Seiko Releases Four JDM “Mini-Turtles” (ref. SRPC35K1, SRPC37K1, SRPC39K1, and SRPC41K1) and Two New Turtle Colorways

One of the biggest releases of 2016—at least in terms of response and overall adoration from press and enthusiasts alike—was undoubtedly Seiko’s SRP77x “Turtle,” a reissue of Seiko’s iconic ref. 6309 diver. I know numerous collectors who own at least one iteration from this series, and to put a fine point on it, I’m wearing my personal SRP777 as I write this post. Now, I love this watch, as do many others, but I’ll concede that it’s not for everyone. At a hair over 44mm, the SRP is admittedly too large for some wrists, and I’ve heard from a handful of people that they’d buy one if the case were a touch smaller.

Well, it looks like Seiko is (or at least, Seiko Japan is) capping off the year with an answer for those very people—introducing the SRPC35K1, SRPC37K1, SRPC39K1, and SRPC41K1 divers, four new watches from the Japanese firm that eager fans have already nicknamed the “Mini-Turtle.” Ok, that may be a bit misleading. This isn’t just a scaled down take, but rather it’s a surprisingly fresh reinterpretation of the SRP template. An evolution, if you will, and the longer you look at this new series you begin to realize it’s more of its own thing.

The 200-meter rated case measures 42.3mm and features a crown at three o’clock, a departure from the ever-so-slightly recessed crown of the SRP, which is positioned at four. The cushion case here is familiar, though it’s different enough from the classic 6309/SRP silhouette. It has a bit of a Seiko 6105-8000/Doxa vibe, just softened around the edges for a more organic look. A Hardlex crystal sits atop the case.

Powering the watch is Seiko’s 4R35 caliber, which offers hacking, hand-winding, 41 hours of power reserve and a beat rate of 21,600. It’s a solid, mid-tier movement from the brand, and it should provide years of reliable service.

The dials here are also familiar, but like we saw with the case, the overall aesthetic is a bit softer. The hour markers are rounded and the elongated day/date at three has been abandoned for a simple date with a rounded cyclops. The handset is the classic sword and arrow combination with only a slight change to the base of the hour hand. As far as dial text is concerned, the watch has all the expected Seiko and Prospex branding.

The SRPC35K1 and SRPC37K1 are both black-dialed, black bezeled divers; in fact, they’re essentially the same watch but for the accompanying strap. The former comes mounted on a stainless steel bracelet, and the latter comes on a two-piece silicone band. Then there’s the SRPC39K1, which boasts a matte blue dial and blue bezel. And finally, we have the SRPC41K1, which is the PADI co-branded iteration with its identifying pepsi bezel, red-lined minute hand, and wavy black dial.

In addition to these new models, there are also two new “Turtle” colorways for the Japanese market: one with a black bezel and sunburst grey dial (ref. SRPC23K1), and a second one with a blue/black bezel and what appears to be a blue sunburst dial (ref. SRPC25K1). I will work to confirm the finish of the blue dial.

Pricing on this set is yet to be determined, and I’ll update this space when that information is made available. As I wrote above, these are JDM releases, but if these catch your eye, then you shouldn’t let that stop you when they become available.