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Citizen Automatic vs Seiko 5 Sports

Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features

Citizen Automatic — White dial, steel case
CitizenAutomatic
Seiko 5 Sports — Blue dial, steel case
Seiko5 Sports

Key Differences

Best Value
Seiko 5 Sports (SRPE57)
Starting from $295
Best Water Resistance
Seiko 5 Sports (SRPE57)
100m (2x more)
Biggest Price Drop
Citizen Automatic (NJ0150-56A)
-3.8% in 30 days

Price Comparison

Citizen Automatic
MSRP
$450
Used
$311
Seiko 5 Sports
MSRP
$295
New
$275
Used
$325
MSRP New (Amazon) Used (eBay)
Comparison of Citizen Automatic, Seiko 5 Sports
Specification
Automatic
5 Sports
Pricing
MSRP$450$295
New PriceN/A$275
Used Price (Low)$311$325
Used Price (High)$658$356
30-Day Trend-3.8%0.0%
Used Price Range$311 - $658$325 - $356
Identity
ReferenceNJ0150-56ASRPE57
NicknameN/AN/A
StyleSports, CasualSports, Casual
Release Era2020s2010s
Dimensions
Diameter40mm40mm
ThicknessN/AN/A
Lug WidthN/AN/A
Lug to LugN/AN/A
Movement
MovementAutomaticAutomatic
Power Reserve / BatteryN/AN/A
AccuracyN/AN/A
Case
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
CrystalSapphire CrystalHardlex
Water Resistance50m (swimming)100m (recreational diving)
BezelFixedFixed
Dial
Dial ColorWhiteBlue
LuminousYesYes
Community
Review RatingN/AN/A
In CollectionsN/AN/A
On WishlistsN/AN/A
Forum ThreadsN/AN/A

Quick Summary

This Citizen Automatic vs Seiko 5 Sports comparison is less about a universal winner and more about water-ready utility versus dressier everyday wear, entry price versus premium finishing or specs. Treat it as a value-versus-upgrade decision — confirm the extra spend solves a problem you will notice every week.

How to choose

The biggest practical difference is usually movement and upkeep. Start with wrist fit and movement preference, then use water resistance and price to break the tie.

Citizen Automatic

Citizen Automatic is a better fit for mechanical-watch enthusiasts, sports styling.

Seiko 5 Sports

Seiko 5 Sports is a better fit for mechanical-watch enthusiasts, sports styling.

Key Differences

Movement and upkeep

Citizen Automatic: automatic movement

Seiko 5 Sports: automatic movement

Both use the same movement type, so maintenance differences are limited and fit or feature details should decide the purchase.

Size and wearability

Citizen Automatic: 40mm

Seiko 5 Sports: 40mm

Their size profiles are relatively close, so fit comes down to shape, weight, and how each watch sits on your wrist.

Water resistance

Citizen Automatic: 50m

Seiko 5 Sports: 100m

Water resistance is a meaningful separator here — the higher-rated option gives more flexibility for swimming or rougher daily use.

Price and value

Citizen Automatic: $450

Seiko 5 Sports: $295

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Style and use case

Citizen Automatic: sports

Seiko 5 Sports: sports

Both lean into a similar sports use case — the choice is more about fit, features, and price than category.

Crystal and materials

Citizen Automatic: sapphire crystal · steel

Seiko 5 Sports: Hardlex crystal · steel

Crystal choice can change long-term wear expectations — one may prioritize scratch resistance while the other keeps cost or vintage feel in check.

Choose Citizen Automatic If...

  • You are comfortable paying more for a stronger feature set.

Choose Seiko 5 Sports If...

  • Swimming, beach use, or tougher daily wear is part of the plan.
  • You want the lower current entry price.

Price and Value Notes

Seiko 5 Sports is often the value play at current pricing, while Citizen Automatic makes more sense if you will use its extra features regularly.

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Where to Check Deals

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay using the buttons below — listing prices, seller quality, and condition can change quickly.

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay

Prices change often, so compare the latest listings and condition options before you buy.

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Citizen Automatic

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary
Check Price on eBayFrom $434 · Live listings

Affiliate links — WatchCompared earns a commission on qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect your price.

Seiko 5 Sports

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary
Check Price on eBayFrom $338 · Live listings

Affiliate links — WatchCompared earns a commission on qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect your price.

Comparison FAQ

Which one is better for smaller wrists?

Start with case width and lug-to-lug. The watch that looks smaller on paper is often the safer choice, but lug shape and thickness still affect how it wears.

Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?

Use the water resistance row as the first filter. Higher ratings generally give more flexibility for swimming and water exposure, but strap choice and overall condition still matter.

Should I choose based on price alone?

Price matters, but the better buy is the watch that matches your fit, feature priorities, and use case. Check live listings first, then decide whether the price gap actually changes the ownership experience.

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