Looks like the Seiko SKX is finally getting a long-awaited facelift and 27 new models will be added to the newly revived Seiko 5 Sports line, potentially replacing the Seiko SKX which is rumored to be discontinued in the near future.

Though not a complete replacement, as both the SKX and the new divers have their own pros and cons. Read more about the SKX vs the Sports Divers here.

The new Seiko 5 Sports models have a brand new logo that resembles a horizontal letter S, and seems to be a bit of a merger between the traditional Seiko 5 badge and the Seiko 5 Sports logo.⠀

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They’ve seemed to have kept the original tooly and sporty nature of the original SKX case and overall aesthetic while offering a wider range of different styles and colors to choose from.⠀

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As of now, a total of 27 different models are presented, all featuring slightly different dials, bracelets/straps, and in some cases, even case colors.

The 5 different variations of the new Seiko 5 Sports divers are as follows:

Seiko 5 Sports ‘Sports’

That’s right… It’s actually called Sports ‘Sports’. Interesting name choice, Seiko.

The Sports Style is the line with the most variety of colors, featuring 11 different styles to choose from, including different dial and case finishing.

We can see that they’ve added applied hour markers, the new Seiko 5 Sports logo and ‘Automatic’ text written at the bottom (goodbye ISO certification and 200m water resistance, more about that later), as well as a brand new, Rolex Submariner style bezel insert.

They offer a wide array of color options from blue to Pepsi, an Orange dial, and even one with a black PVD coated case, the SRPD65K1.

SRPD51k1

SRPD51K2

SRPD53K1

SRPD55K1

SRPD55K3

SRPD57K1

SRPD59K1

SRPD61K1

SRPD63K1

SRPD65K1

SRPD65K4

Seiko 5 Sports ‘Suits’

The Seiko 5 Sports Suits variation appears to be your slightly more rustic and dressy aesthetic.

They feature hour markers with the look of an aged patina, as well as a somewhat faded dial that also adds to the rustic and vintage charm.

They can be had on a milanese mesh bracelet or a tire tread rubber strap and appear in a variety of colors.

The featured model is the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD73K1 which is one that I have my eye on the most, as I love the patina’d markers and the red paint at the end of the second hand, which adds a nice pop of color.

SRPD73K2

SRPD75K1

SRPD65K2

SRPD67K1

SRPD69K1

SRPD71K1

SRPD71K2

SRPD73K1

Seiko 5 Sports ‘Specialist’

SRPD76K1

The Seiko 5 Sports specialist is the smallest line of variety they offer and seem to be relatively straightforward.

They offer 3 different case finishing variations, a regular stainless steel, a gunmetal brushed case and a Rose Gold coated case with rose gold hands and applied hour markers.

They also include what appears to be an alligator embossed strap, that I suspect might be adhered to rubber, to help make it waterproof. Or it might be a rubber alligator embossed strap.

I’m most excited for the rose gold case, the Seiko 5 Sports SRPBD76k1 as it has a bit of a Rolex Yachtmaster look and feel, but at Seiko price point and quality. Win/win.

SRPD55K2

SRPD65K3

Seiko 5 Sports ‘Street’

SRPD79K1

The Seiko 5 Sports are a line of 3 different black PVD coated cases, each with different colored lumibrite hour markers, black, blue or red.



Everything from the case to the bezel and bezel insert has been blacked out. Even the day/date wheel has been made black to match the theme.



There are appropriate pops of matching accent colors on the red and blue versions.

They are all featured on a standard black ZULU strap.

The model featured above is the SRPD79K1, the black on black variation.

SRPD81K1

SRPD83K1

Seiko 5 Sports ‘Sense’

SRPD77K1

Last, but not least, we have the Seiko 5 Sports Sense.

These appear to be the most ‘outdoorsy’ looking variations, coming in either forest green or a burgundyish brown.

SRPD85K1

They both feature a unique textured dial that doesn’t appear in any of the other Seiko 5 Sports models and they also have a contrasting second hand.

Seiko 5 Sports Straps

There will be a wider range of straps available this time around instead of just the jubilee/rubber strap options currently offered on the present line of SKX.⠀

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Looks like this time around they’ll have all types of strap offerings, from NATO to Milanese mesh and even leather straps this time around.⠀

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Really excited for the huge amount of variety this new line will bring to the table, and I’m glad

Seiko 5 Sports Movement

They’ve finally decided to upgrade the movement to a 4R36 movement, which will include hacking and hand winding.

The 4R36 is basically an upgraded version of the 7S26 movement seen in the Seiko SKX as well as many of the Seiko 5 and Seiko 5 sports variations. The proprietary and almost outdated 7S26 movements were one of the few reasons I suggested you shouldn’t get an SKX. Glad to see Seiko listen to my own personal criticism and adjust accordingly. 😉

Hacking and hand-winding would be not only nice, but almost a must in this day and age to keep up with the likes of Orient and other high-quality entry-level divers. ⠀

Release Date

The Seiko 5 Sports have been released on September 10, 2019.

Retail Price

The Seiko 5 Sports will retail with a suggested MSRP of roughly between $285 to $381. Definitely not cheap, but let’s be real, these rarely sell at retail… Unless Hodinkee makes an article blowing them up. Even then, there are so many different models, I don’t think it’ll be hard to get your hands on one you like. And with an upgraded 4R36 movement with hacking and handwinding, I’m pretty stoked about that price.

Specifications

Stainless steel case and bracelet with three-fold clasp with



secure lock & push button release (SRPD51)



Stainless steel case and bracelet with sliding clasp (SRPD73)



Stainless steel case with rose gold color coating (SRPD76)



Stainless steel case with black color hard-coating (SRPD77, 79)



Silicone/calf hybrid strap (SRPD76)



Nylon strap (SRPD77, 79)



Hardlex crystal



See-through screw case back



Diameter: 42.5mm, Thickness: 13.4mm



Water resistance: 10 bar



Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Where to Find & Wrapping It Up

The Seiko 5 Sports divers can easily be found on Amazon and even most department stores that typically carry Seiko watches.

Seiko Men's Analogue Automatic Watch with Stainless Steel Strap SRPD53K1 Double-sided automatic lift (magic lever); Power reserve 41 hours

Stainless steel housing; Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp with safety push button; Hardlex; screwed glass bottom; Diameter 43.0mm

100m waterproof; unidirectional rotating bezel; Day of the week and date; Lumibrite

Let me know what you think about them! NR36 movement is preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetty sweet and the huge variety of color and design options is awesome.



Read more about the new Seiko 5 Sports divers here.

Last update on 2020-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API