Seiko Superior SSA005 Flight Computer "Cyclops" in Black/Red/Gold

This is the third post on my series of reviews of Seiko's SSA00x line of Flight Computers, nicknamed the "Cyclops" by Seiko fans. On this third installment, we focus on the SSA005:

SSA005 Flight Computer AKA "Cyclops".

This watch is mechanically identical to its siblings, the SSA001 (see review here) and the SSA003 (see review here), so you may refer to the previews posts for those details. The differences lie in the color palette selected for this piece which consists of red for the second hand tip and 24-hour hand, gilt markings for the outside bezel, and a black PVD crown with a red highlight.

Of all the three variants I own, this is hands down my favorite, though the multiple colors across several elements may make the design a tad too busy for some.

More photos:

Seiko SRP775 Black/Gold "Turtle" Reissue

I've posted about two variants of the "Turtle" reissue before, the black SRP777 on rubber and the blue SRP773 on stainless steel. You can check out an overview of the design of this particular series based on the black SRP777 here.

Today's post is about the black with gold highlights on stainless steel bracelet, the SRP775. It features a black dial with gold-colored surrounds on the hands and indices with a yellowish tinge on the generous application of Lumibrite luminous compound in well lit conditions. The yellowish tinge of the lume is either an attempt to match the yellow of the gold highlights, or to simulate a vintage vibe by giving the appearance of patina. Either way, it seems to work pretty well, and blends with the overall color scheme. Of course, in low light conditions the lume glows the typical shade of green with the intensity and duration we've come to expect from Seiko. The unidirectional 120-click bezel is black, with the markings also in gold to match the dial.

As mentioned before in a previous post, the 22mm stainless steel bracelet features solid end-links, a three-link brushed design with polished horizontal highlights on the center link, fold-over clasp with a diver's extension, and is put together using a pin and collar system. Overall, it is functionally similar to the stainless steel bracelets used on the Monster and Solar Chronograph series, though appearance-wise, they look different.

Note that my particular sample has a minor alignment issue with the chapter ring on the 12 o'clock position. It doesn't bother me all that much, but if you're particular about these quality issues, it may be better to see one in the metal before purchasing.

All other descriptions in the earlier post featuring the SRP777 apply.

Some photos:

SRP775.