Borna Boschunjak
Looking at the range of the current five sports models, most models continue their lineage from the legendary Seiko SKX. It improved the outdated 7S26 movement and added features like GMT, but compared to the ISO certified divers that the SKX was, it has become an all-around sports watch collection. But outside of the enthusiast circles, it has not really affected their popularity. The latest addition to the 5 Sports SKX series collection is a quartet that actually references the predecessor of the SKX, the Seiko 7002, but does so in design rather than in specifications, as some would expect. Nevertheless, the SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89, with funky colors and new bracelet and strap options are welcome additions. I got two models from the Seiko 5 “7002 Style” collection, and this is new.
Dial
Although that wasn’t what to do in the beginning, the round hour markers and strangely shaped cardinal points are part of what made SKX legendary. It was never beautiful, but its functionality was unquestionable, so it’s no surprise that 5KX continued its legacy. But when it comes to today’s duo, the dial is the biggest point of differentiation. The Seiko 7002 diver precedes the SKX (production run from 1988-1996), and is recognized by the rectangular Lume Pips and 12 elongated split triangles.
Because we tend to go to Seiko, the original 7002 was produced with a variety of coloured dials and bezels, but the new SKX series remains reasonably simple. All indexes get accustomed to puffy prints from Seiko’s 5kx series, including day/date windows that do not match the dial but fit the overall aesthetics of the entire dial. There are four colorways. It is a black and blue with matching bezels, a yellow with a black bezel, and an orange with a gold bezel marked at the end. Personally, I am a huge fan of examples of vibrant colours (especially orange).
And speaking of these bezels, the new 7002 style gets a hardlex insert that offers some funky reflections, but Seiko’s own mineral glass is unfortunately used in the main crystal. It really should be sapphire in our Lord’s year 2025.
case
If you’ve ever worn Seiko SKX or a derivative of it (and hope that at some point someone reading this would do that), you’ll see these wear. The SKX series case is measured at a diameter of 42.5mm and lug-to-lug 46mm, with the latter measurements all the differences, making the size much easier among us for those smaller. That said, the 7002 style in particular has a total of 13.9mm thick with a thickness of 0.5mm. Honestly, it’s really not noticeable on the wrist, so I don’t know where this extra height comes from.
These novelties are part of Seiko’s current five sports lines, meaning they continue to have a push-pull crown and just 100 meters water resistance, as opposed to the SKX screwdown and 200 meters (or 150 meters in about 7002 seconds). This was an overwhelming change in the emergence of SKX cancellations and what we could understand to some extent. Seiko’s most capable divers moved into the Prospex range and prices also rose, but the five sports retained the original doctrine of the collection and took on only the SKX visual design. Given the relative affordability of the current 5-sport collection models, it’s not a contract breaker, but it’s a good thing to have.
Bracelet and strap
For the topic of change, the 7002-inspired work featured is the new 3-link bracelet. Design-wise, it’s not far from what you’ll see on the rest of the SKX series watches, but the quality has been very pronounced. Although the mood of the structure is not very noticeable (which must be said to be particularly appealing in the Jubilee style Seiko model), the link has a more prominent shape and a much better finish. Certainly the clasp is still an engraved variety, but hey, I win.
It is worth mentioning that the bracelet is only available on blue and black models, and the brightly colored numbers get a flexible silicone strap. There aren’t many in the design except for the three grooves just before the spring bar. My guess is to emulate the wavy expandable bits found in Seiko’s other plastic/rubber straps. For daily wear, I almost certainly prefer a bracelet, but for sporty applications, the softness of silicone is a great option.
Movement
Continuing as Seiko’s entry-level champion, the 4R36 caliber is also featured in the new 7002-style SKX series. It’s completely unpretentious and has no talk decorations (although visible through the Hardlex caseback), but it’s basically a 7S26 with hacking and hand-winding, matching a 41 hour power reserve and a 3Hz beat rate. You might not be looking, but it will be reliable for years, and when the time comes, it is cheap and easy to service and exchange.
verdict
Seiko riffs the nostalgia factor with a considerable number of iterations of 5kx, with the 7002 style lined up next: As long as Seiko is affordable and fun, I think some of the mid-way specs are allowed, especially given how well the SKX case is worn out, especially considering incremental upgrades such as the bracelet in question. While there will be stubborn Seiko collectors who aren’t afraid to dig into the frequently rotten water surrounding the Vintage 7002, the new SRPL Quartet is a safe alternative for those who want a look without risk. They make a pretty cool watch on the wrist.
Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series SRPL83 SRPL85 SRPL87 SRPL89 Pricing and Availability
The Seiko 5 Sports SKX series “7002 Style” is now available in four colorways. Price: $650, USD 385, €400 (strap), $695, USD 425, €440 (bracelet)
Brand Seiko Model 5 Sports SKX Series Reference Number SRPL83
SRPL85
SRPL87
SRPL89 Case Dimensions 42.5mm(d) x 13.9mm
