Seiko SBDY015 - The 3rd Generation Prospex Turtle 

Initially it was only sold overseas, but it appeared in the Japanese domestic regular lineup from April 2018. It is known by the Seiko community as "Turtle" in Japan and overseas...simply because it shape resembles a sea turtle.

 

* The SBDY015 is the third-generation model of the Seiko 150m diver model. For the previous model, two types of automatic movement were used: for Japanese domestic use (Cal.6306) and for overseas use (Cal.6309). 6306 is a 21 stones movement with a hack seconds, and the 6309 is 17 stones without a hack. Sold in 1976, domestic production was as short as 1979, and 6309 was later manufactured in the form of overseas production until the first half of the 1980s.

 

Fast forward to today, the SBDY015 3rd generation Prospex turtle reproduces the vintage look of a turtle diver; the unique case shape, crown at 4 o'clock, and needle shape. Movement is now upgraded to a 4R36, with hacking and 41 hours of power reserve. The waterproof function has been increased from the original 150m to 200m.

 

There are also changes such as the case size and dial print with the Prospex X mark.

 

Although the one in the photo session is a silicon band version, the one stainless steel strap version is also available in the market. Although it is a little expensive, it is perfect for people who just need a more dressier watch. There is no doubt if it is a genuine product! 

 

 

After wearing the Seiko SBDY015 3rd Generation Prospex Turtle for a couple days, I feel that it is a perfect model for a casual style. There are various color models including limited models and overseas models, so you may find one of your favorite ones.

 

Pros: 

The Seiko SBDY015 3rd Generation Prospex Turtle is a Re-issue model of a historical iconic diver watch from the brand. Most of the features from the original design are brought to the 3rd generation as well.  For an upgrade, the 3rd generation turtle has various limited models and colours to choose from, and you can see how popular it is at home and abroad. Since the spec is also a full-fledged divers model, it is a model that can be used as hard as the original model.

Cons: 

The size is slightly larger than the original.  I prefer the 1st generation a little more because the smaller size seem to fit more comfortably on the wrist, so I wanted it to remain unchanged. In addition, many colors are run up to overseas models, but it is regrettable that they have been narrowed down in Japan.

 

Verdict:

The Seiko SBDY015 Prospex turtle same as the original in color - Black. So this is recommended for those who want a model that is close to a historical model. Many believe that the SBDY015 is better quality compare to oversea model (SRP777J, SRP779J, etc.), but from what I feel, the Seiko company has a very strict quality control that basically screen all defectives before the watches leave the factory, so I believe quality is more or less the same for overseas and JDM version.  By the way, for those who have a smaller wrist, there is a model called mini turtle.