I own this Seiko SPRL13 and it's really good. I do wear it on a different strap. I have several dive watches around 40-42mm, this one wears slightly larger with the bezel but it's thinner than most and very comfortable to wear. Maybe the best watch I bought in 2024, love the comparison to the Pelagos. Great review Mark.
Picked up the all blacked out version and love everything except the tan lume. Very tooly and tactical. For someone that doesn't have larger wrists, but always loved the Samurai, this was a great answer.
Just picked one of these up recently to add to my growing Seiko collection. Already has become one of my favorites. Love the sharp design lines on this watch paired with a great dial / bezel. I’m usually not a big fan of Seiko bracelets, often changing them out but this one’s a keeper for this watch. Awesome piece and great review 👍
What I would like from Seiko is a sweet Solar quartz version of all these 4r and 6r movement watches . At least give us an option to choose from if we don’t like the lower end movements. Wouldn’t that be a great idea ?
i'd like that too but imho they'd have to significantly lower the price. citizen dominates with affordable eco-drive watches. not sure if seiko has a chance in this segment with their pricing policy.
@@kosfireandbushcraft great point but it ain’t all about the specs is it ? Citizen design language doesn’t speak to me at all like the way Seiko does , it’s not a price issue at all when it comes to Seiko vs Citizen
I like these. Was very close to getting the maroon/burgundy one. However, I don't understand or necessarily agree about the sapphire use argument/rationalization. To be clear, I am also fine with Hardlex..never had an issue.. however, Seiko has used sapphire in a handful of their less expensive or even entry level models. And, even sapphire in microbrands is practically a standard for as much and even less $$, too. So, given the scales of economy, with Seiko being such a large company, I can't imagine sapphire being that hard for them to get nor really adding that much $$, if even it should, to their line of "pro" sport models. But, I guess Seiko has their reasons for sticking to their guns regarding Hardlex use.
If we are talking tool watches, hardlex is more appropriate. Sapphire will chip or worst crack even when just snorkeling around corrals. Granted, many will not take this watch swimming, much less diving. If it's for just desk diving, yes, sapphire.
This model has been panned by several TH-cam channels, but I think it's a really good modern Seiko release for daily wear. I bang my watches around due to my occupation, and like you I've never scratched a Hardlex crystal. I guess I'm a contrarian because Hardlex doesn't bother me, and I think pressed clasps are more comfortable.
I think the prices on these are starting to drop. What is cool about this is that it can be used in dress situations including for everyday use. Hopefully, this Mini-Samurai means Seiko is vying for its affordable watch consumer base that helped make Seiko what it is.
I scratched the hardlex on this very model without even knowing it, and I am very careful with my watches. Its completely possible to scratch this mineral crystal
In my opinion, if you're looking for a Pelagos 39 alternative, the Certina DS Action Diver 38 Titanium is a much better option. Really don't think this would scratch the Pelagos 39 itch.
In my opinion Seiko is NOT listening to what the community wants. For the price, many watch nerds expect sapphire, ceramic, milled clasp, on the fly clasp adjustment. You mentioned twice that Seiko is listening, can you do a public poll or share poll numbers from Seiko (if they have anything on what the community wants)? Let's not give excuses and keep saying things like company integration, in-house, blah blah... What's the benefit if the price keeps going up but no new features, innovations, or better product in general. Just my opinion!
I could look past the hardlex in place of a better bracelet and better crown threading from Seiko. No screw links or milled clasp like you said in 2024/2025 is kind of a joke. Also sick of my Seiko watches having a gritty feel to them when screwing the crown back down past position 1. So much dental floss wasted only for it to occur again weeks later.
Seiko does not care what foreigners want. They only design to what appeals to the jdm market and tastes of the Japanese ppl. Not sure if anyone has noticed but every piece that seiko puts out has an air of Gundam / mecha robot / samurai design element to it. The whole industry has adopted a smaller 38mm design language but not the Japs they just dgaf. If you disagree look at all the architecture in Japan not much has changed outside Tokyo since ww2.
I like the design but it’s way overpriced. The old (King) Samurai for the same price ($575) had a ceramic bezel insert and sapphire crystal. This updated model has neither (cheap aluminum insert and Hardlex crystal). Seiko is asking way too much for their watches. I mostly buy microbrands now as their value is unmatched. Seiko is no longer the value brand it was 5-10 years ago. Just about every microbrand diver for ~$300 has a ceramic bezel insert and sapphire crystal, while Seiko charges you double. I do think the red SRPL11 is a really unique colour. If it had a sapphire crystal and I could find an AD selling one for 30% off I’d get one.
too much sugarcoating of Seiko's ridiculous production mindset. You may not have a problem with hardlex but at this price range, sapphire has become the standard. You cant just use the "keeping the price lower" argument. In 2025, we all know this is not true. I don't even mention 4R movement, again at this price range.
Absolutely. What Seiko is offering for 650 euros is an outrage. Citizen offers much better for less with the Promaster Fugu or more for the same price with the Fujitsubo. I bought my third Citizen (Promaster Diver Unite with Blue) from a local jeweller yesterday and am still delighted with the added value Citizen offers.
It’s literally the most inconspicuous date window possible, clean cutout and colour matched , what more do you want ? I’ll take a 4:30 date or no date over a 3 o’clock date all day long , in exchange we get a symmetrical dial and the beautiful symmetrical lume shot
What are you on about? This is literally the best way to do a date window. When you need it it's there (and at a correct angle), and when you don't need it you don't even notice it.
I have the slim turtle with this date window and I’m a big fan. At arms length it disappears into the dial but it’s there when you need it. Perfection in my eyes.
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
I own this Seiko SPRL13 and it's really good. I do wear it on a different strap. I have several dive watches around 40-42mm, this one wears slightly larger with the bezel but it's thinner than most and very comfortable to wear. Maybe the best watch I bought in 2024, love the comparison to the Pelagos. Great review Mark.
Picked up the all blacked out version and love everything except the tan lume. Very tooly and tactical. For someone that doesn't have larger wrists, but always loved the Samurai, this was a great answer.
Just picked one of these up recently to add to my growing Seiko collection. Already has become one of my favorites. Love the sharp design lines on this watch paired with a great dial / bezel. I’m usually not a big fan of Seiko bracelets, often changing them out but this one’s a keeper for this watch. Awesome piece and great review 👍
Marc will make a better braclet for it
I'm enjoying that watch... I've been buying so many affordable seikos since I started in 2017.. I think this is best affordable seiko watch so far...
that is a good looking Seiko.
I wish they'd start making these with the 6L movement.
and saphirre
The current movement accuracy isn't good at all
The watch is excellent and beautiful
It's the samurai re-issue, as I was told in Ginza, Tokyo, where I bought the watch in september. I got the all black stealth version on silicon strap.
Never had a problem with hardlex...
4R is as tough as comes.
A king version of this with a bit of colour would be cool. The sharp lugs also remind me of the Breitling Colt 41
What I would like from Seiko is a sweet Solar quartz version of all these 4r and 6r movement watches . At least give us an option to choose from if we don’t like the lower end movements. Wouldn’t that be a great idea ?
I can get on board with having way better accuracy and convenience over another snooze-fest 4r movement.
@ yep
i'd like that too but imho they'd have to significantly lower the price. citizen dominates with affordable eco-drive watches. not sure if seiko has a chance in this segment with their pricing policy.
I love the look, just not the movement, solar and I'd buy it today
@@kosfireandbushcraft great point but it ain’t all about the specs is it ? Citizen design language doesn’t speak to me at all like the way Seiko does , it’s not a price issue at all when it comes to Seiko vs Citizen
Seiko has really pushed the limits of affordable watches.
I like these. Was very close to getting the maroon/burgundy one.
However, I don't understand or necessarily agree about the sapphire use argument/rationalization. To be clear, I am also fine with Hardlex..never had an issue.. however, Seiko has used sapphire in a handful of their less expensive or even entry level models. And, even sapphire in microbrands is practically a standard for as much and even less $$, too. So, given the scales of economy, with Seiko being such a large company, I can't imagine sapphire being that hard for them to get nor really adding that much $$, if even it should, to their line of "pro" sport models. But, I guess Seiko has their reasons for sticking to their guns regarding Hardlex use.
If we are talking tool watches, hardlex is more appropriate. Sapphire will chip or worst crack even when just snorkeling around corrals. Granted, many will not take this watch swimming, much less diving. If it's for just desk diving, yes, sapphire.
This model has been panned by several TH-cam channels, but I think it's a really good modern Seiko release for daily wear. I bang my watches around due to my occupation, and like you I've never scratched a Hardlex crystal. I guess I'm a contrarian because Hardlex doesn't bother me, and I think pressed clasps are more comfortable.
The comfort has more to do with the design than pressed vs. Milled. I have milled clasps that are more comfortable than pressed clasps.
I thought Jody was particularly harsh on this. I think it’s a great looking watch.
I love my mini samurai and I really love the clasp and bracelet I like the pressed clasp it is way comfortable.
A slim version would be fantastic
I think the prices on these are starting to drop. What is cool about this is that it can be used in dress situations including for everyday use. Hopefully, this Mini-Samurai means Seiko is vying for its affordable watch consumer base that helped make Seiko what it is.
I scratched the hardlex on this very model without even knowing it, and I am very careful with my watches. Its completely possible to scratch this mineral crystal
Right, hardlex is a joke.
Yup! What you need is a dedicated desk diver with a sapphire crystal.
Shogurai !!!
How about a head-to-head comparison with the mini turtle? 🤞🤞
I’ve got one question, if I wanted to change the crystal for a sapphire one that would be possible?
It is.
What style of a rubber strap would you recommend to pair this Seiko with?
I have the gun metal version of this watch and paired it with a black FKM smooth rubber CTS strap from StrapsCo. 👌👌
Zuludiver is my favorite strap company
Já DEIXANDO like.
In my opinion, if you're looking for a Pelagos 39 alternative, the Certina DS Action Diver 38 Titanium is a much better option.
Really don't think this would scratch the Pelagos 39 itch.
As usual an interesting release from seiko but the font on the bezel ruins everything
In my opinion Seiko is NOT listening to what the community wants. For the price, many watch nerds expect sapphire, ceramic, milled clasp, on the fly clasp adjustment. You mentioned twice that Seiko is listening, can you do a public poll or share poll numbers from Seiko (if they have anything on what the community wants)? Let's not give excuses and keep saying things like company integration, in-house, blah blah... What's the benefit if the price keeps going up but no new features, innovations, or better product in general. Just my opinion!
I could look past the hardlex in place of a better bracelet and better crown threading from Seiko. No screw links or milled clasp like you said in 2024/2025 is kind of a joke. Also sick of my Seiko watches having a gritty feel to them when screwing the crown back down past position 1. So much dental floss wasted only for it to occur again weeks later.
Wow! You absolutely nailed it. All the things that completely drive me nuts about Seiko. I couldn’t have said it better.
Seiko does not care what foreigners want. They only design to what appeals to the jdm market and tastes of the Japanese ppl. Not sure if anyone has noticed but every piece that seiko puts out has an air of Gundam / mecha robot / samurai design element to it. The whole industry has adopted a smaller 38mm design language but not the Japs they just dgaf. If you disagree look at all the architecture in Japan not much has changed outside Tokyo since ww2.
💯
You gotta make your Seiko yours. No whining...
First in!
I like the design but it’s way overpriced. The old (King) Samurai for the same price ($575) had a ceramic bezel insert and sapphire crystal. This updated model has neither (cheap aluminum insert and Hardlex crystal). Seiko is asking way too much for their watches. I mostly buy microbrands now as their value is unmatched. Seiko is no longer the value brand it was 5-10 years ago. Just about every microbrand diver for ~$300 has a ceramic bezel insert and sapphire crystal, while Seiko charges you double. I do think the red SRPL11 is a really unique colour. If it had a sapphire crystal and I could find an AD selling one for 30% off I’d get one.
It’s a beautiful watch, but for the same price i would rather buy a Citizen Fujitsubo.
too much sugarcoating of Seiko's ridiculous production mindset. You may not have a problem with hardlex but at this price range, sapphire has become the standard. You cant just use the "keeping the price lower" argument. In 2025, we all know this is not true. I don't even mention 4R movement, again at this price range.
Nope. You would get a Glycine.
Seiko ?
No thanks !
I stay with Citizen !
Citizen all the way all day long !
Absolutely. What Seiko is offering for 650 euros is an outrage. Citizen offers much better for less with the Promaster Fugu or more for the same price with the Fujitsubo.
I bought my third Citizen (Promaster Diver Unite with Blue) from a local jeweller yesterday and am still delighted with the added value Citizen offers.
@@mikewazowski6161 citizens are ugly as hell tho.
I don't understand the urge to use a date window, esp. when it's placed at such a horrible place.
It’s literally the most inconspicuous date window possible, clean cutout and colour matched , what more do you want ? I’ll take a 4:30 date or no date over a 3 o’clock date all day long , in exchange we get a symmetrical dial and the beautiful symmetrical lume shot
What are you on about? This is literally the best way to do a date window. When you need it it's there (and at a correct angle), and when you don't need it you don't even notice it.
I think it is great....unobtrusive and maintains symmetry when you aren't looking for the date and it's there when you need it.
It’s objectively the best place to put a date window.
I have the slim turtle with this date window and I’m a big fan. At arms length it disappears into the dial but it’s there when you need it. Perfection in my eyes.