Smiths 'Black Shadow' PRS-38vsSeiko Seiko 5 Sports Field series

lug2lug doesn't sell watches. Buy links open the brand's or seller's own site. Some links are affiliate links: lug2lug may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Smiths 'Black Shadow' PRS-38 at true scale

'Black Shadow' PRS-38

Seiko Seiko 5 Sports Field series at true scale

Seiko 5 Sports Field series

Diameter

40mm

39.4mm

Lug-to-Lug

46mm

lowest

48.1mm

Thickness

12mm

lowest

13.2mm

Water Resistance

100m

100m

Power Reserve

n/a

41h

MSRP

n/a

$315

Movement

ETA 2830

Seiko 4R36

Case

3 specs
Diameter
40mm
39.4mm
Thickness
12mm
13.2mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
48.1mm

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
Crystal
Sapphire
Hardlex
Crystal Shape
n/a
Curved
Lume
SuperLuminova
LumiBrite on hands and index(es)

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
ETA 2830
Seiko 4R36
Power Reserve
n/a
41h
Jewels
0
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
n/a
$315
Keep your wishlist and collection together in the appExplore the app

Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Smiths 'Black Shadow' PRS-38

Smiths 'BLACK SHADOW' PRS-38 owners widely praise its vintage-inspired design and clean, no-date dial with gilt accents, noting its excellent build quality for the price. The 40mm case is reported to fit smaller wrists well, and the watch features a high domed sapphire crystal and anti-magnetic properties. Some owners find the 13.7mm thickness and 162-gram weight substantial, and the screw-down crown winding action is described as gritty. Accuracy figures vary, with one owner reporting +6.8 seconds per day. The lume charges quickly and lasts long, though bezel numeral fonts are considered small and bracelet adjustment can be limited. On balance, owners rate the Smiths 'BLACK SHADOW' PRS-38 highly for its vintage aesthetic and solid construction at its price point.

Seiko 5 Sports Field series

The Seiko 5 Sports Field series is praised for its excellent legibility, featuring fully lumed Arabic numerals and a lumed pearl on the compass bezel. Reviewers note the reliable 4R36 movement and 10 bar water resistance, with some considering the watches good value under 500 euros. The GMT variants, specifically the SSK023 and SSK025, offer an accessible explorer watch with a GMT complication and a fixed 24-hour bezel. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko 5 Sports Field series highly for its legibility and value proposition.