One criticism levelled at Seiko on occasion is that they’ve left behind their affordable roots – creating watches that cost £1,000 – £2,500 instead of the couple of hundred they were previously known for. However, with the launch of the new 5 Sports SKX SNZH they have reinforced their commitment to accessible mechanical watchmaking. Introducing two new colours to one of their most versatile sports watches: 5 Sports SKX SNZH Formal White and Tweed Green. We’ve also been hands-on with the green edition.
The 5 Sports SKX SNZH is a 42.5mm x 14.2mm steel sports watch built to tackle any occasion. Whether you’re partaking in sport yourself or sitting on the side-lines as a spectator. The steel construction makes it nice and robust with good scratch resistance and the 100m water resistance rating will keep it safe from heavy rain or an accidental spill into a swimming pool. Strapping on the Tweed Green edition, the crown position at 4 o’clock also means that the crown doesn’t dig into the back of your hand during activities, particularly useful for cycling.
While the watch is sporty in its nature, both of the new colourways are inspired by more refined and elegant concepts. Formal White pairs the titular white dial with yellow gold coloured accents across the hands, hour markers and 60-minute bezel scale while the bezel itself offers a point of contrast with its black insert.
The Tweed Green is similarly restrained but with rose gold coloured accents and a tone-on-tone green bezel to match the sunray brushed dial. The green tone is a little bit darker in the metal than the press images appear, but when the lighting hits it just right, it really comes to life thanks to that brushed finish. Both colourways feel appropriate for those more prestigious sporting events: courtside at Wimbledon or in the stands at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Turning over the 5 Sports SKX SNZH Tweed Green reveals an exhibition caseback and the calibre 4R36 (the same movement is also used in the Formal White). A staple movement within Seiko’s stable offering a 41-hour power reserve and operating at a 3 Hz frequency. Nothing too fancy and that’s a good thing because it makes it easy to repair if anything ever goes wrong and it also helps keep the watch affordable.
Speaking of which, the new 5 Sports SKX SNZH Formal White and Tweed Green are each priced at £340. For a mechanical watch that’s extremely reasonable. I wouldn’t be surprised given the substantial size of the watch that the majority of that price is from the steel alone. It really does offer everything you could want from an affordable sports watch, bold wrist presence, practical specifications and enough versatility to be worn in the office.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seiko.
