Seiko "stealth" SRPD79k1 review

Hey Watch Enthusiast! 

It took me a long time to finally decide to review watches and write about my interest in them, because, well why would any sane person talk about watches. But then I realized not everyone has to, because some of us are drawn to watches and there is just no explanation as to why. This blog is precisely for those people who collect watches or would love to start collecting them. Do mind that I’m a relatively inexperienced watch collector who is still learning, and would love to share what I learn with you guys.​​​

So, for my first post I’m going to be reviewing my very first serious purchase into the watch world. The Seiko SRPD79k1. Those close to me would have seen this watch on me, mostly cause it’s almost always on my wrist, and I’ve owned this for close to a year now. It’s on my wrist as I write this post! ​​​

The campaign ad I came across (copyright of seiko).

Let’s talk about how I came across this watch. I had been interested in watches since I was very young, and I always hoped to start collecting them once I started to earn. Mechanical watches in particular are fascinating, the complexity and craftmanship that goes into making a mechanical watch are absolutely beautiful. Just as I was considering purchasing a watch, I come across an ad from Seiko for the street series. In that moment, it was the most beautiful watch I had seen in a long time (kudos to their photography maybe?). I immediately start scouring the internet trying to find where I could purchase it from. I’ve always admired Seiko watches and had watched enough reviews and read through dozens of articles to know the workmanship and skill that goes into each of their watches. From where I come from, brands such as Casio, Titan, Fossil, Armani, etc. are more popular, Seiko is a watch for purists and is relatively unknown. ​​​

I still can’t forget how crazed I was while searching everywhere like a madman, I even checked with the Seiko India page to see if they had stock, but they didn’t have any clue since they’re relatively new here and had less volume readily available. I would be on the internet every few minutes searching for some sign of where I could get it, for a whole 3 days. I’d even think about it in my sleep. Then all of a sudden, a ray of hope, the search shows up a result in the titan helios site, having stock of 1 single piece of this watch. I had never heard of their site and honestly, I was a bit excited and cautious. I didn’t care about the price in the least honestly, thankfully it was within my purchasing power. As such I was still worried cause this was not a small sum of money for me and I didn’t want to end up getting cheated. I know me best and when it comes to things I like, I can be irrational and hasty in my choices. ​​​

I manage to reign in my emotions and took a step back to properly evaluate the site, but I had to do it fast since there was just the one piece (more did come a while later but like I said I’m quite hasty).  So I called up the Helios store that had the watch in stock and I discussed with the store clerk about whether they had the watch and if he could share photos and videos to ensure it’s the genuine thing and they were very helpful and responded quickly. The whole purchase barely took a few minutes with their help. They were very professional. I would definitely be buying from there again if I find something I like in stock. ​​​

Then came the waiting, I could barely focus on anything else but when it would arrive. It arrived a day earlier than scheduled, and now came the moment of truth.

I open the package partly anxious and partly excited, my very first AUTOMATIC watch. I had dreamed about this moment for ages and now it had finally come! 

Inside the box

The box was slightly damaged cause they use the cardboard packaging, I thought it was a metal box when I saw the early reviews. On opening the box, there were a bunch of papers for the warranty and instructions and finally, the watch itself. A moment of relief! The very first thing you notice is the glass, Seiko’s signature hardlex crystal, which is tough and beautiful. Sure, it’s not sapphire, which would’ve been nice but hardlex is pretty durable as well. I could just replace that later if I end up scratching the hardlex. One thing Seiko doesn’t lack is parts, there’s tons of parts available through third party companies, that enthusiasts could work with to design their own custom watch. The very next thing you notice is the new “superman” 5 logo which I think looks pretty neat over the classic 5. The Seiko 5 series indicates that the watch meets the following standards:​​​

1. An automatic movement​​​
2. A day date complication​​​
3. Adequate water resistance​​​
4. Durable case and strap​​​
5. Crown at 4 o clock position​​​

The entire watch is absolutely black, case, strap, dial, bezel, and even indices. Which is why it has earned the name “Stealth” among the Seiko community (I have a huge weakness for the color black). The only thing I wish could have been better would be a DLC case instead of the PVD one. I’ve already gotten a few scratches on the case from light knocks. Most people would worry about the readability, but I would not classify it as difficult to read under low lighting. Why? Because of the amazing contrast that the metal lining provides by catching even the smallest light. Although it does come with Lumibrite, the lume is hidden under the black layers and doesn’t last very long.​​​

The lume at full charge. Dissipates pretty quickly though

Wrist shot on a Sunday with the bright red telling you that the weekend is over

The watch wears nicely even though it is 42.5mm in diameter, it doesn’t look as large as its dimensions imply. The thickness comes in at 13.4 mm which again doesn’t look as big on the wrist. I did have my reservations about the nato strap though. It’s my first time trying on a nato strap. I couldn’t particularly find anything impressive about natos, until I wore one. It is amazingly versatile and unexpectedly comfortable. ​​​

Turn the watch over and you have a beautiful display case back that show cases the new 4r36 movement. It has a power reserve of 41 hours, which is enough to get you through a day without wearing it. The accuracy isn't too bad either. But the biggest plus point is the hacking and handwinding, that is a definite upgrade over the outdated 7s36. A display case back always gets points from me. Now, certain people would argue that there’s no practicality in a dive watch with a case back, but never once has this been advertised as a dive watch. It is a practical daily wear watch, and for that, 100m of water resistance is plenty. This confusion mainly arises due to the similarity it shares with the now discontinued SKX line.

Screw down display case back housing the 4r36 movement 

I’ve been wearing this watch as my every day watch and still love it just as much as the day I got it. It’s an absolutely beautiful piece which makes a fine purchase. As they say, you can’t go wrong with a Seiko!

Thank you for reading through this far, please let me know your comments and if you've had similar experiences! ;) ​​​

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