Seiko 5 SRPE80K1 Review & Complete Guide

The Seiko 5 collection is an iconic collection of affordable, automatic watches from Seiko.

Over the years, the collection has grown, and in the meantime, so has its popularity. The collection contains a wide selection of timepieces for all tastes, preferences, and purposes. It has everything from dress watches, to dive watches, to sporty tool watches, and everything in between.

Undoubtedly the most popular of the bunch is the SKX, but in 2019, Seiko announced the discontinuation of the model, after several decades of production. It was finally time to upgrade and improve an all-time classic, which by now, has acquired more or less a cult following.

But how do you go about changing an icon? Well, Seiko did it by releasing a brand new lineup of timepieces that are built on the design of the SKX, and most importantly, focusing on improving its engine – the movement.

These watches go under the reference SRPE and look, at least in terms of case and dial layout similar to the SKX – some more than others. This watch, the reference SRPE80K1 is one of those timepieces. But this particular watch has tweaks to its design that makes it stand out from the crowd. Seiko has placed the new watches in a few different categories, and this exact reference falls under the ”Specialist Style”, and calls it ”A look for all times.”.

In terms of design, it definitely stands out from the crowd with a brass or bronze case look which looks aged or worn, and presents it with a very unique dial.

This is a watch with a classic and iconic design, but it does have some visual design tweaks that give it a very aggressive and unique look.

Without further ado, in this article, we are reviewing the Seiko 5 SRPE80K1.

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Seiko 5 SRPE80K1 case

If you are familiar with the Seiko SKX, you’ll recognize the case of the SRPE80K1 as well. This watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm and a thickness of 13.4mm. The lug-to-lug measures 46mm. However, what you probably won’t recognize is the finishing of the case, which looks a lot different from most watch cases out there.

Speaking of the case, it is definitely one that stands out from the crowd. And with that said, it is not a case design that is for everyone, but it does give it a sporty and bold look. The watch is, as mentioned, made in stainless steel, but has been finished with a bronze/brass look which appears aged. This makes it appear sportier, rugged, and worn, which some will love, but it is definitely not for everyone.

In terms of size, it is sized like a sports watch, so it will naturally have some wrist presence, but with that said, it is by no means huge. Being a dive-inspired watch, it is also equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel has notched for improved grip, but it also has a bezel insert which is made in the same finish and material as the case. The minutes markers are raised, but it does not have the minutes written out, unlike the watches with aluminum inserts.

The case has the classic Seiko 5 design, which means a crown positioned at 4 o’clock. The benefit of this is that it prevents the crown from digging into the wrist and makes it more comfortable to wear. Keeping the crown protected, it has crown guards that extend from the case. Worth noting, however, is the fact that the crown is not a screw-down. This also means that the water resistance is lower than the previous version – 100m/330 feet. This means it does not meet the minimum depth rating of 200m/660 feet to be a dive watch.

But with that said, the SRPE80K1 is not built as a dive watch. Instead, it is built as a sporty everyday timepiece. And 100m water resistance should be more than enough considering it means it is suitable for swimming, but just not deep diving.

Seiko 5 SRPE80K1 dial

The dial is another element of the watch that stands out from the ordinary. It is black/grey and has a special finish which makes it reflect the light beautifully, The finish on the dial also ensures that you will probably never get bored of this watch.

The dial layout will feel very familiar to the SKX because frankly, it is more or less the same. It has applied hour markers filled with Lumibrite, the minutes hand has an arrow tip, and the hour hand has a pointy tip. For this particular watch, the hour markers and hands have brass-colored frames to match the case and the bezel.

Against the dark dial, they ensure rather good legibility.

Around the outer edge of the dial, the watch has an angled chapter ring on which the seconds markers are printed, adding depth to the dial.

And of course, like all Seiko 5 watches, it has a day and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. This is a rather handy function which can be useful in your everyday life.

Seiko 5 SRPE80K1 movement

The watch is powered by the Seiko in-house caliber 4R36 which beats with a frequency of 21600 BPH and has 24 jewels. The movement is a big improvement from the movement used in the previous model as it features both manual winding and hacking second functions.

As we have come to expect from Seiko, it is a long-lasting, durable movement which can continue to tick for years without needing much or any maintenance.

If you turn the watch around, you’ll notice it is equipped with a see-through case back. This is a change from the SKX which has a sold case back. Whilst the movement is not decorated (as you can expect from a sporty timepiece in this price category), but it is still nice to see the mechanical piece of craftsmanship beating inside.

Seiko SRPE80K1 strap

The watch is presented on a brown leather strap with a silicone lining. This combination of leather and silicone is great as it adds sportiness and makes it more sporty and more resistant to water. Yes, you should ideally avoid water, but the strap will hold up much better than a regular leather strap.

The strap goes very well together with the watch and has a nice combination of elegance and sportiness. I think it is great that Seiko skipped the metal bracelet for this watch, as they would otherwise have to opt for a brass strap, which would likely make the look ”too much”.

Specifications

Thickness: 13.4mm
Diameter: 42.5mm
Length: 46mm
Weight: 100.0 g
Water Resistance: 10 bar/330 feet
Jewels: 24
Crystal: Hardlex
Power reserve: 41 hours
Movement: Seiko in-house caliber 4R36

Conclusion

All in all, the Seiko 5 SRPE80K1 is a watch that does not disappoint in terms of finish and build quality if you factor in the price. Carrying the loved and appreciated design features of the iconic SKX with a twist, it is a refreshing timepiece that stands out from the crowd and brings something new to the table. With its brass, vintage look, it is definitely not for everyone, but we are sure that there are a lot of people who will enjoy it for more formal occasions, or even for everyday wear.

Regardless, you really cannot go wrong with the Seiko 5 SRPE80K1.

Seiko 5 SRPE80K1 Review & Complete Guide