Seiko 5 SRPD67 Review & Complete Guide

Seiko 5 SRPD67 Review & Complete Guide

In 2019, Seiko announced its new, updated Seiko 5 diver collection.

However, what this also meant was that Seiko discontinued the previous generation which had become an icon and one of the most popular automatic entry-level watches.

So how do you go about updating an icon?

This is always a sensitive topic, because how do you improve an already winning concept? If you fail to capture the essence of the previous generation, it will be a huge failure. This is because people lose an appreciated and loved model, and have it replaced by something inferior.

But luckily, Seiko succeeded well with its new Seiko 5 collection, which received praise and appreciation. The new collection of dive-inspired watches was a huge improvement in terms of technology, whilst also not making substantial changes in terms of design.

When Seiko presented the new 5 collections, the brand presented 27 completely new watches. One of those watches is the Seiko 5 reference SRPD67.

Seiko 5 SRPD67 review

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The Seiko 5 SRPD67 is a dive-inspired timepiece with modern touches yet a classic design. It’s evident that the SRPD67 seeks inspiration from the SKX, the predecessor but still uses many new design traits and elements.

If you are looking for a timeless, elegant, and high-quality automatic watch at an affordable price, the Seiko 5 collection is considered one of the best choices out there. In this article, we will look closer and review one of the watches in the collection, carrying the reference SRPD67.

Seiko SRPD67 case

The watch has a sporty stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm. The case has a thickness of 13.4mm and a lug-to-lug of 46mm. The watch is not huge, but it does have a sporty presence on the wrist. Feedback a lot of people have about this watch is that it is rather tall. A big part of the thickness is how tall the bezel sits. The good thing about this is that it allows for easy grip and operation of the bezel. But with that said, the watch isn’t insanely thick and definitely wearable.

As a true dive watch, it has a unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel has a knurled edge for improved grip. The bezel has a black aluminum bezel with markers printed in silver.

Sitting on top of the case is a flat Hardlex crystal. This is not as tough and scratch-resistant as sapphire crystal, but at this price, we can forgive Seiko. At the same time, Hardlex has proven to be much more scratch-resistant than regular mineral glass.

The case has a screw-down case back with a see-through window. This allows you to see the movement beating inside, but more on that further on.

The watch offers a water resistance of 10bar/100M/10ATM/330 feet. This is the least you would expect from a dive watch, but it means that you can swim and dive with it, but it is not suitable for deep dives. Have in mind that most people who buy this watch will use it for everyday wear, and most people likely won’t even consider going deep diving with it. The water resistance is therefore more than enough for the purpose and for the vast majority of people.

To keep its sporty look, the top of the lugs are satin-finished (brushed), but as a nice contrast, the sides of the case are polished. This also enhances the watch’s impression of being well-finished.

A well-received change of this watch from its predecessor is the fact that it has drilled lugs (lug holes). This makes removing the bracelet and changing straps a breeze.

In traditional Seiko 5 fashion, the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock. To ensure its water resistance, the crown is not a screw-down, but a push-pull. It is protected by crown guards on each side.

Seiko SRPD67 dial

The watch has a lovely matte beige dial. The use of beige for dials is generally quite unique, but in a way, it works. At the very least, it makes for a unique watch. The dial has a slightly ”fumé style”, which means it is brighter in the center of the dial and darker towards the edges. This helps make the dial seem more vibrant and lively.

On the outer edge of the dial, we have a chapter ring – also beige – on which the seconds markers are printed in black.

The watch has applied hour markers with a metal frame which enhances the watch’s exclusivity and increases the feeling of quality. The metal frame is colored black to create a better contrast against the dial. What is interesting about this watch is that the luminescence has also been made in beige color to match the dial. There are split opinions about aged/faux lime, but since the dial is also beige, it gives a completely different look.

Positioned at 3 o’clock, we find the Seiko 5 standard day and date window. The watch keeps the dial printing at a minimum which ensures it is clean and refined.

Seiko SRPD67 movement

The Seiko 5 SRPD67 is equipped with the Automatic Seiko caliber 4R36.

The two key upgrades from the predecessor when it comes to the movement are the incorporation of hacking seconds and a manual-winding function – two features that the SKX lacked.

The movement has a rotor and offers a power reserve of 41 hours. The movement has a specified accuracy of +45 to -35 seconds per day. The movement has 24 jewels.

The movement is not finished or decorated, but that is not the purpose of this movement. The movement has proven to be a robust and durable workhorse that will continue to tick year after year without the need for a service.

The see-through case back is still nice as it reminds us of the mechanical piece of craftsmanship inside.

Seiko SRPD67 bracelet

The watch is presented on a stainless steel mesh bracelet.

This is a great idea by Seiko. Why? Because when it comes to affordable watches, the bracelet is often the part that is compromised the most. Affordable watches tend to have a rattly and hollow bracelet, but the mesh bracelet of the SRPD67 saves it from this. The mesh bracelets look great with the overall design of the watch and feel high quality. It is also comfortable on the wrist.

The mesh bracelet has straight ends that are attached to the lugs.

Specifications

• Movement: Seiko Automatic caliber 4R36
• Jewels: 23
• Water-resistance: 10bar/100M/10ATM/330 feet.
• Diameter: 42.5MM
• Thickness: 13.4mm
• Lug-to-lug: 46mm
• Power reserve: 41 hours
• Accuracy: +45 to -35 seconds per day

Conclusion

With a price of about 300 USD, the Seiko 5 SRPD67 offers exceptional value for money. It is based on an already tried and true design that has established itself as one of the best entry-level automatic watches but has a refined design and an improved mechanical performance.

The SRPD67 has good water resistance, a high-quality and reliable automatic movement, and a truly timeless dive watch look. Currently, there are not many watches on the market that gives you as much bang for the buck as this one.

There is a reason why the Seiko 5 collection is so popular. You simply cannot go wrong with this watch.

The Seiko 5 SRPD67 is available to order on Amazon.