The 38mm SKX Returns: Seiko 5 SRPK31 Review PLUS A Bracelet Upgrade (Uncle Straps/Seiko)

In a world of iconic dive watches like the Rolex Submariner. Omega Speedmaster, and the Tudor Black Bay, the Seiko SKX is right there with them. The SKX007, SKX009, and the midsize SKX013 were the classic three of its time, however, they were discontinued. In time though, Seiko re-released the SKX in the form of the Seiko 5 SRPD line but we were still waiting for the re-release of the smaller SKX. Seiko answered the call in April.
Seiko announced the new 38mm Seiko 5 SRPK29 (black dial/black bezel), SRPK31 (cream dial/gray bezel), SRPK33 (teal dial/black bezel), and SRPK35 (orange dial/black bezel). These immediately caught my eye due to my love of the SKX013 that I own, so I had to order one to see what it’s like for myself.
In this video, I’m going to get into all the details you need to know about the new release: the dimensions, how it wears on the wrist, the dial, case, bezel, and of course the original oem bracelet and the incredible bracelet I swapped it out for from Uncle Straps. Overall this has been a fantastic change of pace and a very special experience.
YOU CANNOT GET A SEIKO 1450 BRACELET because it uses the Seiko fatboy spring bars. You need a 1450 bracelet that goes onto a watch with normal spring bars. Mine is for the BB58. (links are in the description, for some reason I cant add hyperlinks at the moment)
unclestraps.com/products/us1450-president-bracelet-for-the-tudor-black-bay-58?variant=44287685198057
unclestraps.com/products/us1450-president-bracelet-for-the-omega-speedmaster?variant=39764065190076
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AWESOME STUFF- I own and love every product listed so I want to spread the love!
The strapcode beads of rice bracelet on my SSK GMT: amzn.to/3GAURso
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$20 Coupon Code for TWI viewers: THEWATCH (if it doesn’t work use SN049GNEW20)
Link to the San Martin SN008-G (BB58 Homage): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_m0HVaJU
Link to the San Martin SN021-G (1016 Homage): bit.ly/3G6DGOm
Link to the San Martin SN007 (62MAS Homage): s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mNsB3aI
Link to the San Martin Store: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_mrefIvs
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TIME STAMPS:
The 38mm SRPK31 - 00:00
Dimensions And On The Wrist - 00:51
The Dial - 02:57
The Case And Bezel - 05:18
The Bracelet - 07:34
DIMENSIONS:
Case width: 37.9mm
Lug width: 20mm
US Bracelet at clasp: 16.0mm
Bracelet taper: 4mm
Lug to lug: 43.7mm
Bezel width: 36.7mm
Dial width: 27.4mm
Case thickness: 12.1mm
Midcase thickness: 6.1mm
Bezel height: 3.3mm
Crown diameter: 6.0mm
Crown height: 3.9mm
Weight: with bracelet: 111 grams
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Hardlex
Movement: Seiko 4R36
Power reserve: 41 hours
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[@thewatchidiot]

You need a 1450 bracelet that goes onto a watch with normal spring bars. Mine is for the BB58. You cannot get any of the 1450 bracelets for Seiko because they all use Seiko fatboy spring bars. (links are in the description, for some reason I cant add hyperlinks at the moment)

[@-x171-]

How do i know which bracelet will fit the original end link of my srpk29 just like it did on yours? You only mentioned the spring bar size which has to be normal spring bars (1.8mm) I‘m not looking to drop $150 on the bracelet you linked. Uncle straps sells a presidential bracelet for seiko sarb for example for $80 and it also uses 1.8mm spring bars. But how do i know if it will fit?

[@thewatchidiot]

Hey in this comment I mention that my 1450 bracelet is for the BB58! And I specified that it has to be a 1450 bracelet so unfortunately the president bracelet for the SARB won't work since it has narrower midlinks. The 1450 bracelet, at the moment, is only made for the Speedy, BB58, and some select Seiko Prospex models which is why I linked the only two versions that work here. I wish there were more versions available but hopefully Uncle Straps will release one for the SRPK at some point!

[@normang663]

That bracelet fits so nicely.

[@davenordsieck6444]

I got this watch for my wife with the teal dial, and it is 🔥 She loves it. That 1450 bracelet does look great and still very OEM, so I might have to grab that from my favorite Uncle!

[@WetLettuce-kc2qm]

It's a man's watch.

[@bruhreallybruh]

I got the orange 38mm. The gold hour markers and orange bezel markers makes it better looking.

[@SeikoLeaks]

love the kanji wheel

[@joshuavalbuena7795]

Hello, great video! I happen to stumble upon your video and you've definitely gained a new fan! That bracelet/watch combo is absolutely stunning! What an insight. I've recently gotten into collecting watches and had never thought of this lol. Question: If I buy the Seiko SRPK33 + the Bracelet for the BB58, I am sure to get two compatible products? I just wanna make sure i understood correctly as I am definitely getting this combo for myself. thank you!

[@jimwatchyyc]

Excellent review, thank you, this will help my buying decision!

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Hope you get one soon bc its an awesome watch!

[@ianmcfly31]

Would SKX013 aftermarket bracelets fit this watch? Like the strapcode ones.

[@joriz5869]

That bracelet really looks great on the watch, looks more OEM than the OEM 😂

[@timyoungnc]

Where'd you find the 38mm watch? I can't find it on Amazon yet. Great review. I hope they'll eventually offer a blue model.

[@gg2056]

Does the Uncle Seiko SRPK bracelet fits other Seiko 5s?

[@CarlosGallardoCandia]

Amazing review. I really like this watch and your combo with that bracelet. Question: the day wheel is black every day, or it’s light blue on Saturday and red on Sunday?

[@thewatchidiot]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the video and the watch/bracelet combo! Yes Saturday is light blue and Sunday is red and I love wearing it on those days for that reason😁

[@SpookyGhost61]

Best video on this watch on yt

[@scottydavid5543]

I think the original bracelet is fine. Its a very light and comfortable watch.

[@marcgirard7551]

Great video! That Uncle Straps 1450 bracelet seems like proof that watch makers of lower end watches shouldn’t be cheaping out

[@thewatchidiot]

Yes absolutely right, and that means Seiko can easily redesign some of their bracelets to step up the quality. Fingers crossed they do!

[@normang663]

Hey man, I really appreciate this video. After watching it? I got the exact same same setup, the cream dial with uncle seiko president bracelet. It looks so damn fine on my 6,4 inch wrist and this is the first time i have used an uncle seiko brwcelet, super comfy. Just the perfect look for an everyday watch for any ocassion

[@thewatchidiot]

So glad you enjoyed the video and are enjoying this watch and bracelet combo! Everytime I see the color of the dial and the handset I fa in love again. Seiko did a great job with this watch and I'm so happy that the bracelet just happened to work!

[@Anirossa]

If it was a good 50-100 euros less than the mechanical citizen promaster, I'd be interested in this model. Would love a mechanical prospex in this size, just thinner. I'd still wear my solar diver more though, love that watch.

[@earlbee3196]

Who knows I don’t know nobody knows.

[@antonius0809]

I love this watch, but I really wish I could change the bezel. Does anyone know whether there are compatible bezel mods out there?

[@whatisayoutube]

there are no compatible bezel mods, but bezels inserts are cross-compatible with the ones for the SKX0013

[@jamesbronson3347]

Seiko needs to start using sapphire crystals and ceramic bezels, they are the standard now.

[@simonwright6882]

These caught my attention before they released. Especially this colour way. I'm sure one wiil make it's way into the collection pretty soon.

[@thewatchidiot]

Same here I'm glad they made this cream/gray combo instead of white/black! Hope you get one soon I'm sure you'll love it

[@joaovideiracosta8549]

I bought this watch and I want to buy the same bracelet that you have. You can send me the link please?

[@thitinutthitirojjanawat7427]

Hi, where can I get 38mm seiko end link?

[@earlbee3196]

Who knows I don’t know nobody knows

[@UNDERGROUNDCALLING0161]

what is the watch at 2:47 black dial with rubber strap ?

[@kygreen1414]

it’s the same one but with a black face

[@JitinMisra]

I have a 6.5-6.75 wrist, should I get the 42 mm seiko or a 38mm? I’m also 6’ tall? It will be my first mechanical watch. I love the 42 mm in blue but doesn’t come in 38mm while 42mm might be too big 😢

[@Dehan.Y]

would reccomend trying it on in that case

[@WetLettuce-kc2qm]

38mm

[@resjon7981]

Seiko just need to make quartz versions like they did in the past then it's a go for me.

[@CocoKoi321]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@CocoKoi321]

GREAT JOKE

[@-x171-]

There literally is one. The SNE573 Solar Quartz Movement 38.5mm & just 10.5mm thick

[@centurio34]

I used to own the SRPD55, and I recently purchased the SRPK29. I can attest to the bracelet quality being the same - it’s adequate, but nothing to write home about.

[@thewatchidiot]

Ah ok thanks for info and that's sad to hear that they dropped the quality for at least these two Seiko 5s. The bracelet on the SNE is simple but the finishing is far better so I wish it was the same for this SRPK!

[@dcamnc1]

Nice watch but too small for me personally.

[@theromanwanderer8923]

Can I put this bracelet on the Peanuts edition?

[@mattwhiteberg7846]

We need 39mm Seiko Samurai! I believe in it, Seiko, please😂

[@thewatchidiot]

Oh man a 39mm samurai would be incredible, instant buy for me and hopefully they throw in a 39mm Shogun as well😁

[@hitsugayat10]

I totally support the idea, even a 40mm samurai is fine as the current one is too big for my puny 6.3inch wrist

[@_RJ_Z]

You my man should work for Seiko♥️

[@ianalviansyah5772]

bro its happening 😂

[@eugenevedensky6071]

I gotta wonder how this compares to an islander 38? Basically same proportions but upgraded materials, although the dial on this cream variant is very attractive

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah the islander definitely has a leg up on the crystal and bracelet. But for me I'm a sucker for the SKX indices so that plus the color combo it was an easy choice!

[@eugenevedensky6071]

@ktakahara9145 isn’t it basically the same case? Dimensions are almost the same.

[@AllanPhillips]

If it had the crown at the 3 o'clock position but slightly misaligned, it would quite rightly get slated. So how is it that when the crown's sort of at the 4 o'clock position but not quite no-one even mentions it?

[@paulus_siregar]

Originally, Seiko 5 has the "5 key attributes", one of which is the crown placement at 4 position

[@marvean2519]

Great review. Question, does the bracelet from Uncle Strap pull your hair? Saw a couple of reviews saying it was a hair puller.

[@thewatchidiot]

thanks Marvin! On my wrist it doesn't pull any hairs and is super comfortable. I've seen that different people have different experiences with the same bracelet perhaps based on the thickness of each hair? Depending on how wide the seam is on any given seam different hair thicknesses could get caught, thick hairs are too thick to get caught in tight tolerance bracelets that catch thinner hairs. Bigger gaps could catch thicker hairs while thinner hair passes through. Curly hair vs straighter hair perhaps. I'm sure this is a much longer answer than you were expecting lol but I've thought about this alot especially when the original Timex Q was pulling my wrist hair like crazy while it was the most comfortable bracelet for my friend!😬

[@marvean2519]

@@thewatchidiot I really appreciate it actually. That’s very informative. I was thinking of getting a jubilee for my dresskx and one for my bb36 but the hair pulling thing made me think twice. Thanks!

[@MorrisvdHaak]

I am going to Japan this summer and I really want to buy a black Seiko diver there. I am still not sure wheter I shall get the SRPK29k1 or the SNE573P1. What would you choose?

[@thewatchidiot]

Oh man that's a tough choice!! I love both of them very much and I'll actually be doing a video comparing this SRPK31 and my SNE569. But at the moment I really have no clue which I'd choose between your choices! If I really had to tho and without considering any of my current watches, I think I would choose the SRPK29 bc of how classically Seiko it is and it would be easier to dress up and down. But I absolutely love solar quartz movements as well and I like the modern look of the SNE which makes this a tough choice. Which way are you leaning?

[@MorrisvdHaak]

@@thewatchidiot Thank you for your reply! At the moment I think I am leaning towards the SRPK29, because like you said as well, I really like the Kanji characters.

[@thewatchidiot]

Oh wow I forgot to factor in the Kanji characters lol😅! Yeah they would make me lean to the SRPK as well and it'll be even more special getting it from Japan as well. Keep an eye out for any potential Japan only variants of the SRPK too while you're there!

[@MorrisvdHaak]

@@thewatchidiotThat is a great tip. I will definitely keep an eye out for Japan only variants!

[@sk.ma.d1675]

whats ur wrist size???

[@thewatchidiot]

7.5 inches (19cm)!

[@a99simp80]

Does that bracelet work for the SNE as well?

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

Seiko was the brand of my youth. But these days specs wise some little brands as San Martin ruin Seiko every time.

[@dspserpico]

Do you want to wear specs or a good looking watch?

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

@@dspserpico Both? San Martin's divers are good looking, solid specs, solid price.

[@-x171-]

True. Seiko is overpriced nowadays for the sepcs they offer. You are paying for the name Seiko. The SKX013 literally had better specs and cost $200 back then.

[@dspserpico]

@@-x171- The SKX013 couldn't hand wind or hack.

[@renwra1384]

​@@-x171- $200 'back then' in 1996 is about $400 now. This watch is around $300.

[@edshamaham5719]

That bracelet looks like it was made for the SRPK! Definitely makes this watch a much more interesting proposition especially this dial/bezel combo

[@mattwhiteberg7846]

Yes, but price😢

[@thewatchidiot]

@Ed Shamaham I still can believe how OEM the whole thing looks I don't think it's ever coming off this bracelet😁

[@thewatchidiot]

@Matt Whiteberg You can find the watch for about $250 and later on probably even less which seems like a pretty good deal! The Uncle Straps bracelet is an extra cost but no need to get one immediately, the factory bracelet is ok too😁

[@amenhotep7704]

DAMNNNNNNNNNNNNN

[@thewatchidiot]

RIIIGHT???😁

[@leomore]

I did the exact same swap the moment I received it.

[@thewatchidiot]

Great minds think alike😁 its crazy how well it goes together although I'm going to get the milled clasp to make this perfect

[@leomore]

@@thewatchidiot just like you said it just looks more OEM on the US1450 than on its own bracelet. Plus the tapering, quality and comfort. I was so pissed when I found out all my 013 end links weren’t compatible and so happy when I tried the Seiko end links with the 1450.

[@nicholassosin6965]

Looks a bit small for your wrist size. I’d say MM reduced would be a better size for you.

[@eddiek1231]

I think it looks great on his wrist.

[@amenhotep7704]

❤

[@thewatchidiot]

😁

[@vandyke1411]

for big big guys this is just too small on the wrist

[@bogarbill6331]

At this price point 😭😭😭

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Seems like you are talking to self into liking this. That's what happens in this hobby for many. Boredom. What's next... etc... the poison of the modern world. When I have that I will feel... ( insert emotion here)... of course you and others May really like this watch but based on all of your comments and many of those online in the past couple of years they would not like this watch but change is inevitable in a mass production world of objects that no one really needs and thus things like this become the new moment... the watch hobby tends to have a snobbery around it but, let's be honest, it's pretty much the same as the mainstream fashion world. (*** with that said I am a watch nut and change my opinion all the time and like a lot of watches that other people think are ugly or lame😅)

[@Batang90s_to-its]

Too small for men. Perfect for women

[@BassJournal]

Its really small fpr your wrist. Plus the thickness just make it look like a toy

[@Tom_H327]

Too small for me.

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

At least you dont have the problem of choosing watches. 38 mm is the largest case i would ever use on my 6 inch wrist.

[@glitchedoom]

Then buy one of the 42mm ones?