Seiko Prospex "Orange Samurai" Diver's Watch (SRPC07)
Let's have a look at the Seiko Prospex "Orange Samurai" Diver #SRPC07. Though this watch came out a while ago, it is worth visiting the question "Is the Samurai still worth buying?" I bought mine at Macy's in March of 2018, and it has become one of my all-time favorite timepieces in my collection. In this review/overview of the Orange Samurai, I would like to hit on the good, the bad, and the ugly of one of Seiko's most iconic watch styles.
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| Photo Credit: Seiko USA Instagram Feed |
First let me start with the good attributes of the SRPC07. One of the best features of this watch is how sturdy it is. With its squared off lugs, heavy case, ample crown guards, and reliable movement (4R35), you will easily be impressed at how substantial this watch is. The most obvious feature is the bright orange dial and chapter ring that hearkens back to a time where this was common on a diver's watch.
With its WR at 200m, this watch will stay ticking during your deep diving excursions or just a brief journey through the shower or kitchen sink. On it's 22mm stainless steel bracelet you will find a divers extension for over your wet-suit. This added bonus comes in handy because as I will address in another section, changing bands on this watch is a true nightmare. Now you do not need to pack a resin band with the watch to make it fit before your dive, though the early release Amazon exclusive bundle of this watch did have such a band included. This watch will certainly be noticed by others and spark great conversations. I know it has for me.
Though this watch has many perks to it, there are some areas where it falls short of expectations. Let's go down the path of what is bad about this Samurai. Though I said the orange dial has a retro feel, and some people enjoy that, it can also make the watch loud and offensive if worn in the wrong company. In no way can this watch pull a James Bond and be worn with a suit or business casual event. The orange dial is mostly for sporting activities such as diving (obviously) and casual days out with friends or family. Seiko does make the new releases of the Samurai in several colors such as blue, gunmetal plus gold tone, flat black, and a PADI edition black dial with a blue and red bezel. These are a bit less conspicuous and could potentially be pulled off with a suit. While the diver's extension is nice to have, it is wildly uncomfortable on the wrist and will leave a mark. The crown, though understandably large as a tool, is a bit too large for my taste sticking out well past the crown guards.
All things considered, I do not regret buying this watch in any way. This was a grail watch for me and I am happy to have it as a permanent fixture of my collection. I recommend this watch if you are new to the diver's watch style or need a fairly inexpensive but high quality diver for a vacation. Though it is slightly more expensive than the iconic SKX007 or other models in that line, it is well worth the extra money to pick up a solid release from Seiko. [9/10]
If you would like one of these Samurai watches for yourself, click THIS LINK and it will take you to Amazon.com so you can get it. I appreciate you using the link provided as it helps TheDPud.com keep going in a small way and will fund future watch reviews! Thank you!
Thank you for reading my review of the Seiko Prospex "Orange Samurai" Diver's Watch SRPC07! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below and I will answer them as soon as I can.
