Seiko King Turtle "Jaws" SRPL81K Review

Seiko Jaws 50th Anniversary Watch (SRPL81): King Turtle Tribute to a Movie Icon

"We're going to need a bigger boat...". Just to be clear, this isn’t just any shark-themed watch—it’s a tribute to THE ONLY shark.

While I missed watching the first release of Jaws at the Odeon Ipswich in Suffolk, this movie did leave a mark for a fair few years and I dont care what anyone says, painting fish at the bottom of the pool was nay is a terrible idea! Luckily Lowestoft beach was not a hunting ground for sharks and while the cold water was manageable it was the perfect excuse for not getting in the water. 

Luckily I can now be all grown up and idulge my fears...Enter the Seiko Prospex Jaws 50th Anniversary Limited Edition SRPL81K—a bold, oversized homage that dives headfirst into the movie legend.

Before you worry about bumping into this toothy timepiece in the wild: relax. Only 5,000 units exist, and they’re exclusive to Australia, Japan, the U.S. and Taiwan. 

A Dive Watch with Bite

Built on the “King Turtle” platform, the SRPL81K brings a fascinating mix of style, substance, and pop-culture homage. The connection is clever—after all, great whites are known predators of sea turtles, but not every hunt goes as planned. 

The SRPL81K is BIG—measuring 44.3mm across and 13.4mm thick—but it wears surprisingly well thanks to the ergonomic King Turtle case design with its ever so slightly curved case. It’s not your daily-wear diver, but that’s part of the charm. This is a statement piece, meant for those moments when only a larger-than-life watch will do. And the soft blue silicone strap keeps it comfortable, even if the watch’s aesthetic might raise a few eyebrows.

Inspired by an Iconic Poster

The dial is where this Seiko truly shines and not just with this watch. With a silver-to-blue gradient and an embossed wave pattern, it evokes the mood of Roger Kastel’s iconic Jaws movie poster. While the infamous swimmer doesn’t appear on the dial, the shark—just like in the film—lurks below the surface, only revealing itself at certain angles.

Look closer and you'll spot the red Jaws text under the hands, rendered in the same bold typeface as the original poster. Flip the watch over, and the case back features an etching of the Orca (the smaller than required boat in the film) alongside the dorsal fin of its toothy nemesis. Each case back is also individually numbered, reinforcing the limited-edition status.

A Capable Diver, Not Just a Collectible

Despite its cinematic roots, this isn’t just a novelty piece—it’s a serious dive watch. The SRPL81K boasts a 200m water-resistant stainless steel case, ISO 6425 certification, a screw-down crown, sapphire crystal with magnifier cyclops and Seiko’s trusty automatic 4R36 movement inside. With a 41-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, and quick-set day/date, it's built to be worn—just maybe not while swimming in open water after dark.

Even the presentation box gets in on the fun. Open the blue packaging and you’ll find the SRPL81K resting on a pillow printed with the Jaws poster—including the famous swimming woman that’s missing from the dial.

To surmise

Whether you're a Seiko Turtle collector, a film buff, or just a fan of unique limited editions, the SRPL81K is one of those rare watches that tells more than time—it tells a story. A story of fear, nostalgia, craftsmanship, and a shark that defined an era.

This might not be your first King Turtle. It probably won’t be your last. But it just might be the one with the most bite.

Brand: Seiko

Model: Prospex King Turtle

Reference Number: SRPL81K

Diameter: 44.3mm

Thickness: 13.4mm

Lug-to-Lug: 47.7mm

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Dial Colour: Silver to Blue Gradient dial

Lume: Indices and hands

Water Resistance: 200m

Strap/Bracelet: Blue Silicone Strap (22mm width) with a stainless steel tang / pin buckle and keeper.

RRP: $1200