Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Amazing Value-for-Money Seiko Presage Style60s SRPL07 & SRPL09
A smaller case, new bezel and stylish bracelet highlight these latest retro “gentleman’s” watches
The Seiko Presage Style60’s collection is both popular, growing fast and a nice throwback to a bygone decade (yes, the 1960s, obviously). The latest pair of watches, ref. SRPL07 and SRPL09, don’t reinvent the wheel, but add classy touches with a slightly smaller case, a very nice new bracelet and a fixed bezel. Dial colours separate the two models and a boxed-shape crystal brings that vintage acrylic aesthetic, even though they’re more resilient Hardlex crystals nowadays. These are certainly not “more of the same” and bring a new style to this affordable and refined segment in Seiko’s vast portfolio.
Seiko’s Presage collection runs wide and deep, highlighting Japanese styling and affordable mechanical expertise in a whole range of styles. For example, the Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar (SSA455 & SSA457) are very different from the Presage Kintaro Hattori SPB441. The Presage collection first appeared in the 1960s and generally maintains a retro vibe, but the Style60’s line takes inspiration specifically from the 1964 Crown Chronograph (Seiko’s first chronograph) with boxed-shaped crystal, sharp hands and faceted indices. Launched in 2021, the Style60’s line isn’t limited to chronographs, of course, but that original 1964 piece is always in the shadows – the top of a growing family tree, so to speak.
The stainless steel case is somewhat compact at 39.5mm in diameter (down from 40.8mm) and 12mm in height (46.2mm lug-to-lug) and features a 60-minute fixed steel bezel with a nice texture. Given that these are not chronographs, the bezel is “form over function”, but the overall look is great nonetheless. A box-shaped Hardlex crystal again has that acrylic vibe and the sharp dauphine hands coupled with faceted indices are faithful to the Style60’s aesthetic code.
The hands have Lumibrite inserts (Seiko’s own lume), while lume spots are positioned on the dial just inside of the indices. The two dial colours are sunburst blue and brown, and a tasteful black round date window sits between 4 and 5 o’clock. There’s a contemporary exhibition case back and water resistance is rated at 50 metres.
Powering the new Style60’s SRPL07 and SRPL09 is the in-house calibre 4R35 automatic (all Seiko movements are in-house, but this one is only for Seiko watches). It’s a reliable workhorse and nothing fancy with 23 jewels, a beat rate of 21,600vph (3Hz) and a power reserve of 40 hours. Functions include central hours, minutes, hacking seconds and date, and accuracy is rated at +45/-35 seconds per day (although it’s within those parameters in practice). It’s not decorated but still looks somewhat nice through the clear case back with a brushed finish and gold, open-worked rotor.
The new steel bracelet looks like a five-piece design, but it’s actually three pieces (the horizontal section is one piece) and stands out compared to the prior oyster-style ones. The combination of brushed centre sections with polished vertical pieces is cool and retro, and it comes with a compact push-button folding clasp. The Seiko Style60’s SRPL07 and SRPL09 retail for EUR 590, which is a bit higher than previous models (a markup of less than 10%, however) but I feel it still represents a great value.
For more information and to place an order, please visit SeikoWatches.com.
2 responses
+45 -35. I dare you to do better Seiko.
They do do better. They also sell +/-5 seconds per year movements. Not at this price point though.
But I’d rather take a badly regulated movement you can easily improve with a small screwdriver over a week regulated throwaway affair you can’t really do anything with later on.