It's not often that I get to review a watch I used to own.
When a colleague placed the Seiko SRPE05 'King Turtle' on my desk, it felt like an unexpected encounter with an ex-girlfriend. So this review is a bit different for me. Essentially, I'm inviting my ex for a coffee to compare how we've both spent our time since the breakup. This can only end well... right?
Fortunately, we parted on good terms! And I can already say that we're doing just as well as we did in the past. Join me in this review.
Upgrading the Seiko SRPE05 'King Turtle'
The Seiko SRPE05 is an intriguing watch in the brand's extensive dive watch catalog. It bridges the gap between entry-level and mid-level divers. Additionally, this watch incorporates some crucial upgrades compared to the legendary 'Turtle' divers. As cool as they are, many fans missed the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel insert. Many Seiko enthusiasts resorted to modifying their 'Turtles' with spare parts. Now Seiko gets the hint, hence the introduction of the SRPE05 model and its black-dial sibling, the SRPE03 - no modifications needed!
The King Turtle also features an upgraded bezel with more pronounced clicks when rotating and a neater knurling finish. Finally, the green dial is adorned with an embossed 'grenade' pattern. Meanwhile, the SRPE05 retains the entry-level caliber 4R36, used in standard 'Turtles'.
In short, the watch's appearance is akin to Seiko's mid-range divers priced between 1,000-2,000 euros, while the internals remain at a basic level. With a slight increase in price compared to non-King Turtles - or... Subject Turtles? - the package is quite attractive. At the time of writing, the base black SRPE93 sells for $495 USD. The King Turtle is priced at $595 USD. I am forced to compare US prices since the base model is no longer sold in my home market in the Netherlands.
Technical Specifications of the Seiko SRPE05 'King Turtle'
At its core, this is still a classic Seiko Turtle with a massive 45mm stainless steel case. The case is almost oval, measuring 47.7mm from lug to lug, and 13.2mm thick. It features a hefty steel case back with the famous Hokusai wave engraving. The top glass, as mentioned, is sapphire. Seiko applies an anti-reflective coating on the underside and attaches a wide magnifying lens over the date window at 3 o'clock. The crown is, of course, screw-down, and the water resistance is 200 meters.
As previously mentioned, inside is the rather spartan caliber 4R36. This is an automatic movement with a frequency of 21,600 per hour. The power reserve is about 41 hours. Compared to previous Seiko entry-level calibers, this one offers manual winding. Finally, as seen under the magnifier, the day and date complication is located at the 3 o'clock position.
You may have noticed the 'Diver's' inscription on the dial. This is not something that can simply be put on a watch dial. It means the watch meets ISO standards for certified dive watches. Combined with an extended silicone strap suitable for a wetsuit, the King Turtle is a serious watch. It's not a fashionable desk diver.
Strapping on the 'King Turtle'
As mentioned, I used to own these very Seiko SRPE05 references. It's safe to say I liked them, otherwise, I wouldn't have bought them. Let me tell you what I like about them before I explain why I'm no longer their owner. To start with, these watches are superb on the wrist. They're both massive and surprisingly ergonomic. The large, round, curved case hugs the wrist like armor. Yet, at 47.7mm in length, it fits quite well within my 17.5cm wrist.
This peculiar shape just screams 1970s divers to me. It conjures fun associations with Jacques Cousteau exploring the Mediterranean Sea, with turquoise blue waters sparkling in the sun, hiding underwater secrets. The King Turtle on the wrist is the closest I've ever come to being on the 'Calypso'.
Strangely, I like that this watch is perhaps not very pretty. In fact, I find them quite ugly. But this ugliness is somewhat utilitarian. The watch looks like it was made to do its job, not to look pretty. To me, it’s like an ex who looked good straight out of bed, with tousled hair and in an old t-shirt, not trying but somehow succeeding.
So, Why Did the SRPE05 and I Part Ways?
No matter how much I liked the King Turtle, I only owned them for a few months. I'm by no means a watch flipper, so I rarely part with them that quickly. What happened? In a way, I think I fell victim to an Internet love syndrome. I'm sure you know it: you stumble upon a great picture of a watch, and it hits you. You start diving down the rabbit hole, researching them. You scroll through every Instagram post of the model and watch every review on YouTube. Then you come to one inevitable conclusion: I must buy it.
The package arrives, and you put on the new watch. A flash of doubt is quickly suppressed, and you drown out any cognitive dissonance. However, after some time, you are forced to admit: 'I like the watch as an object, but not as part of me. I admire it from afar, but don't enjoy it on my wrist.' Oh, the syndrome of Internet infatuation has hit you again!
Ultimately, I think the SRPE05 looks too mundane and technical for me. I lean towards watches where ruggedness meets elegance. This is certainly not the King Turtle's style. I felt like I was wearing someone else's watch, and it just didn't suit me.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, I don't have many negative things to say about the SRPE05. It was simply a mismatch in style. I believe the King Turtle is fantastic for its price of 610 euros. I like the case shape, the updates over the regular Turtle model, and the super-soft silicone strap. The dial color is also top-notch. I could do without the grenade dial and the large magnifying lens. But again, these slightly awkward elements somehow work when you put them together. It's not quite beautiful, but it's a statement of sorts.
I also appreciate the well-thought-out compromises Seiko makes to keep the price down. The primitive caliber and relatively rough finish are sensible savings, especially when you consider where the money goes: into super-durable construction and ISO-compliant diving features.
So no, coffee with the ex didn't fill me with regrets and jealousy. On the contrary, it confirmed that she's cool, but we're better off apart. Man, I feel grown-up.
And what do you think about the Seiko SRPE05 King Turtle? Tell us about it in our Telegram channel!