Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPB49 Review (SBDY007): Diver With “Blue Waffle” Dial

Note: The model used for this review, the Seiko SBDY007, possesses a specific reference number that denotes it as a Made in Japan iteration. This same style is available under a different reference, SRPB49, when it is not made in Japan. The differences between a Japanese market version of this model and the international market version are minimal and only cosmetic.

The Seiko Samurai’s Steel Case

When it was first introduced in 2004, the Seiko Samurai set itself apart from numerous other dive watches in the brand’s catalog mainly due to its case shape. This SRPB49 Samurai, which was reintroduced in 2017, boasts the same case architecture that made the first one such a hit.

Officially, the case is 43.8mm in diameter though depending on how you measure, it may be more or less. Personally, I found the distance across the face of the watch (from 9 to 3 o’clock), including the bezel, to be about 43.5mm.

Other case dimensions include 48mm lug-to-lug, 13mm thick (or “tall”), and 22mm between the lugs, otherwise known as the strap size.

While the Samurai is by no means a small watch, it wears its dimensions quite well. Even before putting it on, the case looks quite large. However, on the wrist, the contours of the case help it mold around the wrist rather comfortably. This is effect is mostly thanks to the lugs which are angled down into the wrist.

The case is crafted entirely of stainless steel, most of which has a brushed finish. Yet, some high-polish accents are present on the sides of the case. Overall, the case has mostly sharp, defined edges that impart a very utilitarian look.

The crown of this SRPB49 is present at the 3 o’clock position which is normal for most divers except Seikos, which tend to have the crown at the 4 o’clock position. The crown itself is of the screw-down variety, slightly oversized, and textured to improve grip.

Diver’s Bezel

On par for a dive watch, the bezel on this Samurai is unidirectional with a dual-tone diver’s bezel insert and luminous pip at the top index.

Like the crown, the outside of the bezel is also textured. While it has functional ends, this texture encountered on the crown and bezel is also visually appealing as it stands in stark contrast to the otherwise smooth surface seen throughout the watch.

Blue Waffle Dial (Clous de Paris)

Previous iterations of the Seiko Samurai possessed smooth dials which is what makes this new, blue hobnail or “waffle” dial a novelty. Yet, it is not a cheap novelty from the brand as I do find that it’s quite attractive and does not detract much from the watch’s utilitarian theme.

As is tradition for Seiko dive watches, the entire dial is surrounded by a slanted minute track on which minute calibrations are printed. The dial is also marked by large, applied hour indices filled to the brim with Seiko LumiBrite lume.

At center axis are the hands which boast a polished finish as well as the beloved and unique shape seen only on Seiko Samurais. Like the hour indices, these too have been generously lumed.

Lastly, at 3 o’clock is the date window. Its size is large enough to be completely legible at a glance without appearing out of proportion with the rest of the dial. This being the SBDY007, the Made in Japan version, there is also some small text at the bottom of the dial that states the country of origin.

Stainless Steel Bracelet

Keeping the SRPB49 on the wrist is a full stainless steel bracelet. Not just a generic bracelet thrown on the watch, the bracelet nicely integrates into the case, following the sharp edges of the lugs.

The bracelet tapers down from the case to a stamped-steel folding clasp that has both double actuators and a fold-over component. There’s no question – once the watch is on your wrist and the clasp is fully closed, it’s very difficult for it to open unintentionally.

The weight of the bracelet is substantial enough to balance the head of the watch, which itself can be a bit hefty. While it can seem counterintuitive, the additional weight of the bracelet does in fact make for more comfortable wear.

Samurai 4R35 Movement

The Seiko Samurai SRPB49 (as well as the SBDY007) is powered by an automatic, in-house Seiko 4R35 movement. It possesses a 41-hour power reserve, +35/-35 seconds per day accuracy, manual winding functionality, and the date complication.

Seiko 4R36 movement

The 4R35 is a relatively recent movement introduced by Seiko and is a close sibling to the 4R36 encountered on the Seiko 5 Sports line. It is quite reliable though not incredibly accurate. Nevertheless, the Samurai doesn’t purport to be at the level of a Swiss chronometer.

In my opinion, the accuracy is more than adequate for the price point as well as the intended applications. Moreover, if you happen to have a watchmaker friend, they can probably regulate the movement and have it tickin’ much more accurately.

Seiko Samurai SRPB49 On-The-Wrist Review

Admittedly, when I first laid eyes on the Samurai, I never thought this was a watch I’d be able to wear comfortable. It simply looked too big.

Generally, I lean towards watches with 40mm case sizes. Yet, I gave the Samurai a chance and found that it wears much smaller than its dimensions would suggest.

As mentioned above, the overall design of the case and especially the lugs help it to mold to the wrist quite well. This was undoubtedly what surprised me the most – how a watch that seemed so wide and large could wear so comfortably.

Aside from the comfort factor, I think the Samurai line of watches and this blue hobnail dial example to be rather attractive. The dials are simple enough to not seem busy, though not so sterile that it blends in with the countless other dive watches at this price point.

If you’re a fan of Seiko divers or even dive watches in general, the SRPB49 or the SBDY007 are definitely ones to try out. And if you were always a fan of the Samurai but never took the leap on one, then this 2017 version which melds the classic style with a modern movement is definitely the one to go for.

Further Reading

If you enjoyed this review of the Seiko Samurai SBDY007, check out some of our other related watch content below:

• Reviewing The Seiko King Turtle SRPE05 AKA The Grande
• Seiko Watch Brand History
• The Best Japanese Watch Brands & How They Survived The Quartz Crisis
• All Of Our Seiko Watch Reviews
• Watches Homepage