The Seiko portfolio is, to put it mildly, an extensive collection of watches. Especially within the Prospex series, the Japanese brand offers a multitude of dive watches, from affordable to high-end, from leisure models to professionally oriented ones. Besides the models themselves, the brand also has so-called 'series' of special or limited editions that regularly return. Think of the PADI models or the 'Save the Ocean' collections. Another such sub-collection appeared in 2018, showcasing a modern and bold black theme. The next step in the Seiko Prospex 'Black Series' has just been introduced - the new 2021 Samurai SRPH11K1 and Monster SRPH13K1 models.
The 'Black Series' concept was first introduced in 2018 with three watches, two solar-powered models, and the automatic 'Turtle' SRPC49. Since then, in 2020, the brand introduced another 'black' collection, including these two models, SLA035J1 and SPB125J1. The recipe is relatively simple but effective. Take some of the most iconic models from the Prospex collection and apply the 'Black Series' theme, which means a case, bezel, and crown with black coating, a silicone strap, a two-tone black and grey bezel insert, a black matte dial with beige luminescent material, and a bold orange minute hand.
Following these two collections, Seiko returns this year with 3 new models in the Prospex Black Series 2021, including the Solar Tuna (ref. SNE577P1, not reviewed here), Samurai SRPH11K1, and Monster SRPH13K1 - two of the brand's most famous affordable dive watches, which have never before been dressed in such a black ensemble.
Seiko Prospex Black Series 2021 Samurai SRPH11K1
First in line for the Black Series 2021 is the model based on the Samurai, one of the brand's most iconic modern dive watches. If the Turtle is a vintage-style model with soft shapes in the Prospex line, then the Samurai is its more aggressive, more angular brother. First introduced in 2004, then discontinued in 2008, the Samurai model returned to the collection in 2017 and has since been one of the pillars of Prospex. Recently, the brand showcased the evolution of these watches with the so-called King models, featuring upgraded materials - sapphire glass and a ceramic bezel - as well as slight design updates. But for the Black Series 2021, Seiko still relies on its classic Samurai.
This SRPH11K1 model is identical to previous Samurai models in most technical aspects, differing only in its distinctive color scheme. As such, we find ourselves once again in the sharp-edged case characteristic of this model, with a diameter of 43.8 mm and a height of 13.4 mm. As always with these watches, the proportions stated on paper can be deceptive, as the lug-to-lug length is 48.4 mm. Still equipped with a screw-down crown and Hardlex glass, the case is completely blacked out, except for the case back, and retains water resistance of 200 m.
Other changes concern the unidirectional rotating bezel, which is also coated in black lacquer and features a special aluminum insert in a black and grey color scheme. This sporty, quite bold look is complemented by a black silicone strap, closed with a blackened buckle. As for the dial, the Samurai Black Series 2021 ref. SRPH11K1 has a matte black background, with the familiar combination of large applied markers and arrow-shaped hands. Like all models in the series, they are filled with beige LumiBrite, and the minute hand is painted bright orange.
Like all Samurai watches, the new SRPH11K1 model is equipped with the proven automatic caliber 4R35 with a frequency of 3 Hz, GMT, date indicator, and a power reserve of 41 hours. This model is already available at retail and is released as a limited edition of 8,000 pieces. Its price is 490 euros.
Quick Facts: 43.8 mm x 13.4 mm x 48.4 mm - stainless steel case with black coating - Hardlex glass - water resistance 200 m - black dial with beige LumiBrite - caliber 4R35, automatic, 3 Hz, 41-hour power reserve - silicone strap - limited edition of 8,000 pieces - 490 euros
Seiko Prospex Black Series 2021 Monster SRPH13K1
The second automatic watch in this Black Series 2021 is based on another important Prospex model, the watch nicknamed 'Monster' by fans. Like the 'Samurai', the 'Monster' is a watch with quite a complex history and multiple generations. Introduced in 2001 and immediately gaining a nickname due to its bold, slightly intimidating look, the Monster watch made an impression with its sharp, almost integrated shape and bold, aggressive design. In 2019, Seiko released the fourth generation of the Monster, now available worldwide. It marked a strong evolution of the model, with a contrasting bezel, a return to the more accessible caliber 4R36, and the addition of a day-date complication.
Based on these specifications and identical to last year's PADI version, the new Monster Black Series SRPH13K1 has retained all design elements, including a partially protected/closed case with signature lug modules, a deeply cut bezel with large markers, and an updated dial, slightly more consensual than previous versions of this model. Here too, the case is completely coated in black lacquer and complemented by a black silicone strap, closed with a pin buckle, making the watch less beastly on the wrist. With its impressive size, the watch is very striking: its diameter is 42.4 mm, height is 13.4 mm, and the lug-to-lug length is almost 50 mm. The screw-down crown and case back provide water resistance up to 200 m, and the dial is protected by Hardlex glass.
The dial is executed in the same manner as all representatives of the fourth generation of Monster watches, with a dial featuring markers more in line with first-generation watches - not the pointed markers like the second generation. The base of the SRPH13K1 dial is matte black, with oversized applied indices and hands filled with beige LumiBrite. Arrow-shaped hands are easy to read, and the minute hand is orange. The Monster watch is equipped with a day-date indicator, which is here positioned under a magnifier. The unidirectional bezel also has a black coating and a matte metallic finish.
Under the case back lies the same basic mechanism as in the Samurai model, but in the 4R36 version, with one additional jewel (total 24) and a day-date indication next to the date. Otherwise, the frequency and power reserve are the same. This Seiko Prospex Black Series 2021 Monster SRPH13K1 is already on sale and is released in a limited edition of 7,000 pieces. The price is 480 euros.
Quick Specifications: 42.4 mm x 13.4 mm x 49.4 mm - stainless steel case with black coating - Hardlex glass - water resistance 200 m - black dial with beige LumiBrite - caliber 4R35, automatic, 3 Hz, 41-hour power reserve - silicone strap - limited edition of 8,000 pieces - 490 euros
For more detailed information, please visit www.seikowatches.com.