Seiko 5 Sports SBSA028 Review: The Rose Gold SRPD76, Made In Japan

The Seiko SRPD76’s Case

The SRPD76 possesses a stainless steel case that has been coated in a rose gold-toned material. Seiko doesn’t specify what type of coating this is nor how it is applied (e.g. PVD or DLC) though if their other coated models are used as reference, this should be some sort of “hard coating.”

The lustrous coating is undoubtedly intended to invoke rose gold or red gold, and I think it performs this function well. As with all coated-metal watches, the critical question is how long the coating may last. Judging by Seiko’s reputation for making dependable timepieces, I’d expect it to be quite durable.

As far as dimensions, those of the SRPD76’s case are as follows:

• 42.5mm in diameter
• 46mm lug-to-lug
• 13.4mm thick
• 22mm strap size (between the lugs)

Even though the rose gold coating is unconventional within the 5 Sports ranks, the finish on the case is not. It still possesses the trademark brushed finish on top of the lugs and high-polish on the case flank and crown guard.

The lugs also have lug holes that not only make changing straps a breeze but also protect the aforementioned coating from errant tools.

Undirectional Diver’s Bezel

The bezel on the SRPD76 matches the gold-toned coating of the case and also has a knurled texture around its outside circumference. This aids in turning the bezel by improving the grip. Nevertheless, I found the unidirectional diver’s bezel to turn smoothly with a satisfactory click, even right out of the box.

Secured by the bezel is a black bezel insert with a silver diver’s scale. And lastly, the face of the watch is protected by a proprietary Seiko scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal.

5 Sports SRPD76 Dial Details

The dial on this SRPD76 is a jet black color and is adorned by applied hour indices. Each individual index appears to be a similar rose gold-tone with a polished finish; each is also generously filled with white lume.

In the daylight, the white tone contrasts handsomely against the black dial and, in low-light, the green LumiBrite shines through for continued legibility in all conditions.

The hands at center are likewise gold-toned with a mirror-polish finish and matching lume. At 3 o’clock there’s also the calendar window that displays day and date with black text on a white background.

Finally, surrounding the entire face of the watch is a minute track with silver minute markings. This “structure”, being pitched or slanted inwards towards the dial, does a great job of giving the face of the watch significant depth.

Silicone “Fusion” Strap

The strap on the SRPD76 is reminiscent of the fusion concept pioneered by Hublot Big Bang watches. That is, the amalgamation of casual and formal materials to create a hybrid look. More specifically, it has an alligator leather top component that is stitched onto a silicone bottom piece. Ther’s also a rose gold tang buckle that secures it around the wrist.

As you can imagine, the alligator used here is likely not genuine alligator hide, or at least it’s not advertised as such. However, it has been nicely executed and not without reason – it extends the sporty-yet-formal theme that is encountered throughout and which I alluded to briefly in the introduction.

I’m a big fan of these be silicone straps that are used on Seiko 5 Sports watches. They’re incredibly light and flexible which makes for very comfortable wear, even over extended periods. I didn’t find the performance to be negatively affected by the presence of the alligator insert on top, but I also didn’t expect it to.

SRPD76 Movement

The movement beating inside this SRPD76, as will all new Seiko 5 Sports watches, is the self-winding/automatic Seiko 4R36 caliber. The movement, which can be admired via the see-through caseback, has an attractive brushed finish that is much more than one could expect for a watch at this price point.

Evidently, Seiko knew the watch nerds (such as myself) would be closely inspecting the movement through the caseback, so it was worthwhile to make it look pretty. It’s a relatively small detail but one that I’m sure impacted the bottom line and which I’m very appreciative of.

As far as technical specifications, the 4R36 movement has:

• 24 jewels
• 41-hour power reserve
• Hacking seconds/Stop-seconds
• Wind via the crown
• +45s/-35s per day accuracy

Since for this review I had the reference SBSA028, AKA the Made in Japan version, this text is printed on the crystal covering the movement. Though, as previously mentioned, where the watch is manufactured has no effect on mechanical performance or aesthetics.

Seiko SRPD76 Review On-the-Wrist

All in all, I found the SRPD76 to be an exceptional watch.

It goes without saying that the entire Seiko 5 Sports collection leans towards more casual styling. And yet, with the SRPD76, it becomes clear that this timepiece platform can easily be adjusted to fit into a formal role.

All of the aspects that make 5 Sports watches (and the SKX it replaced) successful are still there. And yet, with a few small tweaks, Seiko produces a watch that can easily be worn in more ceremonial settings.

If you had been holding back from purchasing a Seiko 5 Sports because they were “too sporty,” I can easily recommend the SRPD76. The watch’s looks are quite regal while retaining the durability that has kept Seiko watches on wrists for more than a century.

Further Reading

Let us know your thought in the comments below! And if you’re hungry for more horology, check out the links below:

• Japanese Watch Brands That Thrived In The Quartz Crisis
• A Night Of Fine Japanese Watches & Whisky – Grand Seiko Event
• Longines Legend Diver Watch Review
• Seiko Watch History
• Watches Homepage