Seiko’s iconic 5 Sports line first started back in 1968, making 2023 its 55th anniversary. The Seiko 5 Sports is indeed a durable and reliable timepiece.
I myself have had a Seiko 5 Sports and have used it as one of my reliable daily watches for almost 5 years. There have been many different iterations of the Seiko 5 Sports and watch lovers around the world are drawn to it for its simplistic design along with the aforementioned reliability.
Earlier this month, as a celebration of the Seiko 5 Sports 55th anniversary, the brand released a new limited edition timepiece, which is a faithful re-creation of the first Seiko 5 Sports from 1968. Alongside this re-creation, three other models were also released as part of the anniversary celebrations, with each of these watches paying homage to the designs and colors of the 1969 collection.
Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary Limited Edition (SRPK17)
The 1968 Seiko 5 Sports was loved by watch fans during the late 1960s and 70s, and even after its discontinuation, it remains quite a popular model in the vintage market. The new re-creation (SRPK17) is a limited release and will have a run of a total of 15, 555 units. The timepiece is re-created to be as faithful to the original as possible, all the while using modern materials and movement.
The 55th-anniversary limited edition (SRPK17) comes in a 39.5mm stainless steel case that’s uniquely curved to meet the lugs of the stainless steel bracelet. The dial contains all the exact details on the 1968 model, with the exception being the inscription at 6 o’clock now reading “Automatic 24 Jewels 10 Bar” instead of the original ” Water 70 Proof 25 Jewels”. The knurled bezel comes with a minute track style inscription along with a large Lumibrite indication at the 12 o’clock position.
The large red minute with the single circular Lumibrite hand stands out prominently against the black dial background. The day and date indication at 3 o’clock from the 1968 model is also retained in this 55th-anniversary recreation, which actually blends in subtlety with the dial thanks to the date window’s black background. All elements such as the hour indices and hands have a generous coating of Lumibrite for Excellent low-light readability.
SKX Sports Style (SRPK09, SRPK11, SRPK13)
The three other models released alongside the anniversary limited edition are the SKX Sports Style models which pay tribute to the 1969 Seiko 5 Sports collection. Carrying the same reliable and durable characteristics as the 1969 collection, and now much improved, these new models also have the same coloring and aesthetic designs.
Each timepiece comes in either a silver, black or orange dial, with bezel inserts that closely follow the designs used in 1969 5 Sports collection. The aesthetics of the dial and bezel are combined with the homage to the legendary SKX case, with its iconic shape and crown protectors at the 4 o’clock position. This case design, however, was not the original one used in the 1969 Seiko 5 Sports collection. The case for original models was large square-shaped, and while it’s certainly unique, they may not be overly practical in today’s world. All three timepieces come standard with a three-link stainless steel bracelet.
SKX Sports Style Silver Dial (SRPK09)
This SKX 5 Sports model comes in a beautiful sunburst silver dial in a 42.5mm stainless steel case. The orange minute hand adds a nice touch of color to the dial as well.
The bezel insert is done in a monochromatic layout, with interchanging black and white horizontal stripes. The inscriptions are only limited to 10-minute intervals, which helps the bezel be less cluttered.
SKX Sports Style Orange Dial (SRPK11) “Double Hurricane”
The orange dial version of this new SKX Sports range is easily the most vivid and stand-out timepiece in the collection. The 42.5mm stainless steel case is met with a black bezel insert which acts as the perfect contrast against the orange dial.
The hour indices and hands also contrast well thanks to its steel-like finish. The black horizontal strip across the dial, along with the alternating black and orange strips add the finishing touch to a sporty timepiece.
SKX Sports Style Black Dial (SRPK13) “Regatta”
While the orange dial is the more “in your face” timepiece, the black dial variant is the colorful one. Presented in the same 42.5mm stainless steel case, the bezel is split into red and white inscriptions.
Where the red inscription finishes and the white starts on the bezel, the minute track underneath follows the same layout, this time in blue and green color variation. The black dial serves as a great backdrop for these colors to really stand out in an aesthetic way.
All four models are presented in Seiko’s Calibre 4R36 movement. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 (3Hz), the movement is able to give out a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. All three of the SKX Sports Style models are available for purchase through Seiko Boutiques and retailers now, while the Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary Limited Edition (SRPK17) will be released worldwide in July 2023.
Reference: SRPK17 (55th Anniversary), SRPK09 (Silver Dial), SRPK11 (Orange Dial) and SRPK13 (Black Dial)
Specification
- Case: 39.5mm (SRPK17), 42.5mm (SRPK09, SRPK11, SRPK13)
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Black (SRPK17), Silver (SRPK09), Orange (SRPK11), Black (SRPK13)
- Crystal: Curved Hardlex crystal
- Water resistance: 100m (10bar)
- Movement: Calibre 4R36
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release (SRPK17), stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with secure lock and push button release (SRPK09, SRPK11, SRPK13)
