The Seiko 5 SNK805 and Timex MK1 Mechanical share military-inspired looks and modest case sizes, but their winding routines differ: the Seiko is automatic, while the Timex is hand-wound. In Fratello’s comparison published May 25, 2021, the Seiko also had a slightly larger case and a lower water-resistance rating; the reviewer preferred its lume, while finding the Timex more overtly military in style. The prices cited in that article are historical, not current buying guidance.
At a glance: Seiko 5 SNK805 vs. Timex MK1 Mechanical
| Specification | Seiko 5 SNK805 | Timex MK1 Mechanical |
|---|---|---|
| Movement and winding | Seiko 7S26 automatic; no hand-winding or hacking, according to Fratello’s 2021 comparison. | Hand-wound, 20-jewel movement. Fratello’s 2021 comparison identifies it as a Seagull movement from China; its 2020 review describes it more cautiously as a basic Chinese 20-jewel movement. Neither establishes a caliber number. |
| Case diameter | 37 mm (Fratello, 2021). | 36 mm (Fratello, 2020). |
| Thickness | 12 mm (Fratello, 2021). | 10.5 mm (Fratello, 2020). |
| Lug-to-lug | Not stated in the cited comparison. | 43 mm (Fratello, 2020). |
| Water resistance | 30 m (Fratello, 2021). | 50 m (Fratello, 2020). |
| Crystal and case details | Flat Hardlex mineral crystal; bead-blasted steel case; see-through case back (Fratello, 2021). | Acrylic crystal; stainless-steel case (Fratello, 2020). |
| Strap | Green, two-piece nylon; 18 mm width (Fratello, 2021). | Striped, two-piece nylon; 18 mm width (Fratello, 2020). |
How the winding experience differs
SNK805: automatic, with fewer setting conveniences
The SNK805’s Seiko 7S26 is automatic, so it winds through wrist movement while worn. Fratello’s comparison says the movement cannot be hand-wound from the crown and does not hack: pulling the crown out will not stop the seconds hand for precise synchronization. It does offer quickset day and date, so those calendar displays can be advanced without winding through every hour.
Fratello gives a claimed accuracy range of -35 to +45 seconds per day. That is the range stated in the 2021 article, not an independent measurement or a promise about an individual watch’s performance.
MK1 Mechanical: a deliberate hand-winding routine
The Timex is manual-wind, not automatic. Fratello’s 2020 hands-on review says its movement hacks, allowing the seconds hand to stop when setting the time. The sources identify a 20-jewel Chinese movement but do not establish a specific caliber, so a caliber number should not be assumed.
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- Military-inspired timepiece featuring green dial, luminous accents, and day/date functions.Case dimensions: 37mm,Strap length: 7 inch
- Automatic movement with analog display
- Features green nylon strap with buckle closure. When setting the minute hand of a quartz watch, advance it to a few minutes ahead of the time and then turn it back to the exact time
- Water resistant to 30 m (99 ft): In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming.
- Automatic
Choose based on the interaction you want: the Seiko is designed to wind as it is worn, while the Timex asks for regular winding by hand. The cited sources do not specify a power reserve for the Timex.
Fit and everyday wear
The nominal diameter difference is small—37 mm for the Seiko and 36 mm for the Timex—but diameter alone does not determine how a watch wears. The Timex’s 43 mm lug-to-lug measurement is reported in Fratello’s 2020 review; a comparable lug-to-lug figure is not stated for the SNK805 in the cited comparison. The Timex is also thinner by the stated measurements: 10.5 mm versus 12 mm.
Rank #2
- AUTOMATIC WITH MANUAL WINDING MOVEMENT: powered by the reliable 4R36 Caliber, these Seiko automatic watches for men combine automatic and manual winding capabilities.
- DURABLE UTILITY: this watch is water-resistant to 10 bar, and boasts a stainless steel watch case with comfy beige nylon strap, ensuring it lives on your wrist as a robust yet stylish sports watch
- BLACK DIAL: this men's watch features a black dial and beige luminous dial indicator hands and numerals for easy visibility
- DAY/DATE DISPLAY: the day and date are both on the watch face, helping you stay organised and on top of your schedule
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Both watches use 18 mm nylon straps, which makes that width a sensible starting point if shopping for a replacement. Check the specific strap, spring bars, and lug clearance before buying; a stated strap width does not by itself establish fit for every replacement.
Water resistance: read the ratings narrowly
Fratello reports 30 m water resistance for the SNK805 and 50 m for the Timex. These are stated specifications, not guarantees that either watch suits every water activity. A rating should not be treated as a blanket assurance for swimming, diving, or other use; follow the watch’s own guidance and have its condition and seals considered, especially on an older or used example.
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Rank #3
- AUTOMATIC WITH MANUAL WINDING MOVEMENT: powered by the reliable 4R36 Caliber, these Seiko automatic watches for men combine automatic and manual winding capabilities.
- DURABLE UTILITY: this watch is water-resistant to 10 bar, and boasts a 39.4mm stainless steel watch case with comfy black nylon strap, ensuring it lives on your wrist as a robust yet stylish sports watch.
- BLACK DIAL: this men's watch features a striking black dial, luminous dial indicator hands and numerals, and orange-tipped second hand for easy visibility
- DAY/DATE DISPLAY: the day and date are both on the watch face, helping you stay organised and on top of your schedule
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Dial character, lume, and finishing
Fratello’s reviewer judged the Timex to look more overtly military and somewhat less versatile, while the green-strapped Seiko came across as easier to wear beyond that specific style. The same reviewer rated the Seiko’s lume more highly. These are subjective impressions from the comparison, not controlled tests of brightness or duration.
In Fratello’s hands-on comments, the Timex’s lower case edges showed slight waviness. That is an individual reviewer’s finishing observation, not evidence of a model-wide defect. The Seiko’s bead-blasted case and see-through back, alongside its Hardlex crystal, give it a different set of visual and material details from the Timex’s stainless-steel case and acrylic crystal.
Rank #4
- To the start the watch initially, swing from side to side in a horizontal arc about 30 seconds.
- 37 mm stainless steel case and Hardlex mineral dial window and Precise 21-jewel automatic movement with analog display
What the 2021 price comparison does—and does not—tell you
Fratello’s May 2021 comparison put the SNK805 at about $85 on Amazon and around $100 at Jomashop. Fratello’s 2020 Timex review listed $185 retail; the 2021 comparison also used that retail figure. These are dated prices and do not establish what either watch costs or whether it is available now.
The comparison described a roughly €70–80 price gap at the time and argued that price alone should not settle the choice. For a purchase today, compare current listings for the exact model and condition, and check seller terms rather than relying on those historical figures.
Best Value
- AUTOMATIC WITH MANUAL WINDING MOVEMENT: powered by the reliable 4R36 Caliber, these Seiko automatic watches for men combine automatic and manual winding capabilities.
- DURABLE UTILITY: this watch is water-resistant to 10 bar, and boasts a stainless steel watch case with a black ion finish and comfy black nylon strap with an orange liner, a robust yet stylish sports watch
- BLACK DIAL: this men's watch features a black dial and luminous orange and yellow dial indicator hands and markers with orange-tipped second hand for easy visibility
- DAY/DATE DISPLAY: the day and date are both on the watch face, helping you stay organised and on top of your schedule
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Which one should you choose?
Choose the SNK805 if
- You prefer an automatic watch and do not need hand-winding or hacking seconds.
- You value quickset day and date.
- You favor the Seiko’s green nylon strap and, as Fratello’s reviewer did, its lume.
Choose the Timex MK1 Mechanical if
- You enjoy winding a watch by hand and want a movement that hacks for setting.
- You prefer the slightly smaller diameter and the stated 43 mm lug-to-lug measurement.
- You want the more overtly military styling described by Fratello’s reviewer.
The comparison appeared as Seiko models such as the SRPG33K1 were arriving, and Fratello described the SNK805 as being phased out in 2021. That is historical catalog context, not confirmation of either model’s current production or stock status.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
