Under the Hardlex crystal, the dial is different too: it is a slightly glossy, metallic silver with more traditional, round indices. The overall impression is that of a more elegant, more relaxed diver when compared to the brutalist – though still very likable – front of the Samurai. Lume should be excellent on both pieces, as they come with Seiko’s Lumi-ohmygoditstoobright-Brite luminescent material applied on the hands and indices. On this SRPD01K1 you also get a day next to the date at three o’clock along with a more orange central seconds hand.

Ticking under the dial is the Seiko Caliber 4R36 that has the same basic specs as the 4R35, with 3Hz operating frequency, power reserve of at least 41 hours, automatic winding, oh, and both watches come with an anti-magnetic rating of 4,800 A/m – to give you a better idea, a Rolex Milgauss is rated to 1,000 Gauss resistance which is equal to about 79,577 A/m. In other words, there is some resistance to magnetism in these affordable Seikos.

There are numerous smaller and larger differences between the two pieces, making for two distinctly different spins on the same basic idea. Last but not least, the Turtle comes with a 5-link bracelet – with narrow, polished links in between the larger, brushed pieces – adding that final touch of refinement to set it yet further apart from its technical Samurai brother. The Turtle & the Samurai – could this be a traditional Japanese children’s tale?

Price for the Seiko Prospex “Dawn Grey” Turtle SRPD01K1 is €530.

These 2*2,018 pieces will certainly see no hardship finding loving homes, because they come at highly affordable prices and with distinct, cool, likable and wearable looks. I just hope that sometime during the next thousand years Seiko will see about engineering a stronger mainspring and a higher operating frequency into its more affordable watches, like these.

Availability for the Seiko Prospex “Dawn Grey” Turtle SRPD01K1 & Samurai SRPD03K1 Europe-Only Limited Editions is pretty immediate as some Seiko dealers in Europe already have a few pieces in stock while some others that I have spoken with will receive theirs next week. Note that this is the first Seiko limited edition that is not simply for Europe, but the first that is for Europe and will not be available in Japan at all.

Now’s the time for a shout-out to the local Seiko Boutique in Budapest who kindly supplied me with the high-resolution images. Find out more about these watches on your local Seiko website whenever they get updated via the main Seiko page here.