Seiko’s new Prospex ‘Shog-urai’ Diver is Samurai Sharp
If you’ve spent any time in the world of Seiko fandom, you’ll know the Japanese brand isn’t just respected — it’s revered. And no line draws more cult love than the Prospex series. Now, Seiko being Seiko, it’s not just about the model numbers and specs — it’s about the nicknames. Enter: the Shogurai.
This beefy-yet-sophisticated diver is a hybrid of two of Seiko’s beloved designs: the Samurai and the Shogun. Hence, the Shogurai. It’s a fan-made moniker, but one Seiko purists have embraced with gusto. Let’s dive into what makes this half-Shogun, half-Samurai such a worthy addition to the Prospex lineup.
The Spec
Model - Seiko Prospex SPB191J1 aka "Shogurai"
Case Size - 41.7mm
Thickness - 13.2mm
Lug-to-lug - Approx. 48mm
Movement - Seiko 4R35 automatic (hacking & hand-winding)
Power Reserve - ~48 hours
Water Resistance - 200m (ISO-certified diver)
Case Material - Stainless steel
Crystal - Hardlex
Bezel - Unidirectional, ceramic
Bracelet/Strap - Stainless steel bracelet
Lume - Seiko Lumibrite
Price (approx.) - £450 - £560
Design & Dial: Sword-Like Precision
The Shogurai takes the chunky angular lugs of the Samurai and refines them with the smooth, elevated lines of the Shogun. The result? A watch that feels muscular without being brutish. It hugs the wrist with more grace than you’d expect from a 41.7mm diver — especially one with 200m water resistance.
The dial is clean, legible, and all about utility — large indices, bold hands, and a neatly framed date window. No fluff, no nonsense. The matte black dial (or red variant depending on model) plays beautifully with the ceramic bezel, offering contrast that’s both practical and undeniably cool.
Movement: The Heart of a Warrior
The 4R35 isn’t going to make Swiss snobs sweat, but for the price? It’s hard to beat. With a 48-hour power reserve, you can chuck this on the nightstand Friday and pick it up Monday without missing a beat. It’s accurate, rugged, and built for abuse — just what you’d want in a tool watch.
Diving Credentials: Properly Certified
It’s not just about looking the part. This is a true ISO-certified diver’s watch, with screw-down crown and caseback, and a bezel that clicks with satisfying authority. Whether you’re actually diving or just splashing around in a hotel pool, the Shogurai is built to take it.
Credit - Seiko
Wrist Feel: Surprisingly Nimble
For a diver, it wears remarkably well. The Diashield coating helps keep it looking newer for longer, and while the bracelet isn't quite Grand Seiko level, it’s solid and practical. The deployant clasp with diver extension is a nice touch — especially if you’re wearing it over a wetsuit or winter jacket.
If you’ve got slimmer wrists, fear not — the curved lugs and 41.7mm case strike a great balance. It’s big enough to make a statement, but not so large it feels like you're wearing a hockey puck.
The Good Stuff:
Classic tool watch vibes, refined with modern finishing
Looks killer on a NATO or rubber strap, if you fancy mixing it up
Legit diving credentials — not just for show
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
No micro-adjust on the clasp (come on, Seiko...)
The bracelet feels a little “meh” compared to the rest of the watch
Hardlex not crystal :(
The nickname still isn’t official — but maybe that’s part of the charm?
Verdict: Should You Buy the Shogurai?
If you’re looking for a serious dive watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously — the Seiko Shogurai is an excellent shout. It’s got the rugged DNA of a field watch, the build of a pro diver, and enough refinement to slip under a cuff. The fact that it exists purely because the fan community willed it into being makes it all the more fun.
Final Score: 8.5/10
If Seiko gave us a better bracelet and added tool-free micro-adjust, it would easily push a 9+. But as it stands, the Shogurai is a mighty value-packed warrior that earns its place in the Seiko hall of fame.
Fancy a watch with the soul of a Samurai and the polish of a Shogun? This might just be the Prospex you’re looking for.
