DQSIS
Dimitrios Kiousis
Life 2.0 · Experiments
Seiko Prospex
The Turtle
Few watches have earned a nickname as affectionately as the Seiko Turtle. Nearly five decades of cushion-cased, water-resistant history — from the ocean floor to the wrist of everyday enthusiasts.
A History
62MAS · The Beginning
Seiko launches its first professional diver, the 62MAS, rated to 150m. It sets the foundation for all Seiko dive watches to come — a commitment to tool-watch precision at an accessible price.
6159-7001 · 600m Professional
Seiko pushes into professional territory with a 600m-rated diver used on the Kon-Tiki Trans-Pacific expedition. A landmark for the brand's engineering credibility.
6309-7040 · The Original Turtle
The watch that started it all. The 6309 introduces the distinctive cushion-shaped case — wider at the lugs, rounder at the sides — that earns it the "Turtle" nickname among collectors. Water resistant to 150m, powered by the reliable 6309 movement. It becomes one of the most beloved Seiko divers ever made.
6309-729x · Variants
New dial variants of the 6309 appear, including the iconic black dial / golden indices combination. The Turtle's cult following grows quietly through the 1980s.
7002-7000 · The Successor
The 7002 takes over from the 6309, retaining the cushion case and 150m rating. Casually referred to as the "Baby Turtle" by some collectors, it carries the lineage into the 1990s.
Discontinuation
Seiko quietly discontinues the cushion-case diver line. The original Turtles move to the secondhand market, where they gain a devoted following among collectors who prize their robust simplicity.
SRP777 / SRP779 · The Return
After 20 years, Seiko brings back the Turtle under the Prospex banner. The modern reissue is faithful to the original silhouette — same cushion case, same spirit — but updated with the automatic 4R36 movement (hand-winding and hacking), 200m water resistance, and Lumibrite lume. The watch community erupts with enthusiasm. Multiple colorways follow rapidly.
SRPC Series · Expanding the Range
Seiko expands the modern Turtle lineup with new dial colors and the SRPC series. Special editions and limited runs make the Turtle one of the most active references in the Prospex collection.
SRPE Series · New Generation
The SRPE generation introduces refreshed colorways and updated finishing. The cushion case remains unchanged — a deliberate nod to the 1976 original. New dial textures and indices variations keep the lineup fresh for a new decade of enthusiasts.
SRPE93K1 · Prospex Turtle
The SRPE93K1 — a deep, commanding black dial with applied indices and Lumibrite fill, housed in the unmistakable cushion case. Powered by the 4R36 automatic movement with 200m water resistance. A direct descendant of the 1976 original, wearing its heritage without making a fuss about it.