In Review: Seiko’s Recraft Series Automatic Watches

Seiko “Recraft Series” Cushion Case SNKN37 & SNKN01 Automatic – $150ish

Major Hat tip to Threads user MattFace for posting first about these (and acquiring one!) on Threads.

The cushion case is an underused shape in watchmaking. Mostly square, with slightly rounded edges, it looks like a (wait for it)… seat cushion or pillow. Just like the diamond cut of the same name. It’s got a decidedly retro look that works really well with minimalist details (sadly, that Tissot is hard to find). And keeping it simple is a solid strategy when it comes to case shapes that aren’t your standard circle. If the case shape is already different, then adding too much flash to the rest of the dial might be overboard.

Most are gonna think that one of these Seiko’s falls victim to the “too much” trap, while the other might be a nice smart-casual addition to many a watch collection.

Hoping they release an all black dial version?

Why couldn’t they have just left the center of the dial on the black & grey SNKN01 all black? The pics online are pretty true-to-life. The flash/gradient is obviously a retro look, but a more simple approach probably would have been just as (read: more) attractive. It’s got a moto-sport theme to the indices, minute markers, and orange second hand… but that gradient. Shades of The Nuge’s shades*** in “High Enough”. Yes, brighter colors and risks with patterns are “in”, but a cleaner more serious dial would have been appreciated by a few of us.

Blue dial, big numerals.

Meanwhile, the blue dial SNKN37 skips the gradient and instead opts for a blue sunburst dial. Large arabic numerals at the even hours keep it anchored in the casual arena, but it could be dressed up with a blazer and jeans or cords.

Both of these watches run off of a dependable 21 Jewel Seiko Automatic movement, but know that it doesn’t hack nor hand wind. Exhibition case-back lets you see the movement do its thing. Water resistance is 50m, and the crystal is Seiko’s own Hardlex. The leather bands are just so-so. Kinda cheap feeling, but not dreadful. Diameter on these things is a larger-than-average 43mm, which just might be too big (even for a casual watch) on some wrists.

Gotta give Seiko credit for at least trying something new. Now, if you’re the type to be down with a little more funk in your accessories, then the gradiant dial might look at home on your wrist. But most will probably favor the plainer blue dial. Meanwhile, if you’ve got your heart set on something moto/fast looking? Try the speedy looking SNKN45 (at right). Sleeker than the cushion case options, but still retro, and that black ion case + perforated strap (with red underlay!) is a nice match.

Head here for more on Seiko’s new “recraft” series, and see more designs, including a few non-cushion case options.
***Yes, shades of a certain pair of shades. That was on purpose.