The Emerald In Seiko’s New Array Of Entry-Level Automatic Timepieces.

They say that the human eye can see more shades of green than any other color, due in part to its position in the middle of the visible light spectrum, and our ancient roots. Perhaps this is why I was so immediately drawn to Seiko’s SRPD77K1 model, one out of the dizzying twenty-six options in the revamped 5 Sports lineup from the famed manufacturer.

The brand has organized these new watches into 5 overarching categories; Sports, Suits, Specialist, Street, and lastly Sense. Each having their own themes and distinct characteristics. For example, rich colored dials and steel or nato strap options pepper the Sports category, while the Suits lineup all feature a Milanese style bracelet. Each watch comes with the 4R36 automatic movement, 41 hours of power reserve, 10 bar water resistance, 42.5 mm case, unidirectional bezel and a see-through caseback. With all of these defining qualities, the Seiko 5 sports watch is an incredible entry-level automatic watch starting point. 

One model in particular, the SRPD77K1 within the Sense lineup stood out above the rest of the pack for me. The only watch, along with one brown companion, to feature a mesmerizing textured dial, which some enthusiasts have gifted with the title of “Avocado” due to its similarities to the skin of the fruit. The striking orange seconds hand was also a nice addition and contrast to the flood of green on this watch. Paired with a durable and strong nato strap, the “Avocado” feels like a tool watch more than any of the others in the collection. I believe this notion also fed my overall adoration for this model, as when one thinks of Seiko, thoughts of diving off the coast of the Galapagos or adventuring under the watchful eye of Mt. Fuji come to mind. Seiko’s are tough, reliable and incredible watches, and this one fits that bill. 

Some may argue that the rest of the collection strays away from this feeling that is synonymous with the brand, a glaring point of argument for this being the 10 bar water resistance and lack of screw-down crown. Obviously these watches are of no comparison to some of the discontinued famous Seiko’s, namely the SKX 00′ series, or the readily available and more professional Prospex line. 

But, then again, I do not believe that was the point of this new Seiko 5 Sports line. The brand was obviously trying to widen its target audience and get a new generation interested in automatic watches. Mission accomplished in my opinion. The absolute highlight is this emerald beauty, which is definitely worth your time.

-Mister Wrist(er)