Now accessible from Japan’s Seiko watches is a newly upgraded model of the Prospex “Turtle,” which now consists of some even harder-to-resist options and which some individuals discuss with because the “King Turtle.” The suitable mix for this era of Prospex Turtle watches is each a lovely, textured dial (in just a few types) in addition to being paired with a ceramic bezel — the primary for this assortment, I consider. At present, I have a look at two variations: the Seiko Prospex reference SRPE05 with the inexperienced dial (SRPE05K1 because the Japanese reference) and the SRPE07 with the blue dial (SRPE07K1 because the Japanese reference).
To see how Seiko has made modest however compelling modifications to the Prospex Turtle watch assortment over the latest years, you’ll be able to view the aBlogtoWatch evaluate of the Prospex SRP watch assortment right here, and extra not too long ago the Prospex SRPC watch assortment right here. Each generations of Prospex Turtle watches had been priced below $500 USD, and the most recent era SRPE fashions exceed the $500 USD value barrier. A query I try to reply on this evaluate is whether or not the value enhance is price it.
Seiko watch followers prefer to nickname every of the model’s watches, as they usually solely have alpha-numeric titles. This began with the corporate’s sports activities watches however now extends to most fashions. The Turtle is called as such because of the specific form of the tonneau-style case. To be honest, Seiko makes numerous diver’s watches with tonneau-style circumstances, however the Turtle has it personal charming and engaging look.
The Prospex King Turtle is priced on the higher-end of the model’s extra entry-level automated sport watches. You may spend hundreds extra on fancier Prospex fashions, however the Turtle stays a superb and accessible worth for a lot of patrons. What I like most concerning the SRPE era fashions is that they lastly look extra high-end than they really are. The watches don’t functionally carry out higher than earlier era Turtle fashions, however now they appear higher, which, in my view actually raises the desirability manufacturing unit and pleasure of carrying them.
Enhanced visible attraction comes from the now ceramic (changing aluminum) rotating bezel inserts, in addition to the continued give attention to “greater than primary” dials. Earlier era Prospex Turtle watches with plain black dials are very utilitarian however look far much less horny than a watch with a blue wave sample dial or olive inexperienced with a raised repeating sq. sample. These components, mixed with the best-in-class-for-the-money polished metal case, make for an important beater watch that now has some added trend attraction. Good job, Seiko.
One other new characteristic of the Prospex SRPE03/SRPE05/SRPE07 is a magnifier on the sapphire crystal that enables for each the day and date to be magnified. The Prospex Turtle has all the time been generally known as certainly one of Seiko’s “day/date” divers, because the in-house-made 4R36 automated motion has the day of the week indicator along with the date. What Seiko did — which is form of cute, relying in your tastes — is elongate the magnifier to cowl the oblong calendar window. Earlier Turtle watches didn’t have a magnifier over it. Some watch-lovers have an aesthetic challenge with the magnifier, however these options have by no means bothered me earlier than and, after all, have been made widespread by Rolex.
It’s difficult to explain in phrases how Seiko’s high quality provides up till you put on the watch in your wrist and expertise each the construct high quality and dial legibility. The polished and brushed metal case is waterproof to 200 meters and is 45mm-wide by 13.2mm-thick and 47.7mm from lug to lug. It wears small for a 45mm-wide case, given the not overly broad lugs. The bezel is a pleasure to rotate and grip. I nonetheless don’t know why Seiko leaves the crown (positioned at four o’clock in order that it doesn’t jab into your hand) unadorned with out a Seiko emblem. Then once more, it’s a essential that it depart specific options for extra high-end Prospex fashions, else there could be hardly purpose to decide on these over wonderful fashions just like the Prospex King Turtle.
Dial legibility is superb, and I occur to actually like this present dial model, which evokes historic Seiko dive watches by way of the design of the arms and the hour markers. Seiko makes very liberal use out of their in-house LumiBrite luminant — and I discovered that the dial on the SRPE charged in a short time – most likely because of the thick software of luminant materials. The totally different dial colours and kinds will every have their very own persona, however Seiko does an important job of constructing them really feel each like instruments and in addition artwork objects, given the extra spirited use of colours and texture that the model is getting much more proficient at.
Contained in the watch, the mechanical automated 4R36 motion affords about 41 hours of energy reserve and operates at 3Hz. It options the time and day/date calendar. This can be a decently sturdy motion that fits a device watch fairly properly. Seiko makes higher actions with increased specs and efficiency, however these actions are reserved for dearer watches. I’d say this value is concerning the high for the 4R36 motion, and from there I’d begin to have a look at Seiko’s 4Hz actions all the best way up their unbelievable Spring Drive actions (that are more and more accessible in Prospex diver’s watches).
Connected to the case is a silicone strap, despite the fact that some Prospex fashions (just like the SRPE05) are paired with an identical metal bracelet; the strap could be very comfy but in addition fairly lengthy. The buckle and strap holder are additionally in metallic and look wonderful. I might have most popular a rubber strap over all, however this one is sort of first rate for the value. If you’re like me and discover the strap too lengthy, then contemplate an aftermarket strap for the Prospex SRPE, as they’ll even additional improve the look of this very versatile device watch.
Seiko’s bigger technique throughout the globe is to do steadily up the costs of a lot of its core fashions but it surely doesn’t anticipate shoppers to chunk with out a concurrent enhance in watch high quality and elegance. Seiko has discovered the essential lesson that many watch fanatics have a gentle spot for ornamental device watches. By that I imply in any other case simple and stable utilitarian watches which might be imbued with modern colours, textures, or supplies. In lots of methods, that’s precisely what the Prospex Turtle SRPE05 and SPRE07 timepieces are all about. They’re meant for day by day put on, diving, or simply plain stepping into bother. That stated, the engaging inexperienced or blue dial choices assist these divers higher compete with dearer European trend divers that usually include a lot increased costs and infrequently not as a lot dial and case high quality.
Lastly, the addition of the scratch-resistant ceramic bezel not solely helps the Turtle assortment be extra aggressive however can be the icing on the cake of permitting the Prospex Turtle to compete in a brand new class of merchandise. I’m definitely a fan and know that Seiko will, as soon as once more, please lots of watch fanatics with this assortment. You probably have a latest Turtle, then I’m unsure it’s good to leap to improve, but when it has been some time because you’ve had certainly one of when you’ve by no means tried this specific Seiko dive watch model in your wrist, then you definately actually can’t go too flawed with the Seiko Prospex King Turtle SRPE05 or SRPE07. Retail value is $595 USD. Be taught extra on the Seiko USA web site right here.
Essential Information
>Model: Seiko
>Mannequin: Prospex ” King Turtle” SPRE05 and SPRE07 as examined
>Worth: $595 USD
>Measurement: 45mm-wide, 47.7mm lug-to-lug distance, and 13.2mm-thick
>When reviewer would personally put on it: Straightforward to get pleasure from day by day device watch with the stable status of a Seiko. Is smart in all places you don’t must impress luxurious gawkers.
>Good friend we’d suggest it to first: Versatile attraction makes the Prospex Turtle a sensible choice as somebody’s solely watch or for seasoned collectors in search of a weekend “beater watch.”
>Finest attribute of watch: New supplies and textures assist improve the look of an in any other case straight-forward diver’s model watch that now has a modern dimension to it. Wonderful construct high quality and efficiency for value making it a fair-priced and democratic enthusiast-grade mechanical timepiece. Nice lume.
>Worst attribute of watch: Not everybody will love the magnifier lens on the sapphire crystal. Strap is sort of lengthy and never sufficient choices to place it on a bracelet. Lovers will yearn for Seiko’s higher-end actions with attractiveness like these.
