VIDEO: The Seiko Prospex SRPJ35 & SNJ039 bring new colours to cult classics

D.C. Hannay

Seiko is back with two new limited editions in their Prospex tool watch line, and they both feature a bright new colourway that evokes the brilliant hues of tropical fish. This time, the new colours are featured on Seiko’s classic Turtle diver, and the big, bold “Arnie” analogue/digital model. Let’s dive in and have a look at these wonders of the deep.

 

 

SRPJ35K

The case

The SRPJ35 Turtle follows the familiar characteristics of the standard Prospex reissue, with its sizable but easy-wearing 45mm case, whose contours make it one of the most comfortable Seikos in history. My wrist is resolutely average, and I’ve always found the Turtle to be one of my best-wearing watches, despite the measurements on paper. Those gentle cushion-case curves and 47.7mm lug-to-lug measurement keep things nice and tidy, and the recessed screwdown crown at 4 and grippy timing bezel make the modern-day Turtle an ergonomic delight. Finishing is the standard Turtle combination of brushing, polishing, and an utter lack of sharp edges. The aluminium bezel insert gets a bold shock of marine blue and emerald green, with the green highlighting the area from the bezel pip to 20. Bezel action is smooth throughout its 120 clicks, and backplay is minimal. Around back, you’ll find the famous embossed Seiko “Silver Wave” insignia, along with the usual caseback specs and “special edition” marking. Water resistance is 200 metres, good for almost anything you’ll get up to, unless you happen to be a saturation diver.

The dial

The Turtle’s dial legibility is one of its biggest selling points, and this one is no different. A matte black finish provides the perfect backdrop for those bright white indices to pop against. Interestingly, there’s now a tiny segment of a marker to the right of the day/date window, in order to meet updated ISO criteria. A turquoise minute hand adds a cheerful accent to a legitimate tool watch, and the seconds hand retains the lollipop as a counterweight, although I secretly wish it were at the business end like the original model. Seiko fans love their nicknames, and it looks like “Lagoon Turtle” is the frontrunner for this new colour combination. As is customary throughout Seiko’s Prospex line, the hands and dial markers are charged with the company’s eyeball-searing LumiBrite, and offer fantastic legibility both above and below sea level. The crystal is Seiko’s mineral glass formulation, known as Hardlex, perfectly functional, but not as scratch resistant as sapphire (although it has higher impact resistance).

The movement

Timing duties are handled by the Seiko manufacture 4R36 automatic movement, a reliable caliber that has proven itself many times over. It’s so popular, you’ll find it in countless microbrands as well. Accuracy is stated at -35/+45 seconds per day, but real-world usage can often see it performing much better. Hacking and handwinding are both standard, and Seiko is one of the few manufacturers offering both a day and date display in a tool watch. Action from the guarded screwdown crown at 4 is smooth and drama-free, and that nicely-sized crown offers terrific grip.

The bracelet

The three-link stainless bracelet offers an Oysterlike look, with brushing throughout, but for the polished accents on the outer links. The links are solid and serviceable, although sizing would be much easier with screws rather than the pin/collar arrangement. The clasp is perfectly functional, with twin pushbuttons and a foldover lock, but it would benefit from milled construction, if only for the more upscale feel it offers. Fortunately, the Turtle is also a Monster…a strap monster that is, and it would look fantastic on a blue or green tropic strap in the right shade.

Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPJ35K pricing and availability:

The Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPJ35K is available now, priced at AU$825.

Brand	Seiko
Model	Prospex Turtle SRPJ35K
Case Dimensions	45mm (D) x 13.4mm (T) x 47.7mm (L2L)
Case Material	Stainless steel
Water Resistance	200m
Dial	Black
Crystal	Hardlex
Strap	Stainless steel, 3 link, trifold clasp with dual pushbuttons
Lug Width	22mm
Movement	4R36 automatic
Power Reserve	41 hours
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date
Availability	Now
Price	AU$825

SNK039P

The case

If you love the new colour combo, but want something bigger and badder in a set-it-and-forget-it package, the SNJ039P might be just the ticket. Based on the modern-day “Arnie”, which was nicknamed after the watch that Arnold Schwarzenegger wore in Predator, this analogue/digital beast makes its presence known in a big way, with a stainless case that measures almost 48mm across. And with a 50.5mm lug-to-lug, it would certainly wear better if your wrists tend toward “action star”. There’s a protective black plastic shroud screwed onto the outer part that will remind Seiko fans of the legendary “Tuna” dive watch models. Three ribbed, oversized crowns make time setting duties a snap. The bezel follows the same colour scheme and layout as the Turtle’s, with strategic cutouts in the shroud allowing easy access.

The dial

The matte black dial is all business, but has a slightly different countenance than its mechanical brethren, since it needs to allow light through to charge the solar cell. It’s not a significant difference functionally, and retains its fantastic legibility. Hands are similar to the Turtle version’s, and as far as analogue/digital watches go, it leans far more analogue. There’s plenty of functionality in the small display at the top of the dial, which we’ll discuss next.

The movement

The movement is a solar-powered quartz caliber H851, and features both a traditional handset, and a digital multifunction display. Besides the analogue handset, the multifunction allows reading of hours, minutes, seconds, plus the functionality of a stopwatch, alarm, second time zone, and even a perpetual calendar that requires no resetting until the year 2100. And although you may be long gone by then, it’s nice to have that going for you. A full charge should give you six months of power reserve, and you’ll probably never have to worry about it running out if you leave the watch on a windowsill periodically.

The strap

This sea monster sports a blue silicone strap that coordinates nicely with the colour on the bezel. It’s high-quality, with ribbed texture near the lugs offering a bit of give, and a reassuringly solid buckle. The strap keeper is also quite solid, as it’s made from vented stainless, and you might find it a bit unforgiving against your wrist. Luckily, the 22mm lug width means you have near-infinite options should you decide to switch things up. I recommend seeking out something in vulcanised Italian rubber.

The verdict

Seiko’s no stranger to special editions, and this colourway represents one of their most attractive in recent memory. Which one you choose depends on whether you’re a fan of traditional mechanical timepieces, or prefer the grab-and-go convenience of a solar-powered quartz. Aesthetics come into play, too, and while I’m a huge fan of the Turtle, there’s no denying the action-star presence of the Arnie. The cool, oceanic colours of both models absolutely transport the wearer to a relaxed, tropical state of mind, even if your diving is of the desk variety. But it doesn’t hurt to dream, does it?

Seiko Prospex Solar Duo Diver SNJ039P pricing and availability:

The Seiko Prospex Solar Duo Diver SNJ039P is available now, priced at AU$825.

Brand	Seiko
Model	Prospex Solar Duo Diver (“Arnie”) SNJ039P
Case Dimensions	47.8mm (D) x 13.8mm (T) x 50.5mm (L2L)
Case Material	Stainless steel, plastic shroud
Water Resistance	200m
Dial	Black
Crystal(s)	Hardlex
Strap	Blue rubber
Lug Width	22mm
Movement	H851, solar-powered quartz, analogue/digital display
Power Reserve	6 months on a full charge
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, alarm, second time zone, perpetual calendar
Availability	Now
Price	AU$825