I purchased the SGF649 because if was an affordable Seiko dress watch with a screw-down crown for water resistance. At 84 USD plus shipping and handling, it is definitely a bargain and offers some distinct strong points.
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br /Water resistance: The screw-down crown is functional but small, and not quite as heavy-duty as what one would find in a divers' watch. I tested the SGF649 in a pressure chamber up to a level of 8 atmospheres and the watch did not suffer. (This test is potentially a destructive one if the watch has a leak.) In short, the water resistance is great.
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br /Bracelet: I have had bad experiences with the low-end Seiko bracelets and immediately fit my SGF649 with a leather strap. The replacment is fairly easy, though I would prefer a model on which the band is secured with fixed bars instead of spring bars. Fixed bars are generally found only on military-style watches and not fashion ones, though they should be universal. The watch industry has erred here.
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br /Battery replacement: An attraction of this watch is that the replacement of the silver oxide battery can be performed easily. A surgical glove provides sufficient grip to open the case. If you decide to replace the battery yourself, be sure to note the angular position of the case back before proceeding so that you can resecure it to the right position without the need for a torque wrench.
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br /Mechanical quality: If one wishes to expend the effort, it is possible to set the minute hand to be dead on the mark when the second hand is on the 12. Doing so allows one to read the time of day down to the second. Many low-end watches fail in this area but the late model Seikos that I have tested do well. Whether or not synchronization has been achieved is best judged at 15 mintues past the hour, at which time the minute hand should be dead in the center of the date window.
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br /Ruggedness: This watch is definitely not very shock-proof. A shock that is not hard enough to do any damage may still cause the minute hand to move one or two minutes, breaking any synchronization as described above. This point is probably the major drawback of watches in this class.
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br /Dial: The black dial with light markers and Arabic numerals is very attractive and fine for dress wear. The luminous markings are not particularly visible and serve little practical purpose.

I've had this watch for almost eight years. It's held up fabulously over that period of time, and I will certainly be buying another one if mine ever falters (knock on wood). This watch looks good on the arm, and it has a very classic style that will never get old. I wear it everywhere, and I've never felt out of place with it on my wrist. I also don't worry about it getting ruined if I go swimming with it. The lock down crown keeps water out.
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br /Another thing I love is the date feature. Sometimes I can't remember what day it is, so I like having a reminder on my wrist at all times. It is also built with all the quality that the Seiko brand is known for, and that is one of the reasons this watch has lasted for so long.
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br /You can't go wrong with this watch at this price point. It's much better than anything Fossil or Timex has to offer.

I bought this watch for my husband who wears the face on the inside of his wrist (a Navy thing). It is so light weight he hardly notices it is on but it is still strong enough to bare the bunt of his knocking it around. My husband is hard on watches and he has a skin chemical in his system that destroys pot metal. This watch is 100% Stainless Steel and has kept its sheen since the first day he wore it. Keeps time perfectly too. If you don't have a lot of money but want to get an impressive piece for your hubby or boyfriend this is a great value.

Exactly what my husband wanted. Simple style and easy to see.
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br /Donna

My Seiko Men's Watch #SGF 649 finally gave out at the stem which regulates the days. After 11 years of excellent service of the "649", I began browsing through Amazon's catalog, and found the identical "649" watch and bought it, in the hope of a repeat performance. Aside from sheer elegance, it has all the basic features for someone with poor eyesight, a black face, actual clear numbers, a sweeping visible second hand, and the date and days of the week. The wrist band contributes a lot to its beauty. I highly recommend this wrist watch for an all-around time piece which will draw comments from all those who see it.

my loved this watches a lot. christmas is over but he's thrilled about the present. he's loved this watch brand since he college and wanted nothing but seiko. he loved the black face of watch a lot. in my opinion, it looks very elegant. the quality is wonderful.

Seiko Men's Watch #SGF649 this is a very nice watch for the price. my only complaint is that it is slightly difficult to set the time and date. HSBTR

Although the box looks old,
br /the watch is perfect for the price !