Seiko 5 Sports “SKX Series” Silver - Ltd Ed 9999pcs Ref. SBSA311

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 SBSA311 stands out with its sleek silver 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 Silver Ref. SBSA311 channels the legendary design of the original SKX, standing out as the most faithful tribute in the lineup. If the Submariner defines the modern luxury diver, the SBSA311 is its approachable, entry-level counterpart. A true reissue with vintage charm, its cushion-shaped case echoes the earliest models from the 1960s. While perfect for those new to mechanical watches, its timeless style and rugged reliability continue to capture the attention of seasoned collectors alike.

It features a stainless steel case with 100 meters of water resistance, measuring 38.2mm in diameter, 44.7mm lug to lug, and a slim 12.3mm in thickness. The compact dimensions deliver an incredibly sleek fit on the wrist, while still offering solid presence. Paired with its rugged build and classic profile, the SBSA311 nails that perfect balance of everyday wearability and dive-inspired attitude.

Seiko brings back a signature touch with a bi-directional rotating bezel, faithfully echoing the original design. Featuring a full 60-minute scale and a luminous pip at 12 o'clock that glows in the dark, it blends heritage with function. The bezel turns with a satisfying click and has a patterned edge that allows for a confident grip. Completing the look, the case is finished with satin brushing on top and polished sides, while the recessed crown at 4 o'clock stays true to the iconic SKX DNA.

Seiko's satin brush and high polished finishing

Adopting a dual boxed Hardlex crystal and updated with modern technology, the Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Silver reveals a lightly brushed radial silver dial that catches the light beautifully. The design stays true to the original while embracing modern refinements. Rectangular hour markers replace the previous round and oval layout, with a bold double index at 12 o'clock inspired by today's Prospex models. The "5" logo at the top echoes the emblem used in the early days. The hands now take on a matching rectangular shape, offering a cleaner and more contemporary look. At 3 o'clock, the day-date display features a reversed color scheme with white for the day and black for the date, faithfully echoing the original. Generous LumiBright on the hands and markers enhances legibility, blending vintage charm with a crisp technical finish.

The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Silver Ref. SBSA311 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.

Protecting the movement is a screwed-in solid caseback engraved with "LIMITED EDITION" and a unique serial number, underscoring its exclusivity.

Inspired by the past, Seiko's exceptional finishing continues onto the 20mm multi-link stainless steel bracelet, evolving the classic SKX archive design into a modern expression of quality and comfort, now upgraded with a one-push three-fold clasp for added ease and security.

Limited to just 9,999 pieces, the Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Silver Ref. SBSA311 pays tribute to decades of Seiko watchmaking heritage. Rooted in the iconic SKX lineage that began in the 1960s, this special edition blends vintage character with modern upgrades while staying true to the spirit of the original. With its distinctive cushion-shaped case, refined silver dial, and solid build, it stands as a meaningful evolution of a classic. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this is a rare chance to wear a piece of Seiko history—before it's gone for good.

Video is not available