When my sister-in-law, a newcomer to mechanical watches, asked for an affordable yet reliable timepiece, I knew the Seiko 5 series was a perfect fit. Her needs were clear: a mechanical watch that wasn’t too bulky, overly feminine, or masculine.
Enter the Seiko 5 SRPJ09, a standout in the “Field Street Style” lineup. In this Seiko 5 SRPJ09 review, I’ll dive into its design, performance, and value at ~$250, drawing from my experience as a watch enthusiast and my journey with the iconic Seiko SNK803. Is this affordable field watch the best choice for beginners and collectors alike? Let’s find out.
Why Seiko 5 Watches Are a Top Choice
The Seiko 5 series carries a rich history that dates back to 1963 when the original Seiko Sportsmatic 5 was introduced. It brought forth five defining attributes that shape the collection today: automatic movements, a day/date window, water resistance, a recessed crown at 4 o’clock, and a robust case and bracelet. The series spans an array of styles – from dress watches to field watches to divers – appealing to various tastes and preferences. Seiko 5 watches, with their affordable price points, have remained a favorite among both newcomers and seasoned collectors.
Read my review on one of the most famous Seiko 5 – SNXS79 – the $100 Rolex OP Alternative here.
Why the Seiko 5 SRPJ09 Is a Top Affordable Field Watch
Allow me to introduce the Seiko 5 SRPJ09, a member of the “Field Street Style” category. While the nomenclature might raise an eyebrow, I’d classify it simply as a Field Watch, along with its counterparts like the SRPG27 and SRPH27. The differences lie in the dial designs, either the Type A or Type B configuration.
Seiko 5 SRPJ09 vs. SNK809: What’s Changed?
This modern update pays homage to Seiko’s legendary field watches, particularly the well-regarded Seiko SNK800 series. Many of us started our watch journey with the likes of the Seiko SNK809 – an iconic first-time watch. In my case, I opted for the beige variant, the Seiko SNK803. Read my review of that watch here.
Shift in Price and Perspective:
However, times have changed, and the Seiko 5 SRPJ09 comes at a price of around $250, a shift of nearly $100 from its predecessors. Wait, wasn’t it priced around $100-120 before? It’s evident that the older Seiko 5 models have risen in value, reminding us of the evolving landscape of watch collecting.
Reasons to Opt for the Newer Model:
Should you still consider the newer models despite the price hike? Absolutely. The advancements in movement and design warrant consideration. The Seiko 5 SRPJ09 isn’t just a watch; it’s a step towards embracing enhanced performance and aesthetics.
Technical Specs: Inside the Seiko 5 SRPJ09
Let’s delve into the technical specifications that define the Seiko 5 SRPJ09:
• Movement: Caliber 4R36, an automatic with manual winding capabilities
• Power Reserve: Approximately 41 hours
• Jewels: 24
• A practical day/date display
• Case Material: Robust stainless steel with a durable hard coating
• Case Size: Thickness of 13.1mm, diameter of 39.4mm, and lug-to-lug distance of 48.0mm
• Crystal: Curved Hardlex
• Clasp: Secured by a three-fold clasp
• Water Resistance: 10 bar
• Weight: 145.0g,
• A see-through screw case back
Pros and Cons of the Seiko 5 SRPJ09
Pros:
- Affordable field watch at ~$250, offering great value.
- Upgraded 4R36 movement with hacking and hand-winding.
- 100m water resistance, ideal for versatile use.
- Legible dial with Lumibrite for low-light readability.
- Modern design with a nod to Seiko’s field watch heritage.
Cons:
- Pricier than older SNK800 models (~$120) due to inflation.
- 39.4mm size may feel large on smaller wrists.
- Hardlex crystal less scratch-resistant than sapphire.
Old vs New Seiko 5s
Here are the hard facts – The newer Seiko 5s Field watches offer improved movement and better water resistance.
The subjective aspects (or perhaps controversial) are the better-looking logo and the domed crystal. This crystal adds a nice distortion to the dial when viewed from different angles. When it comes to the newer Seiko 5 options, there are good ranges of sizes available for everyone (from the SRPJ83 / 81 at 36mm) – to the SRPJ09 / SRPG27 at 39mm.
Taking all these factors into account, I believe that the newer Seiko 5s Field watches offer a compelling value compared to the older models, justifying the $100 price difference.
I’ve also reviewed another Seiko 5 watch here: The Seiko 5 GMT SSK003
