I'm a big fan of Seiko watches. This new one I just received reiterates my belief that Seiko makes a quality product. I just replaced a Seiko watch that was about 15 years old. It was a great watch, outside of the fact that every so often I would be without it until I could get time to get the battery replaced. I always waited for the watch to quit working to replace the battery. It was such a minor inconvenience that it really wasn't a good excuse to go out and buy a new watch.... But hey, I wanted a new one.

The two main prerequisites were; it was a Seiko, and it was railroad approved. I've always been a fan of railroad approved watches ever since my younger days when I briefly worked as a brakeman. There are more railroad approved watches available now and I did look at different brands, such as Pulsar and Citizen. I kept coming back to Seiko due to my previous experience. They're rugged, reliable, and accurate, not to mention I think they make a good-looking watch. When I received this one from the UPS man and opened it up I was not disappointed. As I mentioned in another review I ordered the watchband adjusting toolset ($5.69) and went to work adjusting the band. Piece of cake, took me about 10 min. Speaking of watch bands I like this one a lot better, as it has locking buttons to keep the band from coming open. My old Seiko didn't, and if I bumped it just right while I was driving or doing something else, the band would come open, with this one that is not a problem.

I've only had the watch a few days now and cannot really attest to its durability, longevity, accuracy, etc. But it's a Seiko, and I've always had good luck with Seiko watches. Comparing this to my old Seiko, although I will have to adjust to the new one like I did the old, I am starting to like the face of this new one more and more. It seems easier to read. The only downside, if you could even call it that, is that it doesn't seem as "substantial" as the old one. I don't know why I get that feeling, but my old Seiko just felt a little heftier.

In summary, you can't go wrong on this Seiko watch. You get up fantastic watch, a good price, and the benefits of solar recharging.... No more going dead from worn-out batteries. I'm very happy with this purchase.