If you own a Seiko King Turtle, you own a significant piece of the Japanese brand’s history. Here’s how it polarized the dive watch-collecting world.
The Seiko King Turtle watch respected that it acquired an unofficial nickname. The functional tool watch often falls into conversations regarding some of the world’s best dive watches. But why is this? What makes it one of the best to collect and own?
If you’ve ever fallen down the Seiko dive rabbit hole, you’ll know all too well it’s a deep, slippery one. Seiko doesn’t just offer a broad selection of current dive watches. It has an impressive historic catalog of collectibles that put many rivals to shame.
Any enthusiasts would gladly purge their current collection to own a rare vintage Seiko watch. Several of these watches are the most sought-after in the world. Seiko has even reinterpreted some familiar favorites.
Seiko is one of the world’s most popular Japanese watchmakers. Therefore, it’s only fitting that we explore an essential chapter in the brand’s story.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Seiko King Turtle watch.
Table of Contents
The History of the Seiko King Turtle Watch
To appreciate the evolution of the King Turtle, we need to look at the history of the watch.
The Turtle’s Origins
The first Seiko Turtle watch (reference 6306-7000/1) emerged in 1976 as an entry point into the world of dive watches.
At this point, however, it was only available to the Japanese market. Its 150-meter water resistance, cushion-shaped case, and 60-click bezel were perfect for recreational divers.
The lume plots on its black dial aided legibility, and the day-date wheel was a handy addition. The watch also featured a distinctive crown at 4 o’clock.
The 6309-7040/9, released a little later, was the worldwide version of the 6306 reference. Minimal changes between the two suggested that very little needed to change in its design.
All Seiko did was equip the watch with a slightly different automatic movement, this time with a hacking seconds feature. Aside from that, the two are almost identical.
There are no prizes for guessing how the Seiko Turtle came to acquire its nickname. For sure, the sloping sides of the case and its softly curving appearance are perfect for comfort. But they also happen to recall the shell of a certain marine creature.
The fact that the Turtle is amphibious and equipped for life under the waves is surely not coincidental.
Turtle in the 80s and Beyond
The Seiko Turtle soared to fame during the 1980s, appearing in films like “The Abyss” and on Mick Jagger’s wrist. Then came the reference 6309-7290, AKA the “Slim Turtle.”
As you may guess, it was slimmer and trimmer all over, with a more angular appearance.
Since this model became discontinued, this reference remains among the most sought-after on the pre-owned market. Good luck finding it! It’s now one of the rarest Seiko watches circulating the second-hand platform.
The 1990s was a new era for Seiko watchmaking. It marked the arrival of the SKX007, which belongs to the Prospex series that the new-age Turtle (King) belongs to.
The Seiko King Turtle Watch
The Seiko King Turtle is one of the “new age” models I mentioned. Seiko reintroduced the Turtle in 2016, adding it to the Prospex line. It featured some technical advancements and upgraded materials.
It will come as no surprise to hear it was an instant success. Collectors loved how similar it looked to the original.
Seiko added modern components to yet another powerhouse movement and provided it with an improved 200-meter water-resistant housing. The watch also featured a new crown shape and Lumibrite markers.
Moreover, Seiko switched the original lollipop seconds hand to a counterweight design.
The Seiko Mini Turtle
In 2017, Seiko launched the “Mini Turtle”. As one would expect, its 42mm case was much more manageable than its 44.3mm predecessors.
This is still an excellent choice for collectors searching for dive watches for smaller wrists today. Other differences include a slimmer case and a relocated crown to 3 o’clock for better symmetry. It also loses the day-date feature, presenting just the date window and magnifier, which still divides opinions among collectors.
The Seiko Mini Turtle also featured tombstone markers, which are still desirable among collectors looking to acquire this now-discontinued iteration.
The Seiko SRPE05 King Turtle
Now, we get to the story of the Seiko King Turtle and the most current chapter of the Turtle tale. The King Turtle launched in 2019 with upgrades, making it a higher caliber dive watch.
The step-up remains affordable but now offers features like sapphire crystals and modern, in-house calibers. Other deluxe features include a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel insert.
The watch now bridges the gap between budget and high-end diver’s models. It incorporates all the features that previous collectors were missing.
One of the Seiko SRPE05 King Turtle’s most attractive features is its unusual waffle-effect army green dial. The dial color perfectly matches the model’s rubber strap, while the black bezel remains legible.
Its white 60-minute markings coordinate with the Lumibrite hour dial markers and a white day-date window at 3H.
Resuming its large presence (44.3mm), the King Turtle’s stainless steel case welcomes the crown at 4 o’clock. Meanwhile, a 200-meter water-resistant rating proves perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and water sports.
As I mentioned, the newest evolution of the Seiko Turtle holds an in-house Seiko movement at its center. The 4R36 promises a power reserve of 41 hours once fully wound and comprises 24 jewels.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Seiko King Turtle watch
What is the difference between the Seiko Turtle and the King Turtle?
King Turtle watches feature significant upgrades compared to the Seiko Turtle watches of previous eras. Some modifications Seiko implemented include sapphire crystal glass, ceramic bezels, and improved movements.
Where is the Seiko King Turtle made?
Previously, Seiko had produced all of its watches in Japan. Since then, the company expanded manufacturing into parts of Malaysia and China.
Why is this Seiko watch called the Turtle?
The Seiko Turtle takes its name from its cushion-shaped case, which evokes the profile of a turtle’s shell.
The Takeaway
It goes without saying that some of the most iconic and covetable sports watches from the 1970s are still around today.
To stand the test of time, they all seem to have a handful of things in common. They are all robust, distinctive-looking, and promise functional features for implementation into everyday life.
If you’re shopping for a watch solely for diving and swimming, the Seiko King Turtle has everything you need. The shell-shaped case is smooth and softly curvaceous, enabling it to sit well under a sleeve.
Its unusual cushion-shaped profile, with rounded corners, forms an ergonomic, less aggressive fit than some large-wearing models on the market.
It may look hefty, but most collectors love its comfortable design. That grooved bezel gives you extra purchase under slippery fingers, and the crown won’t snag on clothes.
It doesn’t hurt that the King Turtle Seiko watch is also effortlessly stylish. It not only packs in all the features you’d expect of a modern dive watch, but people instantly recognize it, too.
If you want a watch that screams durability and retro 1970s dive tool aesthetics, the Seiko King Turtle won’t disappoint. But what do you love most about it? Let us know here at The Slender Wrist.
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