Seiko enjoys an unshakeable reputation in the field of diving watches. This brand has significantly influenced this category, including the definition of ISO standards. Despite their affordability, Seiko watches are known for their proven reliability, which unsurprisingly attracted the attention of PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. A few years ago, PADI began collaborating with Seiko, resulting in annual editions based on the brand's coolest diving watches. In 2021, the partnership was renewed, coinciding with Seiko's introduction of a new pair of PADI watches, this time with a slightly altered style. These are the Prospex King Turtle SRPG19K1 and King Samurai SRPG21K1.
For context: over the last fifty years, PADI has become the most trusted diving training organization worldwide. PADI has issued 24 million certifications and has done more than any other organization to introduce the world to diving. In 2016, the association began collaborating with Seiko, resulting in dual-signature watches in a special color scheme reflecting the PADI logo. It started with the PADI Turtle SRPA21 model, followed by many other releases, such as the PADI Samurai SRPB99J1 or PADI Monster SRPE27K1.
All these watches were based on Seiko's most affordable Prospex models, priced at approximately 400-500 euros. They were also based on some of the most iconic models, such as the Turtle, Samurai, Monster, etc. Additionally, most PADI-branded models since the start of the collaboration featured a combination of blue and red accents as a tribute to the PADI logo. There was something very cool about these affordable 'Pepsi-like' models, but things are changing at Seiko, and the two new PADI models are somewhat different.
Firstly, the base watches have been changed. Of course, the roots remain, but Seiko decided to use the King models to create this 2021 collection. Recall that the King Turtle and King Samurai models, introduced last year, are enhanced versions of Seiko's iconic Prospex models, with improved specifications and materials to meet modern standards and higher customer expectations. Secondly, Seiko decided to change the design and classic color codes of their previous PADI releases. There are no more red and blue accents; the 2021 PADI watches are now light blue.
However, don't think the connection with PADI is gone. In fact, even if the colors differ, the textured dial with a relief pattern is even closer to the PADI logo than before, as it uses the same striped globe effect. In metal, as seen in the King Turtle SRPG19K1 and King Samurai SRPG21K1, the result is quite convincing and pleasing to the eye. I would even say that the visual effect is more striking on the Turtle model, as its case is more curved. Regarding the colored accents, the light blue shade is again a nod to PADI, as it is the background color of the logo. It is present on the first segments of the 60-minute scale and the minute hand.
King Turtle PADI SRPG19K1
The first model is the SRPG19K1, based on the 'royal' version of one of Seiko's most iconic models - the Turtle. Compared to the watches in the permanent collection, the changes are purely visual. All technical specifications are identical, including the pebble-shaped case with a matte and polished surface, the crown positioned at '4 o'clock', a notched bezel with effective grip, and 200m water resistance. On paper, the watch is quite large, with a diameter of 45mm, but in reality, it is more compact than expected. Compared to non-King Turtle models, it has a sapphire crystal with AR coating and a magnifier over the day-date complication, as well as a ceramic bezel insert with a significant 20-minute segment highlighted in light blue.
The dial, as mentioned above, is adorned with a unique relief pattern, and while the indices and hands are also identical, the colors differ, with the minute hand having a blue tint. All other elements are in black, creating a great contrast. Inside is the established caliber 4R36, meaning a release with a day-date. This automatic movement with manual winding and stop seconds beats at 4 Hz and maintains energy for 41 hours.
The Seiko Prospex PADI King Turtle SRPG19K1 is worn on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and diver's extension. This special, non-limited edition is priced at 600 euros and is already available for purchase.
Brief Specifications: 45mm diameter x 13.2mm height x 47.7mm L2L - stainless steel, sapphire crystal with magnifier, unidirectional bezel with ceramic insert - screw-down crown and caseback - 200m water resistance - in-house caliber 4R36, automatic, 3 Hz frequency, 41h power reserve - HMS with day-date - steel bracelet with folding clasp and diver's extension - special edition - 600 euros
King Samurai PADI SRPG21K1
The second watch from the 2021 PADI collection, King Samurai SRPG21K1, follows the same recipe. It is based on the recently introduced King Samurai models, which received numerous updates compared to classic Samurai watches. Besides new colors and dial, this PADI version is mechanically and technically identical. This means a sharp and angular case, explaining the watch's nickname, a crown classically positioned at 3 o'clock, and an overall more modern approach to diving watches. The watch is water-resistant to 200m, equipped with a sapphire crystal with AR coating and a magnifier over the date, and its unidirectional bezel has a ceramic insert with an engraved 60-minute scale - the first 15 minutes in light blue. The case has become slightly smaller, with a diameter of 43.8mm, and it is surprisingly comfortable.
The dial retains the same globe pattern as the 'Turtle' model, and the minute hand is coated with light blue lacquer. Otherwise, all elements are traditional and in black, providing excellent contrast with sharp, oversized markers. Inside is the automatic caliber 4R35, which essentially mirrors the aforementioned mechanism but with only a date function. The remaining characteristics are identical.
The Seiko Prospex PADI King Samurai SRPG21K1 is worn on a black silicone strap, closed with a steel buckle. This special, non-limited edition is priced at 640 euros and is already available for purchase.
Key Facts: 43.8mm diameter x 12.8mm height x 48.7mm L2L - stainless steel, sapphire crystal with magnifier, unidirectional bezel with ceramic insert - screw-down crown and caseback - 200m water resistance - in-house caliber 4R35, automatic, 3 Hz frequency, 41h power reserve - HMS with date - steel bracelet with folding clasp and diver's extension - special edition - 640 euros