My sister-in-law, a newcomer to the world of mechanical watches, sought my guidance for an affordable yet dependable timepiece. Her prerequisites were simple: a good mechanical watch that wasn’t overly bulky, feminine, or overly masculine. As I pondered her needs, two lineups immediately came to mind – the Seiko 5s and the Hamilton Khaki Fields.
The Seiko 5 Series and its Significance
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.
The Seiko 5 SRPJ09 – An Introduction
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.
The Legacy of Seiko’s Field Watches
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.
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.
Exploring the Specifications
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
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.
But what do you think about these newer Seiko 5 Field Watches? Leave your comments below, as it’s always interesting for me to read your comments.
