottom as the top part of the box does not go all the way down.
Inside the box is a very wide pillow with the logo printed at the corner and where the watch sits. Beneath it is the manual with the typical guarantee card. In addition, there is another piece of document which you can fill and upload digitally for the guarantee coverage. I believe this is an option from SEIKO USA. Otherwise, you will have to use the typical guarantee card.
The Wearing Experience
The watch sits firmly on the wrist. The short hooded lugs make this watch very wearable even for those with thinner wrists. The double layered brown leather strap pairs nicely with the casing.
Visually, the dual tiered dial surface gives the perception of depth which ties in with long sloping sides of the casing. My only comment is that instead of a circular second tier, it would be more appropriate for it to be shaped similar to the watch casing i.e. rectangular as well.
Below are some photos as well as a video of the watch on my wrist.
Conclusion
The SNKP27 is a beautiful watch. Hopefully, someone in Seiko does see the light and allow this series to be imported into Malaysia.
On another note, when I got the watch from Amazon, I tried starting the watch but the seconds hand didn’t budge. I tried all the suggested solutions in the manual. I was so disappointed that I may have to send it back to Amazon. I even completed the ‘return parcel’ request with Amazon. I tried one final trick. I turned the hours hand two full cycles and surprisingly, the watch started to work! I suspect that the springs did not have a shred of kinetic energy in them (since it was new) and only after giving it the initial boost that it started to work, phew!
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