Seiko 5KXvsWilliam Wood Valiant

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Seiko 5KX at true scale

5KX

William Wood Valiant at true scale

Valiant

Diameter

42.5mm

41mm

Lug-to-Lug

46mm

lowest

49mm

Thickness

13.4mm

lowest

15mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

41h

n/a

MSRP

$350

lowest

$820

Movement

Seiko 4R36

Seiko NH35

Case

5 specs
Diameter
42.5mm
41mm
Thickness
13.4mm
15mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
49mm
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Hardlex
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Blue
Black
Lume
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)
None

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Seiko 4R36
Seiko NH35
Power Reserve
41h
0h
Jewels
24
0

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$350
$820
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Seiko 5KX

Owners widely praise the Seiko 5KX for its strong lume and value, with many reporting accuracy within +/-5 to 10 seconds per day, though some experience +/-1 second. The 42.5mm case is noted to wear smaller, and the watch offers a comfortable feel for many. Some owners are split on the bracelet quality, with opinions ranging from "cheaper side" with hollow links to "flimsy-feeling" jubilee. A few quality control issues have been reported, including a failed bezel clickspring and misaligned components. The Seiko 5KX is seen by some as a worthy successor to the original SKX, offering an upgraded movement with hacking and hand-winding capabilities, though others lament the loss of ISO certification and a screw-down crown. Overall, owners rate the Seiko 5KX highly for its excellent lume and value proposition, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.

William Wood Valiant

Owners praise the William Wood Valiant's unique, conversation-starting design inspired by British Fire Exit signs, featuring a gunmetal gray PVD-coated 41mm steel case and a strap made from recycled fire hose. Reviewers highlight the playful "Fire Exit man" graphics on the day/date indicators and rotor as notable elements. One owner considers the price of over £900 to be excessive. The watch uses a Seiko NH35 automatic movement and is water-resistant to 100 meters. On balance, owners and reviewers appreciate the William Wood Valiant for its distinctive theme and use of upcycled materials, despite some finding the price high.

From video reviewers

The case finishing is praised for its unique use of upcycled firefighting materials. The price is considered high relative to the movement specifications.