Scene; 2020. A global pandemic rages; violence, fires, locusts, and murder hornets are everywhere. Hell’s creaking doors (or whatever version of The Bad Place you may subscribe too) have opened. The end becons. Nothing good is on the horizon. Then one day on IG, I see this watch: the new Seiko 5 rose gold PVD. SRPD76 for you #watchnerds. (It’s a term of endearment, relax.)

I’d been looking at the Seiko golden turtle for a while, but just couldn’t get myself to buy it. (I don’t know what my problem is. I’ve pondered this, nothing comes to mind). It had a certain “shut up and get on my wrist, NOW” vibe. The vendor was local-ish, so I’m supporting local. (A good excuse, I know.) I asked if he actually had one in stock, as often what you see online/IG is not necessarily available *cough* Rolex *cough*. He replied very quickly that he did, and *gasp*, it was 15% off. The wallet flew out, the Visa was entered, and it was mine, all mine! Well, a week later when it arrived…

This Seiko 5 rose gold PVD has a rubber strap with leather insert. That insert with alligator print pushed me from “needing this” to “take my money”. The 4R36 movement is the same as lots of turtles. I appreciate the manual wind capacity. At 42.5mm wide and 46mm lug to lug, it sits comfortably on the wrist. The rubber strap is very malleable and comfortable. The case features brushing and mirror-finishing on the lugs, and the Hardlex has a beveled edge which adds depth.

Will I go diving with this: no. Have most Submariners touched salt water: no. Will it work with a t-shirt or suit at the office: yes. Was it’s shiny brilliance what I needed in this most horrible year: YES. Does it still bring me joy months later: YES! And that’s all that really matters. PS: I only figured out after I bought it that it looks quite similar to the gold Yachtmaster on rubber from Rolex, which is one of my favorite Rolex! It might explain why I had to have it…