Japanese behemoth Seiko has just expanded its Seiko 5 Sports Field collection with two new non-limited GMT timepieces. The Seiko 5 Sports Field collection replaced the Seiko SNK field watches that were phased out a few years ago, and brought a redesigned case, layered dial. and an upgraded movement. These new GMT watches add a fixed 24-hour bezel, two new bands, and the eponymous GMT functionality. The Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT SSK023 and SSK025 bring a new compact GMT to Seiko’s lineup, in steel or black, and represent the brand’s most affordable automatic GMTs.
The new Seiko 5 Sports Field GMTs feature an almost identical case to their non-GMT counterparts. Fully brushed, the cases measure 39.4mm in diameter, a 47.9mm lug-to-lug, and a 13.6mm thickness. While the diameter is the same, that translates to a .17mm shorter lug-to-lug than the non-GMT models, but a .4mm increased thickness. So, while the cases appear smaller on paper where people think it’s important (and they surely will wear smaller than the Seiko 5 Sports GMT), there’s the potential for these to wear a bit chunkier due to the higher height to width ratio — but as ever, there’s the consideration of value here. This will surely wear incredibly well for a sub-$500 automatic GMT. The curved Hardlex crystal and the sloped fixed 24-hour bezel will help the watch look a bit thinner on the wrist, though the black-coated version may still stand out. The steel SSK023 gets a new multi-link bracelet, debuted on the 110th Anniversary Field model, while the black SSK025 is put on a black leather NATO strap with matching hardware. Happily, the lugs are drilled and measure a swap-friendly 20mm. Water resistance is rated to a perfectly adequate 100m.
The dials here are both black, with a subtle texture. Aside from the pentagonal GMT-hand and the date display, the layout is identical to the non-GMT models. The minute track features raised LumiBrite hour markers, while raised and brushed Arabic numerals further designate the hours. The 24-hour scale is printed in silver, which matches the date window frame. Regarding the GMT hand, Seiko refers to it as red, but I’ll be damned if that’s not orange. On the black model, just the end is colored orange, but on the steel, it’s fully orange; both receive orange-tipped seconds hands. With hands also filled with LumiBrite and a clean dial layout, this is sure to be exceptionally legible regardless of the environment, which is exactly what you want in a field watch.
The Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT is powered by the Seiko 4R34 caliber. This automatic GMT movement features a 41-hour power reserve at 21,600 vph. It offers a “caller” GMT function, meaning the GMT hand adjusts independently instead of the hour hand, as is the case on “flyer” GMTs. The beat rate and the GMT functionality may bother some, but at this price point, it’s hard to argue with the undoubted reliability of the Seiko 4R34.
Of course, Seiko has saved what I think is the best model, the white dial SBSC009 version seen above, for the Japanese market. But the black dials of the SSK023 and SSK025 are certainly a bit more utilitarian and likely have broader appeal. As the most compact and affordable GMT that Seiko currently offers, this is sure to be a success for the brand and hit the spot with enthusiasts and laypersons alike. To say nothing of the fact that they may well be the cheapest automatic GMTs on the market, certainly from a major brand. The Seiko 5 Sports Field GMT SSK023 is priced at $435 USD and the black SSK025 ispriced at $435 USD. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.