They’re mostly unique designs made by Seiko, a very well-regarded company in the watch world, and while these watches aren’t top-of-the-line (for the price, you can’t expect them to be) they’ve become a bit of an icon in their own right. While many of us might not need such an apparatus on our watch, one that our phones can likely do better for us non-divers, I like using it to time how much time is left for food in the oven, or how much time I have left in a parking meter. The 42mm Seiko 5 Sports “5KX” divers are a bit larger, as dive watches typically are. Traditionally, this was so dive watches could have larger hour markers, and be more legible when divers used them underwater. Today, 42mm is no longer a “large” watch by modern standards. This is closer to the watch size you likely see on most people’s wrists. Despite having all of these features, the SSK003 manages to stay relatively thin and affordable compared to other GMT watches. And it looks great while doing so! The Seiko 5 Sports GMTs from Seiko change the game. They’re the most affordable automatic GMT watches you can find from a well-known brand.

Anyway, the SRPD55 is a classic dive watch design. It “just” has 100 meters of water resistance, which is supposedly not enough for spoiled Seiko purists, but is more than enough for the average joe like myself who just wants to take a dip in the pool, or swim at the beach, and isn’t going on a serious dive expedition. The amount of jewels in a Seiko 5 varies depending on the movement used. Watches with the 7S26 movement have 21 jewels, and those with the 4R34 and 4R36 have 24 jewels. Some older, vintage Seiko 5s that use discontinued movements have 17 jewels. What About Vintage Seiko 5s?

This is generally a very simple procedure. We can do this for you, or you can get the watch adjusted locally. Option 1. Specify your wrist measurement and we will adjust it before being sent

While the watches are great, the included bracelet or strap on the older 5 models leaves a bit to be desired. The metal bands are often hollow feeling, hair-pulling, and difficult to adjust. When buying an older 5, you might want to consider that you might want to spend a bit extra to find a replacement strap down the line. It has dauphine hands and a surprising red second hand that adds a pop of color and sportiness, breaking the watch out of the mold of all o the other plain and simple dress watches on the market. Seiko’s exclusive 7S26 calibre automatic movement powers this watch, it consists of 21 jewels and it offers an accuracy of -20/+40 seconds per day. This watch has a water resistance of 30 metres, meaning it should only be exposed to light splashes of water. Generally, the older Seiko 5 models are smaller, around 37mm, and less expensive (although prices have been creeping up recently due to exclusivity). Regular non-sports Seiko 5s. These are typically the “dressier” and older models. Although less modern, these watches are extremely comfortable to wear, and often look a bit more elegant and refined, due to their classic sizing. Thesework best on those with small – medium wrists, with a circumference of 7.5″ and less, but will still look fine on those with larger wrists as well.

The brushed case lugs contrast with the high-polished bezel, and all-silver dial, pairing with the beautiful (although quite uncomfortably hair-pulling) mixed-metal bracelet. I also like the case design better on the SNKL45, albeit I haven't seen the SNKL23 in person so that could change my opinion about the watch overall. The only thing I prefer on the latter is perhaps the second hand, which isn't red. I might grow to like the red second hand more if I had the watch for a while, who knows. Seiko 5s typically use the entry-level 7S26 or slightly upgraded 4R36 movement. Both movements are made in-house by Seiko, a rarity in affordable watchmaking.

The watch doesn’t have a sapphire crystal, which helps prevent scratches, nor a screw-down crown, making it a deal-breaker for some. Though, I’ve taken mine on vacation and beat it up. The included hardlex crystal doesn’t have a scratch on it, and despite only having 100 meters of water resistance, I was still able to take this watch swimming in pools and the ocean, without any issues whatsoever. The radiant blue sunburst dial of the SRPE53 compliments the polished bezel, and brushed bracelet, although this watch would look just as at home on a NATO strap or leather band.Leather strap watches tend to fit without a problem for most wearers. However, watches fitted with metal bracelets often need adjusting to get the perfect fit. The included Jubilee bracelet is one of the most solid I’ve ever worn, and I’ve tried dozens of third-party Jubilees from companies like Strapcode for watches like my SKX.