A couple of weeks in the past, Seiko introduced the launch of upgraded variations of considered one of its most emblematic and accessible diver’s watches, the new King Turtle – geared up with extra resistant supplies for enhanced high quality. In the identical vein, the model is now upgrading its different entry-level Prospex Diver’s watch, the sharper brother of the Turtle, with the identical kind of updates on the case and the dial. Meet the brand new Seiko Prospex Automated Diver’s 200m SRPE35K1 and SRPE37K1, a.ok.a King Samurai.
No surprises right here, the recipe is well-known however nonetheless fairly environment friendly. Take probably the most acclaimed accessible dive watches of the Seiko Prospex assortment, preserve what’s beloved – that means the design, the general efficiency and the affordable value – and improve among the components with high-quality and wear-free supplies to convey better-perceived high quality and extra resistance to exterior aggressions. Already tried and examined on the Turtle watch, with the SRPE03, SRPE05 and SRPE07, it’s time for the opposite, similar yet different Prospex diver’s watch to bear the identical remedy.
What hasn’t modified is the general design of the Seiko Samurai. Whereas the Turtle is vintage-inspired and performs on curves, the Samurai is all about sharpness and angular shapes – therefore its nickname. Seiko retains the 44mm case in stainless-steel, with brief faceted lugs, polished and brushed surfaces, crown positioned at Three with an environment friendly crown guard machine, screwed caseback and screw-down crown (each guaranteeing a 200m water-resistance).
In the identical vein, the motion of the normal Samurai, the workhorse calibre 4R35, has additionally been saved in these upgraded editions providing the identical 40h energy reserve, the 3Hz frequency, the hand-wound capability and stop-seconds perform. The extra trendy 6R35 is reserved for watches in a better value vary. Lastly, the general dial format can be retained.
So, what’s modified on these new King Samurai SRPE35K1 and SRPE37K1? The updates concern the supplies used for probably the most uncovered components of the watch, so as to supply higher safety to shocks and scratches. On this occasion, the unidirectional diving bezel, with 60-minute scale, now encompasses a shiny black ceramic insert. Additionally, the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal (changing the mineral crystal of the basic Samurai), with a magnifying glass on prime of the date.
The brand new King Samurai will probably be obtainable in two variations, differentiated by their colors and straps. The primary one, the SRPE35K1, comes with a basic black dial with yellow accents, white lume and silver arms/indexes. It’s worn on a Three-link stainless-steel bracelet with safe lock, push-button launch and diving extension. The second mannequin, the SRPE37K1, comes with a white dial, darker arms and markers and a black “accordion” silicone strap with metal pin buckle. One other novelty for the King Samurai collection is the presence of a textured dial – similar to the King Turtle – providing a grid-like sample.
The brand new Seiko Prospex Automated Diver’s 200m “King Samurai” will quickly be stocked in shops. The Black SRPE35K1 will probably be priced at USD 625 and the white SRPE37K1 at USD 595 – which makes then USD 100 greater than a normal Samurai. Extra particulars at seikowatches.com.
