Seiko Releases New “Mini-Turtle”

I’ve been wanting a Seiko Turtle SRP777 for a long while now, ever since they were first released in 2016. As a redesign/reissue of the iconic Seiko 6309 it’s a gorgeous (and reasonably priced) watch with a lot of history behind it.

But one thing has always kept me from pulling the trigger on one so far – with a case diameter of just a bit over 44mm, I’m pretty sure it’d be a bit large for my small wrists. I want to get one just for the sake of doing an in person review with it, but I see it getting sold shortly there after.

So when I came across a link to the Seiko Prospex site with word about some new ‘Mini Turtles’ I got pretty excited.

Seiko SRPC39K1 with blue bezel and dial

With a case diameter of only 42.3mm, it’s a much more wearable size for me. Still large, but close enough to the size of the Seiko SKX007 that I already wear to make me think it would actually get a lot of wrist time.

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Seiko SRPC35K1 with stainless bracelet

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Seiko SRPC37K1 with silicone band

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There’s 4 new variations of this Mini Turtle, although the SRPC35K1 and SRPC37K1 are the same watch – the SRPC35K1 comes with a stainless steel bracelet while the SRPC37K1 comes with a silicone diving band.

Seiko SRPC41K1 PADI

The other two variations are the SRPC39K1, with blue dial and blue bezel, and the SRPC41K1, with PADI branding, red and blue bezel, and textured grey dial.

Looking at these pictures, you’ve probably noticed that these are not simply a scaled down version of the SRP77x Turtles. The most obvious change is the location of the crown. While the SRP77X’s crown was positioned at 4 o’clock and recessed slightly into the case, the new Mini Turtles crown sticks out at 3 o’clock, with neither crown guards or recess. 

The cushion case also has a subtly different shape, more rounded on top and softer overall. I quite like the look of it and really want to see it in person.

And of course, instead of a day and date window, the mini Turtle has only a date window, with an accompanying cyclops in the crystal.

Word is these are only targeted at the Japanese domestic market, but I’m sure they’ll be appearing at your favorite online grey-market reseller soon.

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Seiko “Mini Turtle” Specifications

• Seiko 4R35 automatic movement
• Stainless steel case
• 200 meter (660 feet) water resistance
• Unidirectional diver’s bezel
• Screw-down crown
• Screw case back
• Hardlex crystal
• 42.3mm case diameter
• 41 hour power reserve

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