Seiko 5 SportsvsSeiko 5 Sports SKX 38 mm
Seiko 5 Sports
4R36, 41 h, Hardlex, 100 m, 42.5 mm
€285–320
Seiko 5 Sports SKX 38 mm
4R36, 41 h, Hardlex, 100 m, 38 mm
€320–370
The differences
- The 5 Sports costs about €43 less than the 5 Sports SKX 38 mm, going by the indicative price band.
- They share the same movement, the 4R36: inside they are the same, and the difference lies in the case, the crystal and the dial.
- The 5 Sports SKX 38 mm is more compact: 38 mm across and 44.2 mm lug-to-lug, against 42.5 mm and 46 mm for the 5 Sports.
- The 5 Sports SKX 38 mm is 1.3 mm thinner (12.1 mm against 13.4 mm) and slips under a shirt cuff more easily.
Side by side, to scale
Both drawn at the same scale from the manufacturers’ dimensions.
Figure by figure
| Figure | Seiko 5 Sports | Seiko 5 Sports SKX 38 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative price band | €285–320 | €320–370 |
| Movement | 4R36 | 4R36 |
| Power reserve | 41 h | 41 h |
| Beat rate | 21,600 bph | 21,600 bph |
| Crystal | Hardlex | Hardlex |
| Water resistance | 100 m | 100 m |
| Diameter | 42.5 mm | 38 mm |
| Thickness | 13.4 mm | 12.1 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 46 mm | 44.2 mm |
| Hacking seconds | Yes | Yes |
| Hand winding | Yes | Yes |
| Rotating bezel | Yes | Yes |
| Strap or bracelet | Steel bracelet | Steel bracelet |
| Brand origin | Japan | Japan |
| See price on AmazonSee specs | See price on AmazonSee specs |
In red, the best figure in each row. Manufacturer data.
Frequently asked questions
Which has more power reserve, the 5 Sports or the 5 Sports SKX 38 mm?
Both have 41 h.
Which is less expensive?
The Seiko 5 Sports, with an indicative price band of €285–320 against €320–370. The exact price changes on Amazon.
Which handles water better?
Both are water resistant to 100 m.
Which suits a small wrist better?
The Seiko 5 Sports SKX 38 mm, because it measures 44.2 mm lug-to-lug, the figure that decides whether the lugs overhang the wrist.