Seiko 5 Sports "Gene Kranz" Reissue (SRPL93)
This article explores why the Seiko 5 Sports "Gene Kranz" reissue (SRPL93) is an ideal watch for casual, adventurous holidays. The author highlights its durability and capability in environments like beach camping, contrasting it with more precious timepieces. The watch's design is a faithful recreation of the ref. 6119-8460 worn by NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz during the Apollo missions.
- 100m water resistance
- 38.2mm case diameter
- 44.7mm lug-to-lug
- 12.3mm thickness
- 4R36 automatic movement
- Price: €460 / US$440 / A$695
The watch is a reissue of the Seiko 5 Sports ref. 6119-8460, the exact model worn by NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz during the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 missions.
It features a black dial with a black-and-white day-date display mirroring the reversed color scheme of the 1960s original.
The slim mid-case makes the 12.3mm profile feel thinner, allowing the watch to disappear under a cuff.
The 4R36 movement includes hacking seconds.
The author swapped the stock bracelet for a gray NATO strap in a previous review and used a black rubber strap from Hirsch for this trip, finding straps easier to manage with sand and salt than a steel bracelet.
The watch is described as having genuine capability and real history at a price that allows it to be used without worry.