Whether you fully realized it at the time, you’ve almost certainly seen a Seiko 5 Sports watch. This range of timepieces has been around for decades and is not only extensive, covering everything from dive watches to dress watches, it has also become a model for the watch world when it comes to delivering value.
In short, it’s long overdue WIRED got properly acquainted with the 5 Sports lineup, so you don’t miss out on what is one of the most varied, well-respected, and, crucially, often most reasonably priced watch collections.
Be sure to check out our other watch buying guides, including the Best Cheap Watches Under $1,000 and the Best Smartwatches.
What Is the Seiko 5 Sports, and Why Is It So Good?
Seiko has been making wristwatches for more than 100 years, but the modern Seiko 5 Sports range traces its roots to 1963 and the release of the Seiko Sportsmatic 5, which was then refined and improved until the first watch to wear the Seiko 5 Sports name was released in 1968.
The 5 in the name comes directly from the 1968 model’s five core design and manufacturing principles: an automatic movement, a day/date window, impressive water-resistance levels, a recessed crown at 4 o’clock, and solid durability (from the case, bracelet, and Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex glass). All these still apply to the majority of 5 Sports models today.
Watch fans love history, and Seiko the brand and its 5 Sports line have it in spades, but the range also attracts people because of its value. The most expensive current Seiko 5 Sports models cost $500, but the majority cost around $350, making them surprisingly affordable considering the brand name and its heritage, along with the quality and features offered.
Understanding the Seiko 5 Sports Range
There have been hundreds of 5 Sports models over the years (fans even make wall posters you can print and hang), and Seiko has marketed them in various ways, making it hard to keep track. In 2019, however, Seiko gave the vast, rather complicated Seiko 5 Sports range a makeover, (somewhat) simplifying it by grouping models into three ranges: the SKX series, the SNXS series, and the Field series.
Now, don’t think this rebranding will help you quickly find and choose your ideal Seiko 5 Sports watch, because there are still dozens of models in each segment—and that’s before heading outside Seiko’s own store, where you’ll find a host of new-old stock models, discontinued models, and even limited editions for sale.
Yes, the world of Seiko 5 watches will make your head spin, so where do you start? We’re here to help. We’ve got 10 watches for you, five of which you’ll easily find through Seiko’s online store or other outlets, including Amazon, plus five more which will need a bit more work to find but are really worth it.
The Best Seiko 5 Sports Watches to Buy
Part of the SKX series, the SRPD55 is a modern icon. Why? The reason comes from where the series gets its name. Seiko’s SKX007 (and the more colorful SKX009) was an ISO-certified dive watch that gained a legion of fans due to its no-nonsense design, durability, reliability, and reasonable price. It shared many of the Seiko 5’s core principles, but didn’t wear the Seiko 5 name.
It was discontinued just before the Seiko 5 Sports rebrand in 2019, but has lived on (in spirit, at least) in the SRPD55, just without the hardcore ISO-certified 200-meter water resistance, making do with 100 meters instead. We love the no-nonsense black-dial model with its classic dive style, 42.5mm case, Hardlex mineral crystal, and choice of a metal bracelet or nylon strap.
Turn the watch over and there’s an exhibition case back showing the Seiko 4R36 automatic movement, which is known for its reliability, and returns a power reserve of around 40 hours. You’ll find it inside most watches on this list.
The SRPD55 is as close to a current SKX007 as you can get, and, considering the quality, reliability, and understated style, it’s a fantastic buy for around $350. A great everyday watch, and perhaps the ideal first automatic, too.
The SSK005 sits close to the top of the SKX line, and although the price is at the high end of what you’ll ever pay for a 5 Sports, you’re getting quite a lot for it. The SSK005 is a GMT watch, meaning it has a 24-hour hand to tell the time in a second time zone, but that’s not the only reason it’s on this list.
It’s important to note the model number here, because it relates to the Seiko 5 GMT with an amazing orange dial and black bezel, giving the date-only dial a sporty, eye-catching style all of its own.
