Seiko SRP777 Black "Turtle" Reissue

Seiko recently announced the return of the venerable cushion case diver based on the Seiko 6306/6309 diver line. Produced from 1976 to 1988, the original was nicknamed the "Turtle" for the turtle-shell like shape of the case.

The reissue, because of it's aesthetic similarity, has been nicknamed the "Turtle" as well, but features a number of improvements thanks to advances in manufacturing techniques, water resistance, and luminous compounds over the past forty years.

It boasts the relatively new 24-jewel, 21,600 bph, automatic 4R36 day/date movement, an improved version of the ubiquitous 7S26 (or downgraded version of the 6R15, depending on your point of view) with hacking and handwinding and a similar 41 hour power reserve. The watch is water resistant to 200m, pretty standard depth rating for contemporary Seiko divers, but a 50m improvement over the original which was rated at only 150m. There is also the use of Seiko's proprietary LumiBrite luminous compound for the hands and indices, which is light-years ahead in terms of luminosity and durability compared to the compounds used in the original.

The case features a mix of brushed and polished surfaces which lends to a clean, contemporary look  without drawing too much attention to itself. Case diameter excluding the unsigned crown is 45mm, which is about a mm larger than the original 6306/6309. Lug width and case thickness is an identical 22mm and 13.4mm respectively while lug-to-lug length is 48mm, about 2mm longer than the original. Lugs holes are bored out all the way through for ease in changing straps. The timing bezel is a typical Seiko 120 click unidirectional affair with an matte black aluminum insert.

This particular model adopts a black color scheme with a black dial/bezel combination with a black silicone rubber strap with a stainless steel keeper. The hands and indices have silver surrounds, and the Lumibrite application features a white appearance in bright light. In low light situations, the luminous compound glows in the familiar Seiko green with the typical intensity and duration expected for Seiko divers. All variants of the Turtle reissue feature the Prospex logo just below the center of the dial. They are also ISO 6425 certified, hence the text "DIVER'S" on the dial as well.

The reissue has been scheduled for release in December of 2015, with other territories soon to follow. The Philippines is fortunate in that most new Seiko models, with the exception of the JDM ones, are almost always released here ahead of other countries, and with prices oftentimes significantly cheaper. This SRP779 is no different, being available in various authorized dealers at prices ranging from 200-250 USD.

If you're a fan of the original, or if you're looking for a modern twist of a vintage classic, expect to be picking one of the variants of this reissue soon.

Some photos:

SRP777.

 

Stainless steel keeper.

Tsunami logo on caseback.