Over time the Seiko Prospex collection has been steadily moving into a more luxury segment of the market, but at the same time, the Japanese brand has no intention of leaving their traditional hyper accessible watches behind. That’s what the 5 Sports collection is all about, cheerful watches that you can wear when out and about without needing to be too precious about them. Case in point, the brand new 5 Sports Field Explorer collection, which we have been hands-on with.
The 5 Sports Field is a classic model within the collection and is arguably the most quintessential version of the watch stripped back to 36mm – 40mm case sizes with time and date functions. Ready to tackle the challenges of everyday adventures and life in the field. The new Field Explorer is a slightly more specialised tool. It’s a bit bigger at 41mm, a new sizing for the collection, and introduces a bi-directional compass bezel.
You can read our full guide to using your wristwatch as a compass here, but the quick summary is that by aligning the hour hand with the sun, the halfway point between the hour hand and 12 o’clock is south. A compass bezel lets you set that direction and take a bearing for the next stage of your journey more accurately. The knurled grip along the edge of the Field Explorer’s bezel makes it easy to rotate and satisfying to use, ideal for a spot of orienteering.
The increased size is also appreciated. It gives the watch a bulkier tool watch aesthetic compared to the sleekness of the standard field watches. That’s paired with a curved hardlex crystal and 100m water resistance for a suitably durable adventure watch without specialising too far into dive watch territory that would require even more complex case architecture and make the watch significantly more expensive.
On the wrist, it’s well sized and sits comfortably, especially on the Cordura fabric strap, which helps keep it relatively lightweight. The version we have here is the brown edition which gives it quite a military vibe, akin to the IWC Mojave series. It’s also available in a khaki green as well as the more traditional black and white for a total of four variations. Notably the black and white are presented on steel bracelets, not the Cordura strap.
Turning over the watch reveals an exhibition caseback, which is something of a surprise for a watch dedicated to adventure and practicality. At this point though exhibition casebacks are very common even at accessible levels of watchmaking, so it’s not that wild to see. Through the window you can view the Seiko 4R36 automatic movement with 41-hour power reserve. A staple of the 5 Sports collection.
For pricing, the Seiko 5 Sports Field Explorer is £360 on bracelet and £340 on Cordura strap. At that price it’s a great entry-level mechanical watch for new collectors or those working on a tighter budget as well as ideal for a summer adventure watch for collectors who enjoy more active lifestyles. It’s not going to be the centrepiece of your collection but it will be a reliable companion on your journeys.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seiko.
Design is okay, but Domed Hardlex: HELL NO!
Seiko need to read the room. It’s 2026. You can buy a microbrand and get sapphire, ceramic bezel insert and a better bracelet, for half the price.
I love these type of value seikos!. Field watches are functional tools and the bezel being added to the line is a really nice welcome!.now it would make to much sense to add numbers to the bezel so it can also be used to time things as well. Much more function in that in this day in age. You can still use the compass as well , just add numbers and I’m sold!
The numbers are on the dial. Less is more.
You realise you can use any watch to time anything. It’s kinda the point of watches.