23/02/2021
The new kids on the block for Seiko’s Seiko 5 line caused quite a stir when they were first
released. From the debatable successor of the ever-popular Seiko SKX diver’s watch line – the “5KX”, to
the fixed bezeled “Dress-KX”, Seiko has been churning out watches left and right. This blacked out
example of the “Dress-KX” is certainly a great example. With a black PVD coated case, matte black dial
and chapter ring, matching black date wheel, going even as far as – you guessed it! – a blacked out
lumed indices and hands, this is a tactical maniac’s dream watch in the flesh. Beyond its “tacti-cool”
aesthetics however, we are greeted with a very understated watch from a far with a strikingly cool look
when inspected up close. Though predominantly black almost all throughout, the subtle sheen of the
coating around the indices and on the beveled portions of the case and bezel makes this SRPE69
anything but boring. Take note of the elegantly finished case, unlike the matte black coatings of polymer
guns like Glocks (which will undeniably be a great pair for this watch on range day), this black finish
seems to have permeated through the stainless-steel case as opposed to being powder coated on. How
on earth Seiko pulled off the polished radials on the bezel though slight and almost unnoticeable, and
the polished sides of the lugs and bezel without removing the PVD finish is beyond my level of
understanding. Nevertheless, with whatever type of wizardry Seiko used, they managed to churn out an
equally understated and bad-a$$ looking timepiece!