When Seiko retired an icon, it was up to this little fellow to step up its game. The SKX is dead, long live the SRPD. Click below for the full hands-on Video:
The Seiko 5 Sports SRPD is available in dozens upon dozens of variations. What they all have in common is a Hardlex crystal and a 42.5mm steel case with a lug to lug of just 46mm. An overall thickness of 13.4mm and a lug width of 22mm. Strap fanatics rejoice because the SRPD has drilled lugs. Turning of the lights reveals the Lumibrite, generously applied on hands and indexes. Note the absence of a luminous pip at 12 o clock. The automatic Calibre 4r36 is visible through the display caseback and features a 40-hour power reserve. The accuracy is rated between +45 and -35 seconds per day. Not to forget is the unidirectional rotating bezel. The watch has a protected non screw down crown and boasts a 100m water resistance.
This relatively new Seiko 5 Sports is not an SKX, but it sure does look a lot like it. The SRPD is however starting its own distinct journey.
Most obvious is of course the Seiko 5 logo on the dial. While it took me a while to get used to it, much like the Prospex logo I’ve quickly grown to accept it. Looking a bit closer you will see that you are greeted with applied indices which is a nice little upgrade. Another improvement is visible through the display caseback, the Calibre 4r36. A low-beat movement with increased accuracy when comparing to the previous generation 7s26. It now also features hacking seconds and hand-winding.
Unlike the SKX the SRPD does not feature a screw-down crown and the water resistance maxes out at 100m rather than 200m. If you really need the dive specifications, this is simply not the Seiko for you. If you are looking for a nice Seiko diver then you are spoilt for choice with the Seiko Prospex collection. I would then suggest having a look at for example the excellent turtle within the Prospex collection. Now, for everybody else, this is a very compelling package. For what it’s worth, I would consider the black and white SRPD55k1 as the most versatile of the bunch:
On the wrist, the 42.5mm diameter may scare some of you away, but the 46mm lug to lug should pull you right back in. With a 46mm lug to lug this will fit almost any wrist you throw at it. The SRPD comes on a variety of straps and bracelets. The steel bracelet feels nice and solid, the clasp will not win any awards but certainly does the trick and the added lock is a nice feature as well. While I like the look of this steel bracelet, I would probably wear this on a NATO most of the time or on a nice rubber strap.
Having spent some time with the SRPD I can say that this is an excellent entry-level mechanical watch. If the dive specifications are a must for you then you could simply look into the slightly more expensive Seiko Prospex collection. That said, Seiko brings plenty of arguments to the table that should easily convince you that this is an excellent new addition to the Seiko family. The fact that these are available in a variety of executions further add to their appeal.
An excellent choice for an everyday mechanical sports watch, ready to take on almost anything you throw at it.
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Outstanding review again! I love how it looks like the SKX, but the fact that it looks like a diver yet has no screw down crown still bothers me.. Should have kept that in imho. Still a very cool watch and soooo much choice
Fantastic video review again, just got one of these for my son and one for myself 🙂