Customer Reviews

Seiko Men's SKA201 Arctura Kinetic Watch

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this watch to replace a Bulova that I prized but that was unfortunately pinched by some unsavory type. I came across this watch while shopping for a replacement. It actually went a little higher than my original price range, but I'm very pleased with the end result. OIverall, I was looking for a metal case and band, clean face (ruling out chronographs), and just enough features to get me to work on time (date and time, solamente).

Comments by feature:

1. Casing: I use this watch for daily wear, and while I am not necessarily doing hard labor, it does take a bit of a beating. As a result, the watch casing has picked up a few small scratches in the past four months, but the SS has otherwise held up. Somewhat pointless numbers engraved on the bezel. I could have done without them for a cleaner design.

2. Crystal: The crystal has held up even better, with no scratches at all; I recommend a sapphire crystal if this is important to you.

3. Band: SS and comfortable. Button release on clasp.

4. Movement: Japanese - some consider Japanese movements to be slightly inferior to Swiss movements, but Seiko has a good reputation for solid craftsmanship, and my time is always accurate.

5. Data: Hour, minute, second hands and numerical date. I wish the watch had a perpetual calendar - I dislike having to remember to change the date at the end of months with <31 days.

6. Face: Clean, no numbers, luminescent hands and hour markings.

7. Power: This is what hooked me and drove me above my price point - kinetic power. However, this isn't the old type of mechanism, where the movement of the weight wound a spring. Instead, movement of the weight charges a battery, which then powers the watch. As a result, time remains accurate up to the bitter end. This is a very useful feature if there is a nuclear holocaust and you can't find any open battery stores. In truth, it will probably save a little money on batteries, but it really just lets you tap the inner geek (not to the level of calculator watch, but I have to be taken somewhat seriously in my line of work). There is even a little button that lets you see how much charge you have left and whether you need to start windmilling your arms like a nutjob. *WARNING* This feature may cause you to move your hand in a potentially lascivious fashion just so you can hear the mechanism at work - just be aware of your surroundings at the time.

Bottom line: A very nice watch for the price, with a minorly geeky gimmick that I have found very satisfying. Cons include lack of perpetual calendar and pointless bezel numbers marring an otherwise clean design.

This replaces a Fossil Blue watch that I wore for over 10 years. It still works but was showing its age. The new Seiko is gorgeous! It seems well made and is heavier than my last watch. I considered getting a titanium watch instead of stainless steel since titanium is a lot lighter but I also found out it scratches up easier and scratch resistance is more important to me. Speaking of scratch resistance the sapphire crystal is also much more scratch resistant than the typical glass crystal. Also it is flush with the watch case for protection. The face is described as white but is really a very light metallic champagne color. Close to white but not quite. I like the fact that the polished part of the wristband is slightly recessed as that will protect it some from scratches, which was a problem with my last watch. The push button clasp looks nothing like the hidden style amazon shows, but it is nice. I have only had this watch for a day so cannot review on long term reliability but it works great so far and I researched and found that the kinetic watches overall are reliable. You can hear the kinetic mechanism rolling around inside when you move the watch. It is not loud by any means but is noticible in a quiet environment. It is no louder than the rattling noise made by many metal watch bracelets anyway. Some people who reviewed other kinetic watches complained about the sound but I think it might serve as a conversation starter. :) The button at two o'clock is a power reserve indicator which moves the second hand ahead between 5 and 30 seconds. The further the more charge it has. When I got the watch the second hand was moving in 2 second intervals which indicates less than 24 hours of reserve power are left. Very cool! And of course these features don't affect the accuracy. I can't think of anything to complain about with this watch. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

My husband has really liked this watch so far. The price was great for such a elegant looking watch. He wears it when he dresses up. He really likes that it is Kinetic. We don't have to worry about replacing the battery. The last watch I bought him was a fossil and we had to send it to their servicing center when the battery died and had to wait 4-6 weeks. The kinetic seems to be working out great.

First, I want to say that I'm not a connoisseur of watches (I don't have a Rolex or any other famous brands) and I don't (until now) wear a watch everyday. I buy A LOT off Amazon (maybe too much) but this is my 1st review because I feel so strongly about this purchase.

First, the Seiko Arctura Kinetic Watch #SKA201 is one nice looking time piece. I've worn it only two days and have received several compliments about its look and style. This watch can be worn everyday or at a formal event. If I had to pick one word to describe it, it would be "elegant".

Second, the quality and workmanship of this watch is excellent. The head unit/face (I'm guessing that's what it's called) and the band is very precisely crafted with quality materials. The whole watch size looks perfect with my average size arm and wrist - I'm not a big fan of the bigger size watches w/ large face.

NOTE: I do want to make one small note. Adjusting the watch band links is not "easy". I brought it to a watch jeweler and it took him almost 30 minutes to adjust the links to fit perfectly for my wrist. He used specialized watch equipment and he had a difficult time so I can only imagine the frustration an novice like me would've had if I tried to tackle it myself. fyi..The pins connecting the links in the bands are of different dimensions. But the jeweler and I "bonded" during this time so he was very generous and didn't charge me for the work. I'm not sure if everyone will be lucky like me to find such a nice jeweler so budget $10 to $20 for adjusting the bands especially if you have an average to small wrist.

I mentioned in the begin of this review that I don't wear a watch everyday. Well, that has all changed. I have removed the Arcura #SKA201 only to take showers and when sleeping since I've had it. I just like the look and feel of it on my wrist. Now I'm looking for a dark/black Seiko watch that has similar style so I can accessorize :-))

To conclude, BUY THIS WATCH but ONLY from Amazon and not for 3rd party stores (Trust me on this).

I have to echo the reviews below ... nice clean style, solid, a big watch (which is great for a big guy like myself). My wife is usually very picky when it comes to jewelry, and even she was impressed with the design. As for longevity, I have another Kinetic which is just fine after two years, and has worn much better than a Fossil watch I have which has lost a great deal of it's finish in about the same amount of time.

At the time I purchased this, Amazon had the lowest price out there ($170), about 45% off what a few local retailers were asking. I has apparently gone up in price since then, but is still a great deal, especially when you consider that the internet watch sellers tend to be *very* picky about returns.

When I bought this Seiko I was looking for a no fuss, stylish, rugged and accurate everyday work watch. I really got what I paid for as this watch has not lost a second since I started wearing it! I set it to an atomic clock over a month ago and it's absolutely accurate!

Little wonder.

Seiko's Arctura Kinetic technology represents 15 years of research and 50 application patents resulting in a wonder of modern day timekeeping precision.

Powered by the movement of your body, this watch will never need winding or a battery change. The process uses an oscillating weight that is rotated by the movement of your wrist. This movement is transformed into a magnetic charge and then into electricity which is stored in a tiny capacitor called the Kinetic Electricity Storage Unit (K.E.S.U).

The Kinetic Electricity Storage Unit can capture and hold up to 6 months of power in reserve. This means that even if you leave it on the shelf for six months, it will continue to keep accurate time. Complete with an overcharge prevention system, the watch has an energy measuring function that enables the wearer to gauge how much power the watch has in reserve. All of this cutting-edge technology is placed in a screw-down watchcase encased in stainless steel. I really like the sapphire crystal as it almost disappears. I also enjoy the good-looking stainless steel link bracelet equipped with the convenient push-button clasp. The watch is very secure on my wrist, yet easy to get on and off. This watch is rated to be water resistant to 330 feet meaning this watch is suitable for just about anything you want to do in the water. So you don't have to fuss with it; worry about it when washing your hands or remember to take it off before jumping in the shower - Getting it wet is: No Problem!

This is a man's watch that moves as easily from the workplace to the golf course or out for a night on the town. I love the sleek minimalist styling with the uncluttered dial. At a glance, I can actually tell what time it is. I have watches (gifts) with the small fancy sub-dials that unfortunately obscure the main dial. Those sub-dials are so small, I can't read them anyway and let's face it - Most men just want to see what time it is!

A perpetual calendar would be nice and Seiko does offer a Arctura perpetual calendar model for $400. For the price difference, setting the date now and then shouldn't be a problem!

The difference between this watch and the Arctura Auto Relay models center around the power reserve function. The Auto Relay models can store power up to 4 years by deploying a `sleep mode' when the watch senses no movement. Since I wear the watch everyday I don't need this feature and besides, this watch can remain accurate for 6 months without wearing it.

What more do you really want or need?

Add it all up and you have a good looking watch built to be durable, accurate and a constant performer for many years to come. Any man would be thrilled to have this watch as a gift and with Father's Day around the corner, this little wonder deserves big consideration.

I bought the watch about 3 months ago. When I got it, I thought it might be bigger and heavier than I'd like. Within a day I was used to it. Keeps good time and looks good. Have gotten a lot of positive comments on it.

I was a bit skeptical purchasing this watch, especially with not being able to physically see it and try it on first. But I was very impressed when it arrived.

This watch is "sharp". A little heavy, but is a masculine piece that reflects quality workmanship. I've received compliments from friends and business clients as well. It has great lines, and can be worn in a casual or elegant setting. The clasp was different from the description, as explained in several other reviews, but it is surprisingly secure, and convenient to take on and off. The faceplate is different from the picture, but still looks great (silver in color rather than white). It's easy to set, and is not too bulky. My only criticism is the size of the back-up power button located beside the winding device. It is a bit large, and could have been a bit smaller, or concealed in a different way. Other than that, I'm very pleased.

I would recommend this item.

I am starting a collection of watches now. Thus far I have two Seikos. This one and the Seiko Diver's 200. At first I wasn't to sure if I should get this watch. However, the price was attrractive and the movement and in addition the thought of buying batteries lingered in my mind. So I decided to take the jump and get this watch. To be honest I wasn't expecting much, I have had Rolexs, Mavados, Tags. When I got this watch it was AWESOME! I love this watch! The design of the watch is great, the overall look of it was great. The movement was great and it was the perfect size for me. It's quite heavy so please make a note you might have to get use to wearing something this heavy on your wrist. I highly suggest you don't get it! Why? Because I don't want to see all consumers wearing the same watch as me!

1. The make is very solid, looks of great quality, and comfortable when wearing.

2. The style is better that it appears in the picture - very elegant, not dazzling, nor that dull.

3. Be aware that when you receive it and want to start use it - as well as you store it for a few months, you need to swing it for 400-800 times to let it go - and have to wear it on your wrist for one week or two continuously to make it going into normal work orbitz. It would be 5 start if these were not true.