Seiko 5 SRPE65 Review & Complete Guide
Are you looking for a sporty military-inspired tool and field watch? The Seiko 5 SRPE65 may be the watch for you.
The SRPE65 is a very recent addition to the Seiko collection of watches, presented in late 2019.
At first glance, this watch is instantly recognized as a tool watch. From its military color to its sporty case and its clean and legible dial. Equipped with a mechanical automatic movement, this watch is perfect for a watch enthusiast looking for a timepiece that can handle rough conditions but is still available at an affordable price so you don’t have to worry too much about a scratch or dent.
In this article, we are looking closer at the Seiko 5 SRPE65.
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Seiko 5 SRPE65 case
The Seiko 5 SRPE65 has a 42mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 13.88 millimeters and a lug width of 22 millimeters. The majority of the case is a satin-brush finish which adds to the tool-like look of this watch. Only the edge of the bezel and sides of the case are polished which means that the majority of the watch you see when on the wrist is satin-finished. The case has a circular-brushed finish and looks really sharp and well-made. It’s the details that make the difference and Seiko really succeeds well here.
As standard for many Seiko 5 watches, the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock and protected by pointy crown guards. The crown is a push-pull which naturally has an effect on the water resistance of this timepiece. In fact, this watch offers a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. This is enough for swimming and showering with, but it’s advised not to take it deep diving. For a military-inspired tool watch, this water resistance is ok.
The watch is presented on a green nylon strap. As you probably know, NATO straps have a long military history and are therefore the perfect choice for a military-inspired watch. Generally, for affordable watches, the bracelet is often the part that is compromised with the most, in the form of hollow links and rattly build-quality, but the choice of a NATO strap saves this watch from this issue. Plus, presenting this watch on a NATO strap from the factory is relatively unique but looks amazing and goes very well with the overall design and feel of this timepiece.
Seiko 5 SRPE65 Movement
The Seiko 5 SRPE65 is equipped with the automatic mechanical in-house Seiko caliber 4R36. This movement is equipped with a rotor
The movement offers a power reserve of 41 hours and has a manual winding function and hacking seconds. These are two functions you don’t find in Seiko’s more affordable automatic watches, so this is a nice bonus for this watch.
The movement has 24 jewels and operated with a frequency of 21600. It has an accuracy of +45 seconds -35 seconds, although owners have reported much better performance from this movement. Plus, you can also regulate it for improved accuracy.
This movement goes very well with the purpose of this watch. It is sturdy, robust, and durable, and has proven to be a workhorse that can continue to tick for years.
What this watch doesn’t have, however, is a see-through case back, but considering what this watch is, it doesn’t really have a need for it. When soldiers are out in the field, the last thing they think about is taking time to admire the movement inside.
Seiko 5 SRPE65 Dial
The dial has a rich textured dial made in a lovely military green color. The texture is in our opinion the highlight of this watch, but the green color also helps make it different and unique.
On the outer edge of the dial, we have a chapter ring. This ring has the seconds markers printed in white. Positioned at 3 o’clock, we have the signature day and date window with black printing and white background.
The minute hand has an arrow tip and the hour hand has a pointed tip. The watch has Lumibrite on the hands and markers. Seiko has applied a generous amount which allows it to glow brightly in the dark, resulting in great legibility even in dark environments – a crucial trait of a military watch. The applied markers have polished metal frames around them. The seconds hand is simple and is made of metal. The opposite tip, however, has been painted black and has a luminous dot which enables reading of the second in the dark as well.
The watch keeps it clean in terms of dial printing which we love. This keeps it from being too cluttered, which some watches can be. It simply has the word ”Automatic” beneath the center of the hands, and the Seiko and ”5” logos applied above the center of the hands.
Specifications
- Jewels: 24
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Thickness: 13.88 millimeters
- Lug width: 22 millimeters
- Weight: 75 grams
- Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R36. Mechanical automatic winding with manual winding function.
- Accuracy: +45 seconds -35 seconds
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Water-resistance: 100m/10ATM/330 feet
- Crystal: Hardlex
Conclusion
With its clean tool-like design, this watch is really a great everyday timepiece.
It may not be ideal for the most formal occasions due to its overall tool-like and sporty appearance, but it makes for a perfect casual watch for everyday wear.
This watch can take a beating, and may just look even cooler with battle scars in the form of scratches and dents. Seiko couldn’t have chosen a better strap alternative for this watch as it really adds to its military appeal, but also saves it from a rattly bracelet.
You really cannot go wrong with the SRPE65. It offers the finishing and quality you can expect from Seiko at a very attractive price. It truly offers exceptional value for money.
The Seiko 5 SRPE65 is available to order on Amazon.
