Although the Presage collection often goes unnoticed in Seiko's catalog, it includes several fine watches, including the Cocktail Time and Classic models.
However, my favorites are the Style60 watches, so I was delighted to try the new SRPL07 and SRPL09 models. As it turned out, these models with a steel bezel are my new favorites in the Style60 series.
At first glance, the Seiko Presage Style60 SRPL07 and SRPL09 models seem to just have a new bezel. But that's not the case. They also feature a slightly smaller case and a new surprisingly comfortable bracelet. All these factors combined make these two new watches the best in the Style60 line. I liked them so much that I'm ready to say that they are among the best stylish watches available on the market.
History of the Seiko Presage Style60 SRPL07 and SRPL09 Models
When I first took the SRPL07 and SRPL09 out of the box, they looked good. In my opinion, they are a cross between vintage-style sports watches and stylish everyday watches. Their design is inspired by the famous Seiko Crown Chronograph ref. 5719A. These were Seiko's (and Japan's) very first wristwatches with a chronograph, which the brand introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Thanks to the stainless steel bezel, these new watches also pay tribute to the Seiko 5717 model, a similar model with a stainless steel bezel and a date window at the “3 o'clock” position. I wrote about these watches in the Buying Guide series. Unsurprisingly, of these two models, I preferred the 5717.
Thanks to this historical connection, the modern Style60s have the DNA of sports watches. But remove the chronograph complication and place the design in a more modern context, and you'll realize it's primarily intended as a stylish series of watches. That's what I think the new models have succeeded in. They feel even more retro than previous Style60s variations, and the steel bezel fits perfectly into the overall aesthetic. That's why I immediately liked these two new models.
Stainless Steel Bezel, Reduced Case, and New Bracelet
But let's go through some features and dive into the details. Then you'll understand, like me, that there's more to it. These two watches have a 39.5mm stainless steel case. Compared to the initial series' 40.8mm diameter, this is a pleasant reduction. The main comment from readers was that they were too large.
Frankly, I didn't share this sentiment about the actual size, because I could easily handle it. However, the reduced version makes sense in terms of overall visual proportions and historical context. The new case is 39.5mm wide, 46.2mm long, 12mm thick, and 20mm between the lugs. These dimensions are great for many wrists, and the lugs are heavily angled downwards, making the watch pleasant to wear.
When the first Style60 models appeared, people also noted their 50m water resistance. This hasn't changed in the new models, but while it's certainly not impressive, in my book, it's not a dealbreaker. I've never submerged a watch more than a few meters underwater and don't plan to, so it suits me.
The Design of the New SRPL07 and SRPL09 Models Seems More Balanced
The watch case features a fixed stainless steel bezel with a matching insert with a 60-minute scale. In vintage chronographs of the 1960s, one could rotate the bezel to manually track elapsed minutes. However, in modern watches, the bezel has become more of a stylistic element than a functional one. Strange? That's why many people have issues with the Style60 series. I agree that it's a somewhat unfortunate reduction in functionality. However, I also believe that the static bezel works well as part of the design. It adds charm and harkens back to the original chronographs.
Speaking of the bezel, there's a reason why I prefer the stainless steel insert over the aluminum one in previous models. Simply put, those colored bezel inserts are quite narrow. But with the stainless steel insert, the bezel looks wider, which allows it to better balance with the dial.
Two Dial Options That Pair Well with the Vintage Mood
Seiko offers you a choice of a dark brown or dark blue sunburst dial. Both options echo the dial design of the Crown Chronograph ref. 5719, with polished and faceted applied markers with luminous indicators inside. Outside the markers, the minute hand is applied in white on a matte brown or blue ring surrounding the sunburst dial part. The dial is adorned with sharp dauphine hour and minute hands and a slim central seconds hand. As you can see, the date is neatly tucked between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers. The black disc matches the dial well enough, so it doesn't look out of place. I really like the style of these dials. It is rooted in Seiko's history and instantly recognizable to brand fans.
Inside the case, Seiko equips these watches with its own caliber 4R35. This automatic movement has a frequency of 21,600 per hour and a 41-hour power reserve. It's a standard Seiko movement for affordable watches. In my experience, it's a reliable caliber, but with an officially stated accuracy of +45/-35 seconds per day, its performance is nothing special.
Through the exhibition case back, you can see the movement and its basic finishing. I wouldn't mind a fully steel case back to reduce the case's thickness. Nevertheless, I understand that for beginners in mechanical watches, the ability to see any automatic movement in action makes the case back highly desirable.
Wearing Seiko Presage Style60's SRPL07 and SRPL09 Watches
These two watches come with a new stainless steel bracelet, which was another pleasant surprise. Previously released models feature an Oyster-style bracelet, but this bracelet has a five-row design. In reality, each link consists of only three parts. As seen in the case back photo a few paragraphs above, the wide central links attach to the outer parts, with two independent intermediate links between them. Although each link isn't five separate parts, this design gives the Style60s more flair, and I like it. The bracelets also feature a small and simple folding clasp. It closes with a strong click and opens easily thanks to the push-button release.
What immediately stands out is the flexibility of these bracelets. They comfortably wrap around the wrist, making wearing them a pleasure. Additionally, with the updated case and more balanced steel bezel, these new references have a charming retro style. Thanks to this, they are very enjoyable to wear.
Final Thoughts on Seiko Presage Style60's SRPL07 and SRPL09 Watches
Overall, the Seiko Presage Style60's SRPL07 and SRPL09 watches were an absolute delight to wear during the short time they were in our office. If you like the look of the Style60 collection as much as I do, I recommend paying attention to these new models. The stainless steel bezel insert and bracelet enhance the vintage vibes, and the smaller case size makes them suitable for different wrist sizes.
Of course, one could criticize these new watches for lacking a rotating bezel and instead having a useless 60-minute scale. However, the bezel makes a significant contribution to the narrative and aesthetics, so I happily accept the fact that it has become a decorative element.
Priced at €590, the SRPL07 and SRPL09 models are €50 more expensive than their predecessors. But I'm happy to pay for the extra style and comfort they offer.
I must commend Seiko for adding these new models, as they have significantly improved upon the previous ones. I would gladly choose them as some of the best watches under €1,000. I think they are that good, especially my favorite version with the brown dial.
The SRPL07 model with a blue dial and the SRPL09 model with a brown dial are now available on the Seiko website, in brand boutiques, and selected Seiko dealers. Let us know in the comments what you think about these two new Presage Style60 models.