I'd find a first generation, pre-lume pip 143. The bracelet is pretty bad, but I always wear Seiko divers on rubber anyway. I've also had good luck with 6R movements, although it's definitely hit or miss. I really like the turtles as well, but for me they're just a little bit big.

 

The Turtle and SPB143 are completely different types of dive watches. The former is pure sports and the latter is more versatile using traditional designs.

For the “Diver’s 200” requirements, both watches later had a lume block crammed at the 3 o’clock.

I like 4 o’clock crowns so the decision was easy.

 

I like the look and form factor of the spb143, but I don't like how they changed it to have a 3oclock lume pip (yes I know it's for ISO certification) and I hear the bracelet is really bad and the movement is not acceptable for the price so all together it seems very over-priced and not a good buy.

Where as now the turtle seems to be what the SKX watches used to be.

Food for thought. I think the King Turtles and Samurai are remarkably nice watches for the money. Functionally and spec wise very very similar to the SPB that cost 2-3X more depending on source.

 

AliX copies are what the SKX used to be. Except for the actual dive cert, they are better watches by spec than the SKX was, better than the SRPD Seiko 5 is, and better than the Turtle.

I bet you can find a SPB143 copy, with better specs and at half the price of a Turtle.

If it had to be Seiko, a first gen SPB143, used, in your case; I'd be shopping for a used SPB151 or saving for a SLA049.

Otherwise, I would argue that Citizen and Orient have filled the void left when Seiko abandoned the affordable dive watch market.

 

Have you thought the SPB317? I prefer the dimensions over the turtle and it’s a little more fun than the 143. BTWI’ve had multiple turtles and 143s but still have the 317.

 

Turtle for my vote between those two.

 

Comparing the pictures here, I would have to say Spatula.
I'm guessing this foreign language is regarding Seiko? Too bad there isn't a Seiko forum here.

 

I’d go for the 143 but suspect that you would rather have a Turtle.

 

one is a very nice watch, the other is an icon

 

Pictures make the post

 

Turtle 🐢

 

SPB143 has a 6Rxx movement & the Turtle has a 4Rxx movement. Both terrible at time-keeping. are these watches free of cost?
if not, IMO, dont mess with these bogus movements.
the Turtle is, what, $350? the SPB143 is, what, $1200? --- that's a lot of money for a bogus movement. I'd spend it on a Hamilton of equivalent cost.
For $350 get a Seiko Arnie (solar) quartz....
FWIW

 

With Seiko QC issues particularly with rotating bezels, I would look elsewhere.

 

I went with a SPB077 (marine master 200) and have been happy with it - they make a smaller version now too. It's a 6R15, consistently in the +10/20 per day range, varying mostly due to weather changes - runs slower when it's cool/cold. the bracelet and clasp are fine without being amazing; at least the clasp hardware is milled steel vs. stamped. it spends the summer on a dive strap. No QC issues, alignment or movement.

 

Just to put out a counter to some thoughts here, I've owned 3 different Seikos with 6R movements and had no issues with accuracy. All ran approximately +7-10 seconds a day (dial up in my watchbox at night, on my wrist during the day).

And I look at watches as a whole, not just the movement. So, if I like the complete package I'll base my judgement (and spending) on that. For me the SPB143 is worth it (and you can find good deals on used ones). Now whether the 3 o'clock pip bugs you or not (sounds l ike it does) is enough to dissuade you from the 143, that's up to you. To me the pip is small enough not to be a problem. And as has been suggested, there are older 143s without it you might be able to track down.

Another to consider is one of the Willard models.

Good hunting.

 

Like Saswatch says, they're so completely different that I can't imagine choosing between the two. I'd choose the Turtle - but the SPB143 wouldn't be in the conversation. Equally, if I was after something like the SPB143, I wouldn't be weighing it up against the Turtle. Just not the same kind of thing.

 

Both watches are great...initially. But I'd go turtle for two reasons.
1. The failure rate of the 6R35 is real. I didn't think it was, but these things seem to be failing left and right. And here's the thing: a third party 6R movement isn't available. So you are stuck with the $260 repair if yours goes bad.
2. The turtle's 4R will keep just as good time day in and day out. And if it breaks, you can replace it for $30-40 bucks. I broke my turtle movement (dumb), and it was a cinch to replace it.

So...I went turtle. and having said that, both watches are really beautiful and great. (I even like the bracelet on the 143!)

 

Aesthetically, the SPB143 is as dull as dishwater, IMHO. Turtle for the win … LOL

 

Go with Citizen.

 

finally a sensible recommendation....

 

SPB143 is a great watch. If you don't like the pip consider an SPB317.
The SRP777/SRPE93 are a different class of diver. I like them but as I have too many SKX divers I am not interested in a Turtle.

 

Turtle for sure, it is one of the most legendary Seiko divers. SPB143 is only important now cuz Seiko marketing it to be being the first but was a diver model that even Seiko not feel confident about until recently when the whole watch industry is playing the historical root game, then Seiko decided to bring it back from the grave to your sight.

 

Turtle

From hearsay you are better off with a 4r35 than a 6r35

The lume "fix" at 3 O'clock is not so bad on the Turtle compared to the SPB as it does not interrupt the chapter ring.

I've also seen posts saying the lume on the SPB is not so great ie pressed dials with lume painted on the hour markers rather than lume filled steel rimmed markers. Whatever the truth I did have a Turtle (pre 3 o'clock "fix" ) and the lume was great.

Turtle is more watch for less money

 

Another vote for SPB317. Splits the difference aesthetically, while being both very clean looking but also 100% tool watch. I think it has better/more interesting wrist presence than the 143 with the C-shaped case, recessed crown, and symmetrical lume/indices. Seems like you can pick them for under $600 on the secondary market- just check for bezel alignment and perhaps a timegrapher reading.

 

SPB14x owner here. No regrets

Mine is on an Artem strap, no experience with the bracelet.

Highly recommended. Well sized for most, nicely finished, and versatile design

 

I've owned both(ish): a 6309 turtle and a SPB145 and 147. All three of those were sold or traded away. Agree with the post above somewhere, the turtle is a pure sports watch with classic rugged design; the SPB cases are both rugged but also have an elegance not out of place in, say, a business casual office. But... this may be polarizing, I didn't like any of these in the end.

I now have an all original 6105 "willard" diver and the dial is so much better balanced, what with the date-only window, and the case overall while similar to the turtle is just a lot cooler. And the SPB watches are happily gone. My other Seikos are a 4006-6010 Bell-matic and a 6139 yellow (not-true) 1973 Pogue. My dress/sports watch is a Cartier.