Seiko has struck again with the reincarnation of a model worn by the legendary Gene Kranz during one of the most intense watches in human history. The Seiko SRPL91 and SRPL93 are not just nostalgic collectibles – they are a pure explosion of style, functionality and history, available for the price of a smartwatch. Who can't save astronauts.
Gene Kranz never flew into space. But when things got really complicated in the middle of space—and by that we mean “Houston, we have a problem” complicated—he was the one with the Seiko SRPL91 watch, saving the day. Meanwhile, he was wearing a Seiko 6119-8460 on his wrist. It’s not a Rolex. It’s an Omega. It’s a Seiko—a watch for people who work, not pose. That’s why Seiko SRPL91 in SRPL93 they are not just a nostalgic toy for collectors.
In 2025, this icon returns. And in a form that smells of the sixties, but ticks like today. Meet Seiko SRPL91 (white dial) and SRPL93 (black) – your new everyday hero.
Original Seiko 6119‑8460
Seiko SRPL91 design: soft edges, sharp personality
Retro case? Proven. Classic at 38.2 mm, without the modern bloat. Crown at 4 o'clock? Confidently tucked away, as if to say: "I don't need to shout that I'm important."
The bezel? Bidirectional rotating with a metal insert – sporty enough for the field, elegant enough for a meeting. This is the Seiko SRPL91
And the dial? White or black, with that weird – and totally retro – day and date display: white day, black date. Because why not?
Mechanics: a modern heart beats inside a retro shell
Seiko didn't make the mistake of packing a museum-quality movement under the hood. Instead, here's a proven automatic 4R36:
- Hacking feature? Yes.
- Manual winding? Of course.
- 41 hours of power reserve? Easily.
Add in 100m water resistance and pre-drilled lug holes for changing straps – a watch that understands that we all like options.
Specifications for tech enthusiasts
| Property | Seiko SRPL91 (white) / SRPL93 (black) |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 38.2mm |
| Thickness | 12.3mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 44.7mm |
| Mechanism | Seiko 4R36 – automatic, 24 jewels |
| Power reserve | 41 hours |
| Crystal | Convex Hardlex |
| Back side | Massive, closed (issue number up to 9999) |
| Water resistance | 100 m |
| A bracelet | Five links, folding clasp |
| The price | approx. €460 (~$500) |
| Available | July 2025 |
Why is this watch really interesting?
- Because Gene Kranz helped save Apollo 13 with it.
- Because it's less than 500 euros for a watch with more character than most cars.
- Because it was made by Seiko, which has been proving for decades that you really don't need Switzerland to make a legend.
Conclusion: a watch for those who know what they are wearing
The Seiko SRPL91 and SRPL93 are not just a reincarnation of a cult model – they are a tribute to an era when watches were tools, not status symbols. When precision was a necessity, not a fashion accessory. If you are looking for a wrist statement that says: “I am practical, I have taste, and, by the way, I know who Gene Kranz is” – then you have just found it.
