Introducing: The Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, And SRPL89
Over the past six years, the current Seiko 5 Sports collection has become widely diverse. First announced in August 2019, spec-wise, it wasn’t a direct successor to the famous SKX dive watches. However, with the discontinuation of the SKX series and the SRPD models’ visual link to those watches, it’s clear where the inspiration came from. With the new Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89, the brand pays tribute to the predecessor of the SKX, the Seiko 7002 diver.
Do you know what came before the popular SKX and after the famous Seiko “Turtle”? It was the Seiko 7002 series of dive watches. Hardcore Seiko fans will have known that answer, but for plenty of people, that might have been a bit of a blind spot. I humbly admit that it also was for me. It’s not that I hadn’t seen one of those watches before; Fratello’s own Nacho has a Seiko 7002-7000. However, I had never put that watch into the proper timeframe to understand its context. Luckily, a 2018 article on the Seiko 7002 diver by Fratello’s resident Seiko expert Mike shines a light on that.
The story of these four new Seiko 5 Sports models
As Mike explained, Seiko’s 7002 series was produced from 1988 until 1996, when the SKX series replaced it. The 7002 started as a 150m-rated diver and evolved to a more robust 200m-water-resistant dive instrument thanks to an improved crystal.
During its eight-year production run, many different models were available. The dial design, with its rectangular markers, tied most of them together. That is also the main visual difference between the series and the SKX models that came next.
Looking at many of the Seiko 5 Sports models, most of you will know that the SKX series inspired those designs. With today’s releases, however, the brand dove deeper into the archives and added the 7002’s aesthetic to the Seiko 5 Sports lineup. If you are a fan of that series or simply like the rectangular indexes more than round ones, these new models could be great options for you.
The Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
Let’s go over the specs of these four new models. They all feature a 42.5mm case with a 46mm lug-to-lug and a 13.9mm profile, with that last measurement marking a 0.5mm increase in thickness compared to the SKX-inspired references. Much to the chagrin of some Seiko diehards, these watches retain the 100m depth rating of their SRPD counterparts. However, in a move that will surely please many, Seiko is kicking off this line with four dial colors.
The SRPL83 features a blue dial and bezel insert, while the SRPL85 has a black dial and a gray bezel insert. These dial variants feature the word “Automatic” in red on the lower half of the dial. Additionally, these models each come on a three-row stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp. Overall, it’s safe to say that these two watches are the more conservative options of the four.
The SRPL87 and SRPL89 are a much more colorful duo. The SRPL87 features a yellow dial with a black bezel insert, while the SRPL89 has an orange dial and a black bezel insert with gold-colored numerals.
Both of these come standard on a black silicone strap with a pin buckle. All in all, these watches offer a much different presence than the black- and blue-dial versions, but they still link back to the original design of the 7002 diver.
Characteristic details
All four models have the same style of hour markers and hands, hinting at the Seiko 7002 series. Furthermore, the indexes and hands are filled with Seiko LumiBrite to ensure you can read the time in darker conditions. I love that Seiko did not just change the dial design for these newest 5 Sports models but also used the same style of hands as the classic 7002 series. Looking closely, you will see that Seiko used different colors for the seconds hands. The counterpoises for the blue and black models are in line with the dial colors. The yellow-dial version has a silver-colored seconds hand, while the orange-dial version has a gray one to contrast gold-colored hour and minute hands.
A familiar movement
Powering all four watches is Seiko’s in-house 4R36 caliber. This automatic movement operates at 21,600vph, has 24 jewels, and offers 41 hours of power reserve. It also displays the day and date through a large rectangular window at 3 o’clock on the dial. Accuracy-wise, Seiko indicates that the 4R36 should run between +45/-35 seconds per day.
As many of you will know, after pulling out the crown to the first position, you can set the day by turning clockwise and the date by turning counterclockwise. Pulling the crown out to the second position will stop the seconds hand and allow you to set the time.
Wearing the Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
On the wrist, these four models feel familiar but with a little twist. As a fan of bracelets, I immediately gravitated towards the blue and black models, which wear like a charm. Despite being thicker than the SKX-inspired models, the case shape feels familiar, and the bracelet is decently made. It is comfortable, and the clasp, while not the best, also performs up to standard. Coming in at €440 each, these watches offer great value for money.
As mentioned, the SRPL87 and SRPL89 offer a very different look with colorful dials and black silicone straps. These two watches are bright, fun alternatives to the more serious SRPL83 and SRPL85.
The silicone straps are nice and comfortable, making the watches a pleasure to wear and somewhat cheaper at €400. It was fun to see how various members of the Fratello team liked the different versions. It showed that Seiko made a great choice by introducing four options.
Final thoughts on the Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
Overall, I love that Seiko uses its 5 Sports series to pay homage to some of its popular models from the past. That’s why I think plenty of enthusiasts will jump at the chance to get one of these watches.
And even if you don’t know about the history of the 7002 series, these four new watches are still great alternatives to the “regular” SKX-inspired models. This series is a fun and clever addition to the Seiko 5 Sports lineup in more ways than one.
The four watches are available now, expanding the Seiko 5 Sports lineup with even more great offerings. What do you think of how Seiko has filled out the 5 Sports collection, and what’s your take on these new SRPL models? As always, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section.
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