I recently reviewed an older Seiko 5 field watch, the SNZG11J. If you're looking for something modern, Seiko has more recently released an updated Field series on the 5 Sports platform. There are several models with 12-hour dials as well as a few GMT models. If you were a fan of the old SNK80x models, they also offer a few with the classic 5-minute increment dials, including the traditional green and blue, as well as this stealthy black-and-orange version.
Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33 First Impressions
The black-and-orange combination is more striking than I expected. The orange is very bright, giving the whole watch a nighttime instrument feel, like I'm sitting in a cockpit.
Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33 Details
The case is shaped like a traditional field watch with more traditional lugs than a Seiko 5 dive-style model (or even the bezel-less Rowing Blazers models). Rendered in stainless steel, it features Seiko's black "hard coating" applied over the entirely brushed finish.
The unsigned crown is at 3 o'clock and lacks the crown guards of other models, making it easy to set.
The dial is matte black and has no chapter ring. The minute hash marks and numerals are in bright orange, with a pilot-style triangle at 12. The hours are inboard in subtle dark gray ink. The applied Seiko logo is silver, but the Automatic script is orange. The black-on-white date and day wheels (red on Sunday) match the dial, and sit in an unframed cutout (too bad Seiko couldn't have made the font orange).
Wearing the Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33
The field case is narrower at under 40mm wide, but has slightly longer lugs, giving a height of just over 48mm. It will still wear well on most wrists.
It is 13.2mm thick, but that includes the domed Hardlex crystal. Between that and the sloped bezel and case, many people will not object to the thickness.
The edges of the hands are bright orange, but so is the Lumibrite lume filling them. Small dots of orange lume are also present inside the minute track. It glows yellowish in the dark. It's effective at first, but not nearly as bright or long-lasting as Seiko's standard green or blue lume colors. I accept the tradeoff for how cool it looks when not in the dark.
Original Strap and Replacement Straps for the Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33
SRPH33 includes a black nylon strap (similar to a sailcloth pattern) with what appears to be an orange leather backing. It's a comfortable strap and nicer than the one on other entry-level Seikos. The black outer side continues the stealthy look, with the orange back providing a fun surprise when you take it off.
My favorite strap for it has been our Deployant Sailcloth in orange, which really makes the dial pop.
Here is a list of some more straps that would look great with this watch. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Hook and Loop Elastic
-Deployant Rubber
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Beads of Rice Bracelet
-Ridge Rubber
-Extra Long Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33 Movement
SRPH33 uses Seiko's 4R36 movement, as do other recent 5 Sports models. It features automatic winding and day and date displays (English and Spanish). Unlike the 7S36 in the older model, it also offers hand-winding and hacking (stop seconds) functions. It features 24 jewels and provides a 41-hour power reserve when fully wound. The transparent caseback displays the movement behind a Hardlex crystal.
Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33 Conclusion
If you're looking for an everyday watch, a Seiko 5 is always a no-brainer. I love how many variations they have released, and this colorway is a lot of fun, especially for a non-LE model. It's a great alternative to an IWC Top Gun at a fraction of the price, still providing a stealthy, tactical look.
Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33 Specifications
Name: Seiko 5 Sports Field Series
Reference Number: SRPH33
MSRP: $350
Diameter: 39.4mm
Height: 48.1mm
Thickness: 13.2mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Weight: 74g
Movement: 4R36
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Hardlex
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Fixed, stainless steel
Strap: Nylon
Replacement straps for the Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPH33
Hook and Loop Elastic
Deployant FKM Rubber
Deployant Sailcloth
