Seiko 5 SRPD69 Review & Complete Guide
In 2019, Seiko announced some very huge news. Seiko announced a brand new ”5” sports collection, consisting of 27 different models with a dive watch design. However, the introduction of this new model line also meant discontinuing one of Seiko’s most appreciated automatic sports watches, the Seiko SKX.
But how do you go about replacing an icon?
How do you go about changing an already winning concept?
The challenge is difficult, but in hindsight, Seiko succeeded well.
Discontinuing an icon and replacing it with something new is always a sensitive topic. Firstly, the new watch cannot change too much in terms of design, look and feel.
If you change too much, there is a risk that the new watch will lose out on everything that made the classic so popular.
At its core, the new SRPD collection which replaces the iconic SKX is very similar to the predecessor. In terms of looks, the difference is not huge, but in terms of technology and build quality, the new collection is a huge improvement from the previous (and slightly outdated) SKX.
One of the 27 new models from Seiko is the Seiko 5 Seiko 5 SRPD69.
The new Seiko 5 SRPD69 catches the essence of the Seiko diver design but is finished in a wine red color for a bold and unique look.
Seiko 5 SRPD69 review
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The Seiko 5 SRPD69 is in terms of design very similar to the previous SKX. Enthusiasts will instantly recognize the similarity between the two, but also the differences.
Since this new SRPD replaces a several-decade old model which has become an icon and one of the most recommended entry-level automatic watches, the focus has not been to revolutionize the watch. Instead, Seiko’s focus has been to refine its design and most importantly its technology, including its finish and durability.
The new collection was well received as it successfully captured the most essential design elements of a timeless and loved design
The Seiko 5 SRPD69 puts a twist to the classic look with a wine-red design which makes it unique, bold, and certainly not for everyone. But if you are looking for a unique and sporty dive watch that has a classic design, great build quality and finish, and which is offered at an affordable price, the Seiko 5 SRPD69 may be the watch for you.
In this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko 5 SRPD69 – also known as the ”Red Shark”.
Seiko 5 SRPD69 case
The Seiko 5 SRPD69 is presented in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm. The case retains all of its iconic design features that we have come to love and appreciated from Seiko’s SKX. This means crown positioned at 4 o’clock, crown guards seamlessly integrated into the case, a nice contrast between satin and polished elements, a raised unidirectional rotating bezel which provides easy grip and operation.
The case has a thickness of 13.4mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 46mm and has a water-resistance of 100m/10BAR. The lugs are relatively short and have a satin-brushed finish made in a circular motion on the top. The sides of the case are polished which creates a nice contrast which enhances its impression of quality.
The case is not huge but it does have a sporty presence on the wrist. Something that is widely known about the predecessor including this one is that it sits somewhat tall on the wrist. Part of the reason for this is that the bezel sits somewhat tall on the case. And being a dive watch, this timepiece naturally features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduation scale. The bezel has knurled edges which improves grip, but because it sits so tall, it is also relatively easy to grip.
The bezel has an aluminium bezel, and for the SRPD69, the aluminium insert is made in a striking wine-red color.
If we turn the watch around, we have a screw-down case back with a see-through crystal. This allows you to see the automatic movement movement beating inside.The predecessor only had a solid case back, so this is a welcomed feature amongst enthusiasts. The movement may not be finished or decorated, but it is still nice to be reminded of the mechanical piece of craftsmanship inside.
Sitting on top of the case is Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal. This is not as hard as sapphire crystal but still relatively tough and does not shatter as much as sapphire. Plus, a sapphire crystal would also mean the price of this watch would climb. The crystal sits flat.
The crown sits protected between the crown guards at 4 o’clock. The crown is push-pull. If Seiko would have chosen to use a screw-down crown, perhaps the watch would have had a better water-resistance. But at the same time, this is not made to be a professional dive watch – only to have the design of one.
The previous generation was an ISO certified dive watch, but because this does not have a screw-down crown, it is no longer certified. Bear in mind that the water-resistance of the previous watch was 200m, so on paper, this is a huge step-down, but if you consider the fact that the fact majority do not go deep diving with their watches anyways, it’s not a huge issue for most. Also keep in mind that 100m water-resistance is standard for watches in the Seiko 5 collection.
Seiko 5 SRPD69 movement
Moving on to the movement, this is a huge improvement from the predecessor.
The watch is equipped with the automatic Seiko caliber Seiko 4R36. This movement features to primary functions which the predecessor did not have – manual winding function and hacking seconds.
The movement has an accuracy of +45 to -35 seconds per day. The movement has 24 jewels and offers a power reserve of 41 hours. The movement operates with a frequency of 21,600 BPH.
As mentioned, the movement is not decorated or finished, which can be seen when looking at the movement through the case back. This could be seen as a downside but for this watch, it’s really not. Why?
Because the purpose of the Seiko 5 SRPD69 is not to make a watch that is finished to perfection and highly elegant. Instead, it is to produce a watch that is robust, reliable, and durable. Having said that, it would also make sense if the movement is designed in a way that reflects this.
But it is not only in terms of looks that the Caliber 4R36 does this. In fact, this movement is built to last and is referred to as a workhorse. This means it will continue to tick for years and years.
Seiko 5 SRPD69 dial
Moving on to the dial, this is definitely the part of the Seiko 5 SRPD69 considering its bright and eye-catching dial color.
The dial is matte but does not have a sunburst finish. The wine-red color of the dial is extremely rich and goes from bright red/purple/pink to a dark, almost black look depending on how the light hits it.
The dia is truly what makes the SRPD69 so special. It’s bold, it’s bright, and unique.
Around the outer edge of the dial, the watch of course has a chapter ring which is made in the same color. The chapter ring has the seconds markers printed in silver and most importantly adds some depth to the dial.
At 3 o’clock, we have the iconic day and date position. This has a white background and the days and dates printed.
The dial has applied hour markers unlike the predecessor whose markers were printed. The markers have a gold metal frame around them which gives the watch a warmth. The hands are made with the same gold color. What you will notice is that the luminous material which is applied on the markers and hands have a yellowish/cream color. It’s not quite faux lume, but it is cream colored. This is something that splits opinions, but it actually may have been a good idea for this watch.
The cream color looks great against the gold hands and markers and the wine-red dial. All-white Luminous material may have created a too great of a contrast which may just not had worked.
Either way, the markers and hands are made quite large, which is obviously important for legibility in a sports watch. The watch as you can expect uses Seiko’s Lumibrite. This means the hands and indices glow bright and long.
The dial keeps the printing at a minimum in order to keep it clean and refined. It has a Seiko and Seiko 5 logo positioned at 12 o’clock and beneath the center of the seconds hand the text ”Automatic”.
Seiko 5 SRPD69 bracelet
The watch is presented on a stainless steel mesh bracelet with straight end links fitted to the lugs.
That Seiko chose to present this watch on a mesh bracelet was a god idea.
Generally, when it comes to affordable watches, the bracelet is usually the part that is compromised with the most. This means hollow links, hollow end links, rattly feel, and so on.
But chosing to present it on a mesh bracelets keeps the SRPD69 from this and thus allows it to leave a better first impression in terms of quality than if it would have been presented on a steel bracelet. Also, the mesh bracelets happens to look quite good with this watch and is reminiscent of Breitling’s SuperOean.
Due to its close relation with Breitling, it tend to be associated with dive watches and marine life and this is why the mesh bracelet on the Seiko 5 SRPD69 was such a good idea. The bracelet has a width of 22mm.
An appreciated feature of the new case is that it has drilled lugs. This makes it easy to change straps and bracelets.
Specifications
- Water Resistance: 10 bar/100M
- Case thickness: 13.4mm
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 46mm
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600 BPH
- Power reserve: 41 Hours
- Accuracy: +45 to -35 Seconds per day
- Lug width: 22mm
Conclusion
At a price of about 350 USD, this watch offers insane value for money. The previous SKX was already considered to be one of the best automatic sports watches on the market at its price, but the new SRPD69 takes it even further. Yes, the price has gone up, but so has the value proposition from this watch. This includes better finish, higher quality, an automatic movement with substantially better performance.
With its unique colorway, this is definitely not a watch for everyone, but it is still a great watch.
There are few dive-inspired watches in this price range that offers as much as the Seiko 5 SRPD69.
The Seiko 5 SRPD69 is available to order on Amazon.
