Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 vs Timex Weekender Chronograph

Seiko's diver meets Timex's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Timex Weekender Chronograph ($50–$100) delivers Quartz Chronograph (Battery) technology in the tier below the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 ($250–$500). The Weekender Chronograph measures 40mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Prospex Samurai SRPF03 justifies its premium with Japanese Movement heritage and Automatic Caliber 4R35. Both represent excellent choices in the luxury watch category.

SeikoProspex Samurai SRPF03$250–$500 Check price View the dossier

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Seiko

Prospex Samurai SRPF03

$250–$500

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Timex

Weekender Chronograph

$50–$100

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03	Timex Weekender Chronograph
Price	$250–$500	$50–$100
Case Size	43.8mm	40mm
Movement	Automatic Caliber 4R35	Quartz Chronograph
Caliber Type	Seiko Automatic, hand-winding and hacking	Quartz Chronograph (Battery)
Power Reserve	41 Hours	Battery
Water Resistance	200m (20 ATM)	30m (3 ATM)
Crystal	Hardlex Crystal	Mineral Glass
Case Material	Stainless Steel	Brass (Silver-Tone)
Origin	Japanese Movement	Timex (USA Design)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Seiko's design language vs Timex's approach

The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 features a Stainless Steel case at 43.8mm with Hardlex Crystal protection. The Timex Weekender Chronograph offers Brass (Silver-Tone) construction at 40mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Seiko

Automatic Caliber 4R35 vs Quartz Chronograph

The Prospex Samurai SRPF03 runs the Automatic Caliber 4R35 (Seiko Automatic, hand-winding and hacking, 41 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Weekender Chronograph uses the Quartz Chronograph (Quartz Chronograph (Battery), Battery reserve) at standard. The Prospex Samurai SRPF03 edges ahead on power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Timex

43.8mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 43.8mm, the Prospex Samurai SRPF03 has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Weekender Chronograph at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Timex

Timex sits in the lower tier

The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 sits at $250–$500 and the Timex Weekender Chronograph at $50–$100. On the specs that outlast any price: the Prospex Samurai SRPF03 uses Hardlex Crystal with 41 Hours, against Mineral Glass and Battery on the Weekender Chronograph. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Seiko

200m (20 ATM) vs 30m (3 ATM)

The Prospex Samurai SRPF03 is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Weekender Chronograph handles 30m (3 ATM). The Prospex Samurai SRPF03 is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Seiko

Prospex Samurai SRPF03

Choose the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 if you prioritize Seiko Automatic, hand-winding and hacking engineering, Japanese Movement craftsmanship, and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic Caliber 4R35 with 41 Hours power reserve.

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Timex

Weekender Chronograph

Choose the Timex Weekender Chronograph if you value Quartz Chronograph (Battery) technology, Timex (USA Design) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz Chronograph with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 and Timex Weekender Chronograph represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Seiko bringing Japanese Movement tradition while Timex delivers Timex (USA Design) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 is the better buy if you want a mechanical movement; the Timex Weekender Chronograph is the better buy if you want quartz accuracy with no servicing. For water, the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 is rated 200 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Timex Weekender Chronograph sits a band lower ($50–$100 against $250–$500), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Timex Weekender Chronograph offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. However, the Seiko Prospex Samurai SRPF03 may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Prospex Samurai SRPF03 at 43.8mm with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Weekender Chronograph at 40mm with 30m (3 ATM) is similarly capable. The Prospex Samurai SRPF03 uses Hardlex Crystal while the Weekender Chronograph uses Mineral Glass.

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How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.