Since its inception in the late 1960s, the Seiko 5 has represented one of the best value propositions. In a market where the primary alternative to almost unattainable luxury watches is a ‘minimalist’ fast fashion quartz watch, the Japanese brand represents the platonic ideal of what a watch could — and perhaps, should — be; high quality, automatic, and affordable.
You’ll also enjoy:
Surrender To Serenity With The Grand Seiko SLGA009 White Birch
The Upgraded Seiko Prospex Dive Watch Is Fit For An Antarctic Adventure
The Best Gold Watches For Men in 2022
Relaunched in 2019, the Seiko 5 Sports collection was redefined by a fresher, more youthful take on the classic styles. Now, for the first time, the line has expanded to include a GMT calibre, with the three new styles based off the in-house Calibre 4R platform. The inclusion of a GMT functionality caters to the global citizen, with a second hour hand allowing the wearer to keep track of the time in two locations at once.
The trio comes in black (SSK001), dark blue (SSK003), and orange (SSK005), and has a case size of 42.5mm. Each hue is fitted with white hour and minute hands, however on the black and blue dials, the GMT hand is bright red while the GMT hand on the orange dial is dressed in black. A coating of Lumibrite ensures all hands are legible in low light conditions. A clean dial is maintained by a 24-hour indication in the rehaut as well as a 24-hour bezel crafted from Seiko’s Hardlex glass. The blue dial is the only model to feature a half-and-half bi-colour style bezel; with the solid black and blue hues reminiscent of the oft-imitated Rolex ‘Batman’.
Each watch is water resistant to 100m and powered by a calibre 4R34 movement with a 41 hour power reserve, visible through the exhibition caseback. Just 0.1mm thicker than the pre-existing Sports 5 lineup, it adds functionality without bulk. The Seiko 5 Sports GMT models heavily draw from the popular Seiko SKX series, with a new five-row Jubilee style bracelet.
The design of the case and dial draws inspiration from one of Seiko’s best-loved sports watches, known to enthusiasts as the Seiko SKX series. The five-row bracelet is a new design also inspired by the original SKX series in which the middle rows are polished to create a contrast with the solid feel of the rows that bind them.
The ideal accoutrement for the sporty globetrotter, the Seiko 5 Sports GMT watches are priced at an affordable $875AUD, providing that value and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive. Available from July onwards, via the Seiko webstore and in Seiko physical stores.
Words by John Deckard
