The Seiko Prospex Turtle Mini 200M Automatic Black - Bracelet - Ref. SRPC35J1 is the latest addition to the "turtle" collection and in an all new case and size. Known as the turtle mini or mini turtle among the Seiko enthusiasts, this has a uncanny resemblance to the Turtles only in a smaller size of 42.3mm. But this isn’t just a scaled down version of the Turtles but a fresh reinterpretation of the SRP collection. An evolution is how we will put it. The longer you look at this new collection, the more you realize it’s more than its bigger brother.

Prospex Turtle Mini 200M Automatic Black - Bracelet - Ref. SRPC35J1

Prospex for Seiko basically means "Professional Specification" that their timepieces in this category are built with very high standards to be used by professionals. One of the most popular releases in recent years is probably the remake of the Seiko 6309 (circa 1976-1988) commonly known as the turtle. The original 6309 divers are pretty rare given its short 12 years production lifespan. Although there are many exmples in the market, there are less than a dozen that are original. It is no wonder the new Prospex SRPC35J1 are so popular among Seiko and dive watch collectors. With much request since we introduced Seiko JDMs, we decided to bring in the MADE IN JAPAN Mini Turtles, denoted by the "J" in the reference number and the "MADE IN JAPAN" at 6 on the dial.

MADE IN JAPAN with 4R35 automatic movement

The Seiko Prospex Turtle Mini 200M Automatic Black - Bracelet - Ref. SRPC35J1 was released in 2018. The overall look of the Mini Turtle is one of a kind, quirky and unique given its unusual case silhouette. Powered by Seiko's automatic caliber, 4R35, operating at 21,600 BPH (3 Hertzs) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It has 23 jewels with a power reserve of 41 hours.

The 200m water resistant stainless steel case measure 42.3mm case without the crown, but has a lug to lug length of only 42.5mm, and a height of about 13mm, with a lug width of 20mm. The unique case with its short lugs to lugs length means this watch wraps around the wrist of all wrist sizes like a glove making it extremely comfortable. The bezel is aluminum and has large printed markings on it. It rotates buttery smooth into 120 positions has little to no free play in a clockwise direction. Sitting atop of the bezel is Seiko’s Hardlex with a date magnifier.

Mixture of case finishing for a premium feel

Mixture of satin brush and Seiko high polishing on the sides can be seen on the whole watch, giving it a somewhat premium feel. The screw down crown at three o'clock is a breeze when it comes to time setting. Moving to the back of the watch, the screw down case back allows 200m water resistant , and is also polished, featuring the recognizable tsunami emblem that is staple on the other Seiko divers. The case does comes with lug holes allowing swapping of straps with ease.

The matte black dial stays true to the watch it pays homage to with with many of the classic cues. The indices are largely the same, as are the classic Seiko hour and minutes hands. The hour markers and hands are both generously coated with Seiko's LumiBrite allowing it to glow brightly in the dark for hours.

Seiko's LumiBrite

The Prospex Turtle Mini 200M Automatic Black - Bracelet - Ref. SRPC35J1 comes with a Seiko stainless steel strap.

The Prospex Turtle Mini 200M Automatic Black - Bracelet - Ref. SRPC35J1 is an exciting new addition to the Prospex line with a completely new case and shape. Certainly to win over many hearts of dive watch lovers. And one we are certain that will find itself into many dive watch collection. Or if you are simply looking for your first dive watch and want something that is comfortably sized and not intrusive.