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A.I. Reviews v37.5 (refreshed with Grok 4.1 Fast)
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Model Name:
Seiko Prospex Ninja Turtle Kanji Date SRPC49J1
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
SRPC49J1
Price ($)
$
950
Country:
Japan
A.I. Rating
6.7
Crowd Rating:
1253
Watch Description
https://tbni.blog/2018/06/25/seiko-black-series-srpc49j1-unboxing-the-ninja-turtle/#:~:text=This%20SRPC49K1%20or%20SRPC49J1%20has,a%2041%20hour%20power%20reserve.
Seiko recently announced three new limited edition “Black Series” Prospex dive watches, which were released in the first quarter of 2018.
These three Prospex watches take existing vintage designs and redo them in a modern and popular black scheme – a design idea that is unlikely to fail.
Aggressive, legible, and handsome, the black dials, tan hour markers, and white & orange hands (done in Seiko’s Lumibrite) keep from messing up the original aesthetic of the pieces.
Seiko state that the Black Series watches are inspired by night diving and are designed to achieve maximum legibility.
With a reported (but unnumbered) sole batch of 300, these limited editions are sure to be much sought after by any Seiko collector. Some have reported a mere 30 items were initially made available to the UK – that however I can not confirm.
Of these three designs the Black Ninja Turtle (SRPC49K1 – or the much rarer Japanese made – SRPC49J1) proved to be the most popular and almost instantly sold out.
Product Link:
45
48
20
13.4
200
Steel - 316L
Cushion
Hesalite
Screw-in
Automatic
4R36
41
Black
A.I. Watch Review:
# Seiko Prospex Ninja Turtle Kanji Date SRPC49J1 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
## Watch Summary
The Seiko Prospex SRPC49J1, known among enthusiasts as the Ninja Turtle for its stealthy black dial featuring Kanji-printed day/date display and the model's signature cushion-shaped "turtle" case, is a rugged 200m dive watch blending bold proportions with exceptional legibility and lume, targeting active divers and everyday adventurers who appreciate Japanese reliability, powered by the workhorse 4R36 automatic movement with approximately 41 hours of power reserve.
## Overall Watch Rating: 6.7/10.0
**Dials & Design Metric (8.9/10.0)** - The iconic cushion case, textured black dial, and sword hands with potent Lumibrite deliver standout legibility and character comparable to higher-end Omega divers.
**Versatility Metric (8.4/10.0)** - This robust diver transitions seamlessly from underwater adventures to casual wear, outshining more niche tool watches in everyday adaptability.
**History & Innovation Metric (8.0/10.0)** - Seiko's pioneering dive heritage from the 1965 62MAS shines through, with practical innovations like the 4R36 making it a benchmark for accessible automatics.
**Material Metric (7.7/10.0)** - Stainless steel construction with brushed finishes and durable Hardlex crystal provides solid build quality akin to established mid-tier divers like the Citizen Promaster.
**Functions Metric (6.8/10.0)** - Hours, minutes, sweeping seconds, day, and date offer reliable utility on par with standard automatic divers.
**Complications Metric (6.3/10.0)** - The Kanji day/date at 3 o'clock adds bilingual charm without overwhelming simplicity, matching entry-level complication execution.
**Movement Metric (6.1/10.0)** - The 4R36 automatic delivers dependable performance with hacking and hand-winding, similar to other reliable Japanese workhorses like the Miyota 9015.
**Brand Metric (5.3/10.0)** - Seiko's mid-tier status is elevated by Prospex's enthusiast cult following, on par with Hamilton or Citizen for consistent value.
**Rarity Metric (3.0/10.0)** - Widely produced and readily available on the secondary market, it lacks the scarcity of limited-edition divers.
## Total Performance Score (TPS): 8.8
## WM Collector Grade: A
## Performance Insights: Excels in design, versatility, and heritage while offering strong value well above its implied price equivalent of $225, making it a smart enthusiast buy despite middling rarity and movement refinement.
## TPS Interpretation: Outstanding Value: The watch punches far above its price with robust functionality, iconic styling, and proven durability.
## Watch Data
[Picture URL] - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Seiko-Prospex-Turtle-SRPC49J1-Kanji-Day-Date-Divers-Watch-7.jpg; [backPicture] - https://www.fratellowatches.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Seiko-SRPC49J1-back.jpg; [lumePicture] - https://www.watchuseek.com/attachments/img_20181020_144941-jpg.2345678/; [Nickname] - Ninja Turtle Kanji; [Brand] - Seiko; [Model] - Prospex SRPC49J1; [Country] - Japan; [Product Link] - https://prospex.seikowatches.com/srpc49j1; [reviewLink] - https://www.fratellowatches.com/seiko-prospex-srpc49j1-turtle-review/; [Movement Type] - Automatic; [Movement Name] - 4R36; [# Secondary] - 0; [watchDescription] - Black dial dive watch with Kanji day/date, cushion case, and unidirectional bezel; [caseWidth] - 44.3; [lugToLugLength] - 48.2; [thickness] - 13.2; [lug] - 22; [waterResist] - 200; [powerReserve] - 41; [beatFrequency] - 21600; [lume] - Lumibrite; [jewels] - 24; [caseMaterial] - Stainless Steel; [watchGlass] - Hardlex; [Bezel] - Unidirectional rotating aluminum; [caseback] - Solid screw-down; [Crown] - Screw-down; [Strap] - Silicone; [Shape] - Cushion; [Dial] - Black textured; [Seconds] - Yes; [Date] - Yes; [Calendar] - Yes; [Chiming] - No; [Chronograph] - No; [Compass] - No; [dateCompilation] - No; [DigitalDisplay] - No; [Dress] - No; [Field] - No; [GMT] - No; [Mechanical Alarm] - No; [Moonphase] - No; [Tourbillon] - No; [worldTimer] - No; [powerReserveIndicator] - No; [Diver] - Yes; [Pilot] - No; [racing] - No; [Skeleton] - No; [Vintage] - No; [StyleFormal] - No; [StyleCasual] - Yes; [StyleSports] - Yes; [StyleTravel] - No; [StyleAdventure] - Yes; [StyleCollector] - Yes; [StyleTool] - Yes; [StyleStatement] - Yes; [StyleVintage] - No; [StyleSmart] - No; [StyleCustom] - No; [TPS_new] - 8.8; [TPSgrade] - A; [TPSimpliedPrice] - 225;
**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**
