Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57 Review & Complete Guide
Amongst watch enthusiasts, Seiko is particularly appreciated for making high-quality, durable sports and dive watches at very attractive prices. In fact, when it comes to these types of watches, we would even dare to say that Seiko makes some of the best dive and sports watches in their price category, in the world.
And it is through Seiko’s know-how and streamlined production that the brand can achieve exceptional quality at exceptional prices.
As Seiko’s popularity has grown throughout the years, so have the brand’s offerings and collections. Today, there is a Seiko sports or dive watch for everyone, regardless of taste, preference, and wrist size. One of those watches is the Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57. And this is the watch we are going to look closer at in this article.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57 Review
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Seiko’s 5 sports watches are widely appreciated for their affordable price, yet still high build quality and finish. They are durable timepieces that are built to last, and at the same time, they are affordable enough so you won’t have to worry too much about scratches and similar.
This particular model, the Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57 has a sporty and masculine appeal to it, whilst also embracing the design DNA of dive watches. Although it is not built as a professional dive watch, it is built as a sporty everyday watch for those who enjoy the design of these types of watches.
Without further ado, let’s look closer at and review the Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57.
Seiko SRPC57 case
The SRPC57 is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 44mm and a thickness of 13 mm. Having said that, it is a relatively big watch or at least has the sizing you would expect from a sporty diving-inspired timepiece. This means it is mostly suitable for men with medium to large wrists.
It has a ”bulky” case design” with brushed tops, and with large polished bevels which take up most of the lug width. This gives it a distinct look but also gives the impression that the case is actually really nicely finished. Because of the large polished lugs, the sides of the case are brushed, in order to add a sporty appeal.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, we have a screw-down crown. It does not sit protected between crown guards.
On top of the case, we have, unsurprisingly, Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal.
As a dive watch should – or at least a diving-inspired timepiece, the SRPC57 is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel. For added sportiness, the bezel is coated black. The bezel also has an aluminum insert on which the first 15 minute-section is colored red and the rest is colored black. The minutes markers are large and painted in silver. The bezel insert is slightly angled which gives it a distinct look and adds some depth to the watch. The touch of red really does a lot to the appearance of the watch and keeps it from looking monochrome and classic. It adds a touch of sportiness to the watch.
The red theme from the bezel is carried onto the dial of the watch, which has additional red accents to match the dial.
The SRPC57 offers a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. This is enough for swimming and showering but not suitable for deep diving. In other words, it is mostly enough for what your daily activities may require.
Seiko SRPC57 dial
The watch is presented with a classic black dial with a polished finish. As a dive watch should, it has an emphasis on legibility, with large markers and generous amounts of luminous mass.
Around the outer edge of the dial, the seconds markers are printed in white. At each five-minute marking, Seiko has also painted small red rectangles that match the bezel perfectly and is a subtle touch that makes the watch much more eye-catching and sporty.
The hour markers are applied onto the dial and are large with polished metal frames around them. Of course, they have lots of Lumibrite applied to them. The hour hand has a large arrow tip and the minutes hand has sword-shaped. Both feature the characteristics of the hour markers.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, the SRPC57 has a day and date window with a painted white frame around it. The day/date window has a black background and the days and dates are printed in white which allows them to blend into the dial very well. This function can come in handy considering most owners of this watch will wear it as an everyday timepiece.
As a last touch of red, the seconds hand is also painted red and has an arrow tip with Lumibrite applied to it.
Seiko SRPC57 movement
Like all Seiko 5 watches, this watch is equipped with a robust and durable automatic movement. More specifically the Seiko caliber 4R36. This movement has 24 jewels and beats with a frequency of 21600 BPH.
It is not the most complicated movement, nor is it the most beautiful one, but have in mind that it is built with functionality and performance in mind. In other words, function before form. The movement is built to last, and over the years, it has indeed proven to be a reliable and sturdy workhorse that can continue to tick year after year with little to no maintenance.
If you turn the watch around, you’ll notice another interesting detail which is the fact that it has a see-through case back. What you will notice when looking at the see-through case back is that it is not decorated. Therefore, the movement looks very industrialized and tool-like. But the point is not to make it look like a Patek Philippe movement. Instead, the tool-like look of the movement goes very well with the sporty nature and purpose of this watch. Plus, it still works as a nice reminder of the mechanical piece of craftsmanship beating inside.
SRPC57 Bracelet
The watch is presented on a robust and sporty three-link stainless steel bracelet which is satin-finished. The bracelet has a folder clasp. It goes very well together with the overall design of the watch and adds to the sportiness.
Have in mind, however, that, as is common for the most affordable watches, the bracelet is the part that is compromised with the most, and this is also the case for this watch. It does have some rattle and does not feel 100% solid, but it does the job.
But if you want to change it to something else, the SRPC57 also looks great on a different strap, such as a NATO.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44mm
- Thickness: 13mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Crown: screw-down
- Movement: Seiko caliber 4R36
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21600 BPH
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57 is, as we have come to expect, a watch that offers exceptional value for money. It is built to last, is durable, and has a tried and true automatic movement that will continue to tick for years.
In terms of build quality and finish, there are few brands apart from Seiko that can manufacture watches at this price range and offer as great quality and finish.
It’s also a sporty and timeless timepiece that works surprisingly well for any occasion. At this price point, you therefore cannot go wrong with the Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57.
The Seiko 5 Sports SRPC57 is available to order on Amazon.
