The Best Seiko Diver For Small Wrists: Seiko SPB317J Review

The best Seiko diver for small wrists is not the Seiko SKX013. It’s also NOT the recently released 38mm SRPK series of dive-style watches. You know, the Seiko 5 “diver” that everybody has been shitting on. Sorry, but it’s also not the SNE line up of 38mm Prospex solar ISO-rated dive watches.

What if I told you, the best seiko diver for small wrists, is the Seiko SPB317J, nicknamed the Slim Turtle. Now I know what you’re going say, how in the world is a 41mm case better than a 38mm? Seiko magic, and the cushion case, that’s how. Look, even I was terribly confused and weirdly surprised at how well the SPB313J wore on my 6 inch wrists. This discovery was made in 15-degree celsius weather, that means my wrists was extra skinny and in it’s smallest version. Yet, I found the SPB317J to be more comfortable than the SKX013, and even my Seiko Snoopy, SRPK25. Even as I’m typing this review, I’m still doubtful? So much so that I’m writing this review with the SPB317J on my wrists just to make sure I’m not hallucinating.

The SPB317 is by no means a “small” watch; it does have a 41mm case diameter. But this is where that whole “don’t judge a book by its cover” thing comes to life. I’ve had my fair share of seiko divers. I thought I found comfort-nirvana when I bought the SRPK25 Snoopy, but I stand corrected. The 41mm Slim Turtle is the best seiko diver for small wrists.

The History of the Slim Turtle

In 1965, Seiko introduced their first ever diver, the 62MAS. Within just three years, Seiko had released the 6105-8000 (aka slim turtle) as a replacement for the 62MAS. The 6105-8000 was a 150m diver aimed at the affordable market, and is often known as Seiko’s “2nd diver” – though it’s technically the fourth. It arguably laid the foundation for Seiko’s signature oval-shaped cases and the 4 o’clock crown position. The 6105-8000 sported the same 41mm cushion case, a date window at the 3 o’clock, 150m of water resistance, and a bi-directional bezel. Virtually everything else in terms of aesthetics is replicated on the SPB313. The 6105-8000 had a relatively short production run, started in 1968 and ceased in 1970. Afterwards, Seiko released one of their most iconic watches, the 6105-8110, the Captain Willard.

It wasn’t until the middle of 2022 when Seiko released the slim turtle series as part of their “iconic diver reissues”. There was a polar-dial, a gilt, and a regular black dial. I must admit I wasn’t particularly intrigued when they first came out. I very much judge watches by their case diameter and immediately rejected a 41mm diver. Fast forward almost two years later, I managed to get a SPB317 on a great deal, and now I’m calling it the best Seiko diver for small wrists.

Seiko SPB313J Dimensions

Case & Bezel

Seriously, don’t let the 41mm case fool you, the cushion case makes it wear like a 39mm diver. If you’re not familiar with Seiko’s cushion case, go to your living room and pick up a cushion from your couch. Compact at the top, flattened out in the middle, and compact on the bottom. And look, the 41mm was derived via the case itself, the actual bezel diameter is much smaller. This means is not only wears smaller, but it also looks much smaller.

The case on the slim turtle is brushed everywhere except for the caseback, which is perfect for it’s diving nature – less scratches. The lugs practically disappear into the case, which means there’s no unwanted protrusions that makes it hang over small wrists. The bezel is a standard 120-click bezel with a lume-pip at 12, aka it’s ISO-rated.

The side profile of the slim turtle is really where the magic happens, it’s where you realize why it wears more like a 39mm. The area of the caseback which sits directly on your wrists is significantly smaller in diameter than the middle of the case. It slowly grows in diameter until it reaches the flattened-out mid-case, and gradually minimizes into the bezel. Somewhere in the growth and shrinkage, you’ll find a perfectly tucked in screw-down crown. Albeit unsigned, the crown is a real pleasure to operate and gives me that reliable confidence that it won’t need a service for years to come.

Dial & Hands

Unlike the modern Seiko turtles, the SPB317 slim turtle follows the classic dial design as the 6105-8000. The matte black dial is accompanied with highly-polish metallic square indices. The indices are generously filled with Seiko Lumibrite which means they will glow even in brightly-lit conditions. As for the elephant in the room, the date window is placed between the 4 and the 5. Personally, the pros and cons of the date window evens out quite nicely; cons being weird placement and circular shape. The pros? It’s too small and because of the matching date window, I can barely see it.

While the handset is very reminiscent of the Seiko Marinemaster, it’s really a direct homage of the 6105-8000. Thick rectangular minute and hour hand, alongside the distinguishable seconds hand means it’s extremely legible. I usually am indifferent about the texts on a dial but I think Seiko did a great job here with the Prospex logo and the “Diver’s 200m”, blending a traditional design with a modern recognition.

Other than the date window, it really is hard finding a flaw on the SPB317 dial. Accompanied with the cushion case, it truly is a modern reissue of a classic. No messing around and staying true to tradition, showcasing where the Seiko diver DNA came from.

OEM Strap

The SPB317j comes on a standard Seiko Prospex rubber strap, which is quite comfortable on my 6 inch wrists. One thing it does well is wear the weight of watch head and distribute it evenly across the strap. So, even though the slim turtle is a little on the heavier side, the rubber strap makes it very much bearable, and enjoyable on smaller wrists. I liken it to how Panerai’s rubber straps make the 45mm case feel like a much smaller and more comfortable wearing timepiece, very similar here on the slim turtle.

Except for the black dial variant, the SPB315 and SPB313 both come on an OEM which I’ve heard great things about. But a concern I have is the bracelet would increase the overall weight of the slim turtle, which would likely exceed my comfort zone.

Comfort & Wearability

In terms of comfort, the SPB317 slim turtle is without a doubt the winner out of all the Seiko divers I’ve had up till today. Look, I’m equally perplexed as to how a 41mm case diameter can possibly be more comfortable than a 38mm Seiko SKX013, but here we are. Personally, there’s three parts of this comfort experience, and they all go hand-in-hand. It can only be summarized into what I’d like to call “watch and weight distribution”. The 12mm thinness, alongside the cushion case, and the thick rubber strap makes the SPB317 hug the wrist in the most perfect circular form. Have you ever put tried on of those slap on rulers that automatically wraps itself around your wrist? That’s the slim turtle; it wraps itself around your wrists.

The SPB317 slim turtle has zero protruding components, nothing that sticks out that may create a “big” wearing experience for those with smaller wrists. Yet, the 317 is by no means a small watch on paper. Undeniably there is some form of Seiko magic going on here. If you’re on the fence because of the size? Just take the plunge and be prepared to be shook.

As for wearability, you don’t really get much better than a black dial diver. On the rubber strap, I find the SPB317 to be a jack of all traits – a timepiece I can wear anytime, anywhere. With the rubber strap, you won’t have to worry about getting the perfect fit a you can just change it on-the-spot if the wrist swells up. For those with a large collection of 20mm straps, have fun trying out different combinations – this thing is a strap monster.

The Best Seiko Diver for Small Wrists: BUY IT!

Even if you are the pickiest of pickies when it comes to watch size, you have to give the SPB317 slim turtle a shot. It really is without question one of the best seiko divers for small wrists. Seriously, don’t let the 41mm case diameter fool you. I’d love to see the look on your face when you realize the SPB317 is more comfortable than the Seiko SKX013.

If Rolex has the submariner, Blancpain has the Fifty-Fathoms, and Tudor has the BB58, then for us smaller wrists, Seiko has the SPB317J.

Seiko SPB317J: Closing Thoughts

Aesthetics: A modern reissue of the lesser known but still legendary 6105-8000, it’s an aesthetic that’s the foundation of the love we all have for Seiko divers today.

Comfort: Yes it is a 41mm, but trust me, when you have it on the wrists, it’s a different wearing experience. It’s more comfortable than all the Seiko SKX013’s I’ve ever had. Again, it’s the best seiko diver for small wrists.

Price: These go for around RRP$800 USD brand new, but you can easily score them during discounts and always look out on the used-market for even better deals. For what you’re getting, it’s seriously not a bad purchase, whichever route you end up going.

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