Over the past six years, the current Seiko 5 sports collection has become widely diverse. The specs first announced in August 2019 were not the successor to the famous SKX dive watch. However, with the aborted visual links between the SKX series and SRPD models, visual links to these watches make it clear where inspiration came from. With the new Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87 and SRPL89, the brand pays tribute to the predecessor of SKX, the Seiko 7002 Diver.
Do you know what happened before the popular SKX and after the famous Seiko “Turtle”? It was a dive watch from the Seiko 7002 series. Hardcore Seiko fans will know the answer, but for many, it could have been a bit of a blind spot. I humbly admit that it was for me too. It’s not that I’ve never seen one of those watches. Fratello’s own Nacho is Seiko 7002-7000. But I never put that clock in the right time frame and understood its context. Luckily, a 2018 article on the Seiko 7002 Diver by Mike, a specialist in Fratello resident Seiko, sheds light on it.
Stories of these four new Seiko 5 sports models
As Mike explained, Seiko’s 7002 series was produced from 1988 to 1996 when the SKX series was replaced. The 7002 began as a 150m rated diver and evolved into a more robust 200m water-resistant dive instrument thanks to improved crystals.
During the eight years of production, many different models were available. The dial design with rectangular markers tied most of them together. This is also the main visual difference between the series and the next SKX model.
If you look at many of the Seiko 5 sports models, you’ll know that the SKX series has influenced these designs. However, with today’s release, the brand has dived deep into the archives and added the 7002 aesthetic to the Seiko 5 sports lineup. If you’re a fan of that series or just like rectangular indexes over round ones, these new models might be a great option for you.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
Let’s take a look at the specifications of these four new models. They all feature a 42.5mm case with a 46mm lug-to-lug and a 13.9mm profile, with its final measurement showing an increase in thickness of 0.5mm compared to the SKX-inspired reference. Much to the frustration of some Seiko’s stubbornness, these watches retain a 100m depth rating of the SRPD counterpart. However, in a move that pleases many, Seiko kicks out this line with four dial collars.
The SRPL83 has a blue dial and bezel insert, while the SRPL85 has a black dial and a gray bezel insert. These dial variations feature the word “auto” in red “auto” on the bottom half of the dial. Additionally, each of these models is mounted on three rows of stainless steel bracelets with folding grip clasps. Overall, it’s safe to say that these two watches are four more conservative options.
The SRPL87 and SRPL89 are much more colorful duo. The SRPL87 has a yellow dial with a black bezel insert, while the SRPL89 has a black bezel insert with an orange dial and a gold number.
Both of these come standard on black silicone straps with pin buckles. Overall, these watches offer a rather different presence than the black and blue dial versions, but link to the original design of the 7002 diver.
Characteristic details
All four models have the same style of time markers and hands, hinting at the Seiko 7002 series. Furthermore, the index and hand are filled with seiko lumibrite so that time can be read in darker conditions. Seiko loves not only changing the dial design of these latest five sports models, but also using the same style of hand as the Classic 7002 series. If you look closely, you can see that Seiko uses different colors for the hand of the second. The blue and black model counter poses along the color of the dial. The yellow dial version has a silver second hand, while the orange dial version has a gray version that contrasts golden time and fine hands.
The familiar movement
It is Seiko’s in-house 4R36 caliber that supplies all four watches with power. This automatic movement runs at 21,600VPH, has 24 gems and offers a 41-hour power reserve. Also, the day and date are displayed through the large rectangular window on the dial at 3 o’clock. In terms of accuracy, Seiko shows that 4R36 should be run between +45/-35 seconds per day.
As many people know, you can set the day by pulling the crown in its first position and then turning the date counterclockwise, facing clockwise. Pulling the crown into the second position will stop the hand of the second and allow you to set the time.
Seiko 5 Sports Wearing SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
On the wrist, these four models are familiar, but with a bit of a twist. As a bracelet fan, I was immediately drawn to the blue and black models. Despite being thicker than the SKX-inspired model, the case shape is familiar and the bracelet is well-made. It’s comfortable and the clasp isn’t the best, but it’s also standard. At 440 euros each, these watches offer great value for money.
As mentioned before, the SRPL87 and SRPL89 offer a very different look with colorful dials and black silicone straps. These two watches are bright and fun alternatives to the more serious SRPL83 and SRPL85.
The silicone straps are wonderfully comfortable, fun to wear the watch, and are a bit cheaper at 400 euros. It was fun to see how different members of the Fratello team liked the different versions. Seiko showed that she made a big choice by introducing four options.
Seiko 5 Sports Final Thoughts on SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89
Overall, I love that Seiko uses the five sports series to pay tribute to some of the popular models from the past. So I think a lot of enthusiasts will jump at the opportunity to get one of these watches.
And even if you don’t know about the history of the 7002 series, these four new watches are great alternatives to “regular” SKX-inspired models. This series is fun and cleverly added to the Seiko 5 sports lineup in one or more ways.
Four watches are now available, and the Seiko 5 Sports lineup is expanded with even more amazing products. How do you think about Seiko filling out five sports collections and these new SRPL models? As always, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments section.
