I don't often go for discontinued Seiko numbered Limited Edition models. They usually carry a significant price increase over the standard models. But when the SRPD01 "Grey Dawn" Turtle came my way via Random Rob, I couldn't resist.
I previously reviewed the SRPC95 (a.k.a. Nemo Turtle) and owned the Grenade King Turtle, so I knew what to expect. I was still excited, as I loved the colors of this numbered limited edition of 2018 units released for Europe in, you guessed it, 2018.
Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1 First Impressions
I already like orange and gray together, so I knew that I would like the model. The light silver dial has a sunburst pattern that is more pronounced than expected. This gives it a more subdued and classic look compared to the other Turtle models I've had.
Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1 Details
The case design and finishing is carried over from other Seiko Turtles. A brushed top surface meets polished sides. The dial, bezel insert, and second hand are the primary change points.
The dial is a pleasing silver color with a sunburst pattern. The hour markers are finished in mirrored black to provide additional contrast. The lollipop second hand has an orange tip, as are the cardinal positions on the chapter ring.
The bezel insert is dark gray, with orange accents between 0 and 20.
Wearing the Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1
The Grey Day maintains the 45mm case used on other turtles. It's a big watch, but short lugs and a rounded shape make it wear smaller than you might expect.
The smaller bezel makes it visually narrower, and the recessed, offset crown also makes the total width of the watch relatively narrow. The lug-to-lug height is also small for the case width at 47.5mm due to the compact lugs.
The bezel clicks are soft and imprecise, as are all Seiko divers in this price range.
Due to the light-colored dial, legibility isn't as good as in other Turtle models. It's still easy to read, though, and Lumibrite performs as well as expected at night.
Original strap and bracelet, and replacement straps for the Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1
Limited Edition Seikos often come with a bracelet and a bonus strap. In the case of the Dawn Grey Turtle, a dark gray silicone strap complements the bracelet. It's comfortable and looks good, but I don't prefer the look of silicone or the comfort of the metal keeper.
The bracelet features one-piece links that give the appearance of a 5-link bracelet with alternating brushed and polished sections. It also has a dive extension.
The colors also work well with a lot of straps. My favorite look is to go very coordinated, and wear it on an Orange/Gray Deployant Sailcloth strap.
Here is a list of some of the straps that would look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Deployant Rubber
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Pro Diver
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Beads of Rice Bracelets
-Elastic
Seiko Prospex divers feature larger than standard lug holes and spring bars, which won't fit in standard straps. While all of our straps are compatible with these watches, many other straps aren't. Additionally, some people don't prefer the slight bit that is present when installing one of our straps. That's where StrapHabit's Thin Spring Bars for Seiko Fat Lug Holes come in. These can be installed in StrapHabit straps as well as most straps with standard spring bars. They have 1.1mm tips, but are 1.8mm thick at the center. They are easy to swap on most Seikos like this Turtle, as they have drilled lugs.
Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1 Movement
The Dawn Grey Turtle uses the same Seiko 4R36 movement as standard Turtles, as well as other SPPxxx series Seiko models. The day and date movement features a 40-hour power reserve, supported by Seiko's Magic Lever automatic winding system. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour on 24 jewels. Seiko's tsunami caseback protects it.
Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1 Conclusion
I already liked the Turtle, but the Grey Dawn Turtle combines attractive colors that pair well together and create several interesting strap pairing possibilities.
Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1 Specifications
Name: Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver
Reference Number: SRPD01K1
Price: 530 Euro (No Longer Available)
Diameter: 45mm
Height: 47.5mm
Thickness: 13.4mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Movement: Caliber 4R36
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Hardlex
Crown: Screw-down
Bezel: Unidirectional, 120 clicks, steel with ceramic insert
Strap/Bracelet: Silicone Rubber/Stainless steel with dive extension
Shop Other Straps for the Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Turtle SRPD01K1
Deployant Sailcloth
Pro Diver Strap
Ridge FKM Rubber
Tropical FKM Rubber
Elastic Straps
Hook and Loop Elastic
