Serica Introduces A Spectacular Blue Version Of Its 5303 Dive Watch

What are “the right colors” for a watch? For some, it’s simply a matter of picking. For others, it is a make-or-break situation. It’s not just the choice of a color, but it’s all about the right shade of a specific color. I am part of the latter group. A watch cannot just have a blue or a green dial or bezel. Let’s blame it on my former life working for a design agency. But that’s exactly why I love it when brands take the time to pick their colors with care. Leave it up to Serica owner Jérôme Burgert to take this task very seriously. He is dedicated to making sure every detail is meticulously chosen for his watches. It’s why this new blue Serica 5303 is absolutely on point. It introduces two new shades of blue used for the dial and bezel that simply look cool!

Seeing the Serica 5303 in blue is a great reminder of the cool factor of this stylish retro-inspired timepiece. I wrote the review for the initial two 5303 colorways that the brand released last year. I was really impressed by the level of detail that Burgert incorporated into the watch. It’s truly a labor of love, and it shows. With this new 5303, for the first time, Serica introduces colors other than black and white for its dials and bezels. And I have to say, I am very impressed once again. The shades of blue are different from any other watch out there. On top of that, the chosen blue colors make for the ultimate summer dive watch. If you are going on a Mediterranean trip, this is the ultimate companion.

Solving the issue with the 5303

Jerome from Serica solved a minor issue I had with the initial two 5303 models. I was conflicted about which of the two versions I like more and might want to add to my collection. Usually, I would pick the black-dial version with the black bezel in a heartbeat. But seeing the white-dial version of the 5303 really made me doubt my initial preference. There is something about that white dial with a little hint of red text and the bezel with the two scales that is very appealing. Therefore, it’s a little more exciting in its overall presence.

Having said that, it’s an issue that I never solved, and I was never able to choose my favorite version. But after laying my eyes on the new blue colors, that “issue” seems ancient history. I absolutely adore the colors that Burgert chose for this new version of the 5303. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew that this was my favorite out of the three models that Serica offers. But before I jump into the colors, let’s remind ourselves of the basic specs of the Serica 5303 because there is a reason these new colors work very well. While the colors certainly define the outcome of the composition, the canvas needs to be good for the colors to shine. And the 5303 is the perfect canvas.

The Serica 5303 specs

It all starts with a 39mm stainless steel case that is 12.2mm thick, has a lug-to-lug of 46.5mm and a 20mm lug width, and is water-resistant to 300 meters. As I said in my initial review of the first two models, the case is a joy to see. Laying eyes on it again after some time reminds me of its beautiful proportions. The size is spot on at 39mm, the twisted lugs are a thing of absolute beauty, and the oversized 8mm crown is a great detail that adds character. It’s the perfect canvas for the dial and bezel to shine. The watch comes with a stylish mesh bracelet that tapers from 20mm to 16mm and is connected to the case using a fitted end link. The bracelet has tons of character and uses a pressure clip to fasten into the indentations on the inside of the mesh.

In order to choose the right colors for the bezel, Burgert took his time to get it just right. Over a total of 12 months and a string of prototypes, he picked the two colors used for the dial and bezel. As stand-alone colors, they are great in themselves, but the combination of both makes this watch a winner. Let’s start with the dial. It’s a midnight-blue enamel dial for incredibly rich, dark, and glossy goodness. The characteristic dial design contrasts beautifully with the white hour markers, minute track, and handset. The hands and markers are filled with Super-LumiNova C3 with a light green hue that adds even more color to the watch.

The unique bezel color

If you think the dark blue enamel dial is already special, wait until you see the bezel. The design of the bezel is a standout feature of the 5303 with its twin-scale design. The combination of a ceramic inlay with a minute scale and a brushed hour scale for a second timezone is a design feature that I absolutely adore. The design recalls classic dive watches like the first-generation Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913 from 1957. The new blue 5303 features a stainless steel bezel that comes with a light “crystal blue” ceramic insert.

Burgert worked for a full year on getting exactly the right shade of blue. If you ask me, those 12 months certainly paid off. It’s an absolutely brilliant color. It moves from a bright light blue in the sunlight to an almost grayish-blue color in darker lighting conditions. It’s a unique shade that I have never seen used for a watch. While writing this introduction article, we received the watch at the Fratello offices. Daan’s full review will be published shortly, but we both were reminded of the impressive bezel action. The sound of the clicks and the overall quality feel of the bezel is impressive. Add the unique color, and the bezel is one of the best currently out there.

The Soprod movement at the heart of the 5303

In terms of the movement, it’s the same as with the previous models. The 5303 is equipped with automatic Soprod Newton movement. The movement operates at 28,800vph and has 23 jewels and a power reserve of 44 hours. Furthermore, it is fitted with a double-cone Incabloc shock absorber while incorporating additional protection to its balance with a cross-through bridge. The Newton caliber can also be hacked and hand-wound.

As mentioned in my initial review, Soprod offers the movement with two grades of adjustment. Serica has opted for the Top Flight grade, which offers an accuracy of ±4 seconds per day. Those are specs up to COSC standards, which is still impressive. It goes to show once more that Burgert goes all the way in making sure the Serica releases are top-notch for the money in terms of design, materials, quality, and movement.

My thoughts on the Serica 5303 in blue

By now, you have surmised that I am a fan of this new 5303 in blue. The colors that Burgert chose are unique shades of blue that work really well together. If you approach this new release rather clinically, you could say it’s just a color variation. But after first seeing the press pictures and then receiving the watch at our headquarters, it proves to be so much more than a color variation. The two shades of blue not only create something unique in the world of watches, but they also make for the perfect summer watch.

If you are in the market for a stylish summer dive watch, this is a great option. The Serica 5303 in blue oozes that Mediterranean flair that so many of us love. Unfortunately, if you pre-order the watch today — the pre-order is live now — it will arrive at your doorstep in October of this year. So you won’t be able to wear it this summer just yet. But it’s definitely worth the wait, and you will see it is more than just a summer watch after all. The blue color combination is cool all year round. At €1,075 excluding tax and €1,290 including tax, this new Serica 5303 is absolutely the best in class. I have to give a big compliment to Jérôme Burgert for what he achieved with this new 5303. It shows that he has been able to make a watch that was already great even better by “just changing the colors”. That’s pretty impressive.

If you want to find out more about the Serica 5303 in blue or if you want to pre-order it, go to the official Serica website. Let us know your thoughts on this new release in the comments section!