I started my watch obsession with the Seiko Monster, but many others kicked things off with an affordable Seiko 5. When I started collecting, you could get a plethora of Seiko field watches for $100 or less. Many people went for the 37mm SNK80x series, but for a slight cost increase, you could get a 42mm SNZG series. In addition to a larger case, this got you a more traditional crown at 3, and a large, raised chapter ring to fill out the space between the dial and the case edges. Thanks to Random Rob, I have the Japanese blue dial version, SNZG11J, to review for your enjoyment.
Seiko SNZG11 Details
Most Seikos of this time featured dials and hands of roughly the same dimensions. As a result, to fill a 42mm case without a dive bezel, Seiko added a large internal chapter ring with white hour markers. As a result, the hands look a bit stubby, but it doesn't bother me on a watch like this.
A military-style 24-hour scale is printed in smaller font inside the 12-hour numerals. The classic 5 logo is applied, rather than the stylized one found on modern 5 Sports dials.
The day and date are in black over white at 3 o'clock (and red on Sunday) with English days, and Arabic as the alternate language.
The entire smooth bezel and case feature a cost-effective, yet durable bead-blasted finish, suitable for an affordable tool watch.
Wearing the Seiko SNZG11
42mm feels bigger in 2025 than it did a decade ago, but the watch is thin and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear.
Despite the short hands, SNZG11 is still easy to read. Large hour numerals as well as thick markers on the chapter ring are easy to see in any condition. The dial is matte, and the hands are all white, eliminating any reflections.
While the Lumibrite application is not as thick as on Seiko's divers, it lasts long enough, and the plots are large enough to make it easy to read in the dark.
Original strap and replacement straps for the Seiko SNZG11
Some versions of this series included a stainless steel bracelet, but this SNZG11 came with a matching blue nylon strap. It feels inexpensive (because it is), but it is comfortable and fits the budget-friendly style of the watch.
It has 22mm non-drilled lugs. I'm going to wear it for a while on a khaki Hook and Loop Elastic strap, which fits the field watch aesthetic.
Here is a list of some of the straps that would look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of my favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Deployant Rubber
-Deployant Sailcloth strap
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
Seiko SNZG11 Movement
This is a pure old-school Seiko 5, featuring a non-hacking, non-hand-winding 7S36 movement. While I prefer having those modern conveniences, it takes me back to shake the SZNG11 a bit to get it moving in the morning.
Compared to the 7S26, the 36 gets two additional jewels and a few other small tweaks that you'll never notice. You can see it through the caseback (it is a Seiko 5, of course).
Seiko SNZG11 Conclusion
It's clear when you pick one up that these old Seiko 5 models were designed to be sold at a very low cost. But wasn't that the point? There is something very charming about a mechanical watch that reliably performs its job, and one that you can wear and abuse with carefree confidence. I plan to care for this one, as it's no longer made, but that is a bummer, as many of us would love to see Seiko bring something like this back to the lineup. The current 5 Sports field models are quite a bit nicer, but they are also significantly more expensive.
Seiko SNZG11 Specifications
Name: Seiko 5 Sports Automatic
Reference Number: SNZG11J
Price: $250
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 47
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Movement: Caliber 7S36
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Hardlex
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Fixed, steel
Strap: Nylon
Shop Other Straps for the Seiko SNZG11
Deployant Sailcloth
Deployant FKM Rubber
Premium Sailcloth
Hook and Loop Elastic
