Last week, Seiko announced the new 5 Sports watches. A staple in the Seiko portfolio, the 5 Sports collection is renowned for its reliability, durability, performance and value. The ‘5’ in the collection name represents the collection’s core features, which include an automatic movement, a date display, water resistance, a recessed crown, and a durable case and bracelet. The brand’s recent announcement commemorates the 55th anniversary of the collection’s launch and includes the release of four new retro-inspired watches. Each of these new models bears their own distinct charm by reviving a former fan favourite design from the late 1960s. So, let’s get started unpacking these new 5 Sports models.
Seiko’s New 5 Sports Watches
Whilst each of the new 5 Sports models is distinct aesthetically, they do share many core specifications. For example, each comes equipped with a beautiful stainless steel case. This takes on a cushion shape and takes inspiration from the original SKX series case from the 1960s. Moreover, its robust nature seals in an impressive 100 metres or 10 bars of water resistance across the collection. Reinforcing this durability is the curved Hardlex crystal protecting each of the dials. Lastly, powering the new line of watches is a 4R36 calibre automatic mechanical movement with a 41-hour power reserve.
Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary Limited Edition SRPK17K1
First up is the collection’s limited edition anniversary piece. With just 15,555 available worldwide, each model has an engraving of its own unique number on the case back. Brilliant for avid Seiko fans and collectors, it reimagines the original 61-5D models released in 1968.
Housing the movement is a stainless steel cushion case, which measures 39.5mm in diameter. Additionally, at 12.5mm thick, this sits comfortably but boldly on the wrist. Moreover, it also frames the model’s retro black dial which has luminescent hands and baton indices. To reinforce its vintage flair, there is Seiko’s vintage ‘5’ logo at the top of the dial. Paralleling this is an elongated weekday and date display that sits at the 3 o’clock position. A black and white track ring and the model’s black bezel also encircle the dial and foreground its 1960s influence. Finally, completing the model is a classic stainless steel bracelet which fastens with a three-fold clasp.
Seiko 5 Sports ‘New Double Hurricane’ Retro Colour Collection SRPK11K1
The next three models are dubbed the ‘Retro Colour Collection’ for their excellent attention to aesthetic detail.
With its bold orange dial, the New Double Hurricane model is unmissable on the wrist. It’s inspired by the original ‘Double Hurricane’ Seiko watch, which was originally released in 1969. Breaking the dial design up is a chunky black racing stripe, which runs from 3 to 6 o’clock. Along it sits the elongated weekday and date display on the right-hand-side of the dial. Its baton indices feature a slim luminescent inlay which aids readability in low-light conditions. Moreover, the central hour and minute hands are also luminescent, with the second hand matching the dial’s primary orange colour. A rotating black bezel with a serrated edge adds further character to the dial design and rests on the model’s 42.5mm stainless steel case. Vibrant and raring to go, the Seiko New Double Hurricane is ready for all the action.
Seiko 5 Sports The ‘New Regatta Timer’ Retro Colour Collection SRPK13K1
The New Regatta Timer bases its design on the brand’s original Regatta Timer from the 1960s. Featuring a predominantly black colour scheme, the design has vibrant accents of different colours across its dial and bezel. Contrasting the black background are silver indices and hands, as well as an orange second hand. Like its counterparts, the New Regatta Timer also has an elongated weekday and date display and various vintage Seiko motifs. Lining the edge of the dial is a dual colour inner bezel, which is both blue and green. In line with the silver baton hour markers, this ring features Arabic numerals for added clarity. Around its perimeter, a black bezel frames both this ring and the dial itself. This also has a dual-colour design to mirror the inner ring, but this time it features red and white detailing.
Pulling the design together is the watch’s classic stainless steel bracelet. To secure it to the wrist, the bracelet has a three-fold clasp which releases with a push button. With its more subtle vibrancy, the New Regatta Timer is an excellent choice for those who like some understated quirk on their timepiece.
Seiko 5 Sports The ‘New Rally Diver’ Retro Colour Collection SRPK09K1
Originally released in the late 60s, the ‘Rally Driver’ model inspired Seiko’s final new watch. Standing out from the others, the New Rally Driver features a silver sunray dial. Furthermore, its hands feature more intricate detail. In addition to their white luminescent inlay, the hands have black inserts for added retro flair. These echo the design of the bezel, which has alternating black and white blocks that intersected by a stripe. The end product looks almost like an optical illusion which immediately arrests the eye.
However, it does feature the same accent second hand and stretched date aperture. Balancing out the striking bezel, the stainless steel bracelet follows a classic style too.
Whilst the limited edition model will be available in July, the other three models will be available a little later from September. But which will you be picking? Vote for your favourite down below!
