The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Makes a Bold Comeback
Seiko breathes new life into a fan favorite from the late 1990s with the reissue of the Seiko 5 Sports SKX399— a watch that originally launched in 1998 and remains a successful sports classic at an accessible price point to this day. Staying true to its roots while embracing modern flair, the new SKX models are offered in four vibrant versions, capturing the spirit of the original while incorporating thoughtful updates.
The Seiko 5 Sports line has its origins in the 1963 Seiko Sportimatic 5, a watch designed to bring the luxury of automatic movements to the masses. The “5” refers to five essential features that still define the line today:
- Automatic movement
- Day-date display in a single window
- Water resistance
- Crown positioned at 4 o’clock
- Durable case and steel bracelet
In 1968, Seiko introduced the 5 Sports series, targeting a younger, more active audience. These watches featured sportier designs, rotating bezels, and luminous hands and markers.
Following the successful 2019 revival of the Seiko 5 Sports line—with standout models like the SNK809 and SKX series—Seiko now turns its attention back to one of its most beloved designs: the SKX399. The 2025 reissue comes in four colorways—yellow, orange, blue, and black—and in two strap options:
- Stainless steel bracelet: SRPL83K1 (blue), SRPL85K1 (black)
- Silicone strap: SRPL87K1 (yellow), SRPL83K1 (orange)
These new versions retain the aesthetic of the original while introducing subtle updates like refined hour markers with textured detailing, bolder hour and minute hands, all coated with LumiBrite for visibility in low light, a sunray-brushed dial with the classic day-date display at 3 o’clock, and a unidirectional bezel featuring a Hardlex inlay and luminous scale for practical timing functionality.
Inside the 42.5 mm stainless steel case (13.9 mm thick, 100 m water resistance), beats the automatic caliber 4R36—a tried-and-true movement offering a 41-hour power reserve and stop seconds for precise time-setting.
The new Seiko 5 Sports SKX models will be available from June 2025 at the following prices:
- $425 for the metal bracelet versions (SRPL83K1 / SRPL85K1)
- $385 for the silicone strap versions (SRPL87K1 / SRPL89K1)
To learn more, visit Seiko, here.
