Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB51 review

Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB51 – Updated Guide 2024

Want to know how the Seiko Samurai SRPB51 does in 2024 then our review should help you learn more about this amazing watch.

A few years ago, Seiko released a timepiece that can be considered one of the most popular dive watches the brand has ever produced to date.

Due to the Seiko SRPB51 Prospex Samurai’s popularity, Seiko decided to dedicate a whole collection to it.

People are drawn to the Samurai’s bulky build and clean watch face.

By combining old concepts with modern designs, the Samurai has created a space of its own for versatile dive watches.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dive watch but you’re tired of looking at Submariner homages, the Seiko Samurai is a great watch to add to your shortlist.

Stick around for our full review of the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB51 and find out if this Seiko is worth the investment for your wrist.

What’s the Seiko Samurai SRPB51 known for?

The most famous part of the Seiko Samurai is perhaps the name of the watch itself.

The Seiko Samurai was first introduced to the public in 2004.

However, it took only a few years before Seiko stopped manufacturing the Samurai because it wasn’t getting as much attention as the company expected.

But due to the insistence of diving enthusiasts and watch collectors, Seiko released a re-imagined version of the Samurai under the “Blue Lagoon” color scheme.

Only 6,000 pieces of this limited-edition model were produced, and all had been sold out in a matter of days.

With the resurging interest in the model, Seiko decided to produce a full line of Samurais in different color schemes.

Whether you’re a professional diver or a casual user, the Seiko Samurai will surely satisfy your preferences.

The watch isn’t boring and is a standout even among dive watches.

Design and Movement

The Seiko Samurai measures 44mm wide and 13.5mm thick.

It has a standard stainless steel case usually used by watchmakers.

It’s quite large, but that’s usually the case with heavy-duty dive watches like this.

It has a solid, screw-down case back and a hobnail crown, both contributing to the 200-meter water-resistance rating of the timepiece.

The crown has a diamond texture pattern which is more attractive compared to the usual ridged pattern found on Seiko diver watches.

As a standard for dive watches, the Seiko Samurai has a unidirectional bezel made of stainless steel.

The first 15 minutes of the bezel has a grey insert to emphasize the decisiveness of this period for divers.

The bezel has a combination of index and Arabic numeral minute markers, and a luminous triangular pip at the 12 o’clock position.

The dial features a Clou de Paris grid pattern that gives the watch a sophisticated, three-dimensional look.

The index hour markers are expertly cut out and are filled with luminescent substance.

At the 3 o’clock position, you’ll find the date window in white background and black text.

The designs of the hands of the Samurai perfectly befit the name of the watch: there’s the spear-tipped second hand, the sword-shaped minute hand, and the arrowhead hour hand.

All the hands have a luminescent coating, making them easily visible at night and underwater.

Everything on the dial is covered with a shatter-proof Hardlex crystal.

The crystal is a smudge-magnet, but considering its sturdiness and the price of the accessory, it’s the perfect fit for a utility diver watch.

The Seiko Samurai houses a 23-jewel 4R35 automatic movement, beating at a rate of 21,600 vph.

Aside from the date complication, this movement also allows hand-winding and second-hacking features.

Add to that the 41-hour power reserve, and you have a timepiece that’s a level above your average automatic watches in the mid-range market.

The SRPB51, which features a black and grey color combination, is one of the bestsellers among the Seiko Samurai color variants.

Samurai SRPB51 Features

Here are some points to consider that will help you decide whether you should buy the Seiko Samurai or not.

Durability

The Samurai has a highly durable build that can withstand bumps, scratches, and drops.

According to a hiker, he accidentally slipped while climbing and he slammed a portion of the bezel on a rock.

After careful inspection, he was surprised that there wasn’t a scratch on the watch.

He wasn’t even able to find the bumped portion because every inch of the Seiko Samurai looked the same as if nothing happened.

Comfortability

The Samurai’s lugs are relatively thin compared to other dive watches, giving it a more compact appeal despite its bulky case size.

It’s your choice to have either stainless steel or a silicone strap for the bands.

Sadly, the titanium option for the bracelet has been discontinued on the new releases of the Samurai model.

Accuracy

The watch gains and loses several seconds up to a minute a day.

It’s not as precise as those watches found it the above-$1,000 range, but the inaccuracy is subtle and is still acceptable considering this is a sub-$500 timepiece.

Craftsmanship

The bezel markings perfectly align with the dial markers.

Although this may seem nitpicking on minor details, having aligned markers is the mark of quality and superior craftsmanship.

FAQs About The Seiko Samurai SRPB51

How much does the Seiko Samurai costs?

Priced only around $400 to $500, the Samurai is a great steal for those who are on a budget.

The Samurai is known for its sturdiness and sophistication.

The Blue Lagoon is a bit harder to find and will probably cost you more up to around $700.

Is the Seiko Samurai available in other colors?

The Samurai is currently available in 4 variants: black dial/grey bezel, blue dial/blue bezel, a blue dial with a red-blue Pepsi bezel, and a gold and black combination.

How long is the warranty for the Seiko Samurai?

Seiko offers up to a 2-year international warranty on their products.

Final Summary

In a world full of Rolex Submariner look-alikes, the Seiko Samurai SRPB51 is a breath of fresh air.

There are only a few watches that stand out in the sub-$500 range, and the Seiko Samurai SRPB51 is one of them.

Its distinctive design gives it a sophisticated and serious look often found only on more expensive timepieces.

If you’re looking for a dive watch that’s affordable, functional, and stylish, the Samurai should be on the top of your list.

It’s one of Seiko’s creations that will most likely become a cult classic in the future.

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