Watch Review: The Seiko 5 Sports SRPD
Dive watches are currently trending in the market for two main reasons. They’re practical timepieces that offer various functions for divers and those who enjoy engaging in water sports. The other reason is that they’re sporty and make a fashion statement on top of their practicality. Seiko offers a line of dive watches that has long been a favorite for those who love watches and are looking for reliability and convenience. Its most recent introduction to the family is the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD, which merits a closer look.
An old friend returns
The SRPD is not a new model for Seiko, but it has undergone an evolution since it was first introduced in the early 1960s. The design of the early predecessors got the attention of divers with its ISO certification and reputation for being a solid and dependable diving watch. Versatility and durability with the two adjectives most commonly used to describe them. The most recent diver is the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD. According to Worn and Wound, some changes in the design have been beneficial, and others, not so much. The latest iteration has lost some of its water-resistance without the screw-down style crown, but there are other ways that Seiko has made up for this minor alteration.
Key features of the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD
The five key elements of a diver are met in the new model released in 2020. It offers a day and date display with an automatic movement, a recessed crown that is positioned at 4 o’clock, and the bracelet and case are made from durable materials. It may not be as water-resistant as previous models but it is still made to bear the pressure of the water, albeit in shallower depths. The Sports model is one of three from the newest collection that also includes its siblings the “Sense Style” and the “Suit Style.” For today, we keep our focus on Sports.
Overview
The Sports Style is also known as the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD91 model. At a glance, this timepiece catches the eye with its straightforward appearance with a black dial in a fine grain background with indices in silver applied and treated with white lume. It comes across as a functional watch that offers a sporty personality to the casual observer. There are no frills about this variant because that’s the way some fans of the diver line like it.
Specifications of the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD
Seiko has offered a total of 27 new models in its 2020 launch of the new and modern timepiece with 10 units offered in a variety of different colors, finishes, mounts, and styling. They all have a few elements in common that link them together as a family. It’s the DNA that makes them recognizable as a family with a few differences that contribute to the individuality of and distinction of each variant. Hodinkee points out some of the finer points of the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD, offering that this model represents a turn at the corner for Seiko. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Seiko 5 lineup with modernization and a few changes that were deemed necessary when its predecessors had fulfilled their life cycle. It is evidence of a total revamp like a breath of fresh air and an infusion of new blood that Seiko hopes will revitalize the line and bring in a new group of enthusiasts.
The case
The case of the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD is made of stainless steel material. The width is 42.5 mm with a depth of 13.4 mm. It is finished with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces to give the timepiece a bit of variance, although it isn’t anything fancy. When you turn the watch over, you get to see a display window that allows a full view of the movement beneath. The transparent case back is a nice touch that adds a bit of class with a high-end detailing. There are no frills shown on the plain movement but it’s still novel to watch it work. The crown is a non-screw down type, which diminishes the water resistance but it’s attractive with its two crown guards for protection at the 4 o’clock position. Both front and back of the case are covered with a Hardlex mineral crystal lens, an in-house creation of Seiko. The crystals are made for durability in their shatter resistance, but they are susceptible to scratching more so than the sapphire crystal. This is just one more element that places the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD at the entry-level positioning.
The bezel
The bezel is a unidirectional 0-60 styling with a slight clicking sound when it’s turned. It’s available in an assortment of styles and colors, based upon the personal preference of the buyer and the color of the dial.
The dial
The dial is available in a broad assortment of colors. The grainy texture to the background is a nice touch that adds texture. The markers are applied and made of silver with white lume to light up the indicators nicely in low light conditions. The legibility of the dial is superb. The hands are made of the same material as the indices in a straightforward design for the more practical.
The movement
Seiko updated the movement of the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD. It is powered by a newer 4R36 mechanical automatic type with 24 jewels. Two new features are added including a had wind option and a hack of the second’s hand for precision time setting. Other functions include a day/date display placed at the 3 o’clock position, and a power reserve of 40 hours.
The strap
The strap that affixes the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD to the wrist varies. Most variants are a nylon nato style in a choice of colors with matching hardware to the case, Seiko-signed buckle closure, and an easy adjustment mechanism with a locking clasp available for some. There is also a mesh strap made of stainless steel material if you go with the suit style variant. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters. It’s not intended for deep-sea diving but it does offer a measure of water resistance for snorkelers or casual swimming.
