Regatta Legend is the best Seiko 5 I’ve ever worn. Seiko SRPK13 5 Sports Series 55th Anniversary Limited Edition.
In 1968, Seiko introduced the 5 Sports line, aiming to make features like shock resistance, automatic winding, day/date display, and water resistance accessible to a broader audience. This initiative ensured that nearly every watch enthusiast has encountered a Seiko 5 at some point.
To commemorate the 55th anniversary of this iconic series, Seiko has unveiled the SRPK13 5 Sports Series 55th Anniversary Limited Edition, affectionately known as the “Regatta.” Drawing inspiration from the vintage Seiko 5 Regatta models, this timepiece seamlessly blends nostalgia with contemporary craftsmanship.
The SRPK13 boasts a 42.5mm stainless steel case, striking a balance between presence and wearability. Its black dial is accentuated with blue and green accents, complemented by a black, white, and red uni-directional rotating bezel, offering a retro-sporty aesthetic suitable for daily wear.
A standout feature is the vintage-style stick-shaped hour and minute hands, echoing the design of its predecessors. The meticulous attention to detail in the bezel design reflects Seiko’s commitment to honoring its heritage while incorporating modern enhancements.
Under the hood, the watch is powered by Seiko’s automatic 4R36 movement, a successor to the legendary 7S26 caliber. Renowned for its robustness, the 4R36 offers manual winding and hacking capabilities, providing a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and is visible through the screw-down see-through caseback, adding a touch of sophistication.
With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, the SRPK13 is well-equipped for everyday adventures. The stainless steel bracelet ensures durability, while the locking tri-fold push-button release clasp offers secure and comfortable wear.
The Seiko 5 Sports series has a rich history. In the 1960s, Seiko introduced innovations that challenged Swiss watchmaking, notably with the Grand Seiko line in 1960. However, the Seiko 5 series, launched in 1963, aimed to bring mechanical watchmaking to a wider audience. The name “Seiko 5” signifies five key features: Diashock (Seiko’s proprietary shock-resistant system), Diaflex mainspring (an ultra-durable mainspring), automatic winding, water resistance, and a day/date display. These attributes, combined with affordable pricing, have garnered a vast following over the years.
In summary, the Seiko SRPK13 5 Sports Series 55th Anniversary Limited Edition “Regatta” pays homage to its storied past while embracing modern advancements. It’s a testament to Seiko’s enduring legacy in the world of watchmaking.
The Seiko SRPK13 is a special edition timepiece commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Seiko 5 Sports series. Below are its detailed specifications:
Movement:
- Caliber Number: 4R36
- Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding capability
- Power Reserve: Approximately 41 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Functions:
- Day/Date display
- Stop second-hand function (hacking)
Case and Band:
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46.0mm
- Crystal: Curved Hardlex
- LumiBrite: Applied on hands, indices, and bezel
- Band: Stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp and secure lock
- Distance Between Lugs: 22mm
Other Details:
- Water Resistance: 10 bar (100 meters / 330 feet)
- Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
- Weight: 165.0g
- Case Back: See-through and screw-down, featuring “SPECIAL EDITION” engraving
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel with black, white, and red accents
- Dial: Black with blue and green accents; includes a red-orange second hand and luminous hands and markers
This timepiece draws inspiration from the late-1960s Seiko model 6119-6050, blending vintage aesthetics with modern specifications.
Cheers!
Kaan