This Samurai is one of a kind. In September 2017, the SRPB51K1 left Seiko's factory as a stainless steel diver's watch with a black waffle dial – the case back still bears the "STAINLESS STEEL" engraving to this day. Subsequently, the entire watch was gold-plated: the case, bezel, crown, bracelet, clasp, and even the case back.
Why this watch is special
Seiko never offered a gold-colored Samurai – the 2017 collection included two stainless steel variants, a version with a Pepsi bezel, and a black-coated model, but no gold-plated version. If you are looking for this look, you won't find it off the rack anywhere.
The decisive factor is the quality of the finish, and it is remarkable. For a coating of this kind, the watch must be completely disassembled, each component polished and individually electroplated – the real effort lies in the preparation, as the shine is created before the gold bath, not inside it. Accordingly, the coating sits evenly even where sloppy work would immediately stand out: in the fine knurling of the bezel and crown, on the inside and outside of the clasp, on the screw heads of the bracelet links, and on the case back including the engravings.
A detail on the dial shows how far the work went: the hands are also gold-colored – from the factory, the SRPB51K1 has silver-colored hands. For the coating, the watch was therefore not just treated on the outside, but opened and customized all the way to the dial. Together with the black and gold bezel and the black waffle dial, this results in a cohesive look that has nothing to do with mere case gilding.
The choice of bracelet is equally consistent: instead of the Seiko series bracelet, the watch features a MiLTAT aftermarket bracelet (model identifier MT.066 at the lug) with screw-in links – easier to service than the original pin connections and significantly more solid. This bracelet was also included in the coating process. The complete ensemble weighs 208 grams and sits appropriately substantial on the wrist.
This specimen
The basis is an original SRPB51K1 (case 4R35-01V0), serial number 791589, produced in September 2017. The watch was purchased from a German jeweler on May 3, 2018; the original sales receipt is included and is issued to the original buyer at the time – it documents the origin of the watch, not the chain of subsequent owners. We purchased it from a private collection; when and by whom the coating was commissioned can no longer be fully traced.
The condition is excellent: the watch appears virtually unworn after the coating. Measured on the timegrapher – everything is in order: +7 seconds/day with an amplitude of 294° (dial up, 21,600 vph). Both values are comfortably within the factory specifications of the 4R35 caliber – and an amplitude of this magnitude is only achieved by a movement with undisturbed power flow from the mainspring to the escapement.
Technical data
- Reference: SRPB51K1 (case 4R35-01V0), subsequently gold-plated
- Caliber: Seiko 4R35, automatic with manual winding and hacking seconds, 23 jewels, 21,600 vph, approx. 41 hours power reserve
- Measured rate: +7 s/day, amplitude 294° (dial up)
- Case: Stainless steel with subsequent gold plating, approx. 43.8 mm diameter (without crown), approx. 13.4 mm height
- Bezel: Unidirectional rotating, 120 clicks
- Dial: Black with waffle pattern, LumiBrite luminous material, date at 3 o'clock
- Hands: Gold-colored (deviating from standard condition)
- Crystal: Seiko Hardlex from the factory (we do not know if the crystal was replaced during the work)
- Crown: Screw-down, knurled, at 3 o'clock
- Bracelet: MiLTAT link bracelet (MT.066) with screw-in links and folding clasp, gold-plated – not a Seiko series bracelet
- Total weight: 208 g
Scope of delivery
- Seiko Prospex original box
- Outer box
- Warranty card (issued 05/2018)
- Original sales receipt from 05/03/2018 (issued to the original buyer)
- Instruction manual
Transparency notes
- We describe this watch as it is: the gold plating is not a Seiko factory finish, but a subsequent customization – that is exactly what makes it a one-of-a-kind piece. The seller mentioned an 18-karat gold plating; we have not verified this through material analysis and therefore cannot guarantee the karat value. The craftsmanship of the work can be assessed, and it is very good.
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Scope of the modifications: Documented are the gold plating of all exterior parts, the gold-colored hands, and the MiLTAT bracelet. Whether other components were replaced or upgraded beyond that – such as the watch crystal (Hardlex vs. sapphire), gaskets, or movement components – is unknown to us and was not checked by us. Since the watch was completely disassembled for the work, similar changes cannot be ruled out. We therefore only guarantee what is described above.
- The original classification "Diver's 200 m" refers to the factory state. Since the watch has been opened, water resistance is no longer guaranteed and has not been re-tested by us. We recommend not using the watch for diving or swimming, or having it tested for water resistance by a specialist workshop beforehand.
Warranty (used)
This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects (statutory warranty) is 12 months from delivery.
Shipping
In stock – available immediately. Free shipping within Germany.
Used watch from a collection purchase, checked and documented by us. Unique piece. Differential taxation according to § 25a UStG – the VAT is included in the price but is not shown separately.
