“New Year, new Seiko 5 Sports GMTs?!”
Well, yes and no. Yes because strictly speaking, these are new colourways on the Seiko 5 Sports GMT models. No, because it’s internally the same as all the other ones that have come before it – not that it’s a bad thing, mind you.
So, what do we have here? Two models, both limited to 1,000 pieces each from Thong Sia. Seeing as how Thong Sia is the distributor for Seiko watches in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Macau, these will be available at boutiques and selected retail partners from January 2024 onwards.
“… and how much?”
Glad you asked. The Seiko 5 Sports GMT Limited Edition Thong Sia Exclusives will be approximately priced from RM2,300. So what do you get for the money? A caller-type GMT that’ll probably outlive us with solid build quality and plenty of character (the other non-limited models also come in some funky shades).
First up, the SSK029K1 ‘Ice Blue’ model. It comes with a light blue dial and the hands follow suit but with a darker shade of blue. All of that gets offset by a striking red GMT hand and a ‘Batman’ blue-black rotating bezel.
Opt for the SSK031K1 ‘Passion Red’ model and you get what looks to be a deep burgundy dial with silver hands and a gold GMT hand. The bezel on this one is red and black.
That’s about it, really. But not to detract anything from this line up because if you’re looking for a no-nonsense, sporty GMT watch that’s almost a GADA (go-anywhere-do-anything) piece for not a lot of money, you’re looking at one. Heading for a dressier occasion? Swap out the standard issue jubilee steel bracelet – easily because of the drilled lugs – for a 22mm leather strap and you’re good to go!
“Just how much watch am I getting for the money?”
Well, within its 42.5 mm case (lug to lug of just 46 mm and a thickness of 13.6 mm) beats Seiko’s relatively new GMT movement. The 24-jeweled calibre 4R34 beats at 3 Hz and has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. Remember when I said GADA watch? Water resistance is a healthy 100 m.
Elsewhere, we get Seiko’s Hardlex crystal front and back! Of course, Seiko’s trademark LumiBrite is to be found on the hands and hour markers but unfortunately, not the bezel. The crown is also a push-pull affair but remember, this isn’t a strict dive watch to begin with.
So, there you go! New year in and Seiko (or rather Thong Sia) has already dropped two limited edition models from the 5 Sports GMT line. To repeat, each colourway is limited to 1,000 pieces each and priced approximately from RM2,300. It’s already on sale so check ’em out at your nearest Seiko boutique or dealer if you fancy one.
