Watch Review – Seiko ‘Turtle’ SRP 775

There’s a lot to love about Seiko. So much so that it’s hard to know where to begin this review. For our purposes, let’s start with the fact that Seiko makes quality pieces of all styles and across all price points. In fact, one could have a respectful collection of nothing but Seiko if one wanted. And while most watch enthusiasts don’t go that far, you’ll often see their watches placed alongside higher priced and more prestigious pieces like Rolex and Omega.

On the wrist, Seiko may not have the immediate brand recognition of a Swiss piece, but they have an undeniably legitimate history in the realm of dive watches. Seiko’s new SRP line is based on the 6309 series that was introduced in 1976 and continued to be produced for over 20 years. Vintage watches and re-issues have been extremely popular in the past few years, and this is a good opportunity for a collector to pick up a piece with classic styling and modern mechanics, or just a solid, functional tool watch.

And that it is. The new Turtles are fully ISO 6425 compliant. Beyond just the water (and shock and magnetic) resistance, the ISO 6425 specification also calls for features such as a uni-directional bezel and the ability of the dial to be read from a distance of 25 cm in total darkness. Anyone who is familiar with Seiko’s lume can attest to that last point, and the SRP 775 is no different. In the dark, the watch lights up like a torch, but I’ve often caught the green glow of the lume just from coming indoors after a short walk outside.

The SRP 775 comes on a metal bracelet, which itself is quite nice. It has solid end links and a diver’s extension, which comes in handy for wearing the watch over a wetsuit, or just loosening it up for hot August days in Texas. The links are held in place by a pin and collar system. The collars help to further secure the pins to the links, but they can make the bracelet tricky to size, so I would recommend taking the watch to a knowledgeable jeweler if you’re not comfortable with adjusting it yourself. The bracelet does clink a little when shaken (though not excessively), which is the only real complaint I have about it. If you do want to change the bracelet out, the drilled lugs make swapping straps an easy process.

Despite its purpose-built nature, the SRP 775 makes for a great daily driver. Date windows have become controversial in the watch world as of late, but having the date and day of the week is something I find myself missing on time-only watches. And there’s no denying how useful the timing bezel is, even if I have no current plans to go scuba diving. The diameter is a sizable 43 mm, but it wears smaller on the wrist, due to its cushion (turtle) case. Finally, the gilt of the bezel and dial keep it interesting enough that I find myself glancing at my wrist even I’m not checking the time.

You know what? Although I began this review implying that an all-Seiko collection would be a little strange, I take that back. I already have two of their watches, and I’ve got my eye on several more. Someday, that Grand Seiko ‘Snowflake’ will grace my collection. But I’m confident that my Turtle will perform admirably until then, and for years after.