Horologii

Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro Limited Edition Review

Seiko launches their latest limited edition, the Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro watch, in honour of the ancient Japanese naval forces known as “Suigun” with the suitably named Samurai case and a red lacquered dial.

One brand that isn’t afraid to proudly celebrate their country of origin is Seiko. Over the last few years especially, we have seen a surge in special edition and limited edition designs created in honour of different Japanese traditions. Take the trio of Seiko Presage Island Green watches designed to imitate the enchanting wilderness of Iriomote Island or the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Yozakura Limited Edition inspired by the legendary Japanese cherry blossom tree; all of these incredible releases display Seiko’s own pride in being a part of such a fascinating culture. Another part of their history is brought to life today in the Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro Limited Edition watch which beautifully captures a motif of an ancient Japanese naval force at the centre of the dial.

In the island nation of Japan, the Suigun were the traditional armed forces on water who lived in the coastal areas of the country. Known as waterborne soldiers, they placed an important role in maritime safety, maritime security, and maritime transportation by pilotage. The new Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro watch wonderfully revives the vermilion colour-lacquered armour used by the naval forces through its dial. It was said that wearing red, the most obvious colour on the battlefield was proof of your bravery and courage. The dial of the limited edition delivers a stunning grid-like texture executed in a deep red shade. In contrast, the hours, minutes and seconds hands and applied markers are gold coated and filled with glow in the dark Lumibrite.

It seems fitting that the new Seiko limited edition is part of the brand’s King Samurai series since its namesake was the label used for military officers in early-modern Japan. Nicknamed the “Samurai” by fans of the brand, the watch gets its name for its angular shape and sharp surfaces which look as though they were sliced perfectly with a Japanese sword. The case of the Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro watch measures to 43.8mm in diameter with a height of 12.8mm and is engineered almost entirely from satin-finished stainless steel. There’s the familiar sloping lugs, strong crown guards and screw in crown offering a water resistant rating of 200 metres. The case also features a unique mesh pattern on the side of the bezel designed to capture the diamond patterns of the handle of a Japanese sword.

Since it’s fitted with the “King” prefix, the Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro Limited Edition delivers some high-grade materials including a black ceramic insert bezel with a 60 minute scale and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass. For the back, Seiko opt for a full screwed steel case back which protects the Calibre 4R35 automatic winding movement within. The in-house calibre promises hours, minutes, seconds and date function, a power reserve of 40 hours, a 3Hz frequency and a total of 23 jewels.

To complete the Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro watch, a three-row link stainless steel bracelet is added alongside a classic three-fold clasp with secure lock, push button release and diving extension. As a limited edition, the watch also comes presented in a special box in the “Shu-iro” red colour alongside an additional black rubber strap with a stainless steel pin buckle.

If you’d like to learn more about the Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro watch and order one of the 3,500 limited edition pieces for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.

Specifications: Seiko Prospex King Samurai Shu-Iro Limited Edition (SRPH61K1)

  • Case Size: 43.8mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Bezel: Unidirectional, black ceramic insert with 60 minute scale
  • Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
  • Crown: Screw in
  • Case Back: Screwed
  • Water Resistance: 200 metres
  • Movement: Calibre 4R35 automatic
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
  • Power Reserve: 40 hours
  • Jewels: 23
  • Frequency: 21,600vph
  • Dial: Red with grip pattern, gold coloured hands and markers with Lumibrite
  • Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with additional black rubber strap
  • RRP: £660
  • Limited Edition: 3,500 pieces