Seiko Prospex SBDY121

Seiko Prospex SBDY121 "tortoise" Limited Edition, specifically party of the "The Black Series" released in June 2022. 

This timepiece, also known by its alternate reference SRPH99, is a modern iteration of Seiko’s iconic “Turtle” dive watch, reimagined for nighttime exploration with a stealthy design inspired by night vision aesthetics. 

A Legacy Rooted in Seiko’s Dive Watch Heritage.

Seiko’s dive watch lineage began in 1965 with the 62MAS, Japan’s first dive watch, which laid the groundwork for the brand’s reputation for durability and innovation. 

In 1970, Seiko introduced the 6105-8110, nicknamed the “Turtle” for its cushion-shaped case and rounded lugs. This model gained fame during the Vietnam War, worn by soldiers, and later achieved cinematic immortality on Martin Sheen’s wrist in Apocalypse Now (1979).

 The “Turtle” became a symbol of rugged reliability, beloved by collectors for its utilitarian design.

In 2016, Seiko revived the “Turtle” design with the Prospex SRP series, modernizing the classic for a new generation. 

The SBDY121, launched on June 10, 2022, as part of the Prospex “The Black Series” Limited Edition, builds on this legacy. It reinterprets the “Turtle” as a field watch tailored for nighttime land exploration, following the success of earlier “Black Series” models inspired by night diving.

A Limited Edition for Nighttime Adventures.

The SBDY121 is part of Seiko’s “The Black Series,” a collection designed to evoke the visual experience of night vision scopes, using a green-and-black color scheme for maximum legibility in low-light conditions. 

Limited to 7,000 pieces worldwide, this watch is a Japan Domestic Model (JDM), denoted by the “Made in Japan” marking at 6 o’clock on the dial.

a detail prized by collectors. Its “Limited Edition” status is further emphasized by the engraving on the caseback, which also includes a unique serial number.

The watch had a 42.4mm stainless steel case with a super-hard black coating, giving it a stealthy, matte-black appearance. 

The case thickness is 11.7mm and the lug-to-lug measurement is 45.2mm, making it more compact than the standard SRP777’s 45mm case, offering a better fit for a wider range of wrists.

With only 7,000 pieces produced, the SBDY121 is a collector’s item. Its JDM status, marked by “Made in Japan” on the dial, adds prestige, as JDM models are often seen as higher quality due to stricter manufacturing standards for the Japanese market.

The Seiko Prospex SBDY121 “Turtle” Limited Edition, released in June 2022, is a captivating blend of heritage and innovation.

 With its 42.4mm black-coated stainless steel case, Green Lumibrite Pro for night vision-inspired legibility, Caliber 4R35 movement, and 200m water resistance, it’s a rugged companion for nighttime adventures on land or sea.

 Limited to 7,000 pieces, this JDM model is a collector’s gem, offering exceptional value and style.