For the first time, the popular Seiko 5 Sports watch receives a beloved GMT complication while drawing inspiration from one of the brand’s best-loved diving instruments, the Seiko SKX series. The new Seiko 5 Sports GMT SKX Re-Interpretation watch collection delivers three watches, each named after its dial and bezel colourway: the SSK001 “Black Grape”, the SSK003 “Blueberry” and the SSK005 “Mikan Orange”.
Ever since 1968, the Seiko 5 Sports watch has been synonymous with style, precision and durability. On its launch, it made history as the Japanese manufacturer’s first ever day-date watch and the first of its kind in Japan. Fast forward several decades and the 5 Sports series was later revived in 2019, upkeeping its five requirements of an automatic movement, day and date display, high water resistance, recessed crown at 4 o’clock and durable case design. Over the last three years, we’ve seen the reference evolve even further, honouring video games and anime’s as limited editions, but always standing as an honest and reliable sports watch. Today, the Seiko 5 Sports GMT SKX Re-Interpretation watches see its architecture enjoy some additional improvements on the case and bracelet, taking inspiration from the well-known Seiko SKX divers watch which was discontinued back in 2019. The changes are light and come paired with a brand new GMT complication.
Starting with the cases of the new Seiko 5 Sports GMT SKX watches, their diameter has grown by 0.1mm in height sitting on the wrist at 13.6mm tall and 42.5mm diameter. The case is done in classic stainless steel with a combination of brushed and polished finishing and is equipped with the iconic recessed screw down crown at 4 o’clock which assists in its 100-metre water resistant rating. On top, the case presents a bi-directional rotating bezel with a two-toned insert. The Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 “Black Grape” watch opts for a black and grey bezel detailed with a white 24-hour scale. Meanwhile the SSK003 “Blueberry” elects a black and blue bezel with matching white markings and the SSK005 “Mikan Orange” watch chooses a black and grey bezel with a fitting golden-orange scale. The two-toned insert is a nice touch for indicating day and nighttime hours.
Protected beneath Hardlex crystal glass is a choice of three highly legible dials, each one taking after their namesake in black, blue or orange. The orange dial in particular reminds us of the SKX011 divers watch, a cult-classic in the Seiko watch community. The design, like its brothers, ensures easy readability with large applied indexes and hours, minutes and seconds hands dressed in Lumibrite. A fourth hand is unveiled for the new GMT complication robed in red on the “Black Grape” and “Blueberry” references and black on the “Mikan Orange”. The latter also opts for gold-coloured hardware while the others stick to classic silvered indicators. The Seiko 5 Sports GMT SKX Re-Interpretation watches also retain the date window at 3 o’clock under a magnifying cyclops but wave goodbye to the day complication to make room for the fourth hand.
Powering the new GMT complication is one of the tried and tested Seiko 4R calibres, the Calibre 4R34 to be exact. It is automatic winding and promises a frequency of 21,600vph, 24 jewels and a power reserve of 41 hours. The finishing of the movement is fairly basic and can be enjoyed through the transparent case back when off the wrist. Finally, one of the most notable features of the new Seiko 5 Sports GMT SKX watches is the five-row link bracelet which takes influence from the same bracelets seen on the Seiko SKX models. The design has polished middle rows which contrast nicely against the solid rows that bind them.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Seiko 5 Sports GMT SKX Re-Interpretation watch collection and shop the SSK001 “Black Grape”, the SSK003 “Blueberry” and the SSK005 “Mikan Orange” watches for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42.5mm x 13.6mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Bi-directional with two-toned insert and 24 hour scale
- Glass: Hardlex
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Calibre 4R34 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, date
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Black, blue or orange with Lumibrite hands and indexes
- Strap: Five-row link bracelet
- Buckle: Folding
- Limited: No
- RRP: £400
- Release Date: July 2022
