Seiko 5 SRPE71K1 Review & Complete Guide
The Seiko 5 collection has built a large following of watch enthusiasts, and become popular all around the world for the exceptional value these watches offer. The Seiko 5 watches are affordable, well-built, powered by automatic movements, and built to last. With that said, they are popular for being affordable yet still great timepieces.
Over the years, the Seiko 5 watches have increased in popularity, and at the same time, the collection has grown to include more watches for a wide array of purposes in a number of different designs.
Undoubtedly the most iconic Seiko 5 timepiece is the SKX. This watch has been in production for several decades before finally being discontinued in 2019. But shortly thereafter, Seiko announced a new collection that would come to replace the iconic SKX. They share a similar design as the SKX but have been improved and revised. One of those watches is the Seiko 5 SRPE71K1, and this is the timepiece we are going to look closer at in this article.
Seiko 5 SRPE71K1 review
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As mentioned, the SRPE71K1 is based on the design of the SKX, and this similarity will be instantly recognized. It shares a similar case design, dial layout, and bezel design. All of which are iconic design traits of the SKX. But this watch in particular is less orthodox than some of the other timepieces in the new collection. With this watch, Seiko has dared to go a little bit bolder and more daring. To make something new and fresh, which, perhaps, appeals to a younger audience.
Let’s see what the Seiko 5 SRPE71K1 is all about.
Seiko 5 SRPE71K1 case
The SRPE71K1 is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm, a thickness of 13.4mm, and a lug-to-lug of 46mm.
In terms of case size, it is very similar to the previous SKX, so if you are familiar with that watch, this one won’t wear a lot differently. The watch is above 40mm, so it will naturally have a sporty presence on the wrist, but at the same time, it is by no means huge.
The top of the lugs are satin-brushed, and this is contrasted nicely with polished sides. This enhances the impression of quality and shows that Seiko has paid attention to the details.
At the 4 o’clock position at the side of the case, we have the crown. This is the signature position of the Seiko 5 watches which makes it instantly recognizable
Unlike the predecessor, the crown does not screw down. Instead, it is a push-pull. With that said, the water resistance is ”only” 100m, which means it no longer has the required 200m water resistance to be classified as a dive watch. Instead, it is a ”dive-inspired” timepiece.
However, with that said, the 100m/330 feet water resistance means it is suitable for swimming but not deep diving. Having in mind that most people will wear this as an everyday watch and not a professional dive watch, the water resistance should be more than enough for most people.
If you turn the watch around, you’ll notice that this watch is also equipped with a see-through case back, but more on this further on.
As a diving-inspired timepiece should, this watch is equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduation scale. The bezel is made of stainless steel and has notched edges, but what makes it stand out is its stainless steel bezel insert with raised metal markers for the minute indications. The minutes markings also have a unique font that gives the watch character. But most importantly, the silver bezel goes very well with the silver dial and steel bracelet, which all match perfectly.
Sitting on top of the case, the watch has, unsurprisingly, a Hardlex crystal. It’s not as tough as sapphire crystal, but it is what most watches in this price range have.
Dial
The actual dial layout of the watch will feel very familiar in case you are familiar with the SKX. At the same time, there are several elements that make this watch stand out and get a unique appearance.
The watch is presented with a silver-colored dial with a lovely sunburst finish. The dial reflects the sunlight beautifully and changes appearance depending on how the light hits it. Around the outer edge of the dial, it has an angled chapter ring on which the seconds markers are printed.
As always, the hour markers are applied and have metal frames around them. The hour markers have Lumibrite applied to them for improved legibility in the dark and in low-lit conditions.
The minutes hand has an arrow tip and the hour hand has a pointy tip. Having said that, the legibility is rather good.
Like all Seiko 5 watches, it also has a day and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock. This is a signature design element, but one that can actually come in handy for everyday wear.
All in all, the dial is fresh, vibrant, and clean.
Seiko 5 Movement
Inside the watch is the Seiko in-house caliber 4R36. This movement is a great upgrade from the predecessor as it has both manual winding function as well as hacking seconds.
The movement has a frequency of 21600 BPH and 24 jewels. It is a sturdy workhorse that will continue to tick for years with little to no maintenance required. In other words, it is just what we need in a sporty automatic watch.
There’s not much to say about the movement other than the fact that it is a sturdy workhorse and a great value to have in this type of timepiece.
As mentioned, the watch is equipped with a see-through case back which allows you to see the movement. What you will also notice is that it is not decorated. This is not really what we expect from this type of timepiece and in this price range, but regardless, the see-through case back is still a nice reminder.
SRPE71K1 Bracelet
The watch is fitted on a three-link Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is sporty and therefore adds some sporty presence on the wrist. It has a safety lock for additional safety on the wrist.
The bracelet goes very well with the overall design of the watch, but as is the case for most affordable timepieces, there is some room for improvement. Namely in terms of robustness. The bracelet has some rattle and does not feel 100% solid. The bracelet is not terrible, but there are some improvements to be made.
Specifications
- Jewels: 24
- Weight: 170 grams
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Length: 46mm
- Water Resistance: 10 bar
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Seiko in-house automatic caliber 4R36
- Case back: Screw-down
Conclusion
All in all, the SRPE71K1 is a fun twist to the new Seiko 5 sports collection, which is the successor of the SKX. The watch carries similar design features but has gone away a bit from the classic ”dive watch” design features, which involves a black dial and a black bezel, and this gives the SRPE71K1 its very own look.
Regardless if you like the design or not, there’s no denying that it offers great value for money. And with its classic Seiko iconic design, it’s one that works surprisingly well for all kinds of different occasions.
The Seiko 5 SRPE71K1 is available to order on Amazon.
