As everyone knows, Seiko have discontinued the SKX, and replaced it with a new Seiko 5 Sports line.
Nice review but personally, I have zero interest in this watch. Furthermore, it is one more example of Seiko's changing product and marketing strategy.
We have witnessed over the last 3-4 years, instances where Seiko has discontinued extremely successful and revered watches, only to be replaced with "new and improved" lines that are markedly inferior and yet priced higher.
Noticed this first in 2016 when the 2nd Gen Monster (SRP3XX) was discontinued, selling price at the time hovered around $200. Seiko then introduced the new updated Turtles but starting price was around $250 and went up depending upon bracelet and dial. Don't get me wrong, I like the Turtles very much, still own three, but given the difference in tooling and overall quality, the Turtle comes up severely lacking. My opinion was Seiko killed the Monster (yes, could be argued it freed up manufacturing capability) in order not to have the Turtle compete against it. Put it another way, going back, you could buy a Monster for $200 (on a bracelet) or a Turtle on rubber strap for $250...hmmmm? Current selling prices for used Gen 2 confirms what the market thinks. Oh, yes. There was a brief Gen 3 of sorts but it went nowhere. Can't recall the model number but it had a sapphire crystal and may have upgraded to to the 6R15 movement...same dial, case, bracelet, hands...but the street price was well over $400. Most recently, Seiko released a new Monster that is laughable (may be insulting)...no interest in that watch either.
2nd example is the discontinued SARB017, SARB033, SARB035, etc. which was replaced with the "Presage" line. Don't get me wrong, the Presage are nice watches but not even close to being in the same league as the SARB's, inferior case work, bracelet, movement, etc., yet the Presage prices are roughly the same or sometimes higher. The different "Cocktail" Presage watches are the worst examples. Don't get me wrong, these are attractive watches but are so overpriced for what is delivered.
Last example is the subject of this review. The SK5 just doesn't cut it. It took me awhile to appreciate what a great watch the SKX is but once I "got" it, it easy to understand why it has such a following. About the only thing that needed improvement was the 7S26 movement, but to be candid, that is such a minor nit in the whole scheme of things. Problem for Seiko was the public's expectation that it was a sub $200 watch, so Seiko kills it and reintroduces a "new improved" model that is definitely inferior but sell at the same price or higher.
A couple of years ago, I came to the realization that I was a die hard Seiko Fan Boy. I own more Seikos than any other brand....divers, sports and dress watches. I am still a SFB but not sure for how much longer.