Introduction

Our ocean is under attack, and Seiko is trying to save it.

By selling you a watch.

I don’t know which ocean they are trying to save or what exactly is attacking it, but what I do know is that the Seiko Samurai Save the Ocean is a nearly perfect dive watch with upgraded components and a gorgeous dial.

One of the things I’ve noticed about Seiko dive watches lately is that it seems as though they are resting on their laurels while simultaneously upping the prices on their watches. I used to not mind that a Seiko diver didn’t come with a sapphire crystal, an upgraded movement or a ceramic bezel insert, because a Seiko diver was the cheapest way to get a “real” watch with “real” heritage.

As time has gone on and Seiko prices have gone up and microbrands have become more and more of a thing, many of the Seiko watches have become underwhelming. It’s not really the same thing with this watch, though. Let’s take a look.

What It Is

The dimensions first. This watch is a hair under 44mm in diameter, a hair under 13mm in thickness, and a hair under 49mm in lug to lug. . . ness. Between those lugs, you’ll find a 22mm bracelet or rubber dive strap that compliments the watch well. Although the bracelet does have a pressed clasp rather than a milled one, which is a disappointment.

On the back you’ll find a typical Seiko solid case back with a wave on it. Nothing much to report here.

The sides of the case have the modern angular design of the Seiko Samurai, which I absolutely love. The case mixes brushed and polished surfaces in which keeps things interesting. The crown has a very nice knurling to it that makes it easy to interact with when hand-winding the movement or setting the time. Additionally, the drilled lug holes make changing straps easy and keeps with the tool-watch aesthetic.

Turning the watch over is where this thing really shines. Ceramic dive watch bezels look amazing. They always look like wet paint and are almost impossible to scratch.

The sapphire crystal is also a nice touch in that it’s also nearly impervious to scratches.

Then there’s the dial. I have to say that I was a little nervous to buy this watch because I thought it would either be inexcusably cheesy or an absolute stunner. I’m happy to announce it’s the latter and not the former.

The dial is much more subtle than the pictures reveal. Especially under interior lighting, the dial looks like a simple blue to black gradient, which is par for the course on dive watches.

It’s when you move your wrist that you notice the shimmer and sparkle of that amazing textured dial that really does evoke the sun bouncing off the ocean. It’s truly special.

When you take it outside under natural light, you’ll get your first glimpse of the manta rays swimming beneath the sea on your wrist. These really do look exactly like the shadows of fish beneath the water. It’s a really special visual that I enjoy more than I thought I would.

That’s what it is, now I’ll talk about what I love and what I hate.

What I Love & Hate

What I Love

Dial

The dial of this watch is the star of the show for sure. I love the color. I love the texture. I love the fish swimming around in it.

Upgrades

I love that this watch has a hacking and hand winding movement, a sapphire crystal, and a ceramic bezel insert. It really is a substantial upgrade to the normal samurai.

Price

I bought this watch for $375.00, which I consider an absolute steal. I can’t think of a watch I’d rather have for that price.

What I Hate

Pin and Collar Bracelet

This is the last bargain basement holdout on this watch from Seiko’s bad old days. These pin and collar bracelets are impossible to size, fiddly to deal with, and never really fee secure to me.

Rating – 74/100

Brand – 8/10

Seiko is an iconic brand. They make numerous iconic watches. Enough said.

Price – 10/10

I can’t think of another watch, full stop, let alone another dive watch, which offers as much for as little money as this watch does. If it was just the hacking/hand winding movement, ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal and good looks, it wouldn’t be that remarkable. When you factor in that amazing dial, it’s not a question for me.

Function 7/10

I think this is a dive watch that does everything it needs to do. It’s nothing special from a dive watch standpoint, but it does everything it’s supposed to.

Looks – 9/10

The dial along with the modern angular design of this watch make it an absolutely beautiful addition to any collection.

Movement – 7/10

People will say that this movement is boring, and they’d be right. However, there’s a reason this movement is ubiquitous. It’s tough, inexpensive, and it performs extremely well.

Versatility – 6/10

Usually, dive watches don’t do well in this category, and this watch isn’t a strong exception. It’s thick and looks like a tool watch. However, I do think this watch does a little better than its ilk and I honestly can’t say why.

Bracelet/Strap – 5/10

The bracelet is fine. I just wish it didn’t have the pin and collar system and I wish it had a better clasp. I’ll probably replace this.

Subjective – 10/10

This watch gets all the subjective points from me. I think the dial and other upgraded components make this watch one of my favorites. I’m honestly considering getting the Turtle version of this watch as well.

Closing

What I think it really special about this watch is that it does everything well. It wears well, it looks great on any strap you throw on it, it looks great and it feels special. Now this wouldn’t be that incredible if you find out that the price is in the thousands, but it isn’t.

I bought this watch for $375, which was a good deal, but they can regularly be found on eBay for around $400.00. This is what Seiko does best, or did best. They delivered something special for a special price and this Seiko Save The Ocean, is that exemplified.