Horologii

Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land Edition Watches Review

Without a doubt one of Seiko’s best-selling Prospex models is the “Turtle”, a watch named after its shell-like profile designed for diving. Now, with adventurers of a different terrain in mind, the Japanese watch manufacturer has launched a new selection of models under their “Land” series suitably named after the land variant of the turtle… the tortoise. Meet the new Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land models SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1, SRPG17K1 and SRPG18K1.

Seiko watch collectors new and old will already be aware of Seiko’s extensive list of nicknames. From the Seiko Tuna with its large tuna-can shaped case to the Seiko Monster characterised by its toothy bezel, Seiko fans have taken it upon themselves to impart unofficial nicknames to different Seiko watches to help distinguish between the designs. In fact, it seems a Seiko watch has only officially reached cult status within the community when it is bestowed its own nickname. As we mentioned, the Seiko Turtle is arguably one of the brand’s most disguisable models addressed so for its cushion shaped case which echoes the silhouette of a turtle shell. The Seiko Turtle has always been part of their “Sea” series designed for divers with a 60 minute unidirectional divers bezel. Now, however, the same case shape is renamed as the Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land watch, replacing the diver’s bezel with a compass bezel for use not underwater, but on soil.

There are four new Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land watches currently on offer under references SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1, SRPG17K1 and SRPG18K1. Together, they have the iconic pebble-shaped case with smooth, almost non-existent lugs and the crown positioned at 4 o’clock. They measure to 42.2 millimetres in diameter and 11.7 millimetres in height for an appropriately compact fit. The lug to lug measurements are 45.2 millimetres. All four designs are engineered from stainless steel with one reference (SRPG18K1) coated in rose gold plating and are equipped with sapphire crystal glass on top and a screwed down case back with a water resistance of 200 metres.

Their main evolution compared to their Turtle counterpart is the bezel. Instead of delivering a 60 minute scale for measuring elapsed dive times, the aluminium insert is printed with a compass scale which can be rotated bi-directionally. Reference SRPG13K1 features a two-toned khaki green and grey bezel to pair with the military-inspired tan-coloured dial and green polyester strap while reference SRPG15K1 is dressed entirely in blue with a blue dial, blue textile strap and two-toned blue and black bezel. The SRPG17K1 delivers an aesthetic considerably dressier with a black dial with rose gold appliques and hands, a black compass bezel and a black leather strap. Lastly, reference SRPG18K1, which opts for the rose gold plated case, delivers a brown bezel, brown dial and brown calfskin leather strap.

All four Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land watches maintain the Turtle dial with large hands and applied indexes filled with glow in the dark Lumibrite. The seconds hand is kept slim and adorned with a luminous lollipop counterweight. Powering the hours, minutes, seconds and date complication placed between the 4 and 5 o’clock indexes is the calibre 4R35 automatic winding movement with a 3Hz engine, 23 jewels, stop seconds and a power reserve of 41 hours. The movement is kept housed beneath a closed case back which has been uniquely engraved with ground-to-air emergency signal codes.

For more information on the Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land Edition collection and where to order your own, head over to the Jura Watches website here or get in touch with the team on 01335 4534543. You can also send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.

Specifications: Seiko Prospex “Tortoise” Land Edition Watches (SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1, SRPG17K1, SRPG18K1)

  • Case Size: 42.4mm
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Bezel: Bi-directional with aluminium insert and compass scale
  • Glass: Sapphire crystal
  • Crown: Screw in
  • Case Back: Screwed
  • Water Resistance: 200 metres
  • Movement: Seiko calibre 4R35 automatic
  • Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
  • Power Reserve: 41 hours
  • Jewels: 23
  • Frequency: 21,600vph
  • Dial: Available in tan, blue, black or brown, Lumibrite indexes and hands
  • Strap: Textile or leather
  • Buckle: Pin
  • RRP: Starts from £490