SEIKO Prospex Samurai SRPB55 SRPB55J Japan Black Diver

Seiko has recently released a line of Seiko Prospex Divers heavily inspired by 2004’s Seiko “Samurai.” The collection marks the non-limited-edition return of what’s arguably Seiko’s most sought after dive watch style. The chunky, yet handsome Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB55J features a handful of dial options and brings back some features Seiko collectors have found most appealing about the brand’s divers – and it packs a lot of features in considering the relative affordability.

Seiko enthusiasts were first drawn to the Samurai for its unconventional, clean, bulky handset, and a titanium case and bracelet option. Unlike the many many dive watch options from Seiko, the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB55J has worn smaller and been a more refined timepiece – one that can be worn on serious dives or a night downtown. The angular and intentional lines of the Samurai put the model in a league of its own.

Aesthetically, Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB55J certainly isn’t boring. Like a proper dive watch, the unidirectional bezel insert features the first 15-minutes in grey instead of black, while the markers actually line up with the indices – something you would be surprised doesn’t happen as often as it should. The hobnail screw-down crown with realistically sized crown guards adds a nice touch that the original Samurai was lacking. The indices are superbly finished, and the crisp lines that pay homage to the original’s DNA put the little bow on the package. But the real stars of the show are the hands, which have been updated to fit the modern landscape. The boxy and straight design has been replaced with a cleaner, polished handset. Gone is the seconds hand with is an awkward lumed box for a pointer, and included is a thin, classy spear-tipped hand with a smaller luminescent indicator.

Overall, the Seiko Prospex Diver SRPB55J is simply a great offering. It’s clean, sturdy, and packs a lot in for the price. It’s a great addition for fans of the original Samurai, and the modern update to the movement and aesthetics makes it a serious contender for an affordable tool watch that also looks awesome.

Features:

• Made In Japan
• Stainless Steel Case
• Rubber Strap
• Automatic Movement
• Caliber: 4R35
• 23 Jewels
• Reinforced Mineral Crystal
• Black Textured Dial
• Analog Display
• Luminous Hands And Markers
• Date Display
• Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
• Buckle Clasp
• 200M Water Resistance
• Approximate Case Diameter: 43.8mm
• Approximate Case Thickness: 13mm