Today, we’re tackling one of the most important new products of the year. We covered its release back in June, and were therefore eager to test it and give you our impressions. Seiko spoils us with a major evolution of its Seiko 5 range, offering one of the most affordable GMTs on the market. So we spent a lovely day with the Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMTand more precisely the reference SSK003K1.
A new chapter for the Seiko 5 collection
Need we remind you how much we appreciate Seiko and closely follow the brand’s news? The Japanese manufacturer has initiated a real turning point by ceasing production of its historic SKX in 2019, very quickly replaced by a complete collection surfing on the customization desires of the brand’s many aficionados. Over the past two years, we’ve seen the Seiko 5 range expand to include numerous declinations and limited editions, enabling it to adapt to (almost) any desire. But the latest evolution is far more significant. The arrival of the GMT is very good news, especially when you consider the unbeatable price set by Seiko, not to mention other improvements to the model. Remember, we tested the SRPD63K1 reference almost two years ago. Today, we turn our attention to the Seiko 5 GMT.
Case
Let’s begin our full analysis with the case, where many important details can be noted. Still made from stainless steel and featuring a diameter of 42.5mmthe rest of its proportions are slightly inflated. Compared to the Seiko 5s currently in the collection, without GMT function, the thickness increases from 13.25mm to 13.6mm, and the horn-to-horn length from 45.5mm to 46mm. Not a significant change, but noticeable on the wrist. It is still topped by a Hardlex glass (tempered mineral) glass, here embellished with the famous date magnifier. It also features a beveled middle on the outside, a detail that adds cachet and finish to this SSK003K1. Its steel bezel is fitted with a black and blue Hardlex glass insert graduated over 24 hours and thus associated with the reading of the second time zone. In our opinion, the latter is one of the most effective enhancements of this GMT line, skilfully playing with light and shifting from black to blue according to the reflections. Finally, the crown specially positioned at 4 o’clockstill un-screwed but protected. Combined with its screw-down transparent caseback, this allows the watch to display a water resistance to 10 bars for total freedom.
Dial
The reference we have in hand today boasts a sumptuous dial sunray blue a perfect match for the two-tone bezel. The latter is bi-directional and click-free, but still requires a little force to avoid unexpected rotations. The large, rounded indexes as well as the shape of the hands usually found on the 5 collection, all of which is of course covered in Lumibritea powerful luminescent material developed by Seiko. The dial of this Seiko 5 Sports is embellished with a fourth red hand with arrowhead tipThis is the GMT function, whose three letters are also inscribed in red at 6 o’clock on the dial. The plunging flange, a key design element of the collection, displays a somewhat strange graduation. Like the bezel, it indicates the 24 hours corresponding to the 2nd time zone, to which are added intermediate graduations for reading the minutes. Another important detail is theday display has disappeared a sacrifice made in order to accommodate the GMT function, making the dial lighter and offering a more attractive display. more balanced design to this dial. Note also that this model is also available with an orange or black dial.
Movement
Let’s continue with one of the major elements of this new Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT, namely the introduction of a new evolution within the 4R calibers. Seiko unveils the 4R34a movement automatic movement by the brand and offering, in addition to the datethe precious GMT function. Apart from this additional complication, obtained by abandoning the day indication function, it has the same architecture and the same technical characteristics, i.e. a frequency of 3 Hertz associated with a 41-hour power reserve. The only drawback is that local time cannot be set in one-hour jumps without moving the GMT hand, requiring a two-step adjustment. Be that as it may, the real revolution lies in the additional function provided for a price of no more than €500.
Bracelet
Here’s another very important point accompanying this release, and one that will delight SKX nostalgics: the return of the bracelet. jubilee. To be honest, we were looking forward to it, and it was well worth the wait. Consisting of full linksIts weight gives a real impression of quality and sturdiness. It features a alternating polished and brushed finishfor a dressier look in perfect harmony with the sporty yet meticulous design of this reference. As usual with Jubilee bracelets, its very short links allow it to fit perfectly around the wrist, for a more elegant look. indisputable comfort. It is complemented by a double push-piece folding clasp fitted with a safety flap and engraved with the brand’s 5 letters. Note that thebetween lugs is 22mm and you can equip this SSK003K1 with other frames, such as leather or NATO.
Case
As for the case, there’s no great change from the initial collection. Although the very simpleit has the advantage of being very simple. space-saving. The warranty card is always placed inside a warranty manual accompanied by the new instruction booklet displaying the 4R34 movement reference. It’s not here that you’ll be pleasantly surprised, but remember that such simple packaging also makes it possible to keep the price down.
Our opinion on this Seiko 5 GMT
Let’s face it, we’re totally won over by this Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT. While its proportions may appear rather imposing, they are quickly offset by its incredible level of finish and its ultra-comfortable bracelet. This is a piece that deserves to be tried and will quickly be adopted. Seiko has succeeded in adding a major development to the Seiko 5 collection while rncreasing accessibility to the GMT function. Its price, set at 470€is simply stunning. Particularly when you take into account its automatic movement, entirely manufactured by the brand, the design improvements as well as the details that make it up. In short: bravo Seiko!
Seiko 5 Sports SKX GMT Watch – Ref. SSK003K1 / Features
- Case : Stainless steel / Polished & brushed finish
- Diameter : 42.5mm
- Length 46mm
- Thickness : 13.6mm
- Lug spacing : 22mm
- Photoluminescence : Lumibrite
- Glass type : Hardlex glass (tempered mineral)
- Case back : Transparent & screwed
- Movement : Automatic
- Caliber : 4R34
- Power reserve : 41 hours
- Bracelet : Jubille stainless steel / Polished & brushed finish
- Buckle : Deployer
- Water resistance : 10 ATM / 100 meters
- Limited Edition: No
- Warranty : 2 years
