Seiko

“Wait, doesn’t that watch looks familiar?” would be the usual responses that I would receive whenever I wear this watch out. And yes, there is a (or maybe two) good reasons why. First, it is a mod from another Seiko watch, and secondly, it resembles a vintage Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. In fact, it is sort of a homage to that watch. Hence, the name, Fifty Five Fathoms.

A little more about this watch. This watch was actually derived from some overseas watch forum (either WatchUSeek, or some Spanish watch forum, I can’t remember exactly which one) and soon after, it spreads like wildfire to other watch forums. I’m sure it’s simplistic design, as well as the fact of it being priced reasonably, is the reason for it’s high popularity. Incidentally, I sort of got interested into this watch when I was surfing WUS….

So, the adventure began in mid-March, when I was surfing WUS during my Geography lecture in school. I chanced upon this post where I saw people doing wrists-shots, and there it was, the Seiko Fifty Five Fathom, in one of the posts. It was love at first sight. Immediately, I started to plan on how to get this watch. I did saw some posts on watch forums where people are selling their Seiko FFFs, but it was kind of expensive. So instead, I decided to go the cheaper, but more tedious way, in which I would be sourcing for the parts and the watch myself, instead of buying a ready-made one. This would have saved me at least 30%-40% in total.

The first thing I did after I have laid out my plan was to purchase the base Seiko model, the Seiko 5 SNZH57K1. It was not easy, since a retail piece would be expensive. It was a blessing that I’ve managed to purchase one from a fellow forumer in SG-ROC at a relatively reasonable rate. But this was not the tedious part, yet.

The obligatory wrist shot of the Seiko 5 SNZH57K1

The difficult thing about this watch was finding the dial. Yes, Yobokies have ready-made dials, and they are reasonably priced, but I was afraid the dial would be damaged during the shipping process. So, I posted in my local watch forum to find the piece of “holy grail” for this watch. Albeit this took a long time (around 1 to 2 months), the wait was worth it. When I got my hands on the dial, I immediately took it to Uncle Goh (from K2 Watch) the next day to replace the dial. This is the end product, the Seiko FFF.

 The Seiko Fifty Five Fathoms

I have been wearing this watch for nearly a month now (the FFF, not the basic SNZH57K1) and I must say that this watch is extremely value for money. It may be inexpensive, but it is very versatile, and a very “fun” watch to wear. It has become one of my daily beaters now (besides the Hamilton), due to the fact that it is versatile (as mentioned), very understated, and yet aesthetically pleasing. The lume is pretty good too! No wonder I have not paid attention to my lecturers’ classes recently. Another positive point is that the case is sized appropriately at 42mm, without crown. It feels comfortable on the wrists, since it is not too large, as well as the fact that the lugs are curved at the end, which makes it even more easy on the wrists.

The side view of the Seiko FFF.

By now, you’ve noticed that I didn’t use the Seiko 5 bracelet, but a Paros leather strap instead (with a deployment buckle, from Darkie), as the metal bracelet feels a little “cheap”. Also, the strap makes the watch looks better, and giving it a more “vintage” feel.

See what I mean?

Also, for an inexpensive watch, I am pleased that it came with a see-through case back, which allows me to admire the Seiko 7s36B 23-Jewel Auto with Day/Date. Even though it is sort of an unfinished movement, but nevertheless, it was pretty much a job well done. 

The caseback shots of the Seiko FFF

The watch is not a perfectly flawless one though. I have two main issues with the watch, which is the power reserve and the bezel. The power reserve for this model isn’t really good, and it can only last for slightly more than a day at most (around 30 hours, plus and minus), which is a pity. Would have been better if the power reserve can be extended to 48 hours or so, but well, that would have added on to the price of the watch. Also, the bezel is a little too “easy” to turn, and thus the “triangle” may not be point at the 12 o’clock position after you’ve worn it for quite some time. However, that can be rectified by asking your watchmaker to “tighten” the bezel, in which I’ll recommend Uncle Goh from K2, for his service is priced reasonably, and the fella is a really friendly dude. Overall, this watch is pretty good for its value, and even though it is not as good as the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, but I am sure that this watch would suffice as a temporal gratification. 

The Seiko Fifty Five Fathoms

The Good:

- Great Value for Money

- Versatility

- The “Fun” Factor

- A very cheap alternative (and temporary gratification) to the legendary Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

- Perfectly Sized (in my opinion)

- Decent Lume

The Bad:

- Easily Rotatable Bezel

- Short Power Reserve

The Ugly

- None

Specifications:

Case: Polished and Brushed Stainless Steel
Movement: Seiko 7s36B 23-Jewel Auto with Day/Date
Dial: Customed Fifty Five Fathoms Dial
Bezel: 120 Click Unidirectional with Blue Acrylic Insert
Lens: Domed Hardlex
Case Back: Screwdown Display Back
Strap: Steel Bracelet (Original), mine comes with a Paros Leather Strap
Water Res.: 10atm (100m/330ft)
Dimensions: 42m, 45mm to crown
Crown: Pull-out
Thickness: 14mm
Lug Width: 22mm

Thank you once again!