If the rabid frenzy of their so-called ‘Ninja Turtle’ is anything to go by, Seiko know how to make a cool, black watch. Thankfully we no longer need to keep trawling ebay hoping to find one of the last 2018 batch as the Japanese watchmaker is finally launching a new entry into their Black Series.

Just like the previous Black Series, there are three watches in the collection and all are divers, taking inspiration from night diving, arguably the most terrifying pursuit known to man.

Seiko Prospex Black Series Ref. SLA035J1

The first is the Prospex Ref. SLA035J1, a new take on the follow-up to the phenomenal Marinemaster 300. It’s a big, chunky 44.3mm watch covered in hard-wearing DLC (or at least Seiko’s take on DLC) and a water resistance of 300m. Despite the size, it still has a clean stealth look with touches of signature Zaratsu polishing, and I expect most of the 600 available will go in short order.

Seiko Prospex Black Series Ref. SPB125J1

Next up is the Ref. SPB125, a riff on one of my favourites, the reintroduced Sumo from last year. Again, the entire 45mm stainless steel watch is draped in black, though Seiko has opted for vintage beige lume rather than the usual white. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but the base watch is still a doozy and with 7,000 available you might actually get hold of this one.

Seiko Prospex Solar Chronograph Black Series Ref. SSC761J1

Finally we have the most unusual piece in the collection, the Ref. SSC761 Solar Chronograph Black Series. Looks-wise it follows the other Black Series Sumo, but as the name suggests is equipped with a solar-powered chronograph. Granted that feels a little off-kilter for the whole night-diving theme, but it lasts six months after a full charge. If you’re underwater for that long you’re either not coming up or you’ve found Atlantis. In exclusivity the Solar Chronograph is in the middle, with 3,500 of them coming to the market.

Overall, this is a solid little collection from Seiko, though let’s hope it becomes more of an annual thing. And let’s hope even more fervently, we get the Ninja Turtle back.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Black Series

Ref: SLA035J1

Case/Dial: 44.3mm diameter x 15.4mm, stainless steel with black hard coating

Water Resistance: 300m

Movement: Calibre 8L35, automatic winding

Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)

Power Reserve: 50h

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date

Strap: Silicone

Price: ¥300,000 (Japanese yen), limited to 600 pieces, available at retailers and boutiques from March 2020

Model Name: Seiko Prospex Black Series “Sumo”

Ref: SPB125J1

Case/Dial: 45mm diameter x 12.9mm height, stainless steel with black hard coating

Water Resistance: 200m

Movement: Calibre 6R35, automatic winding

Frequency: 21,600 vph (3.5 Hz)

Power Reserve: 70h

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date

Strap: Silicone

Price: ¥90,000 (Japanese yen), limited to 7,000 pieces, available at retailers and boutiques from February 2020

Model Name: Seiko Prospex Black Series Solar chronograph

Ref: SSC761J1

Case/Dial: 44.5mm diameter x 13.7mm height, stainless steel with black hard coating

Water Resistance: 200m

Movement: Calibre V192, solar powered

Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)

Power Reserve: 6 months

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph

Strap: Silicone

Price: ¥76,000 (Japanese yen), limited to 3,500 pieces, available at retailers and boutiques from Jan 2020

More details at Seiko’s website.