Name: Seiko 5 SNK line
Price Range: $65-95 (depending on color & sales)
Style: Military/Casual
Type: Automatic
Watch Size: 37 mm
Lug width: (size of strap where it meets the watch): 18 mm
Best Place to Buy: Almost anywhere, usually Amazon will have the best price.

Note: We are an Amazon & Jomashop affiliate.

Pros:

• Excellent starter watch for kids and a great casual watch for adults
• Great watch strap fashion options & dial colors
• Fantastic bang for your buck, commonly recommended on watch forums
• Often found below $70 on sale, depending on the color.

Cons:

• Missing a few features watch enthusiasts love
• The stock strap is kind of “meh” on most models

Seiko 5 SNK Review

The Seiko 5 line of SNK watches are highly recommended as an inexpensive way to get into automatics. The watches are great for kids as a first watch and an excellent casual watch for adults. It meets all the check boxes for a good looking watch from a great brand at a great price.

Kids (and parents) will love the sub-$100 price, the good design and the ability to mix and match watch straps. It can be a first watch for a kid or a nice watch for a teenager that can go with a lot of outfits. While not anywhere close to as sturdy as a Casio G-Shock, it should stand up to some light abuse. The see-through case back that lets you see the internals of the watch as it tracks time is fun and an added bonus.

Adults will love the casual feel, and it makes a great fashion choice in the dressed-down category and an excellent beater watch (something you don’t mind getting scratched doing activities but still looks good). The watch is missing some of the features that watch enthusiasts are looking for, like hacking and hand winding, but it’s sub-$100 price makes up for that. It can often be found on sale in the $60 range.

Water resistance is minimal but useful. It will make it through the shower and being caught in the rain, but it should not be used for swimming or spend any major time under water.

Naming conventions & versions of the SNK

First, lets get the naming conventions out of the way. The SNK line is part of the Seiko 5 line of watches, and the Seiko 5 collection of watches is huge. I mean gigantic. It includes a lot of great watches and searching for “Seiko 5” will get you nowhere if you’re looking for this specific watch line. Buyers should search for “Seiko SNK” or the exact model number instead.

The SNK model numbers are based on dial colors with the current range being the SNK 803 (beige), 805 (green), 807 (blue), 809 (black), and M95 (red). The guts of all models are the same, based on the Seiko 7S26 automatic movement. The power reserve charges by using the movement of your wrist.

All models have a see-through case back, allowing you to see the watch movement while it is off your wrist and a day-date window at the 3-o’clock position. The crown is at a more unusual 4-o’clock position, but a lot of reviewers like this as it doesn’t bite into the wrist as much.  The models are shown below:

Where to buy

We would usually recommend going straight to the manufacturer, but in this case you won’t be able to find it on the Seiko website for some reason (it didn’t come up in our search) and it probably won’t be on sale if it was there (see our Guide to Buying Watches Safely Online for why this is the case). Amazon will most commonly have the best deal as the watch is cheap and fairly popular.

However, the different colors go on sale at different times and sales are common, so always check around. If its not on sale at one place it might be on sale at the other. Popular places to check are department stores (Walmart carries it, Costco usually doesn’t) and most watch shops. we link to our affiliates Amazon & Jomashop below:

• SNK803 (Beige/Cream dial) (Amazon, Jomashop)
• SNK805 (Green Dial) (Amazon, Jomashop)
• SNK807 (Blue Dial) (Amazon, Jomashop)
• SNK809 (Black Dial) (Amazon, Jomashop)
• SNKM95 (Red Dial). (Amazon)

Watch size

All models are 37mm wide (not including the crown) and 11 mm thick. Small for a modern watch, they will fit most men and women and overall it’s a great unisex size. People with very large wrists will find it too small and might want to look at the SNK’s larger cousin, the Seiko 5 SNZG series or the Citizen Eco-Drive.

Seiko SNK Strap Sizing & Lug Width

Most reviewers don’t think much of the stock straps and find them basic and a bit rough. But all the Seiko 5 SNK models come in the popular 18 mm lug width, which means finding new straps won’t be a problem.

Buyers can easily upgrade the strap, and this is where this watch really shines. It’s made to show off straps and the different dials colors allow a lot of fashion opportunities. We recommend going with quick-release watch bands, as this watch lends itself to swapping out the strap to match your mood or outfit. If not, pick up a cheap spring bar tool to quickly change the strap without marking up the lugs.

Straps to buy

Buyers should look for NATO, canvas, perlon, or plain leather straps that go with the dial color you’ve chosen. Stay away from crocodile, stingray, and other exotic or expensive leathers as the watch is too casual.

For leather straps, keep it simple, such as this Hadley Roma MS854 (goes great with the beige dial) or this leather NATO from Crown & Buckle. Smooth or distressed leather will work well, but stay away from high-end chromoexcel or Horween unless it has been roughened up a bit to bring it back down to casual (example). Suede is a good option for a casual strap if you’re looking to match leathers.

Canvas & NATO straps are a perfect fit for this watch. Try out different color combinations to fit your style and the dial color. Similar watches to the SNK include the aforementioned Seiko 5 SNZG & the Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz, which can help when looking for strap ideas. If you need more inspiration, check out the gallery below or visit the Seiko SNK strap inspiration Pinterest board.

Also check out our other guides:

• Safe Places to Buy a Watch Online
• Tools for Replacing A Watch Strap or Band
• How to Pick Out The Right Watch Band For Your Watch
• 5 Tips For Picking Out A New Watch Band Or Strap
• The Complete Guide to the Orient Bambino Dress Watch
• How to Fix A Broken Loop On Your Watch Strap
• Basic Bands 2018 Watch Strap And Band Gift Guide

We are an Amazon & Jomashop Affiliate. We are also an affiliate for some smaller watch retailers. More info here.

Watch strap making isn’t just limited to major brands and big shops; across the world there are small strapmakers making a living designing unique and custom straps. Our small brand spotlight series interviews these strapmakers to see what makes them tick.

Today the spotlight is on Freddie Matara and his incredible cuff-style leather watch straps custom made to fit a watch face.

Name: Freddie Matara
Website: freddiematara.com (Etsy Shop)
Location:  New York City Metro
What: I specialize in wrist wear. Specifically, custom sizing and design of wrist cuffs, cuff watches and watch straps. I also make belts, Guitar straps and other small accessories.

How did you get into watch strap making?
As a kid, I always enjoyed covering my wrists as I have very slight wrists. It made me feel powerful and less self conscious. It started with terry cloth wristbands and evolved into leather. I got tired of buying girl’s cuffs or jury-rigging wristbands that were too large, and began making my own with a few tools and a piece of latigo leather in 2001.

My first piece was a cuff watch for a diver watch face I found at a club in Manhattan where I was tending bar. I was truly in awe at the first piece I created (it was soo bad, really!)  I made some for my friends and then their friends started asking for custom pieces. At the time, I was singing in a rock band and supporting it with my bar job. 9/11 happened and the bar biz dried up… My band wasn’t “making money” so my friends suggested I do something with this newfound leather talent… I did!

What materials do you use in your bands?
I use European undyed vegetable tanned leather for the majority of my collection. I also use goat, kangaroo and recently started experimenting with Alligator leather.

What is your favorite material to work with?
As stated above, I really enjoy working with Euro veg-tan. It’s so malleable and much lighter in color than traditional North American veg-tan. I enjoy the process of dyeing, forming and finishing leather myself.

What style of bands is your favorite to make or wear?
I lean towards a wider cuff style in my personal collection. I really like a 2.25″ width on my own wrists. It’s a substantial look and I typically offset it with a skinny bracelet on the opposite wrist.

Do you have a favorite watch?
I rarely wear a watch these days but If I had the funds I’d like an Omega Bullhead!

What do you like to do outside of strap making?
Singing is really my first love but music is a tricky business…There’s nothing like writing a great song, melody and lyric!  Alas…if I can’t get in their ears, I’ll get on their wrists!

Hey folks, the blog is taking a break for the holidays. It will be back after the holidays with more great watch strap fashion.

If you’re still looking for that perfect gift, check out our 2018 Gift Guide. You can also visit our page on watch band Black Friday deals, as many sites will be revisiting those deals after Christmas.

I hope you enjoy the holidays with good cheer and lots of warmth & love.

Cheers –

Tom from Basic Bands.

Today’s strap is something we haven’t seen before. A NATO strap made in the style of perlon straps. Does it work? You be the judge. You can find Clockwork Synergy’s straps on their website or on Amazon.

Watches:

Amazon – Men’s Watches, Women’s Watches.

Jomashop –  Doorbusters and Sales.

AuthenticWatches Black Friday Sale

Orient has a 15% with code HOLIDAY18.

Fossil – promo code BF30

Christopher Ward – 15% off with code BF15

Watchbands & Straps

Basic Bands Amazon lists – we’ve collected lists of the most popular watch straps, check if any are on sale.

Ashland has $50 off Shell straps. Code: 50offstraps

Barton Bands: 15% off 3 or more bands with code TurkeyTime18

B&R Bands – Free shipping on orders $60 and up.

BlueShark NATOS – Buy 2 get 1 free, free shipping over $25 (U.S.), $50 (international)

Campionato.Club 20% off entire store with code WINTERPROJECT

CheapestNatoStraps– 20% off when you buy 5 or more straps, plus free shipping over $25

Crown & Buckle: 20%-40% off all straps and free U.S. shipping.

Clockwork Synergy: Save 30% on all orders, code BF30.

15% off on Erika’s Originals with code BLACKFRIDAY

Etsy – 10-15% off many items. Check specific shops on this list of custom watch strap makers.

Nato Straps Co. – 40% off with code CYBER18

Sea Dog Straps – sale on specific straps.

StrapsCo – free worldwide shipping on all orders

ToxicNATOS– Free shipping over $35

Watch Obsession – free shipping on orders over 50 pounds (U.K. dealer)

Watch Gecko Black Friday sale – up to 70% on specific items.

Hello everyone, and welcome to the 2018 edition of the Basic Bands Watch Strap & Accessories Gift Guide! We’re here to help you find that perfect someone (or yourself) the perfect gift this holiday season.

We’ve divided the guide up into sections, so skip ahead to the one that interests you most. First we have perfect combos, the strap and watch match-ups we’ve seen this year that just work great together. If you’re looking for a watch & strap package, this section is for you. Whether you’re buying a first watch for a teenager or making a big investment, we’ve got some excellent options. Related Guide: Safely Buying a Watch Online.

After that we’re showcasing our favorite straps of the year from our favorite custom strapmakers. There are a lot of talented leather workers out there ready to make you a watch strap, and we’ve featured some of the best of them. If you’re looking to spice up a watch or get a new strap made to replace a broken band, this is the place to go. Don’t forget to check out our guides on watch strap style, tips for picking out a new strap, tools for changing a strap, and how to fix a broken watch strap loop.

Lastly, we’re covering watch strap accessories for those of you who already own all the watches and watch straps you need. But where to put them all? We’ve got some great ideas on watch pouches, watch winders and more. Related: Recommended Watch Storage, Winders & Cases on Amazon.

Great Watch and Watch Strap Combos that Caught our Eye

2018 was a great year for watch straps. Brightly colored silicone seemed to go with almost everything, especially diver watches. Canvas straps were a big hit on our Pinterest boards all year long, and high quality leather seemed a match made in heaven for luxury watches. Here are some of our favorites in various price ranges.

Watch & Watch Strap Combos: $100-$300

Clockwork Synergy Autumn Brown Suede Leather Band on a Seiko SNK 809 Watch

Clockwork Synergy Autumn Brown Suede Leather Band on a Seiko SNK 809 watch. You can usually buy both on Amazon for under $140, but sales on the watch often bring that down to closer to $110. All the Seiko SNK models make great starter watches for kids and teenagers and beater watches for adults.

Barton Band Leather Quick Release Watch Strap on Timex Weekender

Blue leather quick release from Barton Bands on the inexpensive Timex Weekender, combo usually runs under $75, but sales can bring that down to $50-ish. Quick-release straps are some of our favorite things.

Barton Bands Blue Flatwater Silicone Quick Release Band on a Seiko SKX 007 Diver

Barton Bands Blue Flatwater Silicone Quick Release Band on a Seiko SKX 007 Diver. You can find Barton Bands on their website or their Amazon store. At around $20, the watch strap is a great band for the price, and the combo usually runs about $250.00. Just an amazing watch with a great history.

Watch & Watch Strap Combos Over $400

B&R Bands – Oak Classic Vintage Watch Band on a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch

B&R Bands Oak Classic Vintage Watch Band on a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch. Combo runs just over $400 with sales, without sales the band will be about $80 and the watch about $475. The Hamilton watch is basically the go-to watch when it comes to field/military watches.

Custom Gray Perforated Apple Watch band by Etsy seller O2Leather. The watch is obviously an Apple Watch. If one of those is on your purchase list this year, keep in mind that there are a lot of strap options out there besides the ones offered by Apple. Custom straps are generally pretty easy to fit to all models of Apple Watches. Check out our list of custom watch strap makers and our Apple Watch strap collection on our Basic Bands Amazon recommendation list.

Luxury Watch & Watch Strap Combos: over $1500

Tag Heuer Carrera Watch on Brown Hirsch Speed Alligator Strap

Brown Hirsch SPEED Alligator Watch Strap on a Tag Heuer Carrera watch. Both the strap and the photograph are courtesy of the awesome guys over at Watch Obsession. Blue dials are a match made in heaven with dark brown and tan leather watch straps. Strap costs around $260, watch around $2,000.

Crown & Buckle Tan Kangaroo Leather watch strap on Nomos Orion Watch

Crown & Buckle tan kangaroo leather strap on a Nomos Orion watch. Definitely a great combo for the minimalist in your life. Strap runs about $70, the watch about $3,100.

Going custom – getting a new custom watch strap made just for you

We featured a lot of artists this year on the blog, you can check them out on our custom watch strap maker list. Dan’s canvas strap was one of our most visited pages all year, consistently getting hits from Pinterest (Dan is the owner of Red Rock Straps). High end leather was insanely popular, especially for luxury watches, such as the Horween leather straps from Jones in Tokyo.  Exotic leathers also made an appearance, with some great work being done in string ray, crocodile and lizard leather.

If you’re buying a watch for a person who knows and loves watches but still want to keep the price reasonable, custom is the way to go. Even if you don’t want to give away your gift giving plans by asking about a watch size, make or model, a custom strap maker can probably find out the size from a quick snapshot and get you something that special person in your life will love.

Vintage canvas strap by Red Rock Straps on Omega Speedmaster

Dan’s canvas strap on a luxury Omega Speedmaster watch. You can find Red Rock Straps on Etsy.

Neptune Straps Thick Brown Leather Watch Strap on Seiko Diver Watch

Neptune Straps Brown Leather Watch Strap on Seiko SKX 007 Diver. You can find our interview with Pavel here.

Jones in Tokyo Brown Strap on an Omega Speedmaster

One of our favorite leather crafters, Jones in Tokyo’s work always looks exquisite. Pictured here is his French calf tan/brown watch strap. If your special someone is the owner of a luxury watch, chances it will look amazing on a strap from his shop.

Omega Planet Ocean on an exclusive Grey SuperMatte Teju Lizard Watch Strap

Want to go exotic? Dangerous9 straps is the place to drool over crocodile, lizard and other exotic leathers on insanely amazing watches. Shown here is an Omega Planet Ocean on a Grey SuperMatte Teju Lizard Watch Strap.

Watch accessories: or what to get for the person that already has a nice watch

If you’re not sure about strap size or don’t know what style your gift recipient will like, there are other gift options. You can buy some inexpensive watch tools to make strap changes easier, like a strap change tool or spring bars, or delve into the wide world of watch cases, winders and storage. With prices as high as a few thousand dollars for some winders, there is a lot of room for every gift buyer.

Since a lot of watch cases and pouches are made of leather, you can also have one custom made.

B&R Bands Canvas Watch Roll2

A canvas watch roll from B&R Bands. About $120.

Choice Cuts Industries valet tray and single slot watch roll with a Timex Expedition Scout and custom strap, all in English Tan leather

Choice Cuts Industries valet tray and single slot watch roll with a Timex Expedition Scout and custom strap, all in English Tan leather. Valet tray – $40. Strap $60, Timex – $40.

Crown & Buckle Warren Watch Roll

Crown & Buckle Warren Watch Roll – $145.

Oak & Honey Custom Leather Single Watch PouchOak & Honey Custom Leather Single Watch Pouch – $126 CAD.

If none of these gifts strike your fancy, check out our list of recommended watch strap brands here or our Amazon store for more recommended brands of watch straps and gifts.

Also, check out our other guides:

• Safe Places to Buy a Watch Online
• Tools for Replacing A Watch Strap or Band
• How to Pick Out The Right Watch Band For Your Watch
• 5 Tips For Picking Out A New Watch Band Or Strap
• The Complete Guide to the Orient Bambino Dress Watch
• How to Fix A Broken Loop On Your Watch Strap

We are an Amazon, Etsy & Jomashop affiliate, and a few other jewelry stores listed on our about page. We do not get paid to promote any brands, nor are we an affiliate for any watch strap brands directly, only through the stores named above. Thanks for reading our guide and we hope you have a great 2018!

Today’s straps are by Watch Gecko, a strap shop in the U.K. Its a good option for those who aren’t U.S. based and are looking for some watch straps, since you can purchase in pounds or euros. They also have some of their straps on their Amazon store (but not all).

Shown here is their simple handmade Italian leather strap. The watch on the left is a Seiko SKX009 diver (around $200), while the watch on the right is the way more expensive Tudor Black Bay GMT. See our guide on safely purchasing a watch online before you go buying that one.

Today’s incredible strap is from John at Dangerous9 straps, a custom watch strap maker. Shown here is the Azure Blue Alligator on a Nomos Orion watch.

Check out more of John’s straps and read his interview with us on our List of Custom Watch Strap Makers page.

You can find the watch on our affiliate Jompashop here.

We’re shaking it up a bit today and showing off a great watch accessory, the Crown & Buckle Warren Watch Roll.  An excellent gift for someone who collects watches and a great way to travel with your collection or a place to store all your watch straps. You can find more watch rolls and watch straps on the Crown & Buckle website.

If you’re in the market for a new band or watch, check out our recommendations page.

Also, check out our other guides:

• Safe Places to Buy a Watch Online
• Tools for Replacing A Watch Strap or Band
• How to Pick Out The Right Watch Band For Your Watch
• 5 Tips For Picking Out A New Watch Band Or Strap
• How to Fix A Broken Loop On Your Watch Strap
• Basic Bands 2017 Watch Strap And Band Gift Guide

We are an Amazon Affiliate.