Meet the New Redesigned Smaller Seiko Samurai SRPL11, SRPL13 and SRPL15
The Seiko Samurai series has long held a special place in the hearts of watch enthusiasts and divers alike. Since its inception in 2004, this line of professional-grade dive watches has been celebrated for its robust build, distinctive design, and exceptional reliability. Originally produced until 2008, the Samurai models were known for their titanium and stainless steel cases, which offered both strength and light weight, making them ideal for underwater use.
Updated for its 20th anniversary, the 2024 Seiko Samurai features a smaller, redesigned look. Available in burgundy red SRPL11, classic black SRPL13, and stealth black SRPL15.
This newly redesigned Seiko Samurai features a 41.7mm
diameter x 12.3mm thickness
New sword-shaped hands, all elements filled with LumiBrite for a
bright, long-lasting glow in the dark.
The Samurai's iconic sword-shaped hands and aggressive, angular case design earned it a dedicated following. After a brief hiatus, the series was reintroduced in 2017, featuring modern updates while retaining the beloved characteristics of the original models. You can check out some of these models here.
Seiko Samurai Previous Collection :
The Seiko Samurai series debuted in 2004 and quickly gained popularity for its bold design, durability, and accuracy. Key features that have made the collection a favorite among collectors include:
Seiko Samurai Titanium SBDA003, one of the first-generation models showcasing a bold design and aggressive case, features a 42mm titanium case, Hardlex crystal, and screw-down crown. It houses a 7S25 caliber with 21 jewels, a 41-hour power reserve, and 21,600 bph.
Seiko black gunmetal coating Black Samurai SRPB55 and the "Save the Ocean" Blue Samurai SRPC93, two models after the first generation, capturing a sense of elegance and durability.
- Case Design: The angular, aggressive case design reminiscent of samurai armor, typically made from stainless steel (although earlier models included titanium versions), known for durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
- Movement: The original models were powered by the 7S25/7S35 automatic movement, while reissued models feature the reliable 4R35 movement.
- Dial and Hands: Bold, easy-to-read dials with large, sword-shaped hands, providing excellent legibility underwater.
- Bezel: Unidirectional dive bezels ensure any accidental movement only reduces the remaining dive time.
- Water Resistance: A robust 200-meter water resistance rating, suitable for recreational scuba diving.
- Straps and Bracelets: Available with stainless steel bracelets and rubber straps, catering to different preferences and uses.
Launch of the King Samurai in 2020
After being discontinued, it made a comeback in 2017 with a slightly updated yet still highly recognizable collection (SRPB49K1, SRPB51K1, SRPB53K1, and SRPB55K1). In 2020, Seiko gave the Samurai a King treatment, which brought significant advancements while maintaining the core characteristics of its predecessors. It was introduced as part of Seiko's strategy to revive and enhance their iconic dive watches, bringing modern upgrades and premium features to the classic Samurai design.
The King Samurai White Dial SRPE37K1 showcasing its ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, a magnifying glass over date display, enhanced markers and hands that speaks distinctiveness.
- Superior Materials and Build Quality: Including a ceramic bezel insert for better scratch resistance and a more premium appearance, and high-grade stainless steel construction.
- Upgraded Movement: Powered by the Seiko 4R35 automatic movement, known for its reliability, hacking, and hand-winding capabilities, with a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
- Improved Lume: Enhanced Lumibrite on the markers and hands for excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Sapphire Crystal: Superior scratch resistance compared to Hardlex crystal, adding to the watch's overall durability and premium feel.
- Distinctive Dial and Hands: Often featuring textured dials and with iconic arrow-shaped hands and prominent hour markers, ensuring continuity in design and easy readability.
- Water Resistance: Maintaining a 200-meter water resistance rating, meeting ISO standards for dive watches.
2024 The New Slim Samurai
Now, for its 20th anniversary, the Seiko Samurai has been completely redesigned. The new 2024 model is smaller, less aggressive, and comes in three versions: the burgundy red SRPL11, the classic black-on-steel SRPL13, and the black-coated SRPL15. Seiko introduced the new slim Samurai models; designed for those who admire the iconic Samurai design but prefer a slimmer fit. This redesign came in response to feedback from enthusiasts with smaller wrists who found the traditional Samurai's bold, robust look too bulky. The new slim Samurai models offer:
The “Smaller” Seiko Samurai SRPL13, looking elegant on a small wrist.
New Samurai features bold bullet-style indices, 4:30 date window, and sharp pointed hands. Among the three color variants, the burgundy red SRPL11 stands out as the most eye-catching and conversation-worthy.
Sleek new Seiko Samurai SRPL15K1 diver watch stealthy black case and dial boldly highlighted by luminous cream accents extreme contrast meets underwater readability in this striking timepiece.
- Thinner Case Design: Case diameter 41.7mm (lug-to-lug: 49mm, thickness: 12.3mm). This more streamlined profile makes the watch lighter and more convenient to wear under clothing and underwater.
- Updated Dial Designs: Minimalist elements for a contemporary look, while retaining the bold, angular case design, new 4:30 date window, bullet style indices and pointed hands.
- Same Reliable Movement: Powered by the Seiko 4R35 automatic movement with hacking and hand-winding capabilities and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
- Enhanced Lume: Seiko's Lumibrite on hands and markers for excellent brightness and longevity, essential for diving and everyday use.
Watch Bands Compatibility
One notable change in the new slim Samurai models is the incompatibility of fitted end link watch bands from previous versions. This is due to different case thickness which requires different end links that fit the new contours. Moreover, the design and positioning of attachment points have been adjusted to accommodate the new case design.
The 2nd and 3rd generations of Seiko Samurai, nearly identical case designs ensure broad compatibility effortless style updates for Seiko Samurai owners.
Current Samurai owners and potential buyers will need to purchase new watch bands specifically designed for the slim Samurai model. While this change may initially limit aftermarket options, it opens opportunities for new, innovative band designs. The slim Samurai is compatible with universal straight end watch straps, allowing owners to use various strap materials and styles with standard spring bars.
The new slim Samurai SRPL11 shows notable size and thickness differences when compared to the 2nd Generation Samurai SRBP53.
The new slim Seiko Samurai SRPL11 combines the beloved features of its predecessors with a more comfortable and contemporary design. Whether you are a seasoned Seiko collector or a newcomer, this latest addition to the Samurai series is a testament to Seiko’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Conclusion
The new Seiko Samurai collection is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, offering a slimmer profile without sacrificing the core elements that make the Samurai series so beloved. Its release marks a significant milestone in Seiko's ongoing evolution, promising to delight both longtime fans and new enthusiasts.
External References
Written by Victor, images by Toni and others as noted
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