A Look at the Seiko 5 Sports Collection’s 55th Anniversary
Seiko has introduced a quartet of watches to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the iconic Seiko 5 Sports collection. These limited edition timepieces boast a combination of vintage-inspired design elements and modern features. Of the four releases, the eye-catching Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition reissue of the original design has garnered the most attention.
Introducing the Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition
The original Seiko 5 Sports watch first made waves in 1968. The limited edition anniversary reissue has updated features, including a cabochon-crowned rotating bezel and luminous “lollipop” minute hand. The watch is presented in a stainless steel case, with a leather strap matching the dial color. Available in three different colors, the Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition marries both vintage and modern elements to excellent effect.
Heritage-Inspired Additions to the Collection
Along with the Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition, the others in the quartet feature heritage-inspired elements. A black-and-gold iteration of the Seiko 5 Sports “Speed Timer” will be released, featuring an ivory dial that has a red and black stopwatch-inspired design. Similarly, Seiko is releasing an all-black model of the Seiko 5, which aims to be a sleek and stealthy option. Finally, Seiko’s Prospex line includes a new addition to its 1959 Alpinist-inspired collection, which features a dark and subdued colorway that is perfect for its outdoorsy aspirations.
Key Features Across the Seiko 5 Sports Collection
- Luminous, highly visible hands and hour markers
- Robust and reliable automatic calibers for precise timekeeping
- Durable, scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal
- 100m water resistance
- Affordable price point, with watches ranging from under $300 to just over $500
The Seiko 5 Sports Collection: A History
The Seiko 5 Sports collection has been a revered stalwart of the Seiko brand for over 50 years. Since its unveiling in 1963, Seiko has iterated on the design many times. But the core elements of the collection, which include automatic movements, five key features (precise timekeeping, water resistance, a day-date display, a recessed crown at 4 o’clock, and a durable case), and affordability, have remained constant throughout.
Hot Take
Seiko has done an excellent job of updating their classic design with the anniversary edition of the Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition while remaining true to the original watch’s form and function. It is exciting to see that the Seiko 5 Sports collection as a whole remains committed to offering reliable and affordable automatic watches, 55 years after its inception. Whether you’re a collector or looking for your first automatic watch, any of the watches in the Seiko 5 Sports line are worthy of consideration.
