This definitely a nice watch. I don't think there is a better quality automatic watch at this price point. However, technically speaking it is not a true automatic. The rotor inside will charge a Lithium-ion battery based on your hand movements. The Lithium-ion battery then provides power for the movement the same way a quartz watch is powered by a regular battery. Previous versions of Seiko Kinetics used a capacitor. So it is basically a hybrid quartz movement. It also does not have the sweeping seconds hand of the automatics. The advantage is that the watch can keep accurate time for months at a time without the need to wind it. The watch will stop after 24 hours of non-use but keeps track of the time internally and it will adjust to the current time as soon as you wear it again. An automatic watch on the other had will stop after it runs out of juice (usually 1 to 2 days) at which point you will have to wind it back up and manually set the time.

 My biggest complaint is the black bracelet starts to scratch/fade rather quickly especially the links in the middle. Someone has already posted pictures of it, so please check it out. I had initially bought this for daily use at work, in an office environment. After only a couple of months of use there were visible scratches on the bracelet. Considering how easily the bracelet starts fading, now I only use it on special occasions. Additionally, you cannot just replace the bracelet with another standard bracelet or strap. You would have to purchase a custom strap or buy a replacement bracelet from Seiko. Another minor complaint would be the leap year indicator. As mentioned already by another reviewer, I think it would have been more useful to have a 'day of the week' instead.

Please note that this is a "dressy" watch. It can work in an office (if you wear a shirt/tie), but more suited for formal occasions. Of course this is just my opinion, but I recommend that you try it on at a Seiko dealer before purchasing. I think it looks out of place in casual settings like jeans/t-shirt or if you were to wear it to the gym. Unfortunately due to the formal style of the watch, I don't have much opportunities to wear it and it has ended up collecting dust.