Seiko Turtle Dive Watch

The history of Seiko Diver’s Watches goes back to 1965 with their very first model. From then on Seiko have lead the way in innovation, design technology, materials and style.

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A little history, Seiko 6306-7001 – the original Turtle

In 1976 Seiko released the first of their “cushion cased” or “turtle shell” style diver’s watches. This popular range of dive watch is known as the “Turtle” because of it’s smooth rounded “turtle shell” cushion like case design. Initially released in 1976, the original Turtle (Seiko 6306 & 6309) was in production from 1976 until 1988. At that time both models were driven by an automatic (mechanical self wind) movement. Luckily for us – Seiko appreciated the potential popularity of the model and brought it back with a new 24 jewel Calibre 4R36 movement as shown below.

An original vintage 6306 Dive Watch sold on eBay

Old Turtle versus New Turtle

The main differences between the new Seiko Turtle watches and those from 1978 to 1988 (6306 / 6309) are as follows (2)

• Case depth increased from 13mm to 14mm
• Addition of a softer silicone strap (previously harder rubber)
• The lollipop on the seconds hand was moved from head to tail
• Seiko 6309 – 17 jewel automatic movement – non-winding non-hacking changed to Calibre 4R36 with 24 jewels with hand wind and seconds stop function.

What should you pay for a pre-owned Turtle

With their soft cushion shaped case these watches also featured a recessed crown at the 4 o’clock position and day / date indicators. The vintage 6306-7001 have increased significantly in value recently. A good clean, working, all original 6306 variant will sell for between £900 and £1,200. A nice example of a modern pre-owned Save the Ocean SRPD21 can be bought for under £240

A FULL SET Seiko “Save the Ocean Turtle” as sold on eBay

How about a Steeldive tribute to the Turtle

Customers who admire the general aesthetics of the Seiko Turtle dive watch may also like the Captain Willard homage watch by Steeldive UK. Not a fake – but a respectful and affordable tribute to a 1970’s classic diver’s watch as featured in the Apocalypse Now movie worn by Captain Willard (actor Martin Sheen). It was Martin Sheen’s character wearing the Seiko Turtle that has helped make it such an iconic divers watch.

A Steeldive Captain Willard Turtle tribute as found on eBay

These Turtle watches are just a few from a huge range of Seiko Divers watches for sale including other popular models like the Seiko SKX007, the Seiko Tuna and the Seiko Samurai.