The Seiko Gold Turtle SRPC44 (or ‘Gurtle’ as termed by a fellow Aussie watch enthusiast), is probably one of the best F@*% off watches out in the watch space right now. For a brand like Seiko; arguably the king of true utilitarian, affordable tool watches to make a watch that encompasses all those characteristics, but in a gold (tone) case, is truly something else. It’s fun, but truly absurd at the same time; much like our hobby, I guess.

On the outset, this watch is well and truly a regular Turtle; 45mm case, robust 4R36 movement, 200m WR and the absurdly comfortable soft supple rubber dive strap with matching gold-tone hardware. Although I’ve always owned an SKX, and have also owned a couple of Samurais in the past, this was my first time owning a 45mm Turtle. I was hesitant at first of course, but like most Seiko divers, the Gurtle too wears a lot more compact than the diameter suggests. I’ve got a 6.25-inch wrist, and I feel at 47mm apart at the lugs, the watch wears perfectly snug and comfortably (see wrist shot below). My only complaint of the watch is of the length of its strap, as the tongue tends to stick out quite a bit at the end of the keeper once secure, making the wear a tad bit annoying at times. But then again, I guess the length of the strap makes it a true, usable dive strap that could be strapped onto a wet suit; should you decide to venture the depths of the ocean wearing a gold Seiko.

The final nugget (pun intended), the gold case. To my knowledge, Seiko doesn’t officially state what their application of the gold on this watch is. Most sources online state that the case is simply gold-tone, which I honestly don’t mind. The gold has a very warm tone, and has held up very well over the 3-4 months I’ve been wearing it.

All in all, I love the Seiko Gold Turtle SRPC44, and it is probably the best $500 gold watch I’ll ever buy. No regrets.