We’ve already determined that the small watch trend is here to stay, but the latest watch collection from Seiko is bringing that idea to the mainstream. The brand has rebooted the famous SKX013 model under four new reference numbers; SRPK29, SRPK31, SRPK33 and SRPK35. All of these are powered by the trusty 4R36 automatic movement making them some of the only sub-$500 40mm automatic watches on the market.
In this edition of ‘On the Wrist’, we’re taking a closer look at the trendy teal SPRK33 to see how it looks and feels on the wrist. It’s the year of Tiffany dial watches, and we’re just living in it.
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Seiko 5 Sports SRPK33
The formula for this new Seiko 5 lineup was simple. Buyers in this price range aren’t looking to dive 300m in search of buried treasure, they want the ‘dive watch look’ without the need for extreme water resistance.
Understanding this, the brand combined its SKX dive range with the Seiko 5 to create a 38mm automatic dive-style watch for the masses. It proved to be a huge sales success and it’s easy to see why.
Ticking all the boxes at this price point, this teal dial I have on the wrist will only help the cause. Under the skin sits a reliable 4R36 automatic manual winding movement (+45 / -35 seconds per day) with 41 hours of power reserve all housed in a 38mm diameter case.
Why is that so important? It’s one of the only automatic watches under $500 that’s less than 40mm in size.
On the wrist, the case sits comfortably. It’s a little small for my wrist (7 inches), however, if you’re anywhere between 6-6.5 inches you’ll be right in the sweet spot for size. The case back itself has a display window with matching Seiko branded details in black. I’ll also give special mention to the bevelled edges on the case back, although the transition between metal and glass window could be a little smoother for maximum comfort.
Links on the bracelet are compact enough for comfort, but I’ve never been a huge fan of stainless bracelets with larger links personally. Nonetheless, it’s comfortable for everyday wear.
Flip the SPRK33 over and you’re greeted by a teal dial that speaks to one of the biggest trends in watches right now. It’s hard to knock Seiko for jumping on board, especially when the brand has added features such as a repositioned crown at 4 o’clock and day-and-date windows at this price point.
The colour combination between the black bezel, teal dial, and white indices looks great, but I’m not quite sold on the gold hands.
All in all, this is a great budget watch for those with smaller wrists. It ticks all the boxes while being fun wearing enough to stand out in a crowd. The watch nerd in me wants to point a few fingers at the feel of the rotating bezel, the gold hands, and the clasp that seems rather thin. However, when you consider we’re talking about a AUD$500 watch with a comfortable crown location, day-and-date window, and automatic movement with a modest 41 hours of power reserve it’s hard to point any fingers.
Whether you’re looking to tickle a watch-buying itch or you’re looking for your first real watch, this new Seiko 5 38mm model is a great buy for those with smaller watches in mind.
Price: AUD$495.00
Case Diameter: 38mm
Case Height: 12.1mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: 4R36 automatic with manual winding
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 100M
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