Seiko SRPE33 Review: King Samurai Manta Ray. One of the best Save the Ocean Prospex watches yet!

Seiko set out to show it's not just Grand Seiko that can achieve intricately patterned dials. This offering in the Save the Ocean line takes the Samurai to another level with the inclusion of Sapphire Crystal and a Ceramic Bezel Insert. Join me to learn about this one in detail.
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More information is available here:
Seiko SRPE33 - amzn.to/3Ib8a2M
Bracelet Adjusting Tool Kit and Potential Strap Pairings:
Inexpensive Watch Tool Kit (Sizing the Bracelet) - amzn.to/3hLpIqI
Crafter Blue Strap - Superbly fitted rubber strap made specifically for the Samurai model: amzn.to/3Eg0JFb
Artem Sailcloth Strap - artemstraps.com/
Helm Canvas Strap - Excellent quality and sufficient rigidity for heavier watches. Highly recommend and several colors and 20/22mm available: amzn.to/3ddWD60
Helm FKM Rubber Strap - Another fantastic bang for buck offering from Helm. Available in several colors and 20/22mm: amzn.to/3fKK438
Barton Canvas Strap - Many colors and sizes: amzn.to/2MWSKYr
I did not receive sponsorship or compensation for filming this review. The statements contained within are only my opinion.
Included Amazon links are affiliate links and may qualify for compensation. Using these links helps to support the channel (even if you buy different items), doesn't cost you anything, and is greatly appreciated!

[@JonathanTReviews]

Looking to make any purchases on Amazon? You can help support the channel FOR FREE by using my affiliate link: amzn.to/3O0xqM7 Using this link may earn a small commission for any items purchased, not just the one linked. Thanks for the support!

[@vittoriobiondi4855]

This watch is iconic. The lume is like a beacon in the night. All the Surfaces are made in the way to make it shine not too much not too less under the sun. Hands down is a watch that could cost 10k if we not consider the movement inside, that is cheap but reliable; and I’m speaking as sea master 300 owner

[@JonathanTReviews]

It is a great looking dial! The Save the Oceans series consistently impresses. Cheers

[@sebastianjakobsen7947]

Just picked this watch up a couple of days ago, absolutely loving it! the dial and the ceramic bezel are awesome! i also love the angles of the samurai :)

[@JonathanTReviews]

Very cool! It is a sharp combo. Glad you're enjoying it! Cheers

[@simonwright6882]

Being in the 6.5" wrist club myself I would like to see seiko put this dial in a 40mm case and make more 40mm divers in general.

[@JonathanTReviews]

Very much agreed! I'm selling this one for exactly that reason, despite really liking the overall watch. It's just bigger than I prefer. Cheers

[@DeepsGnome]

Im 6.7 wrist size and fits me great, (although probably couldn't get away with too much bigger). Always worth trying on in store, as different wrist shapes allow for different watch sizes.

[@AlexanderB.]

What a stunning timepiece! Nobody does dials like Seiko do. In the right lighting situation it even looked like sunlight reflections on the sea. I recognised the Artem Strap at first glance, excellent choice for the watch. Nice review as always!

[@JonathanTReviews]

They do produce some awesome dials. Grand Seiko especially is the best in the business IMO. Glad you like the pairing 🤜 Thank you very much! Cheers

[@DarkstarDarth]

I just bought his watch brand new for $300 from private seller and am now shopping for a silicone strap.

[@JonathanTReviews]

Congrats, that's a great deal! If you're not set on silicone and open to a bit pricier, the Crafter Blue rubber straps are some of the best available for it: amzn.to/3KyxWRc That's an Amazon affiliate link and helps the channel with a small commission on any purchases, not just the linked strap (though it doesn't cost anything to use). Cheers

[@juanalbertojimenezdelira2651]

Awsome review, I have this samurai and highly pleased with it. Greetings from México

[@JonathanTReviews]

Greetings to you as well! Thank you very much. Cheers

[@nozydog771]

Strange how a number of reviewers think this is a large watch! I only have a 6.7 inch wrist and it’s absolutely perfect, but then I don’t like small watches and all of mine are 43-45mm.

[@JonathanTReviews]

Understandable, a lot of it will come down to preference and wrist size/shape. My wrist is a bit smaller than yours (~6.5") and I generally prefer 40-41mm for dive watches. IMO, this wears relatively large for a 42mm watch compared to many others. Not necessarily a bad thing, just an observation. Cheers

[@Cartyla]

Good review bro. Seiko have been y long time favorite timepiece. Got a TAG. Got rid of it. Got a seamaster...again Got rid of it. Seiko has been on my wrist more days than. Not. And more than any other.

[@JonathanTReviews]

Thank you very much for the kind words and support! Seiko has definitely made a lot of great watches. Cheers

[@ganck1147]

I have both the turtle & samurai STO manta ray & both of them are absolute keepers. Love them to bits.

[@smithtotiemsri8250]

Thank you for the nice review! I also have a prpblem with the bracelet digging into my wrist as well! So I changed to rubber straps and the feel great!

[@JonathanTReviews]

My pleasure! Thanks for the support! I'm glad the strap option worked well for you too. I wish they'd lose that darn dive extension. Cheers

[@PickAnyNameButMine]

Great review that was very informative! I intend to buy both the blue manta and the grey manta. I got an STO Great White King Turtle as a birthday gift which I absolutely love. I never used to like the Samurai and didn’t pay it much attention… that was until I saw the Samurai STO Great White and instantly fell in love with it, I very quickly purchased one, and now I love everything about the Samurai. What I loved about your review was that as well as being informative, it is also the first review I’ve seen that actually shows how stunningly beautiful that manta ray dial actually is when it is in sunlight. I’ve watched quite a few reviews and yours is easily the best at showing the true beauty of the dial. I’m waiting now for a decent price drop and I will buy both the blue and the grey. Part of me wants one in the Samurai and one in the Turtle, and part of me is really considering getting them both for the Samurai, which shows how much I’ve grown to love the Samurai. Thank you for making such a great review video.

[@JonathanTReviews]

Thank you so much for the kind words and support! The STO series really is one of Seiko's finest showcases of what they can do. Great concept and it's always fun seeing which animal or attribute they'll showcase next. If you happen to end up buying from Amazon (not just the watches), using any of my affiliate links in the description is greatly appreciated. Cheers

[@juangarza7193]

Oymygosh you are going to purchase a grey manta 😲😲😯😇😇il bet she's a beautiful watch 9may I ask is there any price tag comparison from one to the other and last one more question,,,is the dial cream color or beige ish white???😀

[@juangarza7193]

👍👍👍👍👍⌚⌚🇨🇱💭🔥

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

I have this one. Save the Ocean series is a brilliant bit of design. I couldn't resist the Happy Feet Monster and the Rays at night on the Turtle either. None of them disappoint.

[@JonathanTReviews]

Very much agree! Love the Save the Ocean series. I really wish they'd offer them in ~40mm fully spec'd configurations. Cheers

[@jeffreygleaves2931]

@@JonathanTReviews I thought I had skinny wrists but I guess I'm in the sweet spot for all sizes at 7 3/8". I can wear the Bulova Moon watch. I lean towards 42mm but it really depends on the size of the dial and lug to lug.

[@JonathanTReviews]

I agree it's right in the sweet spot. I think 7-7.5" is pretty much the most versatile wrist size. Cheers

[@reggievanness]

I own the black and orange samurai's with one of them i ordered the Crafter Blue orange color band and it really set up for a great looking watch! One thing about the 4R35 movements i plan to have one Calibrated for better timekeeping

[@JonathanTReviews]

Sounds like a great combo! The orange was my first Samurai and I was eyeing a Crafter Blue for it as well 🥂 Cheers

[@Adam_K14]

my next watch i want in my watch collection , no 3 hopefully in my life i will achieve 12 but this is lifetime hobby n i will enjoy my watches regardless

[@JonathanTReviews]

I hope you enjoy it! The ocean effect is hypnotic. If you decide to purchase the watch (or anything else) through Amazon, using the links in the description is greatly appreciated. Cheers

[@KB-kw8ni]

There is a lubricated gasket on the underside of the bezel which gives it that unique fluid dampened action

[@JonathanTReviews]

Definitely not my favorite bezel action. The insert is awesome though. Cheers

[@georgecupac1202]

I haven't seen another watch company come out with a dial as good as that one.

[@JonathanTReviews]

The Save the Oceans dials are my favorite Seiko dials too and Grand Seiko has some of my favorite dials of any brand. Cheers

[@juangarza7193]

I must admit n agree with gains 30 to faster than the previous version love the seiko automatic version is very attractive and it doesn't make me worry if I bought something else cheap and avoided I'm so excited n love n it I love the second hand and it is tasteful wth manta rays amazing display and benzel is smooth and very clickish timed.

[@JonathanTReviews]

It may be partially magnetized if you're gaining 30spd. Glad you're enjoying it. Cheers

[@juangarza7193]

Yes sir thank you you may be right partially magnetized 😯😲📶⚡⚡⚡

[@eric21881]

Got one a month before my spb143 and the spb143 just took all the wrist time so I sold it Still one of the most amazing dials I have seen in person

[@JonathanTReviews]

I reluctantly sold mine too due to the size being larger than I prefer, but I hated giving up that dial. It's attractive and I love the concept. Cheers

[@earlbee3196]

@@JonathanTReviews I’m keeping mine! Along with all my other Beautiful seiko’s I’m a seikohollic.

[@juangarza7193]

Great work tool cuz it helps me time n oversee my cooking skills and experience in timing cooking techniques n coordination, 🇨🇱👍💪⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚⌚

[@JonathanTReviews]

You may enjoy a chronograph or countdown bezel too. Cheers

[@juangarza7193]

Thank you Jonathan T your reviews are amazing n very helpful informative suggestions and comments about your blog post watches on the spot great interest n great work keep up the great job

[@JonathanTReviews]

Thank you very much! Cheers

[@nanda17890]

I know a lot of people refer this as the King Samurai, but I don't think it's actually one or from the Samurai lineup either from Seiko.

[@JonathanTReviews]

It shares the same case as the other Samurai variants but adds things like the ceramic bezel insert and sapphire crystal, which brought about the "King Samurai" moniker. Cheers

[@earlbee3196]

It’s full title is Seiko Prospex Diver’s King Samurai Save the Ocean Special Edition Automatic Men’s Watch, 🕗 ✌🏻

[@earlbee3196]

Seiko Prospex Diver’s King Samurai Save the Ocean Special Edition Automatic Men’s Watch

[@tngchinghwa]

the official king samurai has the waffle dial, but this has the same spec, which might be confusing. overall i find samurai lineup confusing, there's also the "shogun" with different markers

[@andresguerrero2989]

Amazing video!!

[@JonathanTReviews]

Thank you very much! Cheers

[@zinzander2978]

I know it is personal but form My opinion that black strap really Doesn’t do it justice and detracts from the watch

[@JonathanTReviews]

Fair enough. Different tastes are part of what makes the hobby fun. Cheers

[@tngchinghwa]

disagree, generally pairing same colour strap with bezel/dial is the way to go, that sailcloth is beautiful but i still prefer bracelet on this

[@nozydog771]

Definitely agree here. I have the blue silicone OE strap which I love, not being a fan of bracelets!

[@Visitor555]

Very good review man. Im thinking to buy this model soon but im wondering about the size also, my wrist is 6.9" but for me perfect size is 39-42 case with 45-47 lug to lug... It seems like Samurai head looks and wears larger even than its dimensions and that stops me to buy it...

[@JonathanTReviews]

Thank you very much! Based on your wrist size, I think you could likely pull it off without issue, though it sounds like you'd prefer smaller. I'm in the same boat and will be selling this one for that reason. It might be worth trying on a Samurai to see how you feel, if you get the chance. Many department/retail stores carry the model and all versions wear the same. Cheers

[@Visitor555]

@@JonathanTReviews Ive had Seiko turtle Srpc91 and it was a bit too big for my liking, and ive tried Samurai in local shop but i think older model has bigger protruding crown and that make it look silly big on my wrist, i definitely can pull off turtle but to decide for Samurai i think i need to own it and wear it to understand really if its too big or not. Its a shame Seiko make perfect size auto divers only starting from 1000$... New 63mas models and willards...

[@JonathanTReviews]

If you're good with the Turtle, I think you'll be solid with this one. I agree that giving them some wrist time is the only way to really know. The dial and bezel package are worth giving it a shot. I agree, I'd love for them to offer some smaller wrist friendly Save the Ocean watches. Cheers

[@troyvan6952]

Great review... looking at getting one. Is the e33 face a lighter blue than the f79? I think that is the only difference in this watch?

[@JonathanTReviews]

Thank you very much! You're correct about the dial being lighter on the E33 (my personal preference, as the manta rays are already subtle and I like the lighter shade though both look great). I could be mistaken but I also think the F79 only comes on a strap instead of the bracelet of the E33. If you decide to pick one up through Amazon (or anything else) using my affiliate link in the description is greatly appreciated and helps the channel. Cheers

[@horatiopratt4155]

Well, what can I say? I live Artem straps 😉

[@JonathanTReviews]

Haha! They do make great straps. Cheers

[@JavierBonillaC]

I bought this and it is beautiful but, the lume lasts 10 minutes and my watch is running 25 almost 30 seconds fast per day, which is a disgrace for a watch of this price. I love the looks but I should had stuck to my Casio Oceanus T200. Perfect in every way. The Casio, that is.

[@JonathanTReviews]

That's surprising about the lume. Seiko usually performs well and endures through the night. I wouldn't be happy about that regulation either. It may be mildly magnetized. Cheers

[@JavierBonillaC]

@JonathanTReviews What I mean with the lume is that when they showcase the watch the charge it with ultraviolet and it'd seem that it would last like that some time. Actually, you will only see it like that for 10 minutes. After half an hour I guess the luminesence is like 1/4 th of the original lumen and at 1 hours 1/8 th. I'm just guessing but I wish somebody measured it.

[@JonathanTReviews]

That's unfortunately always the case with lume. Only tritium vials (and backlights) to my knowledge maintain a consistent brightness. The important thing is functional endurance when rating lume performance, though peak brightness after a charge is always fun.

[@tngchinghwa]

seiko's lume is unbeatable in this price range, only citizen can match it, casio doesnt even come close. if you are running that fast, normally it means magnetized, buy a cheap degausser for it. you are comparing a low end mechanical movement to quartz, apple and orange

[@JavierBonillaC]

@tngchinghwa Hey, the Oceanus is 500 dollars. Not exactly a cheap digital watch. I own both and the Oceanus to me seems superior. That's just my opinion.

[@hitmanexclusive6419]

Que pulseira é essa preta ??? Que material? Onde compro?

[@JonathanTReviews]

La correa es de Artem. Está hecho de tela de vela. Hay un enlace en la descripción. Esto fue traducido usando Google, si hay errores.

[@outkast_xiii670]

Is this the dark manta ray?

[@JonathanTReviews]

I believe this one is considered the light. While neither is particularly light, the other one (SRPF79) is a darker blue. Cheers

[@JavierBonillaC]

Mine gains 30 seconds per day. Qhay kind of quality control is that??? For a watch this expensive I expected more quality control. My Casio Oceanus T200 is solar, satellite, pwrpetual calendar, super lume, always exact ro within 1/1000 of a second and is slightly more beautiful. Oh, it also has a button to buzz my phone if I lose it. Es bonito pero el mío gana 30 segundos por día lo que quiere decir que una vez a la semana lo ajusto pues para el domingo ya va mal casi 4 minutos. Como puede pasar esto con un reloj tan caro que compré hace un mes? Que control de calidad es ese? Mi Casio Oceanus T200 es solar, satélite, calendario perpetuo, igual lumen e igual belleza, pero no falla. Ha sido un poco decepcionante.

[@JonathanTReviews]

An automatic will never perform to that level. However, I mentioned in the other comment about the same that it might be slightly magnetized. That's well above what I've generally experienced for their movements.

[@joseoliver534]

It is a manga?....very ugly.. look cheap...even the chinese they don t do watches looking cheap and first price looking like this...nice review like always guy

[@JonathanTReviews]

Thanks for watching and the support! I like the dial and bezel but am sure it will be too busy for some. Cheers

[@AlexanderB.]

Are you serious?

[@whyFINAL]

in real life the watch is stunning! in defferent light is always like new watch. most of the time the blue is much darker and mantas almost invisible. Watch you really cannot experience from video :)

[@JonathanTReviews]

It does definitely shift and play with the light a lot. I tried to capture in a wide variety of lighting conditions, angles, etc. to give some of this feel. Cheers

[@ryanthomas9306]

this watch is stunning. with a strapcode, the price is suprisingly good value