A lot of collectors opine on the watches they think brands should make. Often, they want to see a discontinued model return. Usually, nothing comes out of such conversations, but Seiko allowed its fans to do just that. In 2021, it released the 5 Sports Beatmaker Limited Edition (SBSA137 / SRPH19), which was designed through an online contest called Beatmaker.
Participants created their original Seiko Seiko 5 watch by selecting and combining watch parts on the website. Fans voted on their favorite models, with this one being chosen from over 48,000 original designs. The top submission won by a surprisingly large margin of 8.5 million votes out of a 16 million-vote total.
The watch receives inspiration from Seiko's classic "Pogue" Speedtimer. It incorporates a gold-colored dial paired with a red and blue "Pepsi" bezel. Seiko only produced 2021, making it a collector's item today. I was able to get my hands on one through friend of StrapHabit, Random Rob. If you'd like to see reviews of other LE watches from the Seiko 5 Sports Series, consider checking out the Sonar and the Brian May Red Special.
Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137 First Impressions
Despite not being a chronograph, the iconic Pogue colorway looks good on the dive-style "5KX." gold tends to appear flashy, but the blue and red bezel tones things down, creating a casual and fun vibe.
Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137Details
The dial features a sunburst finish, complemented by gold Seiko branding. The hour markers and hands, however, are silver (except for the second hand, which has a white tip and black counter-balance). The hand shape is unchanged.
The watch can display the date, as well as the day of the week in English or, on this Japan-market version, Kanji.
Beyond these changes, the case, bezel, and crown are the same as those of standard models.
Wearing the Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137
The Beatmaker feels very familiar on the wrist. Although I've never owned a Pogue, the colorway is ingrained in my brain. And the form factor matches other watches I've owned in the series.
Night-time legibility is good as expected, thanks to Seiko’s green Lumibrite.
Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137 Bracelet and Replacement Straps
This 5 Sports version includes an oyster-style stainless steel bracelet. It is brushed, with folded end links. The two-button clasp has a safety latch, but no dive extension.
The 22mm lug width accommodates many straps. A red or blue standard Ridge Rubber or Extra Long version looks great on it. I'd recommend adding a Custom Color Keeper in the opposite color for full matchy matchy with the bezel.
Here is a list of some more straps that would look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of my favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Deployant Rubber
-Deployant Sailcloth
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137 Movement
The Beatmaker edition uses the same 4R36 movement found in other Seiko 5 and Prospex models. It features automatic winding, as well as hand-winding and hacking (stop-seconds) functions. Like other 5 Sports models, it sits behind a transparent caseback, but this has the sequence number out of 2021.
Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137 Conclusion
I've mentioned in other reviews that I love how Seiko has expanded the 5 Sports line by offering lots of fun editions. This helps make up for the fact that it will never replace the original SKX007/009. While I would rather own a real Pogue Speedtimer, the Seiko 5 Sports version captures the look in a more durable watch that can be worn every day.
Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137 Specifications
Name: Seiko 5 Sports
Reference Number: SBSA137 (SRPH19 outside of Japan)
MSRP: $295
Diameter: 42.5mm
Height: 46mm
Thickness: 13.4mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Weight: 167g
Movement: 4R36
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Hardlex
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Unidirectional, 120 clicks
Bracelet: Stainless steel
Shop Other Straps for the Seiko Beatmaker SBSA137
Ridge FKM Rubber
Deployant Sailcloth
Hook and Loop Elastic
Deployant FKM Rubber
