Seiko 5 Sports 1968 Re-creation (SRPL03 / SRPL05) — back to the first 5 Sports

Where 5 Sports began

Seiko 5 Sports began in 1968 as an affordable automatic tough enough for active use. For the 55th anniversary Seiko released several re-creations of the first model — first the SRPK17, limited to 15,555 pieces (July 2023), then the Heritage Design Re-creation series in mid-2024 covered here.

How it differs from today’s 5 Sports

• A 38.5 mm case, 12.4 mm thick, 44.8 mm lug to lug — clearly smaller than current 5 Sports, sized and shaped as close to the original as possible.
• Some details updated for everyday comfort, such as the lug shape and crown size.
• The original 5 Sports logo returns at 12 o’clock, with SPORTS at 6 o’clock.
• A rotating bezel with hash marks from 12 to 3, like sports watches of the era.

Specifications

• Automatic calibre 4R36, hand-winding, about 41 hours power reserve
• Hardlex crystal · 100 m water resistance · date
• Case back marked Limited Edition with a serial number out of 9,999
• SRPL03 silver dial · SRPL05 black dial

Price and where to buy

It launched at US$450 in the United States. In Thailand the SRPL05 lists at ฿18,000; Thai dealers sell the SRPL05 new at around ฿15,900 and the SRPL03 at around ฿15,300. It is one of very few limited 5 Sports at this size — the most direct way to get the vintage look without the risks of a 50-year-old watch.