This Affordable Japanese Line Is the Biggest Cheat Code in Watches

So, you want to buy a watch. Maybe it’s your first watch, maybe it’s your fiftieth—either way, you’re just looking for something dependable and attractive and versatile and fun, preferably at a price that won’t require a second mortgage. Well, if you ask us—and you sort of have, by clicking on this article—there’s really only one place to start: the legendary Seiko 5 series. For decades, the Japanese watchmaker’s entry-level sport line has attained a massive cult following in horology circles for its seemingly impossible quality-to-price ratio. These tickers come complete with just about everything you could possibly want in a modern watch: automatic movement, day and date display, protected crown at the 4 o’clock position, and water resistance, all packed into a near-indestructible case. Whether you’re after a rugged field watch or a handsome diver, Seiko 5 is a serious cheat code for leveling up your wrist game. Which is exactly why we here at GQ have recommended their budget-friendly timepieces over and over again, in article after article, for years. If you’re curious what all the Seiko 5 hype is about, we’ve collected a handful of those very watches for your purchasing pleasure right here.