The Baby Samurai is Seiko's New Flagship Affordable Diver

[@nedflanders3769]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@SnowMan360]

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

[@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.

[@n8sanders]

I got one in black. I love it!

[@lennartdr7898]

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

[@davidcopeland5409]

Loving the date position on these new designs 👍

[@iFyvie]

Love the unique font on the bezel.

[@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

[@JMJAZZR51]

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.

[@_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.

[@shj2000]

Excellent videography!

[@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.

[@martinmoore1821]

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

[@user-cy2tu2my3z]

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

[@NATHANSFLETCHER]

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

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I like the old version better ! Thanks Dave 🙏

[@monologic4806]

Good review. Thanks Dave.

[@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 handle 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!

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

Seiko bezel alignment remains a problem.

[@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?

[@BroAriq]

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

[@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).

[@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.

[@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.

[@Thankyou_3]

41.5 mm case size still massive.

[@peterboyce1422]

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

[@jlg395]

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

[@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.)

[@b1r2y3n]

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

[@wendyandgeoffpattison2610]

I dunno Dave, hardlex, aluminium bezel, 4r35? If it was $200 maybe.

[@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

[@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!!!

[@timmcdonald5335]

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

[@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.

[@jimlima4066]

They need to just drop the hardlex and go all sapphire

[@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.

[@davecharvella4854]

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

[@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.

[@DanHare72]

Very nice watch, I would definitely buy it ... for 300$

[@blackburnheart]

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

[@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.

[@youpluman]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ryangochuico]

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

[@wristray8775]

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

[@BoboacaDoxaras]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the amzwatch's watches are the most intriguing.

[@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.

[@Jalartifact]

I like this version.

[@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.

[@TheFuturisticVintage]

Really nice watch shots!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@ba2724]

Oh my, that’s gorgeous!! I will order this one to add to my growing Seiko/GS collection. Thanks for the vid.

[@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. 😅

[@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...

[@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.

[@holgermuller3597]

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

[@Mike-kr9ys]

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

[@j.p.9522]

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

[@greglewis20]

I’ll go with the 43mm with sapphire crystal

[@K.J.H_]

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

[@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

[@markstocks9475]

Well Done!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@rolandogonzalez3756]

The case reminds me of my Breitling Colt 41

[@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).

[@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.

[@emreisiklar]

Great shots, really impressive! 👌

[@javierjimenez786]

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

[@konradmaciejewski8449]

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

[@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.

[@1vbAPiYk]

I would choose Wise over this any time

[@turbyoulance]

I would NOT buy it. These days if we don't know the date we are in a bubble.The date complication makes it look silly and cheap.The Hardlex confirms that point to me. They need to get rid of the date at 4 o'clock or get rid of it completely in in opinion. They need to also use Sapphire and then I believe it would be worth considering. That said , thanks for reviewing it Dave. Maybe the Version 2 will correct it's drawbacks.

[@SonBob-pm1zk]

Shogurai !!!!

[@RampartPh]

I'd still go for the samurai

[@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.

[@glvanbergen]

Nice..would like to see Day as well

[@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.

[@majin-vegeta90]

The original samurai didn't interest me very much but this model looks way more my taste. I'll wait to see where the price settles

[@matthewbessey681]

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

[@anthonytautu6678]

Aleays Great Review thanlyou

[@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.

[@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... .

[@blackburnheart]

It's the ronin!

[@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.

[@Aeroroc51]

You had me until no saphire.

[@vaellanshanmuru6405]

41.5 and 49 is not considered smaller wrists lol

[@kelechinobi3085]

Hardlex is a cheaper material than sapphire. That’s for sure, but the cost difference is insignificant in any watch over £300. The problem is that Seiko has done a very bad job at marketing hardlex which, while less scratch resistant than sapphire is also more shatter resistant than sapphire, a quality that is more important in an actual working dive watch.

[@billkipper3264]

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

[@watchdog9472]

Certina all the way.

[@jeremysmith9696]

like a Samurai 3.0