Seiko 5 SRPD87 Review & Complete Guide
In 2019, Seiko presented a brand new collection. The collection included 27 different iterations – all identical from a technical standpoint, but different in terms of colors and look.
The introduction of a new dive-watch-inspired sports collection also meant discontinuing the legendary SKX dive watch which had been in production for more than two decades. Discontinuing a loved and appreciated icon is always a sensitive topic because it leaves people disappointed, but also puts great pressure and high expectations on the product that is meant to replace it.
The new Seiko 5 collection proved to be successful and popular, and one of the 27 models is the reference SRPD87. Although there are many small visual changes, the primary changes are what is found inside. This of course relates to the movement.
Seiko 5 SRPD87 Review
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The SRPD87 keeps the classic SKX look with case shape, dial design, and bezel, but has been refined and revised slightly in terms of its looks, and even more substantially in terms of its technological performance.
The SRPD87 has a blue and appealing theme which is always a great fit for a dive watch. But at the same time, it is important to highlight that the new Seiko 5 collection is not meant to be a full-on dive watch. Instead, it is meant to be a stylish and robust timepiece that can be worn as a daily driver, which has a dive-watch-inspired design.
In this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko 5 SRPD87.
Seiko 5 SRPD87 case
The watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm. It has polished sides, and the lugs have a circular-brushed finish, which creates a nice contrast and improves the impression of a well-finished case. Since most of what you will see when wearing it is polished, it also adds to the tool-like look. The case has a thickness of 13.4mm thick. The lug-to-lug measurement is 46mm. The case isn’t huge, but it is large enough to have a somewhat sporty feel and presence on the wrist.
In traditional Seiko 5 fashion, the case has an offset crown at 4 0’clock which is protected by crown guards which extend from the case. The crown is a push-pull crown and not a screw-down which affects its water resistance. The watch has a water resistance of 100m/10ATM, unlike the predecessor which has a water resistance of 200M. This is to some people’s disappointment, but Seiko’s reasoning for this is probably that this watch is not meant to be a full-on dive watch. Seiko has other watches for that. Furthermore, most people do not get close to the water with their watches, so substantial water resistance is not necessary. And after all, 100M means you can go swimming and diving with it, just not deep diving, so it is more than enough for most people.
Photo: Hodinkee
As a dive watch should, the watch features a unidirectional bezel with knurled edges. The bezel sits quite tall on the case which allows for free access and easy operation. It has a blue aluminum insert with silver markers.
The watch has a flat Hardlex mineral crystal sitting on top. It would be nice to have a sapphire crystal, but bear in mind the price would likely be higher.
This is a new Seiko automatic 5 Sports watch that features a Seiko 24 jewel automatic (self-winding, hand wind, hacks) movement. The blue dial has a day and date display at 3:00, highly luminous hands and markers treated with Lumibrite for low light visibility, an offset crown at 4:00, a uni-directional rotating bezel, a Hardlex mineral crystal, and an exhibition window screw-down case back. 42.5mm diameter stainless steel case. It comes on a nylon sport strap and it includes a manual and Seiko box.
Seiko 5 SRPD87 Dial
The star of the show of the Seiko 5 SRPD87 is its striking sunburst blue dial. The finish of the dial is extremely beautiful and really makes this watch stand out. The dial has applied hour markers with applied Lumibrite. The markers have polished metal frames. The luminous material is white which allows for good contrast and legibility. Like sunburst dials are known for, it changes its look and appearance depending on how the light hits it. With that said, it really gives this watch a premium look and ensures you will never get tired of it.
In traditional Seiko 5 fashion, it has a day and date window. The background is white and the printing is black. The watch has wide minute and hour hands with polished metal surroundings and Lumibrite, just like the hour markers.
Around the outer edge of the dial, the watch has a chapter ring with the seconds markers printed in silver. This adds depth to the dial and shows that Seiko has really paid attention to the details.
The dial layout and design is very similar to the predecessor SKX. It is tried and true and has a dial layout that is very pleasant to the eyes. In fact, it is likely one that will never get outdated and go out of style.
Seiko 5 SRPD87 Movement
The watch is equipped with the automatic mechanical Seiko in-house caliber 4R36. The movement upgrade from the SKX is substantial and includes two major upgrades that were lacking in the previous model. This is a manual winding function and hacking seconds.
The movement is not decorated or finished, but that is not the purpose of it either. This movement has an industrialized tool-like look which matches the concept of this watch. The movement is built to be sturdy, robust, and long-lasting. The movement is often called a workhorse as it will continue to tick for years without needing a service. It has an accuracy of 45 to -35 seconds per day on paper, but owners have reported a much better performance from this movement in practice.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42.5mm diameter
- Water resistance: 100M/10ATM
- Jewels: 24
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Case back: See-through, screw-down
- Lug width: 22mm
- Lug-to-lug: 46mm
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko 5 SRPD87 has all of the design features you may want in a dive watch. It is clean and simple, yet has an elegant sporty presence. Its striking blue sunburst dial, combined with the blue aluminum insert really makes this a stunning eye-catcher that will look amazing on the beach with a pair of swimming trunks. At the same time, it is also very versatile and will look great on many different occasions.
It is built on the immense popularity and success of the SKX, so the success of the SRPD87 was a fact. Its design is timeless, stylish, and extremely versatile. In addition, having in mind the watch’s price, the SRPD87 offers exceptional value for money in terms of technology, finish, and build quality. You really cannot go wrong with this watch.
The Seiko 5 SRPD87 is available to order on Amazon.
Main photo by: Hodinkee
