Zach Brass
When it comes to looking at collections, everyone needs to start somewhere, and not everyone has a large budget to itch a mechanical watch. Fortunately, the watch market is more comprehensive than ever, with options available at lower prices. But just because they are not expensive, it means they are low quality watches. Whether it’s the first watch or a collection of 20 people, the Seiko 5 Sports is the iconic range recommended by many watch nerds over decades, making it the perfect place to find a low-priced yet high-quality everyday wearer.
Seiko Sportsmatic 5 debuted in 1963
Now named Seiko 5 and also known as the “Five”, the Seiko Sportmatic 5 was first released in 1963, and was the first Seiko Automatic Day Date Watch, and was the first Japanese automatic daily watch ever made. It was designed by Tanaka Ren and aims to appeal to the young demographics of students and professionals, with affordable high quality watches suitable for everyday life. According to Lore, Tanaka chose No. 5 as the name, as the uneven number “5” made him feel more “younger.” However, according to Seiko, the five nomenclatures come from five attributes set by the brand, and from the model’s standards and what it requires.
Seiko Museum ginza explains that the five points and criteria are as follows:
These factors are why the watch was called the “5”. It stood out in the market for a variety of reasons. First of all, it was an automatic watch when automatic watches were not as common as today. Secondly, the dial displays both calendar dates and dates neatly and easily readable at 3 o’clock. In fact, bilingual displays have been created so that more markets can read and enjoy this feature. Third, it was born with a bracelet – again, not as common in the early 60s as today. Finally, when more “waterproof” watches were very expensive, they were water resistant. Everything a young watch wearer needs was considered and found on Seiko 5 watches.
In 1968, the line expanded and the first Seiko 5 Sport model was introduced. This line debuted more geometric and faceted case shapes, sophisticated Seiko 5 emblems on the dial, bold dial aesthetics, bezels that rotate the bezel to add summer fun utility, hardlex glass crystals, and an increase in depth rating of 70 meters. In the context of pricing, the exchange rate was about $1. It was 360.56 yen. Based on vintage advertising records, the price for the first watch ranges ranges from 10,500 to 15,000 yen, which is equivalent to around 29.12 to 41.60 US dollars. In terms of affordability being the main mission driver of the Seiko 5 Sport, it is clear that Seiko was successful in 1968 when the Rolex Submariner costs USD 225 and the Explorer costs USD 205. It’s practically more than five times cheaper.
Seiko 5 is sitting at the market today
Currently, Seiko’s website catalogue lists 75 different Seiko 5 sports models, ranging from USD 295 to USD 475. While all references are well under US$1,000 and slightly under US$500, the Seiko 5 Sports catalog offers a variety of aesthetics and features, including bold colored dials, including diving watches and GMT watches. The three core sub-segments of Seiko 5 Sports are the SKX series, SNX series, and Field series. The current lineup also offers excellent size versatility with pieces ranging from 28mm to 42.9mm. The crown remains primarily at the 4 o’clock position, but not always embedded, and at the 3 o’clock position, although the remaining four attributes remain virtually still. In fact, modernization has improved all Seiko 5 sports watches with water resistance of at least 100 meters.
Famous wearer
Young Magico
Among the latest spots in Seiko 5 sports watches for film and television, the last actor in the US, Young Magino, will not go on patrol without the reliable Seiko 5 sports SRPG39. Of course, Watch Nerds felt the need to point out that the watch was technically released after the show’s timeline. My reply is really, given that it is based on a dystopian video game where the world is fighting the fictional Cordis zombie pandemic?
Noah Weil
The HBO Max actor is clearly in favor of the Seiko 5 Sports Watch as actor Noah Weil enlisted for his wrist in his portrayal of Pitt as a doctor. However, in the expected way, some watch enthusiasts quickly pointed out that doctors should avoid watches with fabric straps that could harbor bacteria and bacteria.
Bruce Lee
Seiko 5 was the most famous wearer of the sports watch, and in real life, Bruce Lee, who has long supported his Seiko references. 6139-6010.
A model worth noting
Seiko Sportsmatic 5 6619-8090
Where it all started, the 6619-8090 measures 36.5mm in diameter and 43mm lugs – a wonderfully compact proportion that worships everything you love vintage. It is powered by the in-house automatic 6619 movement, boasting its venerable “magic lever” automatic winding system, the main movement of the diamond flex, which is said to never break, and the Dioshuk impact resistant system for increased robustness.
Seiko 5 Sports 6106-8120
The 1968 Seiko 5 Sports-Raunching Ref doubled its appeal to customers of younger watches and people with more active lifestyles. The 6106-8120 is of course very noteworthy. The measurements of 39.5mm diameter and 43mm lugs increase the rating of 70 meters deep and are driven by the internal automatic 6106 movement. If you’re interested in this example of a 1969 watch, it can be found on the DC Vintage Watches website for $899.99 USD.
Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz7cobmonks
Fast forward to modern times, the Seiko 5 Sports Skx Sports Style GMT is a perfect example of how value-driven Seiko looks like as a brand and how affordable yet high-performance the five sports lines remain. Within the lug-to-lug, 100-meter water-resistant stainless steel watch with a diameter of 42.5mm, thickness of 13.6mm, and 46mm, the in-house “true” GMT 4R34 automatic caliber allows you to track multiple time zones. Still, the watch costs under USD 500. Unusual.
Seiko 5 Sports X Rowing Blazer
Showing range is the perfect canvas for collaboration with popular culture. The Seiko 5 Sports X Rowing Blazers Limited Edition collection is a perfect example of the many collaborations Seiko has been involved with over the years. The appeal of their collaborators and the inherent rarity of limited editions make cooperative Seiko 5 sports watches highly sought after, allowing them to direct secondary market premiums.
