Seiko Expands Popular Field Watch Line with GMT Function
Seiko has recently expanded their popular Seiko 5 Sports Field series by introducing two new references with a highly useful GMT function. This is a first for this affordable field watch line that offers unmatched functionality, style, and value.
The new SSK023 features a stainless steel case and bracelet paired with a black and silver dual-tone dial. The SSK025 has a rugged black ion-plated stainless steel case and textured leather strap combined with an understated matte black dial. Both sport a fixed 24-hour bezel inspired by the iconic Rolex Explorer II.
While these watches offer plenty of visual appeal, their strength lies in their practical feature set tailored to globetrotters and frequent travelers.
- 4R34 automatic movement
- 24 jewels
- 41 hour power reserve
- 24-hour GMT hand
- Stop second hand function
- 39.4mm diameter stainless steel case
- Curved Hardlex crystal
- Lumibrite on hands and indexes
- 10 bar (100 m) water resistance
- 4,800 A/m magnetic resistance
- Calfskin or stainless steel bracelet
- Priced at $435
Key Specs and Features
So in terms of capability, these watches can display two time zones, boast decent water resistance for recreational activities, contain illuminating paint for low light visibility, and resist magnetic interference. The automatic winding means you don’t have to change batteries or wind it manually. And though reasonably priced, their finishing and components should make them reliable daily beaters.
Let’s explore some of the key specs in a bit more detail:
Dual Time Functionality The GMT complication allows you to read a second time zone on the 24-hour hand. You can quickly change the hour hand to display local time without stopping the watch or impacting its timekeeping precision. The rotatable bezel then allows you to mark a third reference time zone. This makes the watch quite flexible for frequent travelers or even those who just need to track times in multiple locations.
Robust Construction From the curved Hardlex crystal to the 39.4mm stainless steel case, these watches can stand up to bumps and scrapes. The ion-plated black model looks especially scratch-resistant. Combined with a 100-meter water resistance rating, you shouldn’t have to worry about either model withstanding exercise and outdoor adventures. The textured leather and stainless steel bracelet options offer lightweight comfort for all-day wearability.
Lumed Dial and Hands The generous application of Lumibrite on the hour markers and hands aids visibility in low light conditions. The lume glows brightly for hours after being charged by ambient light. Both dials also feature high contrast designs that improve daylight readability: silver accents on black with the SSK023 and matte black on black for the SSK025.
Reliable Japanese Movement At the heart of these watches beats Seiko’s own workhorse 4R34 movement, offering 21,600 vibrations per hour. This frequency combined with 24 jewels to reduce friction should result in good timekeeping accuracy. The ~2 day power reserve means you can set it down for a weekend without it stopping. As a Japanese automatic equipped for everyday wear, it promises mechanical reliability at an affordable price point.
Overall, these new GMT-equipped additions represent an exciting evolution to the Seiko 5 Sports field watch collection. They blend classic adventuring style with useful complications tailored to globetrotting. The quality components and robustness allow them to be worn as casual everyday watches out in the field. And the sub $500 prices make them extremely compelling options in the entry-level watch segment.
Key Takeaways:
- Seiko has added 24-hour GMT hands to their popular Seiko 5 field watch series with two new stainless steel models: the SSK023 and SSK025
- Equipped with 4R34 automatic movements, curved Hardlex crystals and Lumibrite lume, these watches boast proven robustness and reliability
- The GMT complication allows you to track a second time zone on the 24-hour hand in addition to the main dial
- With 100 meter water resistance, these watches can withstand recreational swimming and vigorous activities
- The ion-plated black SSK025 has a particularly rugged aesthetic suited to outdoor adventuring
- Priced below $500, these watches pack impressive specifications and functionality for the money
Seiko has struck an artful balance between form and function with these new field watch releases. Built to be accurate daily wearers even in harsh environments, they also look handsome peeking out from under a shirt cuff. The added GMT complication caters perfectly to jet-setters and world travelers.
If you’ve been holding out for an affordable, do-anything, go-anywhere timepiece, your ship may have finally come in with these watches. Check them out when they launch next January.
