The New Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land Models

Looking at the Prospex collection by Seiko, one of the most emblematic models – and a highly accessible one too – is named the Turtle. A nickname that is explained by the shell-like profile of its case, as well as its diving vocation. But diver’s watches are not everything you’ll find in the Prospex collection, which also comprises watches for “Air” and “Land” applications. Today, the brand introduces a surprising watch based on the Turtle shape, yet with a compass bezel, thus being part of the Land range… and what’s the name for a land turtle? A Tortoise. So here are the new Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land models SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1, SRPG17K1 and SRPG18K1. 

One of the most famous nicknames – and there are a lot – given to a watch produced by Seiko, “Turtle” refers to these watches inspired by the 6105 series – also known as Captain Willard – because of the shape the brand gave to this accessible but ultra-robust diver’s watch. Its protective profile was indeed reminiscent of the shell of a turtle, which will later give its nickname to this watch. We’ve seen countless watches in the brand’s “Sea” collection that could easily bear this name, such as the SLA033, the SPB151 and SPB153, the SLA049 and SLA051, and of course the accessible Prospex SRP series. But these were always dedicated to diving.

Today, the Japanese brand introduces something different, which once again utilizes this iconic shape that is the shell-like profile with its crown at 4 o’clock, yet with a different vocation and design elements that set these watches apart from classic diving instruments. Indeed, this watch is part of the so-called “Land” collection, watches that are focused on the exploration of the surface of the Earth rather than the depth of the seas. And because these watches still have a shell-like case and are land-ready… this combination of features already gave birth to a new nickname, the “Tortoise” – which is the name given to land turtles.

Back to the watches. There is a total of 4 references introduced, all sharing the same overall traits, yet with different colour schemes. The case, with its rounded profile and highly protected casebands, measures here a relatively reasonable 42.4mm in diameter and 11.7mm in height – and the lug-to-lug measurements is announced at 45.2mm, which will certainly bring compactness on the wrist. All models, with the exception of one, are made of stainless steel (SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1 and SRPG17K1), with one being coated in gold (SRPG18K1). On top is a sapphire crystal, the crown screws down, the caseback is also screwed and the water-resistance is still very comfortable at 200 metres.

The main evolution compared to the classic Turtle watch is the bezel. Indeed, these new Seiko Prospex Tortoise Land models are now equipped with an aluminium insert on which is printed a compass scale. The bezel should be bi-directional – something we’ll confirm when we have the watches on hand in a few days. The dial, if different in design from the classic turtle watches, retains large hands and applied indexes, all filled with Lumibrite. Inside the case is the brand’s entry-level movement, the calibre 4R35 – an automatic 3Hz engine with 23 jewels, stop-seconds and date.

The collection comprises these 4 references:

• SRPG13K1 – steel case, beige dial, beige/green bezel, green textile strap
• SRPG15K1 – steel case, blue dial, blue/grey bezel, blue textile strap
• SRPG17K1 – steel case, black “gilt” dial, black bezel, black leather strap
• SRPG18K1 – gold-coloured steel case, brown dial, brown bezel, brown leather strap

All the models will be available in May 2021 and are priced at EUR 540, except the gold-coloured version which comes at EUR 590. More details at www.seikowatches.com.