It has been years since I last posted a Seiko 5 on this blog. Therefore, this time round, I am posting one and it is one which I like and would recommend. Being a Seiko 5, there are many colour variants of this watch and the variant I have on hand is the SRPB19K.

This is a vintage inspired Seiko 5 that was released a few months back. In fact, Seiko has released a number of vintage inspired Seiko 5’s but somehow they do not appeal to me due to design issues.

Below are two models that were released in the past. The first model (SSA285) reminds me of the vintage chronograph that is widely known as Seiko “Helmet”. This model is pretty nice but it has a sub dial which I find undesirable. The second model (SSA327) reminds me of the Seiko Pogue Chronograph but again, it has a hole on the dial that breaks the deal for me as I am not a fan of open heart watches. This watch does have a very nice case though.

The above are just my personal opinion. No offence to owners of these watches.

There is also a limited edition model which is very nice but by now should be out of stock everywhere. This model comes in bright dial colours and has a nice racing theme design. Shown below is one of the variants, the SRPA91K.

Personally, I like the SRPB19K better because it has a balanced and toned down design, and most of its variants have dial colours that are not too bright.

I believe the watch has a mild racing theme as evidenced by the existence of the inner non-rotating bezel and the emphasis placed on its minute index ring.

This watch has fully lumed hour markers and a set of nice and legible hands. The full length of the hour and minute hands are lumed and the second hand is red which matches nicely with the black dial.

I also like that the shape of the cushion case is not too round and it has regular lug space unlike the two models mentioned above. The shape of the watch case and bezel remind me of the vintage 6139-6012 chronograph.

I find the polishing on the case to be quite respectable on this watch. The bezel has brushed finishing on top and polished finishing underneath. Likewise, the top of the case is brushed while the sides are polished. Reflection is minimized because the front facing parts of the watch are brush finished.

I also noted that the lugs are drilled through and the brushing on the top is in circular pattern rather than the usual straight pattern.

Here are the measurements and some simple specs. I couldn’t find information on the crystal anywhere on the caseback or on the accompanying tags but Seiko Australia’s website says the watch comes with Hardlex crystal.

Diameter: 44mm excluding crown
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Water resistance: 100m
Movement: 4R36 (hack and handwind)

This particular variant comes with a nicely made NATO strap. There are other variants that come with leather strap and metal bracelet.

The NATO strap is 25.5cm long (excluding buckle) and has matte finished hardware. The nylon material is thicker than most nylon NATO straps out there.

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Seiko SRPB19K featured in this post is provided by K2 Watch Co.

845 Geylang Road, Tanjong Katong Complex, #03-K1.

Singapore 400845.

Tel: 6746 0270

 

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This post is written by Yeoman

Thanks for reading

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