Last year, Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko launched an extension of their popular 5 Sports series. Nicknamed the “Field” collection, it delivered the same sporty aesthetic as the core line but with some outdoorsy tropes including textile straps and earthy tones. For 2022, Seiko extend this collection even further with a new duo of Seiko 5 Sports Stealth watches suitably named after their all-black case and display both perfectly engineered for the wrists of military personnel and covert adventurers.
The original Seiko Sportmatic 5 collection was launched in 1963 as an affordable and versatile timepiece for those that valued reliable durability. The line of watches became one of Seiko’s most successful and while renamed, remains a flagship design for the brand today. Named as such for its five key features, the Seiko 5 Sports family promises an automatic winding movement, date and day display, water resistance, recessed crown at 4 o’clock and a durable case and bracelet. Since its rebirth in 2019, we’ve seen several sub-collections of the 5 Sports appear including the Field, Flieger and newly launched GMT SKX. The former was created with military inspiration in mind, commemorating a style known as the ‘trench watch’ offering a robust aesthetic for tough conditions. The new Seiko 5 Sports Stealth watches are no different, ticking all the boxes for durability with a covert monochromatic composition.
There are two Seiko 5 Sports Stealth watches on offer, the first under reference SRPJ09K1 and the second under SRPJ11K1. Both opt for a stealthy black coated stainless steel case treated to an additional hard coating for supreme scratch resistance. The case sits on the wrist at a suitable size for most with a diameter of 39.38mm and a height of 13.22mm. The bezel is left smooth, fixed and adorned and pairs with curved Hardlex crystal glass for protection of the dial. At 3 o’clock, each Seiko 5 Sports Stealth watch boasts a large knurled crown for easy manipulation of the time with screw down construction for a 100 metre water resistance.
The dial of each Seiko 5 Sports Stealth watch is where you’ll spot the difference. Model SRPJ09K1 opts for a smooth matte black display adorned with a printed minutes track at the furthest edge paired with square-shaped indexes. In from that is a set of large Arabic numerals and a smaller 24 hour scale. For the hours and minutes, the hands are propeller shaped while the seconds hand opts for a needle-inspired end. All the hardware appears black during the day but thanks to Lumibrite coating glows in the dark for easy readability at night.
Meanwhile, the Seiko 5 Sports Stealth SRPJ11K1 watch delivers a true utilitarian display evoking the layout of old-school B-Uhr pilots watches. The dial reveals the same printed minutes scale but with rounded 5 minute markers and most importantly, a 60 minute track for the main numerals. At 12 o’clock, a large triangle marker ensures easy reference and inwards of the 60 scale is an opposing 12 hour track. We’re offered the same day and date window and Lumibrite coating as model SRPJ09K1 but with slightly different stylings for the hands. The hours and minutes opt for syringe shaped ends while the seconds hand is a classic straight white-tipped indicator.
The Seiko 5 Sports Stealth SRPJ09K1 watch also differs for its strap, electing a three-row link stainless steel bracelet coated in the same black treatment as the case. The bracelet closes by a three-fold clasp with push button release. In the meantime, the Seiko 5 Sports Stealth SRPJ11K1 watch nominates a black textile strap and a black coated pin buckle.
Powering the Seiko 5 Sports Stealth watches is the trusty 4R36 automatic winding movement, the very same powering the rest of the 5 Sports series. Its reliable construction delivers a 41 hour power reserve, a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and 24 jewels. The movement is wonderfully presented through an exhibition case back where you can witness the workings of the movement and the oscillating rotor decorated with the famed Seiko 5 Sports emblem.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Seiko 5 Sports Stealth watches and shop the collection for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 39.38mm
- Case Material: Black coated stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Curved Hardlex crystal
- Crown: Screw down
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: 4R36 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Black with 12 hour scale 60 minute scale
- Strap: Textile or bracelet
- RRP: Starts from £260
