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The Seiko Turtle
A Week On My Wrist Review
Ian Roth
September 17, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Sponsored by
Good Morning Watch Nerds!
The Laughter Collection sent me a watch to wear for a week. Today’s watch is a review of the Seiko Turtle from 1983. Here’s what we’re talking about:
Test Drive
My personal review from wearing this watchHistory
The Turtle’s cool historyOwn The Watch
Buy this watch today
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WATCH TEST DRIVE
I love wearing and testing new watches. Not “new” as in brand new, but new to me. Thanks again to Seth and the Laughter Collection for sending me this watch to test drive and write a review.
Wearing to work
Seiko 6309-7049 (1983)
Today’s watch is a Seiko Turtle (6309-7049) from 1983. It’s classic. Iconic. It’s so cool to wear a watch that is older than me and think of its history. This watch got its name, “The Turtle” for its unique case shape. Like turtle shells this watch has a rounded bottom which makes it unique and feel slimmer on the wrist
This was a pleasure to wear. Let’s get into it.
First Impressions
This is a hardy watch. Picking it up and feeling it gives you the impression that it can take whatever you throw at it. The black dial with matching bezel make it go with almost any outfit.
Wearability
It’s a big watch. At 45 mm, this is the largest size that I could reasonably wear on my 7 inch wrist. Even though it’s big, the Turtle felt good to wear. It was comfortable and still slid under my sleeve. The strap is from Uncle Straps and is incredible. This strap is actually a period-correct strap, and is pretty much identical to what would have been on this in the late 1970s/early 80s. Very comfy and easy to forget to take it off.
After a workout/pool session
Performance
The watch was accurate to within a few seconds each day. It’s an automatic watch, meaning it’s powered by your body’s movement (no batteries). The power reserve lasted at least 24 hours, though I wore it constantly so did not test it past that. I had no fear of getting this thing wet. I wore it in the pool and shower and it lived up to its Turtle name. Because all turtles must live in the water, I think?
Design & Aesthetics
This thing is vintage AF. And I love it. Every time I looked at it I felt like I went back in time to the late 70s/early 80s. That being said, it can still pull off the contemporary dive watch look. The black on black makes this versatile and its build lets you wear it to work the the gym.
Features & Functions
Without getting into the nerdy details, here’s some info:
Seiko caliber 6309A automatic movement
Case Width: 43.82
Case Width w/ Crown: 47.86
Case Length w/ Lugs: 45.03
Case Height w/ Crystal: 13.57
Water Resistance: 150 m
Day and date complications
Final Verdict
This is a great watch, especially for those who are looking for their first automatic watch. The Seiko Turtle has a cool history (more about that later), is “newb-proof” yet sophisticated enough for a seasoned collector. A great watch to wear every day.
Own The Watch?
✔️ I would own and wear this thing daily.
THE STORY
The Seiko 6309 "Turtle"
The Seiko 6309 "Turtle" dive watch holds a special place in horological history. Released in 1976, it began with the Seiko 6306-7000/1, a model intended primarily for the Japanese market. Known for its 150-meter water resistance, this watch was a solid choice for recreational divers or anyone seeking a rugged everyday timepiece. Its 6306A in-house caliber and 60-click bezel were standout features, and the English/Kanji day-date wheel became a beloved detail among enthusiasts.
Seiko soon followed with a global version, the 6309-7040/9, which was almost identical to the 6306, except for the lack of a hacking movement (stopping the seconds hand when setting the time). Both versions boasted the same durability and performance that made the Seiko Turtle so desirable.
In the 1980s, the Seiko 6309 gained even more attention, with two notable case variations: the 6309-7049 (cushion-cased) and the slimmer 6309-7290, also known as the "Slim Turtle." The latter, introduced in 1982, marked a departure from the traditional Turtle design with its angular case and became a sought-after collectible despite its short production run.
The Seiko 6309 was more than just a reliable dive watch; it became a cultural icon. It appeared in the 1981 film The Abyss on the wrist of Ed Harris and was even worn by Mick Jagger, demonstrating its appeal beyond the diving world.
Nothing more vintage than a hairy guy with short shorts
The legacy of the Seiko 6309 didn’t end with its discontinuation. It laid the foundation for future Seiko dive watches, including the immensely popular SKX007 series, cementing its place in Seiko’s rich history.
In The Movies
You got that right. Captain Willard, played by Martin Sheen wore a similar Seiko watch in the 1979 movie, Apocalypse Now. In fact, there is a version of this watch called the Seiko Willard. Read more about it here.
OWN THE WATCH
The bottom line is…
that this is a great watch. It has a fascinating history and after wearing it every day for over a week, I recommend buying this watch. It’s great for a first watch, every day driver or to add to your collection.
Check out the Laughter Collection and tell him that Ian sent you for a discount on this watch… 😉
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