Hands-on with the Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Reinterpretation Watches
Tuesday - 28 June 2022
The three new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle Reinterpretation 1968 watches closely resemble the original Seiko Turtle watch with a distinct cushion-shaped case albeit with superior water-resistant capabilities and even more reliable movement.
About the Seiko Turtle
When it comes to reinterpreting an old classic – Seiko is the king. The new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Reinterpretation models ref: SPB313J1, SPB315J1, and SPB317J1 are perfect proof of that. Plus, what better dive watch to reinterpret than the Seiko Turtle? The model is the ideal candidate to reflect Seiko’s long history of making superior dive watches for aficionados and dive watch collectors alike. Seiko dive watches in general are more prized for the fact that they look so distinct. The Turtle dive watch, in particular, has a cushion-shaped case made from stainless steel that stands out from the crowd and has evolved from much earlier models like the 6306 to 6390, all the way up to the newer SRP series from the Seiko Prospex line. As an entry point into Seiko’s dive watch field, the Seiko Turtle measures up to its Professional counterparts, offering its audience a tool for both sea and land adventures.
Earlier Seiko Turtle watches were impressive pieces of kit with water-resistant ratings of 150 meters. Even though cushion-shaped at first glance, the rounded corners of the case made the watch look less angular and aggressive. A slimmer Seiko Turtle watch named the “Slim Turtle” was released in the 1980s followed by another version in the 1990s, yet it was the 2016 model that seemed to reignite a love affair with the Seiko Turtle amongst loyal Seiko fans. It offered a depth rating of 200-meter water resistance but a design that looked incredibly similar to earlier iterations released 40 years prior.
The Seiko Turtle watch has always been a hefty, reliable watch that distils values of affordability, reliability and heritage. Its statement bezel and luminous markings, not to mention its hard glass front are all key characteristics that lend themselves to a functional dive tool for every possibility.
The new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Reinterpretation watches
Joining the Seiko Prospex watch collection, all three new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Reinterpretation watches follow the form of the earlier Seiko Turtle watch from 1968, boasting a minimal design for enhanced legibility. The three models come in stainless steel and comprise a white dial with silver-coloured accents ref SPB313J1, a black dial with the same silver-coloured accents ref SPB317J1, and a black dial with gold-coloured accents ref SPB315J1. These silver and gold elements continue into the bezel itself and the hour markers on the dial are oversized and chunky to ensure all-round better visibility. The softly cushioned shape of the watch evokes retro design cues from the early 1970s, creating a distinct vintage dive watch look. As with all dive watches from Seiko, uses for the watch do not stop at water alone. These robust wristwatches look incredibly sporty on the wrist, enabling them to be worn with casual attire at the weekend or something a little smarter thanks to the sophisticated stainless steel bracelet fitted on two models out of the three.
The new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Reinterpretation watches are all equipped with 200-meter water resistance. The watches measure a diameter of 41mm and a height of 12.25mm. Nicknamed “Turtle” by Seiko fans - an animal that is considered good fortune to divers - the shape of the case takes the form of a turtle’s silhouette and promises a comfortable fit against the wrist with a five-row stainless steel bracelet fitted on models SPB313J1 and SPB315J1 and a reinforced black silicone strap seen on the model SPB317J1. Whilst the black and white dial versions with silver accents add a very classic style to the wrist, the golden accented version brings a sense of luxury to the forefront of the design, making it an easy choice to pair with dressier attire on an evening. All three iterations boast a vibrant red lollipop style seconds hand with a red pip at the tip and a dash of luminescent material. The hour batons and central hour and minute hands are also treated with luminous paint, whilst the date is discreetly placed between the 4 and 5 o’clock locations, so as not to interfere with the rest of the markings. The top of each Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle Reinterpretation 1968 watch is sealed with a pane of anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass for ultimate protection over the surface of the display.
Inside the case, Seiko equips the Prospex Heritage Turtle Reinterpretation 1968 watch with the self-winding Calibre 6R35. The automatic movement provides a power reserve of 70 hours and beats to the rhythm of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The Seiko Calibre 6R35 also promises an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day, offering seconds, minutes, hours and date functions. The railtrack feature visible clearly on all three new models is yet another element taken from the original 1968 Seiko Turtle watch. To ensure robustness and longevity, the surface of the steel case is hard coated and each watch also comes with a screw-down crown and caseback to ensure a dry internal environment for the reliably working movement.
For more information on any of the three new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle Reinterpretation 1968 watches, you can view the models online here, or call and speak with a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453
