The Return of the Turtle: Seiko Celebrates 145 Years with a Limited-Edition PADI Turtle
There’s plenty to celebrate: 145 years of Seiko, 60 years of PADI, and ten years of partnership between the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and Seiko Prospex.
That’s reason enough for the Japanese watch brand Seiko to make a comeback with a new limited edition of its iconic “Turtle” diver’s watch in a striking design. Featuring the PADI anniversary colors of blue and red, it lets you experience the connection to the underwater world firsthand.
A Diving Watch with Cult Status
Incidentally, the name “Turtle” didn’t come from Seiko itself, but from the fans. Viewed from above, the cushion-shaped, rounded case resembles a turtle shell. That’s how the nickname “Turtle” became established as early as the 1970s.
The first “Turtle” was released in 1976 and was designed as a rugged and affordable diver’s watch. Even back then, it featured an automatic movement, a screw-down crown at the 4 o’clock position, water resistance up to 15 bar, and excellent readability underwater. To this day, watch enthusiasts and divers particularly appreciate the “Turtle’s” attractive value for money; for many, it ranks among the best mechanical dive watches in its price range.
Since 2016, Seiko has reintroduced the “Turtle” as part of the Prospex collection and regularly releases special editions in collaboration with the PADI diving organization.
Anniversary model in PADI colors
The “Automatic Diver’s PADI 60th & Seiko 10th Anniversary Partnership Limited Edition” celebrates the ten-year partnership between Seiko and PADI. The anniversary model features a 45-millimeter stainless steel case water-resistant to 20 bar and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert.
Inside, the watch is powered by the Caliber 4R36 automatic movement, which offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The blue dial, featuring a globe motif, incorporates the iconic PADI logo. The watch comes in an exclusive collector’s box.
Case: Stainless steel, 45 x 13.2 mm, unidirectional rotating bezel with ceramic insert Water resistance: 20 bar Movement: Caliber 4R36, automatic winding Power reserve: 41 hours Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day of the week, date Dial: Blue with globe motif (inspired by the PADI logo) Bracelet: Stainless steel Special feature: Limited to 8,000 pieces MSRP: 750 €
10 Years of Seiko x PADI
Seiko and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) have been working together for ten years. The partnership aims to make diving safer, drive new developments in the sport of diving, and raise awareness about ocean conservation.
PADI is the world’s largest scuba diving training organization. Its network includes approximately 6,600 dive centers and resorts, more than 128,000 dive professionals, and over 30 million certified divers worldwide.
