“5KX” is a community-given nickname for the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD collection. The name is a portmanteau of “Seiko 5” and the legendary “SKX” diver that the SRPD replaced in 2019. While they are the same watch, the “5KX” nickname is used to distinguish this specific diver-style collection from other models in the modern Seiko 5 lineup.
Why the Nickname “5KX”?
When Seiko discontinued the iconic SKX007, they launched the SRPD series to take its place. Fans coined the term “5KX” because the new watch used the exact same case shape, hands, and bezel design as the old SKX, but it was moved under the “Seiko 5” branding.
The Real Differences: SRPD (5KX) vs. The Original SKX
While they look nearly identical, the “5KX” (SRPD) was redesigned as a sport watch rather than a professional dive watch.
| Feature | Original SKX (007/009) | SRPD (The “5KX”) |
| Water Resistance | 200m (ISO Diver’s Certified) | 100m (Sport Rating) |
| Crown | Screw-down (for diving) | Push-pull (for daily wear) |
| Movement | 7S26 (No hacking or hand-winding) | 4R36 (Hacks and hand-winds) |
| Caseback | Solid steel with Tsunami logo | See-through (Exhibition caseback) |
| Dial Details | Printed hour markers | Applied hour markers (more premium look) |
| Bezel Pip | Luminous pip at 12:00 | No lume on the bezel |
The “5KX” Family Tree
Within the SRPD/5KX collection, Seiko divided the watches into five “styles.” If you see an SRPD model number, it belongs to one of these:
- Sports Style: Classic diver looks (e.g., SRPD55).
- Suits Style: Faux-patina lume and mesh bracelets (e.g., SRPD73).
- Specialist Style: Rubber/leather hybrid straps (e.g., SRPD65).
- Street Style: All-black “stealth” looks (e.g., SRPD79).
- Sense Style: Textured dials and creative collaborations.
To clear up any confusion right away: the SRPD and “5KX” are the same thing.
“5KX” is a community-given nickname for the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD collection. The name is a portmanteau of “Seiko 5” and the legendary “SKX” diver that the SRPD replaced in 2019. While they are the same watch, the “5KX” nickname is used to distinguish this specific diver-style collection from other models in the modern Seiko 5 lineup.
Here is the breakdown of why they are called that and how they differ from the watches they mimic.
Why the Nickname “5KX”?
When Seiko discontinued the iconic SKX007, they launched the SRPD series to take its place. Fans coined the term “5KX” because the new watch used the exact same case shape, hands, and bezel design as the old SKX, but it was moved under the “Seiko 5” branding.
The Real Differences: SRPD (5KX) vs. The Original SKX
While they look nearly identical, the “5KX” (SRPD) was redesigned as a sport watch rather than a professional dive watch.
| Feature | Original SKX (007/009) | SRPD (The “5KX”) |
| Water Resistance | 200m (ISO Diver’s Certified) | 100m (Sport Rating) |
| Crown | Screw-down (for diving) | Push-pull (for daily wear) |
| Movement | 7S26 (No hacking or hand-winding) | 4R36 (Hacks and hand-winds) |
| Caseback | Solid steel with Tsunami logo | See-through (Exhibition caseback) |
| Dial Details | Printed hour markers | Applied hour markers (more premium look) |
| Bezel Pip | Luminous pip at 12:00 | No lume on the bezel |
The “5KX” Family Tree
Within the SRPD/5KX collection, Seiko divided the watches into five “styles.” If you see an SRPD model number, it belongs to one of these:
- Sports Style: Classic diver looks (e.g., SRPD55).
- Suits Style: Faux-patina lume and mesh bracelets (e.g., SRPD73).
- Specialist Style: Rubber/leather hybrid straps (e.g., SRPD65).
- Street Style: All-black “stealth” looks (e.g., SRPD79).
- Sense Style: Textured dials and creative collaborations.
Related “KX” Variations
You might also encounter these terms, which are often lumped into the same conversation:
- DressKX (SRPE Series): This is the fixed-bezel version of the SRPD. It has the same dial and movement but lacks the rotating diver bezel, making it 40mm and more “dressy.”
- GMT 5KX (SSK Series): Released recently, these look exactly like the SRPD but add a GMT hand for tracking a second time zone and a 24-hour bezel.
If you buy a Seiko SRPD, you have bought a 5KX. It’s a more modern, daily-wear-friendly version of the classic Seiko diver, trading professional dive certification for a better movement and more colors.