Seiko Samurai SRPL13 vs OLD Samurai

[@Snowman_Productions]

My grandfather gave me a Seiko 5 when I was 9. It's working 38 years later. Seiko still makes great, affordable watches.

[@PatroliHoax]

Automatic?

[@ccoffin1333]

I do like that the minute hand is longer and touches the minute markers.

[@SmurfPerfect]

I like the large rehaut. Breaks up the dial and bezel visually

[@Dialandhands]

I think they did a really great job on this newer model!! I wish they had some other colors but I’m sure those are to come.

[@owen-trombone]

I love it. Really feeling the hard angles and that knurling looks really good.

[@1am1der]

I like the new style. Smaller dimensions are great. Date window is so minimalistic.

[@greenjihad3390]

The Samurai is awesome and this was a needed update, IMHO. Hopefully, this means the company is going to start being more conscious of the watch enthusiast base that made them successful.

[@4by_yotaguy373]

I've owned the orange dial SRPC07 for 4 yrs. And although I don't wear it much, I wouldn't want to get rid of it. It's big and chunky but extremely comfortable and well-fitting. 🧡

[@dominicserafino6029]

It’s a great watch at a great price. Ticks all the boxes. I don’t care that it has the hardlex instead of Sapphire. The watch punches way above its price division. Looks great to wear casually and great with a business suit on.

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

I saw the new Samurais at my local dealer & I prefer the new version by far. Perhaps I'd wait for a Sapphire King Samurai release.

[@j.h.2967]

The King Samurai models does come with sapphire. SRPE35K1 (I own one), SRPE37K1, SRPF79K1 etc.

[@tomskimcdouglegaming806]

@@j.h.2967 Try to keep up.

[@Ravbehemoth]

@@j.h.2967try to keep up

[@Huwberts_Emporium]

I love it, I think it looks great but I'll wait for the "King" version.

[@xueya2188]

Old Samurai better (except maybe the hour hand??). Solid caseback is the way though. I got the Mystic Forest Alpinist and it has a pointless Hardlex caseback. No. Bad. Wrong. I already replaced the clasp for Uncle Seiko, now looking for a solid caseback.

[@WATCH-4U]

Ive only got the one Samurai the SRPH61K1 and absolutely love its chunkiness and is a beefy piece...The new smaller version does look nice and tamed down..The deep Rehaut is awesome ...Not a fan of the small date window though should of left it at the 3 o'clock position for me...I imagine this will suit the smaller wristed guys out there and will become a popular piece...Great review...

[@siddhant46s54]

Samurai’s look so fucking hot with a ceramic bezel ! Wish the newer version had it .

[@wescobts]

I have a Gen 2 and I believe I'll stay with it.

[@Bonatno]

I love the new samurai, great improvement. I was able to handle one in Bic camera in Shibuya in early July and you just have to handle it to see the drastic improvements.

[@seandavie3672]

I have the Blue Lagoon, and the waffle dial King version, and my only criticism was the undefined and moulded look of the case edges. If these have been sharpened up, that's a welcome improvement. I do not think I need 3, though!

[@kryton57]

I have the black dial King Sam, and agree the old one is iconic and shouldn’t be changed - look what happened to the current Arnie re-issue, binned. Some watches have a clear identify and should stay that way. If you don’t like the Samurai for its size and angles, there’s lots of other Seiko - or non Seiko - divers to choose from. Please Seiko, stop re-inventing icons and altering down thier DNA, especially with a watch like this that appears to merge several models identity.

[@rudyharrifshariman5126]

Agree with you... Re inventing the already iconic design is not a smart move. People buy samurai because it is uniquely a samurai or else we will just opt for other model....

[@Ravbehemoth]

Idk some people like me said “dang if only the Samurai was just a tad bit smaller in diameter it would be perfect, then maybe I’ll actually buy it and keep it” My dream came true BUT, I do say that they changed the look up too much instead of keeping the old design but just shrinking it. Iffy in that for sure

[@ajmarion]

Nicely done, would love to get the red one!

[@tomskimcdouglegaming806]

2:08 - I love how the left lug is longer than the right lug. Real zany design feature.

[@EscapementWatch]

haha its just the way i'm holding it and the lighting and all the angles and strange shapes the lugs have. I assure you they are the same size exactly.

[@chuckgladfelter]

The hands are 100% better than the old one. I would sometimes mistake the hour because of the short reach of the hour hand. I had the white dial one with the date magnifier. The hands were the reason I sold it. The new one needs a date magnifier for us old folks.

Hands finally reach the minute markers!

[@zmurray52]

Wholeheartedly agree with you, let's wait to see the kings!

[@SattawatTangpaibool-n7u]

Hey, I think the point of these issues is not design, but the majority of customers are focussing on its price. Seiko can give Hardlex Crystal to customers with an affordable price as well as the Seiko 5 model, but in this case the watch is really expensive for me (if compared with the old model and the other models that have a similar price with better design).

[@Mystery_Man84]

Really they’re not giving the customers sapphire Crystal because they’re saving it for a special version?🤣. San Martin gives sapphire crystal on ALL of their watches. And they are more affordable. Citizen as well.

[@EscapementWatch]

yeah this is just the base samurai like the one I flashed at the end in the top right when talking price

[@pokie6087]

@Mystery_Man84 Fine Go buy a cheap Chinese knock off

[@kresimirpleic]

​@@pokie6087The vast majority of Seiko watches are also Chinese made. Seiko also made countless knock offs, ripping off the designs of plenty of watch brands over the decades and they aren't cheap any more. So what is your point?

[@pokie6087]

@@kresimirpleic My point is that Seiko are an in house brand. Yes they have factories in China and Malaysia, but these are owned by the brand. Seiko produce their own designs and is what they're divers are famous for. You Will now give examples of watches Seiko are copying. Go

[@Mystery_Man84]

@@pokie6087 lol Citizen also gives sapphire crystal and for a more affordable price. Get off Seiko’s meat. They obviously have you brainwashed.

[@SattawatTangpaibool-n7u]

between seiko new samurai, SSC speed timer and mm200 which one is better?

[@SmurfPerfect]

Lyme on this one is actually. Glows like a torch until morning

[@etebol]

Nope. I have the old design and the break in the case with that high polish section is iconic. No other watch has that. 41mm is too small, might as well get a Casio Marlin. And the chapter ring on the old one adds a touch of complexity to the dial. Again Seiko offering less for more. Sadly I have moved on. And probably wont buy any more.

[@shiraz1736]

I have to disagree with you on your view on sizing, if anything it’s about time Seiko gave their watches some optional sizes. What you like may not necessarily be what someone else likes. Personally I would only buy a diver in 41-42mm, and a dress watch from 38-40mm. I think their divers in the prospec range should have a 39 - 41 - 43/44mm. Dress watches 37 - 39/40mm or there about.

[@igor240898433]

I have tried the new version and is absolutely better in every single way except for the clasp and the crystal which are the same. Yes, design wise, it lost a bit of it's originality but I definitely prefer the looks of the new version. Now I only have to wait for the blue dial 😁

[@EscapementWatch]

I can't wait to see a PADI version and a save the ocean version 😍

[@peterlarsson691]

Thanks for yet another great video. One of the best watch channels 😊

[@EscapementWatch]

Wow, thanks!

[@matthewsalisbury4339]

Original samurai had more unique character. This new model looks like a greatest hits mashup. Especially with the monster dial

[@johnrb9397]

Man is that a deep rehaut. Big Aliexpress case vibes.

[@EscapementWatch]

it actually isn't DEEP its wide! I know I was tricked at first as well. The crystal bevel is partly to blame

[@alcozar5905]

@@EscapementWatchWear can you purchase this?

[@JesseLeePeterson9]

@@alcozar5905online or in a shop 😂

[@Area_man115]

@@EscapementWatch What is a crystal bevel?

[@dtroutmann]

According to the email I got from Seiko themselves they claim it is a cross between Shogun and Samurai. Also stating it is a completely new watch call the Shog-Urai. Just saying that's directly from the company and that's how they're branding it to my knowledge the samurai has not been discontinued. In fact I just went on the Seiko website and was able to purchase Samurai, that said it looks like it's only available in a white dial or the manta ray save the ocean and will they discontinue it soon most likely depending on how this new Shog-Urai does.

[@EscapementWatch]

I've never seen this before...are you sure its not just a Seiko AD email? I just checked and I see the AD's and blog sites are calling it that nickname. But I checked Seiko watch official, and the prospex site, seiko india, and seiko uk with no mention of the nick-name. Anyways, that is a cool name.

[@dtroutmann]

@@EscapementWatch I'm on the email list for Seiko UK Sega USA and Seiko Boutique I think it was Seiko UK that sent the email Shog-Urai 4R Diver trio was actually what Seiko called them

[@speedmaster6781]

Great review. If you could only have Gen 1 or 2, which would you choose?

[@MuhammadAhsan-hq2bc]

1st gen is best

[@EscapementWatch]

Gen 1 (without the crown guards) I think that was a special edition.

[@GapBahnDirk]

2nd Gen.

[@Area_man115]

What generation are we on now? I’m new to the Samurai and its history. Thanks.

[@AmcoAutoGlass]

thanks for a detailed look

[@watchchimp3102]

I like the old one (I've got four). But, it's a big watch, the new size looks great. It just needs a titanium case, sapphire crystal, and a full lume ceramic bezel! 😊

[@Area_man115]

I completely agree on every item!

[@olegstepcenko74]

How do you think Seiko re release model like SSC759J1? Great config at all!

[@TheIncredibleKevin]

Snagged one on eBay for 300$ brand new

I was looking forward to putting my hands on the new Samurai - fan of the pvd version on rubber strap. Here I was, in Japan, anxious and building up the momentum. Seen it but still believed in it until the last second has been handed to me... What a dissapointment - it is small, wears way smaller than the old one - it is light - so light that felt like a kids watch or a Swatch collaboration. Yes, it is refined, polished, OCD-correct and will sell, most probably as a ladies option because this is how it feels like - "the samurai lady". An advice for the fans, try it physically and do not attempt to purchase it online without trying it.

[@haybob2527]

I have one Samurai in my collection. It's the Zimbe with the grey dial.

[@EscapementWatch]

Great one to have

[@haybob2527]

@@EscapementWatch yes it's a beauty 👍

[@pk1342]

I've always wondered what the SARX045/047 case would look like as a diver and it turns out it's great 😂

[@N3VURMYND]

Imo, I always found the originals 'polygonal' looking case to be very dated. I purchased the Dark Manta after watching your video review on it and although I love the dial/handset/Bezel, I quickly grew tired of the case. I would love to put the Dark Manta dial in the new case and with those new hands, I think it'll look amazing!

[@EscapementWatch]

Right on!

[@j.h.2967]

In my own opinion, the new "Shogu-rai" is more like a re-intepretation of the original Samurai from 2004 and a mix between the Samurai and Shogun, and I don't think that it should be considered as an upgrade, but more like a smaller alternative for people with smaller wrists. I own a black King Samurai SRPE35K1 and wear it on a black/grey "Bond" OMEGA Nato strap, and hopefully Seiko will continue working on new King Samurai's with upgraded movement and maybe consider moving the date window between 4 and 5 indicies and 6 o' clock.

[@philliprackow7153]

Preferred the old bezel, would have enjoyed brushed ceramic. If they'll get the new movement in there with sapphire and their super-hard coating i'd love it around the price-point of the new MAS. Edit: You just reminded me of the Erebus Origin and i ordered a black one 😅

[@mosquitojoyride]

Despise wide rehauts. Makes it a little more difficult to read the dive bezel. Reason why i sold my CWC diver

[@EscapementWatch]

oh yeaaaa I see what your saying. I had to pick up the sammy from my desk to see what your saying. Its not terrible but I see it.

[@ThePaintwurks]

The old Sammy is legendary

[@sivanstar]

the samurai case is what makes it a SAMURAI. just another boring dive watch, its time to get another older samurai.

[@jay_watch]

I prefer the new one, but that deep metallic rehaut is a no go. IMO it makes the watch look cheap in comparison 😬

[@Vox-Populi]

They also eliminated that annoying wave bump on the back!

[@MrGheath]

Hear you on the 6r performing worse than the 4r. I've had many of both of I can't really say I had a bad 7s26 or 4rxx/nhxx. 6R has been hit or miss.

[@DanielD184]

As a bigger wristed guy, i prefer the previous samurai’s size, so I’ll unusually pass on a new Seiko release for once 😂

[@ElectricShadowsZone]

Thanks for your great overview of this watch. By the way, is your Instagram link correct?

[@EscapementWatch]

oh wow thanks it is incorrect. I fixed it now!

[@thnd-uo4vp]

The Samurai deserves a sapphire crystal upgrade.

[@JosipBrozTitoNorthMacedonia]

They made it worse with that's ugly big chapter ring.

[@shiraz1736]

I just don’t know why Seiko don’t do watches like the Samurai and Sumo like for like in 39mm, 41mm and the original.

[@WristWatcher]

Ask a favor, do you still have any of the new marinemasters on hand?

[@EscapementWatch]

No sorry.

[@WristWatcher]

@@EscapementWatch np, ty!

[@LingLing-ou6nt]

Whats the model number of the old version?

[@EscapementWatch]

SRPG21 I made a video about it years ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqmkfnWandZsoq8

[@fuangrat1]

The new version lack the characters that define "Samurai". But taste can change, i may like it some day.

[@Zotrax1946]

Old one for me☝🏻

[@gsrossco]

Is it a new Samurai, or just a new model with the old Samurai still in production?

[@soulbronumberone]

The hour and minute hands remind me of half melted butter..

[@vayestrincatarg7306]

It looks like a Lady-Samurai, the firts Samurai it has a Unique form, like no others in Seiko Brand.

[@PatroliHoax]

Does this watch need battery?

[@EscapementWatch]

no it is powered by the movement on your wrist or manually winding it up using the crown

[@PatroliHoax]

What is the purpose of spinning the top layer of the watch (1:56). Sorry, I never have this type of watch 😅

[@EscapementWatch]

you can time things with it. Put the center triangle at wherever the minute hand is at the moment. Then do your activity (say drive to work) then when you arrive look at your minute hand and see where it is pointing on the bezel.(spinning top) if the minute hand is at the 25minute mark then you know that it took you 25min to drive to work.

[@PatroliHoax]

@@EscapementWatch I see. Thank you 👌👌

[@Zooock]

Nothing wrong with hardlex. I love the new version and waiting for an orange dial now 😊

[@9426sunny]

I don't understand why seiko never give us signed crown... Is that so much hard to do?

[@EscapementWatch]

They only do that nowadays on reissues of vintage seikos or presage models

[@DeepsGnome]

They never sign prospex models. I think it's because the typical crown S logo looks too old and vintage in style, and wouldn't fit the professional sports look of the more modern prospex line. I wouldn't mind if they put the prospex X logo on the crown however.

[@iananderson7270]

Let's have an orange one

[@GapBahnDirk]

It's a huge improvement. I like Seiko design language, but I never warmed to the old Samurai.

[@jayjayhooksch1]

No sapphire, no ceramic, no bracelet screws, no quick adjust. These are becoming ubiquitous at every pricepoint and Seiko is getting left behind.

[@daveLin104]

The seiko pins and collars are better then push pins and screws once set

[@mttqll8623]

I like it.

[@TheAlbert12397]

Why are Seiko insisting on putting that date window at 4.30 on so many of their new models? They should stick to 3 o'clock

[@EscapementWatch]

its their new trend. only reissues like sje093 will keep the 3 oclock position for the next couple yrs it seems

[@johnnyhuie74]

king version please

[@JacobBlom-i6q]

I'm fine with hardlex, and I'm fine with pins. Pins are more secure, it's just a hassle to remove a few links. If pins are good enough for the Nautilus, it's good enough for me.

[@ChrisMetz-c1e]

I bought a watch from MaMaCoo lightly used for my last milestone birthday. Don't wear it as much as it deserves, but not afraid to, either. It's stunning . Good taste, Sir.

[@hubsistupsi4868]

lets all hope for the king version of this model! 🙌 will be the best budget seiko diver then!

[@TheKopolanpoika]

I hate that date window, we don't need that every 200m diver. Same in SPB383/381 I would change anything else that deleting that stupid date window

[@nicolasv99]

I agree 100% with your comparison. I prefer the case without the break on the side, and the rehaut is too large (We see this on watches from many brands these days. Vintage watches never suffer from this problem with their crystal that go deeper in the watch.). A rehaut without chapter ring is easier to install, but the dial and rehaut of the previous version were more organic, and provided a more premium feel. Overall, the new one is better, still.

[@gustomundo]

Not a fan of the Samurai... have only one and it's for sale. Lacks the magic for me. Will have a look at the new version but wouldn't order online. Wearing a Sumo, have a willard, and love turtles, 62mas designs. Basically everything else

[@Koishishibaman]

I think the size may be better for many people. The original samurai is a big watch that wears smaller. Think it is a good looking watch, but it have become more generic. It has lost its edgy attitude that makes it so copied. Omg! No more rocket hand set😮 Not going to buy a new one. I have 6 samurai, most jdm. Think one of my favorite watches in my collection is my black dial jdm titanium samurai on the bracelet . The case, dial is amazing.

[@DeepsGnome]

Agreed

[@fabiomelero2635]

They use hardlex because it's harder. It's the correct material for water dive watches. Sapphire is for desk dive watches.

[@zaskarclf]

They screwed the sammy up. Doennt have the same vibe to it. 👎

[@cheungarrie123]

No, you’re not alone about the rehaut. It is my understanding that it is a result of budget control. First of all the rehaut is designed to be a slope shape with the opening getting a bit wider closer to the crystal, so that the dial would sit tight on that slope. I read about people complaining about 4R series movements have huge space between dial and crystal. The reason is the horizontal placement of the crown was set, so the dial has to be at a certain height to accommodate for the position of the crown and the spindle. Since the new samurai’s continue to use the 4R movements, without a chapter ring that’s just how it is. And yes, I think it looks cheap. I spent some time at a dealer trying to convince myself that it’s acceptable with these watches on the wrist. But I couldn’t.

[@u.u.u9969]

I ran to go get the old one. This new 41mm case 20mm lugs is a totally different watch all together.

[@SERGJAPANWATCH]

With such characteristics, the cost of a new model should be a maximum of $300

[@pokie6087]

@SERGJAPANWATCH Name me a similarly specced watch from a mainstream manufacturer that you can buy for $300.

[@idizzzful]

​​@@pokie6087it's ok, I'll buy more San Martins

[@pokie6087]

@@idizzzful Why is it important to only buy watches with Seiko movements,😂

[@idizzzful]

@@pokie6087 it's cos i do some watch making my self and have plenty of spare parts (hands, dials, stems etc) anyway I'm not trying to convince you fan boys, spend your money on huge corporations this may end up good to you LOL

[@ajmarion]

It will be $300 in a couple months, nobody pays retail price

[@marcvanheugten9472]

What I didnt like from the old one was the offset crown, as in, it was not in the middle which I think was quality. How is the new one?

[@jonatansterling397]

It seems the accuracy is not quite good

[@EscapementWatch]

the on the wrist performance is about +6 seconds a day. So that is COSC level which is pretty decent for such a cheap throw away movement. It's like $45 dollars to replace the movement.

[@Mhmad-h4d]

Wow 😍😍😍😍😍

[@CyberRabid.]

In most cases the Seiko alignment issue hasn't been with the bezel insert. It's been with the minute marks on the chapter rings of some models.

[@mrsoisauce9017]

4:14 Hardlex is not as scratch resistant, but it is more shatterproof. It is the ideal crystal of choice for a tool watch; something that a lot of watch guys tend to overlook. I’d be more disappointed if Hardlex was on their Presage models instead of Sapphire. Oh wait…

[@simonchow6894]

I like the old samurai because of the angular look. Not to mention the unique great blue dial with a hint of baby blue on hands and bezel.

[@offcamber]

T h a n k y o u for the review. This seems like a Samurette 👯‍♀️ It lost it’s masculinity.

[@mattybrews]

Team "this is way better."

[@DeanoTXR53]

Were the old ones big sellers? They were so extreme that I wonder how much actual retail appeal they had. These new ones take the old design language and translate it into a for that works on way more wrists and for way more tastes. I thought the old one was cool in theory, but it was just "too much" in too many ways for me to ever want to buy and wear. New one is super appealing to me. And I love the new matte bezel insert. Looks so much better than the old shiny ceramic

[@AlexanderB.]

There's no way I'd pick this thing with it's ugly handset and a craplex crystal over a King Samurai with a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel insert.

[@onoff5604]

Review footage here and 'just one more watch'' suggests there is a glare-fuzz effect. The original samura was glare free. Could someone please comment on this with some data? Many thanks for great review.

[@rugby3652]

Gave up on seiko after I got the prx 35mm

[@EscapementWatch]

oh

[@malzahar33]

You are right the case is way better. But everything else is ugly. The font of the bezel insert is ugly af, the indexes and hands are ugly

[@aureate]

They had to ruin it with Hardlex

[@Beck-Stein]

Looks like you got a fake seiko because the bezel is aligned.

[@Desperate4changing]

I like the size, maybe there will be a King Samurai version?

[@Robert-vw3od]

Movement .