Seiko Vintage

Seiko Vintage
Home Watch Brands Seiko The Top 10 Vintage Seiko Watches You Should Buy Now
The Watches I Took On My Summer Holidays — Mike’s Picks From Breitling, Doxa, And Citizen
Why Rolex Quality Is Objectively Among The Very Best
The Grand Seiko SLGH013 — Just When I Thought I Was Out, They Pull Me Back In!
Hands-On With The Singer Reimagined Flytrack Barista — A Coffee Lover’s Dream Watch
The Ideal Size For A Watch Collection — One, Three, Six, Or All Of Them?
The New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26579CS Is My Favorite Kind Of Blue
Why Rolex Quality Is Objectively Among The Very Best
Hands-On With The New Tudor Pelagos 39 — The Professional Dive Watch For A New Generation
Available Now In The Fratello Shop: The Fratello × Minase M-3 “Very Peri”
Is Rolex Availability On The Rise? The Success Stories Are Getting Our Hopes Up
Bvlgari Releases A Trio Of Gold Octo Finissimo Models At Geneva Watch Days 2022

Leave a comment...
Join the conversation

Quick Look: The All-New Tudor Pelagos 39 Caters To The Smaller-Wristed Urban Diver
Is Rolex Availability On The Rise? The Success Stories Are Getting Our Hopes Up
Your Kids Won’t Want Your Watch Collection — The Lies We Watch Collectors Tell Ourselves
Introducing: Fratello × Minase M-3 “Very Peri” — The Watch That Can Be Whatever You Want It To Be!
The Best Affordable Dive Watches Today — Top 10 From TAG Heuer, Seiko, Oris, And More

About

Join the Fratello Lounge

About

Careers

Fratello.de

Advertising

Free Downloads

Shop

Newsletter

Contact

Popular

Speedy Tuesday

Hands-On

TBT

You Asked Us

Watch Talk

Watch Review

Sunday Morning Showdown

Latest

It’s the New Year and as many people put together resolution lists, we thought we’d do the same and kick off the year with a look at 10 Vintage Seiko watches you should buy right now. Our admiration for Seiko is pretty transparent – from its new releases that we anticipate each March at Basel to our many in-depth articles on classic references (and a recent look on affordable vintage here ) – we find that the brand from Japan has so much to offer. Some of our chosen models are extremely familiar and have been covered while some are less known, but still significant. So, Happy New Year and, in no particular order, let’s talk vintage Seiko.
A list of top Vintage Seiko watches absolutely has to include the Seiko 6309 . It’s a legendary reference that continues to grow in popularity, status, and, unfortunately, price. Still, though, this chunky cushion-cased diver with a non hand-winding automatic can be found with just a little bit of hard work for around the $400 mark in original condition. We covered the pitfalls one needs to consider when hunting down this 150M diver in an article from 2015, but once a good example is found, it’s such a satisfying quality piece to wear. The 6309 is a Seiko that finds its way into the collections of those who generally prefer far more expensive brands such as Rolex because of the watch’s simple, yet iconic looks and functionality. Robert-Jan sourced one last year and we think Gerard is trawling the market as well – this is one contagious watch! Plus, it’s a “go anywhere” timepiece that could serve as one’s only watch, but we’re here to talk 10 watches, right?
Some may consider the 6139 “Pogue” to be a bit of an eccentric selection within our top 10 Vintage Seiko watches list, but I’m ready to defend the choice. First, if the “Pogue” isn’t the cheapest vintage space flown watch (it went up with Col. William Pogue in 1973 as part of Skylab ), it has to be in the running. Next, the 6139 was one of the movements in the race for first automatic chronograph in 1969 – depending on what you want to believe, it can make a claim as the first – and contains a robust, column-wheel equipped movement. Next, and hear me out here, while other dial colors exist, I find the bright yellow dial of the Pogue to be emblematic of Seiko’s design language during the late 60’s-mid 70’s. It’s funky and immediately signifies a different age, but it has aged beautifully. Several variations on the “Pogue” theme exist, but my suggestion is to track down any correct 6139 with a yellow dial. Figure on $500 give or take and that should land you a great vintage chronograph.
It’s not necessarily fair to choose two models as one entry within our top Vintage Seiko watches list, but I struggled to pick a clear winner. The 6138 is a relative of the aforementioned 6139 but contains a second sub register and can be hand wound. Apparently, and this is seen by its numerically earlier reference, this is the movement Seiko wanted to release first in 1969, but due to its complexity, it simply wasn’t ready yet. In the two watches mentioned, especially when it comes to the “Panda”, you have what are amongst the most collected and expensive vintage Seiko chronographs on the market.
Seiko 6138-8020 – photo courtesy of thosewatchguys.com
The “Panda” routinely eclipses $1,000 and the “Kakume” isn’t terribly far behind. Why is this? Credit relatively classic dials evocative of Swiss brands, serious weight, build quality, and you have a recipe for watches that likely draw in non-Seiko collectors. As always, watch out for aftermarket replacement parts; the market is sadly rife with them. If these legends are too rich for your liking, grab any 6138 model and enjoy 95% of the feeling for less than 50% of the price!
I know we’re not listing our picks for top Vintage Seiko watches in any type of order, but the Rally Diver would be a real frontrunner for me. Part of Seiko’s sport diver series, these watches are water resistant down to 70 meters. What they may lack in serious diving capability, though, they make up in spades with jaw-dropping looks. The Rally Divers are well known to Seiko collectors chiefly because of their amazing “checkered-flag” rotating bezel inserts.
Tack on large size, beautiful silver, black or blue dials, and bulletproof automatic movements and you can see why these early 1970’s Seiko’s stand out from the crowd. There’s little difference between the 6106 and 6119 movements aside from extra jewels in the latter. The more noticeable contrast comes on the dial, as 6119’s are part of the “Seiko 5” series. Bezels are prone to fading and one has to be mindful of ensuring the rest of the cosmetic parts are original, but great pieces can still be found for around $400. I’ve sourced several of these for under $200 and Robert-Jan recently landed a great example at a price below market. The Rally Diver…diving and classic car themes all in one watch? You got it!
You’ve read here and elsewhere about the over-the-top quality of Grand Seiko new and old, but you’ve probably read a bit less about the brand’s other former top tier series: King Seiko. We’ve detailed a couple pieces – both a manual wind and automatic Hi-Beat (machine gunning at 36,000 bph) – and believe us, the quality is about 98% as good as a Grand Seiko. Translating that into Swiss terms, a King Seiko trumps just about everything out there from the neutral country from the same time frame of the late 60’s to mid 70’s. Take into account that good King Seiko’s can be found for under $600 all day long and you have one of the greatest dress watch bargains in the watch world.
I mentioned a “Hi-Beat” movement because these early pieces bring in innovation and accuracy that only a few other brands were employing. Plus, I like the razor-esque slab sided “Grammar of Design” styling and the oft-found gold medallions on the case back. Look out for severe dial staining due to moisture, but otherwise buy with confidence as these watches run like a diesel. Interestingly, Gerard, Blaise, Robert-Jan and I all own examples of early King Seiko’s making this the most popular Seiko on the team.

No list of top Vintage Seiko watches you should buy now is complete without the 6117 Navigator . Seiko offered this piece in several designs, but with one real constant – a dual time zone movement that mimics the famous Rolex GMT. In Seiko’s version, though, you have the choice of a model with an external 24-hour bezel, an internal 24-hour bezel and models with a rotating internal bezel that features city names. The early Navigator, reviewed on #TBT, with external bezel is the simplest design and apes a sport diver model from Seiko at the time. These tend to realize the highest prices of all the Navigators with $500 – 600 now a typical cost of entry. Other models tend to sell in the $300 – 450 range and that makes them a nice deal. Of course, like all Seiko’s, the movement is bulletproof and unlike period Rolex GMT 1675’s that cost 15-20X, this watch contains a handy quickset date.
The second diver to enter our list of top Vintage Seiko watches is the distinctively cased 6105-8110 . If I look at the family tree of professional Seiko divers, this model is my favorite. It set the trend of large, asymmetrically shaped cushion cased divers for the brand and it’s a design language that is still seen today. It had an innovative, but rather forgettable locking crown design combined with an iconic dial and bezel and its rugged build and capabilities also led to its popularity amongst US soldiers in Vietnam. Famously, it was donned by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now. These 6105’s now tend to run above $1,000 but you still find them for less at times. They’re often found with heavy patina and loads of scratches – it’s a big case so it tends to smack into things – but they look good with a ton of character and the trademark “waffle” strap. Here again, the movement is stellar and there’s little to worry about function-wise. As far as iconic vintage divers go, I still consider this one to be a serious bargain. It may have come after the legendary, yet traditionally styled 62MAS, but I still think this is the one to have.
The last diver to make roll call in the top Vintage Seiko watches list is the undeniably quirky Seiko 6159 Tuna . We’ve covered this watch heavily here on Fratello Watches as both Robert-Jan and I own them. Even though it’s a bit impractical, that tall, shrouded titanium case makes for a tough daily wear, the Tuna is such an icon that it just might be my candidate for a response to the question of “if you had to buy one Seiko, which would you buy?” The 1960’s and 1970’s brought so much inventiveness when it came to divers and the Tuna belongs right there in the crowd amongst legends such as Omega’s Ploprof, Rolex’s Sea Dweller and Doxa’s 300.
It was a creative solution to the needs of deep-water workers and it’s a model that still exists today – in even deeper form. 6159’s have finally moved off the $1500 – 1800 range and now seem to cost around $2,000. They contain rugged hi-beat automatics and outstandingly cool finishing. Still, this price level is not insignificant, so I wouldn’t look down on anyone who decides to buy the less expensive late 70’s 7549-7009 (aka the Gold Tuna) as it was the first quartz professional diver. The Seiko Tuna – it’s almost like a brand on its own.
If the other pieces in this article jump out as “no-brainer” picks for the top Vintage Seiko watches to buy now, the Lord Marvel 5740 likely stands out as a real surprise. It’s a simple looking dress watch that’s attractive enough, but it’s a case where there’s a lot more than meets the eye. This watch was the model that first showcased Seiko’s entry into the world of Hi-Beat 36,000 bph movements. The brand debuted their 5740 movement in 1967 which was only one year after Girard Perregaux introduced the world’s first. Aside from being extremely accurate, a Hi-Beat movement is extraordinary to watch – the seconds hand just glides – and hear. These 5740’s aren’t big by any means at 35mm, but due to their design with decently sized lugs, they wear like a nice dress watch and fit most wrists. Best of all, if you find a cleanly dialed example, $250 should be more than enough to grab history.
If a King Seiko is still too much for your budget, this is your next best answer. For more info, friend and big-time Seiko collector Christoph McNeill wrote a really nice review here on WornAndWound.
As our last, but not least, choice on Vintage Seiko watches to buy now, I’m going down the electrical impulse path. Quartz – yes, that’s correct. In 1982, Seiko debuted the 7A28 as the world’s first analog quartz chronograph. Today, I’d make the claim that this chronograph and its relatives, the 7A38 and 7A48, are still highly impressive pieces of machinery. Digital watches have their place, but I’d argue that the 7A28, with its 15-jewel serviceable movement, split timing capabilities and 1/10 second timing is masterfully built. I own a 7A38 – same family but with day and date – and it’s such a well executed watch that it easily competes with many of my favorite purely mechanical pieces.
Somehow, with their often elegant and timeless designs, these chronographs manage to achieve something that most battery-powered watches (including many by Seiko) cannot – specifically they have heart. No matter the “7A” variant, options exist for less than $200 and the chief concern is whether all the functions are operational. If not, though, they can be serviced and returned to working order. Despite an electronic heart, these 7A’s garner a lot of collector interest and good ones are starting becoming scarce.
So, that’s it for our list of Vintage Seiko watches that you should buy now. As noted in a recent article on affordable vintage Seiko, there are so many models out there to consider, that it’s difficult to go wrong. Also, I am sure there are fanatics out there who could easily compile a “top 10” list for every sub-genre of vintage Seiko – there are simply that many rabbit holes one can choose to explore. Of course, any time one chooses a specific list, there’s bound to be some controversy, so let’s hear your thoughts on what we may have missed. Happy (Seiko) hunting!
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
Michael, I totally agree with your picks. And most are on my list to get already. Although in the last year, Seiko has been releasing watches that are so similar to these vintage pieces. And I have purchased a few of them. And I love them to death.
Great picks! But of course the Bullhead is missing.

Yea, I agree, I didn’t see my bullhead.
Seiko 6138 “Panda” & all the hi-beat styles including the Lord Marvel with with 36,000bph that are amazing in Vintage Seiko watch collection. Thanks for sharing!
Great list! But, is the dial on the Kakume you show correct?
I don’t know how I missed this article, but I’m glad to find it. What a a gift.
Thank You!
Can someone tell me a good at or sight to price a ladies Seiko leather???
There are many new ones on the web, if you want a vintage one just be careful it may need a full service could cost more than the watch.
Whatsapp whith a SEIKO BELL-MATIC, a BULL HEAD, a old SILVER WAVE,ETC…???SEIKO is SEIKO, and with only 10 watches, it’s a IMPOSIBLE MISSION select only 10, 20 is better.
can someone tell me why the 6m 13 7000 a 1990 made in japan ( dancing hands ) tag lookalike isnt expensice or popular? its just at the age of discovery era and although quartz its chronograph and looks timelessanyone have one i really would like to get one or the box
I find it strange that the Seiko 6138-Ufo,be part of the list. He and Kakume are the most beautiful.Best regards
hi my dad has a seiko quartz chronograph sports 150 black color. the serial number is 8M26-7070 and I can’t find out anything about it and on how much it cost? maybe you can tell me something about it.
https://uploads.disquscdn.c …this is the watch im talking about
Love this article. I’ve read it several times, it’s a great reference!
I would like to say I love my Bell-Matic!
Love this article. I’ve read it several times, it’s a great reference!
I would like to say I love my Bell-Matic!
I have just bought My first Vintage Seiko a 6106-6439 February 1971 Production.I have been doing some research and have found a lot of information on The 6105-8110 Models, but very little on My watch.Are they scarce???, Is that the reason I cannot find much information on them.Any help is greatly appreciated.
There is a good reason for this seiko make so many watches it’s hard to grasp, it could be a limited production run.
need battery for Seiko (got 2001) #120471 ? or OORP ?
I just inherited a Seiko Hi Beat GS 6146-8030 from my Grandfather. It has the 18k gold case and the textured gold band. I have yet to see another one with the same band. He bought it in 1969, the year I was born. Today I dropped it at a specialty watch shop for “maintenance” as it loses time. It’ll be well worth the $300-$600 to get it working again.
Have a Seiko 66-5010 270040 17 jewel, square, blue face watch, with boxes, is it a vintage watch you should buy now?
I have a Seiko it’s a beautiful watch, I got it as a birthday gift, I was wondering if someone could please tell me what year it’s from? And how much it’s worth
I have a seiko 6130-5050nI cannot find anything like it in all of the listing I have made of all you sites.
The 6309 you show is nothing like my 6309-5359 rectangle Brass case hands self winding and date I have used this watch for about 45 years is about how old it is.
I have a seiko 5 6309-5108 and wondering if you know the value of this watch. I cant find anything similar in the net.
I have a 1995 Seiko 5 Chronon with only three monuments on a blue field. What would that be worth?
6309 vintage Seiko 5 turtle watch is the Best design.
Great list, I feel you’re missing some notable models such as the Bullhead, UFO, Gene Kranz 6119-8460, 62MAS, 7A28-7000 Chronograph from Alien.

From top to bottom: raised logo, engraved logo and printed logo.

SD dial with engraved logo, grand-seiko.com

SD (Special Dial) with white gold indexes

© 2021 The Seiko Guy - Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Ok
The history of Grand Seiko begins in 1960 with the introduction of the Grand Seiko Chronometer, better known today as Grand Seiko First.
Between 1960 and the first half of the 1970s, numerous models were produced, which can be divided into seven different families, based on the movements. There are seven families, and not eight as we often hear, because the caliber 3180 (renamed 5720) and the 430 (renamed 5722) are actually part, according to Seiko’s official documentation, of the same family of movements.
The models shown in this guide are those produced starting from the first Grand Seiko, up to the interruption of the series in the mid-70s, caused by the quartz revolution, and then resumed in 1988.
Introduced in Japan on December 18 of 1960, it was the first Japanese watch to pass the rating of the Bureaux Officiels de Contrôle de la Marche des Montres. Seiko’s goal was to create the ideal watch, according to the highest standards of precision, beauty, legibility and durability.
Manufactured by Suwa Seikosha, it housed the caliber 3180 (later renamed 5720), which combined some characteristics of the movements previously developed by Seiko for the Lord Marvel and the Crown. The claimed accuracy was +12/-3 seconds per day.
After lengthy debates, the Gothic font was chosen to express Grand Seiko’s respect for the long history of mechanical watchmaking.
Most of the examples produced feature a case coated with a layer of 14-karat gold that is 80 microns thick (considerably thicker than common gold plating). Some examples with platinum cases were also produced, m
Xxx Sexy Secretary
Sperm Kiss Porno
Shemale Lingerie Fuck Guy Hd Porno

Seiko Vintage

Report Page