Seiko 5 Sports SRPL91 SRPL93 Gene Kranz Junior

Borna Bošnjak

If a watch will get bestowed a nickname, you might be fairly positive that it’s a collectible one. Pepsi, Nina Rindt, Willard, Turtle… However have you ever ever heard of the Gene Kranz? Among the many slew of Seikos which might be deserving of their nicknames, the Gene Kranz isn’t one which pops up all that usually, however its uncommon origins are value exploring. Originating because the Seiko 5 Sports activities Diver ref. 6119-8460, its white-dialled variant was worn by the flight director for Apollo 13 that gave it its nickname, with a bi-directional, count-up bezel and 70 metres of water-resistance within the recognisable Seiko 5 case. And now, it’s again, as Seiko revives this deep-cut reference from the late Nineteen Sixties because the Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL91 and SRPL93. Can we name him Gene Junior?

The dial

There’s one element that fervent Seiko followers will discover instantly when wanting on the dial, and that’s the return of the “5” protect under the Seiko branding at 12. For fairly a number of years now, Seiko has most popular the extra stylised variant discovered within the 5KX, however I’m so glad the OG is again. Not solely do I believe it higher matches this classic revival dial, but it surely additionally helps the brand new SRPL91 and SRPL93 obtain an eerily related look to their predecessor. The straightforward, baton handset and stick indices are lifted straight from the 6119-8460, together with the charming paddle-tipped seconds hand, although there’s now an extra line of textual content splitting “water-proof” and “10 bar” into two traces. Identical to the unique, the day/date window is break up in color, with the day in white and date in black. I’d normally be the primary to complain about not colour-matching this to the dial, however for the sake of historic accuracy, I’ll permit it.

If you wish to be as correct as attainable to the supply materials, you’ll must go together with the silver-dialled Kranz Jr, as that’s the mannequin the person really wore. Seiko does additionally provide the black SRPL93 variant to match the unique color choices of the 6119-8460. The dome of the Hardlex crystal can also be actually nice, because it’s nearer in look to the classic items and would most likely be my desire over sapphire, regardless of the downgrade in scratch-resistance.

The case

If the theme of the dial was “if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it”, the case retains in line. With a 38.2mm diameter, it matches that of the unique, and the identical might be mentioned for its form. The recessed, 4 o’clock crown is a Seiko 5 signature, and helps maintain the on-wrist bulk to a minimal. Being a Seiko, the compact lug-to-lug makes the Gene Kranz re-issue a breeze on the wrist, and the tall dome of the Hardlex crystal jutting out from the bezel doubles down on the classic aesthetic.

The place the Kranz Jr departs from the unique is ending, because the Japanese model has steps up the standard as you would possibly count on, with neat transitions between brushed and polished surfaces. Trying on the case side-on, you’ll discover that Seiko nonetheless doesn’t signal the crowns of its entry-level watches, which might be a pleasant step-up in consideration to element, however there’s additionally a change that caught my eye. The SRPL91 and SRPL93 now function drilled lugs, which I’d’ve anticipated the unique to function contemplating its “Sports activities Diver” moniker, and one thing I’m joyful to see given the strap monster potential of the Kranz Juniors.

The bracelet

The manufacturing facility possibility for each colourways is a five-link, all-brushed metal bracelet completed in a folding, double-pusher clasp. Aesthetically, it’s devoted to the bracelets that have been out there with the unique watch within the ’60s, and I just like the smaller clasp measurement given the mid-size diameter. That discount in clasp actual property does imply that there are solely a few micro-adjust positions which takes away a bit of little bit of versatility, however along with the small bracelet hyperlinks, I don’t envision it being a big problem. That mentioned, I’d welcome a toolless micro-adjust changing into normal for Seiko any day.

The motion

No prizes for guessing the motion that powers this new 5 Sports activities duo. Sure, the venerable 4R36 is put to work as soon as once more, offering its dependable timekeeping for as much as 41 hours, and beating at 3Hz. It’s hidden behind a stable caseback, which I’m completely on board with, and is a neat (and anticipated) improve over the 6119C of the ’60s authentic.

The decision

There is no such thing as a scarcity of fantastic, inexpensive Seiko daily-drivers from its 5 Sports activities assortment, however I genuinely suppose that the brand new SRPL91 and SRPL93 are two of the perfect we’ve seen for a while. The 5 decade-old design is confirmed to be timeless in its simplicity and legibility, and a few quirks just like the bi-colour day/date and outdated Seiko 5 script are simply what it takes to tug at lovers’ heartstrings. Add to that the cool issue of being nicknamed after its wearer, Eugene Francis Kranz, and there’s little or no I can discover to complain about. I’m wondering what I must do, and which watch I’d put on to have it nicknamed after me… I believe a few rocket launches and explosive disaster rescues are so as earlier than that occurs.

Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL91 and SRPL93 “Gene Kranz” pricing and availability

The brand new Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL91 and SRPL93 Heritage Design Re-creation Restricted Editions are restricted to 9,999 items per color. Worth: A$695