Seiko Black Series for 2021 - Samurai and Monster get the treatment

Today we will check out the 2021 releases for the Seiko Prospex Black Series. We've got a Samurai and Monster to show you; amazing what some plating and a splash of orange can do!
Check them both out:
Seiko Samurai: longislandwatc...
Seiko Monster: longislandwatc...
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[@blubbloob3164]

For each their own I guess, I get why people complain/dislike the candybar cyclops to me it doesn't bother me. I think to me it kinda fits with the way I imagine a Monster would look like. It adds to the tool watch look. Big bezel, big hands, big hour markers, large numbers on the bezel and enlarged day and date. That's why to me it doesn't bother me at all. I saw three of the Black series at my AD I usually visit for Seiko's, being in Europa I also saw a black Tuna and out of all three the Monster instantly got me hooked, love the way they came out to look the way they did. Although I prefer calling it the Dark Monster, Dark Samurai, Dark Tuna but that's me. Thank you for the video Mark appreciate your time and effort, keep up the good work!

[@RichardCasto]

Marc, I bought the Monster version from you shortly after you started to carry them. It is my first watch with a cyclops. I figure I can always change the crystal if I want later. But the cyclops is growing on me. As I had previously bought (and love) a 2018 black turtle, and I love the Monster style as much as I love the Turtle, I knew I had to have this one. I am no longer a fan of rubber straps and had a black (with black hardware) NATO strap ready for it and it looks fantastic. I do wish on these limited edition models that they included sapphire crystals. But I still love this watch.

[@varanid9]

Cyclops are cool. They look like a sparkling drop of magnifying water on your watch, or, like a bubble on the surface of the calm pond that is your crystal.

[@ThePsychodo]

Very nice . I’m mixed on the candy bar cyclops. It does look a bit off but I will say that as I get older I’m more appreciative of the magnification.

[@stevek5909]

Just ordered and received the new black Monster from you last week. I may be in the minority, but one of the main reasons for purchase was the cyclops/day date. As an older guy, I can't read the small dates on 98% of dive watches, but the cyclops here is perfect for me. I also love the orange minute hand as it really helps to focus attention on the more important minutes. I usually know what hour it is, and want to know the minutes at a quick glance. So far, loving the watch ! No QC issues, and fits perfect on my 7 " wrist.

[@islandwatch]

Great to hear, thanks so much.

[@Dbrockjohnson]

I love the candy bar! I know folks don’t but I love it! I own a ton of these and I love my black limited series!

[@richardtwyning]

Definitely don't like the cyclops distorting the dial. Looking forward to Christmas and the white Island Monster ISL-56 :-)

[@troublemakingpups5787]

Both are very handsome watches. I was waiting for Marc to confirm they were hardlex via the forehead "DOINK" test. 😁😂

[@rolandbjr.1761]

I'm so glad with the help of friends that I was able to get all 3 of the 2018 Black series and double up on the turtle (SRPC49K1). For the 2021 release I just recently got the Monster SRPH13K1 and the Tuna SNE577P1.

[@DM-ci2nn]

So

[@NexDim.]

How do they look after years of wear? Does the coating wear off at all?

[@bigfunanAmericaninGermany]

gotta be honest, with all the seiko quality issues, im sticking with the ISL's for the time being.

[@deparoo]

ISL-39 is in my wishlist 😍

[@LS1007]

Very nice. I like the Monster but not with the cyclops. Thanks for sharing them Marc. Have a great weekend! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@islandwatch]

Thanks, you too!

[@stephenbridges2791]

The Samurai is by far the better of the two. That "candy bar" ruins the whole aesthetic of the Monster. If they had really been thinking they would offer a DLC bracelet. Now, that would be cool! Nice Samurai, for sure.

[@TheWatchCorner]

Loving them both especially the Darth Monster Marc!👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👊

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Steve!

[@WestCoastAce27]

Great review. Well done putting in the white background - really makes the pieces stand out. Love everything but the different colored hands; just can’t get over it.

[@ciolobmw]

Very nice bouth of them still preffer the samurai

[@junwoojang2941]

That Seiko monster in black looks like a weapon. Almost as if we can use it as an improvised brass knuckle

[@robertnorth1681]

Samurai crown is a joy to operate.

[@rhonda837]

i like the solar diver.

[@TimeForAnotherWatch]

I like both of them and I think Seiko will sell a lot of them but I wish they'd matched the lume on the hands to the dial and colour matched the date/day wheels, especially on the Samurai.

[@CoordinatedCarry]

Will we ever see an ISL ani-digi? Solar?

[@islandwatch]

Prob not.

[@CoordinatedCarry]

@@islandwatch that’s too bad but I appreciate an honest answer.

[@alvinmick218]

I really like the look of the black samurai and I agree that a blue lume would have been nice. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@islandwatch]

Welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@jodysilvia2]

I would love a black turtle .

[@islandwatch]

They did one, sadly, a few years ago.

[@jodysilvia2]

@@islandwatch I dig my turtle and my baby mm200 both wear great.

[@mad0uche]

I wish the baby tuna would be along side these two.

[@boonie3]

I've never been a fan of the Samurai (mostly because it's too big for my wrist) but I have to admit I really like the black version.

[@islandwatch]

Yeah, super stealth.

[@dmits22]

Those modern GL831 straps look incredible. Can we buy those because the GL831 was the best strap Seiko ever made and those look fantastic.

[@nkmsvwde5612]

Great video love your reviews. Can't imagine why they wouldn't give these the king treatment at this price. I can find the king samurai for around 350 400 on the secondary market new right now with sapphire and ceramic. The black is cool but ill take the white dial with better specs 👓

[@monemaker0234]

Suggestion: hope you'll change your watch dial logo to "Long Island" (in a classic font) ur original logo can keep in crown though. It will give ur watches a more artistic look. Sure sales will boosts more. Thanks me later

[@Nefville]

I like that Monster, I'd like to see it in person though, 15cm wrist not sure if I could pull it off. The candy bar would have to go, I removed a cyclops from a sub homage once, its not hard, if a little bit scary. Cool watches, I think they will do well.

[@TheSilvertrigger]

So the Seiko afro samurai 😏

[@ditabahari5295]

Which is better for 6.5 inches wrist?

[@wilsonater102]

I’d LOVE to see an Islander version of this monster!

[@islandwatch]

Haha, ok!

[@wadehampton1737]

@@islandwatch I'm waiting on mine.......I'd rather have an Islander.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Both look amazing but for me the samurai is the take-home. Just looks so mean in all black

[@dylanharrington744]

Same here.

[@islandwatch]

Yup.

[@noyb72]

Just discovered this watch today and I have fallen in love with it. I m VERY hard on watches, are you putting sapphire in these?

[@jonathansaraco]

Very weird that the colour of the lume on the hands does not match the lume on the indices on both watches. It's like they wanted a patina feel on the indices but didn't want that on the hands? It was too hard for me to ignore once I noticed it. Not sure if I've ever seen Seiko do that before, though I suppose it could be the way it's picked up on the camera I'm not sure.

[@floydmorrison2025]

These are great. That Samurai would look awesome on a Strapcode DLC Hexad bracelet. I LOVE the candy bar cyclops!

[@islandwatch]

That would be cool!

[@chronocommander007]

I like the not available solar Chrono.

[@jimlima4066]

Great looking watches 😍. Really like the Chrono diver!! Not reviewed 😢

[@varanid9]

I kinda feel bad; I bought a "Ninja Turtle" just so I could use the dial and hand-set on my Turtle (I don't like black watches, usually). With an Uncle Seiko 6309-style strap, it has a warm, vintage air and the orangish-red outlined minute hand gives it a dash of color. I absolutely love it, it's become even more of a favorite than my Omega Seamaster. I sold the Ninja with the regular dial at a huge discount for the buyer. Did I do wrong?

[@innocente7795]

What is the model number of the Islander he shows at the beginning on his right wrist?

[@cameronkrause4712]

I like your black Islander.

[@RebelRobot01]

Will Seiko USA also be bringing in the Seiko SNE577, the Black Series Solar Tuna?

[@islandwatch]

Doesn't look like it, as of yet.

[@RebelRobot01]

@@islandwatch Thanks.

[@rhonda837]

@@islandwatch that sucks

[@dultanur]

Great watches! I need to get me a Monster for sure. Can we get the straps at all (my oem skx strap finally gave up the ghost)?

[@islandwatch]

I will try to get them.

[@Jollopukki2]

nice homage to Islander Monster ))

[@ajh5407]

Both look awesome but that chrono(SSC673) is the one for me

[@islandwatch]

Yeah, too bad.

[@bryanc237]

Hi Marc! I was wondering if you were considering making a white dial version of the datejust homage?

[@Liam-nx7hf]

Imagine that with the monster teeth dial………

[@islandwatch]

Sweet. And blue lume ???

[@matthewyonkman5692]

Love these! Is there a turtle in all black like these?

[@migy5031]

The Samurai is 👍🏼!

[@islandwatch]

Sure is!

[@glennpowell3444]

Interesting.I would have thought for most people the solar would be the bigger seller? Yet they won't let the us market have them.I do like blacked out watches but not an auto for me.

[@islandwatch]

They are moving away from solar more and more lately.

[@glennpowell3444]

OK.?

[@fredericcarle7797]

Hi, I have a video request. I just bought an open heart bambino (from your website) and I love everything about it, except for the mineral dome. I see you have sapphire domes on your website and i'd like to replace my dome but I don't know how, could you make a video about replacing a bambino watch dome with a sapphire one? Thanks.

[@212Hasse]

Excellent Comparison on Seiko Prospex Black Series. Kudos and Keep It Up. 2 years ago, after almost a year saving money, I managed to purchase Seiko Black Turtle 'Save The Ocean' for my first Dive watch. I had to purchase and change Silicon Strap due to Black Bracelet can easily scratch. I wish Seiko can produce scratch resistance for Black Bracelet. Any other option for Black Bracelet beside Seiko for Black Turtle?

[@ericyeater7476]

Strapcode makes a number of black bracelets for the Seiko Turtle, including some with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) which should be quite scratch-resistant.

[@islandwatch]

Check Strapcode's site.

[@muhammadfadhilnugroho8879]

wil go up in price in two years. too bad i dont have the money to flip em

[@shawnromwell9613]

Quick question, do you wear double watches in public or just for eye candy during the videos?

[@joaoantonio5931]

I keep the old habit of never change the date before take the watch out of the danger zone between 9 pm and 3 am. Even in the modern movements.

[@islandwatch]

Except if I already know the time :)

[@wasknownasthemedriocre]

Better move to Canada then to get the solar TUNA from that line up 😁😉

[@evkoum]

So who wins the battle? The Samurai OR the Mooonster? Haha ! I am eyeing the July releases of the squares with the updated module, but also those are released only in Japan. Any idea if you will be having them Marc?

[@islandwatch]

I like the Sammy personally. Not sure if we will see the overseas models.

[@henrywest7217]

Is the day/date magnifier on the Monster easy to remove? And if it is, how does one do it?

[@ocb05]

Is it me or the samurai chapter ring / markers is off a bit ?

[@islandwatch]

Probably the angle it's taken at.

[@derbagger22]

Those older black watches look AMAZING. The new ones? 😐

[@islandwatch]

:(

[@derbagger22]

@@islandwatch sorry, Marc

[@lndyrd]

i thought it would lume in orange D::

[@herbh9348]

I'm gonna have to add that Samurai prospex to my bucket list.!! I just got the blue dial save the oceans versions and loving it. I really like this one.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@gmotionedc5412]

I really like the stealth Monster!!! I’ve been exploring bigger watches and that’s seikos forte👌🏻

[@designated_hitter_EGA]

Mark did you check out the Seiko Prospex Black Series Limited Edition SLA035J1? A 300m sat diver. Limited edition of 600, 8L35.

[@islandwatch]

Yeah, but those are not destined for our shores.

[@designated_hitter_EGA]

@@islandwatch what a bummer!

[@thewheelieguy]

@@islandwatch you do not handle any parallel imports? Seiko maybe does not let authorized dealers advertise "Gray Market" watches. There are plenty of Japanese dealers who are happy to ship to the US. Got a SARX071 Crown Chrono reissue before they started selling them in the US.

[@geoffreyward4743]

you can buy a $150 watch off aliexpress with sapphire crystal,hardlex is a no go for me at that price.

[@islandwatch]

Hi Geoffrey - yes, you are correct. 100%. So if price is everything, then Seiko isn't your brand. Some folks want more, like heritage, good design, in-house movements, etc.

[@geoffreyward4743]

@@islandwatch no,I have many seiko watches.its when your buying prospex,you expect more.that use to be the case.

[@deparoo]

I'm more interested in the silicone straps, looks way better then the previous strap, btw I like the s.steel buckle keeper? Thingy but it hurts when wrist swells.

[@stevenbollinger9776]

So. Some Monsters have green lume, some have blue. What's the story with that, anyone happen to know?

[@leonidaslantz5249]

I have to be the 'pariah' and say that I really dig the candy bar 🍫 👁. Both of those Seikos are winners in my book.I have a King Turtle with the cyclops and the "Dark Samurai ' in stainless steel and bracelet ( same watch but not in black) and it is a grrrreat time piece.

[@RampartPh]

no oomph unlike the sto2

[@islandwatch]

Just stealth.

[@jobuckley2999]

Bigger than Dallas. Aren't smaller watches the style now?

[@TheDevilmayfart]

Yes, we're definitely heading in the direction of smaller watches thankfully.

[@ForlornFreddy]

I received the Samurai as a gift. I love the look and feel but this thing has the worst power reserve of any of my automatics.

[@brianmsahin]

Nice wrist(s) check!! On the Seiko's the Samurai is the better one, they ruined the Monster for me. Firstly I prefer the 2nd gen pointy tooth Monster, a Monster isn't a Monster with herbivore teeth rather than carnivore! The cyclops is a totally unnecessary blemish, like a pimple on the arse of the Venus de Milo.😉

[@christopherjohnson4276]

Are these limited editions or special editions?

[@islandwatch]

They are limited, yes.

[@hobowithashotgun48]

$500+ for hardlex? No thanks Seiko.

[@islandwatch]

Okay!

[@leonidaslantz5249]

I have found the Hardlex to hold up very very well.It also doesn't smudge w fingerprints etc.That said , I do really like sapphire but still respect Hardlex.

[@bernardbarroga1497]

Does a “movement Japan” means that it’s not assembled in Japan? Or, is it the same as made in Japan?

[@elektron2kim666]

From Japan or made in Japan (the movement), I guess.

[@bernardbarroga1497]

Or the movement is made in Japan but assembled somewhere else?! It’s coz I got an SKX 007 and it clearly says MADE IN JAPAN .

[@elektron2kim666]

@@bernardbarroga1497 "Made in Japan" is just better for now. "Assembled" is okay in China. "Made in China" doesn't tell us anything. Sorry, China.

[@thewheelieguy]

If it doesn't say "Made In Japan" it's from another of their factories, many are made in Malaysia.

[@carlobighouse5434]

Here to see the black variants. I'm guessing there will be some blue accents, at least

[@islandwatch]

I hoped!

[@wildwalkeruk]

$550 for Hardlex? erm, no thanks.

[@islandwatch]

But the sapphire on the Land Tortoise? Is that OK?

[@wildwalkeruk]

@@islandwatch Yes, as in I think watches of this price band (prospex is around 599gbp) should have Sapphire Crystal. I was looking at the Seiko Naruto, and again for £340 gbp it really should have Sapphire, especially as the Naruto theme is around a lot of combat.

[@macfl3594]

No saphire as usuall.I hate that word:Hardlex!!!

[@mountainhobo]

That day date white background sticks out like a sore thumb, and wait, hardlex crystal for $500+? Seiko has lost the plot.

[@Cville2347]

Absolutely! You can purchase almost any micro brand and get a sapphire crystal. How does Seiko continue to get away with this? Not with me anyway. I haven’t purchased one in years since they went more upscale (price wise that is). There are better options and value elsewhere.

[@bobmclennan1727]

If there's a bad modern Samurai, I haven't seen it.

[@oOoScarecrow31oOo]

Don’t you ever put cyclops or candy bar on an Islander watch ! 😤 ... 😅 Happy you don’t like it. 👍

[@qusayali3546]

طريقة كلامك الصراحه لا تعجبني ورغم ذالك فانت تقدم محتوى جميل 🌸🇮🇶🌸🍵

[@danielmelendez9943]

the candy bar is a horrible addition, does nothing for the watch. Colors for loom are ok. Seems like Japanese market always get better choices to their consumers