In this video I take a look at two of Seiko's similar 'entry level' divers- the venerable SKX and the bold new Turtle. Please let me know what you think in the comments!
Bought a SRP777......2 Months ago, I was so impressed.....I now also have the 773, and the 779....Awesome watches.....They join my 1977 6309, 1986 7002, SKX009 and SKX 007.......The accuracy of the 4R36 movement is astounding on the new Turtles, none of mine lose more than 2 seconds over a 48 hour period, The SKX,s can only dream of such accuracy. Also, the Hacking and Hand Winding ability of the new boys is a Godsend to me. The SKX,s are icons in Seiko,s line up, and deserve all the praise they receive....But it was time for Seiko to bring new blood into the fold....And the SRP range do not disappoint in any way....Hopefully they will sort out their QC problems with the Chapter ring misalignment's soon.......Overall, the new Turtles are superb....A fitting addition to Seiko,s Diver line up.
You have a very impressive seiko, and I agree with you 100 percent! I'm super impressed with mine. I'm looking forward to getting the new silicon strap for my variant as well. Do you think they will ever reissue any other classics like the 62mas?
If they do Bruce......As well as the 6105.....I,ll be first in the queue, I was bitten by the Seiko bug many moons ago, there is no cure known to man....Apart from a visit from the Grim reaper himself.....Who I believe wears a Seiko too ;)
+MrBacchus18 Haha it makes me think about as a kid laying coins on a railroad track and coming back later to get them after they were flattened by a train. The turtle case looks a little like a 'smooshed' SKX
I just had this inner struggle to make a choice. I already own the skx but i chose to buy the skx009 instead of srp779! skx size and shape is so perfect
Taylor Brost both functions the same. I guess it’s all hype with the made in Japan marking. Lol, I just opted for the skx007j. It isn’t that bad on my 6 3/4 wrist. Originally was going for the turtle, but it looks too big for my wrist. I’m currently looking to buy a “ninja turtle,” though. Still debating because of the size
Great comparison Bruce. I've owned the 007 for about a yr now, and absolutely love it. Just purchased the turtle Padi this past weekend and impatiently waiting for it to arrive 😃
How do you like the Padi? Just ordered mine and waiting on delivery(Christmas present to self!) Own the skx009 but thinking of trading that for a 007 so I have a blue and black diver
Good review, I have the skx007j1 and even though I have other more expensive divers my skx just feels special. I have thought about buying the turtle but the alignments concern me. But I will probably gift it to myself on my next anniversary. It is now 4 years after this review and my skx feels even more special......
I would like to add a comment about 4R36 caliber in My new Turtle. I have had my watch now from new for around 3 months. I wear it every day and I love It. When I received the watch it was keeping good time up until around a week after, then started losing a few seconds a day, which then stayed very consistent in its settled state. I then after this wonderful review decided to calibrate it myself as I live in the UK and it wasn't calibrated for the UK and for the way I wear this watch. My first attempt was a slightly bigger nudge on the main spring tension lever than I wished for and the watch then was gaining 3 mins a day lol. I then with far more of a delicate touch over days and weeks found what I consider to be the perfect adjustment for me. Now during the day it will gain between 1 second to 4 seconds a day, depending on my activities, I'm a builder by trade. And at night I sit it face down whilst I'm a asleep, I wake up check the watch with my preferred atomic clock, and it is back to perfect time, give or take a minus second or 2. then during the day again it catches up and so on. It is in a state of self regulation depending on how I rest it at night. My movement for a mass produced product is far more accurate than my brietling ever has been. I take my hat off and give a bow to Seiko. They certainly know how to create a time piece that keeps amazingly consistent and reliable time. Thank you all 😊 over and out 👍
@@manueljnegrete5048 To each their own preferences! I see where you are coming from, I have an 009 J1 myself and I will never Mod it. But I may want to buy another just to mod it
1st real watch, a gift from Dad in '85, was 009 that seemed SO big, I kept it under sleeve for a long time. Didn't know what I had, didn't know that I loved it until a thief got it. There are several with me, now...007, 009, A35, SUN019. Nice vid, subbed.
Having owned the SKX007 and the SRP777, I'll take the SKX any day of the week. If I want hacking and hand winding, I'll drop a 4r36 in it for $80. Just my 2 cents.
Good video thanks, I'm looking at picking up a Turtle as the natural progression from my 7002 (vintage SKX really). The Turtle will offer me that same tool watch feel but have all the guarantees of water resistance and a really knock out movement in the 4r36. The 775 is such a good colour way, nice to get a bracelet with some presence too.
Amazing video! I was checking out the turtle with my SKX009 as well and couldn't help but compare the 2. On the fence about getting the one in navy right now.
Alignment of the bezel and chapter ring is more the luck of the draw on both models. I don't think you can say that this is better on the SKX. Same with accuracy: pretty similar between both.
Well I have a Seiko 7002 which is the precursor to the skx and mine is 26 years old and still running strong with zero Servicing. I would say get one and take care of it and it will last but I didn't really take care of mine and it's still running strong. If the turtle is as robust then they're both a great Buy
I have a few SKX's and a couple turtles, both styles are awesome but the black and gold turtle just seems to look so much nicer on my wrist. Maybe because I have an affinity to gold on black. And of course, the cushion case.
Great review -- you inspired me to get the Turtle SRP775 too! Just received it and no misaligned bezel! Pretty excited about that. However, those super thick spring bars are too thick to get through the leather band a bought for it, so I had to purchase some aftermarket spring bars.
Enjoyed the comparison Bruce, many thanks. The Turtle's case reminds me of my Vostok. For that reason I doubt I'll be a buyer ... plus I need another 200mtr WR watch like a hole in the head!
Hello Bruce, greetings from Scotland..........great review! I have both SKX's K1s great watches(bulletproof)............ive recently purchased both turtles 777 and 775 (very nice but the 777 dial is misaligned 775 is fine)..........i think my personal preference pound for pound in my collection is the SKXs (apart from straps)
Very cool! Nice seiko collection you have there. I love both but lately my preference has been the turtle. I might try out a strap code bracelet one one soon as they are rolling out straps that fit. Thanks for commenting
Nice comparison. I have to say, those gold accents look good with the black NATO. I have the SKX 009k, and I'm looking to get a new triple 7 turtle J model.
Hey Bruce I just picked up a srp775 yesterday, still waiting for it to ship... awesome review I'm so excited to get it after watching this review. picked it up for a bargain too. $150. . can't go wrong
Julian Chee happened to come across it on eBay with 2 minutes left on the auction. one one other person had bid on it that's why it went for so cheap. received it in the mail 2 days later and it is beautiful! it's used but looks brand new. such a good watch!
nice review. it's a shame all new divers are so gigantic....i would really love the turtle in the 39-40mm range, since my wrist is only 16cm.... And oh, btw, my SKX013 runs at +1 sec/day, which is better than my rolex air king.
+DerpEye For sure there is a large market for a good mid size diver Seiko is not currently taking advantage of. That's very impressive about your 013. Thanks for commenting, cheers!
Hi Bruce, great video I've always had Casio g-shocks for over 30yrs and still have my first Dw-5600c from 1987 and has not missed a beat since I was bought it, I have not had to worry at all about going easy on them abuse wise. I'm thinking of buying an skx or turtle for a change, but are they as tough as g-shocks? Many thanks Nick.
Nice one, Bruce, but not convinced. Have a real soft spot for the SKX and am not a fan of cushion cases. Mvt will sell a lot of watches, but who needs handwinding and hacking? The bulletproof and venerable 7S26 is just another plus for the SKX and one of the reasons yours survived the child torture test, I reckon. Anyway, keep up the great work...
I may be one of the few people who don't mind the OEM jubilee bracelet, but you make a good point. I also have a skx173 that came on a totally different Seiko rubber strap that I love, not the same design (which I was surprised) and even the rubber compound is not the same (very soft and comfortable).
Oh cool, I've seen the SKX173 in store and your right the rubber is a completely different shape and compound. Nicer than the 007/009 one I think. Then again that model has a premium as well. Your right about the chapter ring too. Shouldn't be occurring on a prospex level watch
Nice vid, but you need to discuss the movements, power reserves, reliability, type of crystal, etc., preferably with original bracelet, otherwise, it's basically your opinion of aesthetics. Thanks for the vid!
I've heard both models can suffer from the rehaute misalignment, as well as the crown threads being rough. It's definitely Turtle>SKX in general, but I agree with Bacchus below, drop saphire and a new movement in the SKX and it's a winner. You can get the sapphire aftermarket for both. Good review, thanks.
I was on the verge between these two watches. Honestly I was thinking about the turtle because of the better movement (hacking and hand winding) but the size of the case doesn't cut it for me. I think I'm going to get the skx
My SKX took everything. Till i dropped in on a tile floor. Now it`s bipolar and doesn`t know whether it wants to be slow or fast. BUT i love it so much i`m willing to spend the same as i payed for it to have it fixed.I just hope they CAN fix it. I have the SRP 659J with the 4R36 movement and that watch keeps time like it`s COSC certified,so the Turtle WILL be here one day
Ah man that sucks! If it needs a new movement most repair shops can replace it with a real Seiko movement. Seiko sells them branded as NH. I believe the nh35 is the 4r36. I've had two 4rs and they've been incredibly impressive timekeepers 😊
Bruce Williams I`d be perfectly happy to let the SRP go as a "donor watch" but alot of people say i`ll need a domed crystal to accomodate dials and something with the stem... I don`t know. It sucks either way
Bruce Williams You don`t happen to have a theory on why it`s acting this way? It happened on holiday where it travelled in my suitcase so ofcourse i checked if it was magnetized,but no.
Well if its not magnetized and the timekeeping is erratic I would get it looked at by a watchmaker. I would trust most local places with the SKX as the movement is common and fairly cheap to replace if needed. Just make sure its running outside the normal specs for the watch. Some autos take several weeks on a normal schedule to settle down to an acceptable, predictable variance. But if yours is off by more than -20 to +40 per day I would get it looked at. Could be a number of issues at play. Sorry bro!
Bruce Williams Took it to another watch guy today. THE ROTOR WAS LOSE!! I trust a watch guy to see that a rotor is about to fall off but guy #1 missed that!! Second guy caught it ,adjusted and pressure tested it and althou he did say that the movement ISN`T 100%, more like 98% and it seems to be running good i can live with that for now. But it will get a heart transpant come winter. It deserves some TLC after everything i`ve put it thru....
Yeah it's a head scratcher when you compare it to the sumo which easily goes for 470 new currently. I do think the price will drop eventually. Especially if the skx ever is discontinued
My black new Sumo cost me $400, what I am sain the Turtle seems little overpriced. I agree with vikingfortiestaeroes, the date complication is important detail for the original SEIKO 6309-7049. Perhaps they should resurrect the legendary Seiko 6105 diver with 6r15 instead :D
Thank you. How do they compare in size wearing? I have small wrists. I have tried de SKX and it fits well (at the upper limit, but still well). I haven't tried the SRP and wonder if it could fit well, being a couple of millimeters larger.
+Bruce Williams I never met a strap I liked. I'm definitely a SS bracelet fan boy. This bracelet looks good but I'm a little meh on stamped deployments vs milled. I get its a price point issue. But I wonder if Strapcode makes a ratcheting bracelet that fits it.
I have the SKX011J orange dial. The only thing I don’t like on it is the gold hands. Only because I find the gold against the orange difficult to see in low light situations. Oh and also the orange dial makes the watch look small. But apart from that I love the thing, especially on a nato strap
Great video and great work! Still considering getting either watch and changing to a NATO strap (leaning towards the Turtle though). What are the strap sizes for the SKX and Turtle?
After 6 weeks of waiting for customs to clear my skx007k2. I have to say it is now my favourite watch. I haven't taken it off my wrist for over a week. It's keeping amazing time. Seiko sun is rising (pun intended) and I always felt they were solid watches. My first seiko was a Quartz 30 some years ago. Still stylish, I had a seiko 5 I sold as it was a smaller case. I have a seiko bellmatic and now the skx. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the vid! I have the MM300 and am considering the turtle as a daily beater. How does the turtle compare with the MM300 in terms of size? Is it slightly smaller in very dimension? The MM300 is probably the largest watch I'd wear on my small wrist. Thanks!
Your welcome. I'd say they compare well. The turtle is lighter and less tall but still retains the presence the mm has. If you can wear the mm you shouldn't have problems with the turtle
The main selling point of the turtle is the lovely cushion case. Looks great on the wrist. The SKX is a fine watch but the design rather dull compared to the turtle.
Change the flat hardlex on the turtle and while there realign the chapter ring. Mine was strait but I changed the hardlex for a double dome myself and it make the watch even better. People often complain about seiko bracelet but the one on my srpa21 is really good solid and lot's of ajustability. I really can't complain about it even compared to some of my 3k plus watch. The seiko clasp works really well too. It doesn't matter much since I almost always change for a zulu or perlon or more recently admiralty straps.
thanx for explaining the diffs between the skx and the turtle. I think the 007/009 just look better; and the turtle proportions are just "off". what really I'd like to see, would be a sxk at 45mm, with the turtle upgrades. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.
+Bruce Williams Took a look at the Sumo. Seiko makes a good looking watch for the money. I think the SKX looks a little more hardcore. I'm just jaded. (check out pix of that 009 on a blue-red-blue Nato)
+Michael Powell The sumo is a fantastic watch! I used to have one a couple years ago. I think the best value for money at 400. The case finishing is incredible for the price. The skx certainly looks more tool like imo.
+Bruce. I got the 031 Sumo last week. It's on a NATO (new Bond). This is sick. It looks like a SPECTRE Omega... at 10 percent the cost. Thanx for the recommendation.
Hey, I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but you can fix the alignment on your turtle. Take off the bezel, then the bezel insert, put the bezel back on and align the insert again. It looks like the chapter ring is aligned well which makes the fix that much easier.
Thanks Tanner, your definitely right. The bezel is what is most off. The chapter ring although hard to tell in the video is also slightly off. I've considered getting it adjusted. The turtle is a great watch, very fun to wear.
the "bazel case" of my skx007 vs srp777 is totally the opposite what you are presenting- sweet lord what the quality controll at seiko;) . the bezel action is as smoth as in 5k $ watch;) on turtle also the finish of the bezel is better while skx action was very hard to execute and skx007 had missaligment markers :) so now i own the srp77 ane hunting for good one 009 this time;)
I just ordered a SRP777 from Creationwatches. I spoke to them and they are making sure that I get a watch that is fully aligned. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for your video.
Great video Bruce. I'm just wondering if the turtle is nudging a bit into Sumo territory. For not much extra over the turtle, you're getting a substantially better movement, perhaps a nicer dial and a rarer watch (eventually!). I don't think I'll be swapping mine ...
Good point Ian. I've owned both. I can say from experience the case finishing is nicer on the sumo. I certainly prefer the 6r15, it is a better movement. I find the bracelets pretty comparable. The sumo is the best bang for buck diver sub $500, and hard to beat. I think over the next year the turtle will settle down in price creating a clear price gap with the sumo
Also have skx and wanted to buy gold accents turtle but worry about size. I have small wrist and my skx is almost the same lug to lug size as my wrist top view profile. Do you feel size difference between them? In your review the turtle looks almost same. Already visited my local mall few times just to check if JC or Dillars have them but no success.
The lug to lug is similar but the width difference is noticeable. I would say if the SKX is the limit of the size you can comfortably wear I wouldn't go for the turtle as it does feel and look a bit larger
I have both and there are really no misalignments on either of them. I feel really lucky now, seeing how on every video review people tend to have a seiko with some misaligned bezel/chapter ring. Also i have to say that on my turtle the bezel feels a lot nicer to turn than on the skx overall the turtle feels much higher quality piece
I have both the same watches! But on my skx009 is still on the default rubber strap. Should I get a black nato strap or James bond grey black nato strap? Hope to hear from you!
Hi Bruce, I presently got the SRP777 Turtle. Your vid helped me in someway choosing the SKX009 over the Orient Blue Ray II. Am just a bit in a bind regarding the hackable seconds hand of the Orient Blue Ray II which the SKX009 doesn't have. What's your advice on me regarding that matter. Thanks and more power! :-)
Congrats man, great choice on the 777! I would say get the Ray II as its more different from the Turtle than the SKX is. That being said I love my 009 and don't mind having only one watch that doesn't hack or hand-wind. Cheers!
hi bruce very entertaining vid once again :) quick questions i recently discovered seiko samurai. and the case fascinates me alot! but they discontinue it now and i most likely want a brand new one. the question is do you know a similar watch case with the samurai any brand would be pretty much ok as long as its descent enough i just like the case on samurai. thanks ! :)
Thanks, I appreciate that. That seems to be the case sometimes. I fall in love with a discontinued or rate watch. It's not exact but in my mind I think the Seiko 'shogun' comes closest in overall case shape
A g shock is a great beater- so is the SKX and the MM300. 3 different prices but all solid reliable watches that can take a beating and look better with age.
My Turtle arrived on Friday and has been on my wrist all weekend, I'm so happy with it. As far as justifying them I have three modded SKX's and am thinking of getting a custom PVD job done to a forth, one can never have too many :) Great little watch tester you have there too, has she tried this with your MM300 yet?
Your right, never too many SKX, a pvd coated one sounds sweet, I think I've yet to see that mod. Glad your enjoying your turtle too. Lol! And no I haven't let my girl toss my mm down the stairs. Maybe someday if it's got a bunch of nicks/scratches. Trying to keep the case finishing a sharp as possible for as long as I can. 😊
He's pretty cavalier about the SKX--about not being afraid to beat on it, etc. It's still a $200 watch which is a lot of money for many ppl. Also, what do u do when the hardlex gets a scratch?
well said bruce. the world is full of knockers. i think your reviews are great, as do most i'm sure, so just keep them coming brother. forget the nay sayers. like you say, they either need to put up or shut up.
+Luc Albert Thanks! I use a cheap one I either got off ebay or was included when I bought some aftermarket straps. I cant quite remember. I have a few of them floating around. You can get some decent ones for less than 10 bucks
+Luc Albert haha well let me know if you get one how you like it. I'd love a nice watch tool set- I just always end up spending my extra money on the watches haha
+Bruce Williams it depends on the tool I guess. I will do some research first. I rather pay a bit more if I know the tool will last me a long time. I've read that some of the cheapo ones aren't durable.
Since you asked, i think the SKX is much better looking. the turtle shape is just unnecessary. sure the movement is better, but as long as I'm wearing the SKX, which should arrive to me soon (till then i continue wearing my orange Mako, which is also a great watch) the movement week term the time admirably. the SKX is tough, ISO certified and just plain perfectly executed. the turtle looks weird, might be too big for many people and is more expensive. I may still eventually own an SRP777 or maybe a 6309, but i think the SKX is truly the best deal out there
What's with the spring bar tool? drilled lugs means you twist a paper clip, push it through the lug and pop goes the spring bar. Plus there's no way you'll get that bracelet off with a spring bar tool
+George Floros I have a cheap watch tool kit, as well as spring bar tools I've been gifted with strap purchases over the years. So I just use them. I'm sure a paper clip would do the trick. I just find using the tools convenient.
Now I'm wishing that I had held off on getting an SKX and instead got the Turtle. I'm really big on the hand winding feature, and also it looks closer to the Vietnam-era Seiko's, which are kind of my dream watches.
I've been there before. Bought a watch then the brand comes out with something a like a lot more! Haha not a fun situation. I'm a big fan of both but admittedly like the retro styling with the hacking and hand winding features
I've been there before. Bought a watch then the brand comes out with something a like a lot more! Haha not a fun situation. I'm a big fan of both but admittedly like the retro styling with the hacking and hand winding features
Bruce Williams Indeed. I've been considering selling my SKX and buying a black turtleback and a pepsi mako, but I've grown quite fond of it. I know that if I got the turtleback, I'd end up either wearing only that or the SKX and neglecting the other. I think I'll wait until they reissue the 6105, the turtleback diver that I really want.
That would make sense, especially since the 6105 doesn't have a day complication. Still, I would not mind it having a lesser hacking/hand-winding movement, especially if it would make it cheaper.
I never really liked classic seikos, but I love Monster style. I could choose between srp775 and srp637, I got 637, it was also 70 euros cheaper and looks way better in my opinion.
I am always impressed with the 4r36. Everyone I have ever tried has been incredibly accurate within cosc. Sometimes they settle a bit but never over +8
Aesthetically the SKX has a more universal design and better shape/size. I like that the seiko logo on the SKX is smaller than the Turtle, which makes it somewhat more subtle and not too in your face. SKX is more iconic and has a larger cult following. Browse #skx007 on instagram and you can easily see the SKX is wayyy more popular.
I believe there are only minor differences like the small wording below the 6 position on the dial. The J version should say 'made in japan' instead of 'japan' I think there might be differences in the secondary date wheel. I love my K version.
My skx came few days ago! It's nice and beautiful watch, but has some imperfections and crown action is terrible. The most interesting thing is despite these facts I love it!
