Seiko SRP777 TURTLE Automatic Diver Review - A Classic Affordable Watch

*My watch is equipped with a StrapCode Super Jubilee bracelet but this model does come with a Seiko rubber strap*

Brief History

The Seiko Turtle in its modern form is a re-creation of the older Seiko cushion case turtle divers dating all the way back to the 6105 models seen on soldiers during the vietnam war as Seiko did have stores in the main towns in Vietnam. The watch was robust, tough, comfortable on a rubber strap and suitable for a soldier who might be going through rainy and watery conditions. It worked, lasted, and was even featured in a popular movie “Apocolypse Now” where actor Martin Sheen wore it during the film. The watch was brought back after nearly 3 decades of discontinuation and were even sold out for months.

Case

The modern Seiko prospex “turtle” divers are comprised of 316L stainless steel with fine brushing on the top and highly polished sides, as well as the caseback. The crown stays true to history located at the 4 o clock position keeping away from the wrist. They also feature drilled lug holes which is something we do not see as often as we did in the past. This is a nice feature as it is super effortless and easy to swap straps. The case diameter is 44MM and is in a cushion shape which sits flat on the wrist very nicely. The case thickness comes in at 13MM thick which really is not that chunky for a 44MM diver capable of going 200M underwater. On top of the case sits a hardlex crystal which is Seikos own creation. The watch also features a 120 Click Uni-Directional rotating bezel which does not align with the chapter ring! Ha! This is nothing new to me as most people encounter the same quality control issues when purhasing new Seiko divers. It is something they really need to work on! The circular applied markers are filled with seiko lumibrite which is some of the best lume out there and it shines in a nice greenish hue. We get a day and date complication at 3:00 in Spanish/English for this example.

​Dial

The black dial is very symmetrical besides the day and date complication. The applied double marker and round markers are very neat and filled perfectly with lume. The day and date is certainly legible at a glance which is easy on the eyes, especially if your getting older. For the most part it is a very simple, legible, and no nonsense diving dial. “Seiko” and the Prospex logo are printed in white as well as 200M. In case you did not know prospex actuallt stands for Professional Specification.

​Movement

The movement used in the SRP777 is a well known Seiko manufactured movement, the 4R36. This movement beats at 3 Hertz or 21,600 VPH. It does feature hacking and hand winding which is always good, especially for a watch geek like me! This movement contains 24 jewels and a 42 hour power reserve. The 4r36 is also quite accurate, atleast in my example. I have owned this model for a year now and it stays within +5 seconds a day which is extraordinary for a $300 dive watch. This movement will last you a lifetime and it is as tough as nails.

​Caseback

The caseback is screwed down and marked with your serial # , “Air Divers 200M”, and the famous seiko wave which is also featured on my beloved Seiko SKX. The wave is certainly more raised and a bit clearer than the Seiko SKX as an example.

​Conclusion

The Seiko Turtle SRP777 is a modern example of a classic and popular dive watch at a super affordable price of under $300 USD. The movement is tough, simple, accurate, and will last some years without service. All around if you are in the market for a bit of a larger cushion cased diver with a slight vintage aesthetic this is certainly a watch to consider. I dropped my video review below and some links where you can grab one as well as the super nice Jubilee bracelet. Thanks for reading, Until next time!

Purchase a Seiko Turtle SRP777 Here
https://amzn.to/2q1DdqP

Purchase a StrapCode end fitted super jubilee bracelet
​https://amzn.to/2Ec5obr