9 Best Seiko 5 Sports Watches (2025)
May you be fully you realized at the time, you’ve almost certainly seen a Seiko 5 Sports watch. This line of timepieces has been around for decades and is not only extensive, covering everything from dive watches to dress watches, but it has also become a model for the watch world when it comes to added value.
In short, it’s about time WIRED got acquainted with the 5 Sports line, so you don’t miss out on what is one of the most diverse, respected and, above all, often affordable watch collections.
Don’t forget to check out our other watch buying guides, including the best cheap watches under $1,000 and the best smartwatches.
What is the Seiko 5 Sports and why is it so good?
Seiko has been making wristwatches for over 100 years, but the modern Seiko 5 Sports line dates back to 1963 and the release of the Seiko Sportsmatic 5, which was then refined and improved until the release of the first watch bearing the Seiko 5 Sports name in 1968.
The 5 in the name comes directly from the five fundamental design and manufacturing principles of the 1968 model: an automatic movement, a day/date window, impressive water resistance levels, a recessed crown at 4 o’clock, and solid durability (of the case, bracelet, and Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex glass). All this still applies to the majority of 5 Sports models today.
Watch fans love history, and the Seiko brand and its 5 Sports line have that in spades, but the line also attracts people because of its value. The most expensive current Seiko 5 Sports models cost $500, but the majority cost around $350, making them surprisingly affordable considering the brand name and heritage, as well as the quality and features offered.
Understanding the Seiko 5 Sports range
There have been hundreds of 5 Sports models over the years (fans even create wall posters you can print and hang), and Seiko has marketed them in different ways, making it difficult to keep track. In 2019, however, Seiko revamped the vast and rather complex Seiko 5 Sports line, simplifying it (somewhat) by grouping the models into three lines: the SKX series, the SNXS series, and the Field series.
Now, don’t think that this rebranding will help you quickly find and choose your ideal Seiko 5 Sports watch, because there are still dozens of models in each segment – and that’s before you step outside Seiko’s own store, where you’ll find a host of new old stock models, discontinued models and even limited editions for sale.
Yes, the world of Seiko 5 watches will make your head spin, so where do you start? We are here to help you. We’ve got 10 watches for you, five of which you’ll easily find in Seiko’s online store or other outlets including Amazon, plus five others that will take a little more work to find but are definitely worth it.
The Best Seiko 5 Sports Watches to Buy
Courtesy of Seiko
Part of the SKX series, the SRPD55 is a modern icon. For what? The reason comes from where the series gets its name. Seiko’s SKX007 (and the more colorful SKX009) was an ISO-certified dive watch that gained a legion of fans due to its pragmatic design, durability, reliability, and reasonable price. It shared many of the fundamentals of the Seiko 5, but did not carry the Seiko 5 name.
It was discontinued just before the Seiko 5 Sports rebrand in 2019, but lived on (at least in spirit) in the SRPD55, just without the hardcore ISO-certified 200 meter water resistance, settling for 100 meters instead. We love the simple black dial model with its classic diver styling, 42.5mm case, Hardlex mineral glass, and choice of a metal or nylon strap.
Flip the watch over and you will see an exhibition caseback showing the Seiko 4R36 automatic movement, known for its reliability, and which returns a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. You’ll find it in most of the watches on this list.
The SRPD55 is as close to a current SKX007 as you can get, and considering the quality, reliability, and understated styling, it’s a fantastic buy for around $350. A great everyday watch, and perhaps also the ideal first automatic.
Courtesy of Seiko
The SSK005 sits near the top of the SKX range, and while the price is on the high end of what you’ll ever pay for a 5 Sports, you get a lot. The SSK005 is a GMT watch, which means it has a 24-hour hand to show the time in a second time zone, but that’s not the only reason it’s on this list.
It’s important to note the model number here, as it relates to the Seiko 5 GMT with a stunning orange dial and black bezel, giving the date-only dial a sporty, eye-catching style all its own.
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