Seiko are a company that most people will have heard of, and for good reason. They have been revolutionizing the way that the majority of people think about timekeeping since all the way back in 1881, when they were producing wall clocks in Tokyo. They built themselves a solid foundation as a reputable company when they produced the world’s first quartz watch, and they have stood at the forefront of the industry ever since. If you are looking for precision and reliability, then they are two things that Seiko have sewn directly into the heart of their company.
SNE329 Case & Strap
At a glance, the Seiko Men’s SNE329 Sport Solar-Powered Watch features a 43mm stainless steel case, initially giving this timepiece the perfect appearance for everyday use. The case isn’t too big, and it isn’t too small. Simplicity is also evident at just a glance, as the coin-edged bezel features just a single triangle adornment directly above 12 o’clock.
It is worth noting that this particular watch does feature a blue nylon strap, and some consumers would find it more aesthetically appealing if it had a metallic strap. One benefit of the nylon strap is the color, as it fits in with the color scheme of the entire watch. Looking closely at the strap we can see a fantastic example of the durability that this particular product offers, as the holes have all been sewn in with leather.
The dial window of the SNE329 is rather special, as it is made out of a material called Hardlex. A lot of Seiko customers will only buy watches that feature Sapphire Crystal windows, but there are some notable benefits when it comes to having a Hardlex dial window. One of the most noteworthy is that it doesn’t shatter the way that Sapphire Crystal does when dropped hard, instead it simply cracks. It is slightly easier to scratch, but it can resist an incredible amount of impact.
Dial & Hands
The dial on the SNE320 has a classic and elegant look to it due to the color scheme, yet the actual watch as a whole has a more casual look to it. The actual face of this watch is what makes it stand out among the crowd. In both photographs and natural light, it looks black, whereas as soon as a strong light hits it appears to be a metallic blue. The contrast of the white hands against this bold backdrop makes the watch ‘pop out’ from your wrist.
The hands of the watch, and all of the markers on the watch are easy to read. This is because they have all been painted using a product called Lumibrite, a luminous paint. Lumibrite is commonly used by several different companies in the industry, and it glows on a much brighter scale than previous generations of luminescent paints could. You would be able to read the time on this watch regardless of how dark your surroundings are. An additional benefit of Lumibrite, when compared to older versions of luminescent paint, is that it is completely non-radioactive.
This model also features Japanese quartz movement, which is simply a mechanism for keeping the time. It does it to a good standard, and it results in almost silent hand motions.
Features
One of the best features that this watch can offer any consumer is the fact that it is both solar powered, and affordable. It can be unusual to see that combination in this price range, and with a solar powered watch you will never have to worry about remembering to recharge batteries, or purchasing batteries.
There is also a safety mechanism in place to stop the watch from overcharging itself, and it has a back-up reserve that can produce ten months’ worth of power. It is worth noting that you probably shouldn’t leave the product in a drawer for ten months, as it will eventually run out of power if it isn’t exposed to a light source.
Remember, unfortunately this watch is not a multi-function watch, and it could be considered to be rather basic when compared to other watches that you can find on the market. A lot of consumers might find that it is the basic nature of the design that gives this watch a classic, every-day look.
Final Thought
Overall, the Seiko SNE329 Sport Watch is an excellent timekeeping device, and while it does not have a number of modern functions, it can perform its own function perfectly. It is not intended to be revolutionary, but it is perfect for basic requirements. It comes with the expert built quality that Seiko offer as a company time and time again, and when looked after, it will last for years.
So, if you are looking for a military-style watch for daily use, then this could be the ideal product for you. But, it could also be used as a statement piece due to the bold color scheme, your imagination is the limit.
Zsolt says
Hi,
A nice review and a great help in making my decision. But… are you sure all the markers are lumed? I thought it was only the hands and the triangle markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9.
Thanks,
Zsolt
Matt says
Hi Zsolt, the hands along with the triangular indices at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 position have lume. The numbers don’t have lume but they are fairly large and bright on their own that they are easily read in low light conditions anyways.
Michael Press says
I just bought this watch and I do really like it. I just have one issue and it’s just big. Love the strap, love the solar function, love the look and style, but the face is just huge. I wish I could find the specs showing me actual diameter so if I decide to exchange (for another similar Seiko solar watch if there’s one out there at this price range), I know what size dial to compare it to.
Fenix56 says
Perhaps you would like the Seiko SNE095 – the case is only 40mm, it is solar, and pretty much the same price range. I know I just love mine, better than the bigger ones for sure.
John says
Pathetic wimpy short hands kill an otherwise decent looking watch
LTJ says
Do you mean watch “hands” or human “hands”? Either way it seems like an odd one-liner watch review.
The case diameter is 43mm which is just slightly larger than the old standard for men’s watches of 40mm. But given today’s apparent style preference for a larger watch look, I would think that 43mm should look fine on average and even slender male wrists. The latest style seems to be for the watch face to cover much (but not all) of the wrist width (as viewed from above).
Then again, I’m far from an expert on watch (or any other) style, so this is just my casual observation. If others know better, then I will be “all ears” to learn from your corrections.
Charles W Johnson says
My son bought this watch for me as a present, and I couldn’t be more pleased. It keeps precise time and looks great in the process. The dial is perfect for someone who doesn’t see as well as they used to. I’ve owned seikos before, however this is my first solar powered watch. I look forward to many years of satisfaction with this marvelous timepiece. I also love the band. I have a small wrist and this band is perfect.
Matthew Catellier says
Thanks for your comment Charles, it is indeed a nice watch with very legible dial. I hope you enjoy it for many years to come!
Richard says
Is it possible to get a steel bracelet or rubber strap as alternative to the nylon, and if so which ones are recommended?