Seiko Celebrates 60 Years Of PADI With A Limited-Edition “Turtle” — Meet The HBB002

Many of you probably know that Seiko introduced its first diver’s watch in 1965. However, did you also know that the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) was founded the following year? That means the association turns 60 years old this year, and it has already certified more than 30 million divers during that time. To celebrate the anniversary, Seiko introduces the Prospex HBB002 PADI Limited Edition. It’s a classic Seiko “Turtle” with an electric sunburst blue dial and ceramic bezel insert. The design is inspired by PADI’s logo and both parties’ shared passion for the ocean.

The fondly nicknamed Turtle is Seiko’s relatively affordable dive classic in the current collection. Jorg already made a top 5 Seiko Turtle references, and Henry also argued that the model is set to be a future collectible and that it punches well above its weight. My favorite version of the Seiko Turtle has to be the SRPE05 with the military-green dial featuring a “grenade” pattern. Also, make sure to check out Thomas’s encounter with that one if you like today’s limited edition. As you can see, the Seiko Turtle is a familiar face in the brand’s collection of dive watches, so a 60th-anniversary PADI edition also makes a lot of sense. Let’s quickly see what it looks like.

Seiko Prospex Diver’s Watch PADI 60th Anniversary Limited Edition HBB002

The new Seiko HBB002 is based on the brand’s so-called “King Turtle.” That means the stainless steel cushion case has a 45mm diameter, a 13.2mm thickness, and a 47.7mm lug-to-lug. Just like on a typical Doxa, though, the bezel and dial are both much smaller than the case. Therefore, the PADI 60th Anniversary Limited Edition wears smaller than its dimensions suggest on paper. The classic Oyster-style bracelet has slim polished channels on the outer links, and the folding clasp features a dive extension, so you can wear it over a sleeve if necessary.

If you prefer a high-strength silicone strap, one with dedicated PADI printing is also included in the box.

The case back of the Seiko SRPE05

The screw-down crown is nestled in at the signature 4 o’clock position. With that crown, you operate the automatic Seiko 4R36 movement inside. It runs at 21,600 vph, features 24 jewels, and has a power reserve of 41 hours. I haven’t seen a picture or description of the screw-in case back yet. However, I assume it’s an all-steel one with some sort of PADI inscription. With the help of the crown, case back, and sapphire crystal, the Seiko HBB002 is water resistant to 200 meters.

An electric-blue PADI dial

As mentioned, the dial design is based on the PADI logo. That logo consists of a red diver in front of a blue globe. Therefore, the sunburst dial is electric blue and also features a subtle globe motif. There isn’t much red, to be honest, but the red seconds hand and the red text on the dial are nice, sporty accents. Finally, the ceramic bezel insert matches the dial’s electric-blue color and is just as resistant to scratches as the sapphire crystal it surrounds. By the way, that sapphire crystal features a quirky magnifier for the day and date complication and is treated with an antireflective coating on the inside.

Available in July and limited to 8,000 pieces

I happen to be a PADI-certified diver, but that blue might be a bit much for me. Still, I like how Seiko kept the design of this PADI Limited Edition quite toned down, with just a few extra bits and pieces. Sure, the PADI logo is there, but the rest of the features, like the globe motif, don’t mess too much with the original design. All I want to say is: this is still a nice watch to look at, while other limited editions often overdo it a little.

The Seiko Prospex Diver’s Watch PADI 60th Anniversary Limited Edition HBB002 will be available as of next month. It will cost €750 and come with both the stainless steel bracelet and a high-strength silicone strap. If you’d like to know more, make sure to check out the official Seiko website.

Let me know in the comments below what you think of the limited-edition Seiko Turtle for PADI’s 60th anniversary.