The Seiko Black Series is one of their stand outs because it takes their many, many Prospex models and paints them in the same colourway. Which has the effect of making the Prospex line actually look like a cohesive collection for once. Last year they released the Alpinist, Turtle and 1965 Diver as part of the Black Series and for 2024 they’ve returned to the concept with a new Night Vision appellation. Meet the Night Vision Sumo, Night Vision Turtle Diver and Night Vision Solar Speedtimer Chronograph.
Essentially, all three watches offer a stealthy interpretation of their namesake model with black Super Hard Coatings and matching dials featuring signature green lume. As each model is so different, let’s take a look at them individually.
Prospex Night Vision Sumo SPB433J1
First up is the Night Vision Sumo, which has a huge 45mm case made from stainless steel. The Sumo is known for its big shouldered lugs and round edges that are reminiscent of the physique of the traditional fighters. What makes the Black Series edition special is the black coating, black grainy dial and vibrant green hour markers, designed to be reminiscent of the view through a night scope. The specific lume used to give that green colour is called Lumibrite Pro, known for a particularly intense glow.
Inside, the Night Vision Sumo is housed the 6R35 automatic movement with -15/+25 seconds per day accuracy. Although the really impressive statistic is the fact it has a 70-hour power reserve. It’s priced at £1,100 and limited to 3,500 pieces.
Price and Specs:
Prospex Night Vision Turtle Diver SRPK43K1
You’ll likely have noticed from the introduction that this is the second Turtle in the Black Series, but that’s for good reason. The first was the standard Turtle and this is the Turtle Diver, which means it has a much more overt dive watch aesthetic. It’s bigger than its counterpart at 45mm, although the signature shape is the same and it has a chunkier and more pronounced bezel for ease of use underwater. Although a slight oddity is the fact it has exactly the same water resistance rating of 200m in spite of the added size. So really it is all about that diving aesthetic.
Powering this one is the 4R36 automatic movement, which has slightly lower specs than the Sumo model with a power reserve of 41-hours. On the plus side it has an additional complication in the form of a days indicator alongside the date. It’s priced at £690 and is not a limited edition.
Price and Specs:
Prospex Night Vision Solar Speedtimer Chronograph SSC923P1
Lastly, we have the Prospex Night Vision Solar Speedtimer Chronograph, which similar to the Turtle Diver above is the second version of the model in the Black Series. This new edition is a lot more coherent in its execution with a clean anthracite dial, matching anthracite tachymeter and plain black subdials. It’s not a small watch at 41.4mm but it’s notably more svelte than the diving duo above.
As a Solar model, the movement inside is a solar powered quartz piece, specifically the V192, making it extremely accurate, reliable and eco-friendly. In terms of functions, it features hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph seconds, 24-hour timer and 60-minute timer. It’s also the most accessible of the three new Prospex Black Series Night Vision watches at £620 and like the Turtle Diver it too is not a limited edition. It’s a great counterpart to the recent Crystal Trophy edition.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seiko Boutique.
