Whereas different fashions within the Seiko lineup have finally remained the identical through the years, the Seiko Samurai has seen fairly a number of modifications in its comparatively brief lifetime. Since its inception in 2004, we have now seen the Samurai mannequin go from being extra of a Seiko mutation, borrowing elements from different sibling fashions, to being its personal factor with daring, aggressive, and distinctive styling throughout the second technology in 2017. But these modifications appeared to fall wanting establishing a stronghold on the fanatic marketplace for entry-level divers. So once more, Seiko tweaked the mannequin, finally giving it the “King” remedy in 2020 with a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel insert. However that’s the place the Samurai household has sat for the final 4 years, in a state of missed limbo labeled as an outsized and overly aggressive various for these trying to depart the crushed attainable icon path. That’s till now, the place Seiko has seemingly taken the Samurai again to the drafting board to refine virtually each facet of the watch, giving it extra mass enchantment within the value phase. So, do these new “refinements” soften the mannequin past recognition? Or, do these “fixes” lastly create an entry level into the gathering for many who have lengthy since been curious?
One holdover from the earlier technology is the motion, which has been a subject of scorching debate amongst fans. Housed beneath the screw-down case again with an embossed wave brand is the automated Seiko caliber 4R35. Working at 3hz, or 21,600 VPH, the 4R35 options hacking and hand winding whereas providing up an satisfactory energy reserve of 41 hours. One small modification right here comes within the type of the date wheel, which has been moved from the standard 3 o’clock place on the dial in favor of its new 4:30 placement. Whereas some might scoff on the 4R household of actions as being older and unregulated, there’s something to be mentioned for a tried and examined caliber. It’ll provide ease of servicing and be absolutely swappable for an inexpensive value if issues finally go unsuitable (ask me how I do know). All that being mentioned, when examined throughout 5 completely different positions for timekeeping, my SRPL11 was protecting time at an affordable -8 to +6 seconds per day. From there although, the brand new Samurai begins to set itself aside.
That includes acquainted aggressive angles, the brand new Samurai measures in with a case diameter of 41.6mm, a thickness of 12.7mm, and a lug-to-lug of 49mm. That may be a full 2mm drop in diameter, 1mm drop in thickness, and apparently a 0.7 mm improve from lug-to-lug. All in all, the carrying expertise has utterly modified thanks to those dimensions providing up a extra snug carrying expertise. The bracelet additionally performs an element right here as, when geared up, the felt lug-to-lug of the outdated model sporting male finish hyperlinks measured at 53mm lengthy whereas the brand new feminine finish hyperlinks convey it again right down to 49.5mm in size. An fascinating factor to notice when it comes to the profile is that the crystal is now the forefront, a departure from the bezel-forward design of outdated and maybe a downside for these on the lookout for “skilled” diving specs.
Total, the case has been overhauled, not simply when it comes to dimension but in addition in ending the place we see a extra refined method just like these higher-end Seikos housing 6R calibers. All forward-facing surfaces have been completed with fantastic vertical brushing, together with the case sides, which marks a departure from the modular look of outdated, holding a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. One other visible deviation comes on the lugs, the place as an alternative of jutting down from the bezel to some extent, the brand new lugs are minimize twice, lessening the aggressive angle in direction of the wrist. Crown guards nonetheless shield the big knurled screw-down crown aiding on this mannequin’s 200 meters of water resistance.
The lug width has additionally been addressed, measuring 20mm aside as an alternative of 22mm and holding an overhauled bracelet design. Now absolutely brushed, the 3-link fashion bracelet terminating at a stamped foldover clasp with divers extensions and 4 factors of micro-adjustment is arguably higher than it has ever been. The hyperlinks have been formed in a option to provide higher articulation, the slimmer profile rides properly on the wrist, and the general look blends into the case making a extra full package deal when paired collectively. Whereas the drilled lugs permit for a simple swap to a rubber or nylon strap, I might go so far as to argue in opposition to swapping the bracelet out instantly. For me, this can be a large win as different Seiko fashions on this similar value class are sometimes criticized for his or her bracelets inflicting many to by no means even put on their watch in its unique configuration.
Bezel motion does depart a bit to be desired out of the field, although in my expertise these fashions profit from a little bit little bit of breaking in. At its edge, the knurled sample of the crown is carried over providing some grip, although not as a lot as earlier generations which have a wider minimize sample. Set inside is a matte, color-matched aluminum bezel insert with contrasting white grooved and crammed countdown indices. Rising up, a flat mineral crystal stands guard with a superb anti-reflective coating resisting glare in direct gentle. Wanting by means of, the historically misaligned chapter ring has been eliminated in favor of a brushed chrome steel ring inflicting the dial to current barely smaller. The printed minute monitor is relegated to the dial floor, a matte deep purple hue which to my recollection is a primary for the everlasting assortment. Utilized polished hour indices minimize into new geometric shapes with the 12, 3, 6, and 9 having slight deviations for higher nighttime legibility are generously stuffed with LumiBrite materials. At 4:30 a small rounded date window is minimize within the floor revealing the black date wheel beneath. The date wheel is black on all three fashions and, though I might have appreciated to have seen it correctly color-matched and don’t usually look after this placement, I’m glad to see the cyclops from the King mannequin has been eliminated and the visible presence of the date decreased. At its heart, an all-new set of brushed fingers every stuffed with lume deal with time telling with the second hand seeing a rise in arrow tip dimension, the minute hand staying comparatively true, and the hour hand resembling a well-recognized sword form somewhat than the earlier massive arrowhead. Total, legibility is great with a powerful lume efficiency, one thing that has develop into a little bit of a benchmark within the dive watch class.
Total, I’m an enormous fan of this new technology. It’s a little bit of a troublesome tablet to swallow understanding that an older mannequin with the identical motion was in a position to obtain an identical value whereas together with a ceramic bezel insert and sapphire crystal, but the general stage of ending right here is spectacular and deserving. Positive, they may have included the 6R caliber somewhat than the getting old 4R35 unveiled in 2011, however let’s be sincere, none of us are shopping for a Seiko for its accuracy. And sure, the 4:30 date window goes to trigger the web commenters to right away dismiss this watch, although in my use I’ve discovered it very inoffensive. I imagine that’s the place the criticisms cease, nevertheless. The size are much more wearable for the lots, the bracelet and case are completed on par with different Seikos listed at double its value level, and the design language, coloration, and deleted chapter ring change up the visible design with out shedding its endearing core ethos.
For me, it takes a watch mannequin household that I take pleasure in and refines it. Although the brand new design language could also be a departure from the earlier technology, I feel it fits the mannequin properly. It is a well-executed software watch, particularly for the value phase, that might doubtlessly be an entry level into the Samurai household of watches for a completely new viewers. I’m certain that we are going to see many iterations of this design within the years to return with new colours and doubtlessly a King model, which I shall be proper again in line for. So, does it dethrone the Seiko Turtle? No, after all not! However not less than it supplies you with a extra trendy choice able to take a beating on its subsequent journey.
