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Seiko Samurai SRPB51 Review

Radman

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On this lazy Sunday when my football team doesn't play until late I figured I would do a mini review of the Seiko Samurai.

There are a number of offerings with this design. This classic black on stainless steel, Pepsi, blue, orange and a cool gun metal case with gold indices. Apparently these are a reissue to a model that was made out of titanium. Not all versions come on a stainless steel bracelet, some come in a silicone strap. Seiko silicone straps are pretty amazing. I used to call them "rubber" but now I am on board with "silicone" because the feel is so much better than most rubber straps out there.

This is a significant watch in that it is larger and is heavy. Neither of which are typical of what I usually like but this watch seems sized right and wears nicely for my style.

Case is stainless steel. 44mm x 13.5Mm
Weight (with I think 4 links removed) is 180 grams
Movement is a 4R35 which is hand winding and hacking
Crystal is Hardilex mineral

Basically this is a traditional heavier duty diver for up to 200 meters. I tend to be careful and gentle with all of my watches replica and gen but I feel like I can throw this thing across concrete and it would be fine.


The price point is a list of around $500. As with a lot of Seikos prices can be all over the place. This can be found priced around mid $300 pretty easily. Compared to an skx007 for about $200, I would say you can make the argument on either side.



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I would think with this watch there are strong opinions on what sticks out most about this piece: the lugs and end links. They are sharply angled providing unique looks depending on the angle. My opinion is that this watch doesn't look it's best with the straight on view but does look good at other angles.


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I like the bracelet for the most part. The partly polished mid links give it a nice look. The whole watch has a cool blend of brushed and polished surfaces. The lugs are 22mm and the bracket doesn't have any taper to it. I really with it did as I would find it much more comfortable. I have seen some pics on the web and this watch looks good on both NATO and leather, but I haven't experimented yet.


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I like this crown design and size. And the pointy crown guards make this a pretty unique feature.


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Thanks for looking!
 

ILuvTheCLock

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I keep looking at the new PADI Samurai (the wave pattern dial looks sweet). I also really like the waffle dial on yours, plus it looks like you may have been lucky and actually got one with a centered crown (most are offset low) Thanks for the review....I may have one incoming soon (either PADI or black/gilt) I fear that they will be too close to my Monsters and fight for wrist time though :( But the rocket never gets old to me lol
 

johnlogan

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This is a steady, moden , cool looking , sporty diver with great lume! Whats not to like?
 

Radman

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I keep looking at the new PADI Samurai (the wave pattern dial looks sweet). I also really like the waffle dial on yours, plus it looks like you may have been lucky and actually got one with a centered crown (most are offset low) Thanks for the review....I may have one incoming soon (either PADI or black/gilt) I fear that they will be too close to my Monsters and fight for wrist time though :( But the rocket never gets old to me lol

The PADI one looks really cool. Have you seen the black and guilt one in person? Pictures don't do it justice. I have one in my possession unopened that I am hiding from myself for another day.
 

krapyl

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Great little review.... I'm thinking about getting the blue one(SRPB49K1) myself.
 

phdsjain

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Great modern diver for the money. What do you think of the bracelet finish and feel? Compared to say a $350 Noob Sub. Not that one is cross-shopping, just interested in learning.
 

kdo2milger

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Thanks to @Radman for the nice review.

I grabbed a PADI SE with wave dial for a great price. I will size and shoot some wristies tomorrow. So far I am digging it.

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EBE

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Missouri
Great review! You’ve helped Seiko sell another watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

kdo2milger

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Mine officially says hello.

A mini review of my PADI Samurai:
I'm really enjoying it so far. I think it sits just the right height on the wrist and the weight is not overly powering. I love the color scheme on this one even though its not a blue dial. The wave pattern is very subtle indoors on subtle lighting. I also think the wider bracelet balances out the watch overall and is comfortable for one piece links. The crown is centered on this one, I noticed that others have complained about it not being centered between the CG's. The square shaped case and round bezel design is continuing to grow on me the more I wear it. Last thing for now, the lume is as you would expect for Seiko, however there is the nicely added feature of having the minute hand and PIP a different color than the rest. This is very much a helpful aid when diving in water where light and visibility is scarce.

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