Seiko Prospex Land Tortoise SRPG13K1 - The Right Size, A Review (plus Video)

For 2021, Seiko came out with a new sub-range of sport watches using the classic 'turtle' casing for land use. Although having the same overall water resistance to the dedicated diving models, this new set of watches have bi-directional bezel with compass bearing instead. To differentiate, this new sub-range has been give the nickname 'Land Tortoise'. There are current four models available: SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1, SRPG17K1 and SRPG18K1.

As a collector, it would be good to have at least one of the models. I had the opportunity to see all four at once and the most stunning to me is the SRPG13K1. It didn't take me long to decide that the SRPG13K1 will follow me home.

The Series

The new watches look like the Sea Turtle (generally they are known as 'Turtle' but since the new series were given the nickname 'Land Tortoise', I suppose 'Sea Turtle' would be more appropriate), only with different hands, dial and bezel designs. It also has been downsized from 45 mm to 42.3 mm which would be more wearable to a bigger group of fans. When my dealer informed me that he has the set in his shop and showed me some pictures, I was intrigued by one of the photos that showed the case-back. It was reminiscent of the Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster SBDC011 and the Seiko Prospex Automatic Field Watch Green SRPD33K1 which have similar case-back graphics. 

Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB117J1 (similar to SPB119J1, SPB121J1 & SPB123J1) - An All-Rounder, A Review (plus Video)

The Seiko Alpinist is a living icon. It was a series of watches designed in 1959 for Japanese mountain climbers and it started with the Laurel Alpinist. Today, the most famous of all the Alpinist and a cult classic, the SARB017 is the face of the series. In early 2018, devastating news came out from Seiko when it announced the end of the production for the SARB017. The fans were disappointed to say the least and Seiko was inundated with countless request for a stay of 'execution'. This caused a spike in the price of SARB017 still available with dealers as well as prices in the second hand market.

In late 2019, Seiko announced a new set of Alpinist with upgraded specifications slated for worldwide delivery starting January 2020. The fans were elated as Seiko decided to offer four different models. Three areas of improvement over the predecessor are in the movement, the crystal and the case-back. More about these things later. It is also important to note that all the models are made in Japan.

I was presently surprised that Seiko Japan allocated a number of units from the initial batch to Malaysia. My AD called to asked whether I would like to have one and I quickly agree to get one. Since I already got the SARB017 (click here to go to that review) with the deep British racing green dial, I chose the black dial version with bracelet, the SPB117J1.

Seiko Prospex Automatic Field Watch Green SRPD33K1 (similar to SRPD31K1 & SRPD35K1) - A Refreshing Adventure Watch, A Review (plus Video)

The first time I visited Tokyo years ago, I bought myself the Seiko SARB017 Alpinist, a very refined gentleman’s classic sports watch. Over the years, Seiko has come out with modern interpretations of the Alpinist with contemporary hands and markers. Everything else, such as the location of the crowns (the primary time adjustment and winding crown and the internal bezel controller crown) remains the same at 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock, respectively. Last year, Seiko stopped the production of the SARB017 Alpinist.

I also got in the collection the Seiko Prospex Fieldmaster SBDC011, another sports watch with a Tuna casing and compass complication. For this model, the bezel is external but it has some interesting graphics on its case-back. This has some bearing to the watch I will be reviewing in this posting.

For Baselworld 2019, Seiko launched a new series of land-base sports watches under the Prospex line. The SRPD31K1, SRPD33K1 and SRPD35K1 series is a refreshed evolution of the Alpinist. Although Seiko does not accord the Alpinist nickname to this new series, the resemblance is obvious. Moreover, there are some elements of the Fieldmaster incorporated as well. Out of the three models, I chose the SRPD33K1for the collection. More about the rest of the models at the end of the review.

The series is definitely targeted to the global mass market. It does not have a "J" suffix which would indicate the manufacturing was done in Japan. Instead, this series is manufactured in the many Seiko manufacturing facilities all over the world, apart from Japan. Hence the suffix "K".

Seiko Prospex Limited Edition Landmonster SRP577K - A refreshing design, A Review

Seiko recently launched a limited edition Prospex Landmonster for the global market. Like most Landmonsters, it comes with a compass bezel with bi-directional movement. The only complication is a unique date window that shows five continuous dates instead of one. In fact, I must say that it got its design cues similar from an aircraft's instrument panel. Pity as Bell & Ross beat them to it already. Now Seiko will have to live with the speculation that they copied Bell & Ross.

I sourced this watch in one of the ADs in Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur. The list price is RM1,260 but you are able to get some discount from them. After doing the necessary paperwork, I walked out of the store with this box.

As you can see from the white sleeve box, the logo as well as the "LIMITED EDITION" banner is printed prominently on it.

Seiko SNM035 "Land Monster" Dive Watch - Macho Good Looks by a Real Tool Watch, A Review

Two years ago, in February 2012, I decided to get the Seiko SNM035 "Land Monster" via Amazon. I got attracted by the twin crown at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions as well as the map function on an internal bezel.

I got to say that I am not a serious amateur diver, but many of us can appreciate a highly functional instrument like the Seiko SNM035 Land Monster. This watch looks more like a tool than a fashion accessory, and to me, that's its appeal.

Seiko 5 Sports SRP145K1 Military Watch - New Engine And A Handy Complication Thrown In, A Review

A few years after I got my first Seiko 5 military watch with the 7S36B engine (click on this link to see that review), Seiko came out with a new Seiko 5 military watch with the latest 4R36A engine. The Seiko 5 SRP145K1 has a similar concept with the same coloured dial and canvas strap. However, there are fundamental differences.

The Seiko 5 SRP145K1 is made out of stainless steel. With a watch case diameter of 41 mm (45 mm with crown), it has a thickness of 13 mm and the lug width is approximately 20 mm. Predominantly in green, this watch, apart from the day and date functions, also has a bi-directional bezel with a compass function. More about this later.

Similar to the older military watch, the glass is Hardlex, an artificial crystal made in-house by Seiko. The tip of the seconds hand is painted red for ease of reference. From this point onwards, this watch has its own design philosophy.

Seiko 5 Sports Automatic SNZJ09K1 - A Very Capable Daily Use Watch

This Seiko is the piece that started my journey into the world of horology. I got it in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The suggested retail price was USD450. When I got it on 23 November 2010, I got it for SAR1,000 or MYR838.

This model is part of the Seiko 5 Sports series.

The dial is brown and the 3 hands plus the indexes are covered with Lumbrite, Seiko's proprietary luminous paint. It comes with a Day Date Display complication with with Arabic and English Options. The case size is about 42 mm wide.