Seiko Launches a New Generation of 5 Sports SKX Series (SRPL83, 85, 87, 89)

Since its return in its present type again in 2019, the Seiko 5 Sports activities assortment has grow to be an inescapable possibility on the subject of buying an accessible, sturdy, dive-inspired automated watch from a longtime model, although Citizen can also be hitting laborious on this market. Right this moment, we’ll be speaking particularly about essentially the most emblematic model of Seiko’s entry-level sports activities watch, the so-called SKX Collection, which pays tribute to a real icon of inexpensive watchmaking, the SKX007. Whereas not a real diver anymore, the model retains a lot of the design components… Nicely, that was till in the present day, as a brand new technology of Seiko 5 Sports activities SKX Collection is right here, with design updates. Let’s check out the model new SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87 and SRPL89. 

By now, most watch fans must be conversant in the general Seiko 5 Sports activities idea and the SKX sequence. However let’s rapidly recap what we’re coping with right here. The idea dates again to 1963 with the Sportimatic 5, a watch providing clients the possibility to personal a watch with the very best know-how at an inexpensive worth. That “5” within the identify got here from the 5 necessary specs of the watch: an automated motion; a day-date complication in a single window; important water-resistance (began at 30 metres and now at 100m within the 42mm fashions); a receded crown at 4 o’clock; and a strong metal case and bracelet (or strap). In 1968, the Seiko 5 Sports activities had been born, inheriting all these benefits. 

Completely revamped in 2019, the primary Seiko 5 Sports activities fashions had been unmistakably impressed by one of many model’s most emblematic “daily-beaters”, a watch cherished by aficionados, the SKX007 and its derivatives. Whereas not providing the identical degree of diving credentials, the inaugural 5 Sports activities fashions of 2019 used an an identical case form, a unidirectional bezel, and an virtually an identical dial design. Since then, not solely has Seiko formally named this sequence SKX, nevertheless it has additionally grow to be the go-to watch within the assortment, out there in dozens of iterations.

For its 2025 assortment, Seiko has determined to introduce a contemporary tackle the 5 Sports activities SKX Collection, revamping some components of its design with out altering the general idea. The 4 new references – SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87 and SRPL89 – have a barely extra technical look, some refinements on the bezel and dials, a revised bracelet, in addition to cool Nineteen Seventies-80s colors on among the editions. However no worries, the concept of a comparatively sturdy and inexpensive automated sports activities watch stays unchanged.

All 4 references share the identical structure and specs. And needless to say the bottom of those watches, that means their case and motion, are carried over from the earlier references, an identical to the 2019 editions. This leads to acquainted options just like the traditional asymmetrical stainless-steel case and crown at 4 o’clock instantly modelled after the SKX007, and a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The watches measure 42.5mm in diameter, 13.9mm in thickness and 46mm in size – nothing new right here. Additionally an identical is the push-pull crown, which is, however, adequate for the 100m water-resistance, mixed with a screwed caseback.

Whereas these new SRPL83, 85, 87, 89 retain a Hardlex crystal over the dial, the dial opening is bigger than earlier than, which coincidentally implies that the width of the unidirectional rotating bezel has been diminished in comparison with the earlier SKX-inspired fashions. Additionally, whereas a lot of the older variations featured a metallic insert, these new watches are actually geared up with a shiny glass insert, with a 60-minute scale printed on the underside. Not solely does this add a sure premium really feel to the watch, nevertheless it additionally brings a sure depth and play of sunshine.

The dial is the place a lot of the updates are seen. The earlier structure depends on a mix of spherical and oval markers and an inverted triangle. The brand new SKX Collection has a distinct structure that comes nearer to present Prospex fashions, such because the King Samurai. This implies a mix of brief and elongated rectangles, and an inverted, sharp double marker at 12 o’clock. Seiko additionally mentions that the fingers have been refined, shedding the needle impact of previous fashions. Nevertheless, the day-date perform has been stored intact.

The brand new Seiko 5 Sports activities SKX Collection is introduced in 4 editions. The blue SRPL83 and black SRPL85 are essentially the most traditional of the lot, with a contemporary, technical really feel. Each have a flippantly brushed dial with crisp white markings, a pink automated point out and white luminescent materials. These two come on a newly designed metal bracelet with extra rounded hyperlinks.

The opposite two are a lot bolder in fashion, with shiny yellow (SRPL87) or orange (SRPL89) flat dials, producing a quite classic dive watch really feel… Excellent for summer time. The orange mannequin even provides gold-toned fingers and an orange 60-minute bezel scale to the equation. Each are worn on a black silicone strap. Contained in the case, no surprises, as these new fashions nonetheless run on the automated calibre 4R36 with a 3Hz frequency and a 41h energy reserve.

Out there from June 2025, and a part of the everlasting assortment, the yellow SRPL87 and orange SRPL89 on rubber straps are priced at EUR 400, whereas the blue SRPL83 and black SRPL85 on metal bracelets are priced at EUR 440.

For extra particulars, please go to www.seikowatches.com.