Sunday Morning Showdown: Seiko SRPE05 “King Turtle” Vs. Certina DS Super PH1000M “Sea Turtle Conservancy”
Welcome to this Sunday Morning Showdown “Summer Edition.” Last week, we put two high-end golden travel timers up against each other. This week, two stainless steel divers from the more affordable side of the watch spectrum will battle it out. Both the Seiko SRPE05 “King Turtle” and the Certina DS Super PH1000M STC (short for “Sea Turtle Conservancy”) are based on earlier models. One has “Turtle” in its nickname because its case shape reminds people of the animal. The other supports a non-profit organization that fights the threat of sea turtles’ extinction.
These watches also both have big, utilitarian, capable cases and come with long rubber straps that can be worn over a wetsuit. But that’s more or less where the similarities end. Don’t worry — Thomas and Daan will make sure to point out the unique selling points of each of these divers. But first, we’ll take a look at what happened…
…last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown
As mentioned, last week, two very golden and high-end watches presented themselves in front of the Sunday Morning Showdown crowd. In one corner was the white gold Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time ref. 5164G, and in the other was the pink gold Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time. Both watches received a lot of love here on our site and Instagram. But while the votes on Instagram ended up quite even, here on the site, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time took the win an impressive 69% of the votes. You, our dear Fratelli, agreed with Mike that the Overseas Dual Time was generally prettier and the more versatile watch of the two. However, you can’t really go wrong with any of these two luxury traveler’s watches. Let’s see what happens during this week’s matchup.
Daan: Certina DS Super PH1000M STC
Let me start by saying that I’m a fan of both these technical dive watches. I have a soft spot for the King Turtle because I own the Seiko SPB317 “Turtle Origin.” In my opinion, that watch has the perfect combination of dive-watch character and old-school elegance. The SRPE05 shares the utilitarian dive-watch character but lacks a bit of elegance.
I like its quirky grenade-style dial pattern and green color. I also appreciate the scratch resistance of the ceramic bezel insert. It’s a big watch, but the size suits its style. However, just as Thomas said in his post-ownership review article: “I like the watch as an entity of its own but not as a part of me. I admire it from a distance, but I don’t enjoy it on my wrist.” He continued, “Ultimately, I think the SRPE05 looked a bit too casual and technical for me. I tend to lean towards watches that pair ruggedness with a little more elegance. That is certainly not the King Turtle’s game.” And I fully agree.
There you have it. We both agree the King Turtle looks great…but not on our wrists. On the other hand, I think the Certina DS Super PH1000M, especially in its Sea Turtle Conservancy blue/green colorway, does a much better job of bridging the gap between ruggedness and elegance.
More refined
It all starts with the finishing of the DS Super PH1000M’s case. Like on any lower-tier Seiko, the finishing on the King Turtle isn’t much to write home about. The transitions between the polished and brushed parts aren’t that sharp, and its cushion shape isn’t very defined overall. By contrast, the transitions from the circularly brushed parts to the polished ones are much sharper on the Certina’s case. I also like that the case has a more defined shape in general with nicer design details.
Look, for example, at the way the sloped bezel is integrated into the overall design of the case. First, there’s a mirror-polished ridge that goes all the way around the bezel. Then comes the bezel itself, which matches the rest of the case with its polished and brushed finish perfectly. Its sloped shape makes it easy to grip, and it even helps the watch look smaller as well. Remember that this is still a 43.5mm watch, but, as Thor mentioned in his hands-on review, “It has a large case but feels like a mid-sized 40–41mm watch, spelling comfort for smaller wrists.”
Value for money
It’s true that, at €1,040, the Certina is almost twice as expensive as the Seiko, which sells for €640. However, I do feel you get what you pay for in this case. As mentioned above, the DS diver has better overall finishing. Apart from the case, I also feel the dial is more refined. On the SRPE05, the hour markers look more like shallow stickers placed over the textured dial. The DS diver has properly applied hour markers, a two-tone handset, and a well-executed date window that doesn’t need an annoying and ugly elongated magnifier to be legible.
The ceramic bezel insert on the Seiko is nice, but the aluminum one on the Certina adds to its vintage-inspired character. Besides, I prefer its old-school metallic shimmer over the mirror-like reflections that come from polished ceramic. In addition, you get a Powermatic 80 movement, which has an increased power reserve and is resistant to magnetic fields. The DS Super PH1000M is also water resistant to an impressive depth of 1,000 meters, whereas the Seiko can “only” go down to 200 meters.
I’m not sure when you’ll need that final spec, but it’s nice to brag about at parties, right? Finally, if you still think the Certina is overpriced, it’s nice to know that with your purchase, you support the battle against the threat of sea turtles’ extinction because the brand backs the non-profit Sea Turtle Conservancy.
Thomas: Seiko SRPE05 “King Turtle”
Thank you, Daan! There’s no occasion like a summery Sunday morning for some turtle-on-turtle violence. These two could hardly be more different, even with their conceptual similarity and shared silhouettes.
I am afraid you have me pinned down early here, Daan. You used my words against me for an early knockdown. And I have to admit, for once, I agree with most of the dirt you are slinging at me. The Certina DS Super is indeed a solid step up from the Seiko King Turtle in almost every way. The price difference, although significant, is fully backed by what is simply a lot more watch.
But hold on! I may be knocked down, but I am not quite knocked out just yet. Although I fully expect an easy win for you this week, I will do my best to lure a few voters Seiko’s way. After all, the King Turtle is no slouch, and it deserves appreciation for several reasons. Allow me to elaborate.
The Certina DS Super Who?
Let me start by pointing out the obvious — street credibility (or should I say “ocean-floor credibility”?). Sure, the Certina has a history to lean on. However, I doubt anyone, even in our savant audience, will know it by heart. Name three iconic, historic Certina dive watches, Daan…I’ll wait. No googling!
Meanwhile, Seiko is right up there with Blancpain and Rolex when it comes to iconic dive watches. And that is despite the brand’s best efforts against it through impossible-to-remember references and zero catchy names. Seiko divers are so beloved that the community provided each milestone with a loving nickname — Willard, Tuna, Monster, Samurai, Baby Marinemaster, and…Turtle.
The Turtle, in particular, is the stuff of legends. So many aficionados started their dive-watch journey with a Turtle. It is one of those rare entry-level watches that often sits proudly among much higher-end stuff in collectors’ watch boxes. Its shape is also instantly recognizable. “Nice Turtle!” is what you’ll hear regularly while wearing the SRPE05. “Is that a Doxa?” is what your Certina triggers.
The DS Super PH1000M may be fancier, but the King Turtle is fit for purpose
You are right, Daan; the DS Super PH1000M is superior in every measurable way. Yes, the finishing is more beautiful. Sure, the hour markers are a lot better. Yes, the Powermatic 80 is more refined. But, do you really wear a big testudines-shaped diver to look elegant and refined? Of course not!
The King Turtle looks less refined but a lot more badass. More importantly, it only improves as you put scratches and dents on it. I don’t often use the term “beater watch” as I don’t like beating any of my possessions around, but it applies here. This is a watch designed to take punishment, and it looks that way. You can knock out a shark with one of these. And with your Certina? Maybe you can temporarily blind one with the shiny indices or bore it to death with stories about value for money and superior specifications.
Oh, and that philanthropic scheme? If you want to do good, buy the King Turtle and wire the difference between it and the DS Super PH1000M to an effective altruism organization or directly to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. I am pretty confident that will have a much greater impact per dollar.
Time to vote!
Well, there you have it — some cool, rational arguments from Daan and a couple of desperate cheap shots from a cornered Thomas. Which turned out more convincing to you? Cast your vote, and share your motivations in the comments section below. We will see you next Sunday!
