Seiko SRPB09 'Blue Lagoon' Samurai Review - The Classic Revisited, but with a Dull Blade

Hello and welcome to Take Time! A Channel for watch enthusiasts by watch enthusiasts. Thanks for joining me today on another video.

PS-You can see an image of the Samurai on that StrapCode I mentioned here... I'm not affiliated, but if you do get one, make sure they know I turned you onto it! *THANKS*

[ChieftainFish]

way too much "opinion" here that is not useful in making an informed decision to people considering buying this watch.

1) The edges are not really that dull. Sure, they are a bit softer than the original, but I think the softness goes well with the soft angles on the bracelet. I think the case shape is way more interesting and eye-catching than the case on the yellow watch you are comparing it to.
2) The date window criticism is a bit subjective. The 1/5 lume plot is there so that people can see the 3 o'clock marker in the dark. I think framing the date window would not fit the tool-like aesthetic that this watch goes for. For the record, I would buy the date over the dateless version of this watch if I had to choose.

Yes, I do own this watch, so there's a bias. But I do think that the lack of sharp edges/date window are not issues for people who enjoy the angular case design over the rounded, cushiony design of the turtle (which I am really not a fan of). Anyways, solid reviews here and elsewhere throughout your channel.

[woonfaseng]

you are nitpicking too much especially on the angular design, it looks great yet is child proof too... i.e.. it LOOKs very sharp but it actually ain't so it won't accidentally scratch anybody including our own equipment and skins or our family members. it looks even more shape than the pogue seiko you are wearing although the Pogue may feel more shape but it don't look that angular or masculine in look. also the bracelet is OK, Seiko mid tier or lower-mid tiers e.g. Turtle, Monster Gen 2, Samurai are NOT that expensive, hence we should not expect the sky on their bracelet. especially it is a tool watch, functional is most important. dont like it, swop it with another bracelet we buy outside

[StinkyCheeseYodeler]

If it's a dive watch, you don't really want sharp edges.

[anthonyb]

Couldn't agree with you more on your first point. I bought this watch a few hours ago and the promptly after that I bought the strapcode hexad oyster bracelet. Not only for the superior build quality but also for the matching angular theme of the bracelet that completely matches the angular and aggressive case

[matthewdavis]

Oh wow, you were so spot on. This was an amazing review. Your observations were amazing! So much attention to detail, and so much passion. Perfection my friend!

[FunFactsAboutTech]

Good review but commenting on the sharpness of the case finishing as a negative point is a little weak. Its a difference in design and doesn't signify anything about recuced quality. Its a bit like saying you don't like the Lambo Aventador as it isn't as angular and wedge shaped as the Countach from decades ago. They're totally different models and hence different in design and that's fine. You may not like the new samurai case design as much but state it as a preference rather than as some sort of objective negative/flaw of the watch. It isn't.

[dcaatro]

Honestly, I can't point exactly what it is about this channel but it is quite special. The amount of thought and effort that is put into each video can be seen. You are definitely on the right track and I can only hope you reach success.

[samd.]

Great video, I love my SRP053 with the Pepsi bezel. You are right the case is incredibly comfortable and I personally love the angles on this model. The thing that really made me fall in love with this watch however was the waffle dial. I love the texture and I was disappointed that the orange and the Padi versions didn't come with that texture. However, the Blue Lagoon looks perfect without it. Great looking watch.

[Bflo]

I got my Seiko SRPB51 (black waffle dial with steel bracelet) and I am loving it. I bought it brand new for only $248 on ebay. It is a gorgeous watch. Masculine, rugged, sharp lines and thick. One of my best looking watches and right up there in style with my Tag Heuer. I am happy with the alignment of the markers, chapter dial and bezel. It has accurate timing and I like the winding & hacking. Con? I am fine with the mineral crystal because I have it in my other watches and they have held up greatly after many years and many accidental bumps. No scratches at all. That is my experience. Sure I would prefer sapphire but I am fine with mineral. Bracelet? The bracelet is nice and pretty comfortable but I do agree with Patrick that Strapcode with 3 piece per link, 2 tone brushed and polished sharp edge Hexad Oyster links looks awesome and is more fitting with this watch case than this stock bracelet. However that strapcode bracelet is thicker and is going to weigh lot more and with extra weight, you will definitely lose comfort. My skx007k2 weighs only 4.85 ounces. My Tag Heuer Link series chronograph watch weighs 5.75 ounces. The Seiko Samurai with 44mm dial and thick case weighs at 6.3 ounces. Do I really want to add a much thicker and chunkier bracelet on a 44mm dial and thick case that adds more weight which would sacrifice comfort? Light bracelets improve comfort and that is part of the reason why I love the stock jubilee bracelet on my SKX007K2. Strapcode sells that sweet hexad oyster bracelet for like $120. I think that is too steep of a price but it is kind of tempting for me. It does improves style but also sacrifices comfort and sacrifices $120.... I am loving this Seiko Samurai though especially considering the price that I paid. A little bit over $20 from my SKX007 price that I paid. You can't go wrong with the Samurai and SKX007.

[willardhooton]

Late to the party but wanted to add that the PADI wave dial is the way to go man!!
In the the right lighting while gently moving, the waves give off a 3D rippling effect- super effen cool!
Never heard this mentioned before... guess mine’s just special, haha!

[uvawahoo]

Great review! I can definitely see what you're talking with the comparison of the edges, that vintage looks sharp!
One minor aesthetic disagreement I have is that I actually like the waffle dial more on this watch. I think the sunburst is gorgeous but to me calling it the "Samurai" and the hard lines of the case make me not want any real flash on it. I got the SRPB55 and my biggest concern was that the gold accents would be too flashy, but in real life they look a lot more muted to me. For me, the matte textured look of the dial is the perfect complement for the watch.
One last note, the 55 comes on a rubber strap and it is, in my opinion, the best rubber strap I've ever seen. For comparison, I recently got an SBBN033 Tuna and thought the rubber strap would be the same, but the Samurai's is softer and more flexible. I've tried it on a Nato but I keep coming back to the factory strap. Now I may need to try to the Strapcode black hexad bracelet.

[williamkeahi]

I have a SRPB53 and it keeps great time. I love that watch, but I would love to own a blue lagoon. The date window would be great if it was just above the 6. I like when I have all my hours marked. Love your channel!

[Lee_K_]

I had this very watch and as crazy a Seiko fanboy as I am, was dismayed to find that I couldn't bond with it. I have thought often about why that is because I love blue dial divers, and I love Seikos, so this should have been a slam dunk. Alignment was perfect, thank goodness, and the 4R35 movement worked as well as it does in all my other similar-cased Seikos and micro-brands that use it. That is, good enough.

But why didn't it speak to me? I honestly think it was because of the three different blue colors on the dial and bezel. Since I'm not crazy about bracelets, I first tried a Borealis dark blue rubber strap. Nope. I tried two different ToxicNATO straps, one in medium blue and one in navy. They didn't work either. I finally put it on the OEM bracelet and that was I think the best solution, but the watch was continuous passed over for a blue SRP777 Turtle and a Pepsi SKX009. So out the door it went. A pity really, because I really, really wanted to love it.

[ericg.]

I have both the Pepsi and silver/gray model and they are still my favorite watches. I also have the strapcode hexad bracelet and it is far better than the stock. You're right the hexad does fit the style of the samurai much better. As far as deals go Kohl's has coupons that you can stack together sometimes. I was able to stack four deals together to get my srpb51 for about 280 when I bought it.

[TheTimLara]

Absolutely agree on the hexad oyster. I don't always think Strapcode's options beat the stock bracelets, but that is one case where they really nailed it. The way the lugs angle down on the Samurai also minimizes my one main complaint with Strapcode's end links, where they extend the lug-to-lug due to the non-swiveling middle part of the end link.

I still kinda want the gunmetal "gilded" version, but not sure I like it enough to get rid of something else in my collection as I'm trying to stick to a one-in-one-out policy...

[gabrielgarza]

Yesterday I tried the Pepsi bezel with the silicone strap (which to my surprise was amazingly done) and just fell in love. I just started collecting watches and I said to myself that I would only have one per brand, but man... I decided I'm going to get it when they promote me at my job, so probably in a few months. My other Seiko 5 diver (the glossy SNZH53) is going to get less wrist time for sure but the Samurai is worth it.

[arindambasu]

Love my Pepsi Samurai...it's gorgeous and wears superbly even on smaller wrists. The rubber strap is refreshingly good and supple on the wrist. No misalignment issues on mine either. And by God that lume is the most delicious I've seen on a watch yet.Burns fierce, bright and long.

[BigChungustherd]

I actually like that the little lume piece is still at the date window. meh just my subjective preference.

[fungus]

Thanks for your opinions and views....which you are totally entitled to.

[noodosoop]

I have the SRPB053. Honestly, I like the slightly rounded angles. I feel like Seiko did it on purpose. The watch has a extremely sharp angles look but feels nicer in hand or on the wrist. The main problem I have with the watch is the misaligned chapter ring on mine. Damn.