Seiko 5 Sports "Specialist Style" Silver Vintage Ref. SBSA071

It comes as no surprise that Seiko 5 watches come with an incredible value proposition and are arguably praised as being one of the most affordable automatic watches available on the market. More than 50 years ago, Seiko unveiled their first Seiko 5, the “Sportsmatic 5” in 1963 which brought specifications and innovations to the watch industry that rivals many of their Swiss counterparts, this also marked Japan’s first ever mechanical watch with a day-date complication. The number ‘5’ represents five core attributes that a Seiko 5 watch has to possess: A self-winding automatic movement, water resistance capabilities, a day-date complication, a recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position, and a durable case.

In 2019, Seiko revitalized and relaunched their Seiko 5 Sports collection adding an astounding 27 new watches to the collection that was essentially based on the extremely iconic Seiko SKX007, the quintessential beater dive watch for many watch enthusiasts that was recently discontinued since its production in 1996. The latest generation of Seiko 5 Sports watches brought an array of vivid colours and youthful designs carrying the upgraded caliber 4R36 as well as the new Seiko 5 logo.

Joining the many exciting variations of the revamped Seiko 5 Sports line of watches is the Seiko 5 Sports "Specialist Style" Silver Vintage Ref. SBSA071, retaining the classic case and handsets from the famed SKX007 while bringing contemporary upgrades with a vintage inspired appearance that will not fail to impress.

The case dimensions remain unchanged from its predecessor with a 42.5mm case diameter and a thickness of 13.4mm. The watch wears compact and smaller than its diameter suggests due to the stubby lugs measuring a mere 46mm from lug to lug, allowing for a comfortable fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. Even though this new line up drops the ISO certification and 200m of water resistance present in its predecessor, the watch still holds a water resistance of 100m which still provides ample protection against splashes.

Seiko takes an unique approach in the case of the Seiko 5 Sports "Specialist Style" Silver Vintage Ref. SBSA071 by introducing a faux distressed case to mimic the look and appeal of an aged watch. The pleasingly aged patina is achieved by an artificial process of treating the stainless steel case with delicate markings and scuffs to add a vintage character to the piece. This aesthetic brings out the charm of having a watch from the past that lived a life without the worries of owning an actual vintage watch.

The 120-click stainless steel bezel on the Seiko 5 Sports "Specialist Style" Silver Vintage Ref. SBSA071 is finished with a similar distressed treatment as its case, featuring raised 3D markers that adds to the rustic personality of this piece. 



Taking a closer look at the dial of the Seiko 5 Sports "Specialist Style" Silver Vintage Ref. SBSA071, the silver ribbed pattern textured dial evokes sophistication while complimenting the overall vintage distressed aesthetic. Indices and hands are coated with Seiko’s proprietary Lumibrite luminous, widely recognized to glow like a torch in the dark. Protecting the dial is Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal with anti-reflective coating.

The Seiko 5 Sports "Specialist Style" Silver Vintage Ref. SBSA071 runs on the ever reliable Seiko’s in-house caliber 4R36 automatic movement. This long awaited upgrade features hacking and hand-winding capabilities, which were much desired by many Seiko fanatics as the Seiko SKX007 utilized the caliber 7S26 which were lacking in these aspects. The 24 jewel movement has a beat rate of 21,600 beats per hour with a power reserve of about 40 hours. Additionally, the movement houses a date and day calendar at the 3 o’clock position.

Combining form and function, the supplied Seiko hybrid strap integrates the comfort and strong durability of silicone on the side of the strap that comes in contact with the skin while showcasing a black grained leather stitched on the surface that pairs incredibly well with the theme of the watch. One of a subtle but significant upgrade from the SKX007 is the addition of drilled lug holes, allowing the bracelet to be conveniently swapped out to your favorite choice of straps with ease.

Seiko has impressed many Seiko fans from their extensive options of their revamped Seiko 5 line up. Without a doubt, this line up offers a lot for the money for a unique and fully in-house automatic watch. The combination of a classic Seiko diver design, traditional watchmaking heritage and a stylish appeal makes the Seiko 5 Sports "Specialist Style" Silver Vintage Ref. SBSA071 a wonderful daily companion that matches your own unique style.