Just thought I’d check out the mainstream competition alternative to my Cestrian Field Watch I featured in the last but one Post.
One that has similar features is the mainstream is the Seiko 5 ‘Desert Kit’ Midfield Sports Style.
Powered by the Seiko 4R36 Automatic movement with manual wind option, it has a similar Power Reserve of 41 hours. It also looks great with a khaki heavily textured matte dial complete with Lumibrite hands and applied grey colour numerals in plus markers. The seconds hand is grey with the point in red plus a small luminous arrow head.
The case is stainless steel and measures 36.37mm wide x 12.52 depth and is a well made solid case. The overall look of this model is more of a ‘Field’ style and the colour combination works well.
The crystal is of curved Hardlex and the case has an exhibition clear back. This model also features a good sized Day and Date window @3.
It has a Water Resistance of 10bar or 100ft and is supplied with a NATO nylon strap with proper metal keepers.
Overall this is a pleasing and solid looking model and is one of the lower priced Seiko models at the moment.
As to a comparison between the Seiko and the Cestrian, the differences are quite small –
Case – both stainless steel and similar size.
Movement – both have excellent Seiko automatic movements.
Crystal – both are excellent – Cestrian uses Sapphire – Seiko uses Hardlex.
Dial – both are excellent, clear and both feature a 24hr inner index..
Day and Date – Seiko has both Day and Date, the Cestrian is Date only.
Luminosity – both are excellent – Seiko’s Lumibrite v Super-LumiNova.
Water Resistance – Cestrian is 200m with screw down Crown – Seiko is 100m without screw down.
Price – Cestrian is around £135 (£160 list) – the Seiko around £245 (£260 list)
What do I think?
Both models are really similar in specification and style. Each has one plus point over the other –
Seiko has Day and Date v the Cestrian Date only, but the Cestrian has a 200m Water Resistance + screw down crown v the Seiko’s 100m. So, it’s really down to how you feel about those minor differences.
And of course price does matter.
So, considering the Seiko is twice the price of the Cestrian and particularly in this very close comparison. Especially as both models are equally as good.
But -Price and affordability matters – so, for me it has to be the Cestrian.
Note – I own the Cestrian myself (see earlier Post) and worn it since bought, so obviously I like it. For quality and value it is a winner.
What more can I say?
Watch space 