Seiko Prospex Turtle SLA033 Re-creation

cazalea · 2019-03-21T13:34:08Z

Discover the Seiko Prospex Turtle SLA033, a 2019 Baselworld re-creation of the 1970 diver's watch. Features Caliber 8L35, super-hard coating, and 200m water resistance. Limited to 2,500 pieces.

cazalea

WPS member · Seiko forum

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Cazalea introduces the Seiko Prospex Turtle SLA033, a 2019 Baselworld re-creation of the iconic 1970 diver's watch. This post details how Seiko honors the original's functional design and adventurous spirit while integrating modern technology and craftsmanship.

When the original 1970’s Seiko diver’s watch was created, its designers had only one thought in mind; to build a diver’s watch that delivered the reliability, durability, precision and legibility that serious adventurers required. They had no eye to the future reputation of the watch they were building; their focus was on performance, with form following function in every aspect of their work. The case was given a wide, flowing design purely to protect the crown at the 4 o’clock position. Little did they know that a subsequent version of the watch with this same characteristic case design was destined to develop a worldwide following and earn the affectionate and unforgettable nickname of the “turtle”.

Today, this 1970 diver’s watch, the father of the “turtle”, is lovingly re-created in Prospex with a high level of functionality that pays tribute to the determination and skill of the original 1970 team.

A unique profile and a proud history

The uniqueness of the design of the 1970 stemmed largely from the way that the crown, moved to the 4 o’clock position, was protected by the extension of the case around it. The design turned out to be as memorable as it was functional and this 150 meter water resistant diver’s watch rapidly found favor among those who needed a watch of exceptional strength. It was worn by the Japanese adventurer, Naomi Uemura, when he did a solo dog-sled run from Greenland to Alaska, a journey of 12,000 kilometers that took eighteen months.

The new Prospex re-creation of this 1970 diver’s watch is slightly larger than the original but faithful in every other respect to its design. It is, however, completely up-to-date in its technology. It incorporates caliber 8L35 which was specially designed for use in diver’s watches. The case has a super-hard coating and a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and is 200 meter water resistant. The upper surface of the bezel rim is Zaratsu polished to a perfect mirror finish. Presented on a high strength silicone strap, this Prospex timepiece is assembled by hand in the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan.

It is offered as a limited edition of just 2,500 and will be available from July in Seiko Boutiques and leading Seiko retail partners worldwide.

The 1970 Diver’s Re-creation Limited Edition: SLA033

Caliber 8L35

Driving system: Automatic

Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour （8 beats per second）

Power reserve: 50 hours

Number of jewels: 26

Specifications

Stainless steel case with super-hard coating

Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

Screw case back. Screw-down crown

Water resistance: 200m diver’s

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Diameter: 45.0mm, Thickness: 13.0mm

Silicone strap

Pricing

Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €4,350

Limited edition of 2,500

Key Points from the Discussion

The original 6105-81xx is highly regarded, and this reissue addresses the crown's historical weakness, which was not a secure screw-down mechanism.
Despite its 45mm diameter, the SLA033 appears to wear smaller due to short lugs and a bezel that doesn't extend to the case edge, making its 13mm thickness a positive for wearability.
The community expresses anticipation for live pictures and wrist shots from fellow PuristS, eager to see the watch in real-world scenarios.
While a special watch, some question if the limited edition of 2,500 units justifies its steep price point for a non-Grand Seiko model.

The Discussion

reintitan

Mar 21, 2019

And arguably the original 6105-81xx is the vintage Seiko diver most people have affection for. I have the earlier two reissue releases, the SLA017/SBDX019 and SLA025/SBDX007 and I'm planning to add this to the stable. The design is pure Seiko. What people don't realize about the original version is that the crown is its big weakness. It's not a screwdown crown at all. Rather it turns and "locks" in place (and not securely by the way). The crown on the original even has "lock" with an arrow symbo

Boris

Mar 21, 2019

I must admit that, despite the very steep price (for a non Grand Seiko), I like this very much. Wondering about the size and how it wears though: - seems slim at 13mm, which is a big plus for me - 45mm is really big, but then the lugs are really short, so perhaps it wears smaller - visually, it appears smaller than 45mm, probably more like 42mm, as the bezel does not reach the edge of the case Any other feedback / impression? Hope you are well, and enjoying your time in Basel. Boris

Subexplorer

Mar 21, 2019

Your post adds fuel to my desire! Cheers! Abel

renerod

Mar 21, 2019

This is long awaited re-issue of a watch some of us have learned to love and I’m glad with the result. Now let’s hope some Purist friends get one and stay to share wrist shots and live pictures for our enjoyment. Thanks for sharing! René

Bill

Mar 22, 2019

This really is a special watch. The run is "limited" 2500 But to command such a price there need something a little more special. Tempting purchase.

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