7 Best Seiko Watches That Are Discontinued But Still Worth Finding

Seiko has a strange way of sneaking into your rotation and then disappearing on you. We used to think of watches like the SKX as staples: the beat-up diver we’d throw on for work, weekends, vacations, whatever, only to wake up one day and realize new ones weren’t coming out of the factory anymore. The same goes for the SARB033 and its cream-dial cousin, the SARB035: watches that felt like they should always be around because they worked in so many wardrobes. Some of us have worn these past Seikos for years, swapped straps until we grew tired, compared them directly, or regulated them to squeeze out every ounce of performance. That means we can talk about why they still matter to collectors focused on authentic watches worth wearing.

This list is about the discontinued Seiko watch models that have found their way into our collections and onto our wrists, not because of hype or resale chatter, but because they offered honest value and personality that punch above their price tag. Through dedicated testing time, we’ve known their quirks, their strengths, and where they show their age. And that’s the perspective we’ll bring here, not just another list of specs. Stay tuned.

Seiko 5 SNK793

Water Resistance:	30m
Case Dimensions:	37mm (diameter) x 43mm (lug-to-lug) x 11mm (thickness)
Lug Width:	18mm
Movement:	Seiko Caliber 7S26C

The Seiko 5 SNK793 earns its place here by doing the quiet stuff right. It’s one of those watches that settles into your day without demanding attention, and over time, that becomes the appeal. The case proportions feel intentional: slim enough to stay comfortable through long stretches of wear, yet with enough presence to avoid feeling flimsy. The mix of brushed surfaces along the case and a polished bezel gives it enough visual contrast to feel considered, without pushing it into dress-watch territory. The crown tucked at 4 o’clock keeps the case profile clean against the wrist, though adjusting it can test your patience if you’re in a hurry. That’s something we noted during extended wear in our original review.

The dial is where the SNK793 quietly shows its personality. In lower light, the blue reads dark and restrained, almost bordering on black, but step into direct sunlight and the sunburst effect reveals itself. It’s subtle, not theatrical, and that restraint works in its favor. Applied indices catch enough light to keep things interesting, and the polished baton hands stay legible without leaning flashy. The day-date window feels useful in daily rotation rather than an afterthought. Lume performance is modest, but this watch relies more on contrast and polish than nighttime glow. The flat Hardlex crystal keeps everything crisp and maintains the watch’s straightforward geometry.

Powering it all is Seiko’s familiar 7S26C automatic movement. It doesn’t hack or hand-wind, which is something you notice if you rotate watches often, but once running, it’s dependable. Seiko quotes around 40 hours of power reserve, though in our experience, it occasionally came up short. Accuracy stayed within the brand’s published range of roughly -15 to +25 seconds per day, which is reasonable for a watch in this segment. The bracelet is the weakest link. It’s light, noisy, and forgettable, but it’s also easily replaceable, and the watch improves on a strap. Taken as a whole, the SNK793 is a reminder of why discontinued Seiko models still show up in conversations about affordable watches that don’t feel cheap.

Pros

• Deep blue sunburst dial with subtle light play
• Consistent real-world accuracy from the 7S26C movement
• Day-date complication that’s genuinely useful

Cons

• The stock bracelet feels flimsy and rattly.
• The crown operation can be awkward due to placement.
• Lume performance is underwhelming.
• Power reserve can fall short of expectations.

Seiko 5 SNZH53

Water Resistance:	100m
Case Dimensions:	42mm (diameter) x 45mm (lug-to-lug) x 14mm (thickness)
Lug Width:	22mm
Movement:	7S36B

The Seiko 5 SNZH53 sits in an interesting middle ground among discontinued Seiko watches. It appeals to collectors who want something more expressive than the usual bare-bones tool watch, without drifting into fragile or precious territory. On the wrist, the case proportions feel thoughtful rather than bulky. The polished case sides catch light in a way the SKX never tried to, while the brushed upper surfaces keep it grounded as an everyday watch. The curved lugs help it sit naturally throughout a full day of wear. The domed Hardlex crystal adds visual warmth and gives the watch a slight vintage lean that many of us have come to appreciate more over time.

What really carries the SNZH53 is the dial-and-bezel pairing. The glossy blue 120-click bezel adds depth and contrast, making the watch feel more intentional than purely utilitarian Seikos. It is the kind of bezel you notice in passing light because it adds dimension. The bezel action is smooth enough for casual timing tasks like cooking or parking meters, even if the play would bother anyone expecting a true dive tool. The dial mirrors that same glossy character, paired with faceted markers and large sword hands that remain easy to read at a glance. Day-and-date placement feels balanced rather than crowded, and legibility remains strong across most conditions. Lume performance was uneven in our experience, which is one of the few reminders that this is a style-first watch.

Living with the SNZH53 long term exposes both its charm and its compromises. The bracelet does the job, but feels heavier and noisier than the rest of the watch deserves. It is secure, just not refined, and most of us ditched it quickly. Thankfully, the 22mm lug width opens the door to endless strap options, and the watch comes alive on sailcloth or rubber. Inside, the 7S36B movement behaved as expected. No hacking or hand-winding, but stable performance when properly regulated. We had no reliability issues with our examples, and the exhibition caseback added a small but welcome sense of ownership. As a discontinued Seiko, the SNZH53 stands out as a watch for collectors who want character and versatility, not another strictly functional diver.

Pros

• The glossy bezel and dial add depth without feeling flashy.
• The case finishing feels more refined than most entry-level Seikos.
• Strong legibility thanks to large hands and a clean layout
• Strap versatility transforms how the watch wears.

Cons

• The bracelet feels bulky and rattly for the overall design.
• Bezel play limits its usefulness beyond casual timing.
• Lume performance is inconsistent.
• The push-pull crown and 100m rating limit true water confidence.

Seiko SKX007

Water Resistance:	200m
Case Dimensions:	42.5mm (diameter) x 46mm (lug-to-lug) x 13.25mm (thickness)
Lug Width:	22mm
Movement:	7S26

The Seiko SKX007 is one of those watches many of us thought we outgrew, only to realize later that it was quietly doing everything right the whole time. We have owned it at different points in our collecting lives, sometimes because it was the obvious recommendation, other times because we wanted something more challenging than what we were wearing. What stood out when we came back to it was how little it asked of us. It never felt precious. It felt ready. The case proportions fall in a comfortable middle ground that works across wrist sizes, and it wears just as easily on the stock bracelet as on a nylon strap. That flexibility made it a constant fallback when we needed a watch we could put on without thinking twice.

The dial is where the SKX007 earns its reputation in daily use. Everything is clear, bold, and intentional. The hands are easy to distinguish at a glance, and the markers stay readable whether you are outdoors in full sun or checking the time in a dark room. Seiko’s lume plays a significant role here. It charges quickly and stays visible long enough to be useful, but not impressive for the first few minutes. That legibility is not only a diver thing either. It carries over into everyday life, whether you are timing something quick in the kitchen or glancing down during a late-night drive. The black design stays focused, with minimal text and no visual clutter pulling your attention away from the time.

Under the hood, the 7S26 movement is about as straightforward as it gets. No hacking. No hand-winding. That simplicity is part of the appeal. In our experience, it keeps running, and when it does need attention, servicing is affordable and easy because the movement is widely used. That matters if you plan to keep wearing the watch rather than treating it as a display piece. Overall, the SKX007 still embodies a kind of honesty harder to find now. Check out our hands-on review for more insights.

Pros

• Excellent legibility in all lighting conditions
• Comfortable case proportions that suit daily wear
• Strong lume that stays useful beyond the initial glow
• Reliable movement with affordable servicing

Cons

• No hacking or hand-winding may frustrate some users.
• The bracelet feels basic compared to modern alternatives.

Seiko SKX013

Water Resistance:	200m
Case Dimensions:	38mm (diameter) x 43mm (lug-to-lug) x 13mm (thickness)
Lug Width:	20mm
Movement:	7S26

The Seiko SKX013 landed with us as a familiar idea filtered through a slightly different lens. On paper, it shares the same DNA as the SKX007, but in practice, it feels more personal. Across the community, reactions varied immediately, which is part of why it sticks in memory. Some of the guest reviewers loved how the black dial and bezel slipped easily into everyday outfits, whether that meant rolled-up sleeves at work or a NATO strap on a weekend hike. The tucked 4 o’clock crown was a near-universal win. It stayed out of the way and made long days of wear more comfortable. The jubilee bracelet also surprised a few skeptics. The taper toward the clasp gave it a lighter feel than expected, and for those who enjoy a bit of wrist movement, it added character rather than annoyance.

Living with the SKX013 highlighted both its strengths and its quirks. Strap swapping was a constant theme. Several of us moved between jubilee, nylon, suede, and ballistic straps without much effort, and the watch adapted easily to each context. That flexibility made it feel at home in the office, on vacation, and even during light outdoor use. Legibility remained strong throughout the day, with clear markers and a clean layout that minimized distractions. The lume impressed some of us, especially in low light around town, though others found it less dependable when they needed it most. Accuracy was steady during weeklong wear tests, which reinforced its reputation as a reliable daily companion.

At the same time, the SKX013 is not universally loved. The dial can feel cramped to some, and the taller profile compared to its width stood out more on certain wrists. A few reviewers never bonded with it enough to keep it off the watch box floor overnight. Others felt it struck the right balance between comfort and capability, calling it an easy GADA option that didn’t try too hard. It feels like a watch you either connect with quickly or move on from just as fast. For the right person, though, it becomes a dependable piece that quietly earns its place through wear, not hype.

Pros

• Comfortable wear thanks to the recessed crown and balanced case
• The jubilee bracelet taper adds comfort and visual interest.
• Easy strap changes expand everyday versatility.
• Clean dial layout with strong daytime legibility

Cons

• Case height is noticeable relative to its diameter.
• Lacks hacking and hand-winding
• Bezel and lume readability vary depending on conditions.

Seiko SARB033

Water Resistance:	100m
Case Dimensions:	38mm (diameter) x 46mm (lug-to-lug) x 11.2mm (thickness)
Lug Width:	20mm
Movement:	6R15

The Seiko SARB033 earned its reputation the slow way. It did not impress us instantly out of the box. When it first hit the wrist, the proportions felt unfamiliar to some of us. After a few days of wear, that feeling flipped. The case settles in naturally thanks to the curved lugs and compact lug-to-lug span, and it becomes the kind of watch you forget you are wearing until you catch it in the light. The stepped case finishing adds depth. Polished surfaces transition into brushing and back again, which gives the watch visual interest without feeling busy. The flat sapphire crystal was a surprise at this price point when it launched, and in daily use, it brings peace of mind, even if fingerprints show up easily on the dark dial.

The dial is where the SARB033 shows why it still gets talked about. In most conditions, it reads as a deep, clean black, but under intense light, it can hint at a darker brown tone, adding warmth. Applied indices reflect light enough to remain engaging, and the long minute and seconds hands that reach the chapter ring make reading the time feel precise. That detail matters when you glance down quickly during a meeting or while walking outside. The dauphine-style hands shift character depending on angle, which keeps the watch from feeling flat. Lume is present but restrained, enough to stay functional without turning it into a sports watch. It is this balance that makes it easy to wear in a range of situations, from office days to casual evenings, without feeling out of place.

The bracelet is where opinions split. On paper, it checks many boxes with solid end links and a milled clasp, but in practice, it never quite clicked for us. Fit adjustments felt limited, and the clasp design left an awkward gap when kept closed. Most of us ended up moving it to leather, where the watch felt more at home. Inside, the 6R15 movement is a significant reason this watch still feels special. Hacking and hand-winding make daily interaction smoother, and the extended power reserve means you can set it down for a day without worry. Our examples ran consistently well within +/-3 seconds per day. The SARB033 stands as a reminder of how much thoughtful design and usability once lived comfortably under a modest price ceiling.

Pros

• Case proportions wear naturally across wrist sizes.
• The dial layout offers excellent balance and legibility.
• The sapphire crystal and layered case finishing add long-term value.
• 6R15 movement brings hacking, hand-winding, and strong accuracy.

Cons

• The bracelet fit and clasp design feel awkward in daily wear.
• The crystal attracts fingerprints easily.
• Rising secondary prices reduce the original value appeal.

Seiko SARB035

Water Resistance:	100m
Case Dimensions:	38mm (diameter) x 44.5mm (lug-to-lug) x 11.5mm (thickness)
Lug Width:	20mm
Movement:	6R15

The Seiko SARB035 feels like a watch that existed in a calmer moment of Seiko’s catalog. On the wrist, it stays composed. There is enough presence to feel modern, but nothing about it tries to dominate your day. The case slips easily under a shirt cuff, which makes it a natural choice for workdays and evenings out. The lug design plays a quiet role here. Our team found that the chamfered edges catch light in motion and add depth without being obvious. It is a small detail, but one that separates the SARB035 from more generic case shapes. The push-down crown reinforces that this is not a watch meant for rough water. Instead, it is built for comfort and ease, and in that role it succeeds.

The dial is the reason most of us kept coming back to it. The color sits in that narrow space between white and cream, avoiding the forced vintage look that so many modern watches chase. It feels warm and balanced in person. Polished dauphine hands reflect light easily, which keeps the watch readable even when the lume itself is minimal. The lume placement is subtle and restrained, which fits the overall personality. The date window is the most debated element. Some of us wished it were gone entirely, especially given the slight mismatch between the dial tone and the date wheel. Others appreciated the practicality and moved on. Either way, legibility never suffered, and the dial remained calm and composed in daily use.

Inside, the 6R15 movement adds real quality-of-life benefits. Hacking and hand-winding make setting the watch simple, and the power reserve stretches comfortably beyond a full day off the wrist. Seeing the movement through the display caseback mattered more than we expected, especially for newer collectors. It creates a sense of connection that sealed casebacks often lack. The stock oyster-style bracelet is serviceable but frustrating to size because of the pin-and-collar system. Moreover, there are only two micro-adjustment spots, and no half-links. So, most of us eventually moved to leather or an aftermarket bracelet. That change unlocked the watch’s versatility. While it may not be a true everyday beater due to limited water resistance, the SARB035 shines as a second or third watch that bridges casual and dress settings effortlessly.

Pros

• The cream dial offers warmth without forced vintage styling.
• Case finishing and chamfered lugs add subtle refinement.
• 6R15 movement brings hacking, hand-winding, and a substantial reserve.
• Wears comfortably under cuffs and in daily settings

Cons

• The push-down crown limits water confidence.
• The date window breaks the dial’s visual harmony for some.
• The bracelet is difficult to size and lacks fine adjustment.

Seiko SARX055

Water Resistance:	100m
Case Dimensions:	41mm (diameter) x 46mm (lug-to-lug) x 11.5mm (thickness)
Lug Width:	20mm
Movement:	6R15

Referred to as the baby Grand Seiko Snowflake due to its similarity to the SBGA011, the Seiko SARX055 is one of those watches that challenges assumptions the moment you pick it up. The first thing we all noticed was the weight, or lack of it. Coming from steel Seikos, the titanium case made our brains hesitate for a second. It felt lighter than expected, almost confusing at first. After a full day on the wrist, that feeling flipped. The reduced weight made it far easier to wear from morning to night, especially on the bracelet. Long desk days, walking around town, and even travel days felt less fatiguing than with heavier dress-leaning watches. The case finishing deserves real credit here. Polished surfaces transition cleanly into brushed areas with sharp definition, and it never once felt like Seiko was cutting corners just because the material was titanium.

The dial experience took longer to appreciate. In photos, the textured surface promises drama, but in everyday lighting, it plays things much calmer. At first, that was a letdown. What won us over was everything surrounding it. The sapphire crystal almost disappears thanks to the anti-reflective coating, and once you notice that, it is hard to unsee it on other watches. The hands and indices are finished to a level that feels unexpected at this price. Light moves across them cleanly, which keeps the watch legible without relying on aggressive lume. Over time, that interaction between the crystal, hands, and markers became the real star. The blue second hand adds enough contrast to keep the dial from feeling flat, even if we wish the minute hand reached a bit farther.

On the wrist, the SARX055 walks a line between dressy and casual that few Seikos manage to do. The case slides under a cuff easily, yet the bracelet and water resistance give it confidence outside formal settings. The bracelet itself is thoughtfully designed, with polished accents that add interest, and the milled clasp with a double push-deployant closes cleanly. However, the lack of micro-adjustment was frustrating during sizing, even with half links available. Inside, the familiar 6R15 movement does its job well. While some may want more at this price, accuracy on our reviewed model stayed tight enough (+/- 5 seconds a day) that it never became a concern. The SARX055 is not perfect, but it delivers an experience that still feels special months into ownership.

Pros

• The lightweight titanium case enhances all-day comfort.
• Outstanding anti-reflective coating enhances legibility.
• Versatile style works across dress and casual settings.

Cons

• The dial texture is subtle and less dramatic in standard lighting.
• The bracelet lacks micro-adjustment options.
• The case diameter may feel larger than ideal for some.
• The minute hand could extend further for better balance.

Let us know what you think of our long-term wear impressions with these discontinued Seiko models. If there are other Seikos you feel we missed or forgotten references you’ve been quietly hunting on eBay at 2 a.m., drop them in the comments. We are always happy to put more real wrist time into watches that deserve a second look.