Seiko Prospex SRP777 Turtle Review: Relaunch Of The Turtle Diver

Seiko Turtle SRP777 Specs

This Turtle SRP777, like all other Seiko Turtles, has a very particular case shape. If you hadn’t realized yet, it is the cushion-shaped case that has earned the model its “Turtle” moniker.

The case is presented in stainless steel and has a 44.3mm diameter, 13mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug length, and 22mm strap size. Moreover, to accommodate the traditional 4 o’clock Seiko crown, the case has a sort of “cutout” that lets the crown recess into the profile of the case. This reduces the overall width of the watch on the wrist while also protecting the crown from impact, much like crown guards would.

Similar to other Seiko dive watches such as the SKX, the steel case of this SRP777 possesses two contrasting finishes. On its top side, the curved case has a brushed finish while on the underside it is polished. Other than this contrasting-finish detail, the case is mostly sterile.

120-Click Diver’s Bezel

Sitting atop the SRP777’s case is a unidirectional diver’s bezel also in steel. It has a textured outer edge and a metal diver’s scale insert inside of it.

The diver’s scale is silver on black with complete 60-minute markings; there’s also a luminous pip at the origin index. Inwards from the bezel, and protecting the face of the watch, is a Seiko Hardlex crystal that sits almost completely flush with the bezel that surrounds it.

The Seiko Turtle Prospex’s Black Dial

Much like the original 1970s Seiko Turtle, this SRP777 Turtle reissue has a matte black dial that is surrounded by silver minute markings. It also boasts big, raised hour indices with white borders and luminous fills.

Like the hour indices, the hands at center are also oversized and lumed but are instead presented with a polished finish. In both cases, the lume used is green Seiko LumiBrite.

An artifact of the SRP777 Turtle is the introduction of the Seiko Prospex logo on the dial. There’s also text indicating the SRP777’s depth rating, 200m, which has been increased from the antecedents’ 150m.

Prospex stands for “Professional Specification” and is a designation that Seiko appends to models that could, in theory, be used by a professional in the field. In the case of this Seiko SRP777, it meets the requirements to be employed by a professional diver such as a commercial diver.

Lastly, present at 3 o’clock is a rectangular aperture that offers a view of the day-date complication. In this case, it is black font on a white background that makes for very easy reading. Additionally, there are two languages for the Day – they are English and Spanish.

Black Silicone Bracelet

I found the black silicone band of this SRP777 to be one of its most important yet overlooked features.

At first, the band appears as any other rubber strap seen on a Seiko diver watch. However, on the wrist is where it truly shines. That’s because only once you’ve felt the texture and nature of the silicone used will you realize how comfortable it truly is.

The strap is incredibly malleable and therefore makes for very comfortable wear. Its underside is also texture which likewise improves comfort and prevent the strap from “sticking” to the wrist. Overall, the feel of the strap I can only describe as premium and unlike other rubber straps that are out there.

What also helps the SRP777 to wear so comfortably is that the strap attachment is inwards from the top and bottom edges of the case. Indeed, the lugs and the case in the SRP777 are one and the same. This design helps to hide the larger dimensions of the case and make the watch wear much smaller than it reads on paper.

SRP777 Movement: 4R36 Caliber

The Turtle SRP777 is powered by one of Seiko’s latest movements – the 4R36 automatic caliber. Sturdy as all Seiko self-winding movements are, the 4R36 boasts a 41-hour power reserve, a hacking seconds function (also known as stop-seconds), and the ability to be wound through the crown.

As is denoted by the “Mov’t Japan” text on the bottom of the dial, the movement beating within is made in Japan though there is no mention of where the rest of the components are manufactured nor where they’re assembled.

Should this be a concern? Not really. Seiko is appeasing the collectors who are picky about minutiae such as whether their Japanese-brand watch is made in Japan or not. Seiko produces the 4R36 both within and outside of Japan’s borders and the performance of the movement is exactly the same.

Seiko Turtle SRP777 On-The-Wrist Review

After getting comfortable with the SRP777 over a couple of months, I must admit that this is one of my new favorite watches.

In spite of its larger dimensions, the watch is a pleasure to wear. Seiko really hit the nail on the head when they designed this back in the ’70s and were even more astute in leaving it alone for this reissue. While the watch has large dimensions, it also lays relatively flat on the wrist. The integrated strap attachment helps to reduce the length across the wrist and make the size much more manageable for smaller wrists.

The simple looks of the watch are another of its assets. With large, luminous hands and indices, the watch makes telling time at a glance very easy. The dial is also very nicely balanced which makes for a pleasing aesthetic.

At the price point, I think the SRP777 is a great value given its attractive looks, useful features, modern specifications, and horological heritage. I also think it’s a good option for those who enjoy the look of the original Seiko Turtle but don’t have the knowledge to navigate the pre-owned market without getting fleeced (including myself). Most importantly, the upgrades featured by the SRP777 have brought the model into the 21st century and will undoubtedly make for longer-lasting and largely more enjoyable wear.

Further Reading

What are your thoughts on this SRP777? Let me know in the comments below! You can also check out some of our other popular wristwatch content below:

• Guide To The Seiko Diving Icon, The SKX
• Are The New Seiko 5 Sports Watches Better Than The SKX?
• All Of Our Seiko Watch Reviews
• Japanese Watchmaking History & The Top Japanese Watch Brands
• Watches Homepage