Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Question: When does a Seiko wristwatch become superior?
Answer: When it is a Seiko 5 Superior, of course.
Seiko created a premium tier of the Seiko 5 model lineup, labelled it as the “Superior”, and launched it in the late 1990s. Compared to standard entry-level Seiko 5 models, the Superior line offered upgraded specifications, more intricate dial work, and enhanced case finish. The appreciation for these premium Seiko 5 Superior wristwatches grew over time and, nearly 30 years later, it has now become a highly-collectible vintage timepiece.
Our 1998 Seiko 5 Superior 7S36-0160 is a prime example of the Japanese watchmaker’s quality and workmanship. True to its “Superior” label, our watch features a more intricate, premium dial texture, robust luminescent application, elevated bracelet construction, and a signed crown, which is a rarity for standard Seiko 5 models. Its 36 mm polished stainless steel case features a classic round profile, short integrated-style lugs, and a solid steel case back with a medallion-styled center.
Our Seiko 5 Superior is powered by the Caliber 7S36 movement, which is Seiko’s a 23-jewel workhorse automatic mechanical movement operating at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH). Essentially an upgraded version of the 21-jewel 7S26 movement, the 7S36 has two additional jewels and, like the 7S26, it is non-hacking and cannot be manually wound. It is rated to be water resistant at 50 meters (5 bar), which is suitable for light splashes, swimming, and snorkeling but not for diving.
As an everyday casual wear, the Seiko 5 Superior feels uh, hmm… superior to standard Seiko 5 models and other contemporary wristwatches, not just because of its upgraded specifications and elevated finish, but because of the feeling that it gives to wear something that’s “superior”. We can only guess that Seiko did their homework when it comes to ticking the boxes that make watch aficionados superiorly happy.
While wearing our 28-year-old Superior, we were chided by a colleague about our passion for vintage watches. This colleague found our Seiko 5 Superior small, too affordable, and not as classy as the expensive brand-name Swiss watches that he flaunts around on his wrist. Because we choose our battles, we decided not to answer back. However, another colleague, who’s also a vintage watch enthusiast, came up with an elegant rebuttal.
“Anybody with tons of money can walk into a luxury watch dealership and buy the most expensive wristwatch with the most number of complications. But only a handful of people have the patience, cunning, and luck to search, find, and acquire a seemingly mundane vintage timepiece that will soon turn out to be a highly sought-after, incredibly-rare collectible that increases in value every year because watches like these will never be produced ever again.”
That’s a super-duper superior retort, if you ask us.
Model: Seiko 5 Superior
Reference No.: 7S36-0160
Month/Year of Manufacture: October 1998
Type: Dress Watch
Movement: Self-winding/Automatic
Caliber: 7S36
No. of Jewels: 23
Diameter: 36 mm
Thickness: 10.8 mm
Lug-to-lug Length: 42.5 mm
Lug Width: 18 mm
Weight: 86 grams
