Seiko 5 SRPD59K1 Review & Complete Guide
It’s no news that Seiko makes some of the most popular affordable automatic sports watches in the world. The most popular of the bunch is of course the SKX, which has become almost iconic. But in 2019, Seiko announced that the SKX was discontinued. But shortly thereafter, Seiko presented a large collection of timepieces to take its place.
These new watches are built on the SKX and share many of its distinct design features and elements, which means that they, to a large extent, stays true to the SKX which had been in production for several decades before being discontinued.
One of these watches is the Seiko 5 SRPD59K1.
As mentioned, this watch is based on, and inspired by, the Seiko SKX, but also has some changes and improvements. What stands out about this watch is of course its bright orange dial which makes it unique.
Without further ado, let’s review the Seiko 5 SRPD59K1.
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Seiko 5 SRPD59K1 case
The watch features a robust and sporty stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm, lug-to-lug of 46mm, and a thickness of 13.4mm.
The sides of the case are polished and the top of the lugs are satin finished. Like the SKX, it also has a unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel is polished and has notches edges for improved grip and easier operation. The bezel has a black aluminum bezel insert. This adds a touch of sportiness to the watch.
As a true Seiko 5, the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock. This gives the watch a distinct and instantly recognizable look. The crown is protected by crown guards and is push-pull.
Since the crown is not a screw-down, it does not have as good of a water resistance as the SKX. This exact watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. With that said, it does not meet the minimum requirement for a dive watch of 200m, but at the same time, it is not meant to be a dive watch. Instead, it’s meant to be a sporty everyday watch with a dive-watch inspired design.
The water-resistance makes it suitable for swimming and showering but thus not deep diving.
Seiko 5 SRPD59K1 dial
The dial is really the highlight of this watch, with its bright, vibrant orange color which reflects the light beautifully and stands out from the ordinary. With that said, it is perhaps not a watch that is suitable for everyday wear. The orange color adds sportiness to this watch and makes it more suitable for casual occasions. The dial has a lovely satin finish and therefore reflects the light beautifully.
Around the outer edge of the dial, it has an angled chapter ring made in orange and on which the seconds markers are printed in black.
Like all Seiko 5 watches, it also has a day and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. The background is white and the day and date printed in black. This said, it means good legibility, but some may also complain about the fact that it has a slightly negative effect on the symmetry of the dial. But at the same time, the day/date window is by now a signature trait in the Seiko 5s that we have come to expect.
The hands and markers have an iconic and recognizable design which can be found on the SKX too. The minutes hand has an arrow tip and the hour hand is slightly smaller with a pointy tip. The hour markers are applied, and just like the hands, they have metal frames around them and applied Lumibrite for improved legibility in the dark.
SRPD59K1 movement
Inside the watch, we have the automatic in-house automatic caliber 4R36. This watch beats with a frequency of 21600 BPH, has 24 jewels, and offers a power reserve of 41 hours.
This movement has proven to be robust, durable, and long-lasting, which is a great thing to have in a sporty automatic timepiece. The movement will continue to tick for years without any need for maintenance or servicing.
If you turn the watch around, you’ll also notice that the movement can be seen through the see-through case back. This is a nice touch to the watch because although the movement is not decorated, it still works as a nice reminder of the mechanical piece of craftsmanship beating inside.
Bracelet
This watch is presented on a stainless steel three-link Oyster style bracelet with a satin finish. The bracelet adds sportiness to this timepiece and goes very well with the overall design of the watch.
The bracelet has a three-fold clasp with a secure lock & push-button release for a solid feel on the wrist.
The bracelet has some room for improvement which is often the case with affordable timepieces. It does not feel 100% solid and has a slightly rattly feel to it. This is what can be expected from a watch bracelet in this price range, but the good news is that if you want, you can change the bracelet to a strap for a different style, feel, and look.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 46mm
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Weight: 170.0 g
- Water-resistance: 100m/10bar/330 feet
- Clasp: Three-fold clasp with secure lock & push-button release
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21600 BPH
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Movement: Seiko in-house automatic caliber 4R36
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Case back: Screw-down & see-through
Conclusion
The conclusion of the Seiko 5 SRPD59K1 Review is that this is a watch that offers great value for money.
The watch is powered by a durable and robust automatic Seiko caliber, has a great finish, and overall impressive build quality for its price.
The overall design is very appealing and timeless – inspired by one of Seiko’s most popular watches ever made.
It’s orange dial certainly makes it stand out from the ordinary and is a colorful touch to your life. The bright orange dial means that this watch may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for something sporty, fun, and unique, this is definitely a good choice.
The Seiko 5 SRPD59K1 is available to order on Amazon.
