Seiko 5 Sports “SKX Series” Blue Ref. SBSA303

For over half a century, Seiko 5 Sports has earned a loyal following among mechanical watch lovers, celebrated for its unbeatable mix of reliability, durability, performance, and value. The journey began in 1963 with the Sportimatic 5, an innovative timepiece that brought cutting-edge technology to the masses. The "5" stood for five key features: an automatic movement, a day-date display in a single window, decent water resistance, a recessed crown at 4 o'clock, and a tough stainless steel case and bracelet. By 1968, Seiko 5 Sports was officially born, carrying these traits forward with a sportier edge.

Fast forward to today, the Seiko 5 Sports line revived in 2019 remains a go-to for those seeking an accessible dive-style automatic watch from a trusted Japanese brand. Now, the series welcomes a bold new chapter. Enter the latest Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series, a modern reimagining that honors the spirit of the iconic SKX dive watch while introducing a fresh contemporary design. With its renewed aesthetic and the same dependable values at its core, this new SKX Series cements Seiko's legacy of offering stylish rugged timepieces for every enthusiast, and among them, the Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series SBSA303 stands out with its serene blue dial and versatile sporty appeal.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Blue Ref. SBSA303 carries the iconic design language of the legendary SKX, standing out as the clearest tribute in the collection. If the Submariner is the luxury diver of today, the SBSA303 is its accessible entry-level counterpart. Staying true to its roots as the ultimate starter watch, it shares almost identical dimensions with the SBSA005, offering the familiar SKX presence with refined modern details. It perfectly suits new mechanical watch enthusiasts while continuing to attract seasoned collectors with its timeless design and robust build.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Blue features a stainless steel case with 100 meters of water resistance, measuring 42.5mm in diameter excluding the crown, 46.0mm lug to lug, and approximately 13.9mm in thickness, with a lug width of 22mm. While the case offers substantial wrist presence, its compact lug to lug distance ensures a snug and comfortable fit across a wide range of wrist sizes. This thoughtful sizing, combined with its classic silhouette and durable build, gives the SBSA303 a confident yet versatile character that feels right at home on any collector's wrist.

Seiko has upgraded the bezel from aluminum to a glossy Hardlex glass insert with bold printed markings for clear legibility. It rotates smoothly with a satisfying click, locking firmly into 120 positions with minimal play. The case combines satin brushing on top with polished sides, creating a refined yet sporty look. The recessed crown remains at 4 o'clock, keeping the classic design fans love.

Seiko's satin brush and high polished finishing

The most noticeable update is found on the dial. Beneath the curved Hardlex crystal sits a lightly brushed radial blue dial that catches the light beautifully. While the previous layout combined round and oval markers with an inverted triangle at 12 o'clock, the new SKX Series adopts a design more in line with current Prospex models, featuring a mix of short and elongated rectangular markers and a sharp, double inverted marker at 12 o'clock. The hands have also been refined, losing the needle-like style of past versions for a cleaner, more modern look. The day-date function remains unchanged at 3 o'clock, preserving the watch's practical appeal. LumiBright lume is generously applied to the hands and indexes, blending classic style with a contemporary, technical feel.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Blue Ref. SBSA303 features an open case back and is powered by Seiko's automatic Caliber 4R36. This reliable movement operates at 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hertz) and offers hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Equipped with 24 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, it marks a significant upgrade over the older 7S26 caliber found in the SKX007J1, which lacked hacking and manual winding. Additionally, since this model includes a day-date display, users can choose to display the day in either English or Japanese kanji characters.

This time, the stainless steel bracelet steps up with a sleek rounded top and refined texture, evolving the classic SKX archive design into a modern expression of quality and comfort, now enhanced with a double lock clasp for added security.

Seiko's comeback with the Seiko 5 Sports has done an amazing job of bringing affordable and reliable mechanical watches back into the spotlight. The new heritage-inspired Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Ref SBSA303 is still one of the most iconic dive watches out there. With its cult following and great price, it's awesome news for watch lovers and beginners alike. Whether you want to own a piece of dive watch history or just need a go anywhere do anything watch that offers incredible value, this reissue ticks all the boxes.

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