Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 Review & Complete Guide
Seiko is perhaps most known for making high-quality, reliable, and durable automatic watches at affordable prices. The brand literally has a watch for everyone, regardless of style, purpose, preference, and size.
Whilst Seiko’s watches really cover all kinds of different usage areas, the brand’s sports watches are particularly popular. This is why it is especially fun and interesting when the brand releases something completely new, and not just continue to build on old models (which is often the case for many different manufacturers). In 2019, Seiko presented the Prospex Field SRPD31K1, also known as “Compass”.
Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 Review
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
The Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 is built as a sporty adventurer’s watch, which naturally also is robust, durable, and qualitative. What is also nice about this watch is that it is not only made to be durable and tough. It also has functions and features to back it up. It’s really fun to see Seiko make something new and completely different in terms of design. Because when it comes to design, there are a whole lot of elements that are different.
Specifically, this is a compass watch. And whilst this type of watches are not widely manufactured by watch brands, Seiko has a close history with them. In addition, we can’t deny it can be a crucial feature to have in an explorer’s watch.
Already at first glance, this watch reveals itself as something different and unique. Everything from case shape to dial design and functions stand out about this watch which makes it intriguing to find out more about them.
And that is exactly what we are going to do in this article. In this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1.
Photo: Monochrome Watches
Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 Case
As you can see, the watch has a rather unique and quirky case design. It’s a whole lot different from the classic, orthodox watch case designs that we’re mostly used to.
What you may notice is that the diameter is greater than the lug-to-lug of the watch. This is quite unusual actually. Generally, the lugs are longer than the diameter, but this is because the SRPD31K1 almost doesn’t have any lugs.
The diameter of the case measures 43mm, the thickness 14.4mm, and the lug-to-lug is only 40.5mm. Generally, what makes a watch wear large is that the lugs stick out from the sides of the wrist, but because the diameter is greater than the lug length, it allows the case of the watch to be greater, without wearing too big. This of course helps with legibility, which is important for an explorer’s watch like this.
With all of that said, it actually wears really comfortably.
Because the dial has been made so large, you really don’t see much of the case when wearing it. It’s mostly a round metal frame, and the lugs are so short that they are barely visible. However, most of the parts that are visible are satin-finished, which is to be expected on a sports watch. This is with one exception, which is the lugs.
The lugs of the watch are polished and thus provide an ever-so-slight contrast against the case.
The watch has two crowns on the right side of the case, but at first glance, you may notice only one.
At the 10 o’clock position, we find a large crown that is protected by an even larger crown guard. This crown guard prevents you from accidentally moving the bezel. More on this later, because this is not your standard crown for setting the time.
At 4 o’clock, we have a hidden crown that is recessed into the case. This is the standard crown for setting the day, date, and time.
Sitting on top of the case is a domed Hardlex crystal. If you turn the watch around, you’ll also notice that it is equipped with a see-through case back. But unlike most other watches, the main purpose of this is not to see the movement (although that is a bonus), but it actually has the international ground-to-air emergency signal codes printed on it, which could come in handy. After all, it is an explorer’s watch.
The SRPD31K1 is a tool watch made for the outdoors, so some kind of water resistance is expected. This watch actually has a water resistance of 200M/660 feet/20 ATM which is the dive watch standard. Quite impressive actually considering this is, after all, not a dive watch. But it is still nice to know that this watch won’t break a sweat when it comes to keeping dry shall you subject it to water when outdoors. Oh, the case is also 4800 A/m magnetic-resistant.
Now let’s talk about the crown at 12 o’clock. This crown is actually used for adjusting and setting the compass.
Photo: Monochrome Watches
Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 Dial
The watch is presented with a lovely matte black dial with an emphasis on legibility. What stands out are the painted and applied markers and Arabic numerals which are also fully luminous for legibility in the dark. The hands are large too and have metal frames around them, with generous amounts of Lumibrite applied to them.
As you will notice, this watch has a large and raised chapter ring. As mentioned earlier, this is an inner rotating compass bezel that is controlled by the crown at the 2 o’clock position. This is a fun and quirky function, but one that can actually be handy in some occasions, in particular for an explorer and adventurer.
Due to the large markers and hands, the dial appears very sporty. But because the markers and luminous mass is colored slightly beige (perhaps not enough to be called faux patina?), it has warmth and a vintage appeal to it.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, the watch has a day and date window with a painted frame around it. As always, the question of whether a day and date indicator are necessary can be discussed, but the fact is that whilst it is an adventurer/explorer’s watch, most people will likely use it for everyday wear. And with that said, it can be quite practical. The good news is that because this watch isn’t insanely huge, it will work great as an everyday watch for many people.
Photo: Monochrome Watches
Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 Movement
The watch is equipped with the Seiko in-house automatic caliber 4R36. This movement has hacking seconds and manual winding functions – two functions that are not found in Seiko’s more affordable automatic watches. The movement beats with a frequency of 21,600 BPH and has a specified accuracy of -35/+45 seconds per day. The good news is that owners have reported a much better accuracy in practice.
The movement offers a power reserve of 41 hours of power reserve. As mentioned earlier, the movement can be seen relatively well through the tinted and painted glass on the case back.
The movement is perfect for this watch as it is a durable and reliable workhorse that will continue to tick for years without needing much or any maintenance.
Photo: Monochrome Watches
Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 Strap
The watch is presented on a brown calf leather strap. There’s not much to say about this. The strap gives it more of an elegant look and makes it more suitable for everyday wear. But at the same time, if you are seriously going to wear this watch out in the field, a leather strap may not be the best idea as it can get wet, become dry, and even dry out, but it’s not the end of the world, and leather straps will still hold up quite nicely for a long time.
Specifications
- Jewels: 24
- Thickness: 14.4mm
- Diameter: 43mm
- Lug-to-lug: 40.5mm
- Water resistance: 20BAR/200m/660 feet
- Crystal: Domed Hardlex
- Movement: Seiko in-house automatic caliber 4R36
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Strap: Calfskin
- Accuracy: -35/+45 seconds per day
- Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 is a fun, quirky, and different watch. If you are looking for a sporty and different timepiece and want something that doesn’t look like a military or dive watch, this is a really great candidate.
Its specifications are superb, including everything from water resistance to automatic movement and finish, and it is built to last. This watch will certainly stand out from the crowd, and whilst it is an adventurer’s watch, it will, thanks to its unique case design, work well as an everyday watch for most people. It has great legibility and the well-detailed dial is beautiful to look at.
The Seiko Prospex Field SRPD31K1 is available to order on Amazon.
Main Photo: Monochrome Watches
