Seiko Mini Turtle SBDY083 Exclusive edition for the Japanese Market

I have been using my Seiko Mini Turtle for a year and a half and I still think it’s an underrated watch. I’m not a huge fan of dive watches, and this one is perfect for me. I like it’s compact size (43mm lug to lug) and the cushion case. 
 

This reference in particular is an exclusive edition limited to the Japanese market. It differs from the original mini turtle for:

  • Dial and bezel colour
  • Seconds hand colour
  • Lume index at 3 o’ clock
  • Made in Japan

Have you ever tried one? What does everyone think of these?

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Well...I think most Seikos are made in Japan. Other than that, that is one sweet watch. Love it! 👍

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TalkingDugong

Well...I think most Seikos are made in Japan. Other than that, that is one sweet watch. Love it! 👍

Thank you. 

Actually many Seiko references are not made in Japan. There is a lot to say about the difference between 1) being fully made in Japan, 2) being fully assembled in Japan but using parts manufactured abroad, 3) being made in other South Asian Seiko factories but under the supervision of a Japanese National (which under Japanese law still counts), 4) being made in one of the South Asian factories “to Japanese standards”, etc.

It’s a long discussion, but in short, you can easily check whether your dial says “Made in Japan”, “Japan Movt”, or just the reference number of the movement. In the first case, the watch is actually Made in Japan. 

The first series of mini turtles were not, while this one is (hence I specified it as a difference)

EDIT: All of Grand Seiko models, to my knowledge, regardless of what the dial says, are “Made in Japan“ in the way we would mean it in the West (actually manufactured in Japan, in Shinshu, Shizukuishi, and maybe somewhere else I’m forgetting atm)

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Huh, learn something new. Thanks. So is that why Seiko stop putting those factory marks? Aww...now I'm sad.

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TalkingDugong

Huh, learn something new. Thanks. So is that why Seiko stop putting those factory marks? Aww...now I'm sad.

I'm not sure about those, unfortunately information about Seiko is fragmented even in Japanese language sources, and their production is as unclear as their collections. Maybe someone who knows more than me can add on here.
 

Anyway, if it helps, I don't think there are apparent differences between Made in Japan and Japan MOVT, at least in my experience. But maybe I've been lucky, their quality control is often reported as inconsistent, so I can't say with certainty.

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I just pulled the trigger on one of these from a Japanese store on eBay. Decent price and have always wanted a mini turtle. Gotta have one before they run out. These are now discontinued and prices are rising.

Regular turtles are just too big for my 6.5" wrist.