Since the first Seiko Shogun SBDC007 arrived in 2009, Seiko fans have been anticipating the release of a relative no longer restricted to the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market). Now as we enter 2021, Seiko followers rejoice with the introduction of two new Seiko Prospex Shogun watches under references SPB191J1 and SPB189J1. Both dressed in lightweight titanium, these masculine divers’ pieces keep hold of the sharp energy and muscular profile of the original alongside the delivery of some new dial designs and modern innovations.
Long time aficionados of Seiko will already be familiar with the Japanese watch brand’s directory of nicknames, from the Seiko Sumo to the Samurai, Turtle, Monster, Tuna, all of which reference the true nature of each watch’s design. The Seiko Shogun isn’t quite as familiar as its diving counterparts since its ultra-robust design has been limited in its release and often reserved only for the JDM domestic market. The nickname Shogun means military general in Japanese, a testimonial to its imposing aesthetic and strength assisted by a shark-tooth bezel, lightweight titanium case and high lume dial. The new Seiko Prospex Shogun SPB191J1 and SPB189J1 watches retain just enough of the original’s personality while incorporating some of the brand’s newest materials and technologies.
Measuring to 43.5mm in diameter, 51mm from lug to lug and 13.3mm in thickness, the Seiko Prospex Shogun SPB191J1 and SPB189J1 watches sit largely yet comfortably on the wrist delivering all the elements of the Shogun we have come to love. The sharp crown protection, angular lugs and strong shoulders are all engineered from brushed titanium and finished with Seiko’s super-hard coating for additional robustness. The use of titanium also delivers exceptional resistance to corrosion, additional durability and amazing weightlessness on the wrist weighing to only 99 grams on a silicone strap and 121 grams on a titanium bracelet.
The sharp toothed bezel is reminiscent of all Seiko Shogun watches before it, featuring unidirectional functionality and a titanium insert. The bezel of the Seiko Prospex Shogun SPB191J1 is two toned, dressed in black and anthracite while the SPB189J1 variant features a more unique black and bronze design. Both variants deliver a 60 minute diving scale and a luminous triangle marker at the 12 o’clock position. The Seiko Prospex Shogun SPB191J1 and SPB189J1 continue to provide remarkable diving capability with a 200 metre water resistant screw down crown and case back and scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass.
One of the most notable changes to the new Seiko Shogun watches is the dial. While the original 2009 model showcased rounded dot indexes, variants SPB191J1 and SPB189J1 boast new triangle shaped markers alongside slightly smoother, more rounded hands decorated in glow in the dark Lumibrite. The lollipop seconds hand is pure Shogun DNA and in the black SPB189J1 model is wonderfully decorated in bronze to pair with the bezel. The SPB191J watch is kept classic and monochromatic with a smooth white face and black outlined accents.
Housed within the Seiko Prospex Shogun SPB191J1 and SPB189J1 watches is the 6R35 automatic winding calibre boasting an impressive power reserve of 70 hours and an accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day. Beating at 3Hz or 21,600 vibrations per hour, the mechanical movement provides central hands for hours, minutes and seconds and a handy date window at 3 o’clock enlarged by a magnified window.
You can order the Seiko Prospex Shogun SPB191J1 and SPB189J1 watches on the Jura Watches website today, available with interest free finance and free next day delivery while stocks last. For more information on these pieces, get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
