When I decided to get my second automatic watch, I was looking for something reliable and designed to fit into my everyday life. That’s when I came across the Seiko 5 SRPG37. After wearing it for several months, I can confidently say that it was a great choice for various reasons, although it came with minor inconveniences.
The Design and Fit
One of the first things that caught my eye about the Seiko 5 SRPG37 was its size. With a case diameter of 40mm, it was bigger than my previous watch and looked much better on my larger wrist. The bigger dial made it easier to read the time, which is always a plus, especially in low-light conditions.
The lume on the SRPG37 is another standout feature. Seiko is known for its luminous dials, and this watch didn’t disappoint. The lume was bright enough to read the time in complete darkness, particularly handy during late-night work sessions or early-morning carpentry tasks.
Versatility in Style
The design of the Seiko 5 SRPG37 is versatile enough to work well with both casual and business casual attire. Its rugged yet refined look means I could wear it with jeans and a T-shirt just as easily as with a button-down shirt and khakis. This versatility made it my go-to watch for almost every occasion.
Durability
I was particularly impressed with how rugged the SRPG37 turned out to be. I wore it while doing carpentry, which can be quite demanding on a watch, and it held up remarkably well. The case and crystal showed no signs of scratches or dents, proving that this watch is built to last.
The NATO Strap
However, not everything was perfect with the SRPG37. The stock NATO strap was comfortable for casual wear, but the metal loops dug into my wrist while writing or typing. I do prefer a NATO strap on a field watch. If one of the pins breaks or pops out, the watch will stay on your wrist.
The metal loops became a significant annoyance, especially during long hours at the computer. I eventually replaced it with a NATO strap with nylon loops, which solved the problem and made the watch much more comfortable for extended wear.
Performance and Maintenance
A feature of the Seiko 5 SRPG37 is its 41-hour power reserve. In my experience, the power reserve didn’t last quite that long. I often found it running out of power before the 41-hour mark, which meant I had to wind it more frequently than expected. While not a dealbreaker, it was a bit disappointing given the expectations.
Another downside was the cost of servicing. When the time came for its first service, I was surprised that it almost cost as much as the watch itself. Potential buyers should consider this, as maintaining an automatic watch adds to the overall cost of ownership.
Like the Seiko 5 SNK80 line, the Seiko 5 SRPG3 line comes in different colors, too. Desert tan SRPG35, olive drab green SRPG33, and I’m sure I’ve seen a navy blue one.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few drawbacks, the Seiko 5 SRPG37 has been a solid addition to my collection. Its readability, stylish versatility, and rugged durability make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable and attractive automatic watch. The minor issues with the strap and power reserve are things I can live with, considering the overall quality and performance of the watch.
If you’re in the market for a new automatic watch and value durability and style, the Seiko 5 SRPG37 is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for the occasional strap swap and service cost, and you’ll likely find it as satisfying as I have.
