Photo: Two Broke Watch Snobs
Seiko 5 SRPD51 Automatic Watch Review
The Seiko SKX is a legend. But this isn’t the SKX. This is the revamped, upgraded, and improved version. This is the Seiko 5 SRPD51 Automatic watch. The new generation of the Seiko 5 and the SKX, you may say.
In 2019, Seiko completely upgraded and changed its SKX dive watch lineup. The SKX may very well be the single most important watch from Seiko. Not because it is the most complicated or advanced. But because it has achieved almost legendary status.
So how do you go about upgrading and updating an icon and a legend? Safe to say, it is a holy territory, and actually quite sensitive. Due to the huge popularity of the SKX, there is always a risk to take the wrong step and disappoint a lot of people by discontinuing an icon and replacing it with something that, in the eyes of the market, isn’t as good.
Regardless, the result of the upgrade is the new Seiko 5 collection. One of the watches in the collection is the Seiko 5 SRPD51 Automatic watch, which is the one we are going to look closer at in this article.
Seiko 5 SRPD51 Automatic Watch Review
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The Case
Starting off the case, both the shape and design are still very similar to the original. Seiko has decided to keep the crown positioned at 4 o’clock which is an iconic trait of the SKX, which was thus a clever move.
What is new about the watch, however, is that the SRPD51 has a see-through glass case back which allows you to view the movement beating inside (moron the movement further on).
Another new upgrade is the fact that it has drilled/pierced lugs. This makes removing the bracelet and changing straps a breeze. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but in terms of practicality, it is worth a lot.
The case has a 46mm lug-to-lug and a 13.5mm height. The diameter of the case remains unchanged at 42.5mm.
What is interesting about the SRPD51, however, is that due to the incorporation of the see-through case back, it is no longer an ISO 6425-certified dive watch.
The watch has a 100-meter water resistance which means you can swim with it, but it’s not a watch for deep diving. The case features a push-down crown.
The lugs of the case are brushed, and the sides polished, which creates a nice contrast. The good thing about the case is that the lugs are relatively short, which prevents them from sticking out for wrists that are a bit on the smaller side.
The watch has a Hardlex crystal. This isn’t as tough as sapphire crystal but won’t get scratches from regular wear unless you hit it against something hard.
Bracelet
Moving on to the bracelet, the Seiko 5 SRPD51 has a lug width of 22mm, like the SKX.
The bracelet is a three-link bracelet and has a brushed satin finish and polished sides. Of course, made of stainless steel.
The bracelet has a deployant clasp. Still, it doesn’t have links that you remove by screwing. Instead, you have to hammer out the pins in order to adjust them.
Seiko calls it a ”three-fold clasp with secure lock, push-button release”
Dial
You can’t say anything else than that the dial of the Seiko 5 SRPD51 is stunning. Visually, it remains very similar to its predecessor.
This reference has a navy blue dial with a brushed sunburst finish which creates a stunning effect, especially as the sun hits it. Placed at 3 o’clock are a date and day indicator. It has applied markers which are a big improvement from the painted markers on the predecessor. This enhances the look in my opinion, but most importantly makes for a more well-made look. An applied triangle at 12 o’clock, ovals at 6 and 9, and circular markers for the rest of the hour markers. The applied markers are treated with lumina, or what Seiko calls Lumibrite, which improves legibility in darkness.
The hands are very familiar. Displaying seconds, minutes, and hours. The hour and minute hands have been treated with Lumibrite as well.
On the dial is the new Seiko 5 logo, which leans slightly to look both like an S and a 5 (for Seiko 5). Removed is the 200m depth rating print on the dial, and instead, you can only find ”Automatic”.
Movement
Looking closer at the movement of the Seiko 5 SRPD51, we have the 4R36 which is an automatic mechanical movement. This movement is also known as NH36 when Seiko provides it to other, external manufacturers.
(And now, everyone can actually look closer at the movement thanks to the see-through case back). The movement has 24 jewels, Day/Date display, and a stop-second hand function (hacking seconds), which allows for more accurate time-setting.
The movement has a power reserve of 41 hours.
Bezel
Being a dive watch, it is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel. This exact reference has a blue aluminum insert that goes perfectly together with the blue dial.
Seiko 5 SRPD51 Automatic specifications
- Jewels: 24
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Thickness: 13.5mm
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Length: 46mm
- Power reserve: 41 hours
Conclusion
The Seiko 5 SRPD51 Automatic is a great value for money. It was about time the legendary SKX was updated, but changing a winning concept is always risky. But Seiko succeeded and the result is a high-quality watch at a great price. It’s a perfect all-around watch that not only looks great but most importantly works as a perfect daily driver that can take a beating.
You really cannot go wrong with the SRPD51, and you will find it looks just as great with a suit as it does for a day on the beach.
The Seiko 5 SRPD51 is available to order on Amazon.
