Seiko 5 SNXJ90 'American Pyscho'

Step into vintage cool with the Seiko 5 SNXJ90, the watch that kept time and kept up appearances. With its 36 mm stainless steel case (perfect for wrists that don’t want big-boat size) and a clean sunburst silver/white dial capped with a polished bezel, it gives off classic Datejust vibes — only without the premium tag. Inside ticks the reliable 7S26 automatic movement (21 jewels, ~41-hour power reserve) that Seiko earned respect for in the value watch game. The day-date window at 3 o’clock adds function with vintage flair, while the overall styling nods to the boardroom-ready tool watch aesthetic many aspire to.

The real story? This exact model grabbed cult status thanks to its big screen cameo: yes, it was the timepiece worn by Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. That film moment gave it extra swagger and a collector-buzz that’s hard to ignore. It doesn’t pretend to be gold-plated premium (though some two-tone versions do exist); instead it embraces being a well-built automatic, ready for daily wear, understatement and conversation. If you’re after a piece that mixes budget smarts, distinctive heritage and a dash of cinematic cool — the SNXJ90 is that under-the-radar pick.

Reference: SNXJ90

Dated: Undated

Bracelet: TT Bracelet Steel and gold plated

Case Size: 36mm x 11mm Thickness

Lug Width: 20mm

Case Metal: Stainless Steel

Movement: 7S26 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Case has little to no wear. Seiko bracelet has little to no wear. Runs within spec.

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.

The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition. 

The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.