Seiko 5KXvsZelos Swordfish 3

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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

Zelos Swordfish 3 at true scale

Swordfish 3

Diameter

42.5mm

40mm

Lug-to-Lug

46mm

n/a

Thickness

13.4mm

12mm

lowest

Water Resistance

100m

200m

highest

Power Reserve

41h

n/a

MSRP

$350

lowest

$399

Movement

Seiko 4R36

Seiko NH35

Case

6 specs
Diameter
42.5mm
40mm
Thickness
13.4mm
12mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
n/a
Lug Width
22mm
20mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
100m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Hardlex
Sapphire
Dial Color
Blue
Bronze
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
$399
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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.

Zelos Swordfish 3

Owners widely praise the Zelos Swordfish 3 for its strong value, with reviewers highlighting the textured sandwich dial, Seiko NH35 movement, 200m water resistance, and surprisingly good bracelet. The titanium construction is noted for making the watch compact and comfortable, weighing 117g. Some owners find the dimensions fine on paper and based on experience with other models. One reviewer flagged that legibility can suffer in bright light and bracelet edges are sharp. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Zelos Swordfish 3 highly for its incredible value and fun design, particularly with unique dial options.

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