Seiko 5 SRPE75K1 Review & Complete Guide
If you are on the hunt for a fresh, affordable, automatic sports watch that is durable and built to last, the Seiko 5 collection is definitely one you should consider.
The Seiko 5 collection is one of the most popular lines of affordable automatic watches in the world, and because of this, it has only grown over the years. Today, there are countless and countless watches for all tastes and preferences. It includes dive watches, sports watches, casual watches, and everything in between.
But unarguably, the most popular of them all is the SKX. This watch has been in production for several decades until finally being discontinued n 2019. This was the end of an era, but also the start of a new one. Because Seiko replaced the SKX with a completely new model line, originally consisting of 27 different watches. It’s very evident that the new watches, including the SRPE watches have taken inspiration from the SKX, which is a good thing for all of the enthusiasts who were disappointed by the announcement of discontinuing it.
One of the new watches presented in 2019 is the Seiko 5 SRPE75K1, and this happens to be the watch we are going to look closer at in this article.
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Seiko 5 SRPE75K1 Review
The SRPE75K1 stays true to much of the original design of the SKX because the primary purpose of discontinuing was to refresh it, but most importantly, to upgrade the movement.
It is a classic sports watch that has a traditional and minimalistic design. A design that has now become iconic thanks to the SKX. What makes this stand out of course is the beige/cream, off-white dial color, giving it a unique look and more vibrant appearance, but apart from that, it is simple and clean.
As we have come to expect from Seiko’s ”5” collection, this watch offers great value for money, and this will become especially evident when we look at all the specifications in detail.
It is powered by an automatic movement, affordably priced, and is manufactured by a respected and well-known watch manufacturer, from which customers expect timepieces that offer great value.
Seiko 5 SRPE75K1 case
The SRPE75K1 is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.5mm and a thickness of 13.4mm. The design of the case is now iconic as it shares the same design as the SKX. This means it has the crown positioned at the 4 o’clock position which is a nice feature as it prevents the crown from digging into the wrist. The crown is not a screw-down, but a push-pull and this has an effect on the water resistance.
This timepiece has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet, unlike the SKX which had a water resistance of 200m. This means it is suitable for swimming and showering but not deep diving. Still, 100m should be enough for regular everyday wear. Remember, this is not a dive watch, but rather a sports watch with a dive-watch-inspired design.
The crown sits protected between crown guards which keep it protected.
Having said that, it is of course equipped with a unidirectional rotating bezel with 60-minute markings. The bezel is made of stainless steel and has notches for improved grip. The bezel insert is made of aluminum and colored black. The markings are painted in silver, which goes very well together with the case and bracelet.
The top of the case is satin-brushed which gives it a sporty appearance. The polished top is contrasted by polished sides which shows that Seiko has paid attention to the details and finishing of this timepiece.
SRPE75K1 dial
The watch features a cream-colored dial with a lovely silver/sunburst finish with a shiny effect. The dial reflects the light beautifully and makes it look vibrant.
For contrast, both the hands and the markers have polished metal frames around them that have been PVD-treated. To match the dial color, Seiko has given the applied Lumibrite a cream color. This is not to the point where the luminescence looks like faux-patina, but it’s still a really nice design feature. The black PVD-treated hands and hour markers match the bezel really well.
The hour markers are applied to the dial and provide depth and give the impression that it is well-finished. The minutes hand has an arrow tip and the hour hand has a pointy tip. Legibility is certainly not an issue with this timepiece.
In traditional Seiko 5 fashion, the watch is equipped with a day and date window. There’s not much to say about this other than that it is a practical feature to have. After all, all Seiko 5s are equipped with this practical day/date function.
All in all, it’s just a clean and fresh sporty dial that is really appealing to look at.
SRPE75K1 movement
The upgraded movement now used in this collection of watches is the automatic in-house Seiko caliber 4R36. This movement operates at 21600 BPH, has 24 jewels, and a power reserve of 41 hours.
This has proven to be a robust and durable workhorse movement that can continue to tick for years without needing service or maintenance. In other words, it is just what you need in this type of timepiece.
For the price, this movement is a great value proposition from Seiko. It does not have COSC accuracy, so you may need to adjust it occasionally, but still, it’s durable and robust.
In addition, this watch is equipped with a see-through case back which is a feature that many watch nerds and enthusiasts will appreciate. Whilst the movement is not decorated, the see-through case back still works as a reminder of the mechanical craftsmanship that is the heart of this watch.
Bracelet
The bracelet is a nice feature that adds to this watch’s personality.
The watch is presented on a stainless steel mesh bracelet which gives it a sporty feature.
It’s nice that Seiko has opted for a different bracelet than the standard three-link Oyster-style stainless steel bracelet which is used on the SKX. The mesh bracelet gives it a different but sporty look and feels more qualitative than the somewhat rattly Oyster-style bracelet. Mesh bracelets are not for everyone, and if it is not your cup of tea, you can easily change it to a nato or leather strap, which looks just as great.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Dial: cream-colored with sunburst finish
- Movement: Seiko in-house automatic caliber 4R36
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Bracelet: Stainless steel mesh
- Jewels: 24
- Power reserve: 41 hours
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko 5 SRPE75K1 is just a classic and iconic sports watch with a dive-watch-inspired design that you cannot go wrong with. It carries the iconic design features of the SKX which has now become almost like an icon, and then, of course, it offers great quality and finishing, as we have come to expect from Seiko. And it offers all of this at a price that is really attractive.
With its cream-colored dial, it strikes a perfect balance between elegance and sportiness which makes it a perfect everyday timepiece that works great for just about any occasion.
With that said, you really cannot go wrong with the SRPE75K1.
The Seiko 5 SRPE75K1 is available to order on Amazon.
