Seiko’s 5 Sports GMT within its SKX Series is one of the best budget GMT watches available.
As is often the case with Seiko, the 5 Sports GMT (Ref. SSK001) and (Ref. SSK003) watches mimic Rolex designs. They’re not abhorrent clones or replicas, which directly copy Rolex designs. They simply mimic the bezel colorways of the ultra-popular Rolex GMT-Master II “Bruce Wayne” and “Batgirl,” respectively.
You can’t expect Swiss-level precision from the movement (these are rated at 35/+45 seconds per day), perfect bezel alignment, or high value retention. However, you can expect low entry price points and reliable functionality and durability. These Seiko 5 GMTs retail for $475 in the US market, and we’ve seen them listed as low as $250, underscoring the value.
The Seiko 5 Sports GMT SSK001 and SSK003 are presented in 42.5 mm x 13.6 mm stainless steel cases, and have a 46 mm lug-to-lug, with a 22 mm lug width, and come fitted with an integrated, stamped stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp.
To keep the cost down, Seiko uses a Hardlex crystal, which is a hardened mineral crystal glass that’s cheaper than sapphire. There’s also a magnifying lens over the date, a la Rolex.
The Seiko 5 GMT is a caller (or office) GMT, meaning you can independently set the GMT/24-hour hand, and is powered by Seiko’s 24-jewel automatic Magic Lever-equipped bidirectional winding 3Hz movement, which has a 41-hour power reserve and offers hand winding and stop seconds.
With the steel bracelet, the Seiko 5 Sports GMT weighs 161 grams. And while this is not a diver’s watch, it features a screw-down crown at 4 o’clock, a screw-in caseback, and is water-resistant rated to a depth of 100 meters.
Compared to something like a mechanical Swatch movement, I would take one of these 10 times out of 10, because the movements are durable and serviceable. Everything is industrialized, and very little, if any, of the manufacturing processes are done by hand. However, you get a lot considering the price you pay, so yes, they’re a good value.
Learn more at Seiko.
Photo by Seiko.
