Seiko 5 SRPE72K1 Review & Complete Guide
The Seiko 5 SKX design is one that has become iconic and instantly recognizable all over the world. After several decades of production of the SKX – probably the most popular affordable automatic sports watch in the world – Seiko eventually discontinued it and replaced it with a new collection of timepieces.
As is evident at first glance, the SRPE72K1 is very much inspired by the design of the iconic SKX, but it is an upgraded and refined version that also has a lot of differences. Released in June 2020, the SRPE72K1 is a modern and fresh take on the SKX. Both design-wise, but also technically.
If you are looking for an iconic watch with a twist – one that stands out from the crowd and grabs people’s attention, this is undoubtedly a timepiece that will do just that. With its all-rose gold color, from dial to bezel to bracelet, this is a watch that does not go unnoticed. It’s bold, it’s distinct, and of course, it is very cool.
In this article, we are looking closer at the Seiko 5 SRPE72K1.
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Seiko 5 SRPE72K1 case
Starting off with the case, the truth is that it doesn’t need much introduction. The new Seiko 5 – the successor of the SKX quickly became iconic and appreciated for its wide range of models and iterations.
The watch 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. Although the case is made of stainless steel, it has a rose gold color which gives it a bright and bold look. But apart from that, it is exactly what you would expect. The crown is positioned at the Seiko-classic 4 o’clock position and is protected by crown guards that extend from the case. This gives it a distinct look, but it also makes it more comfortable to wear as it keeps the crown from digging into the wrist. For a better grip, the crown is fluted.
The crown is a push-pull which is a bit of a let-down considering the SKX had a screw-down crown. Unfortunately, this also means that it only has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet. But as long as you are not going deep diving, it may not be a big deal for you. It’s just that it is nice to know you have good water resistance if and when you need it.
The case is brushed at the top, and this is contrasted by polished sides. This is a nice combination that enhances the impression of finish and quality. Talking about the size, with a diameter of 42.5mm, it’s a medium-sized sports watch, we could call it. It’s not huge, but it is probably favored by men with a bit larger wrists.
Since this is essentially a dive-inspired timepiece, it is of course equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel is colored rose gold – just like everything on this watch – and has notches for improved grip. The bezel has a metal insert with raised minutes markers. The markers are polished and the background is matte, or ”punched”. Of course, the bezel insert is rose gold too.
Sitting on top of the case, we have Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal. This doesn’t really come as a surprise. It’s not as tough as sapphire crystal, but at this price point, sapphire crystals do not come as standard.
Seiko 5 SRPE72K1 dial
Moving on to the dial, what you will quickly notice is that this also continues on the rose gold theme.
The watch has a rose gold-colored metal dial with a striking sunburst finish. This means it reflects the light beautifully and makes it even more eye-catching than it already is. In our opinion, you can really never go wrong with a sunburst dial.
Around the outer edge of the dial, it has a polished angled chapter ring on which the seconds markers are printed.
The dial layout itself is nothing new and can be recognized both from the previous SKX and all of the other new watches in this collection. But it is nice, classic, and allows for good legibility.
The hands have a polished rose gold-tone with Lumibrite applied to them, and the dial has large applied hour markers that ensure good legibility.
At 3 o’clock, we have the Seiko classic day and date window. For an everyday watch, this is a rather practical feature to have. Some may dislike it as it affects the symmetry of the dial, but by now, it is an iconic design feature of so many Seiko watches that we have almost gotten used to it -or even expect it – by now.
Seiko 5 SRPE72K1 movement
For the successor of the SKX, Seiko has done a number of improvements.
The watch is powered by the automatic in-house caliber 4R36. This movement is a big improvement from its predecessor. Most notably, it features both hacking seconds and a manual winding function, both of which did not exist in the previous movement, so this is a nice upgrade.
Furthermore, this has proven to be a robust and durable workhorse movement that can continue to tick for years without much maintenance. It is durable and built to last.
The 4R36 beats with a frequency of 21600 BPH and have 24 jewels. In addition, the movement has a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m. The movement has a specified accuracy of +45 to -35 seconds per day, but many owners have reported a much better accuracy in practice.
With that said, the movement is certainly not the part of the watch that we can complain about. Especially not considering the watch’s price.
Oh, worth mentioning is also the fact that we have a see-through case back which allows us to see the movement beating inside. Note, however, that the movement is not decorated. This is not the purpose, nor do we expect a lot in regards to movement finish at this price, but it’s still nice to see the mechanical piece of craftsmanship beating inside.
Seiko 5 SRPE72K1 bracelet
As if this watch wasn’t golden enough, it is presented on a three-link Oyster-style rose gold stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet goes very well with the overall design of the watch and adds a sporty appeal to it.
The bracelet is ok in terms of build quality, but when it comes to affordable watches, the bracelets are generally the part that is compromised with the most, and this is also the case. It’s not terrible, but there is certainly room for improvement. It has a lug width of 20mm, so if you want the watch to be a bit less bold and flashy, you can change the rose gold bracelet for something else.
The bracelet is equipped with a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.
Specifications
- Accuracy: +45 to -35 seconds per day
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
- Movement: Seiko automatic in-house caliber 4R36
- Lug width: 20 mm
- Water resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet/10 bar
- Crown: Pull/push
- Jewels. 24
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Release date: June 2020
- Bracelet: Three-fold clasp with push-button release
- Case back: see-through
- Frequency: 21,600 BPH (6 beats per second)
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Lug-to-lug: 46mm
Conclusion
What can we say about the Seiko 5 SRPE72K1? Well, it’s evident that this is definitely not a watch for everyone. The watch is almost full rose gold-colored, and this gives it a distinct look that makes it stand out from the crowd and be noticed from a mile away. If you want a watch that catches people’s attention and gets people curious, then this is definitely a watch for you.
However, if you are looking for something more classic and discreet, then Seiko has many other watches in the Seiko 5 collection that you can choose from instead.
What they all have in common, however, is that they are actually well-built-well-finished, and have great technical performance if you consider their price. In addition, they have become iconic and timeless – although the SRPE72K1 has a very modern and bold twist.
The full rose gold look is certainly something different, and it is up to you to decide if it is ”too much” for your taste, or if it is ”just right”.
Regardless, the SRPE72K1 is still a watch that offers great value for money, and whether you choose this one or another of the Seiko 5s, you can’t go wrong with them.
The Seiko 5 SRPE72K1 is available to order from Amazon.
