Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Which Should You Get?

Today’s review promises to be a super interesting one. And you can probably already tell from the names of the watches on review. Our review today is on the Seiko Samurai vs Turtle. Pretty interesting names, aren’t they?

Now, these two watches are quite eye-catching, attractive, and super functional. They also belong to Seiko’s line of diver’s watches just like the SKX007, SKX009, and SKX013.

By the way, we have reviews on the SKX007 vs SKX009 and the SKX007 vs SKX013. These are lower priced diver’s watches. So, if the Samurai and Turtle are a little out of reach, you could check out those ones.

So get ready to take a deep dive with us as we check out the similarities and differences between these two watches. We’re confident you’d find the better choice for you at the end.

Table of Contents

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Comparison Overview

The Seiko Samurai and Turtle are an upgrade to the SKX line. And of course, with an upgrade to the watch line also comes an upgrade in price as well. While the SKX watches sell for only about a couple of hundred bucks, the Samurai and Turtle sell for about twice that price.

Is this price increase justified? We will get to that in a bit but first, let us discuss our overall opinion of the features of these watches.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Overall Rating Of Features

One thing we have come to know and respect Seiko for is their ability to produce quality, even at a really low price. They did that with the SKX watches and they have done it again with the Samurai and Turtle watches.

These watches come with an automatic movement, which is expected at this price. They both meet up to all the ISO 6425 standards. Plus, they look really good too.

We also appreciate the fact that these watches come hackable. This was something we didn’t find in the SKX watches. But they are not exactly the same price as these watches so that much is forgivable.

Overall, these are great watches with great features. The only downside would be the crystal which isn’t as scratch-resistant as we’d have liked. But for the price? Seiko gets a huge thumbs up from us. Once again, they’ve knocked the ball right out of the park.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Our Opinion On The Price/Performance Ratio

Seiko has always given us quality at a really small price. They didn’t fail to do so again with both of these watches. The movement is great and hackable. Compared to the workhorse 7s26 movement that was on the SKX watches, this is a much-improved movement.

Accuracy is also another thing. You’re getting watches with accuracies of less than 10 seconds daily. That’s not something you see every day at this price range.

The only gripes with these watches would be their crystal and maybe their size. Other things on these watches are of high quality. So, if the question is whether these watches are worth the money, the answer is a resounding yes!

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Comparison Of Major Specs And Features

 

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

Model SRPB51 SRP773
Movement Seiko 4R15 Automatic Seiko Automatic 4R36
Display Analog Analog
Complications Date Day/Date
Case Stainless steel Stainless steel
Case Diameter 43.8 millimeters 45 millimeters
Case Thickness 12 millimeters 13.4 millimeters
Strap Stainless steel Stainless steel
Strap Thickness 20 millimeters 22 millimeters
Clasp Deployant with safety Deployant with safety
Bezel 120 click One Way Rotating Elapsed Timing Bezel 120 click One Way Rotating Elapsed Timing Bezel
Dial Window Hardlex Hardlex
Water Resistance 200 meters / 656 feet / 20 Atmospheres 200 meters / 656 feet / 20 Atmospheres
Power Reserve 50 hours 41 hours
  Get the Seiko Samurai here! Get the Seiko Turtle here!

Video: Seiko Sumo vs Turtle

This video shows a detailed comparison between the Seiko Sumo vs Turtle dive watches.

Seko Samurai vs Turtle – What Situation Is Each Watch Best For?

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

So who’s the Seiko Samurai for? Well, this watch would suit anyone at all looking for something stylish and cool to rock for all occasions. The design of the watch looks really modern and those sharp edges also add to the looks of the watch as well.  

But it’s not just about the looks right? There are other more important factors we should be looking out for if we’re recommending this watch. That’s true and that’s why we are excited to tell you that this watch passes the ISO 6425 standards. It’s a true dive watch. Water-resistant at 200 meters and is also, in fact, ISO rated.  

And this isn’t just beauty. It’s got brains too. Plus, to make the watch even more available to more people, you find this watch in several other kinds of models. One of them is sure to suit your personal tastes.  

Now, because of how this watch looks, it makes a better choice for casual wear. You can wear this for your everyday job. However, if you have a super formal meeting, then the Seiko Samurai might not be the watch to reach for.
The Seiko Turtle comes in a retro style which makes it a great option if you’re looking to add to your collection of watches. It makes a beautiful collector’s item as much as it makes a great watch.  

That said, just like the Seiko Samurai, the Seiko Turtle also has this casual, sporty feel to it. It’s not really a “formal” “formal” watch. It’s something that looks better for a night out in town kinda shindig.  

Now, especially for the Turtle, we can understand if certain people find the watch sort of bulky. It is quite large. For that reason, therefore, we won’t recommend this watch to people with slender wrists.  

That said, the Seiko Turtle comes in several models which would definitely appeal to all kinds of people.  

Also, just like its sibling, the Seiko Samurai, the Seiko Turtle is ISO rated which makes it a quality dive watch. We recommend it for any professional diver that needs a great dive watch.
Get the Seiko Samurai here! Get the Seiko Turtle here!

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Which Features Do They Have In Common?

Here is a list of the common features between Seiko Samurai vs Turtle:

• Dial
• Unidirectional Rotating Bezels
• Shatter-Proof Hardlex Crystal
• Clock Crown
• Two Strap Options
• Automatic Movement
• Water Resistance
• Dive Ready Watches

Having seen the list of the common features of both Seiko Samurai and Turtle, we will now discuss these features in detail.

Dial

What are the similarities that can be found in the dials of Seiko Samurai and Turtle?

The dials of the Seiko Samurai and Turtle are pretty similar even at face value. These are watches truly designed to be dive watches and you can tell. You’ll better be able to appreciate this when you check through the ISO 6425 standards. These watches meet every one of the specifications.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Unique Features

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

The Seiko Samurai comes in different models and variations. These models have their own unique dial colors as you can find below.  

The Seiko Samurai Blue Lagoon has a blue dial.  

The Seiko Samurai PADI has a black dial.  

The Seiko SRB49 and 52 both have blue dials. There is a slight difference in shade but basically, they are blue dials.  

The SRBP51 and 55 also have black dials.  

Away from the colors and on to the markings on them. Previously, all markers were the same for all the hours on the Seiko Samurai. However, the brand obviously made some changes to the hour markings and we like that. The same makers for all the hours only make the time more difficult to read, especially in the dark, when dive watches are mostly used.  

However, now there are different markers and these markers come in a modern design. These markers may vary from model to model but one thing is sure. The 12, 3, 6, and 9 markers are all different.  

Also, there’s a generous application of Lumibrite lume all over the markers which means that the watch will be a lot easier to read in the dark.
There are many variations of the Seiko Turtle as well. The Seiko Turtle has 7 models. And here are their dial colors.  

The Seiko Turtle SRP777 and SRPC44 both have black/white dials.  

The Seiko Turtle SRP773 and SRP779 both have navy/white dials.  

The Seiko SRP775 comes in black/gold/white.  

The Seiko SRP PADI edition comes in Blue sunburst/white/red.  

Finally, the Seiko Turtle SRPC95 comes in orange/white.  

Now that we’ve settled that, let’s get to other aspects of the dial like the markers.  

Just like on the Seiko Samurai, the markers on the 12-, 3-, 6-, and 9 O’ clock positions are different from other hour markers on the dial.  

The dial also displays the day/date complication written in black text for weekdays, blue for Saturday, and red for Sunday.  

Below the 12 O’clock position, you find the Seiko logo, with “Prospex,” “Automatic,” “DIVER’S 200m,” printed on the 6 O’clock position one after another in descending order.  

Most of these little details mentioned under the Seiko Turtle also apply to the Seiko Samurai as well.

Unidirectional Rotating Bezels

What are Unidirectional rotating bezels?

The unidirectional rotating bezels are features unique to diving watches. They are used to measure diving time effectively and in a handy manner. The bezels rotate only in the anti-clockwise direction. This ensures the safety of the diver even if an accidental manipulation should occur underwater. It always gives a click for each rotation.

As a standard, dive watches always come with unidirectional bezels, and the same applies in the case of the Seiko Samurai and Turtle. They both come with bi-colored unidirectional bezels that are both attractive and functional.

The bezels on the Seiko Samurai and Turtle are quite easy to use and they help you keep track of how much time you’ve been underwater. But is the bezel useless to you if you’re not a diver? Definitely not. The bezel can still be used to keep track of time spent doing other things like chores or similar activities.

See also  Seiko Shogun Vs Sumo – Which Should You Go For?

The bezels of the Seiko Samurai and Turtle are bi-colored. So, typically, they have a different color for the 12 to 3 O’clock section while the rest of the bezel comes in a different color. We like this for the aesthetic appeal they give.

Furthermore, the bezel which is made of stainless steel comes polished with a ribbed outer surface that improves your grip. Its surface is also flat in the Seiko Samurai vs Turtle and lies level and parallel to the crystal.

As for the markers, there’s a large arrow on the bezel which serves as the main marker. Then there are tick lines that mark the minutes and seconds in fives while the small dots count the seconds from 1 to 60. You’ll also find the Arabic numerals which count the seconds/minutes in tens.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Unique Features

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

The Seiko Samurai Blue Lagoon comes with a light blue/dark blue bezel. The Seiko Turtle SRP773 comes with a navy/white bezel.
The Seiko Samurai PADI has a pepsi bezel (i.e. red and blue). The Seiko Turtle SRP775 comes with a black/gold bezel.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB53 has a Pepsi bezel (i.e. red and blue). The Seiko Turtle SRP777 comes with a black/white bezel.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB49 comes with a blue/black bezel. The Seiko Turtle SRP779 comes with a navy/white bezel.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB51 comes with a black/gray bezel.   The Seiko Turtle SRPA21 PADI edition features the pepsi bezel.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB55 comes with a black/gold bezel. The Seiko Turtle SRPC44 comes with a black/gold bezel.  
  The Seiko Turtle SRPC95 features a blue/orange bezel.

Shatter-Proof Hardlex Crystal

What is the Hardlex Crystal?

Hardlex Crystal is the trademark crystal of Seiko watches. It is known to be a mineral glass that has been tempered to intensify its durability. The biggest attraction of the Hardlex crystal is that it is cost-effective and durable. It has a long lifespan and can be easily replaced. It is tough, classy, and affordable.

Just like you have it on the lower-priced Seiko SKX watches, the Seiko Samurai and Turtle both feature Seiko’s scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal. However, this is not the absolute best crystal out there.

Understandably, you might be wondering why you don’t get a better crystal than the SKX. And the difference in price is quite significant. But Seiko seemed to have put all that money into making better bracelets and giving you a better movement.

But what are the implications of this “not-so-good” crystal? The implications aren’t so much of a big whoop. Yes, you’d have to wipe off the face of your watch constantly because the crystal smudges easily. But that’s about it.

The scratch-resistant surface part is also true to some extent. This watch can take a decent level of impact on the crystal without giving away too much, which is a good thing. So, except you have a plan to actually test what the manufacturers have said, your watch will still be fine regardless of incidental impacts.

Clock Crown

How does the Crown in Seiko Samurai Compare With That of Turtle?

The crown in Seiko Samurai and Turtle are the same in almost every feature. The crowns on the Samurai and Turtle are pretty large. But with the crown guards beside them acting as a case, they don’t feel so overwhelming.

The outer surface of the crown is polished. Then by the sides you have fine teeth to support your grip.

The only difference you will notice in their crowns is their positioning. The crown on Seiko Samurai comes at the 3 o’clock position while that of Seiko Turtle is positioned at the 4 o’clock marker.

Altogether, the crown is definitely large in our opinion but did Seiko deliver a perfect execution? Yes, they did.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Unique Features

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

This comes with its crown at the 3 o’clock position. This comes with its crown at the 4 o’clock position.

Two Strap Options

Still, on our Seiko Samurai vs Turtle faceoff, we now take a look at the band options. Again, in this aspect of the watches, we see a similarity. Both watches have two options for their straps. There’s the bracelet and there’s the rubber option as well.

Stainless Steel Bracelet

What are the features of the stainless steel bracelet strap found in Seiko Samurai and Turtle?

The features of the stainless steel bracelet strap in Seiko Samurai and Turtle starts with the clasp. There’s the deployment clasp which forms the closure of the watch. The clasp is easy to use and works perfectly. Also, on the safety flap, you find the “Seiko” label which also adds to the beauty of the watch.

In addition to these features, the bracelets on these two watches also feature a micro-adjustment. Micro adjustments are quite important as they render the watch useful for practically any wearer with any sized wrist. All you have to do is to make the necessary adjustments and you’re golden.

The push-button also makes it easy to use the watch. Making the clasp fast and easy to open.

Silicone Rubber Strap

Now, the rubber strap.

Seiko has always had complaints from its customers when it comes to its rubber straps. But with Seiko Samurai and Turtle, are there any complaints? To see if this was complained about, check out our section on the “General Opinion Among Customers.”

The rubber seems to be of good quality. However, it seems to depict a more casual feel. Which is why most prefer it for diving activity strictly. With the bracelet, on the other hand, the watches immediately transform into less sporty watches and can be used for more serious functions.

Which is the best strap for a dive watch – Silicone Rubber or Stainless Steel Bracelet?

The best type of strap for a dive watch when going diving is the silicone rubber type. It makes the watch sit comfortably on your hand without being obstructive. It blends so well with your body that you won’t even feel that you have a watch on.

However, the stainless steel bracelet improves the aesthetic look of your watch. So, if you are looking for a dive watch that will give you elegance and class, then you should go for the one with a stainless steel bracelet strap.  

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Common Features

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

The Seiko Samurai Blue Lagoon comes with a stainless steel bracelet. The Seiko Turtle SRP773 comes with a stainless steel bracelet.
The Seiko Samurai PADI has a stainless steel bracelet. The Seiko Turtle SRP775 comes with a stainless steel bracelet.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB53 has a silicone rubber strap. The Seiko Turtle SRP777 comes with a silicone rubber strap.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB49 comes with a stainless steel bracelet. The Seiko Turtle SRP779 comes with a silicone rubber strap.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB51 comes with a stainless steel bracelet.   The Seiko Turtle SRPA21 PADI edition features the stainless steel bracelet.
The Seiko Samurai SRPB55 comes with a silicone rubber strap.   The Seiko Turtle SRPC44 comes with a silicone rubber strap.
  The Seiko Turtle SRPC65 features a stainless steel bracelet.

Automatic Movement

How do the Seiko Samurai and Turtle movements work

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The Seiko Samurai and Turtle both use automatic movements. Their movements both beat at 21,600 beats per hour. which means that they beat at 6 beats per second. In essence, second-hand moves 6 times every second, which makes the sweep smooth and accurate.

Also, they both have a 41-hour power reserve. This means that when the watch is fully charged, it can stay for up to 41 hours in your drawer without needing a recharge. While this is a big advantage, you want to keep in mind that the lower the charge on the watch, the more inaccurate the timekeeping becomes.

The only difference that can be seen in their movements is the complication. Seiko Samurai’s movement only displays the date, while Turtle displays both date and day. However, both movements are excellent.

How can you regulate the movement of your watch?

The movement of your watch can be regulated in two ways. It is either you do it yourself or you take it to a local watch shop. It is quite easy to do.

However, to ensure that you don’t tamper with the ISO certification on your watch, it’s always best to have a professional regulate your watch for you. You don’t want your watch to lose its water-resistance due to a fault of yours.

Furthermore, hacking is one issue we’ve had with lower-priced Seiko models. But the movements of the Seiko Samurai and Turtle are both hackable. This means when you pull the crown full out, the second-hand stops ticking and you can set the time precisely down to the second.

What does it mean for a watch to be hackable?

A watch is said to be hackable when it is possible for you to set the seconds hand. Some watches’ mechanism do not allow you to set the seconds hand. You can only set the hour and minute hands. But with a watch that has a hackable mechanism, all three hands can be set, down to the last second of the refference timepiece.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Unique Features

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

The Seiko Samurai uses the 4R35 which we have established bears a strong resemblance to the Turtle’s 4R36.  

The main differences between both movements are these:   One, the 4R35 only has a date display while the 4R36 has both the day/date complication.  

Also, the 4R35 has 23 jewels which help to reduce friction thereby ensuring accurate movements of all hands in the watch.  

We weren’t able to get Seiko’s publication on the accuracy of the 4R35. However, we were able to get that of the 4R36. Check the next column.
The Seiko Turtle is the 4R36 movement and we have seen the areas where it differs from the 4R35.  

First, it comes with both the day and date complication.   And then another difference is that it comes with 24 jewels which is one jewel more than those of the Seiko Samurai.  

As for the accuracy of the 4R36, Seiko publishes it at -35/+45 seconds per day. However, from what we’ve heard from users, this was truly humble from Seiko. Apparently, this watch has an accuracy of less than 10 seconds!  

That’s how reliable the 4R36 movement is.

Video: Quartz vs Mechanical vs Automatic Watch

This video explains the differences that exist among the three types of watch movement – quartz, mechanical and automatic movements.

Water Resistance

Which Seiko watch has a better water resistance ability: Samurai or Turtle?

The Seiko Samurai and Turtle both score equal points when it comes to their water-resistant abilities. They are both water-resistant down to 200 meters underwater. In fact, the “DIVER’S 200 m” written on the watches is only reserved for watches that meet the ISO 6425 standards.

So, seeing this lettering on both of these watches gives you the peace of mind that you’re investing your money in a real diver’s watch.

Dive Ready Watches

What are dive ready watches and what standard must they meet?

Dive ready watches are those watches that meet all the ISO 6425 standards. Some of the standards that these watches must meet are that they must have stainless steel backs that come screwed down.

Screwing the back down to lock the back of the watch is very important to maintain your watch’s water-resistant abilities. It is also important in ensuring that your watch meets up to the ISO standards. For this reason, we advise that you get your watch to a professional for regulation when the need arises.

Other features that make these watches dive ready are their easy-to-read, unidirectional bezels; as well as their luminescent hands. As per ISO standards, these hands should be visible from 25 centimeters away in pitch blackness.

These two watches fulfill all of these conditions and more.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Features Unique To Each Watch

What Features Are Unique To The Seiko Samurai?

The features unique to the Seiko Samurai are:

  1. 43.8 Millimeter Case
  2. Monster-Like

43.8 Millimeter Case

At roughly 44 millimeters, Seiko Samurai is pretty large and will probably not work for people with smaller wrists. In order to compensate for this, Seiko made the lugs come out steeply tapered and thin. By doing this, the watch thereby feels relatively thinner and less chunky on the wrist, at least for a dive watch.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that Seiko is not known for making slim dive watches. From its Seiko SKX007, SKX009, you will find that Seiko dive watches are known for their chunkiness.

However, even though this watch is pretty large, it still does well in the weight department. It’s not too large to become an inconvenience. Plus, the watch doesn’t slide off to the side of your wrist like most divers with bracelets typically behave (very annoying).

Alright, a little bit about aesthetics now. This case comes carefully brushed except for the part opposite the crown which comes polished.

We will discuss the bezel next. From all we have seen so far, the Seiko Samurai is looking good.

Before we go, we have to discuss the back of the watch as well. The Seiko Samurai and Turtle are both the same in this regard. The back is also stainless steel, of course. And it is sealed using a screw-down method as well.

Monster-Like Hands

The hands on the current Seiko Samurai is a slight upgrade from the previous models we used to see. Those ones featured thick sword-like hands for the hour and minute. That sounds cool and all but we think the current handset in this watch is also really cool as well.

The hands complement the looks of the watch nicely and give the watch a more modern look. Looking at the minute hand, it looks like a narrow rod with a slightly tapering tip. The hour hand also looks like an oversized arrow.

It’s not a consensus on what users feel about the new handset on the Seiko Samurai watches. Some prefer the older look, the others prefer the new look. Whichever you choose though, they both work.

Even more importantly, the hands on this watch are also highly luminescent. So, in the dark, the hands shine really bright and make the watch super easy to read.

Video: Is The Seiko Samurai Too Big?

This video gives an in-depth analysis of the Seiko Samurai watch

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Features Unique To The Seiko Turtle

What Are the Features Unique to The Seiko Turtle?

The features unique to the Seiko Turtle are:

  1. 45 Millimeter Case
  2. The Seiko Turtle Hands

1. 45 Millimeter Case

The case of the Seiko Turtle resembles that of the Seiko Samurai in that it is made from stainless steel. It also has the brushed effect that the Seiko Samurai has with polished sides. However, there are other features it has that makes it somewhat different from the Samurai.

This case is a cushion style case which forms a defining part of its retro theme. In fact, it is called the Seiko Turtle because of how the case reminds you of a turtle’s shell. Pretty creative, right?

Anyway, the case measures 45 millimeters in diameter. This makes the watch a pretty large one. This definitely isn’t something that people with smaller wrists want to be wearing. It’s a big watch for people with big hands. The thickness of 13.3 millimeters also lends further credence to our assertion.

But as we said, it is rather difficult to find a Seiko dive watch that isn’t burly. The only example that comes to mind is the Seiko SKX013. Besides that, most Seiko dive watches typically wear large.

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And now to the back of the case. Of course, to improve water resistance, it’s a screw-down lock. Plus, it is also made of stainless steel. As usual, the back also carries the Seiko tsunami insignia inscribed there for obvious reasons. We love the interesting detail it adds to the already lovely watch.

To the lugs, these are 22 millimeters in width and they blend right into the cushion shape of the case. These lugs also carry holes on them through which the pins that hold the bracelet together pass. This makes it super convenient to swap out the bracelet for another kind of strap altogether.

2. The Seiko Turtle Hands

All the indicator hands on the Seiko Turtle are different from one another. They have different colors. This helps to make it easy to read the time, even in the dark.

Also, the hour hand in Seiko Turtle comes in the shape of a syringe, with the accompanying needle-like tip at the end of the syringe.

The minute hand in Turtle also looks like an arrow with a needle pointer at the tip.

Lastly, the second hand. This looks like a lollipop and often comes in different colors for the pointer and the counterbalance.

In some models, you could even also find a gold or silver applique which further adds some flare to the watch.

Seiko Samurai Vs Turtle – Unique Pros

What Are the Unique Pros of The Seiko Samurai?

The unique pros of the Seiko Samurai are:

• The case is slightly smaller than that of the Seiko Turtle. This makes it possible for more people to use it including people with slender wrists.
• Its color combination is more daring and captivating. This helps it to be more appealing to those that love adventure.

What Are the Unique Pros of the Seiko Turtle?

The unique prose of the Seiko Turtle are:

• 4R36 automatic movement is slightly more advanced than the 4R35 found in the Seiko Samurai watch . It comes with the day/date complication unlike the 4R35 that only comes with the date display.
• The Seiko Turtle has more variations than the Seiko Samurai thereby giving the buyer more options.

Seiko Samurai Vs Turtle – Unique Cons

What Are the Cons Unique to The Seiko Samurai?

The cons unique to the Seiko Samurai are:

• The 4R35 only comes with a date display, unlike the Seiko Turtle’s 4R36 that comes with a day/date complication.
• It has fewer variations when compared to the Seiko Turtle.

What Are the Cons Unique To The Seiko Turtle?

The cons unique to the Seiko Turtle are:

  • The Turtle has a larger case than the Seiko Samurai.
  • Although it is versatile, it has less daring color compared to Samurai.

Seiko Samurai Vs Turtle – Common Pros

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

The Seiko Samurai may be a large watch but we’re really glad about the adjustment feature. With this, you’ll be able to make the watch wearable by more users. Also applies.
Although a dive watch, this watch is actually quite versatile With even more models to explore, this statement also holds true for the Seiko Turtle. Also, the Turtle has more daring colors than the Seiko Samurai. For instance, there’s one model with the orange dial. For people who like to do life boldly, the Seiko Turtle is the better choice.
There are several dial colors to pick from. Also applies here.
An automatic movement is always an advantage, although this only comes with a date display.   Nevertheless, since it’s automatic, you won’t have to wind the watch yourself. The automatic movement of the Seiko Turtle comes with the day/date complication which makes it a tad bit better than that of the Seiko Samurai.
41 hours of power reserve is truly impressive. This means your watch can be in your drawer for more than a day without needing a recharge.
NB though: The watch’s reading will get more inaccurate as the charge reduces.
This also applies to the Seiko Turtle.
This passes the ISO 6425 standards as a dive ready watch. It is water resistant down to 200 meters underwater. Same goes for the Seiko Turtle.
This is a hackable watch which means you’re able to nail down the accuracy of your time setting to the t. Same here.
Its luminescent hands are really bright. So, it’s super easy to see them in the dark. In fact, in this price range, this is one of the brightest lumes you can get. Also applies.
Get the Seiko Samurai here! Get the Seiko Turtle here!

Seiko Samurai Vs Turtle – Common Cons

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

The hardlex crystal is not the best you can possibly get. Although advertised as scratch-resistant, in real life, the crystal is still somewhat prone to scratching. Same here.
This is not a watch for slender wrists even with the adjustment feature. Same here.

Check out these articles for more on watches

What Is my Rolex Worth
How to Set time on a Rolex
Who Wears a Rolex
How to Pair a Smartwatch With an iPhone
How Does Fitbit Track Your Sleep
How Do You Sync Your Titbit

Seiko Samurai Vs Turtle – General Feeling Among Users

Seiko Samurai

Seiko Turtle

The majority of customers had some issues with the bracelet of this watch. It was such a serious issue for most we had to mention it first. The alignment especially was the main issue most had with the watch. We would have written that off as a few exceptions of poor quality control but there were too many complaints to overlook.  

Anyway, that out of the way, we think many customers were impressed by the functionality of the watch. The automatic movement, hacking, and manual winding especially for the price really appealed to most buyers.  

Plus, it might interest you to know that a lot of people still felt the watch looked good despite chaptering misalignment and all.  

Finally, we got a good number of comments on the size as well. This is a large and thick watch and you want to keep that in mind when checking out the watch. If you have slender wrists, maybe you should check something else out.
The Seiko Turtle was received almost the same way as the Seiko Samurai. A lot of people loved the watch obviously. And the price wasn’t too bad either for most people.  

There was also the problem of chapter realignment. However, it’s obviously not as bad as others had it with the Seiko Samurai.  

We got testimonies from customers who just never wanted to take their watches off. It became a daily staple for most and they thoroughly enjoyed their watches.  

Furthermore, watch enthusiasts consider this watch to be an icon. Great lume, fantastic feel on the wrist, all in all, great watch.  

We’re somewhat surprised that we didn’t get as many complaints about size as with the Seiko Samurai. But hey, to each man his own.
Get the Seiko Samurai here! Get the Seiko Turtle here!

Seiko Samurai Vs Turtle – Parting Thoughts

We love these two watches and we feel they are pretty similar except for a few areas which might or might not be a big deal to different people.

For instance, if the day/date complication thing matters to you, the Seiko Turtle might be your go-to. Also, the Seiko Turtle is larger than the Seiko Samurai which might make it more attractive to some kinds of customers over others.

Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – FAQs

Why is it called Seiko Samurai?

The name Seiko Samurai came about because of the sword-shaped hands that were found in the original version of the watch. The name was given to it by some diver watch enthusiasts. 

The Seiko Samurai was first made between 2004 to 2008. They were mainly made of steel. However, the titanium version of it was quite popular with Seikophiles (fans of Seiko watches). 

The Samurai model ran Seiko’s 7s35 and was seen as a tough, practical, and no-nonsense diver’s watch. But the production of the Samurai model ceased in 2008. It was however revived in February 2020 with the introduction of the Blue Lagoon.    

Why is it called Seiko Turtle?

The Seiko Turtle gets its name from the cushion shape of its case. The shape brings to mind the shell shape of the sea animal that it is named after. When you turn the watch over, it has the resemblance of a turtle that is laying on its back. 

The Seiko Turtle diver’s watch is the most popular model among Seiko’s diver’s watch series. It is regarded as one of the classic watches of the Seiko brand. It was first released in 1977. But due to its popularity, it was re-issued in 2006.

Is Seiko a luxury watch brand?

Seiko is a luxury watch brand. It first achieved the status of a luxury watch brand in Japan with the Grand Seiko model. The brand gradually achieved that status with many years of hard work and dedication.

The Grand Seiko is a handmade watch that is carefully crafted to perfection. They spared resources and talent in making sure that the watch meets the very best standard that it could.

However, outside of Japan, the recognition of Seiko as a luxury watch is still at its infancy level. Some people have come to realize the quality and elegance that the Seiko brand has to offer. That acceptance is on the rise rapidly around the world.

Why is Grand Seiko so expensive?

The Grand Seiko is expensive because of the quality of the watch. The Grand Seiko watch is the watch model that launched Seiko into the luxury watches’ categories. Before their introduction into the market, the Seiko watch brand was seen as a good, but modest watchmaker. 

It is also a handmade watch. And handmade watches come with hefty price tags. That is because there are precision and craft involved in making such watches. It is unlike the mass-produced watches that lack such attention to detail.

Moreover, the Grand Seiko watch is produced with durable materials such as platinum and titanium. These are high-quality materials that do not come cheap.

Why is the Seiko SKX watch so popular?

The popularity of the SKX movement stems from how Seiko has been using the movement. It is a historical movement. In the 1970s, many Seiko watches housed the SKX movement. 

The most iconic feature of the Seiko SKX is its historic pedigree. This dates back to the Seiko 6309 model of 1977. It can even be traced further back to the first Seiko diver watch that was made in 1965. 

Another feature that has helped its popularity is that it is quite cheap to service. It has a simple but good movement. Therefore, it is not difficult to service.

Do Seiko watches hold their value?

Seiko watches do hold their value. They are one of the leading watchmakers in the world. Their watches are of high quality and are therefore valued in the market. They also cater to various categories of users.

But when it comes to beauty and elegance, Seiko is not among the recognized brands. Their watches are more pragmatic in their looks than aesthetics. So, the lack of beauty in their watches does not do it any good in making it more valuable.

2 thoughts on “Seiko Samurai vs Turtle – Which Should You Get?”

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