Dungaree Diver: The New Seiko 5 Sports DENHAM Limited Edition

A word of explanation on my headline: I grew up in New England, and up there, we didn’t wear blue jeans or denim, nor did we wear Levi’s, Wranglers, or any other brand name. We wore dungarees. It’s hard for me to think of them as anything else. Plus, I think the moniker is more evocative.

And the “diver” part? Well, it would be hard to argue that Seiko hasn’t played an enormous role in the heritage of sports watches (and I include dive watches in that mix), with the brand’s Prospex models receiving the lion’s share of the undersea attention.

Indeed, from the launch of the first Seiko official dive watch in 1965 to more recent updates to the popular Prospex dive watch line (including chronographs and standard dive watches), Seiko has become a favored watch brand for divers, both recreational and professional.
 

The Seiko 5 Sports Series models that can be considered dive watches (typically those with 10 bar water resistance, a rotating knurled dive bezel, and a wet-suit friendly 4 o’clock protected crown location like this new model) provide an even more accessible option for moister endeavors.

The line technically started in 1963 with the tough, water-resistant Seiko Sportsmatic 5. However, the latest 5 Sports “divers” really shine in delivering fresh looks to your wrist without losing a distinctive heritage feel.

This new collaboration – the Seiko 5 Sports Denham Limited Edition – is no exception.

By partnering with Amsterdam-based cult denim maker Denham (founded by Brit Jason Denham in 2008) for the new Seiko 5 Sports Denham Limited Edition (SRPL35), Seiko has somehow crafted a decidedly more high-end, fashion-forward, dive-ready sports watch by leaning into the comfy, commonplace concept of jeans. It’s very intriguing.
 

As always, the pizzazz is in the pudding, or as Denham puts it in its company motto, “The Truth is in the Details.” For starters, this limited edition piece features differing shades of indigo for the bezel, dial, and NATO-inspired strap featuring yellow, jean-style stitching. Next, Seiko’s usual triangle index at 12 o’clock has been upended and includes Denham’s scissors logo front and center.
 

Then, as red rivets are a signature detail of Denham designs, Seiko has made the center seconds hand a bold red. Meanwhile, that self-same “The Truth is in the Details” motto is printed on the transparent caseback.

That same caseback view shows off the 4R36 automatic movement, which has a 41-hour power reserve and is a staple of many Seiko 5 Sports models.

Additionally, its 42.5mm steel case and unidirectional rotating bezel (with dive-friendly hash marks for the 20-minute interval) nicely frame the dial’s 12 o’clock triangle, circular and capsule-shaped indices, and two-window day/date indicator at 3 o’clock.
 

Meanwhile, the “Automatic” badge written in cursive balances the modern, clean dial with a touch of vintage inspiration. And lume? Check that off for the hands and dial ring.

Be warned, only 2,000 of the SRPL35 Seiko 5 Sports DENHAM Limited Edition will be made retailing for a five-pocket-friendly $430. So, pull on your favorite pair and head to your local Seiko retailer, or visit the brand’s website.