Seiko Launches a New Generation of Redesigned 5 Sports SKX Series

Since its return in its current form back in 2019, the Seiko 5 Sports collection has become an inescapable option when it comes to acquiring an accessible, robust, dive-inspired automatic watch from an established brand, even though Citizen is also hitting hard in this market. Today, we’ll be talking specifically about the most emblematic version of Seiko’s entry-level sports watch, the so-called SKX Series, which pays tribute to a genuine icon of affordable watchmaking, the SKX007. While not a true diver anymore, the brand retains most of the design elements… Well, that was until today, as a new generation of Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series is here, with design updates. Let’s take a look at the brand new SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87 and SRPL89. 

By now, most watch enthusiasts should be familiar with the overall Seiko 5 Sports concept and the SKX series. But let’s quickly recap what we’re dealing with here. The concept dates back to 1963 with the Sportimatic 5, a watch offering customers the chance to own a watch with the best technology at an affordable price. That “5” in the name came from the five mandatory specs of the watch: an automatic movement; a day-date complication in a single window; significant water-resistance (started at 30 metres and now at 100m in the 42mm models); a receded crown at 4 o’clock; and a robust steel case and bracelet (or strap). In 1968, the Seiko 5 Sports were born, inheriting all these advantages. 

Entirely revamped in 2019, the first Seiko 5 Sports models were unmistakably inspired by one of the brand’s most emblematic “daily-beaters”, a watch cherished by aficionados, the SKX007 and its derivatives. While not offering the same level of diving credentials, the inaugural 5 Sports models of 2019 used an identical case shape, a unidirectional bezel, and an almost identical dial design. Since then, not only has Seiko officially named this series SKX, but it has also become the go-to watch in the collection, available in dozens of iterations.

For its 2025 collection, Seiko has decided to introduce a fresh take on the 5 Sports SKX Series, revamping some elements of its design without altering the overall concept. The four new references – SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87 and SRPL89 – have a slightly more technical look, some refinements on the bezel and dials, a revised bracelet, as well as cool 1970s-80s colours on some of the editions. But no worries, the idea of a relatively robust and affordable automatic sports watch remains unchanged.

All four references share the same architecture and specifications. And keep in mind that the base of these watches, meaning their case and movement, are carried over from the previous references, identical to the 2019 editions. This results in familiar features like the classic asymmetrical stainless steel case and crown at 4 o’clock directly modelled after the SKX007, and a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The watches measure 42.5mm in diameter, 13.9mm in thickness and 46mm in length – nothing new here. Also identical is the push-pull crown, which is, nevertheless, good enough for the 100m water-resistance, combined with a screwed caseback.

While these new SRPL83, 85, 87, 89 retain a Hardlex crystal over the dial, the dial opening is larger than before, which coincidentally means that the width of the unidirectional rotating bezel has been reduced compared to the previous SKX-inspired models. Also, while most of the older versions featured a metal insert, these new watches are now equipped with a glossy glass insert, with a 60-minute scale printed on the underside. Not only does this add a certain premium feel to the watch, but it also brings a certain depth and play of light.

The dial is where most of the updates are visible. The previous layout relies on a combination of round and oval markers and an inverted triangle. The new SKX Series has a different layout that comes closer to current Prospex models, such as the King Samurai. This means a combination of short and elongated rectangles, and an inverted, sharp double marker at 12 o’clock. Seiko also mentions that the hands have been refined, losing the needle effect of past models. However, the day-date function has been kept intact.

The new Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series is presented in four editions. The blue SRPL83 and black SRPL85 are the most classic of the lot, with a modern, technical feel. Both have a lightly brushed dial with crisp white markings, a red automatic mention and white luminescent material. These two come on a newly designed steel bracelet with more rounded links.

The other two are much bolder in style, with bright yellow (SRPL87) or orange (SRPL89) flat dials, producing a rather vintage dive watch feel… Perfect for summer. The orange model even adds gold-toned hands and an orange 60-minute bezel scale to the equation. Both are worn on a black silicone strap. Inside the case, no surprises, as these new models still run on the automatic calibre 4R36 with a 3Hz frequency and a 41h power reserve.

Available from June 2025, and part of the permanent collection, the yellow SRPL87 and orange SRPL89 on rubber straps are priced at EUR 400, while the blue SRPL83 and black SRPL85 on steel bracelets are priced at EUR 440.

For more details, please visit www.seikowatches.com.