Seiko 5 Sports “7002 Style” SRPL83 SRPL85 SRPL87 SRPL89

Russell Sheldrake

Wanting throughout the present 5 Sports activities mannequin vary, most fashions proceed the lineage from the legendary Seiko SKX. Whereas they’ve improved upon the antiquated 7s26 motion and added options like a GMT, they’ve change into extra of an all-round sports activities watch assortment when in comparison with the ISO-certified diver that the SKX was. However outdoors of fanatic circles, that hasn’t actually affected their recognition. The most recent addition to the 5 Sports activities SKX Collection assortment is a quartet that truly references the SKX’s predecessor, the Seiko 7002, although doing so in design slightly than spec as some might have hoped. Nonetheless, with funky colors and new bracelet and strap choices, the SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89 are a welcome addition. We received our palms on two of the fashions from the Seiko 5 “7002-style” assortment, and that is what’s new.

The dial

Although it was certainly not the primary to do it, the spherical hour markers and oddly formed cardinal factors are a part of what made the SKX legendary. It was by no means the prettiest, however its performance was unquestionable, so it’s no shock that the 5KX continued the legacy. Regarding right now’s duo, nonetheless, the dial is the largest level of differentiation. The Seiko 7002 diver preceded the SKX (with a 1988 – 1996 manufacturing run), and is recognisable by its rectangular lume pips and the elongated, break up triangle at 12.

Because it tends to go together with Seiko, the unique 7002s had been produced in quite a lot of colored dial and bezels, however the brand new SKX Collection retains it moderately easy. All of the indices get the puffy printing we’re accustomed to from Seiko’s 5KX vary, together with the day/date window that isn’t colour-matched to the dials, however does match into the general aesthetic of the dial moderately properly. There are 4 colourways – a black and a blue with matching bezels, a yellow with a black bezel, and eventually an orange with gold bezel markings. Personally, I’m an enormous fan of the brightly colored examples (particularly the orange), as they actually hone in on the ’80s really feel of the fashions’ designs.

And talking of these bezels, the brand new 7002 Fashion will get Hardlex inserts that supply up some funky reflections, although the Seiko proprietary mineral glass continues to be sadly used for the principle crystal. It actually ought to be sapphire within the yr of our lord 2025.

The case

If you happen to’ve ever placed on a Seiko SKX or any of its derivatives (and I’d count on most individuals studying this to have finished so in some unspecified time in the future), you’ll know the way these put on. The SKX Collection’ instances measure in at 42.5mm in diameter and 46mm lug-to-lug, with the latter measurement making all of the distinction on-wrist, and making the scale a lot simpler to tug off for the smaller-wristed amongst us. That stated, the 7002 Fashion particularly does improve in thickness by half a millimetre to 13.9mm whole. In all honesty, I’m undecided the place this extra top comes from, because it’s actually not noticeable on the wrist.

As these novelties are a part of Seiko’s present 5 Sports activities line, it means they proceed with push-pull crowns and solely 100 metres of water-resistance, versus screw-down and 200 metres (or 150 metres for some 7002s) of the SKX. This has been by far essentially the most controversial change with the appearance of the SKX’s discontinuation, and one that’s comprehensible to a level. Seiko’s most succesful divers have moved to the Prospex vary, and have additionally elevated in worth, whereas the 5 Sports activities retained the unique tenets of the gathering and solely took on the SKX visible design. Whereas it’s not a dealbreaker given the relative affordability of the fashions within the present 5 Sports activities assortment, it could be good to have.

The bracelet and strap

On the subject of modifications, one completely welcome one that’s launched with the 7002-inspired items is the brand new three-link bracelet. Design-wise, it’s not a far cry from what we see on the remainder of the SKX Collection watches, however the uptick in high quality could be very noticeable in-hand. The development feels much less jangly (although I need to say that is notably charming within the Jubilee-style Seiko fashions), and the hyperlinks have a extra pronounced form and much superior ending. Granted, the clasp continues to be of a stamped selection, however hey, I’ll take the win.

It’s price mentioning that the bracelet is just obtainable on the blue and black fashions, whereas the brightly colored numbers get a pliable silicone strap. There may be actually not a lot to the design aside from three grooves simply earlier than the spring bars, my guess could be to emulate the wavy, extendable bits discovered on a few of Seiko’s different plastic/rubber straps. For day by day put on, I’d virtually actually desire the bracelet, however for sporty functions, the softness of the silicone could be a pleasant choice.

The motion

Persevering with to be the champion of Seiko’s entry degree, the 4R36 calibre additionally powers the brand new 7002-style SKX Collection. It’s utterly unpretentious, with no ornament to talk of (although seen by means of the Hardlex caseback), and is actually a 7s26 with hacking and hand-winding, matching its 41-hour energy reserve and 3Hz beat fee. It may not be a lot to take a look at, however it’ll be dependable for years, and when the time comes, low cost and simple to service and even substitute.

The decision

Seiko has been riffing on the nostalgia issue with fairly just a few iterations of the 5KX, and the 7002 Fashion is simply the following in line. So long as Seiko retains them reasonably priced and enjoyable, I feel a few of the middling specs might be forgiven given simply how properly the SKX case wears, and particularly with incremental upgrades such because the bracelet in query. Whereas there shall be die-hard Seiko collectors who aren’t afraid of delving into the oft-murky waters surrounding classic 7002s, the brand new SRPL quartet is a protected different to those that need the look, with out the danger. They’ll find yourself with a reasonably cool watch on their wrist.

Seiko 5 Sports activities SKX Collection SRPL83 SRPL85 SRPL87 SRPL89 pricing and availability

The Seiko 5 Sports activities SKX Collection “7002 Fashion” is now obtainable in 4 colourways. Value: A$650, US$385, €400 (strap), A$695, US$425, €440 (bracelet)