Seiko SRP043K1 "Spork"

[Borealis Watch Admin]

The Seiko SRP043K1 "Spork" was one of the most affordable diver / pilot watches in market and was the very first Seiko diver to use the 4R15 caliber now discontinued (no hacking, no hand wind) and now replaced by the 4R35/36 series (that hacks and hand winds) that is also found in many watches in market with Seiko's OEM version NH35/36 series.

The 4R15 caliber was based in the 6R15 caliber but without hacking and without hand wind so likely it was used by Seiko to test waters while they were still working on the now widely available 4R35/36 series.

It was however still an evolution from the 7S25 / 26 series.

Both caliber (Seiko 4R15) and the Seiko SRP043K1 "Spork" are now unfortunately discontinued and hard to find nowadays.

We can see here an image of the Seiko 4R15 movement (used in a different watch model) but that allow us to admire nevertheless the beauty and simplicity of this movement.

When this watch was available it could be found for less than $300.00 USD and now when found in auctions they sell for over $500.00 USD commanding a high premium.

Would be great if Seiko would relaunch the Seiko Spork SRP043K1 with an upgraded 4R35 movement but so far that hasn't occurred.

A video review of it can be found here:

Do you have a Seiko Spork as part of your collection?

 

[C.L. Vong]

i sold it, a stupid decision

hope one day seiko repro this model again

 

[Borealis Watch Admin]

Nice lume shot! Your photos are always pristine looking!

 

[JB Liguori]

love that lume

 

[ZASKAR36]

Probably one of the best models Seiko came out with.

I feel fortunate to have picked one up on Amazon for $240 at the time from a grey dealer before it was discontinued.

Funny thing about the Spork was that it wasn't all that popular when it was around. I like many other Seiko fans at the time, debated buying it for at least a year, thinking that the min markers on the chapter ring and bezel were a bit redundant and cluttered.

So glad now that I decided to purchase it now. Yes it's derivative of Sinn, but that's the whole point. The same Sinn style with out the price tag and servicing costs. On top of all that mine has been runn -2 out of the box.

Although, I need to get a replacement sapphire for it as I scratched the Hardlex awhile ago.

 

[Borealis Watch Admin]

Unfortunately many times with cult products that is the way it works. Low demand when readily available but as soon as it gets discontinued becomes a very looked for article.

You're planning getting the sapphire from yobokies?

 

[Millbarge]

The Sawtooth also seemed to have this same fate...
both are far more expensive now than when they were new.

 

[Millbarge]

Probably one of the best models Seiko came out with....

Love your Sig,

The Last Starfighter has always been a favorite of mine

 

[ZASKAR36]

Unfortunately many times with cult products that is the way it works. Low demand when readily available but as soon as it gets discontinued becomes a very looked for article.

You're planning getting the sapphire from yobokies?

Yep. Planning on getting a Yabokies sapphire. Been planning on it for the last 2 years but it always seems like another new watch always gets in the way. LOL...actually the Sea Dragon delayed the sapphire purchase again...haha.

 

[ZASKAR36]

Love your Sig,

The Last Starfighter has always been a favorite of mine

Hehe. Thanks Millbarge. Favorite of mine too growing up in the 80s as a boy playing video games. Heck, I still play game's when I get the chance.

 

[Borealis Watch Admin]

Yep. Planning on getting a Yabokies sapphire. Been planning on it for the last 2 years but it always seems like another new watch always gets in the way. LOL...actually the Sea Dragon delayed the sapphire purchase again...haha.

Well at least that is for a good reason. Be sure to post photos of your Spork once upgraded to a sapphire crystal.