Vintage Seiko “Turtle” watch

on

 Vintage Seiko “Turtle” watches are some of the most beloved Seiko dive watches ever made — both for collectors and for everyday wearers.



Here’s what makes them special:

1. Origins & Nickname

  • The “Turtle” nickname comes from the cushion-shaped case that resembles a turtle’s shell.

  • The first generation was launched in 1976 as the Seiko 6306/6309 series.

  • These were professional-grade dive watches, ISO-certified to 150m (later 200m).

2. Key Vintage Models

  • Seiko 6306-7000 / 6306-7001 (Japan-only, hacking movement, Kanji day wheel) – most collectible.

  • Seiko 6309-7040 / 6309-7049 (worldwide models, produced until 1988) – iconic for their reliability and comfort.

  • All had a 45mm case, rotating bezel, screw-down crown at 4 o’clock, and large luminous markers for legibility underwater.

3. Movement & Build Quality

  • Early models used the 6306 (hacking) and 6309 (non-hacking) automatic movements, famous for durability and easy service.

  • Cases were cushion-shaped stainless steel, very comfortable despite the large size.

4. Cultural Impact

  • They became favorites among divers, adventurers, and even military personnel in the late ’70s and ’80s.

  • Today, they’re seen as the quintessential vintage Seiko diver, alongside the SKX series that followed.

5. Collectibility

  • Well-preserved 6306-7001 models are especially sought after.

  • Collectors look for original dials (with the correct lume patina), hands, bezel inserts, and unpolished cases.

  • Prices for nice examples have risen significantly in recent years.

Comments

Post a Comment