Seiko Samurai vs Seiko Turtle – Comparing in 2024

Interested to know how the Seiko Samurai vs Seiko Turtle compares in 2024?

we cover all your questions and more in this article.

The Seiko Samurai and the Seiko Turtle aren’t precisely the same.

They’re different in several ways and one is easily distinguishable from the other.

The most noticeable thing they have in common is the high water-resistance rating, which is reasonable since both models belong to Seiko’s line of diver watches.

Still, these two mid-range watches are often compared because they both belong to the same dive watch family of Seiko.

If you’re looking for a more upscale, functional, and eye-catching timepiece that won’t break the bank, you can decide which of the Samurai or the Turtle suits your taste.

The Seiko Samurai

seiko samurai product photo

After appearing in 2004 in limited quantities, the Seiko Samurai disappeared from the brands catalog for almost a decade.

The Prospex Samurai reappeared under the Lagoon Limited Edition banner, and the model easily sold out in a matter of days.

Seeing the high demand for the model, Seiko reproduced the model and the Samurai is now back for good.

The Seiko Samurai is known for having one of the best quality-to-value ratios.

The material, design, quality, and functionality justify its sub-$500 pricing.

The sports watch is available in 4 variants, each featuring a different combination of dial and bezel colors and strap materials.

Pros:

  • Slightly smaller and thinner case compared to the Seiko Turtle
  • Sleeker and more versatile design
  • Excellent lume brightness
  • The bezel and dial are available in different color options
  • High water-resistance rating

Cons:

  • Large case not suitable for thin wrists
  • Small date window
  • Oversized crown

The Seiko Turtle

The Seiko Turtle first made its appearance back in 1976 with a 150-meter water-resistance rating.

Even then, the unusual shape of the watch easily attracted attention.

Despite being heavy, the watch’s shape made it very comfortable to wear all day long.
The Seiko Turtle is known for its cushion case that looks like the shell of a turtle.

It’s an example of how quirkiness can make a watch stand out, but not so much that people will think it looks outrageous and ugly.

Seiko Turtle product image

Seiko Turtle variants differ in the colors of the case, dial, bezel, and band.

Other than that, everything else is the same, including all the functions and features of the watch.

Pros:

  • Has a day-date complication
  • More color variety compared to the Samurai
  • Excellent lume brightness
  • High water-resistance rating

Cons:

  • Large case is not for those with thin wrists
  • Crown is placed at an awkward position
  • Oversized crown

Comparing Seiko Samurai vs. Turtle

To avoid confusion, we’ll be comparing the Turtle SRP773 and the Samurai SRPB51 models.

Case

The Samurai measures almost 44mm wide and 12mm thick.

The Turtle, on the other hand, is a bit bigger with its 45mm wide and 13.5mm thick case.

Both watches have a brushed stainless steel case and case back.

Seiko is known for making thick and chunky diver watches.

The watches aren’t heavy and annoying to wear though, so their sizes are acceptable.

The case of the Turtle has a cushion style reflective of its retro theme.

It got its nickname from the case’s shape which is like the shell of a turtle.

Crown

The Turtle’s crown is located at the 4 o’clock position, while that of the Samurai is on the usual 3 o’clock position.

Both models have oversized crowns with fine teeth for easier grip and crown guards for protection.

Bezel

The bi-colored bezel of both the Turtle and the Samurai features a 120-click, unidirectional rotation.

The 12 o’clock to the 3 o’clock position has a different color than the rest of the bezel.

This is useful for divers to mark the first 15 minutes of the watch which is important in keeping track of oxygen levels.

Both the bezels are made of stainless steel and have a ribbed edge for easier grip.

The bezel of both watches has a combination of Arabic and index minute markers.

At the 12 o’clock position, you’ll find a triangular luminous pip.

Dial

The Seiko Samurai’s hands are shaped like a sword and arrow, befitting the name of the model.

The hands are a bit oversized, but their modern look makes the watch look cool and relevant.

The hands of the Samurai and the Turtle have a highly luminescent coating that makes the time visible even from a distance of at least 25cm away.

The hands of the Turtle are a bit different.

It has a syringe-like hour hand and an oversized arrow for a minute hand.

The Samurai’s dial has a date window and luminescent index hour markers.

The Turtle also has index hour markers, but it has a day-date window which is better than what the Samurai has.

Movement

The Seiko Samurai uses a 23-jewel 4R35 movement with a date complication.

The Seiko Turtle, on the other hand, has a 24-jewel 4R36 movement which has a day-date complication.

Both watches have a 21,600 beats per hour caliber that make the second hand do a sweeping movement.

Both movements pack a 41-hour power reserve capacity.

In terms of accuracy, both the Seiko models have a -35/+45 seconds per day adjustment.

Seiko Strap

Both the Turtle and the Samurai have two strap options: stainless steel or rubber.

The stainless steel band has a deployment clasp and a safety flap.

It has a micro-adjustment feature for a better fit.

The rubber strap, on the other hand, is perfect for sporty activities.

It makes the watch lighter to wear and more comfortable to use in diving, swimming, and similar functions.

Water Resistance

Both the Turtle and the Samurai have a 200-meter water resistance rating.

These watches are designed as diver watches, so they also pass ISO 6425 standards.

Price

The Seiko Samurai costs around $335 to $500.

The Seiko Turtle is slightly cheaper, starting from as low as $300 to as high as $600.

 

In a nutshell

The Seiko Samurai’s sleek design is suited for the everyday warrior who needs a versatile, durable, and functional watch.

The Seiko Turtle’s unique look, on the other hand, is more suited for professional divers who need a reliable and affordable dive watch.
If you favor a day-date complication in exchange for a larger case, the Seiko Turtle is the right choice here.

But if you prefer a sleeker watch in exchange for having only a date complication, the Seiko Samurai is the better option.

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