Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 Review & Complete Guide
If you are looking for an affordable sports watch and ask watch enthusiasts, a lot of them will say Seiko. Seiko has established itself as one of the top brands in the world when it comes to affordable automatic watches. And with all right of course. Seiko’s affordable watches tend to punch well above their price in terms of quality and finish.
In 2019, Seiko discontinued its probably most iconic and (amongst watch enthusiasts) appreciated collection – the SKX. The SKX had been in production for more than two decades, so naturally, it was starting to get a bit outdated in terms of technology, quality, and design. But despite this, it had and still has a very loyal following.
In 2019, Seiko, therefore, presented a new Seiko 5 Sports model line that would come to replace the SKX. This model line is the SRPD and consists of 27 different models to suit all tastes and preferences.
Replacing an icon is a sensitive topic, but the key is to focus on not changing too much of the visual aspects and remaining true to the original. Seiko succeeded well and the result was a timepiece that was a great improvement in terms of technology, finish, and build quality, whilst also staying true to the original design.
Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 Review
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The Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 is a watch that stays true to the original SKX. It has the design of a classic dive watch and a seemingly timeless design. It is affordably priced, but despite this, like most Seiko watches, it offers exceptional value for money.
Amongst all of the 27 different versions within the SRPD line, the Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 is particularly interesting and eye-catching due to its use of colors. This is a bold and bright watch that stands out and gives a very summery feel and impression.
This is the perfect timepiece for someone who is looking for something sporty and robust, but also something fresh that moves away from the boring black-and-white monochrome dive watch designs which are so common in the industry.
In this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko 5 SRPD53K1.
Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 case
The Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 is presented in a 42.5mm stainless steel case. It has a lug-to-lug measurement of 46m and a thickness of 13.4mm. The case has a bit of a sporty presence, but it is not insanely big or clumsy. It’s sporty, but it is very much wearable as an everyday timepiece. The perfect mix in our opinion for everyday use.
The top of the case has a circular-brushed finish whereas the sides are polished. This creates a nice contrast and enhances the perception of quality. The satin finish (which is mainly what you’ll see when wearing it) gives it a tool-like sporty look which obviously goes in line with the sporty nature of this timepiece.
In true Seiko 5 fashion, the SRPD53K1 has an offset crown at 4 o’clock. This is protected by crown guards which extend seamlessly from the case. Unlike the predecessor, however, this crown is a push-pull and not a screw-down. This naturally has an effect on the water resistance of this timepiece. In fact, whilst the predecessor had a water resistance of 200m, this watch has a water resistance of 100m. This may sound like a huge downgrade, but it’s not a big deal in our opinion when we think about it in the way (we believe) Seiko has reasoned.
Firstly, the SRPD53K1 is not meant to be a full-on dive watch. Instead, it is meant to be a sporty watch with a dive-watch design for everyday wear. If you want a serious dive watch, Seiko has many other watches that can do that job.
And secondly, 100M water resistance means you can go swimming and even diving with it – just not deep-diving. Having said that, the vast majority of people do not go deep diving with their watches, and on the few occasions that you may, you can simply choose a different watch. Essentially, the water resistance of this watch should be more than enough for the vast majority of wearers.
In true dive watch fashion, the watch is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel has knurled edges for improved grip and has an appealing blue and red insert. This is what is also nicknamed ”Pepsi”. The bezel has 60-minute markers printed in silver. The first 20 minutes of the insert are painted red and the rest of the bezel is made in blue. The combination of blue and red really makes for a unique and fun color combination that stands out.
Photo: Watchnation
Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 dial
The Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 has a striking dark blue dial with a sunburst finish which makes for a beautiful look. As sunburst dials do, it catches and reflects the light beautifully which makes them change their color and appearance. The blue dial also goes really well together with the red and blue bezel which makes for a complete look.
Unlike the predecessor, this watch has applied markers instead of painted ones. Applied markers give the watch a more enhanced and refined look, as is usually found on premium watches. The markers have a polished metal frame and Lumibirite applied inside. Seiko has used a generous amount which results in a strong and long-lasting glow. The same goes for the hands, which are also broad and large for optimum legibility. The minute hand has a nice arrow tip.
Around the outer edge of the dial, the watch has a blue chapter ring with the seconds markers printed in silver. This gives the dial some depth and shows Seiko has paid attention to the details.
In Seiko 5 fashion, we find a day and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. The background is made white and the printing is made in black.
Seiko has kept the dial printing at a minimum, with only the Seiko logo, Seiko 5 sports logo, and the text ”Automatic”.
Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 movement
The watch is equipped with the Seiko in-house automatic caliber 4R36. This movement has two primary upgrades from the predecessor, which are a manual winding function and hacking seconds.
The movement beats with a frequency of 21600 VPH and has 24 jewels. If you turn the watch around, you will be able to see the movement beating inside through the screw-down see-through case back.
The movement is not decorated and looks tool-like and industrialized, but it is important to note that is exactly the point. The SRPD53K1 is built as a robust and durable timepiece, and naturally, it needs a movement to reflect that. For that job, the 4R36 s perfect. It is often referred to as a workhorse movement as it will continue to tick for years without needing a service.
It is not the most accurate movement, but it will run for years.
Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 bracelet
The watch is presented on a sporty and robust three-piece bracelet that has a satin finish and is reminiscent of the Rolex Oyster bracelet. The watch matches the design of the case very well
When it comes to affordable watches, the bracelet is often the part that manufacturers compromise with the most. This often means hollow end links, folded links, and overall just a rattly feel.
The bracelet of the SRPD53K1 is not terrible, but it is what you would expect from a watch in this price range. It is relatively comfortable on the wrist and feels relatively solid, but it does have some play and rattle.
The good news is that if you want to change bracelet or strap, doing so is extremely easy thanks to the drilled lugs.
Specifications
- Thickness:13.4 mm
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Water resistance: 100M/10BAR
- Lug-to-lug: 46mm
- Jewels: 24
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Movement: Seiko caliber 4R36
- Crystal: Hardlex:
- Lug width: 22mm
- Frequency: 21600VPH
Conclusion
All in all, you can’t go wrong with any of the new watches in the Seiko 5 SRPD collection. They are well-built, high quality, robust, and offer great value for money.
If you are looking for a timeless and stylish automatic sports watch, there really aren’t many better alternatives on the market than the Seiko 5 SRPD collection.
If you are, in turn, looking for a sporty automatic watch that is not as monochrome and boring as many dive watches can be, the Seiko 5 SRPD53K1 is definitely a watch to consider.
The Seiko 5 SRPD57K1 is available to order on Amazon.
Photo: Strapcode
