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Whether you are completely By the time you realize it, you’ve almost certainly met one Seiko 5 sports This range of watch timepieces has been around for decades and is not only extensive, covering everything from dive watches to dress watches, it has also become a model for the watch world in terms of value.
In short, it’s been a long time coming right up to the WIRED 5 Sports lineup, so you won’t be missing out on one of the most diverse, well-respected, and, importantly, often most reasonably priced watch collections.
Be sure to check out our other watch buying guides, including The best cheap watches under $1,000 And The best smartwatch.
What is Seiko 5 Sports and why is it so good?
Seiko has been making wristwatches for over 100 years, but the modern Seiko 5 Sports range traces its roots back to 1963 and the release of Seiko. Sportsmanship 5which were later refined and improved until in 1968 the first watch to wear the Seiko 5 Sports name was released.
The name 5 comes directly from the 1968 model’s five key design and manufacturing principles: an automatic movement, a day/date window, impressive water-resistance levels, a restored crown at 4 o’clock and solid durability (from the case, bracelet and Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex glass). All of this still applies to the majority of the 5 Sports models.
Watch fans love history, and the Seiko brand and its 5 Sports line have that in spades, but the range also attracts people because of its value. The most expensive Seiko 5 Sports model currently costs $500, but most are around $350, which makes it surprisingly affordable considering the brand name and its heritage, given the quality and features.
Understanding the Seiko 5 Sports range
There have been hundreds of 5 Sports models over the years (enthusiasts even make them wall poster you can print and hang), and Seiko marketed them in different ways, making it difficult to keep track. In 2019, however, Seiko gave the huge, rather complex Seiko 5 Sports range a makeover, (somewhat) simplifying it by grouping the models into three ranges: the SKX series, the SNXS series and the Field series.
Now, don’t think that this rebranding will help you quickly find and choose your ideal Seiko 5 Sports watch, as there are still dozens of models in each category—and that’s before going outside Seiko’s own stores, where you’ll find plenty of new-old stock models, discontinued models, and even limited editions for sale.
Yes, the world of Seiko 5 watches will make your head spin, so where do you start? We are here to help. We’ve got 10 watches for you, five of which you can easily find through Seiko’s online store or other outlets including Amazon, plus five more that require a little more effort to find but are really worth it.
The best Seiko 5 sports watches to buy
Courtesy of Seiko
Part of the SKX series, SRPD55 A modern icon. Why? The reason comes from where the series got its name. Seiko’s SKX007 (and the more colorful SKX009) was an ISO-certified dive watch that gained a legion of fans for its no-nonsense design, durability, reliability and reasonable price. It shares many of the core principles of the Seiko 5, but does not carry the Seiko 5 name
It was discontinued just before the Seiko 5 Sports rebrand in 2019, but on the SRPD55 (at least in spirit), the hardcore does without the ISO-certified 200-meter water resistance, instead working with 100 meters. We love the no-nonsense black-dial model with its classic dive style, 42.5mm case, hardlex mineral crystal and choice of a metal bracelet or nylon strap.
Turn the watch over and there’s an exhibition case featuring the Seiko 4R36 automatic movement, known for its reliability and offering a power reserve of around 40 hours. You’ll find this in most of the watches on this list.
The SRPD55 is as close to the current SKX007 as you can get, and considering the quality, reliability, and understated style, it’s a great buy at around $350. A great everyday watch, and probably the ideal first automatic too.
Courtesy of Seiko
D SSK005 The SKX sits near the top of the line, and while the price is on the higher end of what you’d pay for a 5 game, you’re getting a lot for it. The SSK005 is a GMT watch, which means it has a 24-hour hand to tell the time in a second time zone, but that’s not the only reason it’s on this list.
The model number is important to note here, as it relates to the Seiko 5 GMT with a striking orange dial and black bezel, giving the date-only dial a sporty, eye-catching style.
