At night, or in the dark, the lume is bright and lasting. I mentioned a cave earlier. The first place I took this watch was on a hike over an Arizona mountain range, and the path led through a series of caves and streams and not once did the lume die out. In fact, the lume is so bright that you can vaguely make out the printed text on the dial. Even the spear-tipped second hand is lumed heavily enough that you can make out the sweep in the dark without having to squint. Overall, the update from the previous and original models of the Samurai improve on all things legibility.

Inside the Seiko Prospex SRPB51 is the Seiko caliber 4R35, a welcome step up from the 7S series of movements that was previously used in the Samurai diver. This movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, and has a pretty standard 41 hour power reserve. The movement also supports hacking seconds and a hand-wind function for those who wish to utilize those features (something the original Samurai divers didn’t include).

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As for the crystal, Seiko uses their proprietary Hardlex mineral crystal. I spent a lot of time researching Hardlex as this was my first Seiko, and I’ve come to the conclusion that mostly… it’s more shatter-resistant than sapphire, but much easier to scratch and smudge. While I admit, it’s a petty gripe, you will definitely be wiping the crystal often. I personally feel like the crystal is almost sticky or static, and keeps dust or dirt pretty much impossible to simply blow off. Wiping the glass is something I find myself doing a lot.

Additionally, and less petty, the crystal doesn’t sit flush with the bezel. which is great for glare. However, it’s recessed enough that debris and grime can get stuck against the inside edge of the bezel and the glass. When paired with the smudge-y nature of Hardlex, you will spend a bit of time digging it out and making the crystal, well, crystal clear again. This is tenfold for water. Underwater, this watch is splendidly legible, but when you resurface, you’ll be shaking the pooled water out of the inner bezel as the shape doesn’t allow for it to simply run off. While this isn’t necessarily a disappointment, it was definitely a bit annoying at times, especially if you’re OCD about not leaving your watch looking post-apocalyptic after a hike.

The four models come with two different strap options; a rubber strap and a steel bracelet. At the time of writing this, the SRPB51 is the only one available on a metal bracelet (although I’m sure each could be picked up for an additional cost). Overall, the bracelet is great. The mostly brushed steel bracelet has polished portions on the inner-link and that gives a nice contrast and sportier accents to an already pretty rugged looking watch. The crisp lines of the case make their way along the bracelet, and keep the watch looking uniform and consistent – something that I think is so appealing about the bracelet on a rugged tool diver. Because the bracelet is brushed, scratches will be apparent, but that comes with the territory. Partially for being afraid of further scratching up the bracelet and partially for giggles, I eventually swapped it out for a leather strap, and it just didn’t take. I quickly swapped back to the bracelet as I feel it’s the sharpest option.

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The clasp is one of my favorite features of the diver. It’s a three-fold clasp, but includes a branded secure lock button, giving a really sharp and secure look and feel to the already “tool-y” watch. An additional feature is its micro-adjustments alongside both ends of the clasp allowing for a snug (but not too snug) fit whether you’re wearing this on a bare wrist or using a wetsuit. Being left-handed myself, I wear my watches on my right wrist, and gravity tends to pull larger watches hard against my ulna. The micro adjustments allow for some breathing room if I know my wrist will be swollen during strenuous activities, and mitigate the unnecessary irritation from hikes, swims, or climbs. Wearers will just need to be prepared ahead of time, as making those adjustments “in the field” isn’t the easiest task.

Overall, the Seiko Prospex Diver SRPB51 is simply a great offering. It’s clean, sturdy, and packs a lot in for the price. While I do have some protest about the crystal, it wouldn’t discourage me from picking up this watch again. It’s a great addition for fans of the original Samurai, and the modern update to the movement and aesthetics makes it a serious contender for an affordable tool watch that also looks awesome.

The Seiko Prospex Diver SRPB51 is available now through Seiko, and comes with a $525 price point on the steel bracelet, and $495 on the rubber strap. seiko-prospex.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Seiko
>Model: Prospex Diver SRPB51
>Price: $525
>Size: 43.8mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Enthusiast looking to purchase a solid tool watch with great water resistance and without too large of a hit on their wallet.
>Best characteristic of watch: The Samurai handset and textured dial.
>Worst characteristic of watch: The barely recessed Hardlex crystal is incredibly easy to smudge and scratch, and tends to hang onto dirt and grime around the edge.


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