Looks like the Seiko SKX is finally getting a long-awaited facelift and 27 new models will be added to the newly revived Seiko 5 Sports line, potentially replacing the Seiko SKX which is rumored to be discontinued in the near future.
Though not a complete replacement, as both the SKX and the new divers have their own pros and cons. Read more about the SKX vs the Sports Divers here.
The new Seiko 5 Sports models have a brand new logo that resembles a horizontal letter S, and seems to be a bit of a merger between the traditional Seiko 5 badge and the Seiko 5 Sports logo.⠀
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They’ve seemed to have kept the original tooly and sporty nature of the original SKX case and overall aesthetic while offering a wider range of different styles and colors to choose from.⠀
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As of now, a total of 27 different models are presented, all featuring slightly different dials, bracelets/straps, and in some cases, even case colors.
The 5 different variations of the new Seiko 5 Sports divers are as follows:
Seiko 5 Sports ‘Sports’
That’s right… It’s actually called Sports ‘Sports’. Interesting name choice, Seiko.
The Sports Style is the line with the most variety of colors, featuring 11 different styles to choose from, including different dial and case finishing.
We can see that they’ve added applied hour markers, the new Seiko 5 Sports logo and ‘Automatic’ text written at the bottom (goodbye ISO certification and 200m water resistance, more about that later), as well as a brand new, Rolex Submariner style bezel insert.
They offer a wide array of color options from blue to Pepsi, an Orange dial, and even one with a black PVD coated case, the SRPD65K1.
SRPD51k1 
SRPD51K2 
SRPD53K1 
SRPD55K1 
SRPD55K3 
SRPD57K1 
SRPD59K1 
SRPD61K1 
SRPD63K1 
SRPD65K1 
SRPD65K4
Seiko 5 Sports ‘Suits’
The Seiko 5 Sports Suits variation appears to be your slightly more rustic and dressy aesthetic.
They feature hour markers with the look of an aged patina, as well as a somewhat faded dial that also adds to the rustic and vintage charm.
They can be had on a milanese mesh bracelet or a tire tread rubber strap and appear in a variety of colors.
The featured model is the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD73K1 which is one that I have my eye on the most, as I love the patina’d markers and the red paint at the end of the second hand, which adds a nice pop of color.
SRPD73K2 
SRPD75K1 
SRPD65K2 
SRPD67K1 
SRPD69K1 
SRPD71K1 
SRPD71K2 
SRPD73K1
Seiko 5 Sports ‘Specialist’
The Seiko 5 Sports specialist is the smallest line of variety they offer and seem to be relatively straightforward.
They offer 3 different case finishing variations, a regular stainless steel, a gunmetal brushed case and a Rose Gold coated case with rose gold hands and applied hour markers.
They also include what appears to be an alligator embossed strap, that I suspect might be adhered to rubber, to help make it waterproof. Or it might be a rubber alligator embossed strap.
I’m most excited for the rose gold case, the Seiko 5 Sports SRPBD76k1 as it has a bit of a Rolex Yachtmaster look and feel, but at Seiko price point and quality. Win/win.
SRPD55K2 
SRPD65K3
Seiko 5 Sports ‘Street’
The Seiko 5 Sports are a line of 3 different black PVD coated cases, each with different colored lumibrite hour markers, black, blue or red.
Everything from the case to the bezel and bezel insert has been blacked out. Even the day/date wheel has been made black to match the theme.
There are appropriate pops of matching accent colors on the red and blue versions.
They are all featured on a standard black ZULU strap.
The model featured above is the SRPD79K1, the black on black variation.
SRPD81K1 
SRPD83K1
Seiko 5 Sports ‘Sense’
Last, but not least, we have the Seiko 5 Sports Sense.
These appear to be the most ‘outdoorsy’ looking variations, coming in either forest green or a burgundyish brown.
They both feature a unique textured dial that doesn’t appear in any of the other Seiko 5 Sports models and they also have a contrasting second hand.
Seiko 5 Sports Straps
There will be a wider range of straps available this time around instead of just the jubilee/rubber strap options currently offered on the present line of SKX.⠀
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Looks like this time around they’ll have all types of strap offerings, from NATO to Milanese mesh and even leather straps this time around.⠀
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Really excited for the huge amount of variety this new line will bring to the table, and I’m glad
Seiko 5 Sports Movement
They’ve finally decided to upgrade the movement to a 4R36 movement, which will include hacking and hand winding.
The 4R36 is basically an upgraded version of the 7S26 movement seen in the Seiko SKX as well as many of the Seiko 5 and Seiko 5 sports variations. The proprietary and almost outdated 7S26 movements were one of the few reasons I suggested you shouldn’t get an SKX. Glad to see Seiko listen to my own personal criticism and adjust accordingly. 😉
Hacking and hand-winding would be not only nice, but almost a must in this day and age to keep up with the likes of Orient and other high-quality entry-level divers. ⠀
Release Date
The Seiko 5 Sports have been released on September 10, 2019.
Retail Price
The Seiko 5 Sports will retail with a suggested MSRP of roughly between $285 to $381. Definitely not cheap, but let’s be real, these rarely sell at retail… Unless Hodinkee makes an article blowing them up. Even then, there are so many different models, I don’t think it’ll be hard to get your hands on one you like. And with an upgraded 4R36 movement with hacking and handwinding, I’m pretty stoked about that price.
Specifications
- Stainless steel case and bracelet with three-fold clasp with
- secure lock & push button release (SRPD51)
- Stainless steel case and bracelet with sliding clasp (SRPD73)
- Stainless steel case with rose gold color coating (SRPD76)
- Stainless steel case with black color hard-coating (SRPD77, 79)
- Silicone/calf hybrid strap (SRPD76)
- Nylon strap (SRPD77, 79)
- Hardlex crystal
- See-through screw case back
- Diameter: 42.5mm, Thickness: 13.4mm
- Water resistance: 10 bar
- Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Where to Find & Wrapping It Up
The Seiko 5 Sports divers can easily be found on Amazon and even most department stores that typically carry Seiko watches.
Let me know what you think about them! NR36 movement is preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetty sweet and the huge variety of color and design options is awesome.
Read more about the new Seiko 5 Sports divers here.
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Let me know which is your favorite!
got really excited until i saw the case diameter. oh well
It’s possible they might announce some 38mm variations in the future. I’ve read there are 7 models yet to be announced – could be the SKX013 equivalent. Fingers crossed! (PS love your channel)
It’s a bit disingenuous to call these a replacement for the SKX on Seiko’s part. Sure, the design is the same but the design of the SKX was always a bit of a necessary evil to me, and it’s not nearly as attractive without 200m of water resistance and an ISO certification. It’s also a bit rich to release a “dress” variant of an SKX, ostensibly.
I know. I was hoping for something bigger.
Yes agreed, pity that out of 27 new models seiko did not make a single model for the slender wrist, !
Robert
Agreed. I would love to see them revamp some of their other Seiko 5 lineup, such as the SNXS series.
I purchased the SKX because it is a true Divers watch with ISO. This new line is not anything I would want to purchase in the future.
They’re basically a beefed-up Seiko 5. Upgraded movement is nice but they’ll never be the SKX.
Look great but they lack basic details like a sapphire crystal and a 200M rating.
Agreed. Especially at this price. Orient might soon be the king of entry level diver.
Sapphire crystals are overrated and so is 200m water resistance, I have several 200m divers and I don’t go 1m underwater with them let alone 200m. The reason? Because they’re nice and shiny, just like a fish that a shark or barra would like to munch on. Divers don’t wear shiny anything!
They will fly off the shelves, people pay top dollar now to cannibalise the watch for parts. You can fit sapphire crystal, change hand set or dial. The range of finishes will be a massive draw to modders, trust me. Seiko have hit the sweet spot here, they could sell case and movement alone and people would buy them.
Yup! It’s also highly likely that the SKX and these sports divers will share many of the same dimensions, so it’s possible they’ll share third party modded parts also. Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Jim!
Sir, Between SRPD76K1, SRPD76K2 & SRPD71K1 which is best look wise, please suggest me or any other model.
I think the SRPD71 blue dial is the most versatile of those options. Rose gold is nice and fun, but you might find it boring after a bit.
A “diver” with 10 bar resistance? I love Seiko but that’s a major mistake… on an otherwise beautiful watch.
I do agree, kind of unfortunate. it seems they are appealing more to the fashion of the watch, rather than the toughness or horological significance that made the SKX so popular in the first place (in my humble opinion).
I just ordered a SRPD67K1 for $218 at a Macy’s sale. They must have purchased a ton of them and are now trying to unload them as that was the only model at that discount, fortunately for me!
I will prefer the hand winding and the upgraded movement over the SKX. I, along with 99.9% of buyers aren’t diving with these or the SKX for that matter. 100M is more than enough for the pool.. if you like having your watch on in the pool.. The new model is superior to the SKX in every metric except that extra 100M requiring a screwdown crown. Personally, I’m going to like having a watch I can get wet that doesn’t have a screwdown crown but then i wind my automatics more than most ppl probably! This may be the very last of my Seikos. There is no more real innovation in the sub 500 catagory and they are VERY clearly resting on their laurels. They could have, for a VERY few dollars, used AR coated sapphire as well as made these 200M, added ceramic bezels and literally straightened out their dial, CR, bezel alignment issues.If the aforementioned issue arrives with my new unit, it will be going back and it WILL be my last seiko.