At the moment, we now have information of three new fashions which might be becoming a member of the Seiko Black Sequence. These watches are notable for his or her black hard-coated circumstances, black dials, and inexperienced LumiBrite Professional detailing. A number of Prospex fashions have been given the Black Sequence therapy over the previous two years. Now we lastly have one of many extra fashionable dive watches as an choice.
The Seiko Black Sequence is outlined by, unsurprisingly, its absence of shade on the dial and case. Nevertheless, excessive distinction comes within the type of inexperienced LumiBrite Professional from additions to the palms, indexes, and bezel pips. Seiko tells us that when these watches, they need to create the sensation of viewing an object by night-vision tools. Due to this fact, count on a extremely tactical vibe. Now, Seiko has added three extra of its Prospex fashions to the Black Sequence lineup, and we’ll take a short take a look at every. Earlier than that, although, let’s give a short historical past of this collection of watches.
The Seiko SRPC49 “Ninja Turtle” from 2018
The Seiko Black Sequence — some historical past
As we are going to see, Seiko has been onerous at work with its Black Sequence of Prospex watches. The releases have come at a frantic tempo, and I admit that I could have missed some! We are able to journey again to 2018 to search out the primary Black Sequence mannequin, which got here below the SRPC49 reference. Typically referred to as the “Ninja Turtle,” this limited-edition mannequin created fairly a stir when it was launched. Secondhand examples nonetheless promote for over the €450 retail worth immediately. Whereas it was referred to as the Black Sequence, the design was very completely different from immediately’s fashions. It had “fauxtina” and an orange minute hand.
The 2020 Seiko Black Sequence fashions
In 2020, Seiko delivered three extra Black Sequence watches, together with a Prospex Photo voltaic chronograph (3,500 items), a Sumo (7,000 items), and even a Marinemaster 300 (600 items).
The 6L35-powered Black Sequence fashions from 2022
In 2022, the model stored this orange and black theme with three extra restricted Prospex divers. Three 6R35-powered Fashionable Re-interpretation dive watches (the Willard, 62MAS, and 6159) got here as editions of 5,500 items every. An 8L35-powered Willard was additionally issued as a 1,000-piece version.
The Might 2022 Seiko Black Sequence releases
2022 — shifting the Black Sequence to the present theme
In Might 2022, Seiko modified course with the Black Sequence and moved away from the black and orange theme to the present inexperienced and black mixture. The launch got here with a photo voltaic diver (6,000 models), a Samurai (8,000 models), and a Tortoise (7,000 models).
The February 2023 SLA067
Then, in February 2023, Seiko added a high-end 62MAS trendy recreation to the Black Sequence. The SLA067 was restricted to simply 600 items and got here with a uniquely textured dial.
The Might 2023 Black Sequence releases
Lastly, in Might 2023, Seiko got here with two extra additions to its Black Sequence. An Alpinist on a bracelet is restricted to five,500 items, and a “slim Willard” or “Turtle Origin” mannequin is restricted to 4,500 items.
The newest Seiko Black Sequence additions
Now that we’ve walked by the historical past of the Seiko Black Sequence, it’s time so as to add extra fashions to the catalog. As we’ll see, the most recent references don’t stray removed from the final fashions that had been launched. Nevertheless, for the primary time that I can inform, two of the fashions usually are not listed as restricted editions. All three fashions in focus immediately shall be obtainable globally in February.
The SRPK43 “King Turtle”
The primary new addition is the Seiko SRPK43 “King Turtle,” and it’s not a restricted version. This can be a 200m-rated chrome steel Prospex diver with a black onerous coating. It comes on a bracelet and includes a sapphire crystal with an antireflective therapy. The King Turtle is 45mm in diameter and has a 47.7mm lug-to-lug. At 13.2mm thick, the profile can also be cheap for a dive watch. The watch makes use of the tried-and-true 4R36 automated motion, which has a 41-hour energy reserve. So far as pricing, the SRPK43 will retail for €780 or £690. Further data might be discovered on the official Seiko website.
I’ll go forward and say that the SRPK43 is the favourite of all of the watches we’ll cowl immediately. It has the cleanest design and appears like one thing I’d put on. I have to admit that I miss the older Turtle design with out the day window, however it’s clear that Seiko has pushed this mannequin upmarket with its sapphire crystal. After all, I’d prefer to see a motion with a higher energy reserve, and albeit, I’d drop the bracelet in favor of a silicone strap. Nonetheless, that is the outright winner for me.
The SSC923 Photo voltaic Speedtimer
The following new addition to the Seiko Black Sequence is the SSC923 Photo voltaic Speedtimer. Just like the King Turtle, this isn’t designated as a restricted version. This Prospex mannequin additionally makes use of a black hard-coated chrome steel case together with a sapphire crystal. The 41.4 × 45.9mm watch is water-resistant to 10 bar (~100 meters). It makes use of the model’s V192 solar-powered chronograph motion, which has an influence reserve of six months on a full cost. There’s a date perform, 60-minute and 24-hour counters, and an influence reserve indicator. It’s going to come solely on a 21mm nylon strap with a folding buckle (I see an analogous reference for the USA market often called the SSC917). This watch will retail for €700 or £620. Further data is accessible concerning the SSC923 on the official Seiko website.
There’s loads to love about these Photo voltaic Speedtimer fashions. The design is clear, and whereas Seiko claims that it takes inspiration from its classic 6139 chronographs, there’s additionally quite a lot of Daytona right here. That’s all constructive, and the photo voltaic motion makes this a fuss-free watch in all points.
The SPB433 “Sumo”
The final new version to the Seiko Black Sequence is a limited-edition “Sumo” of three,500 items. The SPB433 is a 200m-rated dive watch and comes with a bracelet, sapphire crystal, and ceramic bezel. It’s definitely a bigger watch with its 45mm diameter and 52.6mm lug-to-lug distance. The thickness continues to be within the realm of cheap at 13.4mm. As a barely higher-end Prospex mannequin, this watch options the 6R35 automated motion with a 70-hour energy reserve. Whereas the prior two fashions characteristic matte dials, the SPB433 has a darkish grey dial with a rougher floor. The value of entry for this watch is €1,300 or £1,100, and extra particulars can be found on the official Seiko web site.
Admittedly, this Sumo additionally seems slick and is my second favourite of the bunch. The ceramic bezel provides off an costly vibe, and I just like the Oyster-style black bracelet. Actually, after I examine this to the 2020 Black Sequence Sumo with its orange detailing, the SPB433 is a lot crisper. Seiko calls this a restricted version, however 3,500 items ought to make it simple to search out at your native retailer.
Parting ideas on the brand new Seiko Black Sequence
All-black watches are usually polarizing items. Some love them for his or her sporty, tactical aura. Others discover them too informal and limiting as a every day watch. I feel all of it depends upon one’s use case. I do suppose, although, that with these newest Black Sequence fashions, Seiko has given patrons and collectors some genuinely engaging watches. They’re not fussy, and the colour mixture works nicely. It’s additionally transfer to make two of the watches a particular version reasonably than restricted. I haven’t bought a brand new Seiko in fairly some time, however the King Turtle is quietly calling to me. Having it as a pairing with my authentic Ninja Turtle is likely to be extra temptation than I can resist. What are your ideas on these newest releases?
