A reissue of the famous Seiko Turtle from 1968, the new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Re-Interpretation collection delivers three new diving watches honouring the aesthetics of the original with additional contemporary improvements. Meet Seiko models SPB313J1, SPB315J1, and SPB317J1…
It’s safe to say Seiko are no strangers to reinterpreting their own historic timepieces. Just this month alone we’ve welcomed the Seiko 5 Sports GMT SKX collection reviving the original Seiko SKX diver’s model with added GMT function and a range of Seiko Prospex Hybrid Divers watches celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original Seiko “Arnie” watch, the timepiece worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger. One of the most classic and highly collectible Seiko watches, however, is the cushion-shaped Seiko Turtle and it is a model we have seen rebirthed on numerous occasions. Yet despite its frequent presence in the Seiko collections, the design remains a best-seller.
Joining the line-up is a trio of new Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Re-Interpretation watches under references SPB313J1, SPB315J1, and SPB317J1. All three are engineered from stainless steel with super hard coating and evoke the turtle shell-inspired architecture with curved integrated lugs and a robust diameter of 41mm. Interestingly, Seiko have adjusted the height of the watches by a bit, reducing them to only 12.3mm tall. This makes them the thinnest Seiko diving watch to date. Despite this, the Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Re-Interpretation watches are still well protected for underwater exploration with a 200 metre water resistant rating.
Equipped on top of each Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Re-Interpretation watch is a unidirectional rotating bezel rotating on 120 clicks and fitted with a black aluminium insert. For references SPB313J1 and SPB317J1, a silver-coloured 60 minute scale is elected alongside a matching luminous triangle marker at 12 o’clock. Model SPB315J1 differs, opting for a gold coloured diving scale and indicator. Completing the cases is curved sapphire crystal glass treated with anti-reflective coating, a screw in crown at 4 o’clock and screw down case back.
For the dial, each Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Re-Interpretation watch differs in its colourway but equals in its easy legibility thanks to baton-shaped hands, large applied indexes and red-tipped seconds hand all adorned with Superluminova inserts. Reference SPB313J1 nominates a matte white dial and blackened hardware for the hours, minutes and seconds. Meanwhile, model SPB317J1 is the most classic out of the trio with a black display and silvered hands and indexes. Lastly, to match its golden-accented bezel, reference SPB315J1 delivers the time with gold-plated hardware set against a black backdrop. The first and last models are completed by fine-link stainless steel bracelets while the basic black dial pairs with a matching textured black rubber strap.
Running the Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Re-Interpretation watches is the well-known Calibre 6R35 automatic winding movement. It’s an in-house calibre we’ve seen several times before and for good reason. It offers a decent frequency of 21,600vph, 25 jewels, a power reserve of 70 hours and an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds a day. Alongside the standard central hands for the hours, minutes and seconds, the movement provides a date window at the 4:30 position allowing room for all twelve markers and as such, ISO standards to be met.
The Seiko Prospex Heritage Turtle 1968 Re-Interpretation watches are available to order now with delivery expected later this month. They are also part of the permanent collection, so no limited editions here. If you’d like to learn more and shop the range for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 41mm diameter, 12.3mm height
- Case Material: Stainless steel, super hard coating
- Bezel: Unidirectional with aluminium insert, 60 minute scale, luminous marker
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screwed down
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: Calibre 6R35 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: White with black hardware, black with gold hardware or black with silver hardware
- Strap: Metal bracelet or black rubber
- Limited: No
- RRP: Starts from £810
- Release Date: July 2022
