Seiko Story: Seiko Mini Turtle - Is Smaller Better?

For watch lovers, enthusiasts, collectors, divers, and people in between, Seiko is one of the most reliable and well-respected timepiece makers in the global arena. They have a long and outstanding history of making superior diver watches that can withstand the requirements of deep-sea underwater explorations.

Seiko is renowned across the globe for its top-of-the-line and genuinely marvelous timepiece creations that are not just exquisite, intricate, precise, but revolutionary. With extensive research and development over the decades, they continue to take watchmaking to the next level, and for Seiko, creating remarkable pieces is a non-stop feat.

Seiko was the first ever to release a diving watch in Japan and this came to fruition through a diver’s fateful letter. He expounded how all their watches got damaged in depths greater than 300 meters while using a diving capsule.

In this blog, we will be taking a look at Seiko Turtle and its little sibling - the Mini Turtle. Are there differences? Is smaller better? Or is there more to them than meets the eye?

Seiko Turtle 

The entire watch community has acknowledged Seiko for its impressively distinct dive watch series and Seiko Turtle has specifically made a mark. It has iconic features and specifications that are treasured by watch aficionados and serious collectors.

Seiko Turtle’s broad and uniquely charming cushion-shaped case that resembles the shell of a turtle is highly functional and extremely stylish. The movement is a robust performer with 41 hours of power reserve.

It is renowned as one of the brand’s most recognizable dive watch models and with their recent re-release of their 70’s and 80’s #6306 model, we can only expect more from this impressive line. 

The Turtle features a charming retro touch with amazing specs and is running on a 4R36 caliber movement. It provides a 200-meter resistance.

You can also freely customize the straps with Curved End Rubber Strap for Seiko Turtle (CB08) by Crafter Blue.

Many wearers also report impressively consistent timekeeping with Seiko Turtle. No wonder it is considered an all-time classic.

Another advantage of owning a Seiko Turtle is its unbeatable value for money. You get more than what you pay for making it an absolutely worthy investment. 

 

Seiko Mini Turtle

Paying homage to the OG Seiko Turtle, Mini Turtle is also dearly loved by the watch community. It may offer similar strengths to the upscale version, but it also has its own characteristics.

Seiko Mini Turtle has a self-explanatory moniker. Being a downscale version of the Turtle, this little dive watch caught the attention of collectors and divers. As you may notice, the Turtle’s rather big cushion-style case can be quite cumbersome for those with smaller wrists. 

Seiko SRPC35K1

It has a smaller, more compact, and sleeker design and is available in different variations too. The models under this series are also available in stainless steel bracelet or silicon strap models.

The mini version runs on a 4R35 movement and also provides 200-meter water resistance.   

Comparison

Seiko Turtle’s case has a 45mm diameter size while the Mini Turtle comes in at 42.3mm thickness with a height or thickness of 13mm. The retro aesthetic is kept and maintained in the new series. 

There may be a very slight difference within the inner workings of their two Seiko Prospex timepieces. Another noticeable comparison in terms of design is the embedded date magnifier in the Mini Turtle. However, everything else is almost identical.

(Source: Strapcode)

You can also freely customize the straps with Curved End Rubber Strap for Seiko Turtle (CB13) by Crafter Blue.

In terms of pricing, both have reasonable price tags despite the premium-grade quality materials used.

Truly, there is not much difference between the two, but both of them are special in their own way and both offer a ridiculously awesome deal.

 

Model Numbers: 

 

Seiko Mini Turtle

SRPC35

SRPC37

SRPC39

SRPC41

SRPD17

SRPD19

SBDY083

SBDY085

SBDY087

 

Specifications:

 

Case: Stainless Steel

Movement: Seiko 4R35

Dial: Matte Black

Lume: Seiko LumiBrite

Lens: Hardlex Crystal

Strap: Rubber or Bracelet

Water Resistance: 200 meters

Dimensions: 42.3mm x 43mm

Thickness: 13mm

Lug width: 20mm

Crown: Screwed down