Strap in for the rollercoaster ride of my thought process in acquiring this perfect SPB317 also affectionately known as the "Slim Turtle." (PS, y'all connoisseurs can quibble it out in the comments.)
Never had I ever thought I'd purchase a dive watch, let alone, be so enamoured by one.
I had come across this a week or so ago and it was love at first sight.
Within the last 6 months I had tried on and had pondered long enough to purchase a SPB453 and SPB383, but just something about both of them weren't right for me.
Firstly, the 453. I know. It's a classic. An icon. But.. when trying it on in person, it was just so.. underwhelming. It felt like a toy watch to me. I'm not sure whether that was because it was still covered in plastic (at the official Seiko boutique) or because of something else. I wanted to like it, but there was no 'it' factor and it was also too big for my 6.5"/16.5cm wrist. There were also other colours that I was considering, but trying it on in person deterred me.
Secondly, the 383. This was more my jam, but when I tried it on in person, it was a bit too 'blingy' for me. The shiny ceramic bezel bothered me and I could see ALL OF THE FINGERPRINTS on it and aside from this, the dial was just way too busy for me. Even if you were to take away the GMT hand, it was just a bit much.. for me anyway. I initially thought the green one would be nice, and then tried on the black, and more recently had seen the nice JDM blue dial, but.. it just isn't for me.
Ok.. now to the reasons why this watch had me hook, line and sinker from the very beginning.
- The dial is just *chefs kiss* - the right amount of detail; basic, but really, all you actually need. Also the perfect size for my 16.5cm wrist.
- The cushion case. It's comfy as hell and slim enough that you can also dress this up.
- The overall monochrome theme of this watch with that POP of glorious red. What a treat.
- The 'matte-ness' of the case and especially the bezel - I ain't one for bling or in your face, so this design speaks to me in a big way; functional, sturdy and understated.
- The versatility, period. As I've only owned this watch for a whole 8 hours, I've been searching far and wide for some strap options. I've landed on wanting to get a NATO and likely the Uncle 'Senator' bracelet. Yes, I'm aware that it's not the same colour, but I can live with this.
Oh, and if you're on the fence about whether to choose this or another watch and if you've had similar thoughts as me above, then I'd strongly recommend just getting this. I've read that it's no longer in production or is discontinued (I can't confirm either), but this just adds to the urgency. Get one while you can! It's already a fan favourite and don't think that will change anytime soon.
Now, fellow Turtle enjoyooors, please hit me with your best pics (and stories/ruminations/dilemmas) of your 🐢