The Seiko 5 Sports activities line, particularly when utilizing the SKX case, has impressed lots of of references over the previous a number of years. Whether or not they’re impressed by manga, music, motorsport, or classic watches, this line is like Japan’s model of Swatch. To be honest, most of the releases cross me by. Nonetheless, two fashions impressed by the legendary Rally Divers made me sit up and take discover. In any case, the originals are a few of my favourite watches of all time.
It’s actually wild how the Seiko 5 Sports activities “divers” have been used as a platform for almost each sort of watch expression. Some bemoan this, and others rejoice. I merely see it as enjoyable and an excellent factor that Seiko retains giving us extra decisions. So far as vintage-inspired fashions, it’s been hit or miss. Some classic watches translate nicely into this late-’70s case design, and a few look awkward. Watches like at present’s Rally Divers surprisingly fall extra on the constructive aspect. Would I’ve preferred 1:1 copies? You wager, however these are an excellent (and reasonably priced) begin.
The Seiko 6106-8229
The Rally Divers — some historical past
Again in 2017, I wrote an article on the historical past of the classic Seiko Sports activities Divers. Primarily, these had been light-duty dive watches with rotating bezels and 70m depth rankings. They had been produced from the late ’60s till the early ’70s in a dizzying array of case types and colours. At present, a few of these watches are well-known and carry nicknames. They’re comparatively precious in sure instances, however they nonetheless signify respectable worth and are lengthy on fashion. A few of my favourite items from this period had been the so-called “Rally Divers.” Seiko initially made these as a part of the common assortment and in the end transitioned them to the Seiko 5 line.
Seiko 5 6119-7173
The Rally Divers famously featured bezel inserts that evoked a checkered racing flag. They got here with vivid dials and, in some examples, carried the checkered motif onto the dial. Each the historic Suwa and Daini factories produced variations of those. All contained automated actions, such because the 6106, 6119, and 5126. The 6106-8227/9 is my favourite reference, bar none, and I’m happy that we’ll see it within the paragraphs forward as a contemporary launch. At present’s different launch relies on the 6119-7173. I personal a silver model of this mannequin, which you’ll be able to see above.
The Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPK09
The Seiko 5 5126-8130
As an FYI, the Seiko 5 Sports activities line hosted its first trendy Rally Diver reissue in 2023 because the reference SRPK09. This was based mostly on the Daini-produced 5126-8130. That mannequin remains to be accessible at present worldwide.
The brand new fashions
Initially, Seiko is referring to those new fashions as “Checker Flag” Particular Editions, however for these even barely aware of Seiko’s historical past, these shall be often called Rally Divers. The SRPK65 and SRPK67 every use the acquainted SKX-style case. This interprets to stainless-steel watches measuring 42.5mm by 46mm on matching stainless bracelets. Seiko 5 Sports activities fashions use a Hardlex mineral crystal, characteristic screw-in show case backs, and are water-resistant to 100 meters. Inside, we discover the ever-present 4R36 automated caliber with its 41 hours of energy reserve. Lastly, each references are international releases and usually are not restricted editions. Let the celebrations start!
The SRPK65
The primary of the brand new Seiko 5 Sports activities Rally Divers is the SRPK65. This watch relies on the 1969 Seiko 5 6119-7173 that got here with both a sunburst silver or petrol-blue dial. In its trendy guise, we get the wealthy blue dial, and I feel that’s an actual constructive. The watch is notable for its navy and silver checkered dive bezel with a luminous pip. The angled black and white rehaut with its luminous dots at each hour can also be trustworthy to the unique.
Seiko additionally did a pleasant job of recreating the hour and minute palms. Even the orange seconds hand and white-on-black day and date wheels are traditionally correct. The general styling interprets nicely to the extra trendy case design and by some means seems extra polished than its precursor. The unique mannequin was extremely sporty and informal, whereas this might pull obligation on the workplace.
The SRPK67
The second of the brand new Rally Divers is the SRPK67. Frankly, that is the spotlight for me, and I’ll clarify why. As talked about, this watch relies on the 6106-8227/9, which simply ranks throughout the high 5 Seiko references in historical past for me. There’s simply one thing particular that I like in regards to the gentle blue and white minute monitor on the dial. It combines completely with the black checkered bezel and angled black rehaut. The orange seconds hand provides the correct quantity of vibrancy and brings the entire design collectively. Sure, that is peak Seiko design in my guide, and I’m comfortable that we now have a contemporary recreation.
In contrast to the SRPK65, the SRPK67 has a matte end to its black dial. It helps the dial give off an inky vibe. Sure, this can be a extra informal piece than the opposite mannequin, however I feel it seems improbable. I’m not often tempted by a brand new Seiko 5 Sports activities watch, however this piece simply may need my identify on it.
Availability and pricing of the brand new Rally Divers
The brand new Seiko 5 Sports activities Rally Divers can be found instantly on-line or in retailers. Each retail for €350 or £310, which is regular for these fashions. They’re marked as particular editions, so it’s clever to imagine that they’ll be round for roughly a 12 months earlier than manufacturing ends. The Seiko 5 Sports activities watches with SKX-style instances usually obtain their justifiable share of criticism from diehard followers as a result of their gentle degree of water resistance or the marketed accuracy of +45/-35 seconds per day. I’ve come round on them, although, as they’re pretty consultant of what a Sports activities Diver was 50 years in the past. Plus, once they look nearly as good as these two fashions, I can forgive most of their shortcomings.
Go to the Seiko web site for additional info on these new Rally Divers,
