Seiko 5 Sports “SKX Series” Orange Ref. SBSA309

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 SBSA309 stands out with its vibrant orange dial and versatile sporty appeal.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Orange Ref. SBSA309 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 SBSA309 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 Orange 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 SBSA309 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, now featuring printed markings in an orange tone that perfectly matches the watch's vibrant theme. The bezel rotates smoothly in a unidirectional motion with a satisfying click, locking securely into 120 positions with minimal play. The case combines satin brushing on the top surfaces with polished sides, striking a perfect balance between refinement and sportiness. The recessed crown remains at 4 o'clock, preserving the classic design that fans continue to appreciate.

Seiko's satin brush and high polished finishing

The most noticeable update is on the dial. Beneath the curved Hardlex crystal lies a sporty color scheme in vibrant orange, with the indexes finished in a lustrous polish that adds extra visual punch. While the previous layout featured round and oval markers with an inverted triangle at 12 o'clock, the new SKX Series adopts a design more in line with today's Prospex models, using a combination of short and elongated rectangular markers along with a sharp double marker at 12. The hands have also been refined, replacing the needle-like style of earlier versions with a cleaner, more modern look. The day-date display remains at 3 o'clock, preserving the watch's practicality and familiarity. Generous LumiBright application on the hands and markers ensures strong low-light visibility while giving the dial a crisp, technical finish.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Orange Ref. SBSA309 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, it comes fitted with a black silicone strap reminiscent of the original model, complete with a signed pin buckle, making it a true evolution of the SKX's popular archive design.

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 Orange Ref SBSA309 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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