Currently in my collection there are three Seiko Turtles. The standard Turtle RP773K1 bought in January 2016, the Mini-Turtle SRPC37K1 bought in March 2018 and the re-crafted Captain Willard Turtle SLA033J1 bought in July 2019. All three are under the Seiko Prospex line.The Seiko Turtle is a classic. When the first Turtle was introduced to the public back in 1970 with the launch of the now iconic Seiko 6105-811X dive watch (either 6105-8110 or 6105-8119; both are exactly the same, the last digit in the reference number indicates in which market the watch was originally sold), the watch buying public couldn't get enough of it.
The winning combination of technical capability and pricing put that Turtle and its progeny a 'must-have' in any self-respecting collection. Its simplicity, the wrist-hugging design and ruggedness give it an aura seldom seen in the watch world.
In early 2020, Seiko announced another series of Turtles for the market with a few major improvements or upgrades over the previous iterations. For the first time, sapphire crystal and ceramic inserts are now standard on the new models.
I was very surprised by the changes. The Prospex line is the professional tool watch line of Seiko and every material and design features are tailor-made to do a practical job and not for fashion-sake. Hence the continuous usage of Hardlex crystal (slightly less scratch resistance but better shatter proof and definitely cheaper than sapphire) and aluminum inserts for the bezel (not as scratch resistance but easier to manufacture and cheaper than ceramic). By replacing these traditional materials with sapphire and ceramic will undoubtedly affect the production cost and final pricing of the end product.
It has to be said that the addition of these new materials are part of the long-asked-for changes requested by watch enthusiasts. Seiko has created a cult following that do not buy its watches for the purpose it was intended but more towards the brand. I suppose it is natural for Seiko to have at least some of its Prospex models leaning more towards fashion instead of function.
The Series
The latest set of Turtles consist of three models. Due to the sapphire crystal and ceramic insert upgrades, each model under this series has been dubbed as a "King Turtle". The three models are as follows: SRPE03K1 (black with waffle texture), SRPE05K1 (green with waffle texture), and SRPE07K1 (blue with wavy texture). The SRPE03K1 is the only model that comes with a bracelet while the SRPE07K1 is a special edition piece and part of the “Save the Ocean” collection.
 SRPE03K1Standard edition Bracelet Black & waffle texture |  SRPE05K1Standard edition Silicone strap Green & waffle texture |  SRPE07K1Special edition Silicone strap Blue & wavy texture |
Two other minor changes added to the new series is the addition of the magnifier and the modified grip pattern on the side of the bezel.
The magnifier has become a very divisive issue with Seiko fans. When Seiko first started to put it on the Mini-Turtle back in 2017, a lot of people have started to question the wisdom of it. Back then, it was just a small magnifier over the date aperture. Today, the magnifier has extended sideways to cover the rectangular day & date aperture. I shall come back to this issue later.
The grip pattern along the bezel’s edge now features a deeper, more angular groove pattern versus the shallow pattern of the previous generation. This new design offers a better grip especially if you are wearing gloves.
My Choice
Of the three, I chose the SRPE03K1 as this is the only model that comes with a bracelet. My collection philosophy has always been to go for the model with the bracelet (if there is a choice). It is cheaper to replace the bracelet with straps that it is the other way around.
The Buying Experience
I bought the watch from AWG in Mid Valley, Megamall. When the watch series was announced on 11 January 2020, it was mentioned that it will be available in shops from February 2020. I was actually surprised to find it in shops in Kuala Lumpur in early February 2020. When I checked the serial number of my example - 991544 - and using the standardised numbering system used by Seiko, my watch was actually made in 2019 (the first number signifies the year of manufacture - unfortunately it does not tell you the decade but in this case it has to be 2019 since this is the only year possible for this watch) in the month of September (the second number is the month of manufacture). The final four numbers is the production batch i.e. the 1,544th unit produced that month.
The MSRP is Kuala Lumpur was RM2,475.
The Watch
On the surface, much of the original DNA remains intact. The case is largely identical to its predecessors, and the general dial layout remains unchanged. The overall dimensions of the Seiko King Turtle i.e. 45 mm wide by 47.7 mm long by 13.2 mm tall is the same as the standard Turtle. As before, there is a screw-down crown positioned at 4 o’clock, a screwed case-back and 200 meter water-resistance. The dial layout, still retains the same indexes, dots, hands and the day-date complication at 3 o’clock as the standard Turtle.
If you want to know more about the various aspects of the indexes, dots, hands and the day-date complication, please refer to the comments made in my review of the standard Turtle (please click here for that review). It is only things that are different which I shall elaborate in this review.
The Reference SRPE03K1 comes with a squared waffle-pan texture. A lot of watch reviewers equates it to Audemars Piguet's Tapisserie dial patterns. I suppose for these reviewers, it gives them that perceived value of "quality". However, I personally don't think that was the reason why Seiko went with that dial pattern.
My hypothesis is that the waffle-pan texture creates a 3-D effect of depth and diffuses the base colour of the dial. This in turn helps enhanced visually the ceramic inserts and the magnifier. Above is the closeup of the dial. You can easily see the depth of the dial, the applied markers and hands.
The design input added by Seiko and used in many other premium model as a differentiator, is the use of the golden colour for the seconds hand and the text "DIVER'S 200m".
The first of two primary upgrades is the addition of the flat sapphire crystal. I believe no AR protection was provided for the glass. Not a problem as the dial is relatively simple and easy to refer to at any angle.
The second of two primary upgrades is the addition of the ceramic bezel insert. This would make the bezel scale more resistance over time when compared to the normal aluminum insert. It would have been spectacular if Seiko would also illuminate every marker on the bezel instead of just the customary pip at 12 o'clock.
You can also see the first of two secondary upgrades in the two photos above - the addition of the rectangular pill-like magnifier above the day-date aperture. Here is where Seiko failed in its quality control big time. The magnifier is slightly askew. Years ago, the problem of the hands not aligning properly to the markers was the bane for Seiko owners. Fortunately, that problem was solved. I expect this problem will be resolved soon. In the meantime, I hope Seiko will take the professional courtesy of correcting the alignment for free to any owner that request for correction even after the warranty period has ended.
The second of two secondary upgrades is the grip pattern for the bezel as seen in the photo
above. As highlighted earlier, the grip features a deeper,
more angular groove pattern. The off-centered radial trench around the bezel wall creates a perception of height which make it look visually more aggressive.The case-back and the bracelet are similar to the standard Turtle. The illumination of the dial is also similar to the standard Turtle. For photos of the case-back, bracelet and dial illumination, please refer to the photo gallery at the end of this review.
The engine running the watch is the 4R36 automatic movement. I was able to do a quick test of accuracy using the Toolwatch application. In the test conducted, I was able to record an accuracy rate of -9.6 seconds per day for my SRPE03K1. This is definitely within the stated accuracy rate of this movement. I suspect the accuracy will improve further as the the movement completes its 'break-in' cycle.
The Wearing Experience
It wears like any Turtle. Sits properly on the wrist by virtue of the curved lugs. Due to the use of sapphire and ceramic, the brilliance of reflected light is more obvious and brighter.
Personally, I would dispense with the magnifier and make the sapphire crystal to be double-dome (or at least dome). I would also offer a timezone bezel or GMT insert for owners that would prefer to use the watch as a travelling companion instead of diving. Moreover, I would also make sure that every marker on the bezel is illuminated. If these changes can be made possible, the Kind Turtle will look terrific.
Specifications
Stainless steel case, brushed and polished
Diameter 45 mm
Height 13.2 mm
Lug-to-lug 47.7 mm
Lug width 22 mm
Weight 188 gm
Unidirectional notched bezel in steel, 60-minute insert in ceramic
Sapphire crystal with magnifier
Screw-down crown
Screw-down caseback
Water resistance 200 meters
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Dial with squared or waffle pattern
Hands and indexes with Lumibrite paint
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Bracelet with three-fold clasp with secure lock, push-button release with diving extension
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Calibre 4R36, in-house automatic with 24 jewels
Frequency at 21,600 BPH
Power reserve of 40 hours
Accuracy +45/-35 seconds per day
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Display of hours, minutes, seconds and day-date
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Release date 11 January 2020
Available from February 2020
MSRP RM2,475; EUR619; YEN77,000; USD625
Purchased on 17 February 2020
Purchase price of RM1,700
Purchased from AWG Mid Valley Megamall
Serial number 991544
Photo Gallery
Bro, I have the other 2 models. If you want to buy Seikos at a lower price I will be glad to let you know where :)
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