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Over the previous six years, the present Seiko 5 Sports activities assortment has change into extensively numerous. First introduced in August 2019, spec-wise, it wasn’t a direct successor to the well-known SKX dive watches. Nonetheless, with the discontinuation of the SKX collection and the SRPD fashions’ visible hyperlink to these watches, it’s clear the place the inspiration got here from. With the brand new Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89, the model pays tribute to the predecessor of the SKX, the Seiko 7002 diver.
Have you learnt what got here earlier than the favored SKX and after the well-known Seiko “Turtle”? It was the Seiko 7002 collection of dive watches. Hardcore Seiko followers could have recognized that reply, however for loads of individuals, which may have been a little bit of a blind spot. I humbly admit that it additionally was for me. It’s not that I hadn’t seen a kind of watches earlier than; Fratello’s personal Nacho has a Seiko 7002-7000. Nonetheless, I had by no means put that watch into the correct timeframe to grasp its context. Fortunately, a 2018 article on the Seiko 7002 diver by Fratello’s resident Seiko skilled Mike shines a light-weight on that.
The story of those 4 new Seiko 5 Sports activities fashions
As Mike defined, Seiko’s 7002 collection was produced from 1988 till 1996, when the SKX collection changed it. The 7002 began as a 150m-rated diver and advanced to a extra sturdy 200m-water-resistant dive instrument due to an improved crystal.
Throughout its eight-year manufacturing run, many various fashions had been out there. The dial design, with its rectangular markers, tied most of them collectively. That can also be the principle visible distinction between the collection and the SKX fashions that got here subsequent.
most of the Seiko 5 Sports activities fashions, most of you’ll know that the SKX collection impressed these designs. With at present’s releases, nevertheless, the model dove deeper into the archives and added the 7002’s aesthetic to the Seiko 5 Sports activities lineup. In case you are a fan of that collection or just like the oblong indexes greater than spherical ones, these new fashions could possibly be nice choices for you.
The Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
Let’s go over the specs of those 4 new fashions. All of them function a 42.5mm case with a 46mm lug-to-lug and a 13.9mm profile, with that final measurement marking a 0.5mm improve in thickness in comparison with the SKX-inspired references. A lot to the chagrin of some Seiko diehards, these watches retain the 100m depth ranking of their SRPD counterparts. Nonetheless, in a transfer that may absolutely please many, Seiko is kicking off this line with 4 dial colours.
The SRPL83 incorporates a blue dial and bezel insert, whereas the SRPL85 has a black dial and a grey bezel insert. These dial variants function the phrase “Automated” in crimson on the decrease half of the dial. Moreover, these fashions every come on a three-row stainless-steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp. Total, it’s secure to say that these two watches are the extra conservative choices of the 4.
The SRPL87 and SRPL89 are a way more colourful duo. The SRPL87 incorporates a yellow dial with a black bezel insert, whereas the SRPL89 has an orange dial and a black bezel insert with gold-colored numerals.
Each of those come customary on a black silicone strap with a pin buckle. All in all, these watches provide a a lot completely different presence than the black- and blue-dial variations, however they nonetheless hyperlink again to the unique design of the 7002 diver.
Attribute particulars
All 4 fashions have the identical type of hour markers and arms, hinting on the Seiko 7002 collection. Moreover, the indexes and arms are stuffed with Seiko LumiBrite to make sure you can learn the time in darker situations. I really like that Seiko didn’t simply change the dial design for these latest 5 Sports activities fashions but in addition used the identical type of arms because the traditional 7002 collection. Trying intently, you will note that Seiko used completely different colours for the seconds arms. The counterpoises for the blue and black fashions are in keeping with the dial colours. The yellow-dial model has a silver-colored seconds hand, whereas the orange-dial model has a grey one to distinction gold-colored hour and minute arms.
A well-recognized motion
Powering all 4 watches is Seiko’s in-house 4R36 caliber. This automated motion operates at 21,600vph, has 24 jewels, and affords 41 hours of energy reserve. It additionally shows the day and date by way of a big rectangular window at 3 o’clock on the dial. Accuracy-wise, Seiko signifies that the 4R36 ought to run between +45/-35 seconds per day.
As lots of you’ll know, after pulling out the crown to the primary place, you may set the day by turning clockwise and the date by turning counterclockwise. Pulling the crown out to the second place will cease the seconds hand and permit you to set the time.
Sporting the Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
On the wrist, these 4 fashions really feel acquainted however with a little bit twist. As a fan of bracelets, I instantly gravitated in direction of the blue and black fashions, which put on like a allure. Regardless of being thicker than the SKX-inspired fashions, the case form feels acquainted, and the bracelet is decently made. It’s snug, and the clasp, whereas not the most effective, additionally performs as much as customary. Coming in at €440 every, these watches provide nice worth for cash.
As talked about, the SRPL87 and SRPL89 provide a really completely different look with colourful dials and black silicone straps. These two watches are vivid, enjoyable alternate options to the extra critical SRPL83 and SRPL85.
The silicone straps are good and cozy, making the watches a pleasure to put on and considerably cheaper at €400. It was enjoyable to see how varied members of the Fratello group preferred the completely different variations. It confirmed that Seiko made an important alternative by introducing 4 choices.
Last ideas on the Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
Total, I really like that Seiko makes use of its 5 Sports activities collection to pay homage to a few of its common fashions from the previous. That’s why I feel loads of fanatics will leap on the probability to get one among these watches.
And even in the event you don’t know concerning the historical past of the 7002 collection, these 4 new watches are nonetheless nice alternate options to the “common” SKX-inspired fashions. This collection is a enjoyable and intelligent addition to the Seiko 5 Sports activities lineup in additional methods than one.
The 4 watches can be found now, increasing the Seiko 5 Sports activities lineup with much more nice choices. What do you consider how Seiko has stuffed out the 5 Sports activities assortment, and what’s your tackle these new SRPL fashions? As all the time, we invite you to share your ideas within the feedback part.
