Table Top Review - Blue Seiko SPRK69

The Seiko SPRK69 is one of a trio of USA exclusive watches from the Seiko 5 Sports line. Other color options include red & black plus orange & white (image from Seiko site).

I opted for the blue and white version as I find it the most attractive. Seiko says the colors are inspired by racing cars and historically white and blue have been the USA's colors for international racing so this color chpice is completely appropriate for a USA edition. The way the stripes on the dial integrate with the stripes of the large NATO strap is design the way it should be done. While they say it is white, as very light blue to my eye.

The polished stainless steel case is topped with a unidirectional blue bezel that gently clicks through 360 degrees. An exhibition back is included but of course you have to remove the 22mm wide NATO strap to admire the 4R36 movement contained therein. Speaking of the movement, the movement hacks so setting to a precise timing source is easily accomplished. However, while mine does perform within Seiko's genetrous guidelines, +45/-35, some +17 seconds after 24 hours, dial up overnight, is that precission really acceptable? I will overlook this deficency as it is just too attractive. I prefer something that runs within 10 seconds over 24 hours but I'll deal with it as I would much rather a watch run fast than slow. It is obvious that Seiko does not regulate movements before installing them in cases and I have to wonder why? It doesn't take that long to do this final step and many micro brands that use Seiko movements do regulate them and those run far more precisely. An interesting spec is the 100m/10 bar depth rating given the crown is not a screw down crown. Dimensions (mm) are 42.5 diameter X 13.4 depth X 46 lug to lug so in many ways it fits better on a larger wrist than small.

All in all, for an MSRP of $350 (US) it is a good buy and aesthetics are outstanding. However, if you are inspired to get your own copy of this watch, my advice is move fast. As of this writing, the blue version is still available at the Seiko US store however when I visit the Seiko US site, not to be comfused with the Seiko US store site, it has dissapeared. I assume this means that Seiko has produced all of these they will and when they are sold out at at their store, that is it. Where I bought mine now lists this watch as Out of Stock so if you want one, head these words to the wise and don't delay or you may be disspointed.

PS: I guess we don't do numeric ratings anymore and here I was ready to not be overly generous this time. 😉