Today’s new watches are likely to please fans of fun and playful divers. That’s because Rowing Blazers is back with a pair of cool new Seiko 5 sports watches. Naturally, our friend Eric Wind of Wind Vintage helped with the design. Let’s take a look at these cool new numbers.
It must be love, because our article is dedicated to a pair of watches that mark the fourth time that Rowing Blazers, Seiko and Wind Vintage have teamed up. Yes, the colorful yet elegant New York-based clothing brand is also marketing some seriously fun watches. In fact, previous debuts usually sold out immediately upon release. As we’ll see, the latest models add other colors to the previous edition, but that’s not all. This time there are two case sizes available.
Seiko 5 Sports × Wind Vintage × Diver Rowing Blazers
The triumvirate returns with a pair of bold Seiko 5 Sports “5KX” divers. One model, the green SRPM21, has a stainless steel case measuring 38 x 44.2 x 12.1 mm, while the second model, the blue SRPM19, has an external size of 42.5 x 46 x 13.4 mm. The shape of each is familiar and has its roots in the quartz number 7548 of the late 1970s. What’s more well known, however, is that when the current Seiko 5 Sports line debuted in 2019, it replaced the much-loved SKX007 model. Of course, since these are Seiko 5 models, the emphasis is on affordability, reliability and fun. Therefore, the nominal depth for each is 100 meters.
How are these watches different?
The dark green 38mm model features aged lumibrite on the indexes, hour and minute hands, while the wide seconds hand is adorned with red and silver stripes. As usual, the Rowing Blazers logo is located on the lower half of the dial. Coming from Hardlex mineral glass, the signature feature is the green and silver checkered bezel. This piece takes its name from the popular and popular sports diver series released by Seiko in the late 1960s. You can read more about one of my favorite models here. Moving on, the crown is at the desired position just above 4 o’clock.
Inside we find the familiar Seiko 4R36 automatic. It is visible through the screw-down back cover of the display case. The mineral glass lens depicts the motif and characteristics of the Bath Club Rowing Blazers and celebrates the connection to Wind Vintage.
In terms of accessories, the 38mm piece comes on the brand’s famous Oyster-style bracelet with a push-button folding clasp and a contrasting blue NATO strap. Seiko will produce 2,500 examples of this model, each individually numbered on the case back. The price is set at US$495.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPM19 42.5mm
For those who like a wider presence, perhaps SRPM19 will be more suitable. This watch follows a similar path to its little brother, but has a different color scheme. Instead of green, this model has an attractive shade of blue. Yes, it’s fair to say it’s love at first sight!
The dial also features aged lumibrite. However, it appears lighter due to the distinct bright blue background. I might also like the classic blue rally bezel. It reminds me of some vintage Rally Divers watches with a silver dial.
In terms of internals, the same 4R36 movement is borrowed from other Seiko 5 Sports models and today’s aforementioned 38mm model. Likewise, the watch comes with a steel bracelet, but in this case a green NATO strap. Once again, production is limited to 2,500 pieces and prices are quoted at US$495.
Availability and latest comments
The Seiko 5 Sports × Wind Vintage × Rowing Blazers Divers releases today at 11:00 AM EST. These watches will be available at the Rowing Blazers flagship store in New York and on the brand’s website. In addition, the Seiko USA website will feature both models. Overall, I expect this watch to be a success just like previous releases. They are attractive, relatively affordable and interesting. Plus, production runs seem large enough to avoid instant sellout, which is a nice change of pace. Such collaborations have proven quite popular in the past. What do you think of these latest models?
Watch specifications
Link
SRPM21 (green) / SRPM19 (blue)
Clock face
Green or blue with applied indexes, beige lumibrite on hands and markers, day and date window.
Housing material
316L stainless steel with green/silver or blue/silver aluminum bezel insert
Case dimensions
38.0 mm (diameter) × 44.2 mm (tip-to-tip) × 12.1 mm (thickness) (SRPM21) / 42.5 mm (diameter) × 46 mm (tip-to-tip) × 13.4 mm (thickness) (SRPM19)
back cover
316L Stainless Steel with Hardlex Crystals, Screw-in
Movement
Seiko 4R36: automatic, manual winding with stopwatch, frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz), power reserve 41 hours, 24 jewels.
Waterproof
10 bar (100 meters)
Belt
Three-row 316L stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, safety lock and push-button release; Includes optional blue NATO (SRPM21) or green NATO (SRPM19) strap
Functions
Time (hours, minutes, seconds), day of week, date, 60-minute unidirectional bezel
Special Note(s)
Limited edition, individually numbered to 2,500 pieces per model.