Seiko Baby Turtle Prospex SRPC35J1 - Watch Review

There is no denying that the dive watch is certainly one of watchmaking’s most iconic and recognizable designs. Whether it’s the timelessness and ruggedness of its design or simply, the appeal of having a watch that can easily survive the harshest of environments. They are easily some of the most popular watches in the world. There’re plenty of divers in the market today, and practically anybody who is anybody in the industry has made or are still making dive watches. And with such a mass of divers being produced, there’s bound to be a couple of icons. Watches like the Rolex Submariner, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Panerai Luminor Submersible and the Omega Seamaster 300 are great examples of iconic divers. But let’s not forget that Seiko too, has no shortage of icons. In fact, some of their most iconic watches are indeed, dive watches.

And the watch that has to be one of their most recognizable and versatile is undoubtedly the Seiko Turtle. First debuted as the 6105 in the mid-1960s, the Turtle had a truly unique case design which flared along the sides as crown guards and short lugs allowed for an improved ease of wear. It’s a design that has garnered a cult following and one that is still as distinct yet timeless today, as it was 50 years ago. Today, we’ll be taking a closer look at one of the nicest and possibly most important modern turtles: The baby Turtle.

While the Baby Turtle moniker isn’t an official one; its flanged case and hands certainly resemble those of the larger turtle, but that’s where the similarities end. And we honestly think that the Baby Turtle could be the heir to Seiko’s discontinued and fan favourite SKX. Since the SKX’s discontinuation, we’ve all wondered if Seiko would have a successor for it, and it may have actually come in the form of the SRPC35 line (that we were quick to nickname the baby turtle due to the case design). Though the two may have more in common than you think; Both are vintage inspired divers taking design cues from multiple old references. They may not be twins, but they’re certainly close siblings. Now, onto the watch. As we mentioned previously, it is the shape and iconic case design of this timepiece that makes it so wearable, with entry level Seiko Turtles coming in 2 sizes—this one: The Baby Turtle (42mm) and the Big/King Turtle (45mm). 

This one comes with a subdued and almost no-frills stainless-steel case and oyster style bracelet with a black bezel and plain black dial, giving it an almost spartan like appearance as a true blue-blooded diver. Much like what the SKX initially offered. 

And as it always is with Seiko—and I cannot say it enough—though on paper it may sound like there’s not much going on with the watch, the execution of whatever that is, is spot on. The case is neatly brushed and sized, the indexes are tidily applied and coated with plenty of luminescence making it highly legible in most circumstances. The overall watch is just a really nice and well-thought-out diver that anyone, enthusiast or not can be happy to own.

It should come as no surprise that such an iconic watch has to be a staple in any collection. Whether you’re looking for an entry level daily beater, or a true-blue diver with properly interesting heritage and design, there’s certainly a lot to like with the SRPC35J1. And whether it was intended or not, Seiko has certainly made a mark not only in the history of dive watches, but watches as a whole with this truly distinct, and timeless modern icon.