Seiko Turtle Comparison 1986 vs 2017

Comparing two Seiko Turtles, the 6309 from 1986 and the SRP779 "Pepsi" from 2017. How close are these great Seiko dive watches?
In this video we take a close look and compare an original Seiko 6309-7040 Turtle dive watch with a brand new Seiko SRP779J1 "Pepsi" bezel watch.
If you would like to see my thirty year "torture test" video of the 6309 you can find it here:
• Seiko 6309 Turtle - Th...
Seiko did a fantastic job with this re-issue of the originals, it's almost identical in every way, with only a few updates that are, in my opinion very nice additions.
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Thanks for watching!

[@captaincoyote1792]

I bought my 6309-7049 at the Navy Exchange in Newport RI, in 1983, while attending OCS. It has been serviced exactly ONCE! I always replaced worn or broke bands, with original Seiko rubber strap…..I’m on my 5th strap! You are right….it is an amazing watch. It served me well through a Navy career, and then a follow on career as a federal wildlife law enforcement officer. It has seen all sorts of weather and all sorts of environments. I had an offer the other day, while at a gun show, of $500 cash. I said not “no”, but “hell no”. This watch will go to my son. Great review, amigo!

[@westlands703]

I bought mine in 1982 at Great Lakes NTC Navy Exchange as a USAF 2nd Lt. It still works like a champ. I think it cost around $80 or so. I like the old version second hand. It is much clearer in function.

[@user-po4xr1uj4j]

Now that's great use; how did the crystal hold up through it all, assume hardlex? Many scratches?

[@paulszretter2015]

I bought my 6309 in 77 while on a submarine in Guam. It runs as great today as it did in 77. I have never had any work done to it.

[@JustWatchreviews]

That's awesome!

[@Ferien7]

Are the seals still good?

[@paulszretter2015]

@@Ferien7 I assume so, as it has never been opened.

[@djordjenikolic3101]

@@paulszretter2015 Thats not how seals work...

[@PaKePo]

Wow.... That's amazing. Could you share some pictures?

[@juniorbullock838]

Don't ever change anything on that 6309. All original watches are worth the most, even with wear.

[@KauBoySL]

Exactly. Ive got the same 6309-7040 which is the jap version and its been used by me a lot and with all the battle scars the value is much more to me!

[@flingwing8403]

I am still wearing my 1985 6309 that I also wore for 30 years. I did have to have it serviced but it is still as reliable. I have replaced the original rubber band with new very nice stainless bracelet but I do have a new replacement rubber strap. I love this watch.

[@JustWatchreviews]

That's awesome, I've lost count of how many Seiko rubber straps I've gone through. They used to crack and break in the indent every three years or so.

[@anima201]

I enjoy looking at your watches. Are you still enjoying wearing your 779?

[@exsleepyink]

Great watches. The way Seiko has thrown the lollipop on the opposite side, is a head scratcher

[@dustycups]

They probably did it to keep the lollipop clear of the indices. Easier with a quick glance to find it, especially in the dark when the lume is fading. The ISO function of the lollipop is to determine that the watch is still running, and keeping it distinct from other elements of the dial helps with that.

[@marianomartinez4256]

The second language is Spanish / Lunes Martes Miércoles Jueves Viernes Sábado and Domingo

[@tipico809]

Daaaa

[@leonelgutierrez7707]

Verily he can't ignore that language... that made me kind of angry. I mean, "come on! It's the second most important language in the world!

[@tipico809]

@@leonelgutierrez7707 I agree with ya

[@macacopaco4664]

@@leonelgutierrez7707 i think that was some BS joke or something. Everyone knows the days of week in spanish, even the chinese

[@federicoacker5672]

Thank you for sharing the comparison! great video!. Some comments: indeed the calendar is English-Spanish (not French). It would be interesting, being that 6309 right out of the box in 1986, if you can tell us about the servicing history of that piece, how many times you serviced it, or if you have issue, beside what you comment. Thank you, Regards!

[@texasbassfreak3549]

Got my Seiko 6309 back in 1986 while in the U.S. Navy and STILL have it to this day!!! It STILL runs well and looks like NEW!!! The ONLY issue that I have with it is that it runs about five minutes too fast!!!

[@bayani83]

Have it service in a Seiko near you... It's usually a hairspring problem...

[@pianofry1138]

You might try to demagnetize it. I know your comment is old but running that fast being that long of a service interval I think that might be the issue.

[@MattMorris481]

My Dad bought a 6309 in 1987 gave it to me in 2002, and it’s still going but it definitely needs to be serviced, I love that watch. I bought a SRPC23K1 and a mini turtle both great.

[@ricardodiaz6187]

I have both of these - sort of; 6306-7001 and SRPE93. I just made two mods to my SRPE; Kanji day wheel and swapped the second hand for a SKX173 second hand to match the 6306 lollipop end. Both great watches. Great video - thank you!

[@spartanj2957]

They moved the lollipop end for end to fix an imbalance problem which caused undue ware.

[@smuckerst8355]

That was for the quartz models. They did it on the automatic because they didn't want to produce two different seconds hands when they could save money and make one. So Seiko chose the second hand that would work on both quartz and automatic movements.

[@mikevirgo8525]

@@smuckerst8355 good reply and more likely accurate👍 They still did the lollipop for the skx173 so its a shame they didnt do it for the new turtles. They could have put the word 'automatic' on the dial underneath the 'seiko' word at the top too and then the dial text would be better balanced and more like original. Having said that the turtle re-issue is a great watch and I've just ordered one to keep my 6306 company. Lovely review by the way 🙂👍

[@Ferien7]

mike virgo I have the SRP777. Love it. Just wish it was 42mm instead of 45mm.

[@santiagordc3426]

Duele ver como pegas los relojes de esa manera.

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Thanks for doing this comparison The SRP line is nearly identical to the original which is great. I just picked up the 777 and love it but I am a little disappointed with accuracy. I was reading on reviews about the excellent time keeping given the grade of movement anywhere from -4 to -7 . The one I received is -17 a day. The seller gnomon watches in Singapore indicated that’s within Seiko specs but offered to regulate it for free which I may do. Anyways great review keep them coming!

[@JustWatchreviews]

Ray Caroli thanks Ray! Nice to know about Gnomon as well.

[@remb9614]

Mine was that bad at first but after breaking in it’s about -7 sec a day. If yours is not getting better it might have the c-type balance issue..hope not.

[@JustWatchreviews]

It's not unusual for a new watch to "settle in" after a week or so of continuous running. I've had good watches get worse and not so good watches get better.

[@remb9614]

Johnny S after all the gears and oil settle in it tends to run more accurately. Usually after A week to a month. Just like a break in period for any machine

[@maddingo]

I would trade you my SRP777 for your 6309... anyday.. the new one is heavier because it is 44~mm vs 42~mm which was a huge mistake on seiko's part in my view. that wabbi'd 6309 is fantastic don't change anything on that... it is perfect ..

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thanks mad, yah, I love that old watch.

[@davidbuck5864]

The second language on yours appears to be Spanish, but it depends entirely on where you bought it. In the US you get Spanish, in Canada you get French. My new Turtle has English and Arabic (Much to my annoyance. Whhen/if I send it for service I will get them to change it to a character set I can at least read!)

[@macacopaco4664]

arabic is horribly annoying and useless

[@Tom-uj4uf]

And if you buy it in the Czech Republic, you get English and German.

[@timemachineeddie1146]

Great Watch. Great Review and thanks for sharing.

[@1968jpy]

I own the Padi Turtle 🐢 and one of my favorites in the collection 👍🏻

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

The dates are in english and spanish, i had that same watch in the 80s, still hold the test of time beautifully!😎👍nice comparison!

[@1972myc]

The other language on the "Day" display is Spanish. Wonderful video. I wonder if the red pigment on the new Padi turtles will fade with Sunlight over the years, or is todays paint more resistant?

[@DennisBible]

If you want a strap that it's more like the original, but softer check out the Uncle Seiko offering. I'm running one on my SRP777 and love it.

[@SilverBackELTorro]

Nice watches mate. I ordered the Turtle SRPE91. looks pretty Similar. Can’t wait to get it.

[@NexDim.]

Love that classic turtle! Looks good for 20 years of daily wear

[@mcdus78]

I need that Pepsi Turtle OMG😍

[@user-rn2ez9rj7z]

Thanks for the comparison of these great watches. Not be picky but I did notice a bit of misalignment of the chapter ring. The 12 o'clock sword indices and the 12 o'clock chapter ring is a bit off. The chapter ring is ever so slightly off to the right. I have the exact same issue with my SRP775 that's why I noticed. The misalignment on my watch does bother me and I hope you don't either about your watch.

[@simonredman4805]

I hesitate to mention it... but the rehaut (chapter ring) is misaligned on this one. My 773, too.

[@nate.or.nodate]

nice video. earned yourself a new sub. looking forward to future content!

[@jakbuji7981]

Not that I don't like new seiko but old model sticks out.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Agreed!

[@voiceofexperience]

That replacement stamp is the type used on the US version of the SKX007 diver. You CAN get one that looks the same but is made out of silicone as on your Pepsi.

[@edteach3r]

I love the Turtles (I own 3), but I just wish the crown lined up with the 4 o’clock index as on the original 6309. It may seem like a minor issue, but it bothers me endlessly. Thanks for the video.

[@markyhundreds]

Great video

[@chrisauge6802]

Thanks for the review

[@bronco1199]

The turtles are the best bang for buck!!!

[@thecocooreo]

FYI ... The crown has an O-ring on the stem that is connect to a tube, you are not going to get water in the watch while it's unscrewed or screwed in, it is always seal via the tube, with that said the o-ring will wear out over time so always service it every three to five years and have all three o-rings replaced.... Crown, Back and Crystal

[@StefaanVdV1961]

I think it is Spanisch on the Original turtle, great review Sir, keep up the good work.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thanks Stefaan, will do!

[@camarocarl7130]

What country speaks latin ?

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I can't imagine what a NIB 6309 kept in cool dry darkness all these years would be worth today.

[@Sparks52]

Days of week on the 6309 are in English and Spanish. I was thinking possibly French until you got to Saturday and Sunday - Saturday is Samedi in French and Sabado in Spanish; Sunday is Domingo in Spanish and Dimanche in French. They marketed both second language rings in North America, ostensibly the French for Canadians. If it's in Spanish you will see them abbreviated SAB and DOM. If it's in French you'll see SAM and DIM.

[@zcharg0]

I think they made the srp too big. The old size looks perfect

[@sdcofer52]

That is a watch made in 1987 not 86. I bought one in 1982 and have only had it serviced once in all those years. Still a great watch.

[@sheelotastic]

Really nice watch. You've got a nice channel. I subbed. By the way the second language is Spanish

[@JustWatchreviews]

Sharjeel A. Thank you for the info and for the follow!

[@billynunns]

My 6309-7040 is from 83. Runs better than my SRP779.

[@JustWatchreviews]

The low beat movement keep going and going.... lol

[@traviskoh999]

the lugs are longer on the newer ones. Thats about it

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Bambino, yep, not much, it's barely noticeable. Thanks for watching and checking in!

[@stu281]

Nice review

[@shahorology3275]

great video, nicely done sir! 👏👏

[@calsurflance5598]

Bought a 6309 in 87 at an Air Force BX. I still dive with it. I bought a SRP 773 (blue turtle) a few years ago and was very disappointed. Different movement, bigger case , accuracy was all over the place, bezel felt flimsy, diver extension would cut into my wrist when folded but did not extend enough to fit over a wet suit. I sold it cheap. I got my old 6309 serviced with new seals and it’s good to go. If your looking for a good quality ,accurate ,keeper watch, this isn’t it. Where did the quality go?

[@JustWatchreviews]

I agree, the old 6309s were built much better. Thanks for checking in!

[@jpxplore]

Does the bezel and bezel insert size same?

[@JustWatchreviews]

They appear the same but I would have to measure with a caliper to see how close they are. I would bet that they are interchangeable

[@jameswcollett]

I bought a second-hand 6309 recently through a reasonably veritable watch trading platform. Nevertheless I am keen to establish how "authentic" it is. It seems to tick a number of "not fake" boxes - the triangle on the lume pip looks right, the lume dots look suitably authentic and aged (they are a bit yellowed), and the case bears the scratches of regular wear over a long period of time. However, the bezel is really quite stiff, which I would not expect of a watch so old. The bezel is bidirectional and it does click, albeit very quietly and unpronounced. So my concern is, why would it be so stiff to turn and why such quiet clicks? Also the lume on the hands and dial is really faded except for the second and minute hand, which stand right out. The previous owner claims not to have replaced anything, but people say all sorts of stuff.

[@JustWatchreviews]

The bezel is probably loaded with gunk between it and the watch case. Mine turns very freely, and the clicks have a very noticeable tactile feel, like clunk, clunk, clunk. I've made sure to keep it clean. If you know that it's still watertight, try holding it under running tap water while turning the bezel. Be sure to hold it crown side down so that the water is hitting the case side where it meets the bezel. You might be able to flush out some of the stuff under it.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Also, I would bet that the hands have been replaced. That's how my second hand is as that was replaced by Seiko about 15 years ago. It's noticeably different.

[@Surfgarage760]

Do you do any water sports in your 6309 ?

[@bigjoel360]

I'm kind of curious, what is the value of that 6309 to date? Nice review.

[@WatchGeek]

Great video, i Just subscribed, if you want check out my channel as well. I am currently recording a Turtle review, the new one, and in it I mention the differences between the original and it, so this video was very valuable. One thing I noticed when the reissue came out was how low the angle of the chapter ring is compared to the original

[@rommelaramil5384]

The second language of the day/date is Tagalog similar to Spanish but not identical.

[@jmeler1254]

How is the 6309 crystal still good and not many long scratches on it? And beat up badly from constant use

[@JustWatchreviews]

It has some significant scratches on it, I guess they didn't show up in the video?

[@jmeler1254]

@@JustWatchreviews just bought a 6309-7040 it looks to have a Aftermarket dial and hands as well as seconds hand it's been serviced and new gaskets and was tested to be water proof...the seller is 100% when it comes to selling I have to ask does the seiko 6309-7040 have the 6 o'clock hour marker line up with the lettering?

[@JustWatchreviews]

​@@jmeler1254 I've never noticed anything on my watch being out of alignment in any way, not 100% sure on what you are asking about though, can you give me more info?

[@jmeler1254]

@@JustWatchreviews could I send you a picture on gmail?

[@JustWatchreviews]

@@jmeler1254 I would contact Spencer Klein, he is a Seiko specialist and knows these watches like no other, he has a channel on here that you can find if you search him by name.

[@peterrussell8409]

Zulu Diver do a soft version of your 6309 strap, i have one on my new Turtle. On my 6309 i have a Uncle Seiko Waffle strap.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thanks, yes, I like Uncle Seiko, nice stuff!

[@zzzzxxxx341]

The old one wins

[@JustWatchreviews]

I agree, it just has charisma!

[@88Kent]

Are parts interchangeable? In terms of chapter ring bezels etc...?

[@JustWatchreviews]

Not sure. Is ping one of the Seiko watch mod guys

[@jeffreyalbarandorivera8595]

I prefer the old one.

[@redzuan6425]

The 6309 did the seconds hand correctly. Why oh why did they move the lume on the seconds hand to the back?

[@JustWatchreviews]

Agree 100%.

[@lugoj7181]

When you did sevice on the 1986 one and how much you paid for getting it cerviced?

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Lugo, I don't recall, it was a long time ago, service was done by Seiko in New Jersey.

[@lugoj7181]

@@JustWatchreviews oh okay well they both are beautiful i always had like seiko watches. Nice video

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thanks!

[@skytrain47]

Nice review I just got a 775. I’m wondering how much the original 6309 costed back in the 80s when you first got it

[@JustWatchreviews]

It was just over $300 US, a lot of money in 1986! (for me at least)

[@skytrain47]

Just Watch wow, compared to that, the reissue SRP is such a bargain!

[@sdcofer52]

I bought my 6309 in 1982 for $110 from the Exchange. The price listed in the box was $165. It is definitely worth more than that now, and I have all the papers and booklet in the original box.

[@fungus70]

The 6309 is definitely more wearable than the turtles, especially for those with smaller wrists.

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

I don’t know why Seiko upsized the case. The original Turtle looks so much better.

[@kaisoerfjord6794]

The original case has a DIFFERENT CURVE TOO, from 3 and 9 o’clock it aims towards a point further outside around 7 minutes to and after 12 and 6 o’clock, where it makes a stump corner (a 135 degree corner or so) and then turns vaguely until it meets the bracelet side of the lug. The four elbow-corners interrupt a gentle curve that makes for a LESS OVAL CASE SEEN FROM ABOVE THE CHRYSTAL.

[@stuartcole4845]

That strap on the 6309 is the really crappy, plastic feeling one which came on the SKX. Uncle Seiko make a proper version of that strap with rubber.

[@jonoedwards4195]

The 80's one for me, Fat Black, lost two to Davy Jones!

[@JustWatchreviews]

Gotta love the 6309

[@jfilm7466]

My 776J1 has English and Arabic too, but I would have preferred French or Japanese instead.

[@MrDarkwarrior29]

The lineup of bezel and chapter ring at the new Seiko is a shame for the brand.

[@MammothBehemoth]

intro music is giving me some Gigguk vibes

[@kaisoerfjord6794]

Spanish day names, along with the English

[@0017Bulldog]

Hi there. This is sub No. 38 checking in. You're doing great, but you need something to make you stand out. Not sure what it is, bit I'd love to help.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thanks Bulldog, I appreciate the feedback!

[@Ferien7]

What modern Seiko diver do you recommend these days?

[@JustWatchreviews]

It depends on your budget and wrist size. Under $500 I like the Turtle a lot, not a fan of the new King Turtle though. I also like the old version of the Sumo, you can find them for under $500 new, but they are 45mm with big lugs so you have to like the look of big watches or have a big wrist.

[@Ferien7]

Just Watch well, I have a 6.5in wrist and really like the SRP777. Wondering if it would be too big.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Ferien7 you’d be fine, it wears small for a 45mm diver

[@nikkiteofilo3386]

Real Men wear Seiko. Check the military, firemen, divers, truck drivers, fishermen, viajeros, seamen, construction workers wear only one type of watch, SEIKO DIVERS. Tough Working Tool Watch!

[@skynet_cyberdyne_systems]

So we engineers are not real men :P .....though am also planning to get this watch ;)

[@vipeton.8927]

G Shocks too

[@frankk533]

Is the new one water resistant, thanks

[@chookchack]

Frankie Kildea its among the prospex line up. Professional specs so to speak and i brought it to 105ft last month, it did great.

[@ΠαῦλοςΠαυλίδης-χ7θ]

It's a divers watch. 200m water resistant and also it has an ISO specifications

[@inkitatus1]

Nice comparison, thanks. The second language is French 😉 Cheers

[@JustWatchreviews]

inkitatus1 thanks!

[@EvolvinEvo]

its spanish

[@EvolvinEvo]

dom=domingo=sunday, lun=lunes=monday, mar=martes=tuesday

[@inkitatus1]

AppendixCarryOG lol,languages never were my strong point,thanks for the correction 👍

[@tifosomatt]

It's Spanish yes! but French would be extremely similar: dim (as opposed dom) = dimanche=sunday, lun=lundi=monday, mar=mardi=tuesday, etc. just one letter differentiates the two. I'm keen on it because most Seikos sold here in Canada are USA release with Spanish instead of French. Anyways, good job people

[@x2mars]

Intro music bad

[@vitellonealvapore877]

sorry but that srp chapter ring doesn't look aligned at all

[@weedXD38]

Good Stuff!!! :-)

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thanks!

[@jameswcollett]

Your day wheel appears to be English/French.

[@j-pnokia1223]

Hi, it's in French LUNdi (monday) MARdi MERcredi JEUdi VENdredi SAMedi DIManche (sunday)

[@keepticking2783]

it is Italian

[@razvanon]

i can see that you've been blessed with a bad case of missalignment

[@JustWatchreviews]

Yes, I've been on a roll with "special" Seiko's lately, check out my SBDC061 review, or my Sumo review... ugh.

[@razvanon]

@@JustWatchreviews seiko should be writing down on the watch specification how many degrees to the left or to the right the bezel or the chapther ring is missaligned

[@williamstalvey6920]

There is no comparison between an all original seiko 6309 to that of the new Turtle, always old school, 6309 tougher, not that silicone pansy band and that stupid looking X on the dial... .Seiko get back to Old School all original 6309.

[@platano123]

Spanish, amigo!

[@drewlawrence5289]

spanish

[@kaisoerfjord6794]

No, DON’T BUY the ‘new’ one, it isn’t a ‘new edition’ of the same. They fxxkd up with this case, a very stupid dimension. There was no need to ‘improve’ its size or shape. The longer lug to lug, the extra 1.5 mm diameter and different shape has made it a lot heavier, for no reason. Stupid stupid stupid.

[@chookchack]

Kai Soerfjord as if the old one is available anytime. I have the new one and wears very comfortable. It may not be for everybody but it sure is for some. I even prefer wearing it compared to my other more luxurious pieces. And i dive with it too.

[@kaisoerfjord6794]

2-3 mm bigger - GET THE MEASURING TAPE OUT OF YOUR DAMN DRAWER, AND STOP EYEBALLING IT, OK ?

[@JustWatchreviews]

Why you yelling bro? 😆😂🤣