Of the dozens of different 5 Sports models that have been released by Seiko since their introduction in 2019, perhaps none is so burdened to succeed as the SRPD53. That’s because the SRPD53 is essentially the direct replacement of the beloved Seiko SKX009 “Pepsi”.
The SRPD53 has already earned a new nickname, the 5KX “Pepsi,” and it has made SKX purists across the globe collectively lose their minds. However if you, as I, are not scared of change and revisions, then you’ll quickly realize the 5KX “Pepsi” is a superior timepiece in most regards. I delve into those aspects and more in this review via the following sections:
The watch reviewed in this post is the reference SBSA003. What this reference indicates is that the watch is an SRPD53 made entirely in Japan. Except for minimal “Made in Japan” indications, the SBSA003 and the SRPD53 are the same exact watch.
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Watch The Video Review
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD53 (SBSA003) Specs & Price
- Style: Sports
- Case Diameter: 42.5mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Seiko Hardlex
- Water Resistance: 100M / 330ft
- Dial: Blue Sunray, Lumed (Green LumiBrite)
- Bracelet: Stainless Steel, 3-Link
- Movement: Seiko 4R36, Automatic
- 41-Hour Power Reserve
- Day & Date
- Hacking/Stop Seconds Function
- Wind via Crown
- Retail Price: $295
The Seiko SRPD53’s Case
The Seiko 5 SRPD53 has a case that is virtually identical to that of the SKX it replaced. More specifically, the dimensions are:
- 42.5mm diameter
- 46mm lug-to-lug
- 13.4mm thick
- 22mm strap size (between the lugs)
Like all other 5 Sports models, this 5KX Pepsi boasts a satin finish on the top part of the case and lugs. Contrasting that brushed finish are the high-polish case flanks and crown guard.
The SRPD53 also has lugs holes, a feature that can at first sound trivial. However, these are vital for a watch as versatile as this one where you could theoretically use a different strap each day of the week. With the lug holes, you can change straps in less than a minute and avoid the lug scratches that many watch collectors already know and dread.
Bezel Details
The SRPD53’s bezel, like the case, is polished steel that has been enhanced with a knurled texture to improve grip. Cradled within said bezel is the two-tone bezel insert that, if it wasn’t obvious already, earns the watch the nickname “Pepsi” due to the blue/red color scheme.
This being a diver’s bezel, it rotates unidirectionally (120 clicks) and is graded with silver numerals.
5 Sports SRPD53 Dial Details
In the dial department is where the SRPD53 starts to shine. The watch has a royal blue dial with a sunray texture that radiates beautifully under direct light. On the other hand, in the shade, the dial is closer to a deep blue tone that is just as appealing.
Applied on the dial are large hour indices with a polished finish, each individually filled with white lume that glows bright green at night. The hands at center axis have a matching polished finish and are also filled with tons of lume. Moreover, surrounding the entire dial is a raised minute track imprinted with silver minute markings.
Not to be forgotten is the wide rectangular aperture at 3 o’clock that displays the day and date wheels. These are black text on a white background that makes them very easy to read.
Finally, the entire face of the watch is protected by a Seiko Hardlex crystal that is scratch and shatter-resistant, two qualities that no sports watch should ever lack. On the back, there’s also a crystal that offers a view into the movement, though I could not find its composition publicly advertised on the web.
Stainless Steel Bracelet
The stainless steel bracelet on this SRPD53 is one of two bracelet options within the new 5 Sports collection, though this 3-link variety is the only one offered with the SRPD53. Interestingly enough, it is quite reminiscent of the Rolex Oyster bracelet much in the same way that many SKX models were sold on Jubilee-style bands.
The bracelet’s surface finish matches that of the case; that is to say, it is satin-finish on top with mirror-polished sides. This can also be said of the deployant clasp that itself has a double push-button release system as well as a “fold over” component. These leave few doubts that once the watch is on your wrist, no unintended motions will be able to take it off.
SRPD53 Movement
Another significant upgrade encountered in the SRPD53 is the machine beating within – the Seiko 4R36 self-winding movement. This is an automatic caliber with 41 hours power reserve and 24 jewels. The accuracy is rated to +45s/-35s per day which I find appropriate for a timepiece in this price category.
The movement also boasts some functions that are indiscernible to the naked eye. First, there’s a stop-seconds or hacking function, which allows the time to be set precisely to a reference time zone. Second, the movement may be hand-wound directly via the crown. The latter is a common feature of modern calibers and one that significantly lessened the convenience of the previous SKX009.
Unfortunately, this new feature came at a cost – the crown no longer screws into the case. This decreases the depth rating of the SRPD53 to 100m or 330ft of depth. In my experience, this degree of waterproofness is plenty though some have taken it as a sign of poor execution on behalf of Seiko. I couldn’t disagree more.
Seiko 5 SRPD53 Review
If the introduction to this blog didn’t already convey my bias for the new 5KX Pepsi over the old SKX Pepsi, then surely by this point it’s more than clear. I also believe it’s justified.
On the wrist, the SRPD53 just wears like a modern watch. The case dimensions are indeed the same but the watch just feels better. I find it to be less bulky and sleeker. Perhaps it’s the new bracelet, or the new dial, or the new movement; perhaps it’s all of these upgrades combined. Upgrades that I genuinely believe place it more than just a single step above its predecessor.
"A modernized version of the beloved SKX009, this 5KX Pepsi is certain to generate its own devoted following."
Further Reading
What do you think of the new 5KX Pepsi? Do you prefer it over the SKX? Let me know in the comments. Otherwise, check out some of our most popular watch pages below:
Watch Content
Exact desciption, far better than the SKX with better mvt
Just mod it anbd it’s done !
Even without modding, it’s a great watch. Though there’s nothing quite like making it your own with a couple of mods.
Rafael
Very well written review MR. Dominguez. A very nice watch in its class. It is not an upper end luxury time piece nor is it trying to be. It’s comfortable, functional and the case, bezel, dial and accompanying bracelet are very appealing to the eye without over doing it. The fact that the crown does not screw into the case was not a deal breaker to me as I have no plans taking it underwater. Others may find fault with that omission in its design though.
It is a good value for its price.
Hey Smitty!
I agree with all of your points – for the retail price (can be found cheaper in new condition on sites like eBay), it’s difficult to find better value anywhere else. With regards to the downsides (no screw-down, WR “only” 100m), I guess it’s a personal decision, but for most folks I don’t see how it’d be truly detrimental.
Rafael
I happen to be in Japan on vacation and saw an advertisement featuring this watch and had to have it. I found your review very insightful. I’m very happy with my purchase. The watch retails for 40,700 Yen and I got it tax free for 37,000 Yen at the time of purchase ($284 usd).
Alex,
It’s great to hear that you found this review helpful! I’m glad you’re happy with your new SBSA003 – it’s a great piece that will surely bring you joy for many years. I can’t remember how much we paid for this one when we purchased it through ebay, I believe it may have been somewhere around $300, so it seems like you got a solid deal.
Rafael
Excellent review its seems to be what I am experiencing while wearing this timepiece exactly is painted here
Glad you enjoyed this review, and we hope you continue to enjoy your SRPD53!
Rafael
This is the first watch I have ever bought and got it for a great deal on eBay. This article convinced me to get it and have loved every minute wearing it.
Hey Ryan,
Really glad to hear that my review helped you find a watch you love!
Rafael
Hi Rafael, thanks for referring me to this review in the YouTube comments! Great read and I’m certain that I’ll pick the Pepsi over the black 005!
Really looking forward to owning another JDM watch. :)
Thanks for helping me making a choice without saying “you need to but this or the other”.
Much appreciated.
Hey Robin,
Really glad I could help! I hope you enjoy your new watch. Let me know if you have any other questions, either here or on the YouTube comments.
Best,
Rafael
I have had my SRPD53 since February and love it, your review fits it and it fits your review.
Many thanks Garry! I hope you continue to enjoy wearing your SRPD53.
Rafael
This is my third Seiko watch. The first being a Sportura kinetic GMT. The second a Sumo Solar GMT ( the green version) and lastly the Sport 5 Pepsi ( the international version as i live in South Africa) i found your review to be accurate, unbiased and comprehensive.
It justified my purchase .Thank you.
Hey Jan,
Sounds like you’ve got a very healthy collection – I hope you enjoy it very much! Thanks as well for your feedback.
Best,
Rafael