Seiko SRPE99 The Pepsi PADI Turtle.

After vacillating between this SRPE99 PADI Turtle and the SRPE27 PADI Monster, I finally made a decision to make this the newest addition to my quickly growing collection.

The first thing that needs to be said is that the bezel pip marker, chapter ring and dial do all line up.
Second, the lume is bright, long lasting and fantastic. 
Third, the 4R36 movement is 2 seconds fast per day. Again, fantastic.

The Special Edition PADI diver has a blue dial that is dark yet vivid and it's sunburst effect is pleasant and bold. There is no candy-bar cyclops over the day/date complication but I wouldn't have minded if they had added one.

Its bezel is a standard 120 click bezel that's fitted with a familiar blue and red bezel insert.

The finishing is exceptionally well done. The polished sides are mirror finished and the brushing around the bezel is faint and even. 

The SRPE99 has a case diameter of just about 45mm and comes in at about 47.7mm lug to lug but it honestly feels like a 42mm or 43mm watch. It's 13mm tall but it's cushion case shape makes it feel like it hugs your wrist and melts down at the lug ends. The Turtles 22mm lug width is very welcomed because I seem to have more than a few 22mm watch straps, bracelets and bands lying around.

The bracelet does use the pins and collars system that is a bit awkward to size and I'm finding myself lacking confidence in due to my unfamiliarity with it but I have no reason to believe that it will fail. I have a 7.5 inch wrist and I removed three links.  I wear the clasp on the second to last of the micro adjust holes.  The bracelet is solid the pressed clasp doesn't bother me a bit. The divers extension is unnecessary but I find it cool and I appreciate it.

I am already considering a few changes.  Namely, replacing the Hardlex crystal with a double-domed sapphire, the standard bezel insert with a fully lumed Pepsi insert, a signed crown and maybe a Beads of Rice Uncle Seiko bracelet.

I love this watch. It feels rugged and comfortable at the same time. I thought my SNJ027 was a tank. This SRPE99 feels indestructible.  I'm very much loving this watch and I would recommend it to anyone who would listen.

#seiko  #seikoturtle   #seikoprospex  #seikodiver