When Seiko quietly unveiled the Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89, the watch community immediately took notice. This new quartet, launched in 2025, marks a fresh chapter in Seiko’s long-running effort to blend modern practicality with vintage dive-watch charm. Belonging to the Seiko 5 Sports “SKX Style” series, these four models balance heritage-inspired design with contemporary updates — a formula that has kept the Seiko 5 Sports line thriving since its 2019 revival.

But there’s more to this release than just new colorways. Six years after Seiko first reintroduced the 5 Sports “SKX” series, opinions among enthusiasts remain divided. Some see it as a worthy evolution of the iconic SKX007 and SKX009, while others consider it a spiritual successor rather than a true replacement. The SRPL83–89 collection arrives to bridge that gap — and perhaps to clarify what Seiko wants this line to stand for. Available at Watch Zone BD.

A Quick Look at the SKX Legacy

To understand the new releases, it’s essential to revisit where the SKX name came from. The SKX007 and SKX009, released in the mid-1990s, became cult classics among divers and collectors alike. They were ISO-certified dive watches, equipped with the 7S26 automatic movement, featuring 200 meters of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and the distinctive case design with the crown positioned at 4 o’clock.

These watches offered unbeatable value for their durability and reliability, earning them the nickname “the people’s dive watch.” When Seiko discontinued the SKX line in 2019, fans were left searching for an affordable, rugged replacement — and that’s when the Seiko 5 Sports “SKX Series” arrived. However, the new line wasn’t intended to be a true dive watch. Instead, Seiko positioned it as a daily-wear automatic, inspired by the SKX design but tailored for lifestyle use.

Introducing the Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89

The 2025 lineup continues this evolution. The new quartet — SRPL83 (blue dial), SRPL85 (black dial), SRPL87 (yellow dial), and SRPL89 (orange dial) — bring visual excitement and subtle refinements to the SKX-inspired design language.

At first glance, all four models retain the signature SKX-style case with its familiar rounded shape and 4 o’clock crown. Yet Seiko has refined nearly every surface: smoother transitions, polished edges, and a more premium feel. The dials feature bold, luminous hour markers filled with Seiko’s LumiBrite, ensuring readability in all conditions.

The biggest visual difference is the new glossy Hardlex bezel insert, which gives these watches a more modern and sophisticated appearance. It replaces the aluminum inserts found in earlier Seiko 5 Sports models, offering extra durability and shine under light.

Each model delivers the same technical performance, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. The SRPL83 and SRPL85 lean toward a timeless aesthetic suitable for both office and casual wear, while the SRPL87 and SRPL89 bring fun, summer-ready vibes that recall Seiko’s bright dive watches of the 1970s.

Design and Build Quality

The case measures 42.5 mm in diameter, 46 mm lug-to-lug, and 13.9 mm thick, striking a balance between presence and comfort. It’s large enough to retain that SKX wrist feel, but compact enough to wear on medium wrists without overhang. The curved Hardlex crystal adds to the vintage charm while maintaining scratch resistance.

Despite being inspired by the SKX007, these models differ in a few key aspects. The most notable is the push-pull crown instead of a screw-down crown. Combined with 100 meters of water resistance, the SRPL models are not dive-certified, but more than sufficient for swimming, sports, and daily wear.

The bracelet quality on the SRPL83 and SRPL85 has seen improvement compared to earlier Seiko 5 Sports models. The three-row stainless steel bracelet feels more solid, and the fold-over clasp with push-button release ensures secure fit and comfort. For the SRPL87 and SRPL89, Seiko opted for a soft, durable silicone strap, emphasizing casual and outdoor versatility.

The dial execution is where these watches truly shine. Each dial features applied indexes with polished metal surrounds and thick LumiBrite application. The day-date window at 3 o’clock is a signature Seiko 5 feature — practical and well-integrated. The hands have been refined too, slightly sharper and better finished, adding a sense of precision that fans will appreciate.

The Movement – Seiko 4R36 Caliber

Powering all four models is Seiko’s in-house Caliber 4R36, a workhorse automatic movement used widely across the brand’s mid-range models. It offers hacking and manual winding, operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and provides a 41-hour power reserve.

The movement is visible through the Hardlex display case back, allowing a glimpse of Seiko’s engineering. While it’s not decorated to Swiss standards, the clean industrial finish has its own utilitarian charm.

The 4R36’s reliability is well-documented; it’s robust, easy to service, and built to last years of daily wear. In a world where many watches at this price use off-the-shelf movements, Seiko’s in-house production remains one of its strongest selling points.

On the Wrist

Wearing the SRPL83–89 feels instantly familiar to anyone who’s handled an SKX or Seiko 5 Sports before. The case curvature hugs the wrist comfortably, and the 4 o’clock crown placement ensures there’s no discomfort on the back of the hand.

The SRPL83’s blue sunburst dial dances under light, offering an elegant contrast between sporty and sophisticated. The SRPL85’s matte black dial delivers an understated, everyday-wear feel — it’s perhaps the most versatile of the quartet.

On the more playful end, the SRPL87’s bright yellow dial pops with energy, making it ideal for weekends or summer wear. The SRPL89’s orange dial, with its warm tone and gold-accented hands, offers a vintage vibe reminiscent of classic Seiko divers like the 6309 and the “Turtle.”

Despite the watches’ visual differences, the overall wrist experience remains consistent: sturdy, comfortable, and immediately recognizable as a Seiko.

Comparing to the Original SKX007

A fair question for many enthusiasts is: how close are these to the original SKX007 or SKX009?

The new SRPL line clearly isn’t a technical replacement for the SKX007. It’s not meant to be. Instead, it builds upon the SKX’s looks while modernizing the everyday usability. For those who loved the SKX but wanted a cleaner, more refined version for daily life — this collection delivers exactly that.

Seiko’s Design Philosophy – Heritage Meets Modernity

Since its birth in the 1960s, the Seiko 5 Sports collection has stood for five key attributes:

• Automatic movement
• Day-date display
• Water resistance
• Recessed crown at 4 o’clock
• Durable case and bracelet

The new SRPL series proudly carries that legacy forward. Seiko has carefully balanced nostalgia with innovation, creating watches that look vintage but feel contemporary. The curved glass bezel insert and improved finishing give these models a refined presence rarely found in this price bracket.

Value for Money

At a retail price around USD 375–425 (or approximately BDT 45,000–50,000) depending on the variant, the SRPL83–89 collection offers excellent value. While they lack the ISO dive rating of the old SKX, they make up for it with upgraded movement, enhanced finishing, and more design options.

Competitors in this price range often rely on generic movements and simpler designs. Seiko’s ability to deliver an in-house automatic with strong brand heritage gives these models a clear edge.

Who Are These Watches For?

The SRPL83–89 collection targets a wide audience:

• Enthusiasts who appreciate the SKX design but don’t need full dive specs
• First-time automatic buyers looking for a reliable, stylish entry point
• Collectors who enjoy colorful, nostalgic Seiko designs
• Daily wearers who want something durable yet refined enough for all occasions

Each colorway appeals to a different personality. The blue and black models suit office or everyday use, while the yellow and orange variants bring a more expressive, adventurous flair.

Criticisms and Considerations

No watch is perfect, and Seiko 5 Sports models often invite healthy debate. Common criticisms include:

• The push-pull crown and 100m WR, which limit serious diving use
• Hardlex crystal instead of sapphire, though this choice preserves affordability
• Slightly thick case at nearly 14mm
• The bracelet clasp could be more refined

Still, for most wearers, these points are minor trade-offs for the watch’s overall value and reliability. The SRPL series isn’t pretending to be a professional dive watch — it’s an everyday automatic with a diver’s soul.

Conclusion: Seiko’s Everyday Legend Evolves

The Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89 successfully blend vintage inspiration with modern execution. They’re not SKX replacements, nor are they trying to be. Instead, they reinterpret the SKX spirit for a new generation — accessible, stylish, and unmistakably Seiko.

For watch enthusiasts, this lineup reaffirms why Seiko continues to dominate the affordable automatic segment. The combination of in-house movement, build quality, heritage design, and approachable pricing makes these models some of the most compelling releases of 2025.

Whether you prefer the classic blue of the SRPL83, the stealthy black of the SRPL85, or the bold tones of the SRPL87 and SRPL89, each piece captures Seiko’s timeless ethos: reliability, durability, and character.

These are watches designed to be worn — not collected in safes. They remind us that mechanical watches, even at an accessible price point, can still offer soul, charm, and a strong link to the past.