Introduced in 2018, the Seiko Black Series Limited Edition watches have served as stealthy alternatives to some of their most popular reissue watches. While several of those are meant to evoke the feeling of a vintage watch, the Black Series models always felt modern, tactical, and refined in their styling. There have been several iterations since then and it doesn’t seem like Seiko will stop releasing these any time soon (we don’t mind). This month Seiko announced three new global models that will be available starting February 2024. It’s a strong start to the year and we’re here for it.
The Sumo SPB433
First up is the Sumo—a TBWS favorite. Limited to 3,500 pieces, it’s a serious diver with 200m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and ceramic bezel. At 45mm wide, 52.6mm lug-to-lug, and 13.4mm thick, it’s beefy. But that’s what you’d expect out of a Sumo, honestly. Under the hood, it’s packing the 6R35 automatic movement, giving you a solid 70-hour power reserve. Finally, you get a dark grey dial with a textured surface that matches the rest of the watch’s blacked-out look. Pricing on this limited edition Sumo is set to be €1,300.
The King Turtle SRPK43
Next is the Seiko SRPK43 “King Turtle.” Here’s the good news—it’s not a limited edition. The watch features a comfortable bracelet and a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, ensuring both durability and readability. In terms of size, it measures 45mm in diameter with a 47.7mm lug-to-lug distance, making it a substantial yet manageable option for dive watch enthusiasts. With a thickness of 13.2mm, it maintains a reasonable profile for everyday wear. Powering this watch is the reliable 4R36 automatic movement, offering 41 hours of power reserve. As for pricing, the SRPK43 comes in at €780.
The SSC923 Solar Speedtimer
Finally, we round it out with the one I’d personally go for. I mean, come on … it’s a solar quartz chronograph! And great news—it’s not a limited edition either. It features a black hard-coated stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal. Measuring 41.4 × 45.9mm, this watch also offers 100m of water resistance. It’s powered by Seiko’s V192 solar-powered chronograph movement, delivering an impressive six-month power reserve on a full charge. Features include a date function, 60-minute and 24-hour counters, along with a power reserve indicator. Sold exclusively with a 21mm nylon strap and folding buckle the SSC923 is priced at €700.
To me this series just keeps getting better. I wasn’t really a fan back when most of them had the darker tan lume but I’m a fan of the overall look these days. They aren’t really super limited and that’s a plus as well. Again, that chronograph is tempting and I love that it’s the cheapest one out of the bunch. I’d pair it with some kind of rubber strap if it ever came into the collection. Learn more about these new models on the official Seiko website.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.