Seiko Samurai
Many wristwatches and pocket watches have swept the modern era. All because of their popularity. One of the many innovative watches that Seiko has produced is the Seiko Prospex Samurai.
Seiko has been in the watchmaking business for quite some time. Grand Seiko is an exception to the rule. But the company as a whole has not yet been recognized as a luxury watch brand.
Despite Seiko’s timeless expertise. They have paved the way for the creation of high-quality watches.
As a result, Seiko is now comparable to Casio. When you talk about producing many iconic wristwatches.
Iconic watches that too in large quantities at a reasonable price. But, this does not mean that Seiko does not have some buried treasures.
Due to their dependability and iconic designs. Seiko watches have without doubt gained a worldwide following.
History of the Seiko Prospex Samurai
In 1881, Seiko opened a small watch repair shop in the middle of Tokyo. In 1892, Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori purchased a factory in Tokyo and gave it the name Seikosha.
The huge success of the Seikosha. It roughly translates to “exquisite house” or “success house.” It marked the beginning of Seiko’s rise to prominence as a watchmaker.
While competing with well-known Swiss watchmakers. The Japanese watch brand wowed the world with its exceptional watchmaking abilities.
The “The Laurel,” Japan’s first wristwatch. This watch created by Kintaro Hattori in 1913 contributed to this success.
Kintaro Hattori used Seiko’s leadership in cutting-edge watchmaking technology. It produces many wristwatches under the Seiko brand name.
A promising watch model. It embodies all of Kintaro Hattori’s watchmaking principles and the brand’s experience. It was released by Seiko in 2004.
Which model am I talking about?
The Prospex Samurai from Seiko
The majority of people consider this watch to be one of Seiko’s best diver’s watches ever.
It has the typical bulk of a typical diver’s watch. A water resistance of 200 meters, and a reliable automatic calibre movement.
The first generation of the Seiko Samurai watch was made of titanium and stainless steel. But later generations were only made of stainless steel.
You might be wondering why this watch is called “Samura.” of all things. Like other watch brands, Seiko has a reputation for using explosive product names.
The Seiko Beast and the Seiko Turtle are two models. The Seiko Monster gets its name from its size, whereas the Seiko Turtle has the shape of a turtle’s shell.
But, the Seiko Samurai watch’s minute hands have a shape like swords. This is what gives it its name.
Some people might get confused. As a samurai katana is a long, curved sword rather than the typical straight-edged sword.
Regardless, it holds up, especially considering the erratic watch names that Seiko has always used.
Impressions from a distance, the Seiko Prospex Samurai may appear to be a typical diver’s watch.
Without knowing the specifics of its name, you might be wondering a few things. What sets this watch apart from others?
Features
Many features set the Seiko Samurai diver’s watch apart from other Seiko watches. One of them is the dial with its waffle-textured texture. Plus the sleek stainless steel case of the Seiko Samurai.
The watch’s moment hand is formed like a sword. The hour hand, which is moulded like a pointed stone, assist with separating it from other watches.
Due to its different design schemes, the Seiko Samurai is a great diving companion. You can also use it for other activities.
Aside from its name and the fact that it was a diver’s watch. The Seiko Prospex Samurai was at first only available in Japan.
But, over time, it attracted the appropriate amount of interest from watch enthusiasts. Making this rare timepiece very sought after.
The model with a black dial is the most available variant. Due to the watch’s high level of exclusivity. Variations of the Seiko Samurai can be difficult to find.
In response to the high demand for the Seiko Samurai. Seiko released a few limited-edition colour variations. One of these is the collectable Seiko Samurai Orange Dial SRPC07.
Due to the indications and the AR35 calibre movement. The Seiko Samurai series may appear comparable to other dive watches on the market.
Because of the aperture for the date and the hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds. All these make anyone believe it was only a regular watch.
But the Seiko Samurai has more to offer than first appears when examined closely.
Let’s take a look at the features that set the Seiko Prospex Samurai apart from other divers’ watches.
Specifications
When you first look at a Seiko watch, you might think that there isn’t much of a difference between the lines.
That checks out because Seiko has used a comparative plan. These plans are to keep up with their laid-out brand character.
But, a closer look reveals how Seiko can make minor. If not major, adjustments to each of their standard watches. Giving each watch a distinct look. While maintaining brand consistency.
The Seiko Beast is sure to meet your prerequisites if you favour a bigger case size. If you want a watch with a large thickness and a perfectly round shape, the Seiko Tuna is a great choice.
The point is that Seiko watches remain faithful to their brand. Faithfulness and also ensuring that each watch meets the user’s specific requirements.
Case and Bracelet
At first, the Seiko Prospex Samurai could only be purchased in stainless steel.
Yet, the majority of the bracelet and cases were made of titanium. But, the titanium versions were ultimately discontinued.
In 2008 As a consequence of this, stainless steel variants are the ones that can be found on the market more easily.
But, rest assured that stainless steel bracelets and cases rival titanium in regards to shine and durability.
The watch’s proportions were balanced and the lugs were reduced. This ensures the most wrist comfort.
But, the watch’s design is further enhanced by the engraved diamond-shaped patterns. It’s on the sides of the bezel.
If you look closely, this pattern also looks like the diamond pattern on the katana’s hilt. This is a nice detail that stays true to the watch’s name.
The Seiko Samurai isn’t as big as it looks. This watch has a diameter of 43.8 millimetres and a thickness of 13.4 millimetres.
Making it smaller than the typical diver’s watch. Despite this, the stainless steel case offers excellent durability regardless of the device’s size.
Dial
The only dial on the original Seiko Samurai was black and had a waffle-like textured pattern. Following that, Seiko released a few extra variations.
It includes an orange dial and a gradient ocean blue dial. that changes from indigo-blue at the top to black at the bottom.
There are many options for the colour of the dial alone. Still, given that the Seiko Samurai series has been discontinued. Finding your preferred Seiko Samurai watch may be more challenging than it appears.
Most people buy used cars. While others continue to look at official dealerships for the model they want. These dials come in sporty, chic, classy, and casual styles.
Despite this, the original textured dial with a waffle pattern. It best exemplifies the simplicity of the Seiko Samurai line.
The minimal markings on the Seiko Samurai are more about dependability than style. A diver’s watch should always be clear and accurate when it comes to keeping time.
If not, certain accidents, such as running out of oxygen. Due to a faulty watch or calculating decompression stops incorrectly, could occur.
The Seiko Samurai’s user-friendly watch functions. Plus, It makes it possible for the user to accurately track the time without the risk of making a mistake.
Additionally, the watch’s white hands and hour markers make it easy to read even in the dim ocean depths. As a result, it won’t be hard to keep track of the time.
Also, underwater and in the dark. The LumiBrite technology makes it simple to read the time.
Hands & Markers
As was mentioned earlier, the minute hands on the watch are shaped like swords. These hands don’t look like katanas, but when they meet at one point, they do look more like a sword. Keep this interesting aspect in mind.
The aperture for the date is located at three o’clock. As it is a diver’s watch. The Seiko Samurai’s bezel can only be turned counterclockwise.
The white markers on the bezel help to keep the design consistent and make it easier to read.
It has a straightforward design. The Seiko Samurai is a very dependable dive watch. The praise it receives is because it emphasizes functionality. Instead of adding any extra bells or whistles.
Movement
They are both Japanese companies. Calibre Movement Seiko and Casio are frequently referred to by the same person. It’s important to remember that Casio makes watches with quartz movements. On the other hand, a wide range of automatic watches is available from Seiko.
The AR35 calibre is used by the Seiko Samurai. This is a programmed type of development. It provides many of the useful features necessary for a jump watch. It also allows for hand-winding.
The AR35’s stop-second feature is one of its best features. The user can adjust the time without having to worry about the second hand. This ensures that everything is precisely synchronized to the second.
Even though this function has been around for some time, the watch-making industry still uses it a lot. The power reserve of the Seiko Samurai is another noteworthy feature.
Because of this movement, the watch can run without being used for approximately 41 hours.
Wearers won’t have to worry about running out of power. As it is both a self-winding and manual-winding watch movement.
It starts with the original model. But maintains the simplicity of the Samurai watches that came before it. Here are a few notable models of the Seiko Prospex Samurai.
The Seiko Prospex Samurai Automatic Black Dial – SRPB51K1
The watch’s classic design is impossible to miss.
Thanks to its minimalist dial and black waffle-textured dial. Besides this, the watch has a bracelet made of stainless steel.
The case is made of 43.8 mm stainless steel, ensuring that its durability does not deteriorate. The bezel is grey and black in colour and only moves in one direction.
The hands and indexes are coated with LumiBrite. Making them visible even in low light or underwater.
One of the Seiko Samurai watches is the Prospex Samurai SRPB51K1. It has the same 200-meter water resistance as the rest of the line. This is to be expected given that it is a diver’s watch, as shown on the dial.
The watch’s AR35 calibre movement also provides a 41-hour power reserve and a stop-second function. In general, the simplicity and subtlety of the original are better.
With only a few notable distinctions. The design of the Seiko Prospex Samurai Automatic Black Dial (Hard Coating) – SRPB55K1 is comparable to that of the Samurai SRPB51K1.
This model looks like the titanium version because of the black coating on the case.
But, this watch’s case is made of stainless steel, so it will last as long as other Samurai watches. Silicone is used in the Seiko Samurai SRPB55K1 bracelet instead of stainless steel.
The watch’s soft exterior not only makes it more comfortable but also improves its style.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB55K1’s dial still features the well-known black waffle pattern.
But, it alters the appearance of the hands and indexes. Using a gold-tone lining, the indicators are highlighted without worrying about being legible.
The markings on the bezel also use a gold colour scheme. So to keep with the watch’s design and give it a refined appearance.
The last timepiece on the list is the limited-edition
Seiko Prospex Samurai Automatic “Save The Ocean” SRPC93K1
From 2018 the Seiko Turtle and Seiko Samurai collections also carry this edition. This model conveys a specific message to everyone. It’s about marine conservation and its attractive appearance.
The Seiko Samurai SRPC93K1’s design, dimensions, and features. All are the same as those of the line’s other models. The crowning glory of this watch is its stunning gradient dial. It depicts the ocean’s depths.
The engraved horizontal lines give the dial a texture. It looks like the ocean’s never-ending waves.
The strange maritime profundities that at present can’t seem to be found. They are represented by the dark segment at the dial’s base.
The Seiko Samurai “Save The Ocean” SRPC93K1 watch is a symbol. It signifies the significance of marine life and the vastness of the ocean.
Price
The Seiko Samurai’s price range is excellent because Seiko watches are very affordable.
Despite not being considered a luxury brand. Seiko watches are of exceptional quality and should be considered for your collection.
It costs no more than one thousand dollars to buy a Seiko Samurai watch. Due to its functionality and timeless design. The Seiko Samurai is, in fact, the watch that will give you the most value for your money.
The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB51K1 currently retails for $469. When compared to the individual watches in the Seiko Samurai collection. Its price appears to be very reasonable because it includes the standard plan.
The typical range for each model is between $450 and $600, though prices may vary. There is a good reason why the Samurai costs more than the typical Casio watch.
For a few hundred dollars more than a quartz watch, which is the best option. You can own a dive watch with automatic movement.
Our Opinion
It is a great watch for people who want to start a watch collection. Even though it is not as good as the Rolex Submariner. In any case, don’t be discouraged by the fact that it costs less than $1,000.
An excellent automatic dive watch with more features than it costs is the Seiko Samurai.
If the price is still out of your price range, you can always buy used watches.
Depending on its condition, you may be able to get it for as little as $300 or even less. Simply steer clear of dubious online deals and look for a dependable seller.
Conclusion
One of Seiko’s most popular dive watches is without a doubt the Seiko Prospex Samurai. It has everything you need for diving, and it’s also very accurate and reliable.
With regards to keeping a jumper’s watch. While likewise putting a high worth on accuracy. The development of the type AR35 far outperforms all assumptions.
What’s more, the Seiko Samurai can be used in different ways. The bezel can be used to time recreational activities to dive. Due to its small size, this watch is also an excellent choice for daily use.
There is a wide range of dial colours available to choose from. It is another factor that has contributed to the Seiko Samurai’s popularity.
Because there are so many colours to choose from, you can use them for any occasion or activity you want. The Seiko Samurai knows how to be the perfect watch for any occasion, whether it’s formal or casual.
On a whole, the Seiko Prospex Samurai is a great diver’s watch. It easily beats most of the best dive watches in the industry.
The Seiko Samurai is the ideal underwater companion for everyone. As it offers more features than its price tag suggests.