I don’t find out about you, however I typically are likely to overlook concerning the Seiko “Samurai.” It’s not a mannequin that’s on my radar loads, partially as a result of Seiko releases so many watches at a breakneck tempo. One more reason is that it’s angular case design is just not one in every of my favorites. I want the rounder shapes of the Prospex watches impressed by the model’s Nineteen Sixties divers. Having mentioned that, the Samurai has been a fan favourite for years, so why not give the up to date Seiko Prospex “Samurai” SRPL11, SRPL13, and SRPL15 an opportunity? With a smaller case and an up to date design, it might be the final word shot at redemption.
I really like that Seiko began creating smaller dive watches over the previous few years. Not way back, many watch followers, together with me, had been asking Seiko to create smaller Prospex divers. The model has given us what we needed by way of varied new releases with extra modestly sized instances. Persevering with with that change, we now get a smaller, up to date Seiko Prospex “Samurai.” It was an ideal likelihood to find out whether or not the brand new SRPL11, SRPL13, and SRPL15 might win me over.
The up to date case design of the brand new SRPL11, SRPL13, and SRPL15
Let’s begin with an important replace. All three new fashions function a 41.7 × 12.3mm case with a 20mm lug spacing. It is a important discount in comparison with the larger Samurai fashions’ 43.8 × 14mm case and 22mm-wide strap. Regardless of the up to date case design, these are nonetheless recognizable as Samurai watches and retain their greater counterparts’ 200m depth ranking. Additionally, to be clear, each sizes will probably be accessible subsequent to one another within the Prospex assortment.
The attribute angular strains have remained, though the design is barely totally different. The lug design is much less edgy, and due to this fact, the case circulate feels a bit extra pure. What has stayed the identical is the crown design with the accompanying crown guards. However there isn’t a hole between the guards and the crown on the brand new watches, which is a pleasant enchancment.
Moreover, the case appears to be like a bit totally different in its total silhouette. It appears longer and extra curvier, whereas the larger Samurai fashions look barely extra squared. It provides the brand new watches a much less technical really feel, you can say. Seiko has additionally mixed the brand new case with up to date designs for the dial, handset, and bezel.
The aluminum bezel insert options totally different markings and numerals that, to me, look extra standard. I like this, however in case you are a fan of the earlier Samurai, it may be one thing to get used to.
The mixture of components provides the brand new Samurai a extra conventional really feel
The identical goes for the up to date dial design. The oblong hour markers from the earlier “Samurai” have been changed by lengthy, pentagonal ones. The bigger hour markers used for the cardinal factors on the earlier dial have additionally been up to date in step with the opposite indices to create a greater total steadiness.
As you may see, the date window has additionally moved. The larger Samurai fashions have a date window at 3 o’clock, whereas the brand new fashions have one between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. I like that replace as a result of it provides the dial a full set of correctly sized indices. On prime of that, the black date disc with white printing blends in properly on two of the three new variants.
Together with the brand new dial design comes an up to date handset to match the indices higher. The seconds hand hasn’t modified all that a lot, although the luminous triangle is now a bit nearer to the tip. The hour and minute arms, nevertheless, are fairly totally different. First, the hour hand now has a smaller spearhead-like design relatively than the large however attribute arrowhead form. Second, the bottom of the minute hand not tapers however, as a substitute, will get wider. The entire arms and indices are stuffed with Seiko’s LumiBrite for good legibility at the hours of darkness. I believe the Seiko designers did an ideal job making a watch that feels extra balanced and natural whereas nonetheless linking again to the previous-generation Samurai.
The Seiko Prospex SRPL13 is a possible hit
Let’s go over the three new variations Seiko has launched. The primary is the SRPL11, which incorporates a crimson dial and bezel insert. It’s not my favourite due to the crimson dial. I instantly puzzled why Seiko didn’t make the dial black and maintain the bezel insert burgundy.
It could be a preferred mixture of colours that watch followers love. It could additionally deal with the black date disc. As it’s now, it stands out as a component that doesn’t go well with the colour scheme effectively.
The second mannequin is the SRPL13, which incorporates a black dial and bezel insert. It additionally has the identical green-glowing white LumiBrite discovered on the crimson model, giving this mannequin a well-known but enticing look.
I count on this new “normal” variant to develop into successful with followers of the Samurai. Identical to the red-dial model, it comes on a chrome steel three-row bracelet with a primary folding clasp and the protection lock that we all know from different Prospex fashions.
The third and final mannequin is the blacked-out SRPL15. This watch has a black-coated chrome steel case matched with a black dial and a black bezel insert with darkish grey markers. The arms and indices on this mannequin are stuffed with vintage-inspired lume that contrasts properly with the black aesthetic. Seiko has paired this model with a black silicone strap with a black buckle to finish the stealthy look.
Mechanically, issues stayed the identical
Contained in the instances of all three watches, you can see the Seiko caliber 4R35. It’s the identical motion that powers the larger Samurai fashions. This in-house computerized motion operates at 21,600vph and has 23 jewels and 41 hours of energy reserve. It’s Seiko’s normal motion for inexpensive fashions, and whereas it’s dependable, it’s nothing particular by way of accuracy.
Seiko signifies that the usual accuracy is between +45 and -35 seconds per day. I’ve a number of Seikos with the 4R35, and I’ve come to like them as a result of they begin working as quickly as you choose up the watch. As I’m not a stickler for accuracy, it’s not one thing I search for with this motion.
Carrying the Seiko Prospex SRPL11, SRPL13, and SRPL15
All three watches instantly really feel significantly better on the wrist than their greater predecessors. The smaller case is nice for varied wrist sizes. A number of Fratello colleagues tried on the brand new watches, which appeared good on all wrists. They instantly stand out amongst different Seiko fashions due to their angular lugs.
However the case additionally sits effectively on my 19cm (7.5″) wrist. From the second I slipped the SRPL13 on, I used to be significantly impressed by the up to date design. These new fashions have a sure appeal that’s lacking from the larger Samurai. Moreover, the up to date proportions make the watch really feel extra natural and fewer technical.
The brand new bracelet can be an enchancment that wears nice. As talked about earlier, at 20mm extensive, it’s 2mm narrower on the finish hyperlinks than the bracelet of the larger Samurai fashions. It has an up to date three-row design with noticeable bevels between the hyperlinks, and it fits the case properly. Every hyperlink on the larger Samurai fashions’ bracelets is only one piece with a wider middle portion and slimmer outer ones. To me, the brand new bracelet’s hyperlinks look far more balanced.
The folding clasp has a easy design with a dive extension that will get the job executed. Nevertheless, I really feel that Seiko can nonetheless enhance its bracelet clasps in each high quality and practicality. There isn’t a possibility for toolless micro-adjustment right here, and the clasp is stamped relatively than milled. Fortunately, this doesn’t get in the way in which of the watches being tremendous comfy on the wrist.
Remaining ideas on the brand new Seiko Prospex Samurai fashions
The brand new Seiko Prospex Samurai fashions provide welcome updates to a longstanding staple. I’m certain that the die-hard followers of the Samurai should get used to the brand new design and possibly additionally the brand new proportions. However for a lot of Seiko followers, this can be a nice replace. I totally loved carrying the brand new watches. My two favorites are the black-dial SRPL13 and the blacked-out SRPL15.
Whereas I’m often not a giant fan of blacked-out watches, the SRPL15 appears to be like good with this stealthy presence. I may need most popular the bezel numerals in the identical colour because the lume to provide it extra appeal. Nevertheless, I perceive that may’ve decreased the stealthiness, in order that was not the way in which to go.
All three fashions can be found now. The crimson SRPL11 and black SRPL13 have a listing value of €650, whereas the blacked-out SRPL15 is barely cheaper at €600. These costs align with the bigger Samurai fashions remaining within the assortment, making these new Seiko Prospex Samurai fashions nice entry-level choices within the Prospex line. I don’t doubt that they are going to win a lot of followers. I’m one in every of them.
The watches are actually accessible by way of the Seiko web site, the model’s boutiques, and choose Seiko sellers. Tell us what you consider these new Samurai fashions within the feedback beneath.
