seiko yachtmaster 5kx

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The Seiko 5 Sports Collection: A Guide To Seiko’s New Flagship Sports Watch

Seiko has long manufactured affordable and durable sports watches enjoyed by collectors around the world. Recently, they introduced the Seiko 5 Sports – a collection that leverages time-tested designs with modern upgrades.

In this guide, we’ll review the first iteration of the Seiko 5 Sports watches, the SRPD references. We’ll also take a look at the Seiko 5 Sports model family as a whole, analyze why it was introduced, and explain how it’s intended to carry the brand’s value proposition for the foreseeable future:

What Is The Seiko SRPD?

• Seiko 5 Sports Overview

Seiko 5 Sports Subcollections

• The 4R36 Movement
• Where To Buy Seiko 5 Sports Watches

Seiko 5 Sports Watch Reviews

Use the links below to view the individual reviews of some of our favorite Seiko 5 Sports watches. To browse our entire collection of Seiko watch reviews, click here.

• Green Bezel & Dial; Mesh Bracelet
• RRP $295 [Browse on eBay / Amazon ]

• Pepsi Bezel; “Oyster” Bracelet
• RRP $295 [Browse on eBay /  Amazon ]

• Coated Steel; Dual-Material Strap
• RRP $350 [Browse on eBay / Amazon ]

• Blue Sunray Dial; NATO Strap

• Black Bezel & Dial; Dual-Material Strap

• Hard-Coating Case; NATO Strap
• RRP $335 [Browse on eBay / Amazon ]

Browse All Seiko 5 Sports Reviews

It can be argued that 2019 was a turning point for Seiko, or at least for their price-conscious automatic sports watch offerings. OK – that’s a mouthful, so let’s explain.

For more than two decades, watch collectors seeking a relatively affordable and reliable automatic watch with engaging looks were always pointed in one direction: the Seiko SKX.

First introduced in the ’90s, millions of SKXs were sold and worn by satisfied customers over the years. Thousands of others took it a step further and began customizing their Seiko divers at home, a trend that created large online ‘modding’ communities.

All was good and well until the second half of 2019 when production of the SKX ceased and a new collection was announced: the Seiko 5 Sports. This new model family launched with SRPD as the core of each reference number; the remaining digits speaking to the dial/bezel color and type of strap/bracelet.

L to R: SRPD75, SRPD59 (SBSA009), and SRPD51 (SBSA001).

Like the SKX it replaced, the SRPD collection of watches also featured models made entirely in Japan. These Japanese-market versions are denoted by an SBSA reference. It’s worth noting that the Japanese versions are exactly the same as those made outside of Japan except for minimal “Made in Japan” printings on the dial.

What does the new SRPD have to do with the older SKX other than the fact that one started when the other ended? Well, not much except that:

• The SRPD has an almost identical design to the SKX, and
• The SRPD price point is basically the same as that of the SKX (when it was in production)

Essentially, if the SKX had not been discontinued, Seiko would’ve had two directly competing products within its own catalog. The watch business is competitive enough without having your own offerings facing off with each other.

SRPD59 (SBSA009) and SKX011

The Japanese watchmaker’s intentions were more than clear. The SRPD was taking over its affordable diver category and the SKX was no more.

As explained above, the SRPD model number speaks to the first series of watches that formed part of the Seiko 5 Sports collection.

All of the first Seiko 5 Sports models were diver’s watches with SRPD reference numbers, but the 5 Sports collection would come to encompass more than just diving styles. For instance, the SRPEs are also part of the 5 Sports family and they possess fixed bezels and a smaller 40mm case.

After the SRPE (2020) came the SRPG, SRPH, and so on. Some are divers, others are field watches , and others can be categorized as general sports styles. The naming convention appears to speak more to production/release order rather than the individual watch’s style.

Seikowatches.com

The Seiko 5 Sports SRPD

The end of the road for the SKX was a source of disappointment for many collectors.

A beloved icon had been terminated. In its place, a less-than-worthy substitute contrived by bigwigs in some cushy boardroom.

So, what made the new Seiko 5 Sports watches irredeemable? Mostly the fact that the water resistance had decreased from 200m to 100m and the crown was no longer of the screw-down variety.

Other than this, all of the other changes from SKX to SRPD were genuine improvements. For example, the movement was upgraded to a more modern caliber. The different elements on the dial are much more refined. A sleuth of new bezel/dial colors were also introduced and more bracelet options were added.

This editor believes an objective perspective should prevail. The Seiko 5 Sports models are better watches than those it replaced. Not only this, the sheer number of new color combinations offered by Seiko in the 5 Sports collection is a clear nod to the modding community that personalized their SKXs after purchase.

The massive Seiko corporation listened to its base. Customers were going through the trouble of buying aftermarket parts to personalize their watches. In response, Seiko upgraded the movement and introduced an ever-growing palette of color combinations to satiate all tastes.

On the other hand, it’d be unfair to dismiss some of the disheartened Seiko fans. Watches are objects with which we develop emotional attachments. When they’re discontinued or otherwise suspended, it’s understandable for devoted collectors to speak out.

Some solace may be found in the fact that the new Seiko 5 Sports designs will draw more collectors into the hobby. And, perhaps most importantly, it’ll make the second-hand value of existing SKXs increase. This effect can already be noted in SKX watches listed for sale online.

Seiko SRPD Price

Of the Seiko 5 Sports watches that have been released to date, all have been in the price range of $295-$350 with some special editions reaching $450. In the future, if additional complications are introduced, namely chronographs, it’s likely for this price range to increase.

In just a few years of production, we’ve already seen Seiko use the same foundation or watch “system” to offer sports, diver, and field styles.

By varying the case coating, bezel type, dial color, and band options, dozens of similar-yet-different timepieces have been introduced. Limited and special editions have also been showcased including a partnership with graphic designer GUCCIMAZE.

The versatility of the Seiko 5 Sports line makes it a sturdy foundation for the brand to continue innovating. Perhaps most importantly, the varied designs will undoubtedly appeal to a larger audience and, more critically, a younger demographic.

Yet, while Seiko’s 5 Sports offerings are numerous, they are not ad-hoc. The brand has crafted 5 different sub-collections into which they categorize each new model. They are as follows.

Sports – Go beyond the norm.

The Sports subcollection is the heart of the new Seiko 5 Sports catalog. It contains classic sports styles with mostly traditional dial/bezel colors like black, blue, green, and gray. Pepsi bezels are also included in this group.

The band options, once more, are largely traditional: 3-link steel sports bracelets and NATO (fabric) straps that match the dial’s color.

Suits – The power of refinement.

As the subcollection’s name and motto imply, the Suits styles are intended for more formal encounters.

The trademark of the collection, at least at the time of writing, appears to be the mesh or Milanese style bracelet. Seiko achieves this both in stainless steel and (interestingly) in rubber.

Rubber is usually the antithesis of formal when it comes to watches but this rubber variant works well; it’s also very pliable and comfortable. The stainless steel version of this bracelet is quite a looker, too, and is not to be overlooked.

Specialist – A look for all times.

The Specialist subfamily is where Seiko starts to have a bit more fun with the Seiko 5 Sports.

The watches included in this collection are presented largely on straps, whether it be “pebbled” calfskin or a cool new dual-material (rubber/leather) option.

Of note within this family is the SRPD76, a “rose gold” coated steel watch with a black dial, matching rose gold indices and hands, and the aforementioned strap variety.

Street – Do it your way.

What makes the Street subcollection more apropos for younger generations? Well, t-shirts, sneakers, and athletic pants are probably the best pairing for these styles. We shy away from calling such style “casual” as the price tags seen on some of the most hyped sneakers could make a bespoke shoemaker blush.

Sense – Creativity is all about the detail.

The Sense subfamily is where Seiko takes the most creative liberty; evidently, the manufacturer uses the category to carry the most eccentric versions of the Seiko 5 Sports.

All of the Sense watches released to date have been marked by rotating bezels; however, this is about as far as the similarities go. After that, each watch has a very unique personality. Whether it be due to colorful NATO straps, brightly colored and/or textured dials, coated steel cases, two-tone bezel inserts or else, each model is intended to draw the attention of an entire room towards your wrist.

For some collectors, these loud designs will be largely undesirable. However, some iterations such as the SRPD85 depicted here are worthy of a second look; honestly, who knew a mostly-brown watch could look so good?

Seiko “5KX” Case Metal & Coating Options

As of this writing, all of the watches offered within the Seiko 5 Sports line are constructed of stainless steel. However, many of them employ PVD case coatings that give individual reference numbers a completely different look.

In the below video, we provide a broad overview of some of the different case and bezel finishes you can expect to encounter within the Seiko 5 Sports line. Most notably, we try to highlight how the different coatings and execution can make these very similar watches appear almost as completely different styles.

Straps And Bracelet Options

As you’ve likely already noticed from the pictures embedded on this page, there are a number of different strap and bracelet types found within the Seiko SRPD model families.

Some of them are reserved for specific subcollections; for instance, the mesh-style bands, whether in silicone or steel, are only found within the Suits collections. Others, like the NATO straps and 3-link steel bracelets, are found throughout.

In the video below, we cover some of the different types of straps and bracelets used throughout all of the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD watches. While the video only contains SRPD diver styles, the fabric straps and steel bracelets are very similar to those used on the SRPE field models and more.

The 5 Sports’ Movement: Seiko 4R36 Automatic Caliber

As alluded to earlier, the movement beating inside the Seiko 5 Sports is a significant upgrade, if not the most important aspect of the new line. Nevertheless, it is not necessarily a new Seiko caliber.

The Seiko 4R36 movement was introduced in the early 2010s and employed throughout the brand’s catalog. Yet, the 4R36 never made it down to value proposition dive watches like the SKX.

This is yet another example of Seiko adapting to what they observed in collector communities, essentially using common modding practices as inspiration for its new generation of sports timepieces.

Notable specifications of the Seiko 4R36 movement include:

• Automatic (self-winding)
• 41-hour power reserve
• +45/-35 seconds/day accuracy
• Day and date complications
• Stop-seconds (hacking seconds)
• Can be wound through the crown (hand-winding functionality)

Where To Buy Seiko 5 Sports Watches?

Seiko 5 Sports watches, in any of the countless varieties we’ve referred to here (and more!), can be purchased through a number of different mediums. Naturally, the first sources are the brand’s own websites, Seikowatches.com and seikousa.com.

Yet, new releases are regularly replacing existing models in the online Seiko 5 Sports catalog. When your desired model disappears from the official store, it’s best to turn to online marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay. These marketplaces bring with them not only endless selection but also good value, seeing as how even new Seiko 5 Sports watches can often be purchased at a substantial discount off the retail price.

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading this guide on the Seiko 5 Sports collection, check out some of our other popular wristwatch pages:

• Intro Guide To The Universal Entry Watch, The Seiko SKX
• Japanese Watchmaking History & The Top Brands Still Alive Today
• SKX007 vs. SKX009: An Owner’s Perspective
• Seiko: A Comprehensive Watch Brand Guide
• Bespoke Unit Watches Home

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• SKX007 & SRPD Bezel Inserts
• SKX013 Bezel Inserts
• SRP Turtle Bezel Inserts
• SNZF17 Bezel Inserts
• SKX007 & SRPD
• SKX007 & SRPD Bezels
• SKX013 Bezels
• SRP Turtle Bezels
• Orient Bezels
• SRPE Bezels
• SKX007 & SRPD Crystals
• SKX013 Crystals
• SRP Turtle Crystals
• SRPE Crystals
• SNXS Crystals
• SKX007 & SRPD Chapter Rings
• SSK GMT Chapter Ring
• SRPE Chapter Rings
• SKX013 Chapter Rings
• SRP Turtle Chapter Rings
• SNZF17 Chapter Rings
• W&S Dials
• Sterile Dials
• No Logo Dials
• SKX007 Crowns
• SRPD Crowns
• SRP Turtle Crowns
• SKX013 Crowns
• SRPE Crowns
• SKX007 Cases
• SRP Turtle Cases
• SKX013 Cases
• 36mm, 38mm and 40mm Cases
• SKX007 Bracelets
• SRPG Bracelets
• SSK023 Bracelets
• SRPK Bracelets
• SRPE Bracelets/Straps
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• 62mas Bracelets
• SARB017 Bracelets
• Samurai Bracelets
• MM300 Bracelets/Strap
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• Turtle Re-Issue Bracelets
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• Bezel Insert Ceramic Inserts SKX007 & SRPD Bezel Inserts SKX013 Bezel Inserts SRP Turtle Bezel Inserts SNZF17 Bezel Inserts Aluminum Insert SKX007 & SRPD Bezel Inserts SRP Turtle Bezel Inserts Stainless Insert SKX007 & SRPD Bezel Inserts SRP Turtle Bezel Inserts SKX013 Bezel Inserts Sapphire Insert SKX007 & SRPD SKX013
• Bracelets/Straps Bracelet SKX007 Bracelets SRPG Bracelets SSK023 Bracelets SRPK Bracelets SRPE Bracelets/Straps SKX013 Bracelets 62mas Bracelets SARB017 Bracelets Samurai Bracelets MM300 Bracelets/Strap SNZF17 Bracelets Turtle Re-Issue Bracelets Straps SKX007/SRPD Straps SKX013 Straps Flat End Straps Leather Straps Herringbone Straps Cotton Straps

Seiko Yachtmaster Mod - Affordable But Stunning Builds

Photo credits:  @cswatches_official 's Instagram page

As an integral part of the group of timepieces that put Seiko on the map, Seiko divers’ watches have a storied history and complexity as timepieces. Evolving from their origin as one of the Seiko brand’s baseline watches, they have found a following in the watch modding community as baseline modders’ watches. As a result, Seiko has become a sought-out brand for watch modification aficionados with a motley of movements and mod parts that are easily available out in the open market. Follow us as we take a deep dive into knowing how essential the Seiko brand is for horology enthusiasts of diverse persuasions today, just how “moddable” Seiko watches are, and how you can recreate an exorbitantly expensive luxury watch using a Seiko divers’ watch.

Find some parts you'll need to build your own Seiko Yachtmaster mod in this collection.

Watch modding - horological counterculture?

People have said that owning and wearing a watch is symbolic of one's status in life. However, owning and wearing watches and timepieces can be more than that. They can also be symbolic of you, your traits, and your personality. By personalizing and altering components (modifying or "modding") of your favored wrist-worn daily ally, you create your own label or symbol for yourself and change how the rest of the world can see you. 

Modifying a watch or a timepiece can also be a form of subverting typical cultural norms like capitalism and the manufacturing of various consumer goods, in this case, watches and timepieces. Some watch modification enthusiasts believe that their modding can be considered acts of defiance against the mass production of watches and timepieces. Although numerous parts for watch modification use have been mass-produced, watch modders' horological counterculture sentiments still manage to flare because of the creative flair that they showcase in their personalized pieces. With the wide availability of mod parts, watch parts, and their numerous variant styles, one can definitely and almost limitlessly exercise their right to express themselves through the modern art of watch modification. 

Those who became part of the community have various reasons to enjoy customization. Some want to focus on tinkering with watch parts; some are curious about how things work. Finally, some want to achieve a specific look different from the original timepiece from the stores because they find the typical store items to be dull.

Now, don't worry if you're just starting to dip your toe in the watch modding scene. You're not the only one. Setting out to design your watch from scratch can be challenging. Every brilliant and skillful watch modder started as a newbie. And there's no shame in starting with little to no knowledge of watch modding - as long as you start somewhere.

Lots of horology enthusiasts turn to Seiko for watch modification purposes because of the brand's relative price-friendliness and the extensive accessibility of mod parts for Seiko watches. Ready-made Seiko mod parts and watch parts are always ready for purchase in stores, whether physically or online. Additionally, one can get ready-made Seiko mod parts from reputable businesses online, like a ceramic bezel. Now, deciding on what kind of watch you want to mod is essential to doing a decent watch modification. So you can go ahead and pick a commonly modded watch type from Seiko. One of the go-to watch types for watch modding is the discontinued but still affordably available Seiko SKX007, a divers' watch. 

By checking on tips from the watch modding community and online support, you will find the information you need to search for and work with the parts you need for watch modification. Of course, the choice to have the watch modification job done professionally is also available to you. But where's the fun in that? After all, with all these continual periods of lockdown and quarantine, one might as well learn something new at home. Beginners may doubt themselves and feel discouraged about their lack of knowledge and expertise with watch modding. But with time, research, and repetition, such issues common to new learners will become a thing of the past. You can then focus on enjoying yourself and the whole process.

A timepiece for MODern consumers

The Seiko SKX007 is legendary. As mentioned earlier, this particular timepiece by Seiko is affordable, yes, but also timeless. Its classic looks have inspired many in the watch modification community to produce mod parts dedicated to it. It has a history as an ever-reliable watch that could accompany you to dive as deep in the oceanic depths as much as you can or need. That storied reputation made it clear for horology enthusiasts with little or no modding experience that it was the choice watch for personalization and modification. Why? Because it was durable. It could stand to get modded.

Although Seiko discontinued the SKX007, it has become a collector's item. In addition, a slew of imitative SKXs is out in the market. Some of the imitations are downright worthless, but some of the higher-quality replicas can be very convincing and might fool a would-be buyer into spending more than they ought to. The SKX007 was never meant to be a premium or luxury watch. Instead, it utilized an inexpensive movement paired with utilitarian parts, making imitation SKXs easy for replica manufacturers to create.

However, it might be better to build a Seiko SKX007 from the depths up, so to speak. The SKX007 was a great budget diver's watch at its best. It never tried to compete with other watches in terms of make and materials, and it was a reliable go-to watch for anyone that needed a quality watch that could work for years without any issues or need for service.

But for the more advanced and aggressive watch modder or horology enthusiast, rebuilding one could be the best way to express oneself with a one-of-a-kind timepiece. Especially since the problem with getting a limited SKX piece today is that it can be too expensive. However, if you were to buy it as a watch collector's item, that could still work. However, be sure to keep it in a safe place or compartment, and do not wear it too often outside of your home - if that's what you want out of your SKX. 

For anyone that wants an SKX-style watch made to be used, it makes a lot more sense to build one. It could be more labor-intensive, but it is less pricey that way. After all, it would be a labor of love for any lover of watches and timepieces.

The Seiko Yachtmaster

A less daunting way of approaching a watch mod job for beginners is to turn to aspirational builds inspired by well-known watch designs or timepiece designs. Introducing the Seiko Yachtmaster modification build - a watch mod style that will surely never fail to steal the attention of anyone in the same room you are in. So let's dive right in! In watch modding, you can recreate the style of a more exorbitantly-priced timepiece for cheaper. And with vastly more creative freedom.

The Seiko Yachtmaster (YM) mod build is one of the most popular and well-loved builds in the watch modding community. One of the easiest ways to distinguish this build or style is through its bezel insert. There are several variant colors of Seiko SKX007 Yachtmaster bezel inserts, including silver, gold, and black, just to name a few. As a result, this build is generally bigger and showier than similar-looking builds like the Submariner.

Some Seiko Yachtmaster build choices that are available for you out in the watch modification world are:

• The black Yachtmaster build  - one of the most popular builds because of its effortlessly cool appeal, and of course, black can go well with anything.
• The golden Yachtmaster build  - bold and brustling, not everyone can wear this build; only certain personalities can aptly wear a full-on gold watch (but when paired with the right wearer, this Yachtmaster build will dominate any room it's in).
• The silver Yachtmaster build  - perfect for those who prefer their statement pieces to be subtler; an elegant and sophisticated build choice that will look good on any wrist.
• The two-tone Yachtmaster build  - features two different metallic tones (usually gold and silver) or one metallic tone paired with black or another shade; balance is key to the fabulousness of this build.

Inspired by

The Seiko Yachtmaster's notably bold yet classy style is, of course, inspired by the Rolex Yacht-Master, which first emerged in 1992. It was a timepiece that was so well-received and evoked such luxurious opulence unknown to watch buyers until then. It also seemed to be the market's first premium watch designed for luxury seacraft owners. 

And who would have known that that decades later, the Yacht-Master would inspire and continue to inspire watch modders and watch builders of all levels to remake it, using classic Seiko divers' watches as their horological canvas? Of course, although Seiko's initial SKX line (watches and timepieces for everyone) is opposite to everything that the Yacht-Master was marketed for in the past, their styles just blend when paired together. And this is truly evident, especially when you come across a well-made Seiko Yachtmaster build.

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rswatchworks

Seiko 5KX Yacht Master

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• Hand built with love in Portland. Oregon

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This is a brand new, never worn Genuine Seiko 5 Sports SRPD customized in house with parts designed and manufactured by RSWatchWorks. Includes all original boxes and paperwork, if applicable. 

-Diameter: 42.5mm

-Thickness: 13.4mm

-Lug-to-Lug: 46mm

-Regulated to ensure proper time-keeping

-In house pressure tested

-Hand modified with the utmost attention to detail by a professional watchmaker

Modifications 

-RSWatchWorks Designed Double Dome Sapphire Crystal with Clear AR Coating

-RSWatchWorks Designed Ceramic Bezel Insert

-RSWatchWorks Designed FKM Rubber Strap

-RSWatchWorks Hand Set

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Technical data

• Seiko 5 Sports

Show your style. Make your move. For over 50 years, Seiko 5 Sports has delivered consistently high levels of reliability, durability, and performance. For dependable timekeeping in your everyday life, this exceptional watch is powered by an automatic movement with a power reserve of approximately 41 hours and features a day/date calendar, LumiBrite hands and markers, and a see-through caseback. With a black ion finished stainless steel case and stealthy black dial framed by a black rotating bezel with matching nylon strap, this versatile watch is 100 meter water resistant- perfect for your style no matter what your day has in store.

• technical data
• Manual and automatic winding capabilities
• Black dial and unidirectional rotating bezel
• Day/date calendar
• Black hands and markers
• 1965 Diver's Watch Modern Reinterpretation Save the Ocean Limited Edition
• Production serial number engraved on caseback
• Prospex Automatic Diver
• Automatic with manual winding capability
• Blue sunray dial with pattern inspired by ancient astrolabes
• LumiBrite hands and markers
• Packaged in a Limited Edition collectors' box
• Limited Edition of 1,300
• Re-interpretation of Seiko's first diver's watch,with a thinner,sleeker profile
• Date calendar
• Screwdown crown and caseback
• CASE DIMENSIONS:
• DIAMETER: 42.5 mm
• THICKNESS: 13.40 mm
• LENGTH: 46.0 mm
• Caliber 4R36
• 21,600 vibrations per hour
• Power reserve: approximately 41 hours
• CASE: Stainless steel case with black hard coating
• CRYSTAL: Hardlex crystal
• WATER RESISTANCE: 10 bar, 100 meters (330 feet)
• DIAL COLOR: Black
• STRAP: Black nylon strap
• LUG WIDTH: 22 mm
• THICKNESS: 13.1mm
• DIAMETER: 41.3mm
• LENGTH: 47.6mm
• Driving system: Automatic
• Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
• Power reserve: 50 hours
• Number of jewels: 26
• CASE: Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
• CRYSTAL MATERIAL: Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
• WATER RESISTANCE: 200m diver’s
• DIAL COLOR: Blue
• STRAP: Silicone Strap

SIMILAR STYLES

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INTRODUCING... THE 'SUNDOWNER'.

Seiko expands the popular 5 Sports GMT range with three stylish new looks

The Seiko 5 SKX Sports Style is one of Seiko’s most popular product lines – but it’s also been one of its most contentious among dyed-in-the-wool watch enthusiasts. Introduced by the brand in 2019 as the replacement for the discontinued SKX line of watches (which had been in production for a whopping 23 years), and known by some as simply the “5KX”, the SKX Sports Style featured the same aesthetics of the SKX at a lower price, but at the cost of true diver’s functionality thanks to a reduced water-resistance rating, rankling some collectors. However, one derivation of the 5KX that’s received near-universal praise is the GMT range first released in 2022 . One of the most affordable and handsome mechanical GMT watches on the market, the 5 SKX Sports Style GMT collection has expanded in 2024 with three stylish new variants that will only broaden its appeal.

As alluded to above, the Seiko 5 SKX Sports Style GMTs (which I will refer to as simply the 5KX GMTs going forward) feature the same case design as the original SKX, as well as the time-and-date 5KX. It’s a familiar and inoffensive design, with no sharp edges and at a crown at 4 o’clock. It measures 42.5mm in diameter and 13.6mm thick: what’s particularly impressive about the 5KX GMT is that it’s only 0.2mm thicker than the normal 5KX, despite its complication. The crystal as well as the exhibition caseback are made from Hardlex, a proprietary mineral glass that’s been heat-treated to make it more scratch-resistant, and one commonly used for affordable Seiko timepieces.

These three new 5KX GMTs feature exactly the same cases as previous models, so there’s not much to write home about here – except for the two-tone ref. SSK036K, which features a gold PVD bezel. This makes it only the second two-tone 5KX model (the first being the 28mm SRE004K, which features a two-tone bracelet as well but a fixed bezel). Like the standard 5KX, the 5KX GMT has a water-resistance rating of 100 metres (half that of the SKX) and no screw-down crown, but unlike the normal 5KX, these GMT models have Hardlex bezel inserts rather than aluminium. Because they’re GMT bezels rather than diving bezels, they’re bidirectional rather than unidirectional, too.

The 5KX GMT – indeed, the entire SKX range past and present – has always nodded towards designs and colour combinations made famous by a certain Swiss watch brand with a crown-shaped logo. These three new 5KX GMTs are no exception. The ref. SSK033K combines a silver dial with a black/blue bicolour “Batman” bezel; the ref. SSK035K, with its green dial and black/green bezel could be described as Sprite or Kermit-esque; and the two-tone ref. SSK036K, with its gilt hands and indices plus a black dial and bezel, gives off a bit of a Rootbeer vibe.

All three of these colourways are versatile, fan-favourite picks – need I say more? All feature large Lumibrite-filled indices and hands; a date window at 3 o’clock (with a very familiar Cyclops lens to boot); and GMT scales on their chapter rings , meaning you can use these watches to track up to 3 different time zones. Nifty.

The bracelets

The SSK033K and SSK035K both come mounted on Seiko’s new-and-improved Jubilee-style steel bracelet, which is far more substantial than the jangly bracelets that used to come on the old SKXs. The SSK036K comes on a brown stitched leather strap, which suits its more vintage vibe but perhaps underscores the 5KX’s positioning as more of a generalist tool watch rather than a dedicated dive watch. This is the first strap of its kind to appear on an SKX Sports Style model: it’s totally serviceable but features a somewhat cheap-looking tan.

The movement

These three 5KX GMTs are powered by Seiko’s in-house calibre 4R34. The 4R range of movements are effectively Seiko-branded versions of the SII NH range of movements, which are utterly prolific in the microbrand space. The main difference is that 4R movements are always made in Japan , while NH movements are made in a variety of countries including Malaysia and Hong Kong. Anyway, the 4R34 is an extremely robust if somewhat unimpressive “caller” GMT movement that beats at 3Hz and has a 41-hour power reserve. While I wouldn’t say it’s one of the world’s most beautiful movements, these 5KX GMTs put it on display through their exhibition casebacks – which is still a novelty at this price point.

The verdict

Look, I don’t need to gild the lily here by going on too much about these three Seikos. They’re just new colourways of an existing watch, after all – but they’re three really great colourways for a really great watch. When people ask me for a recommendation for a cheap mechanical watch, I tell them to buy a 5KX GMT – it’s that simple. Adding some fan-favourite colourways to the range only makes that recommendation easier to make.

Seiko 5 SKX Sports Style GMT collection pricing & availability

These three new additions to the Seiko 5 SKX Sports Style GMT collection are available now from Seiko retailers . Price: A$875 (SSK033K & SSK035K), A$850 (SSK036K)