Seeing as how the 5KX line of watches took much inspiration from the preceding SKX line of watches, it should come as no surprise that the cases of these two divers are almost identical, at least on the surface. The crystals used on both the 5KX orange and the SKX011 are Seiko Hardlex, a proprietary material that is modestly resistant to scratches and is shatterproof. Whether you prefer the SKX011 over the SRPD59 or vice versa will ultimately depend on personal preference. Overall, the looks of one watch will likely speak to you more than the other. Furthermore, some collectors prize the heritage and history of the SKX, of which the SRPD59 has none.

Seiko is expanding its unrivaled product line in the price/performance category, the Seiko 5 Sports model family, with new versions featuring the GMT function. For decades, the Seiko SKX011, AKA the Seiko “Orange Boy”, served as a unique and colorful deviation from the standard SKX color schemes. When the SKX line was discontinued and in turn replaced by the 5 Sports “5KX” watches, a modernized version of that beloved orange Seiko diver appeared: the SRPD59.For one, the SKX011 “Orange Boy” boasts a bright orange dial with a flat texture and lume plots that are applied directly to the dial. The SRPD59 instead has a lustrous sunray texture with applied hour indices that has luminous fills. Divided into various series, the 5 Sports collection can be diverse too. With the SKX Sports Style, the timepieces feature timepieces that are more inclined towards being dress watches. Whereas, the SKX Suits Style is particularly a dress watch with a beads strap. Emphasising more on the performance aspect more, the SKX Specialist Style is a more robust take on the 5 Sports. Similar to the Suits Style, the fashion aspect of this sports collection is also reflected in the SKX Street Style. The bezel’s ring indicator is made of Seiko’s Hardlex glass to deliver the high level of durability for which the Seiko 5 Sports collection is renowned. First released in the 90s, the SKX Seiko 5 Sports watches were a modernised version of the classics – updating the reliability and durability of the 1960s originals. The 90s collection offered improved practicality – enhanced water resistance, strengthened crystals along with luminous hands and hour markers. These wearable, loveable values still stay strong in today’s modernised Seiko 5 Sports designs. Of course, one can always change the strap on the SKX011 to make it more pleasant to wear, but if we’re doing an apples-to-apples OEM comparison, the steel bracelet wins “every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”

First released in the 90s, the SKX Seiko 5 Sports watches were a modernised version of the classics updating the reliability and durability of the 1960s originals. The 90s collection offered improved practicality enhanced water resistance, strengthened crystals along with luminous hands and hour markers. These wearable, loveable values still stay strong in todays modernised Seiko 5 Sports designs.The Seiko 5 collection was entirely revamped in 2019 with the launch of the Seiko 5 Sports Collection. And looking at these initial watches, there is another watch that needs to be mentioned, the legendary SKX007, the accessible dive watch personified. A great, inexpensive yet high-performance watch for recreational diving, the SKX007 has been a hit for the brand, yet it was discontinued in mid-2019, mostly because Seiko wanted to stop the production of the 7S series of movement, to be replaced by the 4R series. The SKX007, the definitive accessible dive watch… So, what does that mean in terms of watch needs? With the above list in mind, a typical summer watch is a combination of water-resistance, robustness, maybe a traveller’s function and obviously, a stylish design that can be colourful, fun and sporty. A casual-looking watch, with a comfortable WR rating, a well-protected case, possibly a GMT function, preferably a steel bracelet (a rubber strap is also an option) and, to top it all, a price that should be decent enough so you don’t worry too much if you end up scratching your watch (or worse, end up losing it…) Our resident diver and watch tester Derek Haager knows all about dive watches… But he’s also a fairly experienced diver, and his needs are different from the average Joe going on seaside vacations. On the other hand, the Orange Boy possesses a significant advantage – its screw-down crown. This allows the watch to attain a 200m water resistance rating that doubles the SRPD59’s 100m rating resulting from a non-screw-down crown. Manufacturer Details:-Guangzhou SII Watch Co., Ltd. 101, Bld., A, No. 8 Nanyun 5th Rd, Huangpu Dist, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China 510663

The Seiko 5 Sports GMT model family comes with a Jubilee style bracelet that will make Seiko lovers smile with its solid end-link pieces instead of folded. The bracelet, which displays a presence worthy of the price scale that the models are in, both visually and functionally, is fixed to the wrist with a Seiko signed folding clasp. We understand the importance of sizing the length of your watch bracelet or strap to provide the perfect fit. Our simple to use watch sizing guide allows you to measure the size of your wrist from the comfort of your own home. It could very well be the case that whenever people hear the name “Seiko” being touted, a mental image of the Seiko 5 Sports pops up in their head. The design is instantly recognizable, I even dare to say it’s emblematic. Over the years it hasn’t changed all that much, with the same basic design principles still holding up. Materials have progressed, styles have come and gone, but the trusty little Seiko 5 Sports still soldiers on. And today, in the year 2022, it will be able to take you further than ever before. How? With the introduction of the Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT models SSK001K1, SSK003K1 & SSK005K1. Home to a plethora of limited-edition timepieces, the Seiko 5 Sports collection is also brimming with brilliant collaborations. One such collaboration is with the streetwear brand, HUF. Launched with two iterations of the 5 Sports, the HUF Limited Edition is a vibrant addition to the collection. The design of the case and dial draws inspiration from one of Seiko’s best-loved sports watches, known to enthusiasts as the Seiko SKX series.Just like the time of day hands and indexes, the GMT hand has a generous layer of Lumibrite to ensure legibility in low light conditions. Before getting on with the comparison, a short bit on the country of origin of each: the orange 5KX used for this article is a Seiko SBSA009; this entails that the model is made in Japan (as the small text on the dial indicates.) This watch is also available in an international market version as the reference SRPD59.

Even though looking out the window of my office today in France the weather isn’t the most engaging, it seems that summer is around the corner. Good weather, good vibes, good times, and the moment when we tend to spend more time outside than inside. For that reason, watch lovers also tend to have the concept of a summer watch in mind. A timepiece that can follow them during their summer adventures and can basically do-it-all. Earlier today, Seiko released the Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT, a new range that we’ve already introduced in this article. And when I had the SSK001K1, SSK003K1 and SSK005K1 in my hands, it immediately made me think: could this be the best summer watch you can get now? Answer to come! Regarding prices and availability, the Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT SSK001K1, SSK003K1 and SSK005K1 are launched as part of the permanent collection (not limited) and will be available from July 2022. The price is EUR 470, which seems high compared to the rest of the Seiko 5 Sports collection (starting at EUR 260), but considering the additional GMT complication, the new rotating bezel with Hardlex insert and the Jubilee bracelet, it actually remains a fairly (to say the least) priced watch. After all, it’s a fully in-house-produced watch, from a respected watchmaker, with many, many features and a quality that is almost unbeatable. Why it’s the best summer watch now available With all of the above requirements in mind, I can hardly find a better answer than the Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT… It does everything perfectly, with style and quality, at a good price. And not only do I recommend this watch to newcomers (men and women) but also to far more experienced watch enthusiasts. It’s not a problem of price anymore; it’s just that this Seiko really does everything you’ll ever need. Without mentioning the fact that it has a truly versatile case that will look perfect with basically any kind of strap: NATO, Perlon, two-piece fabric, tropic… The game is on. These watches are typical strap monsters, believe me. And if the Jubillee-style bracelet isn’t your thing, you can also use the 3-link Oyster-style of the other Seiko 5 watches. When first jumping into the world of watch collecting, the idea of complications can prove, well, complicated. Although there are several solid bargain three-hand options for those looking for their first mechanical timepiece, once one begins adding functions to that basic design, prices have a tendency to rise aggressively. GMT models have long been some of the worst offenders for this, and despite their popularity, the entry-level GMT market has historically been disappointingly sparse. Seiko’s highest-profile launch of the summer aims to blow the affordable GMT market wide open, and in old-school Seiko fashion the watch delivers value in spades. Our aBlogtoWatch team has a chance to review this piece thanks to Watch Nation, the sole supplier for this model in the UK, which graciously provided our team with a sample. The new Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK005K1 has already established itself as one of the most talked-about releases of 2022, and delivers a truly accessible mechanical GMT experience fit for new collectors and veterans alike.Friend we’d recommend it to first: Enthusiasts of all stripes looking for a genuinely affordable mechanical GMT, new collectors looking to dip their toes into mechanical complications.