A classic from the 90s has been reborn for the modern era. The Seiko 5 Sports Ref. SKX399 has been reinterpreted and newly released. This model is a reissue of the Ref. SKX399, which was released in select countries and regions in 1998, and is available in four color variations. Each watch is a faithful evolution of the original design.
Automatic movement (Cal. 4R36). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 41 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42.5 mm, thickness 13.9 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 46,200 yen (tax included).
Text by Sabine Zwettler
[Article published on January 5, 2025]
The origins of the Seiko 5 Sports date back to the 1960s
The Seiko 5 Sports has its origins in the Sportsmatic Five, which was released in 1963. At the time, automatic watches were still considered luxury items, but Seiko had a vision of offering a "durable, reliable, yet affordable automatic watch." The Sportsmatic Five was developed based on this philosophy, and it became the foundation for the later Seiko 5 Sports series.
This model offers a good balance of quality, price, and sporty design, and embodies the five characteristics that Seiko has included in the model name.
- Automatic movement
- Day and date display
- Waterproof
- Crown located at 4 o'clock
- Sturdy case and metal bracelet
In 1968, the Seiko 5 Sports was released as a sportier version. Developed for young people with active lifestyles, it featured a more dynamic design, including a rotating bezel and luminous hands and indices.
With its diverse designs and color variations, it has become a cult favorite and continues to be supported by many fans. Since its relaunch in 2019, the Ref. SNK809 and SKX series have become popular.
Four new Seiko 5 Sports SKX models
The new model, based on the classic Ref. SKX399, comes in four variations. First up is the Ref. SBSA303, which features a metallic blue dial and a stainless steel bracelet. The Ref. SBSA305, also featuring a metal bracelet and a black dial, gives a more refined impression. The Ref. SBSA307, with a rubber strap and yellow dial, gives a vivid impression. Finally, there is the Ref. SBSA309, which has an orange dial.
Automatic movement (Cal. 4R36). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 41 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42.5 mm, thickness 13.9 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 46,200 yen (tax included).
While retaining the original design, subtle updates have been made to give it a modern feel, including three-dimensional indices, more prominent hour and minute hands, and a unidirectional rotating bezel made of Hardlex glass, all of which contribute to improved visibility and operability.
Automatic movement (Cal. 4R36). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 41 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42.5 mm, thickness 13.9 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 46,200 yen (tax included).
At the 3 o'clock position on the dial of this watch is an integrated day and date display, a feature that characterizes the series.
Automatic movement (Cal. 4R36). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 41 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42.5 mm, thickness 13.9 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 46,200 yen (tax included).
Practical enough
The case is made of stainless steel, 42.5mm in diameter and 13.9mm thick, and is water resistant to 10 bar. The movement is the Cal. 4R36, a standard movement in Seiko 5 Sports watches. It has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours and a second hand stop function, and its movement can be viewed through the see-through case back.
Price and Availability
セイコー 5スポーツ SKXシリーズは、2025年6月6日に発売予定。メタルブレスレットを備えたRef.SBSA303とRef.SBSA305は5万9400円（税込み）、Ref.SBSA307とRef.SBSA309も5万3900円だ。
