Black is timeless and undoubtedly one of the most popular colours for timepiece collectors. For 2021, Seiko applies the stylish shade on a new trio of Seiko Prospex divers’ watches. The Seiko Prospex Black Series Collection, as it has been suitably nicknamed, features three signature designs including a ‘Monster,’ ‘Tuna,’ and ‘Samurai’ – three nicknames invented by Seiko collectors that remain highly coveted for their unique profiles and nuances.
The new Seiko Prospex Black Series is certainly not the first of its kind, with the original Black Series collection launched back in 2017. Back then, the all-black aesthetic was showcased on a Seiko Turtle and two Prospex Solar Divers watches – one a classic three-hand-date model and the other a chronograph. The trio were claimed to be inspired by night diving and the orange colour of night diver’s lamps. While the stealthy black cases and dials embodied the night sky, the dials achieved maximum legibility under the waves with generous helpings of Lumibrite on the hands, indexes and bezel and neon orange colouring on the minutes hand. The very same visual is brought to life for the third time in the new 2021 Seiko Prospex Black Series trio which includes Monster reference SRPH13K1, the Tuna SNE577P1 and the Samurai SRPH11K1. Let’s take a look at these models in more detail…
SEIKO PROSPEX BLACK SERIES MONSTER SRPH13K1 LIMITED EDITION
Arguably one of Seiko’s most distinctive designs, the Monster takes its name from its large toothy bezel and thick central hands. It was first released in 2000 as an extension to the Seiko SKX diving watches range and ever since we have seen an extraordinary amount of Seiko Monster models including the Baby Monster, Night Monster and Trek Monster. Now part of the band is the new Seiko Prospex Black Series Monster watch under reference SRPH13K1, a limited edition of 7,000 pieces renewing the aggressive aesthetic with a stealthy black coating. The black PVD finish treats the 42.4 millimetre stainless steel case as well as the unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel’s toothy grip is complemented by a luminous triangle marker at 12 o’clock and a 60 minute divers bezel.
At the centre, the smooth black dial is protected by Hardlex crystal glass and decorated with sharp indexes and pointed hands dressed in vintage Lumibrite. The minutes hand as usual is adorned in orange. The Seiko Prospex Black Series Monster SRPH13K1 watch continues to impress with a double day and day window at 3 o’clock enlarged by a magnifying glass and a screw down case back water resistant to 200 metres. Hidden behind the steel back is the trusty 4R36 automatic winding movement with a power reserve of 41 hours. To complete the Seiko Prospex Black Series Monster watch, a matching black silicon strap is added alongside a black coated stainless steel pin buckle engraved with the iconic Seiko emblem.
SEIKO PROSPEX BLACK SERIES TUNA SNE577P1 LIMITED EDITION
While the Seiko Monster is one of the brands most idiosyncratic models for its shape, the Tuna leads the way purely in reputation. Its almighty 46.7 millimetre diameter and 11.8 millimetre height is described by many as a ‘tuna can’ for its large, round and distinctive profile. Like its counterpart above, the Seiko Prospex Black Series Tuna watch under reference SNE577P1 is engineered entirely from stainless steel and marks its place in the collection with a black PVD finish, a matching black dial and a bright orange seconds hand. It also features a black silicon band, Hardlex crystal glass and a 200 metre water resistant rating.
In contrast, the Seiko Prospex Black Series Tuna SNE577P1 Limited Edition is powered by the brand’s legendary V157 solar powered calibre which boasts a 10 month power reserve once its fully charged and an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. The calibre equips the diving timepiece with hour, minute and seconds function and a large date calendar feature at 4 o’ clock outlined in beige colouring to match its neighbourly rounded indices. The movement is also fitted with a special overcharge prevention function to avoid damage and overheating to any components. The Seiko Prospex Black Sereis Tuna is completed by a screw down and screw down case back engraved with its limited edition status out of 5,000 pieces.
SEIKO PROSPEX BLACK SERIES SAMURAI SRPH11K1 LIMITED EDITION
Last but not least in the 2021 Seiko Black Series collection is the Samurai Limited Edition under reference SRPH11K1. Owing its nickname to the unmistakable sword-shaped hands and sleek angular case, the Seiko Samurai has become somewhat a fixture in the Japanese watch manufacturer’s latest limited edition collections spotted in their new PADI series PADI series and the 2021 Save the Ocean Collection. Now dressed entirely in black, the Seiko Prospex Samurai is launched in the new Black Series following suit with a black hard coated stainless steel case, black dial and black silicone strap.
Its case stands at 43.8 millimetres in diameter and 13.4 millimetres high protected by Hardlex crystal glass, a screw in crown, screw in case back and a water resistance of 200 metres. Topping the case is another unidirectional rotating bezel which like the others is adorned with a luminous marker at 12 o’clock and a 60 minute scale and incorporates a greyed out increment between the 12 and 3 o’clock position. Housed within the Prospex Black Series Samurai SRPH11K1 Limited Edition is the 4R35 automatic winding which delivers central hands for hours, minutes and seconds, a date window at 3 o’clock and a power reserve of 41 hours. The limited edition of 8,000 pieces is also home to 23 jewels and classic Lumibrite treated hands, indexes and bezel accents.