The Baby Samurai is Seiko's New Flagship Affordable Diver

[@nedflanders3769]

Dave you get the most amazing photography and macro shots. 👍🏻

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I like the old version better ! Thanks Dave 🙏

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

49mm lug to lug is definitely not mini when it comes to smaller wrists. This is just a Seiko 5 for $600. Just crazy

[@thomaswagner9215]

My thoughts as well! 41,5 dia and 46 l2l combine that with sapphire and I would be more than in...

[@wermissam1239]

facts

[@a51nx]

Yep agreed. Seiko 5 crystal and movement. Pretty sad to see

[@khole15]

In the old days the standard L2L was always below 45 mm, most commonly around 40 mm

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

@@khole15 I would love for that to come back

[@giliathandtio]

I wanted to go online and buy it while listening to your review - until you mentioned hardlex. For over 500£ in the UK Seiko got it wrong. Then, I looked at my watch collection and I spotted a watch that I didn't wear for some time - Orient Kamasu (RA-AA0003R19B) with mesmerizing red/burgundy dial AND sapphire crystal. Got it for under 200£. Sorry Seiko, if it was at least sapphire - I would buy it. But on this occasion - I will put my trusty Orient Kamasu on the wrist and skip this release (no matter how I like this refreshed design).

[@macbass1048]

Fully agree. I’m actually getting that exact Orient with the red dial in a few days

[@dasmg]

Cool, but you guys know that buying Orient lines Seiko’s pockets so they don’t care either way.

[@bostongmw2851]

I was going to post the same thing. An Orient red dial is $200. And the gorgeous Wise watch is under $400.

[@jicalzad]

exactly. This new offering looks great, but for a lot less $, the Kamasu is a no-brainer.

[@TheMadelineClark]

I agree with all the opinions. However I still ordered one as it is really is a great looking watch. Picked up a JDM for $500 US delivered. Now I am waiting.

[@Post_Leako]

What I'd really want from Seiko is a proper sub-40mm diver replacement for the SKX013 that still hast he day-date complication. I do like the 38mm Seiko 5 models, but I'd really like smaller options from the Prospex line as well.

[@BroAriq]

All prospex should've been sapphire, leave the hardlex to the Seiko 5 if they still insist to use a hardlex

[@iFyvie]

Love the unique font on the bezel.

[@SnowMan360]

To me this watch is more Shogun than samurai. Definitely it's dial is inspired from the shogun.

[@shj2000]

Excellent videography!

[@bignz721]

I tried the black version at my local dealer & it is fantastic! Will probably get this instead of 62MAS, at half the price!

[@Gospodin_Kurac]

And half of design.

[@buškrafterinabaterije]

62mas is way better dude

[@_RJ_Z]

@@buškrafterinabaterijethats your opinion

[@n8sanders]

I got one in black. I love it!

[@JohnBowl14690]

I love this watch. Very elegant!

[@dialtime]

Very impressive dive watch. Beautiful red bezel and very legible dial. Agreed on the price. However, on sale, this would be a great addition to any collection.

[@_RJ_Z]

It is a damn good watch! Tried this and a Longines Legend Diver. It felt much better than the Legend, and the Longines is like 4 times the price…. Hate on the Hardlex and movement, but when this dumps in price, it would be a killer deal.

[@JMJ51]

Great review as always. I like this, but at closer to $300, not $600. No way is that a $600 watch for me. Especially since I bought a brand new King Turtle with sapphire for $400.

[@henryperez606]

In about 3 1/2 years, you’ll be able to buy a king version of this watch for about 400 bucks. I’ll wait

[@JMJ51]

@henryperez606 same.

[@lennartdr7898]

I have to say I always loveee your intro the music that fades in I just love it

[@monologic4806]

Good review. Thanks Dave.

[@jayjayhooksch1]

I love love that red colorway and the original design is right up my alley. Unfortunately I'm not buying any sports watches without sapphire and quick adjust bracelets in 2024 and beyond.

[@nealhamamura4263]

As always, great review. I just can’t get past the Hardlex crystal for that price.

[@thomaswagner9215]

Absolutely...! Why doesn't Seiko listen to any watch-enthusiast??? Can't understand this at ALL😢

[@Seajay2016]

Hardlex is inexpensive to replace compare to sapphire..

[@thomaswagner9215]

@@Seajay2016 And it is inexpensive to produce... Are you a Seiko employee? 😁🤔😂

[@nealhamamura4263]

@@Seajay2016 good point but I think I would rather not having to replace it.

[@jinglemyberries866]

​@@Seajay2016 what I wonder is why Orient can offer japanese made in house movement AND sapphire crystal for a better price than Seiko hardlex watch with imported movement?

[@brianmurphy8154]

This is the first Seiko that has caught my eye in at least two years. I love that they kept the same crown. I sold my Samurai as it was just too big for me, and I easily wear my MM300. Loved the crown on my old Samurai. This one looks like a very much improvement but Seiko keeps being Seiko. Cheap clasp and hardlex. I really wish this brand would step up and realize there is more to a watch than just the head of the watch. Great review.

[@GodIsInHisHeaven]

I love the case design, and dial. I don't even mind the hardlex at this price (I've never scratched any crystals). But the awkward looking handset just here just killed it for me.

[@davidcopeland5409]

Loving the date position on these new designs 👍

[@macbass1048]

Cool watch and love the new size but I don’t think Seiko is delivering that much for the price they ask anymore. Citizen for example is providing some great value with their latest releases. Just my opinion (I own a Seiko).

[@NATHANSFLETCHER]

Thanks Dave, nice review. This one appears to be a mix of a Samurai (general case shape) and Astron SSJ007 (Handset and Bracelet).

[@dasmg]

I’ll never understand the anti-Hardlex crowd, yeah it’s not as good as Sapphire but I’ve put the couple Seiko watches I have through the ringer at a manual labor job, and the only part of it that isn’t scratched is the crystal.

[@whatchamacallit4711]

the numbers on the bezel are quite cool. great channel btw.

[@kevinwidyandra4140]

49mm Lug ain't mini 😅. My wrist dim is around 16cm/6.25in and width around 5.3cm/2.1in, so it is smaller wrist. According to my wrist measurement and my personal opinion trying several watches, my preferred sizes are 36-38 mm for dress & field, 38- 40mm dim for diver, and 44-46mm lug. Several watches i have tried and love the fitment : Tudor BB 58 39mm, TH Aquaracer automatic/solargraph 200m 40mm, Omega Aqua Terra 38 mm, Seiko Prospex SNE 38mm, Seiko SPRJ and SPRK 36mm. I hope that Seiko will do the mini Samurai at 40 dim and 46 lug,would be great

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

Seiko bezel alignment remains a problem.

[@greglewis20]

I’ll go with the 43mm with sapphire crystal

[@peterboyce1422]

Looking forward to some other colours. Thanks for another great review (and excellent photography).

[@DVRMNaitor]

This video may save me a few thousand bucks, I was eyeing the red Tudor BB… but I honestly like this design better.

[@TheIronDuke9]

He deserves at least a $500 tip for that, don't you think?

[@yungsoupbowl4187]

You're out of your mind if you think this is anywhere near as good as a BB58 Red.

[@Thankyou_3]

41.5 mm case size still massive.

[@blackburnheart]

I have had several seikos with hardlex, not a dealbreaker since I bought them at sale prices!

[@jimlima4066]

They need to just drop the hardlex and go all sapphire

[@luizdejardin4432]

Dave, i love your videos, very interesting informations. I like the cleaner shape of the mini instead the original one, it's very classy! Thank you!!!

[@youpluman]

I love how it sound the entry music, so hifi, great videos thow. Cheers from Chile

[@emreisiklar]

Great shots, really impressive! 👌

[@timmcdonald5335]

These are available at Bic Camera for $410 USD using the points.

[@b1r2y3n]

Great design but there are plenty of up and comers out there offering better value for the price.

[@davecharvella4854]

As usual, a great review! I'm loving the look of this watch ... cheers!

[@snipexd4964]

I have been wearing my SPB335 for like a year and it's been great. I still have it on the seiko rubber band which is comfortable but the box clasp for the extra strap is very uncomfortable at times. It definitely digs into the skin after a while and I have to adjust the position.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Hardlex? Really? Nah....might as well include a stamped clasp inner and a misaligned bezel....oh wait

[@jinglemyberries866]

I saw somebody post their new Rolex watch somewhere, it was legit Rolex, but you could see on the picture the misaligned bezel. It made me laugh.

[@TheBimmer74]

Dave, your review is spot on. Other points to consider is that AR coating on the Hardlex works better vs. the AR on many saphire crystals, and I have yet to scratch a hardlex crystal. Good point regarding the King version. I have one of those, and it wasn't much more in price. Also don't don't forget, Seiko always gives up drilled lugs on these certified dive watches!

[@martinmoore1821]

That was one of the best reviews of any watch on any channel I have ever viewed. Superb. And really really impressive.

[@ryangochuico]

I'd gladly pay more for sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel insert. Love the hands and indexes on this one

[@playingwithmytrains5440]

I'd be a buyer if they come out with the King mini. I like the date to 4 o'clock and no cyclops. Sapphire crystal is a must for me.

[@albertsylvester2981]

FOR 575 THATS NOT A BAD PRICE IT'S A SEIKO DIVE WATCH I LIKE THE SIZE THE WATCH IS AWESOMETHANKS FOR THE VIDEO

[@worthwhilewatches]

It's a great looking watch! It's a shame Seiko is letting themselves fall behind in specs and QC, while increasing prices. But I'd still like to see how this wears in person. Thanks for the review.

[@K.J.H_]

I like it, but i wish they did titanium! Im sure more people could stomach the price then too.

[@markstocks9475]

Well Done!!

[@13noman1]

While a handsome watch, there's a clear premium for the Seiko name. Over $500 for a 4R35 and hardlex crystal just doesn't do it for me. There are a number of microbrands in a similar price bracket but with stronger specs.

[@RagnarHoff]

Something about the bigger and aggressive case of the original that makes it the better option for me. A more refined version makes it just more normal looking. Love the colour though.

[@johnvandeven2188]

Pricey considering the 4R35 movement and the Hardlex crystal. That's USD$575 or for someone in Australia it is AUD$875. These two components are the absolute cheapest that Seiko use so the rest of the price is just expensive stainless steel.

[@deeel1364]

They lost me at hardlex .......

[@thomaswagner9215]

Me too. It's a shame... 😮

[@tsol9097]

I don't really get the hangup over sapphire - without proper AR, which few do, it's awful, reflective, too hard to see past it sometimes. Unless everyone is smashing their watch around or wearing it in your pocket with your keys, you shouldnt be scratching hardlex...

[@thomaswagner9215]

@@tsol9097 What the hell is keeping off Seiko from providing us with sapphire AND proper AR-coating then? Given the price-point it IS a shame! Don't you think???

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Oh stop

[@tsol9097]

@@thomaswagner9215 I don't - there are 5k omega watches with acrylic. Sapphire is good sure but it's not the end all for watch crystals to me. Other materials can fit just as well provided that it fits the design. It's just a personal preference for me - sapphire or not, I would prefer something that fits the watch. I'm not knocking anyone who wants sapphire, I just don't get why it's a make or break for so many people - seems limiting.

[@shcmoly]

Solid link bracelet is a plus, but that clasp, uh. Like everyone else I would like to see sapphire, even a lumed insert. But then the price would be even higher...

[@TheFuturisticVintage]

Really nice watch shots!

[@jlg395]

I'll take the old one any day of the week.

[@wristray8775]

Always wanted a Mini Turtle. They came with nice DIALS. Sadly, only few color variants were launched in my country.

[@slowbluesmaster]

I'm viewing this and notice, out of the corner of my eye, that the Citizen Promaster NB6021-68L 'Fujitsubo' on my wrist (blue dial, Duratect titanium, sapphire, 41mm) seems to smile at me, confidently. Acquired for €600 (new).

[@Tyrone2714]

Great vid, imo better looking watch than the original, but the hardlex at this price is a bit of a hard sell for me

[@Jalartifact]

I like this version.

[@Vox-Populi]

I have the black version and think the watch itself is great! I ditched the bracelet though. The diver's extension is very uncomfortable, as the folded design digs into my skin.

[@j.p.9522]

This is a home run for Seiko, 41.5mm is perfect, and I love the understated date window.

[@holgermuller3597]

No. Just for fans. --- Never mind, nice and honest reviews, as always. Thank you, Dave 👍👍👍

[@konradmaciejewski8449]

Looks like a shogun mixed with samurai. Not bad at all. ❤

[@watchdog9472]

Certina all the way.

[@adk7962]

I genuinely like it, and I believe there is value to a good design. And if the cheap clasp and mineral glass wasn’t enough, the dust in the watch is another level of “come on Seiko!” Again, I genuinely like it. Thanks for the great review.

[@JM.TheComposer]

Given that this is a Certified Diver watch, I see it as the true successor to the SKX. Hopefully this new Samurai is embraced by the modding community, and a Sapphire upgrade becomes available. While I do own an Orient Kamasu, that is really a desk diver. Though realistically, I'll take the Sapphire at a cheaper price because I'm not actually a diver. 😅

[@Alrekr666]

I prefer the old one. I think they messed up with the lug to lug on this one. No reason to buy it if it wears similar. Also that steel chapter ring gives me the same vibe as people with really tall gums when they smile. They should have gone without it or a regular one matching the dial color.

[@RampartPh]

I'd still go for the samurai

[@earlpickles68]

Seiko never called their watches the Samurai or Shogun. Us fans did. This is a new design with some attributes from the Samurai and Shogun. I agree the new watch has a more refined design. Value aside, it’s a good looking watch. Luxury looking dive watch is a good description. Just waiting for aftermarket crystal and bracelet.

[@buškrafterinabaterije]

I hate when they leave polished surface between the lugs, when using rubber or leather strap is more visible. Why not brush all the way

[@j8sdx]

That massive rehaut looks ugly ofcourse we know why they did it because they were to lazy to perfect the chapter ring alignment issues. Hardlex ofcourse at this price is ridiculous too. Now i do like the case design and dial, hands and aluminium bezel.

[@rafeang]

If only they made it smaller... I would buy it right away. There's a gap in the market now for a slim, entry to mid-market red bezel dive watch. Tudor's burgundy black bay is great, but too big compared to bb58 or bb54. And its also pricey.

[@Mike-kr9ys]

I like this a lot; much more than the OG Samurai. Wake me up if they do this watch in titanium.

[@BrianTrimble]

I like the OG design but the new one is a nice looking watch. It's a shame that this new watch still doesn't compete with some of the homages out there. Islander has a great value homage that has sapphire crystal and a milled clasp among other improvements for less money. It's not ISO certified and has an older Seiko work horse movement but if you are only going to desk dive then there are options out there.

[@nwerdscissorhands7475]

I just got the blackout version the SRPL15 and it's a stunner.

[@SonBob-pm1zk]

Shogurai !!!!

[@GinkgoJoe]

Great review, Dave. As a counter point, I think the date window change is great but the rehaut isn't! Glad they stuck with an aluminium bezel insert though -- aluminium is great for patina and light reflection imho. (I still need to stick to my old ones due to wrist size, but this is a real beauty.)

[@khronokraze]

I like it quite a lot. I also actually prefer they use the 4R35 over any 6R movement. IMHO, a much more reliable and consistent movement compared to the 6Rs. I would have to swap out that crappy clasp. I just cant stand the ugly and near useless dive extension.

[@glvanbergen]

Nice..would like to see Day as well

[@thomaswagner9215]

They seem to ignore what San Martin can do for much much less bucks... The hands are not my style either. What a shame! 😢

[@matthewbessey681]

Have to say still prefer the original… well mark 2 design.

[@arj3030]

Thank you.

[@RogerSartet007]

Lug to lug 49 makes it 'mini'? I'll be game at 45-46. But maybe by doing that, they would come too close to an RZE Resolute... .

[@1vbAPiYk]

I would choose Wise over this any time

[@agilewolf]

so many other options out there for less and with better specs....although I like the new date position, indices, dial and case design just wish it had sapphire and stainless,ceramic or sapphire bezel...anything but aluminum.

[@anthonytautu6678]

Aleays Great Review thanlyou

[@kellypaws]

No one really cared about Hardlex until KZbin reviewers kept going on about it as if it was the Rubicon. Until then, it didn’t matter. It still only matters if you want it to. Hardly anyone ever actually had a real problem with it. The pressed clasp on the other hand; that I absolutely hate. It looks and feels - cheap.

[@johandebondt5749]

Absolutely correct sir. Got 4 Seikos last 10y. All came on steel bracelets, put them on leather or rubber rightaway. Part of the enjoyment, right, finding the perfect strap for a Seiko?

[@djinconroe]

And "cheap" is the association I think people get when they see Hardlex instead of Sapphire. It's not what it means but it's what comes to mind when you see many other manufacturers including it for hundreds of dollars less than Seiko asks for this. You're ultimately right though, it's not going to affect the vast majority of people.

[@javierjimenez786]

We need the mini turtle reissued once again... This samurai's lug to lug is a no go for me.

[@rolandogonzalez3756]

The case reminds me of my Breitling Colt 41

[@1WillyK]

Why is it that every time someone reviews a new Seiko watch I go to their website it's never there?

[@vaellanshanmuru6405]

41.5 and 49 is not considered smaller wrists lol

[@lawrence-ec5dm]

Nice watch,good review, love the colour, but hardlex crystal, no thanks.

[@blackburnheart]

It's the ronin!

[@kennisrogers2585]

San Martin and other chinese brands are releasing twice the watch at half the price. I really want seiko to start delivering more in their "affordable" bracket.

[@creosl]

I only buy Seiko watches and I have the Samurai. But I agree that no sapphire is a downturn.

[@Frank-qs3pe]

A black or white dial would have made this thing pop.

[@psherwood4606]

Thanks for the review, a wicked good looking diver, I'd be ordering one right now BUT; hardlex NO, Orient offers sapphire in it's entry range (Kamasu, Mako III, Triton), Seiko chooses to stay w/ hardlex forcing owners to seek out aftermarket sapphire upgrades. It is ISO compliant, which is good, I appreciate the engineering required to reach ISO6425 standards. Other issues in my book; poor bezel grip, the knurling looks good but it's too narrow for reliable grip/rotation. Lume; again, Seiko has shortchanged this model. Look at the indices; they're not very tall/thick, compare to the original Samurai, SKX, etc. Thinner = less lume = less glow duration. Looking at your video, there's plenty of vertical space between the minute hand and the indices, Seiko could have made the indices thicker, or added more layers of lume, and not had interference issues. The bracelet is killer, but like Orient, Seiko stays with a stamped clasp, sad. I'd immediately order an aftermarket replacement clasp from Strapcode or AliX. This is a Diver's model, it deserves a quality clasp IMO. Keep posting reviews.

[@kerrybayton2954]

Great case shape, great colour but hardlex & 41.5km which is still to big.. It should have been 40mms Shame it's a good looking watch..

[@Aeroroc51]

You had me until no saphire.