BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Seiko has done it again with the release of their new 38mm Seiko 5 Sports SRPK29, SRPK31, SRPK33, and SRPK35 watches. These dive-inspired sports watches are downsized from the beloved SKX series of affordable dive watches, making them more compact with unisex dimensions and a variety of cool colors that will suit most tastes. The basics remain the same with classic Seiko style, robustness, and overall quality at an affordable price.
The case of these new Seiko 5 Sports watches is 38mm x 12.1mm, which is 1.3mm less than prior models, with 44.2mm lug to lug. The case is made of stainless steel with applied indexes, treated hands and markers with Seiko Lumibrite, drilled 20mm lugs, and a 100-meter water resistance The passive crown ensures that the watch maintains water resistance, even if the crown is accidentally pulled. The unidirectional elapsed time bezel has a metallic finish with a 60-minute scale, and there is a Hardlex crystal on top. The back is screwed with a see-through crystal and has the same shapes and design details as the larger models, but now with a mid-size option that will offer a specific appeal to those who find the larger models too large.
Moving on to the dial, each of the four new models has a unique color combination to choose from. The SRPK29 features a black dial and bezel, the SRPK31 has a light cream dial and dark gray bezel, the SRPK33 is a trendy mint green dial with a black bezel, and the SRPK35 boasts an orange dial and black bezel. All models have a day-date window at 3 o’clock.
The movement of these watches is Seiko’s ubiquitous 4R36 caliber, automatic with 21,600vph frequency and 24 jewels. It offers hacking, hand-winding, and day/date functions with 41 hours of power reserve.
The watches come on a 20mm stainless steel 3-link bracelet with a fold-over clasp and push-button release. The price for the new Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style 38mm Collection is $325. They will soon be released and become part of the permanent collection.
