How to tell when your Seiko watch was made (Part 2)
In my previous article on how to date your Seiko watch, I mentioned the nifty Jayhawk's Production Date Calculator. In most cases it should return the correct date of manufacture.
However, there are circumstances in which the calculator may give you inconclusive or erroneous results. Or no results at all. When that happens, I would resort to what I call "dead reckoning" or rough estimation.
Dead reckoning is similar to navigating your way at sea by orientating yourself with the heavenly objects like the sun, moon and the stars. You won't be accounting for wind conditions and at best your estimate may be a few miles off your actual position. That's when a GPS unit comes in handy! 
Manually estimating the production date of a Seiko involves the element of anachronism. What is anachronism? Basically, it is the utilization of an event, a person, an object, language in a time when that event, person or object was not in existence. In other words, an anachronism is something that occurs out of its proper time. The chronological error of an anachronism can occur in either direction; it can result from something from the past being represented as if it belonged in the present, like an archaism, or it can result from presenting something at a time before it actually appeared, occurred, or existed.
And anachronism is the key to manually estimating the production date of your Seiko watch.
An example would be saying that a digital LCD watch was produced back in 1964 or claiming that old Kinetic watch in your drawer was purchased in 1983. Or an eBay seller proclaiming a vintage Seiko 7T59 quartz chronograph as a brand new model from 2003. In actuality, digital watches were only commercially available in the middle of the 1970s. Seiko Kinetics, originally branded as "Auto Quartz" and "A.G.S" (Automatic Generation System) only appeared at the end of the 1980s. As for the prized and short-lived, rare 7T59 chronograph models, they were only made between 1991 and 1993.
Putting it in another way, it's like saying the iPhone was already available in the 1990s or Microsoft Windows 7 users were running the operating system in 2004 (neither are true!). Eagle eyed movie buffs are quick to point out anachronisms in movies and you can read about them under the "Goofs" section for the movie title in the Internet Movie Database.
OK, now that you basically know what an anachronism is, let's learn how to date your Seiko watch manually!
To perform a dead reckoning dating of a Seiko watch, the five things that you need to know are:
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History of the caliber
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Reference number chronology
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Watch markings
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Watch design
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Signs of aging and wear
History of the caliber
Knowing when the caliber was first made and ended production would the first useful clue.
A very straightforward example is the 7002 automatic diver which was introduced in 1988 to replace the aging 6309 model whose production years ran from 1976 to 1988. The 7002 had a market life span of eight years and was shelved by mid 1996 (replaced by the current 7s26 caliber). Therefore all 7002s couldn't be made earlier than 1988 nor later than 1996.
The 7002-based SDS097K (left) and its successor model, the 7s26-powered SKX171K (right). Note that the 7002's crown position is at 4 o'clock and lacks a day calendar display. Pics courtesy of Chronograph.com
Another good instance would be the famous 6138 and 6139 automatic chronographs. Seiko introduced these robust and workhorse calibers in 1970 and 1969 respectively. Neither calibers never made it to 1980 and to my best knowledge, Seiko ceased making 6139s between 1978 and 1979.
Why were they discontinued? My guess is these calibers were getting more costly to manufacture and at the same time, Seiko wanted to push its quartz technology to the watch buying public. Maybe at the time they thought that mechanical chronographs were obsolete and quartz was the way to go.
The discontinuation of the 6138 and 6139 movements also unfortunately spelt the death of affordable Seiko automatic chronographs, much to the disappointment to Seiko mechanical watch fans. Currently, Seiko only offers automatic chronographs for its higher end lineups, such as the Brightz (caliber 6s28), Prospex Flightmaster (caliber 6s37) and the "Rolls Royce of Seikos" - the magnificent Seiko Credor (caliber 6s37).
An early 6138-0011 from Oct 1970 (left) and a late production 6138-0011 dating to Apr 1977 (right). Note the "waterproof" marking on the earlier watch's caseback and "water resistant" on the other one.
Complications in dating a Seiko watch will arise when production of the caliber hits 10 years or longer. Generally, Seiko doesn't continue making the same caliber for longer than 8 years unless the caliber itself is profitable to manufacture or it came up with a replacement caliber.
Take for example, the 7T32 alarm chronograph. It first debuted in 1988 and was discontinued sometime in 2002. Therefore, if the a 7T32's serial number starts with "1N", you could narrow it down between 1988 and 2002. It cannot be 1981 because this caliber wasn't available yet! Neither can it be 2008 because the caliber was already discontinued six years earlier.
This unfortunately leaves you with two possibilities - either November 1991 or November 2001. Obviously, this is not going to be very helpful because the correct year of production has to be either one of them but not both! Try to enter the caliber and the serial number into the Production Date Calculator and it will assume that the watch is from November 1991.
So how do you determine which is the correct production year? We take a step further by knowing the chronology of the watch's reference number.
Reference number chronology
When faced with the above dilemma, the next logical choice would be to know the chronological order of the model. This is not easy to tell unless you have seen photos of models of the same caliber to serve as reference.
Early Seiko 7T32s have reference numbers beginning with "SDW" and followed by three digits while the last 7T32 models ended with "SDWG" with two trailing digits. The digits start from the lowest order to the highest order. When Seiko runs out of reference numbers, they would append a new alphabet starting with the letter "A".
In this example, a 7T32 model with the reference prefix "SDW" obviously predates one with a "SDWA" prefix. In the same manner, a model that has the prefix "SDWF" would be a much later model than a "SDWB" and so on.
If you are able to determine that your mystery watch has a reference prefix e.g., "SDWF", you can be sure that your watch is a late model 7T32. Therefore your watch would be a November 2001 production and not from 1991.
Three 7T32s arranged in chronological order. The SDW379P (left) predates the SDWA65P (middle) while the latter in turn, predates the SDWC02P (right). Pics courtesy of Chronograph.com
The same model numbering convention holds true for other Seiko models. When the company dropped the 7T32 caliber in the early 2000s and replaced it with the 7T62, it designated the first batch of 7T62s as the SNA-series. As mentioned earlier, Seiko assigns a running prefix number for its new models until it runs out of numbers. Thereafter, it would append an additional character into the reference prefix, starting with the alphabet "A", as in "SNAA".
Six years have passed since first SNA models rolled out the factory assembly lines and at the time of writing, the most recent models have the "SNAB" prefix. In a few months from now, you'll find 7T62 models with reference letters starting with "SNAC" and perhaps, "SNAD". This will continue until Seiko decides to discontinue the 7T62 caliber and replace it with a new one. Its replacement caliber will of course, have different reference letters.
Two 7T62 alarm chronographs side-by-side: An early Seiko Sportura SNA137P (left) and a very recent model SNAB69P (right). Watch photos courtesy of Chronograph.com
Watch Markings
When the watch's reference number is unknown, there are certain visible clues that can help you zero in the watch's production year. The key is in the watch markings. For instance, in the 70s and 80s Seiko typically uses the word "Seiko Quartz" or "SQ" to denote that the watch is a quartz powered model.
The 80s was particularly Seiko's golden age for their analog quartz models. In fact, the Japanese watch giant was capitalizing on its solid reputation as the world's largest producer of analog quartz timepieces. The words "Quartz" and "SQ" also served as a selling point and differentiated their quartz models from their automatic counterparts.
By the mid 1990s, Seiko had already carved itself a solid reputation as a quartz watch manufacturer. Seiko was churning out more quartz timepieces than mechanical ones and to the masses, a Seiko watch is generally associated with a quartz movement.
A beautiful and rare 2A22-026A Professional Diver's 200m. The "Quartz" and "SQ" markings on the dial and bracelet clasp respectively are visible clues that this watch was from the mid 80s, Pictures courtesy of Thian Wong.
Seiko probably felt they longer needed to mark their quartz products with the words "Quartz" and "SQ" so both labels were eventually dropped. Since the mid 1990s, all Seiko watches are generally quartz by default. There are also some exceptions to this rule. For instance, the SHC015P and SHC033P divers are still marked as "Seiko Quartz" for certain export markets. I presume the Seiko company did this to distinguish them from their 7s26 automatic divers as both models have strong resemblances to their automatic counterparts.
Currently, all Seiko watches are quartz models except if the movement type is indicated on the dial. Therefore, if the dial doesn't say "Automatic", "Kinetic", "Thermic", "Solar", "Direct Drive" or "Spring Drive" then you can be sure that the watch is battery-powered quartz. This applies to all current Seikos, from their most affordable generic quartz watches to the high end Grand Seikos.
Some vintage quartz divers come with battery change year markings on their casebacks. If the watch caliber's battery life is rated for five years, there should be an indentation mark to indicate the approximate next battery change.
This information can be very useful in getting the watch's production year right. The photo below shows a vintage 7C43-6020 Professional Diver's 200m. You can see the battery change markings on the caseback ranging from 1995 to 2004. The dimple mark is stamped on the year "95" as the 7C43's battery life averages 3 years.
An equally gorgeous and rare Japan market, Professional 200m diver's watch made in 1992. Photo courtesy of Ty Maitland.
Watch Design
As with fashion, hairstyles, music and popular culture, watches also undergo design trends and fads. Getting the production year right purely based on the watch design is not that easy but you can still make educated guesses if you know a thing or two about design elements in its time.
For instance, LCD watches were the craze in the mid 1970s and Seiko produced pretty good classic LCD timepieces during the era.
Therefore if you have Seiko watches looking like in this picture below, there's the element of certainty that they were from the late 1970s to the early 80s and no later than that.
A trio of well preserved Seiko LC digitals from the 70s. Seiko gradually phased out LCD watches with metal cases and bracelets by the mid 1980s.
Throughout the 1980s, Seiko made quite a number of analog-digital quartz calibers. The analog-digital trend unfortunately also faded by the early 1990s in favor of full analog quartz designs. Currently Seiko has only two analog-digital calibers left in its stable - the world-time H023, which is nearing its end of production life and also its latest H024 caliber.
If your watches look like these, you can be sure that they were from the 1980s.
A memorable example is the "moonphase" display trend on watches in the late 1980s. Practically almost all manufacturers (even the Guess fashion brand) had moonphase dial watches back then.
The moonphase fad had died down by the late 90s and to my best knowledge, currently only Citizen has moonphase models in their upmarket quartz and Eco-Drive Campanola line and of course, a handful of fine Swiss mechanical watches.
Two examples of forgotten moonphase Seikos from the early 1990s - a 7F39 (left) and a 7A48 (right). Seiko no longer made moonphase quartz watches since then.
As Seiko has made countless models since the last century, it is not possible to detail every possible style in this article. However you can at least scope the production year within one decade if you're familiar with the watch styling.
As with other brands, Seiko watches also undergoes many stylistic changes over the decades. You could also browse through Jayhawk's Watch Database and see if your watch or a model like it is listed there. Here are some additional tips that you may find useful:
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A watch marked as "Seikosha" instead of Seiko is likely to made in the early 1960s or earlier.
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A Seiko that has a 7-digit serial number is likely to be made in 1968 or earlier.
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A Seiko that's marked as "waterproof" is likely to be made before mid 1971.
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A Seiko that uses Promethium-147 or Tritium radioactive luminous compound (instead of the non-radioactive LumiBrite) is likely to be made before the mid 1990s.
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A Kinetic Seiko that's labeled as "AGS" or "Auto Quartz" is likely to be from 1996 or earlier.
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A Seiko 5 with a solid stainless steel caseback (as opposed to glass display back) is likely to be made well before 2004.
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Some Seiko 7s26 divers, like the SKX011K were introduced earlier but were later dropped from the market and replaced with the SKX011J. In most likelihood, an SKX011K predates the SKX011J version.
Signs of aging and wear
Although estimating the production year of a Seiko watch could be done by looking for signs of aging, wear and tear, this is a very subjective and by no means a foolproof method for determining its age.
Generally, a ten year old watch or older would show telltale signs of its age in the form of case scuffs, dents, scratches on the glass and bracelet, non-working functions, faded dials, rusty watch hands, casebacks, etc. On the other hand, a relatively new watch could also accumulate those scratches, dents and cosmetic flaws, depending on the manner the previous owner wore his timepiece.
One way is to judge the condition of the dial. Watches that have lived a long rough life have a tendency to have faded dials and bezels, especially if the dial has been exposed to the sun daily for years. It's not just the heat but the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays that will cause dial fading.
Here's an example of an old SKX025J that predates the SKX025K that is sold today. The watch is non-functional and the eBay sellers sold this as a parts watch.
An early model Japan-made, SKX025J mid-sized diver. This watch was probably made between 1996 and 2001.
Conclusion
Manually tracing the production year of a Seiko watch can be very tricky at best. If you have a relatively little known caliber or model you may be forced to resort to estimating by the watch design and text markings.
If all fails, post a question in the Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum as there will be a few kind and helpful members who may recognize the caliber or watch model. 
Related article(s): How To Tell When Your Seiko Was Made (Part 1)
Originally posted 2008-07-16 20:29:46.
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Comments
Dobrý den,
chci se zeptat jestli mužete sehnat funk?ní kompletku na hodinky SEIKO calibr 6139-6002. D?kuji za odpov?d.
Ahoj Frendlovský,
Je mi líto, ale nevím, ?eského jazyka a nem?že pochopit, co jsi ode mne s dotazem, pokud budete psát v angli?tin?. (Píši tento pomocí Google Translator služba)
Quartzimodo.
Great info.
I have a seiko made in Japan given to me in the mid 60's.It is self winding. Sat in a box for 40 yrs. and works and looks like new. There are two sets of nos. on the back, 862027 just above JAPAN-L. The other is; 7625-8033. Is there anything you can tell me about it?
Thanks for your help.
Mike
Hi Mike,
I have limited information regarding 7625 based Seikos. The caliber first appeared as early as 1964 and it was made at the old Daini factory in Japan. It appears to be one of the entry level movements in its era, commonly found in dress watches under the Seiko Sportsmatic line or in generic form. Like the contemporary and economical 7s25/7s35 caliber from Seiko, the 7625 is a date-only movement - judging from the small and semi-recessed crown, it is fully automatic with no auxiliary hand-winding capability.
In your case, your watch was made in June 1968 and should have "waterproof" markings instead of "water resistant". If your watch is underused and NIB (New In Box) looking as you say, it would be a very collectible vintage Seiko. Should you plan on wearing the watch on a daily basis, have the watch serviced by a competent watch repairman and get the watch rubber seals replaced to keep out moisture and dirt.
Hope this helps,
Quartzimodo.
I am new to the enthusiast ranks and enjoyed the information you provided above.
I found my way here looking for information on my mid 80s 6923-7109 quartz analog. I have scoured the search engines and have found no reference to this particular watch anywhere. Any ideas on how I can ID further?
Additional info: 6923 18 716L R (or similar from watch face),
day/date with uni-directional ring, Titanium(?) construction, SQ on face and original band.
Any help is appreciated.
Bruce
Hi Bruce,
Seiko made lots of quartz movements in the 80s and there are many movements that I'm not familiar with (including the 6923). Very little is mentioned about the 6923 because those that have such watches didn't post any pictures of them in watch forums or discussed them. From your description of the "SQ" mark on the dial, it is typical of a Seiko quartz watch from the mid 80s to the end of the decade.
However, if you can provide the serial number and preferably a photo of the watch I may be able to pinpoint its production date.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Thanks for the quick response. Not sure if this thread is where you wanted me to follow up, but here goes.
I've linked to photobucket for picture, and the serial number is:440137. Info on bottom of dial is: Japan 6923 716L R (best I can tell without magnifying glass). Stainless Steel back with screw in crown. I recall it being a Titanium case, but band is stainless I believe.
Bought the watch new in late 1985 I believe. Original band broke several times and can't get anyone to fix anymore. Watch is well used, but a real favorite. Would LOVE to find another to buy if anyone has any ideas on where to find.....
Thanks again,
Bruce
Also...any place you can recommend for an estimate on a complete refurb.?
Hi Bruce,
Your SQ sports diver's watch was definitely made in April 1984 - Seiko quartz watches typically looked like yours during the era. Unfortunately, your model is probably not very common, therefore finding more information on it is like looking for a needle in a haystack. 
The 6293 movement in your watch contains 2 jewels, has a battery life of 5 years and takes the 1.55 volt, Seiko TR926SW battery or its equivalent. It also has a trimmer condenser for compensating for oscillator drift, which is sometimes found in some vintage Seiko quartz movements.
As for restoration work, you may want to check out Jack Alexyon's services and contact him for an estimate.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Thanks for the info. I'm not sure what a 'trimmer condenser for compensating for oscillation drift' is but it sounds cool!
Maybe it will impress the wife so much she will let me spend $200 to refurbish a watch worth probably $10.
I'm using seiko watch for the moment, at the bottom are these numbers 7009 - 3040 A2. I wanted to know more about it.
Hi Slosses,
You have one of the countless vintage Seiko 5s based on the older 7009 caliber. Seiko could have made many variations of the 7009-3040 design, some are gold plated, some all stainless steel. There's not much to tell about a 7009-3040, it's just a Seiko 5 dress watch made before the mid 1990s.
Quartzimodo Admin
Hi
How about Seiko Quartz, caliber number 5Y30?
I have one that is gold-plated - SGP
Any idea of its production date? Thanks
Hi Poh,
I'm not familiar with 5Y30 caliber watches as they are hardly, if ever discussed in watch forums. Seiko made so many forgettable quartz calibers since the late 1970s that it's hard to keep track of them all. The more popular vintage quartz calibers include the 4004, 7A28, 7A38, H656, H601, etc. I think the 5Y30 caliber was designed for gents' dress watches.
You need to contact me personally and have clear photos of your watch (front and rear) ready. It's possible that your watch was made in the 1980s.
cheers,
Quartzimodo Admin.
Hi Folks:
I have a SEIKO Quartz Mickey Mouse watch with a s.s. back purchased about 20/25 years ago in Montreal!!!
It is my favorite watch and I've it repaired numerous time under the old Seiko refurbishing orogram that I now understand is discontinued. The last company that repaired it took two attempts but the watch has not worked right since they returned it to me.
The back identification numbers seem to be 7N01 8A19 RD. Looks like the serial number is 362666.
Any idea who can repair/restore this favorite or where a replacement might be located.
I enjoyed your posts on old Seikos.
Thanks for any help you might provide!!!
Paul Shea
Hello,
My wife bought me a Seiko sports 50 watch with a full lumibrite dial in 1996 (I think). It developed moisture inside the crystal because I changed the battery myself (dumb!). I tried to remove the movement to dry it and it fell apart! I threw all the parts in my desk and a month later the green dial turned brown!! Model = 7N43-8B20. Serial = 673206. I found an official Seiko dealer that has a new one very similar. Model=7N43-8B40 Serial=583006. I'm thinking 1985 but I'm not sure. I know for sure the 7N43-7b40 looks the same but it is mid 1980's. I'm worried the dial will not have lumibrite (but will have tritium 147)instead if the watch is too old. Does the tritium glow longer than the newer lumibrite? The dealer says the watch is still new and will come with factory waranty. I'm really upset that I ruined my Seiko and it cannot be restored (no dial available) and I cannot even find a used one. Any info will help.
Hi Paul,
Afraid can't help you there. Seiko made too many quartz calibers and special editions in the past to keep track of. I've heard of the Mickey Mouse
watches, but they are not collectible in the eyes of many Seiko collectors. The MM Seiko is a novelty watch which may probably interest collectors of novelties and not necessarily Seiko collectors.
I'm guessing your watch could have been made on June 1983. It takes a 1.55v Seiko/Maxell SR621SW or Energizer #364 silver oxide cell and is rated up to 2 years' of battery life. The problem with quartz modules is that they often use surface mounted electronics which are embedded. AFAIK, Seiko keeps stock of parts of models and calibers up to 7 years since their discontinuation. If you have a defective module, the usual option is to have it replaced. Your predicament is whether Seiko Japan still has leftover complete modules of the 7N01 caliber.
Your other option is to find a fully functional, used Seiko watch that uses the same 7N01 caliber and cannibalize it for parts. Sorry I can't be of much help.
Wishing you luck in refurbishing your watch!
Quartzimodo Admin.
Just for the records regarding the part1 of your great article.
The production date calculator can now be reached at:
uaf13892.ddns.uark.edu/jgauch/photos/seiko.html
Cheers,
Axel
Hey Axel.
Good to hear from you again, buddy! Thanks for the update, it's duly noted with gratitude!
cheers,
Quartzimodo Admin
G'day
I found a watch my Parents gave to me i think in the 60s was hoping you maybe able to let me know thr year etc
all number supplied are
5606.6060
and on the bottom of the watch 467051 Japan
Regards
James....
Forgot to mention it has on the back water resistant ,,,on the front it has day and date
Regards again
James thank you..
forgot to mention on the back is water resistant
and front it has
day and date
Regards James
again thank you
G'day James,
The 5606 was one of the premium grade calibers in its heyday and was commonly fitted to the Lord Matic (LM) series. It is a 21,600bph movement and offers auxiliary hand winding. From your serial number, I'd put the production date as June 1974. It cannot be from 1964 since the 5606 didn't exist ten years earlier, plus the fact your watch has a 6-digit serial number (instead of 7) and that it's marked as "water resistant".
Hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
KANJI: Quartzimodo
Thank you so MUCH
That would have been right June 1974 was a birthday present
You have placed a smile on my Face thank you kindly Quartzimodo
hello to all, my name is mickey i love watchs,i have just bee gifted a old mens auto,in pretty fair condition. can any one zero in on the age. any info for my own info. ser#450710 6106-5529 thanks, to all for this site. mickey
Hello Quartzimodo,
I have greatly enjoyed being informed by your website, your passion for seiko's shines through. I have a Seiko automatic, 17 jewels, Hi Beat, written on golden face with day and month. The back states water resist, G SGP back st. steel, 2906-0150 Japan F. 830135 I am constantly going to watch maker to get condensation dried. Is this watch worth getting made water resistant again, as have found difficult to find jeweller/watchmaker able to do this for me. bought it 1980 thank-you for your time, Yvonne
Hi. I've been searching all over the net for information on my 5M23-6870, serial#: 451926
It says "Mov't Japan" but was bought in Germany. It's my father's watch, and I'm not sure if he bought it in 84 or 94.
Sadly the production date calculater doesn't have this model, and google comes up empty.
Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
Hello again. I looked more closely and realised that the "8" is actually a "B". So the watch is a 5M23-6B70. My eyesight isn't all that good...
I found information in the end: www.pmwf.com/Watches/SeikoTable.htm
Interesting to know that this watch is the first Kinetic! If that's true, then wow!
My watch has a green face that helps see the time at night, instead of the plain white face in that website.
I forgot to thank you for the very informative articles by the way. Thanks!
Hi Nathan,
Seiko's Kinetic technology wasn't made available commercially until the 1990s, therefore your 5M23-6870 couldn't have been made as early as 1984. Therefore May 1994 would be the correct year!
BTW, you have what we call a "full LumiBrite dial", which was once a fad with some Seiko designs throughout the 1990s. I have one such watch like yours, but it's a Seiko 5 automatic meant for the Middle East export market.
It's never been worn, but from my experience with full LumiBrite dials, it's rather hard to discern the time markers due to low contrast in darkness. It's easy at first (when the entire dial is fully charged by light) but as the glow degrades over the hours, I find it hard to read the time.
And yes, the letter "B" on the caseback is sometimes easily mistaken for #8. It's not your fault though!
Quartzimodo.
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for the glowing comments on my site, appreciate it.
Any watch can be restored to its original water resistant properties, provided that there are no major flaws in the watch like cracks and gaps on the watch crystal and case. For a watch that has a removable caseback (i.e. non-monocoque case), the water ingress points are as follows:
- front glass or crystal
- crown
- caseback
The good news is replacing the gaskets and O-rings for all the above items should bring your watch to its original water resistant self. The bad news is finding such rubber seals and gaskets that conform to the original specifications. Your watchmaker will advise you if he can find the necessary parts. For water resistance assurance, your Seiko timepiece needs to undergo a through pressure chamber test to verify whether micro leaks are present after the seals are changed.
BTW, your watch is dated March 1978 - therefore the fact you bought it in 1980 puts your time line in proper perspective.
Quartzimodo.
I inherited a seiko from my great grandfather. it looks like new. I am interested in knowing what model and year it is the number on the back is 5V23. I'm wondering if you know anything about this model
Hi Connor,
Seeing no one has replied to your question, I'll volunteer.
I could not find any references to "5V22" but perhaps you mistook the "Y" for a "V". There is such a caliber called the 5Y22 and its a simple quartz movement without any calendar. Seiko probably used the 5Y22 gent's watches. It has one jewel in it and takes Seiko SR920SW cells (1.55 volts) with a 3-year operational lifespan. You didn't provide the full caseback code or the serial number, therefore I am unable to let you know its production date. Not much is known about the 5Y-series watches and they're not considered as valuable or collectible watches.
Quartzimodo
Hello,
I've recently come to posess a 1982 seiko gold gents watch and would like to more about it.
The number on the back seems to be 6923-8000 - I can tell from your website that it was made in July 1982 - but I cant tell what model it is or get any other information in general. Can you help?
Thanks
Hi Keith,
The 6923 is a 2-jeweled quartz movement with a simple day/date complication. I'm not familiar with this caliber as Seiko made so many quartz calibers back in the late 70s and up to the late 1990s. Most of these calibers had been discontinued and perhaps to save costs Seiko chose to reuse existing calibers for their quartz dress watches. Generic quartz gents' watches (non-chronographs) are not so collectible compared to automatic watches from the 1970s.
One of the reasons is that when a quartz module goes bad, it's generally unrepairable. A whole movement swap is usually required and the problem is that Seiko Japan may no longer have replacement movements. With automatics, the movement can be disassembled by an expert repairman and the individual parts overhauled and serviced. If some parts are no longer available, it's possible to substitute with those from another caliber.
Think of quartz watches like cellphones and laptops. If the motherboard goes bad, it's a lot easier to swap the faulty board for a new one instead of pulling out some surface mounted device (SMD) chip and replacing that item. If the cellphone or laptop model is a very old one, you're out of luck.
Your gold plated 6923-8000's reference number is either the SPD058 or the SPD060. It takes the Seiko TR926SW battery or its equivalent. Battery life is probably between 2 to 3 years.
Hope this answers your question!
Quartzimodo
Hello
I have a Seiko H 601-5240,
I would like to get a new case for it and replace the band.
When I last had it cleaned I asked about getting this done
and was told this model was not sold in the US.
so they did not know where to look for parts.
Love to to know where it was sold and the posiably of
getting parts for it.
Thank You
Dave
Hi David,
Unfortunately the H601 series watches are long discontinued. Seiko generally supports a caliber up to 7 years after its discontinuation but the H601 is a caliber from the mid 1980s.
There's a slim chance that Seiko Japan might have leftover replacement cases in its warehouse. You'll need to contact the Seiko parts center in your country if they are able to order one from Japan. Alternatively you could try browsing eBay and the various watch trading forums for a used H601-5240 and buy the watch for parts (assuming the case is in decent condition).
Many Seiko collectors resort to buying similar watches to theirs and cannibalize them for spare parts, since the parts are no longer made.
Watch cases are parts that Seiko will not sell directly to the end buyer. If a replacement case is available, you'll have to send your watch to the Seiko service center where they will exchange the old case with the replacement one.
Good luck with your quest!
Quartzimodo
Hello. I am doing some research back on a Seiko with 5N0238 11-3409. It was given as a gift from an elderly gentleman who's wife had passed away to me. Just interested in some history. Thanks!
Hi Michelle,
The Caliber 11A is 17-jeweled, hand-winding (non-automatic) movement specially made for ladies' slim-cased watches between the late 60s to the mid 1970s. My mother still has hers to this day, although it's much overdue for an overhaul and the broken strap band couldn't be replaced due to lack of spares. Ever since quartz technology was made available cheaply, Seiko preferred to market quartz watches for women, rather than mechanical. You can still find a niche range of automatic (with auxiliary hand-winding) models for women, such as the Cal 4207 movement found in Seiko 5, Seiko 5 Sports and Seiko 5 Superior for ladies. These watches are generally found in Southeast Asia.
To answer your question, the watch in your possession was made on Nov 1975. Take good care of it!
Quartzimodo
Hi, i have a seiko quartz divers watch,which i think i brought in 81,that battery change dial starts at 81,and am sure that was the year i got it,the serial numba is,901795,it also has 7548-700b,could you please tell me if there is a replacement model to this these days,not automatic,not thinking of replaceing at moment as i've never had one problem with this watch,and the batterys last me 5yrs,but all good things must come to a end one day,and can't find a newer version of it. thanks
I'v got a Seiko Lassale. A 7752-6009 with serial number 310495. Sadly, movement isn't in the date calculator. Depending on my search at the net, the watch could be made in January '83 or January '93. Did somebody know, which one should be correct ?
Hello. Very useful thread.
I just bought a used kinetic which in the front writes 5M43-OG28.
Also at the back plate it has s/n 110096, water resistant 5 bar and 5M43-0E70.
Can you help me find the year of produce?
Thanks from beautiful Greece
Ioannis
Hi Ioannis,
You have a late model, SKJ-series 5M43 Kinetic sports watch. From your serial number your watch was made on January 2001. By 2002 Seiko replaced the 5M43 with the newer 5M63 caliber, which is in production till this day.
The numbers on the dial indicates the dial color or design. For example, if your Seiko has a black dial then its reference code is SKJ241P. Seiko made seven models based on this caseback type. Hope this helps!
Quartzimodo
Hi Andreas,
You're lucky to own a rare Seiko Lassale. When the Jean Lassale watch company went bankrupt in 1982, Seiko bought over the company in an effort to penetrate the Swiss market. Seiko Lassale watches are known for their ultra-thin quartz designs and the 775x series calibers were exclusively used for Seiko Lassale models.
I'm inclined to think your watch was manufactured on January 1983. Seiko Lassalle watches were short lived, perhaps it was a marketing failure. My former watchmaker, who once worked for the local Seiko distributor company remembers the Lassale series in the 1980s. Hope this answers your question!
Quartzimodo
Hi Rosco,
Sorry for the late reply as I missed your comment earlier. Unfortunately the 7548 series divers had been discontinued decades ago and there is no equal replacement for your watch model today. The closest one is probably the Japan market, Prospex SBCM029 quartz Perpetual Calendar model with the orange dial (I assume your 7548-700B has an orange dial) but it only has a date for the calendar.
Finding a replacement movement can be a tough challenge because Seiko doesn't make one spare movement per watch produced, probably less than 20% in volume. If you're lucky, Seiko Japan may still have leftover modules for your 7548 diver. You cannot buy movements alone (Seiko does not sell parts to the end consumer directly) therefore you'll have to take your watch to your nearest Seiko repair facility.
BTW, your watch was made on October 1979. The 7548 has a three year battery life, according to official Seiko specifications. This why the first battery change mark starts from 1981 (1979, 1980 and 1981 count as three years). I'm surprised that you were able to squeeze five years' out of your present battery.
Quartzimodo
Hi there,
I am chasing info on my watch. I bought it in a second hand store in 1984. The nubers are 7548-700B JAPAN A, S/N 0D2497
Any information would be great. I have worn this watch nearly every day and have changed the battery 5 times now. It still keeps excellent time.
Cheers
Mick
Hi Mick,
You have what was once a popular, mainstream quartz version of the 6309-729x series of Seiko divers. Based on your description, your watch was made on Dec 1980. Blog reader "Rosco" has the same model as you do. Please see my previous reply to him for further information.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo.
I came across a Seiko watch that had belonged to my late father. Which he had given to me ,I Had taken the org strap off it ,as he had it made smaller by a shop. And it was to tight for me. I had wore it for a lot of years as my father had before me. And i happened to come across it the other day, my eyes lit up as i have move around alot and thought it had gone some where for good. It badly needs a new glass and a good strap .I gave a couple of shakes of a lambs tail and it runs perfect. I would like to put it back in good order starting with a glass .I would say my father got it in the 70s. I have tryed to trace it but nothing seems to match it. Its a royal blue dial Seiko.5 automatic 21 jewel some small print around the 6 o clock figure ..Day/date. Back is full s/steel number at the top is 6119-8273...bottom is 348409..Inside it as a 6119 c...on plate movement. Is that any help to you on dating it and is it a glass or plastic face i need for it...Cheers for any help giving...
I have a Mickey Mouse Kinetic watch that is in need of some repair. When Googling "seiko kinetic repair" I find some interesting websites. I don't know who I can trust. Do you have any recommendations for a kinetic repair shop? Thanks for your help.
- Shaun
Hi Shaun,
Since you live in the U.S. you can either send your watch to Coserv (Seiko USA service center) in Mahwah, New Jersey or to the Kinetic Repair professional repair center. Some people have expressed negative views on sending their watches to Coserv, citing receiving their repaired watches in a cosmetically damaged condition.
Hope this assists (somewhat),
Quartzimodo
Hi Keith,
Thanks for sharing your interesting anecdote about your 6119-8273. Seiko made lots of watches based on the low cost, 6119 caliber and they powered both generic models and those marketed under the Seiko 5/Seiko 5 Sports range. 6119 caliber watches came in all sorts of styles, shapes and sizes and the movement itself was a late 1960s design.
I don't have a photo of a 6119-8273 but 6119s were generally fitted with mineral glass, depending on the model. You can perform a "fingernail tap test" on the crystal with thee watch next to your ear. If it makes a loud, hollow sound chances are your watch's crystal is acrylic (plastic). A glass crystal will emit a subdued sound. The "C" suffix that comes after 6119 denotes that it's the third revision of the movement (the earlier ones being 6119A and 6119B).
Your watch was made on April 1973 and should say "Water Resistant" on the caseback. If you plan on wearing it often, it's a good idea to have the movement serviced and regulated for accuracy by a competent watch repair person.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi,so overall in between the caliber 6S37 and 6S28 what is the diffrence?Both of this two pricing quite higher also!?
Hi Jack,
Both calibers are Seiko's upscale automatic chronograph movements and they're likely to be hand assembled in Japan. As these calibers are made to smaller numbers (not mass produced) and labor in Japan is expensive, any watch based on either caliber would be expensive. The most obvious difference between the two is that the 6s37 has a power reserve gauge, has rhodium plating and 40 jewels, six more than the 6s28.
In 2009, Seiko sold the rights to the 6s37 movement to TAG Heuer, which modified it and re-branded the 6s37 as the Calibre 1887 and removing one jewel in the process.
Quartzimodo
Hi.
I have tried to post a pic of the watch but can't .its a royal blue dial. illuminated pointers ,reset is at 4`o clock position and it as water resistant on the back. I cannot tell if the face is glass as it is still on the watch and it gets the sound of the inside working echoing back. Can i remove the the face or is it fitted internally. And to remove the glass can i unscrew the winder then the workings would leave the casing and expose the face? The glass has a raised edge flat on top.
Hi Keith,
Access to the crystal usually involves opening the watch's caseback and removing the movement. Watch crystals are mounted from inside and not from outside (if they were mounted externally, water resistance would be severely compromised). You'll also have to remove the crown (or winder, as you call it) in the process of removing the movement.
Here's a pictorial instruction on removing a watch crystal. Hope you find it useful to guide you.
Quartzimodo
hi
i have got a seiko rainbow...it says on the back
SEIKO
WGP BACK ST.STEEL
471041
then in small numbers
1104-3320
japan - B then some wierd lightning sigh
the strap is all silver coulerd and the dial is oval..dark blue at the top and bottom and a kind of shaded silver ling going thru the middle////...could any 1 help me plz...many thnks shane..
Hi Shane,
The watch that you have is most probably a Seiko Salvia from the early 1970s. The 1104 was a hand-winding ladies' watch caliber with 17 jewels and runs at the standard 21,600 beats per hour. The "SGP" (not "WGP") means it's a Seiko Gold Plated watch. The lightning symbol denotes that the watch was made by Seiko's Daini factory (the other being the Suwa factory) in Japan.
From your serial numbers your watch was made on July 1974.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo.
Came across this site for the first time this evening. Quite interesting to read all the info you have given regarding the timeline of different Seiko watches. My wife bought me a moonphase wristwatch which I have positively identified as the 7F39 model. Curiously, you mentioned this model type was from the early nineties but I had mine given to me as a 50th birthday gift in June of 1988. I have to say that I have treasured this watch and it has kept perfect timing to this day. (Still looks brand new)
regards. J. Le C.
Hi Gollum,
Thanks for your feedback. Not many Seiko enthusiasts collect the moonphase 7F39s and the exact year of introduction is unknown. However, moonphase watches were a trend in the early 1990s and I estimated that moonphase calibers only came out in 1990 thereabouts. I will amend the post accordingly.
Quartzimodo
I recently inherited a beautiful Seiko watch, I cannot find any pics to compare it to serial # is 436969. Above the serial # there is another set of #'s, they are 2C20-5539. Following those #'s is a box with RO in it. The face of the watch, under the 12 o'clock position it says Seiko Quartz. At the bottom of the face under the 7 - 5 o'clock position it reads Japan 2C20 with an odd symbol separating it from 1150 T. It is a beauty with 10k gold (not plated) solid with gold nuggets covering the watch. I would like to know when it was made and the name of the style and of course the value. It is I'n good shape and I'm told it works. Could u please tell me the battery to get for it also. Thank You so much for your help. It would really be appreciated. Thanks again.
Hi Baylor,
The 2C20 and 2C21 were simple quartz calibers introduced in the early 1980s, to my best knowledge. I haven't seen a 2C20 caliber dress watch but I do know that its cousin, the 2C21 was released about the same time as the 2C20. One of the well known Seiko watches that use the 2C21 module was the Seiko "Contra" Fieldmaster that comes with a magnetic compass and a map meter as standard accessories. It's rumored that the Contra rebels in Nicaragua favored the Fieldmaster for use in the jungles that this watch was dubbed the Seiko "Contra".
Back to your watch, are you certain that your watch is made of solid gold? If it is, you should be able to see the "kt" on the caseback, denoting its gold weight in carats. If it says "SGP" on the caseback, then it's a Seiko Gold Plated watch, not solid gold. If your watch is truly solid gold, its value will be based on gold prices rather than the face value of the watch itself. I'm not able to estimate gold prices - only a goldsmith in your vicinity could.
However, I can furnish you with details of your watch. It's probably an STE398J and was made on March 1984. Your watch requires the Seiko TR521SW 1.55v silver oxide cell or its equivalent and has a battery lifespan of 3 years.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Thank you for your help, I felt it was I'n the 70's or 80's and the markings for gold say 10K, after my further viewing of the watch it appears to be customized with 22-24K gold nuggets on the sides of the face case and other areas of the piece. I'm a gold collector but this 1 is going to my mother. You are awesome, great info and fast response . Peace and love be with you. May GOD bless you with even more knowlege and kindness. Thanks again, Baylor
P.S. Im finding the only damage to the watch is the face plate. It looks like very small dirt built up over the years with dust. Hope it's not water but I'll get the battery 2day. In removeing the back I found the very small screw holding the battery I'n, am I correct to remove it, replace the battery and then the screw or does it slide. I'm I'n a very small town I'n Alaska with no jewelery stores for repair but I do have great eyesite. Should I change it myself or is there a risk of losing small pieces or parts. Thank you, Baylor
Hi Quartzimodo (love the name) My aunt gave me a watch many years ago of hers that has the serial nos. 183048 1320-5490. It is a gold bracelet watch; it says SGP ST. STEEL BACK on the back of it. The bracelet says 0537 on the clasp. I cant decipher the tiny writing on the face except for Japan. It is a gold toned watch with gold face and oval head; the bracelet is very ornate. My aunt passed away a couple of years back and I never got to ask her much about it. I'd like to find out anything I can about the watch, it's age etc. Thanks in advance for your help, Kay ps. GREAT site and idea!!
Hi Baylor,
Thank you for your kind comments, appreciate them. It's just unfortunate that you live in the 49th state of the USA where large jewelry and watch stores are less abundant. If you can somehow find an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner unit, you may be able to get rid of the dirt that has accumulated over time. As the watch may need to be immersed in a tank of water or cleaning solution, it is imperative that you are confident of the watch's water resistance. If your watch does NOT say "water resistant" on the caseback, then the ultrasonic cleaning method should not be used.
You'll need an uncluttered workspace to open your watch up to replace its battery and watch opening tools to remove the caseback. Tweezers to lift the old battery out. Keep an empty match box handy to place the tiny parts that you need to remove to access the battery compartment. If you're not confident of your ability, have your Seiko watch battery replaced by a watch repairman whom you can trust.
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Kay,
Your Seiko watch uses the ultra-thin Cal 1320 quartz movement for dress watches. I'm not familiar with ladies' watches especially that are quartz based as they are very seldom in watch forums, if they get discussed at all. The early 1980s was an era for svelte, super-thin watches which was in vogue at the time. In fact, Seiko also produced the short-lived Seiko Lasalle brand of ultra-thin watches in 1982 or thereabouts.
Based on your serial numbers and the "Seiko Quartz" marking on the dial, it is quite probable that your watch was made on August 1981. I am unable to estimate an accurate value of your watch, as the market value really depends on how much people are willing to pay for it. I should think that it's generally worth no more than USD200. The only people who are willing to pay more are those who are specifically looking for this exact model to replace theirs that had been lost, for nostalgic reasons.
hope this helps and thanks for your glowing comments!
Quartzimodo
Thanks my friend. You answered all of my questions so promptly and accurately. This is a valuable service you are providing for the new and the knowledgeable. Thanks again. Peace and God be with you.
Hi Quartzimodo-
Enjoy looking in on this site-good info. Thx. I have a Seiko Sportsmatic 17 Jewel Back has numbers 7625-8293, and 891920. Japan-G Waterproof Stainless Steel.Crown is at 4 o'clock.
It has original leather band and works well.
My questions are: When was it made? Is it collectible ?
How do you adjust the calendar ?? It still looks like new, although I have no box or papers.
Thanks,
David
Hi David,
You certainly have a collectible vintage Seiko Sportsmatic. "Waterproof" markings on your caseback indicate that your watch was made before mid 1971. Therefore the production date of your watch would be September 1968. You've just reminded me that I have a 7625 Sportsmatic (from Nov 1964) but had forgotten about it! It was a gift from a generous friend in Germany but unfortunately it's not in working condition and cannot be repaired due to lack of spare parts.
I have the watch somewhere in my drawer and will get back to you on how to adjust the calendar.
Quartzimodo
hi,
dear can u send me the picture of 1980's watches sold in saudia. my father buy one watch from jeddah it was working and good but lost last year. my father want that same watch, its golden in colour and square in shape. i hope u will help me.
Salam Mr Khan,
I'm sorry but I don't have any scanned catalog images of watches sold in Saudi Arabia. There must have been hundreds of models sold there in the 1980s and your father's watch could be any of the countless models. If he noted down its caliber and case code (found on the caseback of the watch) that may help.
Quartzimodo
i have a seiko watch no.s on the back are
100266
stainless steel
2559-7050
japan
can anyone help with the year of this model
Hi Gwen,
Your "Queen Seiko" timepiece is a 24-jewel, high beat 28,800bph manually hand wound (not automatic) mechanical watch. This movement was made for women's watches (its male counterpart was named "King Seiko"). It was first introduced way back in 1968. From your serial number I'd put your watch's production date at October 1971. Hope this helps.
Quartzimodo.
I have three pendant watches purchased in Japan inearly 80s and would like any info possible....date of manufacture and possible price or collectibility,
serial nos 240325 1320-5520
260106 1320-5520
240351 1320-5520
thanks
Hi Gwen,
I should think USD100 would be a fair asking price. Look at this example on eBay as a base reference.
Quartzimodo
Hi, my Seiko automatic has the numbers 8N0832, and 7009-8129 on the back. The dial luminous is not marked. Would this watch likely be from 1978? What could the luminous material be? Thanks, Bob.
Hi Bob,
The 7009 was a long running caliber spanning over a decade, like the 7s26 today. In all likelihood your watch was made on Nov 1988. If I recall correctly, Seiko used the mildly radioactive Promethium P147 isotope to excite the zinc phosphor compound which gives off light, or Promethium lume paint for short. It doesn't glow as bright as Seiko's LumiBrite, which is non-radioactive.
Quartzimodo.
i have a seiko quartz 150 m divers watch(red and blue face)7548-700b serial num 850151.is it ment to have a black strap and is it woth anything
Hi Andrew,
Your Pepsi bezeled (red and blue) 7548-700B is a collectible Seiko diver's watch but generally speaking, it won't fetch anything more than USD250. That also depends on the condition of your watch. Sometimes you can find this watch being auctioned or sold on eBay with unrealistically high asking prices like USD400. Your actual value will depend on how much your potential buyers are willing to pay for your watch. Your watch can take either a rubber strap or a 22mm Jubilee or Oyster stainless steel bracelet. Most 7548-700x watches on bracelet were generally fitted with Jubilee-style bracelets.
7548-700x divers were late 1970s to 1980s Seiko watches and thus I would put your watch production date at May 1988. Hope this helps.
Quartzimodo
what a fantastic resource you are !!!
i am trying to establish what batteries i need for a quartz SQ
270214 /8122-8000 (would that be 1982?) and a fab LC (1978?) 810018/L012-5029. and lastly are you able to tell me when the kinetic 684704 5M42-0B80 was produced ?
many thanks for all the excellent info i have aready gained from surfing your great site for the last 2 hours.
kind regards,
amanda
HI CAN YOU HELP ME I HAVE A SEIKO WATCH #6220-7130T THE SER #846178 I WOULD LIKE KNOW THE AGE AND WHAT IT IS WORTH IF YOU CAN HELP THANKS TONY
Hi Amanda,
Your Seiko SQ 8122-8000 takes the Seiko TR1120SW, Maxell SR1120SW or the UCC 381 silver oxide battery (or its equivalent). Seiko "SQ" models are pretty much late 70s or early 80s models. Your 8122-8000 was likely to have been made on July 1982.
As for your digital L1012-5029 (yours is a US market model), it takes Seiko 1.6 volt, SB-AP silver oxide batteries (or its equivalent). I'm not sure if you can find this type of battery today as this watch harks from the 1970s. Your Digital LC watch was made on Jan 1978.
Your 5M42-0B80 Kinetic watch was made on Aug 1996.
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind words, appreciate it.
Quartzimodo
Hi Tony,
You have a 1960s, manual hand wind Seiko Skyliner with no date display and "waterproof" marking on the caseback. While the 6220 caliber first appeared as early as 1961, you have a late 1960s model. I would put its production date at April 1968. As for its value, it depends on the condition of your watch and whether collectors fancy your exact model. A range between USD200 to USD250 would be a fair estimate, but probably no more than USD300.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
I have a Seiko ladies watch that requires winding---The number inside is Japan 11-05905. Would this number indicate the age of this watch?
Hi Nancy,
I'm not sure what you meant by "the number inside" - were you referring to the tiny numbers printed at the bottom of the dial? If so, that is the dial code and does not indicate the production date. The Caliber 11A is a hand winding movement meant for ladies' watches; my mum still has her Cal 11A to this day. You need to furnish the six-digit serial number found on the back of the watch.
Quartzimodo
Hi,
Bought a Seiko many years ago in a small local auction. Found it at the back of the draw the other day. Help. It's an automatic, works perfectly. Day/date too. Numbers on rear are
7009-4040 A?
356393
Looks to be 1950/1960 maybe.
Hope you an assist please?
John
Hi John,
Sorry to disappoint you, but the 7009 caliber did not exist until towards the late 1970s and ended in 1995 or 1996, when it was replaced by the contemporary 7s26 caliber. Seiko did not have automatic watches until the beginning of the 1960s decade. From your serial number, your watch was made either on May 1983 or 1993. Look at the fine print at the bottom of the dial. If it says "JAPAN" followed by "7009" then your watch was from 1983. If no country is indicated, then it was made in 1993.
hope this answers your question!
Quartzimodo
regardin the mesage on the 23rd nov.pepsi blazed.it has a battery change date of 81 then 85 so dose that not make it before 1988. i take it you would now best.look forword to hearing from you.
Hi Andrew,
Without pictures of the your watch's caseback it's difficult to pinpoint the exact year as I had mentioned the 7548 caliber appeared from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. Since the battery change markings on your watch starts with the year 1981, therefore your watch was made ten years earlier. So the correct production date would be May 1978. For some quartz divers, Seiko always marks the caseback the first year as the next anticipated battery change.
Quartzimodo
Hi,
I own a Seiko Titanium with number 7T32-6f20 wit A4 written in a box behind that number. The serialnumber is 354878. Looks exactly like the SDW379P in the article above. Almost no information is available online about this watch. What can you tell me about it? I bought it new around 1995 I believe.
Thanks!
Hi Nico,
Your Seiko 7T32-6F20 is an early model from the 7T32 alarm chronograph series. It's model # is the SDW379P if comes with the black dial. There's another variant with a white dial and perhaps gold accents, which bears the reference number SDW380P. Seiko only made two models from this case type and design.
Your watch was made on May 1993. I like 7T32 quartz watches and own three 7T32s myself. As to why it's hard to obtain information on your watch is because nobody writes about your particular model. Seiko made lots of models based on the 7T32; some are worth discussing in forums while others are just plain generic dress-like designs that get no mention.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
Thanks so much. I remember it was very expensive, so figured it was worth discussing. I thought is was a not that common model in those days. One of the first Titanium models. Can you recall what they cost new in those days?
I'm asking on your good graces as a tremendous source of information!
I have a Seiko's diver watch 6309-7049, serial number 630447, which I suspect to be a Hong Kong assembled version from 1986 for US import. I base this on the dial writing (which is extremely small..for my eyes) that says the same information?
Is this correct to the best of your knowledge?
I've worn since I was a teenager, and it has received no care other than replacing a band now and then. It was a gift from my father, now long passed. Family feels there may be a chance it's from 70's based on others military service/travel but 76 doesn't make any sense in regard to their time frame. It was presented with out a box/instructions, so it may have been purchased used.
I'm assuming it needs service by now? If so, may I lean on your experience for a reputable service agent recommendation?
Hi William,
Looks like you've done your homework well. Indeed, your 6309-7049 is a US market version and the fact that it was assembled in Hong Kong means that your 6309 was from the later batches. Early 6309 divers were made by Seiko's Suwa factory in Japan towards the late 1970s. I would put your diver's production date at March 1986. You are correct in saying that 1976 is too early for this diver to be made and if it did, it would have been made in Japan, not Hong Kong.
If you plan on wearing this watch on a daily basis, it's time for your watch to be overhauled. Have it serviced by a competent watch repairer with a solid track record in servicing mechanical watches. A good watchmaker will also replace all the gaskets and perform a pressure test to ensure its water resistance properties. If you can't find one where you live, try contacting Bob Thayer who is a renowned watch repairer and modder.
best of luck!
Quartzimodo
thanks for this site! I have a few old Seiko watches and I couldn't find any of them in the database. cld you tell me about this watch for example? year it was made etc.
9500710
ASGP
1104-0130
thanks for your help.
Hi Rachel,
Your Seiko Cal 1104 is a hand-winding, mechanical (not automatic) ladies' watch. The Caliber 11 family of movements were introduced in the late 1960s and was designed for use only for ladies' models, particularly the Seiko Salvia models. This caliber lasted only a few years into the mid 1970s (probably up to 1975). Your watch was made on May 1969. Cal 11 ladies' watches are generally not water resistant therefore take care not to subject your watch to any contact with water. Take it off when washing your hands.
And you're most welcome!
Quartzimodo.
I have a seiko 6105-5110 and i'm trying to find a rervice manual but nothing.anyway any information about that watch's history would be great!I'm also curious what japan-A amd Japan-L difference is,mine says Japan-A
have a sieko automatic, stainless with a blue face, oblong. Bought it in Germany in 1976. My problem is finding a band for it, 24 mm and the casing type have stumped me sofar. Can anyone help me or advise me it is a beautiful watch and i have enjoyed for all the years.
Seiko Automatic
weekday/date
18 jewels
back has
stainless steel 7006-5000 water resistant
ssn: 620-925
japan-G
i have a seiko mickey mouse black metal band color matches watch reg and led readout at bottom of face h801-7011.also has gold buttons and stem not sure how old and value of watch,never seen one like it before or since,can you help??? Also it is titanium.
Hi Thodoris,
I've never heard of 6105-5110 like you mentioned. Seiko may have made quite a few models based on the 6105 caliber and without a product catalog it's hard to track all the various models the company produced. But if you meant the 6105-8110 (the classic 150m diver), it was Seiko's 2nd generation non-professional diver's watch after the 6217-8000 (or the 62MAS), Seiko's first diver's watch.
I don't have the specifics as to what the letters "A" and "L" mean, but it's believed to indicate the factory in Japan where the watch was assembled.
Quartzimodo
Hi Perry,
I've seen pictures of the "TV-shaped" 7006-5000 but not with the original stainless steel bracelet. This is a long discontinued model and your chances of finding a replacement band from Seiko Japan is from very slim to none. That does not preclude a new old stock, replacement bracelet lying in some Seiko service center around the world or a repair shop though.
Your best bet is to either find a donor watch with the same band on eBay or from watch trade forums like the Seiko & Citizen Trading Post. Alternatively, try to find a beautiful 24mm leather strap instead. Many vintage Seiko owners, when faced with broken and irreplaceable metal bands substitute them with leather or nylon straps. In most cases a leather band will make your watch look even better.
good luck and Happy Holidays!
Quartzimodo
Hi Thom,
"Mickey Mouse" Seiko watches are generally not collectible models and especially certain old quartz watches with gold plated trim. I can estimate the date of production only if you furnish the 6-digit serial number, found at the back of your watch. As for its value, realistically speaking it may not fetch over USD100.
Quartzimodo
Hello
What an amazing site! I was wondering if you could help me with info on my grandfathers seiko watch. I would love any info possible.
It has a 6309-8500 with an A2 in a small box next to that.
The serial number is 002115. It is all stainless steel I think, with a silver/white face. It says automatic but I dont think that it is winding any more...
Do you think it is fixable?
Thanks Quartzimodo!
Hi Christopo,
Your grandfather's watch is repairable. There are several hobbyist watch repairmen that should be able to fix your old 6309 automatic. Your main spring may be either broken or stuck from your description. Please check your email, as I have already replied to you!
Quartzimodo
Hello.
Could you please help me.My late wife bought me a Seiko many years ago and to my shame I cannot remember which year. It is a 17 jewel hand wind Stainles steel case. the numbers are 6602-1990 455206. I am still using it. Thank you.
Hi Harry,
Congratulations! You have a rare 6602A caliber, hand-winding dress watch and since it still runs well today, your watch is a testament to Seiko's solid and robust movement design and construction. Your watch was born on May 1964, as the Caliber 6602A appeared between 1961 and 1962. Take good care of it, sir.
Quartzimodo
Hello
Thank you for the quick response I am grateful for the information and may I congradulate you on an excellent site.
Regards
Harry.
Thank you for your informed site....unfortunately it hasn't helped me identify a watch that my wife wants to throw out! New Year clean out! I quite like the watch and think it is '84 vintage, but there seems to be no record of 7439-5120 #480019 anywhere on the net...it does need a battery and a new face glass. The watch is quite dainty and dressy for a men's watch and looks great peeping out from under a long sleeved shirt cuff. Thanks again ,hope you can help. TC
Hi Tony,
Your 7439-5120 is one of Seiko's countless quartz dress watches from the 80s. You're right in saying that it's from 1984; August 1984 to be precise. The reference model number of your watch is either SMT076P or SMT078P. From the ref no, I'm guessing that your watch is a gold toned, stainless steel model. As to why you can't find anything about your watch on the 'net, it's because nobody posted any information about it online.
All I can tell you about your timepiece is that the 7439A movement has 2 jewels, has a trimmer capacitor for accuracy fine adjustment and takes a Seiko TR721SW 1.55v silver oxide cell (or its equivalent). This is a long discontinued model and you may not be able to source an exact replacement glass for your watch. It's a long stretch, but there's no harm in placing an order with your nearest Seiko service center. If you cannot find the exact crystal, try to look for a generic one that fits perfectly.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Thank you for your quick reply. I will do as you suggest. The problem is after spending a few hours on the net looking at Google pictures I'm now looking fot a 'new' Seiko…thrre are so many beautiful cals out there…l will however be choosing a classic so l can love it longer.
Thanks again for your timely help and information. TC
Hello there. I have what seems to be an old Seiko watch here and after seeing this site I was curious to see if any information can be found on it. the numbers are...
2518-0170 and 0N0149.
Thanks in advance, Andy.
Hi Tony,
Selecting a "classic" looking watch is the safest bet if you're looking to wear it as your main watch. Watches are very subjective and personal items. Some people go for socially acceptable designs while others who aren't afraid to express themselves will go for loud looking designs. The good thing about Seiko that it makes more models than all the Swiss watch manufacturers combined. The range of watches that you see on Seiko's official websites represent a fraction of what Seiko actually sells. The same goes for Citizen, Casio and Orient. All of them market too many designs for a single website to list them all.
Seiko's most beautiful calibers are the ones sold exclusively in Japan. Have a look at the following Seiko-related sites (in Japanese):
- Credor official site
- Seiko Brightz page
- Grand Seiko product page
- Seiko Prospex page
Most of them are entirely hand made or partially hand assembled and they don't come cheap!
Quartzimodo
Hi Andy,
You have a classic hand-winding Seiko caliber that made its debut in the mid 1960s. They were available in three variants; the early 2518A and first generation, 2518B with 23 jewels and the second generation 2518B with either 17 or 21 jewels. They were simple but elegant looking timepieces. Only die hard vintage watch enthusiasts collect them today. Your watch in particular rolled off the Seiko plant back in November 1970.
Quartzimodo.
hi there..i'm the proud owner of a H558-5000(aka the arnie)serial 505921. I know it's from the 80's but can you tell me what year, month and maybe the country of manufactery? Is this than a model SPW001 or am i wrong? what do you know about the diffences with the 5009 and 500A. I wear it 18 hrs a day and still feels/looks good .
thumbs up! for you and your marvellous site!
The best wishes and have a beautiful 2011.
Greetings,
Daniël from Amsterdam-Holland
Hi,
I have 2 Seiko watches
1)Seiko Automatic 17 jewels with 6309 movement and serial# 260027, meaning the watch was made in june 1982 and was number 27 made in that month.
2) Seiko 5 with 7s26 movement and serial# 793696, meaning the watch was made in September 2007 and was number 3696 made in that month.
Is this correct?
Further watch 2) has the movement mentioned also on the dial at 6 o'clock, but watch 1) doens't, is that normal?
Marc
Hi daniël,
The H558 caliber was introduced in the 1980s. The "Arnie" diver came into fame thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger's product placement in his 1985 action film "Commando". I would put your watch at October 1985 and your watch was 100% made in Japan by the Suwa factory. Not sure if he wore the same watch for the 1987 smash hit movie "Predator" though. I'm not certain of the the -500A, but the 5009 (SPW005J) is definitely a U.S. market export model. The H558-5000 (SPW001J) is for markets outside the U.S.
Thanks for the comments about my site, much appreciated.
Quartzimodo
Hi Marc,
1) Your 6309 watch was definitely made on June 1982 by the Suwa factory in Japan.
2) As for your Seiko 5, it depends on the model. An early 7s26 Seiko 5 would have been made in 1997 while a recent model would be from 2007.
All Seiko watches with original dials must have the caliber printed somewhere along the rim of the dial (usually at the bottom) but not necessarily at the 6 o'clock position.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
I have a watch I have had since the late sixties
841715 SGP Back ST Steel 2517-0211 waterproof
needs some repair
would like to know when it was make
Hi Sarah,
I think you have the old Seikomatic Lady Calendar and it's an automatic watch with 17 or 21 jewels, not a hand-winding mechanical one. You are right in saying that you've had that since the late sixties. This caliber first debuted in 1965.
You have a gold plated ladies' watch (not solid gold) and its production date is April 1968. Have your watch overhauled by a watch repairer competent with automatic movements. Do note that if some parts need to be replaced, there's a slim chance of getting replacement parts as this caliber is rare and too old.
hope that answers your question!
Quartzimodo
hi
i have a Seiko 5 watch with 7s26b movt
has exhib back written 7s26-02c0 made in japan
its middle east edition noticed Arabic signs in the date
the serial number is written on the edge of the case back
where u have notches to open the case back its 962598
i don't thinks its made in June 2009 any help ??
Ref is SNK567J1 i didn't find it on the net except Japanese website can it be fake ??
Hi Hans,
I scanned for photos of the Seiko 5 SNK567J and am convinced that it is a post-2002 model. Older Seiko 5s had all-stainless steel casebacks and not see-thru glass ones. Therefore the watch you were mentioning couldn't be made as early as 1999 but June 2009. It is an original Seiko 5 watch, not a fake. It seems that Japanese watch stores ironically, import this model back to Japan to meet their local demand.
True Japan domestic models for the Japanese market would have Kanji/English dual languages for the calendar, not Arabic/English. This is clearly a Middle East export edition as the Japanese wouldn't be able to read Arabic.
Quartzimodo
I have a SEIKO AGS stamped 7M22-7A00 that I bought new 15-20 years ago that I still wear today and I just wondered what it was worth and how the quality would be judged by today's standards?
It is a lovely looking mixed metal watch, stainless and gold coloured, with a bezzelled(?) surround to the dial with tiny screws around. I haven't been able to find a picture to compare.
The only other number I can find is 804.781
Hi Terry,
The 7M22A was one of Seiko's early, pre-Kinetic badged calibers. It used the old Matsushita EECW 2R-4E 334 capacitor and had a power reserve of 72 hours. If it's still working fine today, it's a testament to Seiko's AGS calibers from the late 80s. I presume the number "804781" is your watch's serial number and if it is, then your watch rolled off the assembly line on October 1988.
While your watch is considered rare, it doesn't mean that it's highly collectible. Realistically, I would estimate your watch to be worth no more than USD150.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
I have a Seiko SX 681282. It was given to me. It has no battery. can you tell me the battery number for this watch?
Hi Angelo,
Your information is incomplete. You only supplied the serial number which doesn't tell anything by itself. I need the caliber code for your watch, which is in the form of XXXX-YYYY on the caseback.
Quartzimodo.
I have a watch I inherited from my dad.Seiko 4006-6010 serial#970890.I set the time and date but can't figure out how to set the day.looks like it also has stop watch feature.
Hi James,
I need the caliber code that's found on the caseback of your watch. It's in the form of XXXX-YYYY.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Mike,
The 4006 automatic caliber does not have a quick-set day change unlike other Seiko calibers with the day/date window. As you've probably noticed, depressing the alarm set button hard will cause the date to advance. Changing the calendar is a bit of a kludge with Bell-Matics (I have two myself) and the only way is to align the hour and minute hands past midnight to 1 am where the day will change. Roll back the time until you reach 9.30 pm and advance the hour hand until the day advances again. Repeat as necessary until you reach the correct day of the week.
Now doing so will unfortunately cause the date to advance as well (that's why I mentioned the Bell-Matic's calendar changing is a kludge!) and become out of sync with the corresponding day. So the correct procedure would be:
1. Move the hands back and forth between 9.30 pm to 1 am as necessary until the desired day-of-week is reached, e.g. Wednesday (January 26th).
2. Set the correct time.
3. The date must be changed last. If the procedures #2 and #3 are reversed, setting the time can inadvertently advance the date further adding to further aggravation. To set the date, press the alarm button hard one push at a time until you reach the correct date.
This watch has no stopwatch capability, but has a mechanical alarm which you'll need to wind before using the alarm. That's why it's called the Bell-Matic and its soft ringing bell sound is lovely.
Now, the Bell-Matic caliber was introduced from the late 1960s to the late 1970s. Figuring when Seiko introduced the Bell-Matic is easy, but knowing when Seiko stopped issuing them is another matter. I have no idea when the last Bell-Matics were produced, but it could have been 1978 or 1979.
To determine the correct production date, flip over the Bell-Matic's caseback and look for the stamped words "Water Proof" or "Water Resistant". If it says "Water Proof", then the production date would be July 1969. If it says "Water Resistant", then you have a late model Bell-Matic from July 1979.
Wear the watch in good health and enjoy it. In these modern days of electronic alarm watches and cellphones, wearing a vintage Bell-Matic and having it ring in the middle of a meeting or conference will sure to turn heads.
Hope this helps,
Quartzimodo.
Hi Goorans,
7005 is the caliber type for your watch. It's an old, 17 jeweled Seiko caliber that was used in Seiko's low cost automatics by the company's Daini factory and was introduced towards the late 1960s. It has a date window (no day display). "8020" refers to the case design code. There are a few 7005-8020 variants that Seiko made during the era but I haven't seen photos of your model. "9N02176" is a 7-digit serial number format which Seiko briefly used during the period. It means that your watch was produced on November 1969.
Quartzimodo
I have a seiko watch model 2c20-5029RD; serial 473696. It is a very slim gold ladies watch, the entire watch is gold except for the casing. It has never changed color or faded and I am wondering if it is gold plated or gold, it is still shiny and looks new and I have worn it since 2004.
Hi Olivia,
Seiko does make a few solid gold (18-carat) watch models in the past, but they generally will cost over $1000 US Dollars (based on the gold metal itself rather than the watch's face value). Flip the watch over and examine the caseback. If you see the words "SGP", that stands for "Seiko Gold Plated" and not solid gold. If your watch is made of solid gold, the caseback will have "18 ct" or "18K Gold" stamped on it. Or something like that.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi,
I have a Seiko Automatic 17j Sea Horse. The numbers are 7625-80505. It is missing the stem and crown. What stem will fit it?
Thank you,
Tammy
Hi
I have a Seiko Analogue quartz Cal.7T36 gold plated mens watch. The booklet says alarm chronograph date hand and moon phase display with black face with white hands. On the back it has numbers ono404 ( not sure if these are numbers or letters) I know it is before 1992 when I received it but would like to know the year if possible.
Regards Peter
Hi Tammy,
The 7625 was an old Seiko caliber that came out in 1964. One thing's for certain is that any 7625 caliber watch with the crown and stem intact can be bought for its parts. Try to scout eBay for junked watches that people are selling cheap. I'm not a watchmaker therefore I'm unable to suggest alternatives. You might want to post this question over watch forums like SCWF. There are a few watch tinkerers that can answer your question better.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Peter,
Your 7T36 moonphase display watch was a trend back in the late 1980s towards the later part of the 1990s. This fad with Seiko certainly didn't appear in the early 1980s nor did it continue in the 2000s. Therefore your watch was made on November 1990. The 7T36 caliber itself was a short-lived movement and your watch is considered a rarity. Swiss watch companies and Citizen still makes moonphase display watches until today. However, Seiko reintroduced at least one moonphase display watch with its new 5D88 caliber, Kinetic Direct Drive.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi, I had an old 1980's (I think) seiko which I lost due to a faulty pin. I would love to buy another 2nd hand but dont know the model. It had a black face, gold hour studs, black leather strap. Non chronograph, no date. Gents model but very eye catching. Any ideas?
Any help would be much appreciated, thanks
Hi I Hardy,
I'm sorry but I cannot help you. Seiko made countless gents' watches in that era using many different calibers with no day/date. Each caliber in turn has dozens of models of varying designs. In fact, I've been trying to trace two Seiko watches I've had as a kid and a teenager - one automatic and the other an all-digital model. I don't know what the calibers were, therefore even for me it's like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Again, I am unable to assist you in any way. Even if you emailed Seiko Japan I doubt if they can track down your watch.
Quartzimodo
Thanks very much anyway - it's very good of you to be taking up your own time for this cause...
Ingrid
Hi, I have been trying to date my vintage Seiko's watch but it seems like the calculator site is not working anymore, maybe you can help?
The watch says on the back water resistant stainless steel H557-531A and serial is 410189. I am desperately trying to find a vintage bracelet for it as it's busted> Any idea where i can get that?
thanks so much
flo
Hi fgaven,
The H557 is an 80's analog-digital quartz caliber, therefore your watch's production date should be Jan 1984. You might want to contact the nearest Seiko service center and inquire if they can find a replacement bracelet for you from Seiko Japan. Your watch has been long discontinued and chances of getting the exact bracelet is slim. It's a long shot, but try to contact Seiko North America. You have nothing to lose by trying.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
I've just come across this great web site please can you give me any information on my watch
I have a gold plated gents wrist watch with a white dail and roman numerals
the model is a 5y30-6070 RD
938117
Hi, I have a Seiko Quartz watch my father bought I think about the late 70's, serial number is 810077 and the model number is 7800 8019. Nice slim and plain watch, 5 jewel movement. Can you date this for me? thanks, Scott.
Hi Scott,
I found a photo of a 7800 quartz watch on eBay. It does have the styling of an early analog quartz model. It's the first time I've seen a photo of a 7800 and I estimate your watch to have been made on January 1978. Your particular model was manufactured in Japan and is a model meant for the U.S. export market.
Quartzimodo
Thanks for that, my dad bought the watch when he was working in the middle east (United Arab Emirates) so that ties in. On a very close inspection of the face, there is actually a date (doh!) inscribed below where the 6 o'clock marker is. It isn't very visible and the slight scratches don't help but it actualy says Japan 78 , 80498R and has a small diamond mark after the 'R'. I have a good close up photo of it but can't add it to this message, send me a link if you would like it, thanks again, Scott.
I have a (currently non-working) gold-tone stainless ladies watch with the serial number 453690 engraved on the case back. It also contains the words SEIKO Water Resistant above the serial# and Japan-G below. Any idea when it might've been manufactured?
Hi Guin,
Without knowing the caliber type, all I can say is that your watch could have been made on either May 1974 or May 1984.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Scott,
Sounds like your dad has an interesting Seiko watch! Apart from the famous 6138-0040 "Bullhead" automatic chronograph from the 1970s, there aren't many Seiko watches with the date positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. You can insert the links to your reply if you like and I'll format the HTML code accordingly.
Quartzimodo.
I am trying to get information on my Seiko Quartz Chronograph Sports 150 , purchased recently in Spain pre-used .
On the back of the case is 7T32-6B70 , serial No. 122425 .
On the face is Japan 7T32-6B9L R 2 .
Would appreciate your help . Have good images if necessary .
Hi John,
I love 7T32 chronographs and I think they were better made than the 7T62 models which replaced the 7T32. Seiko has a few variants based on the 6B70 caseback type. If your dial is black, then its reference code is SDW076J. You have an early 7T32 model and your watch was made on Feb 1991.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi, I have a wonderful old seiko. It's a ladies watch with the numbers 1314682799, the letters SK are in the center of a small square box. The back states its 18K gold with a stainless steel back, it also says it's water resistant. Could you offer me any information? Thanks so much
Hi Barbara,
Seiko doesn't have serial numbers as long as 10 digits on its watches. It's always a six digit serial number plus a caliber/caseback code in the format of XXXX-YYYY. The numbers you furnished are invalid and I cannot help you with that kind of information.
Quartzimodo.
Hi!
I would want to date my old Seiko. It's an gold-plated automatic, and numbers on rear are:
7009-876A
395478
Is it 1983?
Hi wizzz,
Does your watch say "Japan 7009" in fine print on the dial, next to the 6 o'clock marker or just "7009"? Look through a magnifying glass or take a high resolution macro photo of the dial and see.
Quartzimodo
hi,
its me again...what about my bell-matic 4006-6010?
seriel no 144034. is it april 1971?or 1981?and how to describe either 1960's,70's or 80's?thank for your help...
Hi Kechil,
Your Bell-Matic was made on April 1971. Most likely your caseback is stamped "Water Proof" rather than "Water Resistant". Seiko ceased making Bell-Matics by the late 1970s and certainly did not introduce them as early as 1961. I have two Bell-Matics myself, a silver/gold toned 4006-7012 and a nice blue dialed 4006-6040. Both are from the early 1970s.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi, just used the contact page to send in a manufacture date help request for 2 watches, my automatic 6309 and a quartz 6923 which are identical except for the dial color. My 6309 has an irridescent brownish gold dial and the 6923 is a sort of eggshell. Everything else is identical, including everything on the face excerpt its color. Since it took me near 30 years to find another one of mine after I lost it in Germany in 1983 or so, might have been as late as '85 though, I find it interesting that there's a quartz twin for what seems to be a rather rare design, mine's an 8099, the other a 7099. They both have a 9 faceted crystal, deep raised hour markers, gold ring around the crystal, hands with inset rectangular luminous markers, and luminous dots at the inner end of the hour markers. Wish I knew how to send pics along with either this or the request I sent through the contact thing.
Hello,
I purchased a Seiko off of ebay with the numbers 021883, and 2559-3010. The watch is a little small for a men's watch, but doesn't look really feminine. It was listed as a men's watch. Can you give me some info about it? I have found very little except that it may be a queen Seiko women's watch. I still like it because it isn't a bad looking watch, and I only paid $24 for it. Thanks for any help you can give me!
Hi Alex,
Actually what you have is a manual winding, 24-jeweled Queen Seiko Hi-Beat (28,800 beats/hr) watch, which is obviously a women's watch (that's why it's small). It made its debut in 1968 and the one in your hands was made on February 1970. For just $24, it's a steal...congratulations!
Quartzimodo
I just purchased a really nice Seiko and wanted to know when it was made.
Seiko 5, 21 jewels Automatic, 6119 - 8090 waterproof 951634
JAPAN J.
Bro,
I have a Seiko 5 6119-6003 (S53033) which is running well. The problem is that it needs a new crystal. I checked with Thong Sia and they said that they won't risk working on it as it is a discontinued model.
I also inquired about my Sports 100 Diver SFY-117, cal. 7123. It has issues with water seepage and I am at wits end to find its gasket.
Would you know of a good, trustworthy repairmen in KL/Klang Valley? These are special watches, so cost is the last thing in my mind. Who do you send your watches to?
Thanks, keep up the good job!
Abd Wahub
Hi Sal,
This is an easy question. The 6119 was an early basic automatic movement from the late 1960s which lasted for a few short years in production. Your watch was definitely manufactured on May 1969.
Quartzimodo
G'day Quartzimodo,luv your site.I was wondering if you can help me identify a watch I won on eBay.(It looked so beautiful I had to have it.)Anyhoo,on the back it has SEIKO,WATER RESISTANT,BASE METAL ST.STEEL BACK, 3Y03-0020,A4 in a little box, JAPAN A with a little symbol(like lightning) next to it,then 7D0794.On the dial it has roman numerals around the edge,day window just under the XII,a date window where VI should be & SQ QUARTZ.
Could you please tell me when it was made,water resistant to how many meters,the name of the model & is it battery or manual wind?Also is it worth anything,there isn't much wear or scratches.(I got it for $21.50).
I'd love to hear your comments.
Kind regards from Pydies05,Melbourne,Australia.
Hi Abdul Wahub,
The problem with Thong Sia is that they prefer to service contemporary watches instead of vintage ones. I doubt it if Seiko Japan still has any leftover replacement crystals at their warehouse, since the 6119 has been long discontinued. I think they're not experienced with vintage calibers since the old timer technicians from the 1970s had since left the company, therefore they'll give you all kinds of excuses.
You might want to try Jonathan Koch's eBay site and contact him if he can source a new old stock glass for your watch.
I know of four repair centers that may be able to service both your 6119 and 7123 watches:
- Focus Time, The Summit, Subang Jaya
- Hang Thai Watch, SS2 Petaling Jaya
- Timepiece Service Center, Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya
- Hing's Watch, Jaya 33, Petaling Jaya.
I generally send my watches to Hing's Watch. Good luck!
hope this helps,
Sulaiman Akhlaken (on behalf of Quartzimodo Admin)
Sulaiman,
Thanks for your reply.
I am familiar with Hing's Watch, and I think I bought my first watch with my first paycheck from them when there were still a Jaya Supermarket! Just to share, it was an Orient which I gave my Albanian friend as a farewell gift. I still have the manual, though!
I will be taking my 7123 diver there for them to have a look.
Anyway, I actually went to Thong Sia today, before I got to read your reply, and guess what? They DO have a replacement crystal for my gold tone model : ) Not only that, I am looking at getting the crown replaced (the current is aftermarket), plus new gasket for a worry free couple of more years.
They charge RM150 (US$50) PLUS workmanship, and I think that is the cheapest compared to repairs done in the States, the UK and Australia in my experience.
God, after such frantic searching this is such a happy day for me!
Thanks again for your advice, and I LOVE MY SEIKOS! : )
Thank u very much. This is an awesome site! I would have never been able to know with out this site, thanks.
G'day Pydies05,
Sorry for the belated reply mate. I can't tell much about 3Y03 based watches because very little information has been written about them. This single jeweled (1-jewel) movement itself was designed specifically for ladies' watches (including the small 3Y03-0059 diver's watch). It has a simple day/date calendar, takes a Seiko or Maxell SR621SW battery with a rated battery lifespan of 2 years.
Based on your serial number, your watch was made on Dec 1987 by the Seiko Daini factory in Japan (the other factory being Seiko's Suwa production plant). Since this watch is a quartz, it's a battery powered timepiece and cannot be a "manual wind watch". Manual wind watches are mechanically powered by a mainspring, therefore they are not electronic and certainly not a quartz.
Your watch's reference code starts with "SYD". It's an SYD015J if it's an all-stainless steel watch, an SYD018J or SYD028J if it's a two-toned, gold plated model. It's not worth much, probably no more than twice what you paid for it. Not all Seiko watches are collectible and thus its resale value largely depends on the buyer's market.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo
Could you tell me the production year of my seiko quartz watch. The numbers are 981247. Above that is 7N82 -0610 And anything else that is interesting about my watch.
Appreciate it thanks
Hi gcv,
I believe the 7N82 quartz caliber was made mainly for women's models in the 80s. There's not much to say about 7N82 watches as they are simple timepieces, mostly of the dress or dressy sporty kind with a date only calendar. Its reference code begins with "SXE" and Seiko made a handful of designs based on the 7N82-0610. It takes a Seiko SR621SW or an Energizer #364 battery with a 2-year operational life. Your watch was most probably made on Aug 1989.
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartizmodo,
Can you tell me about my small seiko women's wristwatch that belonged to my grandmother?
The face reads: SEIKO QUARTZ and what looks like SQ. At the bottom of the face, it reads 8522-014X R MOV'T HONG KONG DIAL JAPAN
On the back it reads WATER RESISTANT STAINLESS STEEL 8522-Q059 with A1 in a box after those numbers. The serial number is 260211
Thank you!
Jane
I have a seiko 840942 7009 8109 17 jewels japan 7009 could you tell me the year it was born and possibly the value? thanks for your help.
hai..
it me again and again.today i want ask for my seiko manual winding 2118-0350-P seriel no:031206. so which year it's made?
hope u can help...and can u determine the date for any brands of watches i.e swiss wade or citizen?
tq.
Hi Barry,
Your watch was definitely a 1970s model and from the serial number I would say that yours was from April 1978. It's not a highly prized model amongst collectors and its value ranges from USD70-USD110, depending on its condition. Yours is an export model for North America.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartizmodo
I have just purchased a lovely Seiko.
5H22-8A00
6N3184
Front: www.bdq.nu/images/front.jpg
Back: www.bdq.nu/images/back.jpg
Can you tell me anything about it, please?
/David
Hi David,
The 5H22 is simple quartz movement for dress watches which Seiko made decades ago. There's also a 5H23 variant with day/date display and both calibers are long discontinued. From the looks of the design, I think yours was made on Nov 1986. During this time Seiko still made quartz watches at their Suwa factory in Japan. Your watch takes a Seiko or Maxell SR920SW or Energizer #371 silver oxide battery with a 5-year operational life. The movement has 3 jewels.
Seiko quartz dress watches generally are not collectible and it's usual that such watches fetch less than USD100 on the used market.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartizmodo
Thank you very much for the information.
I payed about $3 for the watch and I like the way it looks, so I'm happy.
I also got a manual. Can you tell anything about it, please?
I have recently inherited a seiko lassale watch. The back says:
Base Metal
St. Steel Back
6730-5569 RO (the RO letters are in a box)
260063
I was curious what yr it was from and if it's worth anything? I'm under tge understanding these may not have been in production long? It's very thin and square about the thickness of a quarter or so. Has an original 20mm lizard band and the watch itself is gold. Not sure if it real gold just looking at color.
Hi Quartzimodo,
It's really great that you have this informative website! I bought a ladies Seiko that used to be very popular but I can't remember when. Steel two tone steel links band with larger gold links in the middle, gold face hands second hand notched bezel and day and date window. Face says quartz back says water resistant 412754 Japan G ST. STEEL SGP BEZEL 2A23-0030 G1. The G1 is in an etched box. The clasp says Seiko SQ. I would appreciate any info you have on this watch. You are a Seiko expert! Awesome!
Hi Quartzimodo,
it was wery intrested to read all this things about the watches,but i`m not sure if i could identify the year of manufactur.On the back i 2N0926,WGP back st.steel 11-3120
I`m sure only about November but the year?
Tnx for the replay and congratulations for youre ,,computer''mind...Its a big thing today to know all this things...
hi,what a great site.i am trying to date a seiko quartz watch.st steel,8m25-603A and letters Ao in a box.0N0074.water resistant 10bar.has dark blue face and blue bezel.thanks.
Hi Portia,
Thank you for the nice comments. I truly apologize for overlooking your comment as I thought I had already replied to you. Apparently I had not.
The 2A23A caliber is a long discontinued quartz movement with a day/date calendar complication and 2 jewels. Your watch is a homage to the Rolex Ladies' Perpetual Datejust, except that it's quartz instead of automatic and has a day-of-week display.
The 2A23A was an 80s's caliber and I believe your watch was made on January 1984 by the Seiko Daini factory in Japan. The "SQ" branding fits the era, when Seiko widely used "SQ" to denote Seiko Quartz. "SGP" stands for "Seiko Gold Plated". The "G1" text surrounded in the box is thought to be the official Seiko tool to open the caseback for Seiko technicians. Your watch uses the Seiko TR621SW or Energizer #364 silver oxide battery, with an estimated battery life of 2.5 years (a rather odd figure).
There's not much I can tell further because your watch is one of the countless quartz dress watches which Seiko made in the 1980s. Other than that I think it's a very lovely looking timepiece.
Quartzimodo
Hi Erika,
This is a fairly easy question for me, because my mother also happens to own a hand-winding Caliber 11A watch. There were several variants of the Cal 11 family, namely the Cal 11A, 1104A, 1120A, 1140A and 1144A. This family of ladies' mechanical (non-automatic) movements are thought to appear in 1970 and were used in sub-models like Queen Seiko, Salvia and Solar. Your watch was definitely made on Nov 1972.
Do note that replacement parts for Cal 11 ladies' watches can be very hard to find as these watches had a relatively short market lifespan, especially bracelets.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Mick,
The 8M25 is a very caliber with interesting complications like an electronic alarm, timer, a chronograph and what I think is a dedicated 45-minute soccer match timer. 8M25 watches appeared towards the late 1980s and was probably discontinued by the mid 1990s. Yours was made on November 1990.
hope this answers your question.
Quartzimodo
I have a gold plated seiko man's watch. Front says :seiko Quartz with letters LC, rear case sn 633238 Japan A 0662-5009. I think it takes a 386 battery. I've only worn it approximately 1 year since I bought it new in a military exchange in the US. I still have the box. Any way to further identify it. Thanks, your web site is very informative.
Hi friends,
Just bought a Seiko Turtle 6309-7040 Diver with No; 1N0955
Beautiful watch and would love to know the rpoduction year for this one.
Great read btw!!!
Thanks
Robert F
Sweden
Hi Robert Trotter,
There's a good vintage LCD watch site that happens to have a link to the 0662-5009, the exact model that you have (except yours is gold plated). This was a mid 70s models and from your serial number, your watch was made on March 1976. As this watch has absolutely no water resistant properties, ensure that it never gets wet; therefore be careful when washing your hands with this watch worn.
You are correct in saying that it requires the UCC 386 battery (or its equivalent). The 0662A caliber was an improved design of the much older and reliable 0624A caliber. Your watch was meant for export to North America and this model may not have been made available for other regions in the world.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Robert,
I didn't know the 6309-7040 was nicknamed the "Turtle". I have two myself - a 6309-7040 for the international market and a U.S. version, 6309-7049. This cushion cased diver is generally well accepted amongst the Seiko watch collectors and hold its second hand value pretty well, depending on the demand and supply. Worn carefully, having its movement inspected at least once a decade will make this long lasting Seiko diver last virtually forever.
Yours was made on November 1981 by the Seiko Suwa factory in Japan. Subsequent batches from the mid 1980s were made in Hong Kong instead to cut down on production costs.
thanks for the compliments,
Quartzimodo
A friend of mine recently passed away and left me several working Seiko watches. I have given some away and have retained a couple. One is a kinetic watch, gold case, gold dial, 8O3408. It says kinetic on the face, says it is water resistant, stainless steel, base metal on the back with the following numbers: 5M42-OK69. Can you help me date the year of this watch? It only shows the date on the dial, not the month. I would be most appreciative as I am a novice in this arena. I guess the year made ends in 8 and the production month is October; however, how do I tell what decade? It also has one stem to change the date and time and another button that jumps the second hand ahead several seconds. Hope that helps.
Hi Brenda,
I'm truly sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and I'm sure he or she would appreciate your passing them into good hands. 5M42 Kinetics first appeared sometime in the mid 1990s and were replaced by the latest 5M63 caliber sometime in the year 2001 or 2002, which Seiko still uses to this day. At this time of writing, Seiko hasn't upgraded the 5M63 to a successor movement (5M73?). Seiko makes major updates its movement design only if it sees fit and commercially viable.
Therefore the Kinetic that you're having now is dated October 1998. It cannot be as early as 1988 because that would be the era of the earlier Kinetic model, e.g. 5M23.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi all. I have a 'Seiko 5' bought, I think, in Saudi Arabia around 1970 ish. The days of the week are both in Aribic and English. Have been trawling the web trying to put an age and value on it. Here is all the numbers...
On the back : Stainless steel 6119-7143 water resistant.
At the bottom : 004891 Japan F
On the face : Seiko 5. Automatic. 21 Jewels.
At the bottom of the face : Japan 6119 - 7120T AD.
The watch has a whole heap of sentimental value (Belonged to my much loved grandfather)
Any help would be very much appreciated (I'm not that great with computers!!)
Hi Noel,
The 6119 was a modestly priced, simple automatic movement that made its debut in 1970. The 6119 family of movements were available as the 6119A, 6119B and 6119C and were fitted to Seiko 5 and Seiko 5 Sports models. Your granddad's watch was definitely manufactured on October 1970 and should have "waterproof" markings on the caseback. In terms of resale value, the 6119-7143 commands a value between USD100-USD135, depending on the condition but generally not more than that (it's not a highly sought after model by mainstream Seiko vintage watch collectors).
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
I have a seiko 5 watch left by my deceased father in 1994,the watch serial number 805935 Japan U./6309-6010.Can you tell me the manufacturing date is it a collector item?thyanks
Hi Wilfred,
The 6309-6010 is an interestingly designed timepiece, certainly a collectible model. The challenge is how many collectors are interested in this model because it has very narrow, unconventional lugs for the original bracelet. Vintage Seiko watches with conventional lugs can be fitted with leather straps, but in the case of the 6309-6010 a leather strap needs to be notched in the middle. Not only it takes some expertise to make a notch on the aftermarket strap, whether it will securely hold the watch head is also another concern.
Your watch was made on Oct 1978 and 100% made in Japan by the Suwa factory.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi David,
Sorry I missed your second comment. What you have is rare and very collectible hand-winding, Cal 66 Seiko watch. Production date is April 1972. It's worth between USD100-150 on the used market, depending on its condition. You scored nicely with this watch!
Quartzimodo
Hi Eric,
My apologies for the belated reply as I totally missed your comment until now.
Seiko Lassales are ultra-thin quartz dress watches which Seiko marketed between 1982 and the early 1990s. They come in varying calibers and some are made of solid gold. I'm not very familiar with the Lassale family, but used and new old stock Seiko Lassales vary from USD150 to USD800 on eBay. It's possible that your 14-jeweled 6730-5569 was made on June 1992 but yours is a model meant for the U.S. market. Your watch requires a Seiko TR712SW battery (or its equivalent) and runs for 2 years.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi, Can you help ?
I have a Seiko watch that used to belong to my late father.It was bought in England. It has a brushed metal finish, the glass is slightly oblong with rounded sides.
On the face it has Seiko Automatic ,21 Jewels. The day & date are at 3-o-clock The days are in English & French.
On the back going round in a circle it has 'stainless steel 6119-5401 water resistant.
The number in a straight line is 347809 & under this are the letters TL Please can you give me a date & approx value. Thanks
Hi Dave,
You have what Seiko collectors dub as a "TV style watch" due to its appearance to an old TV set from the 1970s. The one in your possession was made on April 1973 while its resale value today is less than USD100. Not many collectors appreciate rectangular watches for some reason.
Quartzimodo
i have a seiko watch onthe base it says seiko water resistant 1n0501 kv it has a gold face strap has a band of gold with a band of silver on either side running length ways. it was brought in russia in 1980. please help
Hi Sarah,
You didn't give me the caliber/caseback codes found at the back of the watch but only the serial numbers. The caliber/caseback code is in the form of XXXX-YYYY. Without this, I don't even know what watch you have.
Quartzimodo
I have been left from my Grandmother a Skeiko watch Serial no number is 063900. movement number 3Y03 case number 0160 A4.
Gold Face is it 70s or 80s ???
What is it worth not that im selling it just wondered???
Can I still get a battery for it??
Thanks Peel
hi i was wandering if anyone could help me, my grandmother passed and left me her watch,i'd really like to know a bit about it, eg when it was made..its a gold coloured ladies watch and on the back is
seiko,base metal top,st steel back,858163 then 11-5179 with a mark that looks like a lightning bolt?
then on the strap is printed z562g
Hi Quartz
You've Done a great job helping folks out. Very informative site.
I picked up a gold color Seiko dress watch from a friend; it has gold hands, gold dashes @ # placements with gold or champaign brushed background and the Crown is at 3 o'clock displaying Date only.
Water Resistant
St. Steel
Caliber 7N39 - 5A39 R1
Mov't Japan
Model 87xxxx
I'm looking for the Decade if you know, and what battery it needs? If it still don't keep time after putting a new battery in it, Do you think it is worth repairing?
It appears the 7N39 Caliber can still be aquired, just not sure if the watch is worth the cost/effort or not.
Thanks,
CE
Hi Natasha,
Your grandmother's Seiko is a hand-winding (non-automatic) Cal 11A watch. It was made on May 1968 and is a U.S. export model. That lightning bolt symbol means the watch was assembled by the Daini factory in Japan. There were two factories that made Seiko watches during the era - the Daini and the Suwa plants. The Z56-2G refers to the parts number for that particular strap. This is a pretty old watch and I don't think Seiko Japan has replacement bracelets for this watch any longer.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Sarah,
The lovely Seiko 7009-3110 is a classic Seiko 5 watch with the Rolex Datejust looks. The automatic movement itself is said to be better made than the current 7s26 caliber that replaces it. This is a popular and evergreen model and Seiko still makes this model but uses the 7s26 movement instead. BTW, your watch was made on November 1991.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi CE,
Sorry for the rather late response, it seems like I've overlooked your question. What you have there is the Seiko SKP018P and I think your model is an export version to North America. It takes the Seiko, Maxell SR920SW or an Energizer #371 silver oxide cell, with an operational life of 5 years. I'm not very familiar with watches based on the 7N39 caliber; it seems that it was fitted mainly to gent's dress watches, including the Pulsar sub-brand.
Offhand, I think your watch was made on July 1988, based on the "Seiko Quartz" markings on the dial. Seiko made lots of quartz gents' watches during this era and many of them have long been forgotten or were simply never discussed in watch forums. Quartz watches are seldom repaired. If a fault lies in the quartz module, it is always cheaper to replace the entire movement. Otto Frei also sells the 7N39 replacement module.
Whether it's worth replacing the movement depends on whether you value the watch and intend to wear it. Good luck!
cheers,
Quartzimodo
hey,
the name's kyle, and i just received a watch from my father. a Seiko of course.. and well all my dad could tell me is it was given to him by his father.. on the face all it says is Seiko and quartz. its battery powered, and the only number i think worth mentioning is PC21S, its completely gold strap and all.. 18k electroplated, stainless steel back, quartz movt.(thats whats stamped on the back cover) i would appreciate the help.
Thanks,
kyle
Hi,
Can you tell me anything about a seiko quartz watch serial number 786898? It is a gents dress watch, very plain design, gold colour with a small date window at 3 o'clock. the caliber serial code is 5Y22-8A01. It is marked as "Water Resistant" on the back. It is not working but it might just be that the battery is dead. I am planning to get it fixed and just wondered how old you think it is.
Thanks
Rich
Hi, just found this old seiko watch with a bunch of others and was wondering if you could tell me anything about it, date,type, value etc.
It has an orange dial, seiko quartz written at the top of the dial, sports 100 at the bottom, with day and date window on the right.
In very small letters at the bottom of the dial on the perimeter it has Japan 7546 - 604L T
On the rear case It has the serial number 831304
WATER RESIST - G ST. STEEL JAPAN J. 7546 - 603B
Winder at the 4 O'Clock position
Stainless strap with B337 on reverse near watch and Seiko on Clasp.
Thanks very much,
PS very interesting site
Simon
Watch appears to be as new condition
hey there.
I got this watch as a gift from my grandfather few years ago but i don't know and i don't have the box.
However i really hope you can tell me more about the watch itself by the following information:
Back Casing in order:
SEIKO
water resistant
693715
A
stainless steel 7009 - 3040 [F]
I found these images online, which are identical to how my watch looks like, except of course the numbers. Thought it might help
ihome.cuhk.edu.hk/~b109610/P1030222.JPG
ihome.cuhk.edu.hk/~b109610/P1030230.JPG
Kindly thank you very much!
Awaiting for reply.
My 90 year old mother recently gave me her Seiko Quartz watch which has finally stopped working in spite of a new battery. I doubt it has ever been serviced, so I'm in the research stage. On the reverse:
WATER RESISTANT
STAINLESS STEEL
BASE METAL BEZEL
6D1003
2423-0519 [A4]
Can you tell me anything about this watch?
Thank you! Marjorie
Hello!
I'm hoping you can help me. I've been searching all over for information regarding a Lassale ladies watch my ex-husband purchased for me several years ago. I also read back on all your comments in case you had already addressed this.
I know it was 1989 or after because of the date on the instructions. Ebay actually has two apparently identical watches but with amazingly disparate prices. One under $30USD and the other at $275. Mine has never been worn and is still in the original box and case with instructions and original warranty information.
On the back of the watch: "Base Metal Steelback" and, as best I can tell "2E20-6299" with the letters "RD" in a square.
The link I'm providing is to the higher of the two on ebay. Honestly, I cannot imagine that my ex-husband would pay $450 as the original price tag (in the picture) indicates. I'm guessing there was probably a top-of-the-line model and then a less expensive one.
cgi.ebay.com/LASSALE-BLACK-FACE-WATCH-/260790825158?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3cb85830c6
Thank you for any insight you may have.
Hello,
my wife has a Seiko 5 for a long time. She got it like a present from her father maybe back in 1984. It has 2 sequence of numbers on the back and we can't figure out nothing about the watch. 351521G and 4206-537A
It is Water resistant
Hi Simon,
Apologies for the late response as I had some issues with my blog comments section, it's fixed now.
What you have is a nice, seldom seen diver-like sports watch dating from March 1988. There's another version of your watch - the 7546-603A with a black dial instead of orange. It was made in Japan at their Suwa production facility (the other one being the Daini plant). As for its value, not only it depends on its condition but also how much collectors are willing to pay for it. The movement has 4 jewels in it and typical of Seiko quartz movements of the 1980s, it also has a quartz trimmer condenser for the technician to fine tune its accuracy. Your watch takes the type UCC 301 silver oxide cell (Seiko/Maxell TR726SW), which will power the watch for 5 years.
In general, non-diver's quartz watches are not much in demand unless they are part of a special lineup such as the old Silverwave series. You can check eBay or the various watch trading forums for its average market price; some 7546-604Bs may turn up from time to time. Offhand I'd say that some people might pay USD200 for a pristine example.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hello Quartzimodo! I'm so glad I stumbled into your blog, as I have my father's Seiko watch, and I'd like to know more about it (my father is deceased now). I have been wearing this watch everyday (I've only replaced the strap) and have not had it serviced. Any and all info you can provide will be greatly appreciated!
6801868
6602-5000
Hi Spoiler1987,
I apologize for the belated response as I've had some issues with my blog installation. I looked at the photos that you referred me to and there's an element of uncertainty. Here's why: the 7009 was a caliber, much like today's 7s26 automatic which replaced the former. While the 7s26 was officially introduced in 1996, I don't know whether both calibers overlapped one another, i.e., whether Seiko totally stopped producing calibers like the 7009 and immediately switching to the 7s26 or introduced the 7s26 on the same year, while clearing the remnants of the 7009 movement.
The Seiko 5 in question appears to have a styling from the 1990s rather than the mid 1980s. It's possible that your watch from the "tail end production" of the 7009 caliber, therefore its date of assembly is likely to be Sept 1996.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Redseouls,
The Caliber 6602 is a 17-jeweled, hand-winding (not automatic) caliber from the 1960s. It was considered a mainstream, low cost caliber in its era. Your watch was made on Aug 1968 and it should have the "waterproof" markings on its caseback. Since you're wearing this watch on a daily basis, I would highly recommend that you have it serviced, re-lubed and regulated for accuracy. Mechanical watches require a special grease for its critical moving parts. The lubricants would have dried up over the many decades and you certainly don't want metal-to-metal friction in the movement.
There's not much else to say about this watch; the 6602 wasn't part of the highly prized King Seiko, Lord Marvel, Lordmatic or Advan lineups which collectors look for. It was just an ordinary Seiko watch back then.
Also be sure to replace the rubber O-ring seals to preserve its water resistant properties.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Cathy,
The price on the tag is what we call MRSP, or Manufacturer's Recommended Selling Price. Although it says $450 on the tag, watch retailers generally sell them at a lower price. Seiko made the Lassale models using different quartz calibers and materials - hence the differing original sticker prices. Very little information can be found on the 'net about Lassale watches as they are generally not considered highly collectible timepieces. Some retain a good value while others don't. I've never seen an original catalog for the complete range of Seiko Lassale watches therefore I know very little about them.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Thank you so much for your reply! Should I be worried that I don't have the waterproof marking on the back of my watch?
Hi Redsouls,
Should you be worried? Not particularly. The absence of the waterproof marking means that your watch is absolutely NOT water resistant, so remember to keep it away from exposure to water. Some 6602 models are marked as waterproof while others aren't.
best regards,
Quartzimodo.
Hi Victor,
The 17-jeweled, 4206 was a long-running production caliber meant for women's watches and it has an auxiliary hand-winding feature. Her watch was made in Japan by Seiko's Daini factory on May 1983. The 4206 has a day/date calendar while the 4205 caliber displays only the date. Both movements have been discontinued and replaced by the 4207 caliber (21 jewels). Today's Seiko 5 watches for women use the 4207 movement.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Marjorie,
I'm afraid I have no data on a Seiko quartz caliber 2423 but there was such a quartz movement named 2623. Please contact me privately via the Contact Form, thank you.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo,
This is a brilliant site. Many thanks for all your work!! I bought what appears to be an old Seiko Kinetic at a market a few weeks ago but have been looking for a manual for it to no avail. I checked the Seiko site but the caliber doesn't match the range they have on offer. I googled and found a comment suggesting it might be a fake produced in Singapore. It's a beautiful watch so I'm not fussed either way apart from being disappointed that fakes are produced and there is a market for it.
In any case, the caliber is 6431-5110 AO and the only other number on the back casing is 0189. It has a stainless steel and rubber band and has a day-date function at 3 o'clock with an option for the day in both English and Italian. It has a lemon yellow facing with a half circle outline on the right side - the top half red and the bottom half yellow. There are large numbers at 12, 6 and 9 o'clock. Can you shed any light on this?
Many thanks,
Anna
Hi Anna,
The 6431 is a battery operated quartz Seiko watch and not a Kinetic. Seiko Kinetic watches have movements that have an alphabet at the second position of its caliber, e.g. "1M", "3M", "5J", "7L" and not a series of numbers. All Kinetic watches should have the words "Kinetic", "AGS" or "Kinetic Quartz" clearly printed on the dial. If you've purchased a Seiko watch at a flea market, chances are either the dial or the caseback had been swapped (or both), therefore I don't know which one is original to the watch.
BTW, an original 6431-5100 should look exactly like this one here. As you can see, its dial definitely does not match your description of your watch. At flea markets, it's not unusual to inadvertently buy "Franken Seikos", or Seiko watches with parts salvaged from other models and cobbled together.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo,
That's really interesting. I can't open the link (says server's busy) but will try again later. The dial on this one definitely has "Kinetic" in black uppercase letters above the 6 and looks very much like the 5M42-0E60 except for the colour of the face, the day/date and the casing around the face being smooth silver rather than having those big chunky numbers on them. In any case, I love it! It even glows in the dark!
Many thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Regards,
Anna
Hi there.
I have a Seiko 5, automatic, day/date, stainless steel with blue face and bars rather than numerals. The serial number is 491110 and caliber 7009-4040. The caliber is repeated on the dial at the 6 o'clock position without the word 'Japan'.
From what I can gather, the watch was made in September in a year ending 4. What I can't pin down us the decade. I thought I may have been given the watch by my father in the 1970s but my memory may be playing tricks on me as, from what is said above, 1994 is more likely!
Is it possible it could have been 1974 or even '84?
Thanks in anticipation.
Paul
Hi, your site has given me so much good info, and I appreciate it. I have a Seiko Fancy Bracelet Ladies Watch that is mechanical, not quartz. The ID on the back of the watch case reads:
SEIKO
SGP BACK ST. STEEL
790108
11-8480
JAPAN-B"
The watchband has "SGP" engraved on it. Could you tell me if you have any info on this watch....year, name, and if the SGP would indicate gold-plating? Any info you can share would be appreciated.
Thanks very much!
Hi Kelley,
The Caliber 11A was a manual-winding (not automatic) movement made exclusively for Seiko ladies' watches. It was available in two minor versions - one with 17 jewels and the other with 21 jewels. Cal 11A watches first appeared in the very early 1970s and disappeared from the market at the end of the decade. The very exact year it was discontinued is largely unknown, but it's possible that yours was from the last batches. If this is truly the case, then your watch was made on Sept 1977. By the 1980s, Seiko decided to make its big push towards quartz technology (accuracy and reliability) and discontinued many of its mechanical watches that were the mainstay of the 1960s and 1970s.
"SGP" stands for Seiko Gold Plated. Generally gold plated Seiko watches have a thin layer of gold electroplating above the base stainless steel surface and if not treated with care are very susceptible to corrosion. From the viewpoint of die hard Seiko collectors, gold plated Seikos are usually not as valuable as all-stainless steel finish models. Solid gold Seiko watches hold their value more but it's because of the precious metal (gold) itself, rather than the historical significance of the watch - although there are very few exceptions, like the all-gold Seiko Astron, which was Seiko's first commercially made quartz watch.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hello Quartzimodo,
What an incredible amount of info you produce for us all...thank you.
I received my watch as a gift many years ago & it needs a new movement but
I'd appreciate any info you can give before I do that. It's woman's dress Seiko, gold plated, stainless steel back, serial # 422864/caliber 2A22-0040 RO (in box). Gold face with gold vertical bars as hours/date only @ 3 o'clock/ gold
second hand/oval body/"Seiko Quartz" on face, Japan & caliber bottom of face.
Believe I got this in '70's. Is there a Seiko site where I can get instruction on setting calendar date? I'm in USA. Any help is appreciated.
Betty
Hi Paul,
The "problem" with the 7009 is that it was a caliber which Seiko made for over 20 years and the automated production date calculator (which is offline, btw) cannot determine 7009s correectly. The exact year when Seiko first made the 7009 is inconclusive but from some early examples suggest that the 7009 appeared in the later part of the 1970s. One thing I'm sure is that 7009s were extinct by 1996 when the 7s26 caliber replaced the 7009 and that towards the end of 1980s, Seiko 5s were no longer made in Japan but in Hong Kong to reduce production costs.
The absence of the word "JAPAN" on the dial and caseback, plus the plain, cost-effective styling of the 7009-4040's caseback leads me to believe that your Seiko 5 was made on Sept 1994. If your watch were made in 1984 or earlier, it would have "JAPAN" stamped on the dial and the caseback.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo, I have a ladies' Seiko watch and it has "SEIKO QUARTZ" on the face. The face is black and gold toned on the back. It has the following: SEIKO BASE METAL ST STEEL BACK 2C20-5770 and right after that, the letters "RO" in a box. It also has "JAPAN MS" and the mark of Seiko.
Serial #: 543992. It has a chain on it. How can I tell if has value or just an el cheapo watch? Can you give me any info on it?
I have a lady seikomatic-says SGP Back St Steel 2505-0050, 7921843 and is waterproof. Can you tell me anything about it and possibly it's worth -does it have an internal battery, and if so when should it be replaced. Thanks, Gini
Hi Gini,
You have a Seikomatic Lady Calendar that was sold in the mid 1960s. Two minor variations were made - the 2505A and 2505B. Your watch is a mechanical, automatic watch and mechanical watches are powered by a wound main spring, not a battery. You have to shake the watch and wear it daily to keep it running. Most automatic ladies' watches will stop running if unworn for less than two days. I have no idea how much it's worth, but the best way is to check with eBay periodically. At this time of writing, there's a Seikomatic Lady (Cal 2501) going for USD175.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
I have a triangular mother-of-pearl face, base metal, st. steek back 4 N00-5289 RO, 131371 ladies watch which is a bracelet style. This was a gift from my sister-in-law back in the 70's. It has stopped working and I was wondering if the battery is dead.
Hi Bobbi,
If your watch has quit working, it's either two things: the battery is dead or the quartz movement has become defective. Try replacing the battery first (it takes a Seiko or Maxell SR 516SW battery) and if the minute hand doesn't advance, then take it to a watchmaker for an assessment. I cannot date the month and year of your watch as there's no example pictures of the 4N00-5289 on the Internet. If you can find the word "JAPAN" on the face of the watch (not "MOVT JAPAN") and "JAPAN" on the rear caseback, yours might have been made as early as March 1981.
It cannot be March 1971 (you mentioned the 1970s in your post) because the 4N00 is quartz watch and in the early 1970s ladies' watches were all mechanical ones, not quartz.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Dear Quartzimodo-- I have womens Seiko Quartz model/movement 5420A watch in original box from the 1980s..it was a birthday gift from a good friend and does not work. Face # 5420 - 0630, back 5420 - 5319, and 307695. Box serial tag UC292M.
Have looked all over internet for a replacemnt movement...a VX10 replacement does not fit (face feet don't line up).
Do you know of any source to find the correct movement?
Your site and responses are awesome.
Many thanks, ..jan
Hi Jan,
Many thanks for the kind comments. You may be in luck as the quartz 5420 movement may be available from Bruce's Seiko Center. He is a watch repairer and not a parts supplier therefore you're expected to send your watch to him to replace the old movement. Try contacting him via email at bscwatchrepair@aol.com first. Good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo,
i got a Seiko Quartz alarm chronograph, 124779 H249-5060 A1, JAPAN- A as a gift from my uncle, could you tell me something abot the watch, i wasn't able to find any info.
Thanks, Ivan
Hello Quartzimodo,
I have a Seiko quartz ladies silver tone bracelet watch from the 1970's or earlier? The back says SEIKO BASE METAL ST. STEEL BACK 2C20-5029 and 361659. The watch was in a drawer not running for many years, and It was serviced and a new battery put in and it runs fine now. Any information would be appreciated. I cannot find anything about this watch.
THANK YOU
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
The 2C20 caliber is a simple, hour-and-minute movement with no calender display. It's a small movement and was designed for women's watches. Seiko didn't introduce ladies' quartz watches in the early 70s (they made automatics and hand-winding mechanical watches for women) and therefore I don't think your watch could be from 1973 or earlier. From its styling, it looks like something that was designed towards the late 1970s.
Your watch was made on June 1983 and is most probably a U.S. market model. The reason you can't find anything from Google is that watch forums are populated by men and they rarely or don't discuss women's watches. The only search results that show up are similar watches as yours sold on eBay and watchmakers that carry replacement 2C20 movements.
BTW, your watch uses a Seiko or Maxell TR521SW silver oxide cell and will last up to 3 years between battery changes. The 2C20 contains two jewels to lubricate its crucial moving parts and has a trimmer capacitor, which the Seiko technician will use to fine tune its accuracy.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hello Quartzimodo,
did you perhaps find anything abot Seiko Quartz alarm chronograph, 124779 H249-5060 A1, JAPAN-A?
Thanks, Ivan
Hello Quartzimodo,
I am looking any history on a plain gold base metal 8 jeweled Seiko with the case markings of 6020-5029 [R] & serial# 960602. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tony
Revitalize a luminous watch dial. Is there a way to do this? My old 6117-8000 is getting VERY dim.
Thanks and BEST REGARDS
Gary
Hi Ivan,
Sorry for the late reply, as I had missed your post. The H249 is a multi-function, analog-digital caliber from the 1980s with an alarm and stopwatch. Its movement has 2 jewels and you can set the LCD time to a different time zone while the main time is displayed on the analog part of the watch. It requires a Seiko or Maxell TR926W silver oxide cell and is rated to run for 2 years between battery changes. As with early generation quartz movements from Seiko, the H249 has a trimmer condenser for the watch technician to fine tune the quartz oscillator crystal's accuracy.
There's not much to be said of the H249; it was one of Seiko's several analog-digital watches in its era and there's no significant history behind it.
Your watch was likely to have been made on Feb 1981 by Seiko's Daini factory in Japan.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Gary,
You have a very collectible Seiko 6117 Navigator and it's worth re-luming the hands and index markers. Please contact Ken Parks at Everest Watchworks Services and request for a job quotation to rel-ume your watch. Alternatively you might also want to consider Bob Thayer, who also offers re-luming work.
Good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo!
My mother has just given me a Seiko watch that originally belonged to her aunt and I wonder if you could tell me anything about it. It is an analogue gold ladies dress watch with a blue dial and I believe it is a wind up watch. On the face I think it says JAPAN 1520 - 0660R and on the back it says: 490435 SGP BACK ST. STEEL 1520 - 3570. After reading your post I think that means it was made in September in the 4th year of the decade (I'm sure you'll tell me if I've got that wrong) but I have no idea what decade, or anything else about it really. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Annelise
Hi Annelise,
Yes, you are correct in saying that your aunt's timepiece is a hand-winding mechanical watch. Two minor variations of the 1520 caliber existed - the 1520A and 1520B. They were both used in the "Fine Seiko" range in the 1960s. The first generation Cal 1520A has 17 jewels in it while the 1520B were available in 17 and 23 jewel counts, depending on the model. "SGP" refers to Seiko Gold Plated, with a stainless steel base. When you wind the watch, take care to stop winding it further when the crown feels some resistance. You don't want to over-wind the main spring, lest it breaks.
And oh, it was made on Sept 1964, making it almost 47 years old. If you suspect the watch hadn't been serviced in a long time, take it to a competent watchmaker for servicing and regulating (adjusting for accuracy).
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo
I have a Seiko Quartz Diver's 150m (with blue and red dial) my mother gave to me after my father passed away.
As far as I remember back my dad had this watch.
I would like to know the manufacture date and history of the watch.
Also if possible the price it sold for in those years.
Model: 7548-700B
Serial No.: 820615
Thanks for a nice site!!
Hein
Hi Hein,
From your serial number, I would estimate your 7548-700B's production date at Feb 1988. To be doubly sure, flip over your watch and look for a sequence of two-digit representing a number of years. On some Seiko quartz diver's watches, these such numbers are engraved for the owner to keep track between battery changes. Seiko will mark a permanent "dimple" representing the next expected battery change since the watch was produced.
Historically speaking, the 7548-700x series of divers were just regular, mainstream quartz divers back then. They provided an alternative to buyers who preferred the accuracy of a quartz movement rather than a comparable automatic, e.g. the 6309-729x mechanical divers of the same era.
Since 7548 movements have a 3-year battery life, you should see the dimple between the years 1991 and 1992. The standard procedure for Seiko service technicians is to mark another dimple on the year scale, but if you send your watch to a regular jeweler's for a battery change they're not likely to stamp the next battery change dot.
Used 7548-700x divers can fetch anywhere between USD140 to well over USD200, depending on its originality and condition. I don't know how much they used to sell for as I wasn't into watch collecting during those years.
hope this assists,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo,
Reciently aquired a Seiko 150m profesional dive watch.
2205-0760
Japan A
760231
Out-side size is 32mm.
Could you please give some info on this watch?
If possible where might I get basic parts from.
Thanks for a great data-base.
Many Thanks,
Rolan
Hi Rolan,
The 2205 series Seiko divers are professional diver's watches made for women (that's why they're small). It was made in the 1970s and this series of divers were replaced by the 4205 caliber divers in the 80s, also of the same size. 2205 caliber divers are considered collectible and they typically sell for over USD200, depending on the condition.
Parts-wise, Seiko has long discontinued the 2205 caliber and the only way is to find another 2205 diver and use it for its parts. BTW, yours was 100% made in Japan and is dated June 1977.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi TOP,
I need to know the 6-digit serial numbers, which should be on the rear side of your watch. 2K00 is the caliber while 0031 is the caseback type. If there are no serial numbers on the watch, it is impossible to know the production date of your watch.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi
My grandfather found a lady watch in Egypt long time ago/
What can you tell me about this watch. is it real gold?
seiko sgp back st.steel - 7N0695 - 11-4800 japan-v.
on the gold bracelet: seiko basemetal japan z528
many thanks
Danna
Hi Quartzimodo
Marvellous website!
In June 1969 I bought my Seiko 5 ref:6119-7100 (Mod 505)automatic date/day dark blue dial watch s/n 892638 (manufactured September 1968?), marked 21 jewels, screw back with crown at 4 o'clock, in Changi, Singapore. The dial has raised illuminous markers. Sweep secong-hand and it does hack. I paid UK import duty when I returned home. I still have the box and all papers. The watch was fantastically accurate and I wore it regularly for about 5 years and then only a very few times later. The watch was serviced in the UK and has been stored for the last 30 years or so. For the last few months the watch has been running in a watch winder and still keeps accurate time, although not quite as good as in 1969, so needs regulating a little. The watch is in good condition, minor wear to the case and very clear dial and crystal.
Does my Seiko watch have any value or collectors' interest? The S/S Seiko bracelet was fitted by the jeweller in 1969 for no extra charge, taken from another Seiko watch on display because I did not like the original S/S one that came with the watch.
Best wishes and regards
Clive
Hello, great site, thanks for your time. I have a 6309-8099 ser# 768908. The person purchased from said they bought it new and it was all original. The stainless bracelet is Marked Seiko SQ on the buckle. My question, would Seiko put an SQ bracelet on an automatic movement watch? The bracelet looks and fits like it was made for the watch, but????
rgrds,
Phil
Hi there, great site and very interesting to read. My father bought a Seiko watch in Hong Kong whilst serving in the military. It is purple/blue, 5606 5110 with ser# 320779. could you tell me any info you have please. Also it says Japan. Others i have seen on here have Japan, followed by a letter and the serial numbers have numbers in them.
Hi there again. would like to know what you know about 3 other Seiko watches i have from my father who had been in Hong Kong.
The first is 2118-0470 ser#251586 with a "W" at the bottom of the rear cover and is stainless steel.
The second is 1104-3161 ser#050864 and is gold in colour.
The third is a small ladies,which has a sparkly look to it. The number is 11-7450 ser#320283 and has Japan B at the bottom of the rear cover. Many Thanks.
Hello,
I have a Lassale analog quartz cal 7t32 appears to have number 7n0075 stamped on the back other than the fact that it is a handsome mens gold watch with lizard type band i dont know much about it is this a good watch ? What did they sell for? I have all orig. Instrctions , warr info and inner & outer boxes. Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Hi Danna_Go,
Wow, that is indeed a nice find! Hand-winding Cal 11A watches are seldom seen today as most of them had been lost or discarded. No, unfortunately it's not made of real gold. The "SGP" on the caseback stands for "Seiko Gold Plated", therefore it's basically a stainless steel watch with gold electroplating. It's not worth much on the used market, unless it's made of real 18-kt gold.
Seiko made lots of mechanical ladies watches in the 70s and there's nothing really special about the Caliber 11A. The watch that your granddad found is one of the last batches of the Cal 11A and therefore I'd put its production date at November 1977.
Quartzimodo
Hi skye,
I need the six-digit serial code found at the back of the 1000-7090. Without it I wouldn't know when it was made.
Quartzimodo
Hi Clive,
You have an interesting vintage Seiko watch. The 6119 series of automatics debuted towards the end of the 1960s but didn't make it past the following decade. Seiko made three versions of the 6119: 6119A, 6119B and 6119C. Actually none of the 6119 movements could hack. Out of the 61xx series, only the 6105B and 6106 could hack. As such they were often fitted to Seiko 5's and low end Seiko automatics (without the "5" moniker).
You got the production date correct as it was indeed manufactured on Sept 1968 by the Seiko Suwa factory (their other plant being the Daini factory).
It does have a collector's value today but not as high as you might hope for. Generally dressy (non-sporty) 6119 watches go for USD130 on the average on the used market. There's one that sold for USD110 on eBay at the time of writing. Seiko 6119s are robust and long lasting. I have one myself - a yellow dialed 6119-7160, often nicknamed the "sushi roll" due to its index markers resembling well, sushi rolls. The 6119-7160 was marketed under the Seiko 5 Sports line and was available in an assortment of dial colors.
Wear the 6119 in good health!
Quartzimodo
Hi Phil,
The "SQ" is short for "Seiko Quartz". Seiko would never fit a bracelet from a Seiko quartz model to an automatic. Either the buckle or the entire bracelet on your watch isn't original to your 6309-8099. Its original bracelet may have been originally lost or broken and the seller happened to chance upon one that fitted it nicely. Your 6309-8099 has a faceted crystal, which was a fad in the 1970s. It was manufactured by Seiko's Suwa factory on June 1977.
Tip: If the non-original bracelet bothers you, why not replace it with a brand new leather strap? Your watch has standard lugs that can accommodate a leather band nicely. Many owners of vintage watches with non-original bracelets resort to wearing them on leather or some other type of material. In fact, all of my vintage Seikos are on leather strap and some people thought I was wearing a brand new watch.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Mark,
Yes, the Seiko Lassale line of watches are good timepieces. Some are quite collectible, especially those with the 7T32 alarm-chronograph movement. I can tell you that your Lassale was made on Nov 1997 but I don't know what they used to sell for. To know what Lassale 7T32s are worth today, look for them on eBay. Having all the original documentation and gift box is a plus, as generally collectors prefer to receive the box and "papers" as they call it.
Quartzimodo
I have a seiko dx bright blue dial dat date crown at 4 oclock position num- 6106 7639 sn321824 japan a thanks
Hi Quartzimodo. Have asked a question a couple of days ago about a seiko watch 11-7450 ser#320283 purchased in the 70s in Hong Kong. Its a very small face with a fine delecate strap but also has WG and Back S-Steel stamped on it. Hope to hear from you soon. Many thanks.
Hi Frankie,
This is an easy question for me. Seiko 6106 watches debuted in 1967 and never made it towards the end of the 1970s. Therefore your Seiko DX would have been made on February 1973. Vintage 6106 watches are considered collectible, partly due to the fact that they can "hack", i.e. mechanically stopping the second hand for time synchronization.
cheers,
Quartzimodo.
Hi Jon,
Your father's 5606-5110 was sold under the famous Seiko "Lord Matic" lineup, or LM for short. The 5606 was considered a medium grade caliber and can be "hacked" (stopping the second hand like an analog quartz watch) and hand-wound. It also offers a "quickset" date setting. It runs at the standard 21,600 beats per hour and contains 23 jewels.
Seiko Lord Matics are generally considered to be collectible vintage watches and can fetch up to USD200 on the used market, depending on the design and condition. The 5606 movement unfortunately suffers from a design flaw; the pawl lever that actuates the calendar change mechanism is prone to breakage and malfunction. Take care never to manually change the date between 9pm to 1am, that's the period when the watch starts to roll over to the following date. BTW, your watch was made by Seiko's Suwa factory in Japan on Feb 1973.
As for your remaining questions:
1. Seiko 11-7450: One of Seiko's standard hand-winding (non-automatic) watches designed exclusively for women. Production date: Feb 1973.
2. Seiko 1104-3161: A hand-winding caliber, fitted to Seiko watches marketed under the "Salvia" line. Production date: May 1970.
3. Seiko 2118-0470: Also a manual winding watch, originally sold under the "Chorus Calendar" range. Production date: most probably May 1962.
hope this has helped.
Quartzimodo
Hello again quartzimodo and thanks for your reply. My fathers watch 5606-5110 has got a fault with the winder and if you pull it to change the date the pin pulls out of the watch. My father has been trying to get this repaired for years but no one anywhere could do any thinf with it. The other day we got some details of someone from the Seiko website that might be able to do it. Thay have quoted £188.00 total including £88 for movement service, £55 for parts and £37.50 for stem and crown. This incleds a new base plate and new crown to reseal. They are called Premier watches, Epsom, Surrey, UK. KT19 8YZ. have you heard of them, and would this seem a reasonable price. I hope to hear from you very soon as this is fairly urgent. Thanks for the details you have supplied so far. thanks. Jon
What a great site! Very informative. I hope you can help me. I recently found my Seiko Quartz Mickey Mouse watch from 20 years ago and it's in need of a battery and gasket. Unfortunately, the old battery is no longer in it. I must have taken it out to replace and lost it. The info on the back reads:
Water Resistant
180503
Base Metal St. Steel Back
5v23-7079 A4
(The A4 is boxed)
Any idea what gasket and battery I need?
Thanks for any help!
Morning.
Wow. A lot of great information. Well done. Oh, it helped me date a Seiko a few days ago too.
Anyway, I read both parts to this article, and I still cannot work it out. I've tried watch shops and jewellers, and they're perplexed, and watch forums have given me dead threads all around.
forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f21/514111d1316044686-need-help-identifying-watch-img_0169.jpg
forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f21/514113d1316044727-need-help-identifying-watch-img_0170.jpg
It's a Seiko, gold coloured case, brown straps, has Diashock on the dial and on the back it has "5N02114" stamped on it. Nothing else on the watch. The bracelet was originally meant to be steel, not a strap. Or at least that's what I've heard.
I hope you can help. If not, thank you anyway.
Mr Boss Man Quartzimodo Sir, Hello!
Second thing after I got a Sekio as a gift, I was typing in Google 'How to date your Seiko'
SEIKO (chronograph automatic, 23 jewels)6138-8000 WATER RESISTANT 181665 JAPAN A
Many thanks!
I found a seiko watch in my mom's jewelry box after she passed away. The numbers on the back read Base Metal St. Steel Back 1320-6079 (R)and 391457. The front has a gold face and reads Seiko Quartz. Can you tell me anything about it?
I have had a Seiko calendar watch for a number of years and I can't find any info on it. It is silver in color and the front is marked Seiko Automatic 17 Jewels. The rear has a serial number of 826795 TL. It is also marked water resistant,stainless steel and 6309-5019. The back has notches on it and I assume it is a screw off back. Rather than the normal round case, this one is round on the sides and straight on the top and bottom. The band is expandable and is marked Seiko. Any information would be appreciated.
Hi Tsunami,
Congrats on getting the rare 6138-8000 as a gift - it's one of Seiko's nicest looking 6138 chronographs from the past. Your watch was manufactured on August 1971 by the Seiko Suwa factory in Japan. Wear it in good health and if you don't like the original bracelet you can always change it to nice leather or carbon fiber strap to make it look more up-to-date.
Quartzimodo
Hi Tumbles,
The photos in your links are too blurry, devoid of detail to make anything out of it. Its small dimensions and its oversized winding crown suggests that it's a ladies' hand-winding watch, probably a Caliber 10A series model. Its 7-digit serial number also makes it a mid 1960s watch, from Nov 1965 - assuming that this is not a fake Seiko ladies' watch.
Sorry I can't be much of help.
Quartzimodo
Hi Mike,
Your Seiko "Mickey Mouse" watch is actually a 5Y23-7079 and not a "5v23" (there was no such thing as a 5v23 caliber). Its caseback gasket's part number is FH2881B01 and your watch requires a Seiko/Maxell SR920SW or an Energizer #371. Battery life is rated to approximately 3 years.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Jon,
I'm sorry I wasn't able to reply to you sooner. No, I haven't heard of Premier Watches as I don't live in the UK. I think 188 British Pounds is rather steep to pay for a movement service or overhaul. There are watch repairers and hobbyists that could do the same job for a more reasonable asking fee. You might want to check out Bob Thayer in the U.S. and contact him for an estimate. Alternatively you might want to email Michael Newby at michaelnewby@blueyonder.co.uk who lives in Twickenham, the United Kingdom and ask him if he's able to service your watch, if not - ask him for recommendations of local watch repairers in the UK.
best of luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Bill,
The 6309-5019 was one of Seiko's "TV screen" styled dress watches from the 1970s. The 6309 movement itself was considered an entry level, 17-jewel automatic and was used in lots of Seiko watches - including the popular 6309-7040 classic diver's watches. While 6309 watches are considered collectible, gents' models (non-divers) generally don't fetch a lot of money on the used market. Some enthusiasts do collect 6309s, but most aren't willing to pay over USD200 for one. Your Seiko was manufactured on Feb 1978 by Seiko Japan.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
hi quartzimodo hi have a seiko titanium 171199.5m62-od20 white face can you tell me anything about it thankyou.
Hi Rob,
Your watch was made on July 2001 and its model number is SKH459P. While it's a nice Kinetic gents' model but there's nothing really special about it. It's also one of Seiko's many dress Kinetics and not regarded as a collector's item.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Can not find manual on the internet and official Seiko website. Please HELP.
Serial number: 281164
movement Japan: 7T62-OAEO (or:0AE0)
A-4. 10 BAR. St. Steel
Bought 09/30/2004 in USA, Austin, TX
Link or pdf. Thanks you!!!
I bought this wristwatch at a sales convintion from a rep salesperson it was in approx 1982. the nr 490090 with other info v743-5a00
i have a gold coloured seiko with day in french and english and normal date it is a seiko 5 on the back case it has 511341
base metal stainless steel back water resistant ky then looks like a lightning bolt 7009-600and a1 in box also the pin to change date is at the 20past position it is automatic.thanks for any help you can give me for identifying the date of manufacture ect .by the way great site so full of information
i have a gold coloured seiko 5 watch it has day date and the date is in english and french it is luminous on the back it reads511341 base metal st steel back water resistant ky
what looks like a lightning bolt 7009-6000 a1 can you tell me the manufacture date and anything else of interest thanks great site by the way
Hi quartzimodo, my skx 779 black monster with 7s26a movement had a MADE IN JAPAN printed on dial. But to my understanding, japan don't produce this particular model. Please help as it puzzle me. Any information will be very much appreciated. thanks n regards, gavrel
Hi Gavrel,
What you're looking at is an export version of the Black Monster, made for the Middle East countries. Does it come with English/Arabic day calendar? If it does, then it appears that Seiko decided to market this model to countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The SKX779J is not part of Seiko Japan's catalog and it's also not meant to be officially sold in Japan. This is nothing new - there are many Seiko 5, Seiko 5 Sports and divers' models like the SKX007J and 011J that were meant for the Arab speaking nations.
"J" models are assumed to be made manufactured in Japan.
Quartzimodo
i am intrested in purchasing a older seiko grand can you direct me to any sites? am trying to avoid flea bay thanks frankie
Hi Quartzimodo I have a silver ladies seiko watch 5N0584 also the number 2E20-5029 could you tell me anything about this watch.there are also numbers on the strap on one side it is 5145 I think?
Thank you
Hello Quartzimodo, I have a Seiko 5 Automatic gold 7009-9170 Number 362728, i'd like to know if this watch is an original one or a fake one, I'll be really greatful of the help you can give me. Many thanks.
Hi Richie,
Without seeing your watch in pictures, I cannot tell if you own a genuine or fake Seiko 5 7009. Please see my article on how to spot fake Seiko watches here. Thanks!
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Frankie,
One of the more trusted sites to look for vintage Grand Seiko watches would be Yahoo Japan's auction site. The problem is that most (if not all) sellers won't deal with buyers outside Japan. It's most probably a language barrier. Some people have contacts in Japan acting as proxies who bid them on their behalf. Or you could try watch trading forums such as SCTP.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hello there Quartzimodo
In 1969 I purchased a Seiko in Hong Kong - it has a white face with the words SEIKO automatic GS HI BEAT 21 jewels - it is gold plated/capped? with a Seiko stamped stainless steel and gold links bracelet. On the back the casing is stamped Seiko GS on a gold circle background and the outer part of the circular back has the markings Cap Gold 6146 - 8000 Water Proof and the number 870116 stamped above the word Japan. It has a day date indicator on the front. GS is stamped on the day/date/time changer/crown. The main casing appears to have tarnished slightly it is not used much - can you tell me how to clean and also the aprrox. value and anything generally relevant. The watch is in fairly good condition (keeps good time) and there are no blemishes on the dial or hands. Would it be regarded as a vintage/collectors item. Thanks a lot for any info you are able to provide.
Hi Robert,
I'd say you have a collectible and sought after Grand Seiko 6146! I've seen examples of vintage King Seiko and Grand Seiko watches with the caseback medallion pried off. It's said to be of solid gold (carat weight unknown) and it's possible the original owners (or those who bought them from the original owners) who didn't want to maintain their watches, sold them for the gold medallion. Yours is from July 1968 although I've seen photos of 6146-8000s made in 1967, with a 7-digit serial number.
Here's a short guide on how to clean gold watches. There are some online tutorials that advocate the use of mildly abrasive toothpaste as an alternative cleaner, if you don't have access to a jeweler's polish. As for its value, a 100% original condition, non-refinished/refurbished GS 6146-8000 can go between USD2.5k to USD3k depending on its condition, according to indicative eBay asking prices. But that does not mean collectors are willing to pay that much either.
To fully appreciate your watch, here's a good forum discussion on the 6146-8000 for your further reading.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo,
What a fantastic site!
I would be grateful for some advice. I have a Seiko that was once my grandfather's and therefore has sentimental value. On the front it reads Japan 66-6020T and on the back 317678. Is it from 1973?
It works well and is in good condition except for the band that comes apart in a few places. I'd prefer to have the band fixed rather than replaced but I'm not sure if this will be economical or even possible (it isn't according to the key-cutting booths that claim to also repair watches)...what do you think?
If not, would it be possible to find a replacement band from the same model? I'm located in Australia...
cheers,
Richard
hi Quartz. Very interesting site! Hopefully you can help me with a little information on my watch. Its a Seiko Lassale, white face, gold trim and a black lizard band. Case# on back says "5A54-0159" with an R1 in a small box immediately afterward. The ser# 0D2986 and on the front under the '6' it says "Japan 5A54-0380 T I".
I'm assuming from the ser# it was likely made in Dec 1990.
Regards!
mike
Hey Quartzimodo, lemme say you've got a great site for resources. I found this guide reading up on a 6309-7040 I got from my dad (via his brother) a few years ago. The serial number's 510340 so, judging by the guide, that would mean watch #340 from January 1985? From what I gathered online, it couldn't have been from 1975 because 6309s weren't made until the following year. Do I have that correct?
Hi John Ray,
This is a good question. You are indeed right in saying that the 6309 caliber surfaced in the 1970s (1976, if I'm not mistaken) and ran until the late 1980s and it was replaced by the cheaper 7002 movement. Together with the 6309, Seiko also introduced the 6306 caliber which added hacking capability. 6306 based diver's watches are extremely rare and Seiko limited them to their local (Japan) market. The "Scubapro 450", which Seiko made for the Scubapro company for example, is a rare bird and fetches a princely sum on the used market, including eBay.
Your watch should not have "JAPAN A" engraved on the caseback and the absence of "JAPAN" on the dial, just below the 6 o'clock marker. This means that your watch was assembled in Hong Kong, which since 1997 is part of China. Early 6309-7040 divers from 1976 to the early 80s were however, made in Japan at their Suwa factory. Yours is an international market 6309 diver and not a U.S. market one. 6309s divers sold in North America would have the caseback number "7049" instead of "7040".
By the later part of the 1980s, the cushion cased 6309-704x divers were replaced by the inferior quality, 6309-729x series divers with the slim case, which marked Seiko's transition from cushion cased divers to the slim cased form. Today's SKX007K divers also followed this tradition of having slim cases. The 6309-729x diver's watches are notorious for suffering from easily worn out dials compared to its predecessor 6309-704x models. Apparently Seiko decided to use cheaper materials for the dials, including the 7002-700x divers. It's very rare to find the slim cased, 6309-729x and 7002-700x dials in pristine condition and due to this, you'll often come across 6309-729x watches on eBay with aftermarket (non-Seiko manufactured) dials and hands.
Interestingly, with the 2nd generation 6309 divers marked Seiko's introduction of an orange dial in a mainstream diver's watch. The 6309-729B was the only 6309 diver with an orange dial and is an extremely rare model.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Mikey,
Yes, I agree that your Seiko Lassale was from December 1990 because Seiko acquired the Jean Lassale company only in 1982 and ceased making the Lassale line by the end of the 1990s. Most likely poor sales contributed to the cessation of the Lassale range. There were no Lassale watches being made by the Millennium to this day. Lassale watches were known as ultra-thin, dress quartz watches and they were never made in automatic or Kinetic versions.
The Lassale lineup comprised several sold gold models and often came quartz calibers that were specially made for the Lassale series. Solid gold Lassale watches for obvious reasons will fetch a higher price on the second hand market.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Richard,
My apologies for the rather late reply as I must have overlooked your post. The original Caliber 66A hand-winding watches debuted in 1960 and several variations of this movement were introduced throughout the 1960s. It is quite possible yours was made as early as January 1963. Does your grandfather's watch have "waterproof" markings on the caseback? If it does, it reinforces my assessment of its production year. If it's marked as "water resistant", then the correct year would be 1973 (however, this is unlikely).
As for finding a replacement band for your watch, it's a long stretch but it won't hurt emailing or faxing a request order for the exact bracelet for your watch from Seiko Japan using this contact form. If the reply is a negative, your only recourse is to find another 66A with a similar bracelet on eBay and cannibalize it for its bracelet. As such watches are many decades old, it's common to see such watches for sale with a leather strap fitted. Bracelets unfortunately don't last long over time.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Alexander,
I duly apologize for the late reply as I've overlooked your post. Sorry about that. Here's the link to the instruction manual for the 7T62 caliber. Your watch's model number would be the SNA129P if its dial is very dark blue and SNA241P if it comes with a black dial with a red chronograph second hand. This is one of Seiko's earliest 7T62 alarm-chronograph models. Your Seiko was definitely made on August 2002.
yours apologetically,
Quartzimodo
Hi Bryan,
Unfortunately Seiko 5s with the 7009 movement were simply ordinary, inexpensive Seiko automatics just like the countless Seiko 5 models you see today with the current 7s26 movement. There's nothing really special about your watch and thus it isn't one of those collectibles that Seiko watch enthusiasts are keen to get their hands on. Its date of manufacture would be January 1995.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Thank you for the valuable information Quartzimodo.
The caseback actually reads 'water resistant' and has the model number 66-6000 instead of the 66-6020T that is on the front.
Thank you for the link to the Seiko site and the advice, I'll see whatI can find.
Hello Quartzimodo.
great site.
L have 2 seikos that i would like info about if possible.
A Sportsmatic 7625-8041(or 7G25) s/n 6400052 which was the first watch I bought when I ws about 12.It no longer runs and I wonder if it's possible to repair it.
The other is a gent's fob/Pocket watch diashock 25 jewels s/n 5910107 on the face below the 6 it says made in japan 60 399 RO AD.
Any info would be appreciated
David
G'day Richard,
OK, since the words "water resistant" is present on the reverse of the watch (instead of "waterproof"), therefore your watch would have been from January 1973 and not 1963 as I presumed earlier. When it comes to general identification of a Seiko watch, it is the caseback numbers that matter more and not the tiny text on the dial. The latter represents the dial code unique to the watch's dial color and styling, which is irrelevant when a watch needs to be identified.
Sorry for getting back to you late as last week I was in Singapore and I didn't bring my laptop.
Quartzimodo.
Hello David,
You have an old 7625A Sportsmatic Calendar 820 (the first watch) dating to April 1964, which makes the watch almost as old as I am. Assuming that your watch's insides has never seen the light of day (i.e., it was never serviced), lots of things could have happened to the movement. It could be a simple case of hardened lubricants that had gummed up, causing the watch to stop or something serious like a broken main spring or a broken escapement. Only a trained watchmaker or repairman can assess the extent of the problem. Since this is a very old and long discontinued watch, it's extremely difficult to obtain new replacement parts.
Most people who collect such old models resort to buying a fully working one on eBay or from the various watch forums to cannibalize its parts. Therefore it is possible to have your Sportsmatic in running condition, depending on the severity of your movement's problems.
As for your hand-winding, Cal 60 watch, I haven't seen a pocket watch version yet but I remember Seiko used this low beat (18,000 bph) movement in their Seiko Goldfeather line. The Cal 60 movements were available in either 17 or 25 jewel variants and was considered a quality hand-winding caliber in its time. Yours was made on Sept 1965. Here's a good article about Seiko Goldfeather watches for your reading.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
curious about my old Seiko.. Mom bought it for me when I was about 10 so that puts it at like 1969... she sid it was a moon watch thoug from what I've seen doesn't look like a mooon stop watch?... the dial is a "tachometer" dial of red and blue.. and basically notes the calculates facts as if you're driving a car and you drive a mile in 45 seconds, the dial says 80..... numbers.. its a shake wind up with a chonometer on/off stop watch click to 1/5's of a seconds and minute dial and back to zero click on it on the inside, yellow inside face, date...Fourescent markings on the hours and hands. Inside dial moves like I assume for diving.#'s 6139 6005, stainless steeel, water resitant, 567149. then some diagonal print under the Seiko on the back that appears to be L1. There are some scratches between the space between the 6139 and 6005, and if there is some thing there, it might be a 1. It's really heavy and thick. Folding clisp band. Is it a moon watch series?
Hello Quartzimodo, Can you help me with identifying a ladies Ruby faceted emerald green ladies Seiko wind up watch. Keeps perfect time, no scratches, and very unique.On the back of the watch has: SEIKO; BASE METAL TOP; ST. STEEL BACK; serial 461558; 11-797G WITH AN INVERTED LETTER "N" tilted clockwise or either a short lightning bolt after the G. The gold tone bracelet with jewelry clasp watch band has an identifying #Z515. Any comments? Does it have worth to a collector?
Thank you for the rich information. We'd love to see an article about spotting fake vs original Seiko watches.
Greetings from The Netherlands
Hi Matt,
I've never heard of the 6139-6000 series chronograph being the "moon watch" because that fame officially belongs to the legendary Omega Speedmaster manual wind chronograph watch. Seiko never laid a claim as to any of their watches being worn on the moon.
However, a yellow/gold faced 6139-600x actually made it into space in orbit. Col William R. Poguee , a NASA astronaut who piloted the old Skylab 4 space station wore one (a personal watch) throughout the mission. If I'm not mistaken, his watch was not sponsored by Seiko therefore the company (Seiko) could not use this as promotional material.
One Seiko 6139 enthusiast once went to the trouble to track down and successfully contacted the retired Col Pogue. The latter responded and verified his wearing of a yellow dial, 6139-6000 series Seiko on his Skylab 4 missions through his personal handwritten journals in space. There was also a documented photo of a bearded Col Pogue aboard the Skylab 4 in casual attire, with his yellow Seiko 6139-6000 strapped on his wrist.
In any case, the watch that was given to you by your mother is dated June 1975, almost six years after the historic July 1969 moon landing. This watch did not exist as early as 1965 therefore it has to be in the 70s (the "water resist" markings also supports this).
Btw, I'd like to correct some terms in your post which was used incorrectly or inaccurately, for the benefit of other readers.
- The scale markings on your watch bezel is that of a tachymeter and not a tachometer, which is not the same thing.
- The rotating inner bezel measures elapsed time but this watch was never intended as a divers watch, so using this for scuba diving will likely damage this timepiece.
- The 6139 movement ticks at 21,600bph or six beats per second, which means the stopwatch hand moves in 1/6ths of a second and not 1/5ths, like some quartz watches do.
Hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Sam,
There's an old article I did on spotting fake Seiko watches which you can find here. Beware, it's a very long read!
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi, Got my lassale in the early -80´s , the thin model. this numbers are on the back.
403386 , 5A54-5089 after that it looks like AO .
Can you tell me something about my watch ?
Regards from sweden
I have an older seiko quartz 7546-8449 A1 can you tell me the year this watch was produced?
Also have a seiko knetic with the numbers 5M62 onao M A4. I can not find any information about this watch. I purchased it in St, Thomas VI. Can you tell me what year, and is it still produced today? Thank you, Jack
Hi Quartzimodo !
Thank you for a very interesting article.
I just bought a 7t32-7g20 - serial number 151652
There's a square ingraving, with the letters "AO" right next (about 5mm) to the serial number.
For what I understand, this watch is either from May 2001 - or 1991 (?)
Any help, please ?!
Regards,
Thomas.
Hi Sir Quazy,
I like this page^_^ your a Seiko Wizard who know everything about Seiko Sir Quazy i have Seiko 5 with me i just want to know more about my watch from my old man here the details on the back - SEIKO WATER RESISTANT 171144 JAPAN-M STAINLESS STEEL 7009-864A BOXA1.
Thanks in Advance Sir Quazy.
Smike
Hi Smike,
The trouble with the 7009 movement is that its production years spans over two decades and it's hard to determine which decade yours belongs to. Take a close look at the dial print near the 6 o'clock marker. If you see the text "JAPAN 7009", then it's from July 1981. If your dial says only "7009" without the word "JAPAN", then your watch is from July 1991.
Quartzimodo.
Hi Thomas,
You have a cool 7T32 alarm-chronograph with a diver's watch looks - it's the late model, SDWE series. Your model is the SDWE23P if the dial is black, SDWE21P if it's dark blue and SDWE19P if it's white. Your watch is without a doubt from May 2001, about a year before Seiko discontinued the excellent 7T32 caliber with today's 7T62 movement.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
I have a Seiko Automatic, Waterproof that I bought in Japan at the PX in 1967 or 68. the serial number is 864865. It is a 7625-8033. It is gold plated and unlike most that I have been able to find pictures of, mine has a 12 at the 12 o'clock position instead of the bar or double bar. It has been through the war literally and quit running in the mid seventies. I am now considering having it repaired. My question would be that aside from the personal history of the watch, is it worth having it repaired? I will keep it no mater which way I go with it.
thanks, Wayne
I recently came upon a Seiko watch with the Dolce symbol DC
on the bezel. It has Roman numerals and in place of the XII
it has 2 diamonds or what appears to be diamonds. The band is stainless steel with the center portion being gold.
The back of the case says Seiko, water resistant,st.steel, base metal bezel with the number 7321-0650 and R1 in a box following this, it also says Korea SV. Could you tell me how old it is and what it's value would possibly be, then I can decide on getting it cleaned etc.
Thanks Bob
My husband owns a Seiko automatic, 17 Jewels, 6309-7159. Can you tell me when the watch was made, and also the best place to look for a replacement band?
Thank you.
I have a Seiko Orange Monster and was wondering if you could tell me a little more about it:
On the back of the watch it says:
431 056
7S28(or 7S26 - its hard to read) - 0020
Japan A
Stainless Steel
SEIKO
SCUBA DIVER'S
[AO] in a box (I think - its so hard to read)
On the front it says:
SEIKO (under 12 o'clock marker)
AUTOMATIC (same spot)
DIVER'S 200 m (above 6 o'clock marker)
21 JEWELS (same spot)
MADE IN JAPAN (in very small writing on bottom edge between 6 and 7 o'clock)
Illegible small writing (on edge between 5 and 6 o'clock)
I am also curious about one more thing - I was recently going through a security check point and as my watch was put through the conveyor x-ray machine security noticed that it was glowing red inside (something you cant see on the outside and without xray machinery). is this normal? I looked at the xray screen and it was like a small flashing half moon.
Sorry to ask so many questions - I'm just curious. I inherited the watch from my Father who got it from a friend. Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sean
Hi Carolyn,
As you did not furnish the 6-digit serial number found at the back of the watch, I am unable to determine the production date of your husband's Seiko.
It's highly unlikely that you'll be able to find the exact replacement bracelet for this watch as the 6309 series of watches have been discontinued for decades. Bracelets are among the highest requested replacement items in a watch as they frequently get broken, damaged and corroded due to normal wear and tear.
Seiko generally produces spare parts for a discontinued model up to seven years; thereafter their availability would be as long as their remaining stocks last. Because of this, it is common to find old Seiko watches for sale on auction sites like eBay being fitted with leather straps or non original Seiko bands.
Quartzimodo.
I have a Seiko SQ w/black face in stanless steel case.Serial #150117, Movement# & Case# - 8223 9009.The back is stamped:Water Resistant Stanless Steel.After the two movement & case #'s is A4 stamped within a square.The Day/Date feature on the dial reads out in English or Spanish.I found this watch,along with an old Hamilton while cleaning out a storage unit about 10 yrs. ago.I gave the Hamilton to a friend who was helping me,and kept the Seiko because I remembered seeing advertisments in trendy magizines like GQ many,many years ago.It needed a new battery and had no strap when found.I took it to a Repair Shop to have the battery replaced and,with it's black dial,have always opted for a black leather watch-band.At the time,I asked the jeweler to clean it also.She wanted $150 to clean the watch.I told her that I could buy a new watch for that price,at which she replied "not like this watch you won't"...I remember that I also had to have the crystal replaced.Ever since the jeweler made that comment,I have been curious about the watch,especiallly it's value.This thing keeps perfect time,to the second w/battery changes every 2 yrs.(I once went 3 1/2 yrs. on the same battery-still keeping prefect time,but 2yrs. is about the life-span of a leather band).What can you tell me about this watch?I was very fortunate to have run across your web-site,you seem very well informed about Seiko watches.
I have a Seiko dress watch with serial number 220656.
The other number on the back is 7009-3070. I'm trying to determine the production date.
The dial has 7009 A764 R (or A754 R) - no country is listed.
Can you help with this? Thank you very much.
Hello again. I have another question. The watch does not run for more than a few minutes after being shaken. The longest running time I get now is only 10 minutes. Is this something that can be repaired? Thank you very much.
Sir,I have a SEIKO 5 WATCH bought on 08-08-1984 bearing the No;184075-JAPAN-J- WATER RESISTANT-STAINLESS STEEL-6309-8150 ON THE BACKSIDE AND JAPAN6309-821LR at the bottom of the dial RIM.Can you please help me to find the manufacturing month and year....... naresh, bangalore
Hi!
Your site is an incredible source for Seiko information. I *think* that I might have been able to answer my question regarding manufacture date.
On the face: Seiko; Quartz; SQ; Japan 2626-0159 G(in a box)
On the back: Seiko; Water Resistant; 130639; Japan-A; Base Metal Top St. Steel Back 2626-0159 G(in a box)
I think that this means it was manufactured in 1981?
My great-aunt had this watch in her jewelry box. It is well-worn, the band is broken, and the battery needs to be replaced. It likely hadn't been worn in years. I'm sure I can replace the battery, but do you think that replacing the band will be difficult? Also, because of its age and the amount of time it has not been worn, do you think that I should have it serviced? I'm not concerned about the value of the watch -- I would, however, like to use it.
Thanks so much for your help!
I have a 1968 Seiko World Time 6117 6019. Unfortunately my stem broke, and while I was able to get a replacement for that, I need a crown as well. This watch has an unusually large case tube at 2.8mm and I am unable to locate a crown anywhere. If anyone has any information on obtaining one it would be extremely helpful.
Thank you
Hi nareshchandra babu,
Your Seiko 5 6309-8150 was made on August 1981. It was made in Japan at Seiko's Suwa factory.
Quartzimodo
Hi Martin,
Your Seiko 7009-3070 was manufactured on Feb 1992. The absence of any country on the dial means that it was assembled by Seiko's overseas plant in Hong Kong. Your watch should be repairable, since mechanical watches are much easier to repair than quartz ones. The symptoms that you described could be due to your watch's main spring being stuck or tangled up. Only a trained watch repairer can verify this for sure. Have your Seiko watch inspected by a watch repair shop with experience in repairing mechanical watches.
best of luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Micah,
Sorry to hear about your broken crown stem. I have a 6117-6400 myself and it's my only Seiko automatic World Timer. eBay is a wonderful resource for parts. Have a look at Eduardo's aftermarket (non-original Seiko) stems here He also sells aftermarket crowns that should fit the 6117.
Alternatively you might want to consider looking for non-working 6117s on eBay and buy them cheap for their parts. Many vintage Seiko owners buy junked watches and cannibalize them as original parts are almost impossible to find these days.
good luck with your repair!
Quartzimodo
Hi Trina,
Yes, you've got the production date right. The 2626 was one of Seiko's early quartz calibers from the late 1970s and March 1981 sounds about right. Your watch requires a Seiko or Maxell SR726SW/TR726SW silver oxide battery or its equivalent. Since you're having the battery replaced, it's preferable that you replace the rubber O-ring seals replaced as they would have aged and become brittle over the decades. Replacing the seals ensure protection against moisture, dirt and water seepage.
Although this watch is not a mechanical watch, it still has moving parts that need to be lubricated. The original oils that were applied at the factory would have congealed, which can impose unnecessary load on the moving parts like the geartrain. As for the replacement band, it's highly unlikely to find one since this model had been long discontinued. You might try to source one from the nearest Seiko service center in your country. Failing that, try to contact Seiko Japan - who knows, they might have a few new old stock bands available (it's a long shot, but worth trying anyway).
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Quartzimodo,
I was recently given a watch that had belonged to my
grandmother.
The back reads: Seiko water resistant
7N83-0041 A4
Mov't Japan 530985
I really want to know how old this is.
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Help please,
I have a Seiko Automatic, Dark Blue face, Stainless steel Automatic, unable to establish anything about it as it basically lies unused and well neglected, having been despatched to drawer around 25 years ago untouched since.
It works absolutely fine and keeps perfect time, when allowed to !...it has Day/date, with face marked SEIKO AUTOMATIC - 19 JEWELS
and JAPAN 7008 - 7090m under glass at lower edge.
On the back it has the following - Serial Number 254976 Japan M.
Water Resistant and of course SEIKO and logo, further it also states
STAINLESS STEEL 7008 - 7090M WATER RESISTANT ON THE SCREW BACK.
Regards and sincere thanks, what a fantastic service you offer....brilliant.
Hey Quartzimodo, just wondering what year my SEIKO is.
ON the face reads:
SEIKO QUARTZ
ALARM CHRONOGRAPH
MOV'T JAPAN H601-547M R 3
On the back:
SEIKO
WATER RESISTANT
BASE METAL
ST. STEEL BACK
H601-5521 (THEN IN A BOX) AO
R
690812
I thought it must be September 1976, or 1986?
I would like another like it but I can never seem to find Gold analogue/digital square faces
Hello Quartzimodo,
I have a SEIKO woman watch, bought from a flea market in my country, Romania, at a very cheap price(nearly 2 euros/3 dollars). On his blue face is written:
SEIKO
Automatic with the month and the day on the right side
17 jewels
HI-BEAT
On his back side is written the following:
SEIKO
water resistant
691941
Japan G
Stainless steel 2206-7040
I am very curious about the date, place he was made and maybe his product name, if SEIKO company used to name their watches back then. I also want to know about the thing written on his face: 17 JEWELS/HI-BEAT. What is the explanation for that?
It has a nice geometric look, and besides that it is little scuffed it works PERFECTLY. I like it so much, that I prefer to wear it instead of a new Swatch, which I also have. How much this SEIKO watch may cost in this conditions, nowadays? Is there any solution for taking off the scratches from its face? After a good search,I didn't find it anywhere on the internet.
Here are to links with the pictures of my watch, if you would like to see it.(they are available 10 days:)
dl.transfer.ro/transfer_ro-13dec-d002029f1082f03.zip
dl.transfer.ro/transfer_ro-13dec-d0393af08d.zip
I thank you in advance for your support!
Hi Brendan,
The H601 was a hybrid analog-digital movement which was introduced in the mid 1980s and its production lasted for just short of a decade into the early 90s. It was used in various dress watches and a few diver's models. It's the diver's watches based on the H601 caliber that are very collectible; non-diver models are generally not collectors' items. While I'm not that familiar with H601s, I would say yours was made on Sept 1986 at the Seiko production facility in Singapore. It cannot be from 1976 as Seiko didn't make hybrid movements that early.
As time changes, so do watch style trends. Although you can easily find analog-digital models from Timex and Casio today, Seiko seems to be no longer interested in making such models - preferring full analog quartz or Kinetics. By early 2004, their only analog digital models were the discontinued H023 world timers and the less-than-successful H024 models. All Seiko watches with movements with the prefix "H" were analog-digital models. I don't know if Seiko will make an H025 caliber in the future.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hiya Quarts i have a query about my watch. It was passed down from my grandfather in Iran to me. Can you tell when it was made. Its number is 7N33-5AO9 [R1].
Thanks alot.
Andre
Hi Guys,
I have an old watch Seiko Quartz SQ Sports 100 S/N: 914725 and
code 7546 - 6070 G the strap has the number 2229S or 22295
The thing is I am looking for the strap for replacement If you know where can I find it would be great
Thanks in advance,
-Martin
Uhmm the strap end point number should be Z229S or Z2295 it is difficult to understand the number
-Martin
Hi
Recently I required a NOS Seiko Chronograph Sports 150 with 7T32-6B9c cal. Serial no shows 168025.Is it produce on 2001 or 1991?
Thanks
Hi Khairul,
You happen to have one of Seiko's earliest 7T32 models - the SDW094J. That's definitely from June 1991, not 2001. Congratulations, NOS 7T32 alarm chronographs are very hard to find these days. I prefer the old 7T32s rather than the current 7T62 caliber models which they replaced. Seiko no longer makes quartz chronograph watches with buttons on the left side of the case, probably for cost and styling reasons.
Wear your new SDW094J in good health!
Quartzimodo
Hi Martin,
I've not seen a photo of the 7545-6070 with the original strap (Z22-9S) therefore I don't know how it looks like. Your watch is an long discontinued model and chances of finding a replacement one is slim. You can substitute it for any nice 22mm width rubber or leather strap if you cannot find the exact replacement.
You can try posting a Want-To-Buy ad in classified such as the Seiko & Citizen Trading Post, or try to email Seiko Japan directly.
best of luck!
Quartzimodo
Hey Andre,
Can't help, since you didn't furnish the important 6-digit serial number that you can find at the back of your watch. Sorry.
Quartzimodo.
Buna ziua Carmen,
You have a very nice Seiko ladies' watch there. The 2206 caliber was a middle range movement and it offers an auxiliary hand winding feature, in addition to the high beat movement. Yours was made on Sept 1976 by Seiko's Daini factory in Japan.
Hi-Beat refers to mechanical watches that tick at 28,800 beats/hour or higher, which offers better accuracy than ordinary movements that run at a lesser beat rate (e.g. 21,600 bph). On the downside, high beat watches also incur a bit more wear and tear as their escapement (or timekeeping mechanism) runs much faster. It will not be nearly as accurate as a cheap Swatch, but as far as mechanical watch enthusiasts are concerned, high beat watches are more collectible.
Scratches on the watch crystal can be removed by an expert watch restorer. The glass will have to be sanded down a bit and buffed using electric polishing machines. Do note that by doing so, the glass becomes thinner in the process and may shatter easily. As for the value of your watch today, women's Seiko watches generally don't fetch a high value - unless they're made of solid 14-karat gold. Have a look at eBay and you'll see what I mean.
Happy wearing your new (old) Seiko watch!
Quartzimodo
Hi Jeff,
We have communicated by email with regards to your old 7008-7090 Seiko automatic, and your timepiece was made on May 1972. They're not as common as 7009 caliber Seikos and the 7008 watches can be considered rare, but not necessarily valuable. Since the movement hasn't been inspected since you had it, have your watch serviced by a trained watch repairman if you intend to wear and keep this watch for a long time.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
I was recently gifted with an antique collection Seiko Quartz watch.
The engravings are
Seiko Quartz in the dial.
Rectangle dial.
Golden strap.
Displays date.
Serial number is 5Y39 – 5070
6digits number – 850108
Could some one help me in finding out which year this was manufactured?
I was not able to locate this model in the web.
Hi Emily,
Sorry for the late reply as I missed this post of yours. Your grandmother's Seiko Quartz 7N83-0041 is likely to have been made on March 1995, by Seiko's overseas production facility in Singapore. That makes her watch over 16 years old.
hope this helps,
Quartazimodo
Hi sethu,
I'm not familiar with your model (Seiko has made literally thousands of different watch models and variations) but from looking at examples of other 5Y39 caliber Seiko watches, I'm inclined to think that these were widely made in the 1980s. The reason you can't find your model on the web is because nobody bothered to post pictures or information of your exact watch on the Internet.
Date of production should be May 1988.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo,
I'm sorry to bother you again - I can tell you are extremely busy. It's just that you are obviously one of the world's top experts on this subject and I would really like to find out a bit about the watch that I inherited from my father - year, value and what the heck that glowing red light is inside (only visible VIA xray scanner). It's all very intriguing to me and I'd love to solve the mystery.
Thanks Quartzimodo.
Hi Sean,
I apologize for overlooking your unanswered post as I tend to get very forgetful (good thing you commented again; I had to hunt for your original comment).
Anyway, the Seiko diver's watch which you inherited from your father is not the Seiko Orange Monster, but the orange dialed SKX011J from March 2004. You quoted "7s26-0020", which is the design type for your watch (the Monster bears the caseback code "7s26-0350") which is a totally different watch.
What you observed on the security X-ray machine monitor could be the effects of scintillation on your watch's glow-in-the-dark, dial markers and hands. Visible and ultraviolet light causes the LumiBrite luminous paint molecules to excite and thus, glow.
Although I've never read about X-ray emissions causing watch dials to glow fiercely, it's possible that what you saw was the effects of gamma rays on the LumiBrite phosphorescent paint. Nothing to worry about.
best regards,
Quartzimodo Admin
Hi,
Thank you very much for your professional answer, which once again ensures us that you are a real watch expert. It helped me a lot understanding my SEIKO's features. I will leave the scratches from the crystal in place, in order to avoid the risk of breaking it.
I am glad that I found your wonderful blog and succeeded to contact you.
Happy holidays!
Carmen
Sir, I have two Seiko automatics diver watches, 1 was purchased in Japan in 1968 while i was on R&R from Viet Nam and the other was i belive purchased in Japan or Hong Kong in 1971 by my brother who was in the merchant marines.
1. front marking is japan 6105 8009T, on the back its
stamped 6105-8009 and the serial number is 950329,Japan G
the 2nd one has 6105 8009T on the front dial, on the back of the case is 6105-8119 and serial number 140329, Japan A.
I would be greatful for information you can provide. both watchs are still in use and keeping good time.
you have a great web site with a mountain of fabulous information, thank you.
Hi Larry,
Congratulations on owning two of Seiko's famous and highly collectible vintage diver's watches! The slim cased 6105-800x model was made before the cushion cased, 6105-811x and the 6105 diver has been featured in a few Vietnam War movies of the past. If you happen to watch the epic Francis Ford Coppola film, "Apocalypse Now!" again, you can catch several brief scenes of a 6105-8110 diver worn by the actor Martin Sheen (as Capt Willard) on the PT boat. Pay attention to close up scenes when Capt Willard is reading the antagonist's dossier.
Neither watch was a standard military issue timepiece during the Vietnam conflict but many American servicemen wound up with the 6105 divers as they are easy to read and tough as nails.
Your 6105-8009 was made on May 1969 while your 6105-8119 on April 1971. Both share the same dial (that's why they have the same dial code - 6105-8009T) but are housed in different cases. Your 6105-8009 should have "waterproof" markings on its caseback and may be fitted with the early 6105A movement, which does not hack. The other watch may have a hacking movement - the 6105B and likely "water resistant" markings instead of "waterproof".
I would highly recommend that you have both watches inspected once every 6 years or so, if you've never serviced them. The lubricating oils on the moving parts will dry up and congeal over a long time and the rubber O-ring seals will become brittle and crack due to age.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hello,
Can you help me date my Seiko 5 17 jewel automatic watch
that has serial number 500367 and case number 7009-876 J
and it has made in Japan 7009 in the fine print close to the 6'o clock hour mark.
Ernest
Hi Ernest,
Sure. You have an early production 7009 Seiko 5, made by Seiko's Daini factory. Those manufactured from the later part of the 1980s and onwards were assembled by Seiko Hong Kong to take advantage of cheaper production costs.
Your watch was made on Oct 1985.
best regards,
Quartzimodo.
Hi,
I researched my old records, found where i purchased the 6105-8009 in July of 1969 while on R&R to Tokeyo. the watch does not hack so that should confirm the 6105A movement, The back case says "water resistant"
the 6105-8119 does hack, am confused with the time line of when it was made and when i thought my brother had purchased the watch, but the proof is in the serial number, i am probley confused after some 40 years, can't ask the brother as he pass on some time ago.
last question, if these two watches are famous and highly collectible vintage watchs, whats you estimate on the value for resale and/or insurance purpose ?
I did check Ebay for vintage Seiko's and found one 6105-8119 with some 22 bids currently at some 400USD with 2 more days before closing. I didn't find any reference to the 6105-8009.
I have contacted Seiko USA for estimate on servicing these two watch, hope i dont have to take out a bank loan to cover the cost.
thanks
Hi Larry,
I find this odd, because I had done some research years ago on the timeline when Seiko switched from labeling their "waterproof" marked watches to "water resistant" and narrowed the period to April 1971.
I have several vintage watches using the 6106, 6119 and 7017 caliber, which were all made before 1970 and are marked "waterproof". Perhaps Seiko's re-labeling of their products to "water resistant" was done in stages, beginning with the 6105-8009 divers and gradually trickling down to their other watch models.
Perhaps the highest price a Seiko 6105-800x diver fetched was around USD800 some years ago. It was a totally NOS piece, pristine looking and with the original protective caseback sticker intact. The watch was bought by a Seiko enthusiast in Canada.
There are a few professional watch restorers in the US (such as Bob Thayer) who are probably more familiar with servicing long discontinued mechanical watches than Coserv (Seiko USA's service center).
Mechanical watch repairing is sadly a dying profession as far as Seiko is concerned. While Seiko Japan does have trained watch technicians, they generally cater for high end mechanical Seiko movements like the 6s37, 8L35 and 9s55 calibers which are in recent production. Low cost calibers such as the 7s26 on the other hand, are cheaper to replace in whole than to repair.
Check with Coserv if they're capable of servicing discontinued Seiko movements.
Quartzimodo.
I have this watch it was my mother,which she has past away. gold tone w/gold face seiko quartz on the front. serail #
451781 and 7320-5769 RD ,also on the back basemetal ST.steel back . On the band B5202 basemetal. I was wondering when it was made, and what it may be worth.I'm doing my home owner insurance and I need to see should I be putting this in it. thank you for any help
Hi all, great form.
I am hoping someone can tell me about the Seiko 6309 I just acquired from my late grandfather.
The face says Seiko Automatic, 17 jewels, Japan6309 -715L T.
On the back it says 6309-7149[A2] with serial number 050611.
It wasn't working but when I wore it for a bit it started to.
Any information you could provide on year, and the model would be great.
Thanks!
hi i have an old seiko 6139 80300 my dad gave it to me and he s had it for as long as i can remember i am 39 so i guess its 30 to 40 years old poss more... no longer has its original strap and the glass crystal is in a bad way but the watch works like new and i want to restore it simply with new glass crystal and strap cant find any info on this watch can anyone help....
Hi akay,
Try to contact Mr Jonathan Koch, who runs the Mr Seiko store on eBay. I don't know what's the exact part number for your 6139-8030's crystal, but he might have one that is compatible with your watch. I've bought an original Seiko 6138-0030 crystal from him some years ago. Finding a new, original bracelet for your watch would be next to impossible as replacement bands would have run out of stock decades ago. Why not fit a nice, matching leather strap for your watch instead? Many vintage Seiko collectors would fit leather straps if they can't find the original bracelet and leather straps look really nice.
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Beth,
The 7320 was a simple quartz caliber made for Seiko's slim line of dress watches, probably debuting in the mid 1980s. Without seeing pictures, I can't establish the exact date of production, but it could have been from May 1994.
Seiko 7320 watches only show the hour and minute (no seconds) and are without a date display. I'm afraid that old quartz Seiko dress watches don't fetch a high value on the used market because they're not considered as collectibles. I've seen one instance of a gold plated 7320 selling for just USD50 (fifty bucks) on eBay.
However, you can't put a price on sentimental value - if the watch means a lot to you in your mother's memory, you might want to insure it - but the insurance company might not accept an unrealistically high insured sum.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Luke,
It's good to carry on a loved one's legacy by wearing his/her former watch. You have a nice looking 6309 automatic dating to May 1980 and it was made by the Seiko Suwa factory in Japan. I don't know the model number as I don't have a catalog for vintage Seiko watches, but referring it as a "6309-7149" should suffice. Your late grandfather's watch is a however, a U.S. export model. The 6309 movement is fully automatic; it has no auxiliary hand-winding nor does the second hand "hack" for time synchronization.
I think the 6309-7149 is kind of good-looking. If you've fallen in love with the watch, give it good care by having it serviced by a watch repairer experienced with mechanical watches and get its accuracy adjusted. The lubricating oils would have congealed over the decades and its water resistant gaskets would have become brittle by now. If the original bracelet is worn out, give it justice by fitting a nice leather strap of your choice.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hello. I found a Seiko watch when I was in 2nd grade, my father had me put up notes for anyone who lost a watch for months. No one replied I am 49 and still have the watch.
It spent many years in a drawer but it still works when you wind it. The numbers are: 61-8019 serial is 050266
on the bottom of the face in very small print it says:
Japan 61-8029T Any information will be appreciated.
I own a few Seiko watches and was just given one. I'd like to know about the watch and where to get a new batt. If thats possible for this watch ? To start ; blue faced , SS ,Day/Date ,AGS ,Scuba 200m ,self winding/kinetic . (rear cover) 5M23-6B40 , ser# 421333 , air divers 200m . (on the works) 5M23A , Seiko Time Corp. Japan 2 , six 6 Jewels . Batt. # GC 920 .
Thanks for any & All info you can give me . One Seiko lover to Another , Thanks .Bruce Hagerman
I have a Seiko Automatic, Waterproof that I bought in Japan at the PX in 1967 or 68. the serial number is 864865. It is a 7625-8033. It is gold plated and unlike most that I have been able to find pictures of, mine has a 12 at the 12 o'clock position instead of the bar or double bar. It has been through the war literally (Vietnam) and quit running in the mid seventies. I am now considering having it repaired. My question would be that aside from the personal history of the watch, is it worth having it repaired? I will keep it no mater which way I go with it.
thanks, Wayne
pls help.my father died 1984.he left a divers seiko 5 150 water resist. bottom says japan 6309 -704 LT, and at the backupper left 6309-7040 and 730260 at the bottom back.pls help.its still working.original rubber stap still. when was this made?
thanks you so much sir
Hi Phoenix,
You have an early batch of the very popular, 6309 cushioned cased Seiko diver's watch and it's a highly collectible watch. Your dad's Seiko was manufactured on March 1977 by the Suwa factory in Japan. The 6309-704x models were Seiko's last fat cased divers before they switched to the slim cased design from the 6309-729x models onwards, to this very day. This is a good model which can last virtually a lifetime. Unlike today's Seiko 7s-calibers, the 6309 movement used all-metal parts.
If you intend to wear it on a regular basis, have the watch inspected and serviced by a competent watch repairer. Change the O-ring rubber gaskets and get it regulated for accuracy.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Bruce,
You have a rare, Seiko AGS (Automatic Generation System) pre-Kinetic diver that was exclusive to the Japanese domestic market. Since you have the blue dialed model, its reference # is SBBW015. 5M23 movements were originally fitted with a Seiko Instruments Inc (SII) sources, GC-920 capacitor to hold the electrical charge and not a rechargeable lithium ion cell. Capacitors are technically not batteries although they both supply stored electricity.
You can upgrade your old capacitor to the Maxell TC-920S lithium ion rechargeable cell, but you'll have to buy the whole upgrade kit, which includes a different styled battery clamp. Any authorized Seiko dealer with such upgrade kits can do the job. Or send your watch to the official Seiko repair facility in your country.
The Seiko lithium ion upgrade kit looks like this: goo.gl/l7Ibu . As for the date of production, your SBBW015 was from Feb 1994. It was likely to be from the last batches that used the 5M23 before Seiko introduced the improved 5M43 caliber.
Cheers and wishing you a Happy New Year!
Quartzimodo
Hi Steve,
First introduced in 1968, the seventeen jeweled Cal 61A is a hand-winding mechanical watch, and this movement was commonly fitted to the old Seiko Skyliner models.
The one in your possession was made on May 1970. It's not that very valuable on the second hand market; used Cal 61 watches are typically sold between USD100 to USD170 on eBay, depending on its design and condition.
Take care of the watch. Since the original owner can't be traced a long time ago, it's "finders, keepers"
Cheers,
Quartzimodo
hi there i am wondering how much this watct is worth 6020-5029 R 060216 GOLD WATCH says seiko quartz on dial n back of the chain seiko japan base metal
Hi Mike,
Seiko 6020 quartz dress models range between USD150 to USD350, depending on whether it is part of the discontinued Seiko Lassale range or a generic model.
Have a look at the caseback. If it has the letters "SGP" inscribed, it's not real gold but a stainless steel watch with gold plating. Solid gold models will have something like "18K Gold" etched on it.
Gold plated Seiko watches don't carry much resale value in them
Quartzimodo.
about: seiko 5 150 water resist all original with rubber strap. bottom says japan 6309 -704 LT, and at the backupper left 6309-7040 and 730260
you mentioned about changing O-ring rubber gasket, what will it do if i wont be able to change it and how will i know if it really needs replacement?
and lastly, just out of curiosity, how much will it cost if will be sold?
Hi Phoenix,
The rubber seals and O-rings keep out the elements like water, dust and dirt from entering the watch. A watch needs such seals to make it water resistant. A brittle and broken caseback and crown seal can allow water to seep in if the watch is dunked into water or even rinsed under running tap water.
As for the 6309-704x series of divers, they can fetch anywhere between USD125 to USD360 depending on their condition and the level of originality (some 6309 divers are fitted with aftermarket replacement dials, hands and bezels, which make them less original).
Ebay is a good source of information to gauge the average market price of used 6309-7040 divers.
Happy New Year!
Quartzimodo
Hi.
I am hoping someone can tell me about the Seiko I have.
The face says Seiko Automatic, 21 jewels, Hi beat. It gives the day and date as well.
On the back it says water resist-G,Japan A, SGP back st.steel 2706-0350 with serial no. 542894
It wasn't working but when I wore it for a bit it started to.
Any information you could provide on year, and the model would be great.
Thanks!
I've a Seiko 5 I bought in the mid '80s. Never gave a problem. No batteries, windup or anything. Bathe with it, dive with it (but it's not a dive watch), the whole nine. Got a Movado more recently, but that Seiko keeps ticking. What makes it so fantastic?
Hi Kny,
Well, I guess in the good old days Seiko paid more attention to even their low end product line such as the Seiko 5. The old movements such as the 7009 had all-metal parts, while the current 7s-series movements uses some plastic components to reduce production costs. I've had my share of shoddy quality new Seiko models while my vintage Seiko watches from the early 70s are better built.
If you know something about cars, you'll see many classic Mercedes Benz cars like the W114 series from the early 1970s still running on the road, especially in developing countries. And there are plenty of Volvo 244/240 models from the 80s that have clocked over a million kilometers. They may not be as fuel efficient, environment friendly or powerful as today's cars, but both Volvo and Mercedes used stronger steel and more robust parts in the old days.
I have an uncle who still drives Honda's first 4-door Accord, which he bought in 1979 or 1980. It's still in great shape and running condition - a testament to Honda's quality. As for Seiko, the company seems to pay more attention to their quality assurance for their high end models. Seiko watches from the 70s and 80s were built to last virtually a lifetime.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Namaste Samridhi,
I'm not that well versed with ladies' models, but the 2706A caliber was originally fitted to the "Seikomatic Lady Weekdater" series for women's watches. Although it lacks an auxiliary hand winding function, it's considered a medium grade movement with its higher accuracy, 28,800bph rate (Hi-Beat). Seiko made two variations of the 2707A, one with 17 jewels and the other, 21 jewels like the one you have.
Your watch is gold plated, with a stainless steel base. I don't know it's original reference model (due to lack of Seiko catalogs featuring your model), but it's sufficient to refer it as a 2706-0350. It's made on April 1975.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Wayne,
Sorry for the late response. You have a Seiko Sportsmatic Weekdater dating back to June 1968 and old Sportsmatic models are considered collectible watches. There's a brief but sweet write up on your model here.
Is it worth repairing? You can't put a price on personal sentimental value, but if you're willing to go the extra mile to restore it to its former glory I'd say go for it. The first thing you need to do is to get a repair/overhaul estimate and see you're comfortable with the watch repairman's quotation. Think of it as restoring an old '64 Ford Mustang. If you can afford it, why not?
In the event that some internal parts need replacing, you can try to source a working Seiko 7625 on eBay as a donor watch or used 7625 movements.
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Dear Quartzimodo,
So glad to have found your site!
I have my mother's old ladies SEIKO, 17 jewels, and it has the following information on its back:
SEIKO
water resistant G
404064
Japan - A
Stainless steel 2206-0480
Wouls you have a possibility to tell me when it was made? Just of pure curiosity, as the idea of it charging only by hand movement is already great
Thanks very much in advance!
Hello..i search all the internet and i can't understand what year my father's watch was manufactured.can someone tell me please? my watch is SEIKO 5, AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS, WATER RESISTANT, JAPAN E, 6119-6410T, 420226 it only goes 1 minute faster after 24 hours.the date changes at 24 and day changes at 03:00 o'clock. just fine for me..time on the move! thanks in advance if someone find out the answer..
Hi Elias,
That would be February 1974. The 6119 appeared in the early 70s and never made it past 1980, so 1974 is the correct year. It is by design that the date rolls over earlier than the day-of-week because most Seiko watches with a day display have dual languages. That's why it changes to the next day by 3 am.
Have your watch regulated for accuracy or serviced as well, if necessary. You might be able to attain a better accuracy, like +/- 10 secs a day if the watch is properly regulated.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Quartzimodo - you're amazing. Thanks for the information on my seiko.
Will wearing it before servicing it do it any harm? I'm a student now, and would prefer to wear it while it works, and fix it later if need be, when i have some more money.
Luke
Hi Luke,
It's an old watch that has survived for many years without having been serviced. I don't think that delaying a service would harm it. However, keep the watch away from water and moisture in the meantime.
That means no swimming with it, no rinsing your wrist under tap water and no steam rooms until the watch has been serviced, its rubber seals replaced and the watch's water resistance tested.
Also keep it away from very strong sources of magnetism, e.g. speaker cone magnets, lab magnets, etc.
happy wearing,
Quartzimodo
Hello I have recently aquired a Seiko Titanium Kinetic with the following numbers. 180056 5M 62 0C10 and Bracelet Number 48TO G.1 I would like to date the watch and also see if I can obtain a replacement bracelet or have this one repaired as one of the static pins in the bracelet has sheared.
Thanks
Jeremy
Hi can anyone help me out and tell me what year is a ladies lcd seiko L423-4100 MADE OTHER NUMBERS ON BACK OF WATCH IS OD 1257 THANKS
I recently purchased a vintage 17 jewel Seiko automatic, Day/Date, 7009-8028.
Serial number is 592160.
Japan appears on the dial.
"Sunday" is in red font.
The 7009 caliber ran for quite a few years.
When do you think this one was made?
I would also like to replace the crystal. Any idea where I could procure one?
Thanks for your help!
Correction to my previous post:
"SUN" appears in red font.(not "Sunday")
Watch is all stainless, with a silver dial.
Sorry for the confusion - Thanks, Mike
What a great site..Totally amazing knowledge and I must say passionate about Seiko..Can you help me.? I have a Seiko Quartz sports 100..numbers on dial are 7546-704L t..on the back 7546-703B case 838674 Japan J ....purchased in Fiji in 1978..I have been trying to replace the band as I broke the clip on the band that joins to the watch case lug but cannot...can a leather band be fixed to this watch or is there any chance of getting a replacement metal band.?
Whilst the battery has expired I presume one can get a replacement battery..do you have that model no. to fit this watch.??..tks Noel
..Have posted comment..having trouble on working out the security key below..... but need info on seiko sports 100 7546-703B and band replacement..metal or leather.
Hi, iv just recieved a watch after my grandad passed away and am curious to know a bit about it if poss. on the dial it has the numbers 6309-813LR and on the back it has 790582, Japan F. cheers!
#7655089 or 2505-7050 picked up in melaaisa in68. has date and self winding.21 jewell weekdateon front-what can you tell me.
Hi Harry,
Your late grandfather's Seiko 6309 was made on Sept 1977 by Seiko's Suwa factory in Japan. When Seiko collectors describe a vintage Seiko, we use the caliber/case type numbers that are found at the back of the watch, not the dial code that's printed on the dial. This is because a 6309-xxxx model can have several variations of the dial color and design.
hope that helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Mike,
Your Seiko 7009-8028 was made on Sept 1975. It originated from the Seiko Daini production plant in Japan. As for the crystal replacement, try to ask Mr Jonathan Koch who runs his Seiko parts store on eBay. If he doesn't have the exact crystal, look for a jeweler that carries generic crystals that could fit your watch perfectly.
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Noel,
Does your watch look like this example? If it's the exact one, then you're out of luck looking for compatible bracelets. This is because the the bracelet end lugs are fitted to the watch inversely, unlike conventional watches where the lugs are located at the watch case ends.
A design like this requires a custom made leather strap, which involves cutting a left and right notch on the strap end with a sharp knife, following the exact measurements of the original bracelet's end links.
It's either that, or post a Want To Buy (WTB) ad for your 7546-703B bracelet on the Seiko & Citizen Trading Post. BTW, your watch requires a Seiko UCC 301 silver oxide battery or its equivalent.
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Mike Collins,
The 2505 is an automatic caliber made for ladies' watches. It was marketed under the name Seikomatic Lady Calendar. It has 21 jewels and was made on June 1967.
Quartzimodo
Thanks Quartzimodo..that image was exact..the centre lugs are a real probelm.with the leather band I suspected as such.am not sure how one can fix it to the watch...as for a metal band I think that well could be mission impossible.It is a very good watch and it is a shame to consign it to the scrap heap.I have tried to fix the brokeen band but no jeweller in Australia has that skill to fix that problem.well not that I can find to date.I will try the Seiko forum.Thank you for assistance ..you have been the only one that I have found that has at least some knowledge,let alone an image of this watch,that I have found.kind regards Noel/cairns qld/Australia
Hi was wondering if you could date this watch for me it is a SQ 150 sports 7N43-6021 serial No. 5N0203 Would be much appreciated many thanks in advance
Can you help me identify a Seiko? On the face below the 12 stick is says only "Seiko". Below the 6 stick it says "MOV'T Japan 7N01-1230" On the back of the case is "AK 0.685 SEIKO 14kt gold" and at the bottom, not in a straight line but in an arc about 1/4 inch inside the outer edge of the case it says "7N01-6869" I can't seem to find any information on this very pretty watch. I would be happy to provide photos if I knew how to do it on this site. Thank you for any information you can provide.
Hi W.P.,
I've never seen this model before, but your watch looks like something which Seiko designed in the 1990s (rather than 1980s). It's a beautiful watch, love the semi-glossy blue dial. I'm inclined to say November 1995 because the dial has the text "Mov't Japan", which means that it was manufactured in Singapore instead of Japan. Seiko switched production of its common quartz models to Singapore sometime in the early 1990s.
This is a unique model and Seiko only made one variant of the 7N43-6041 - the SGF048P, which is your exact watch.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
Thanks very much Quartzimodo and much appreciated!! I bought the watch off ebay purely because i to thought it was a beautiful and stand out watch.I payed just under £25.00 for it plus postage,but i was willing to go a lot more,as it was an early birthday present to myself and i wear it everyday.
Kind Regards W.P.
Quartzimodo:
You have a really great site! Thanks again for dating the production year of my watch. I plan to restore this one using vintage parts and pass it on to one of my sons one day!
In the vein of teaching a man how to fish instead of giving him a fish to eat... how could you tell my 7009-8028 was from the seventies instead of the eighties? Was it due to the 17 jewel configuration?
I found a 2C21-5470 ser 760211 seiko quartz in
a lot of watches I purchased on Ebay. It looks quite old.
I installed a new battery and it has been running
perfect or the past two days. What can you tell me about
this watch? Thank you
I have a seiko quartz women's watch that was passed to me from a family member a few years ago. On the face it says seiko quartz and below the 6 it says Japan 1400-8099. On the back it says base metal st steel back just below that it has the numbers 1400-8099 again but right beside that it has a box that has R1 in it and below that is the number 101209. I think it is also gold plated as it doesn't say kt on it. Can you give me any info on this watch? I have looked for several hours with no results. Thank you in advance!!
Hi,
I'm looking for the model number of a Seiko 5 automatic watch. I have 2 sequence of numbers : 4206188R and 570914.
Can you find it? Thanks.
Very good website! I have a Seiko moon-phase watch: 7F39-6029, s/n 7D1399. Just wondering if anyone has an idea of its date of manufacture. Thanx in advance.
Hi Mike,
The 7009 is quite tricky to date because its production ran from the mid 1970s until 1995 or 1996. While Seiko used the same 7009 movement for two decades, the models that were fitted with the 7009 changed every few years, just like the 7s26 caliber today (it's been in production since 1996). So while the movement remained in production for 20 years or so, models that were made in the 1970s had different dial and case styles with different caseback engraving. Some very popular 7009 models were made for several years, spilling into the 80s or the 90s until they were totally replaced with the 7s26.
You also mentioned that your watch had "JAPAN" on the dial and not "MOV'T JAPAN". There was a cut-off period in the 1980s (I believe it could have been between 1985 and 1986) when Seiko switched production of its entry level automatics (notably the Seiko 5) from Japan to Hong Kong, to lower production costs. Hong Kong-assembled 7009 watches would have the text "MOV'T JAPAN" to denote that they're not assembled in Japan.
I also have a small photo collection of other people's 7009-8028/8029 and their owners have verified that theirs were from the 1970s. The jewel count can also reflect when a Seiko automatic was made, but it depends on the caliber. In the early seventies, Seiko made a few same calibers with varying jewel counts but for the 7009, it's seventeen jewels only.
Some Seiko watches are easy to pinpoint their production year, while others whose calibers are like the 7009 automatic can be hard to date.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
Hello quartzimodo I have a question for you. I have a Seiko 5 watch that was given to me by my grandmother after my grandfather passed away and I been trying so hard to decipher the time and date with the chart you have provided but have not been successful figuring it out. She told me that the watch was 20+ years old and that was about 10 years ago. I was hoping you would help me. It would really mean a lot.
The serial number is 295110
Theres also another number in the back that goes as follows:
7009-8890A.
The watch has a black bessel with gold accent hands and time. It says Seiko 5 in gold and under the time it says automatic. The watch has a silver strap and casing and the glass has a honeycomb shape. The crown can be pulled once to change the date and day which is in english and spanish. A further pull allows you to change the time.
Would you be able to tell me how old it is and maybe its value? Thanks
I asked on January 23 about a 14kt gold Seiko but didn't know how to include a photo. I'm trying this, hope it works. Jim
Hello--
My grandson has a Seiko self winding wrist watch that he got from his grandfather. He wants to know how old it is, but is not old enough to send email. We know it is at least 10 years old because the grandfather died in 2001, before my grandson was born. The watch was made in Japan. I found a number on the back that I think is the serial number--548806. It has a nice leather strap, and the face is not digital--it has a second hand and also a calendar, plus some numbers around the face--but I don't know what they are for. Can you help me find out how old this watch is?
Thanks for your time--
Elizabeth Jeffery
Hi Noel,
Actually there is a workaround for the leather band fitment but it's generally a DIY job. You'll need to cut the leather strap ends at two places - making two notches. I remember reading a DIY strap notching tutorial at the old Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum, written and illustrated by a well known member, "MotoWatch". I've tried to search for that particular post but couldn't find it. The forum used to have a mirror site, but it's been out of commission a long time ago.
Since leather bands are easier to cut than stainless steel, this is the only way to go. You might want to try seeking a leather craftsman who provides custom leather cutting services or a jeweler who knows how to do this.
best of luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi Jim,
Apologies for the late reply as I've been away from this blog to attend to personal matters. Anyway, your watch is one of the generic 14K gold watches that Seiko makes. It wasn't part of any particular Seiko sub-range or lineup. The numbers "0585" (not "0685" as written) refers to the purity of the gold metal used in the watch. It's not pure gold - otherwise it would have been 24 carats and not 14 carats. Since 100% pure gold is 24 carats, therefore 14K divided by 24K gives you a purity level of 58.5%.
AFAIK, 24K gold is not used in most Seiko gold watches. The case would be softer if it were made of pure gold and the watch's price tag would be a lot higher. The 7N01-6869 appears to be a model that was marketed exclusively to the United States and Canada (possibly). Out of character, Seiko did not print the serial number for your particular model therefore I am unable to pinpoint its production year. Your 7N01-6869 was likely to be from the mid 1990s and was assembled by Seiko's factory in Singapore (since it says "Mov't Japan" on the dial).
The estimated value of your watch is between USD350-400, but only a goldsmith can accurately assay its true value.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi will,
I had a tough time tracking down your exact watch, but the L423 caliber all-digital Seiko appears to be right out from the 1980s judging from the design of other models using this same movement. I'd put it at December 1980.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Monica,
I'm truly sorry to have overlooked your post and kept you waiting. If memory serves me well, the 2206 is the day/date version of the 2205 caliber. Both calibers were specifically designed for women's models. They have been superseded by the lesser 2207 caliber that is fitted to some Seiko 5 ladies' automatics today.
Your watch has a high beat movement (28,800 beats per hour), vs the usual 21,600bph movement. High beat mechanical watches are more accurate than normal ones but they incur faster wear and tear due to the quicker moving internal parts like the escapement. This is a good watch in its time and the inclusion of auxiliary hand-winding makes it easier to wind its mainspring fully with the least amount of effort.
The 2206A caliber first appeared around 1970 but I don't know how long Seiko made this caliber. It's most likely your mum's watch was born on October 1974. It was fully made in Japan.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Elizabeth J,
You've just described one of the several Seiko hand-winding watches that were produced anywhere between 1960 to 1970. I need to know the caliber/caseback codes which should be present at the back of the watch. With just the serial numbers to go by, your late husband's watch could be either from April 1965 or 1975.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo, thanks for taking this time to keep every up-to-date.
My father recently bought a watch with the label 5A54-5089 A0 on the back. On the front, i find it weird because it says says Japan 5A54 with two squiggly line and then a 0090.
Is this watch made by Japan or Sweden? And any price on the watch if possible? Thank you !
Thanks Mate for your interest and reply...will see what I can do with a leather band..I will let you know if I am successful in re-activating this old but very good watch.
Hello, again--
I should be able to see the watch again in about 2 or 3 weeks.
Is there anything I need to know about the caliber or case-back code--like how many digits are they? Are they just numbers or letters and numbers mixed? I thought that I saw another code on the back, but got distracted and didn't write it down. It was quite faint, as I recall. The watch seemed to have a bit of wear, so when my grandson asked me how old I thought it was, I said about 50 years old. I was told my ex bought the watch in the 1990s. but he could very well have bought it used. I know he didn't have it when we were married.
Thanks for your help--
Elizabeth
hi there i brought a seiko 5 automatic from a second hand shop and i would like to know abit about it can you help? i have found one same as mine on google search but it dont tell me much heres the link 1.2.3.11/bmi/alanwatch.homestead.com/files/seikoblue.jpg the 6 digit number on mine is 034677 and as the letter TL thanks james
Hi James,
I am unable to view the link as the connection timed out every time. You'll have to photograph your watch and post it on Photobucket, Flickr or Tinypic.com The photos need to be sharp and detailed enough that I can read the caseback engravings.
Quartzimodo
Hi Elizabeth,
The caliber/caseback codes are always in this format: XXXX-YYYY, in which XXXX represents the caliber and YYYY its caseback type, with a hyphen in the middle. This is on the basis that the caseback itself is original to the watch and has never been replaced with a substitute caseback cover. Caseback engravings that have faded over time are hard to read and you'll need to use a magnifying glass. Alternatively, take a macro shot of the caseback at full resolution and view the numbers on your computer.
I've seen examples of what we call "Franken-Seikos" where the watch comprises parts from different calibers and models on eBay. If it's a Franken-Seiko, it makes identification of the timepiece very difficult.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Treat Acne Scars,
Your dad's watch appears to be a Seiko Lassale that was marketed to the U.S. and Europe back in the 1980s. I don't know much about Lassale watches, but if you see the fine print "JAPAN" on the dial, it was definitely NOT made in Sweden. I have never heard of any Seiko watches being produced outside of Asia; Seiko watches are assembled in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia, depending on the model and batch.
Check this for sale ad of the exact model as yours and it's in Swedish.
Quartzimodo
hi there this is my flickr with the photos of the seiko www.flickr.com/photos/backsmith2012/ could you tell me how old it is and what sort of movement it is i.e divers or just normal i have been offered £35 for it and just wanted a expert opinion on it as i think £35 for it seems abit poor as i really like it as its very retro looking thanks regards james
Hi James,
You have an usual looking 6309 from March 1980, made by Seiko's Suwa plant in Japan.. It's not a diver's model for sure but an attractive sports watch.
I'm unable to say whether £35 is a fair offer from your prospective buyer. I think you might want to counter-offer @ £50 and meet halfway. If he's a collector, he knows what he's gettin into.
Except for the grazed crystal or front glass, your watch appears to be in well preserved condition. Hands and dial look pristine with little signs of fading. The caseback is immaculate with still sharp engraving and well defined lines. I'm assuming that your 6309-8500 is ticking happily without any hiccups whatsoever.
Since you're on Flickr, why not search for Flicks groups like Seiko and watches (there are a few)? Join them and send your images to such groups.. I have a Pro account and some of my watches end up on several wristwatch groups.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
I have a Seiko watch of the 7t32 caliber that I haven't seen anywhere else apart from when I bought it.. It's full number is 7t32 - 6m20 and has a serial no of 230414. It is water resistant to 10 bar, has a rotating diving bezel and a blue face. Any idears when this was made and anything else about it?
Hi Quartzimodo.
I wonder if you can date a watch for me, it is 141166 82237100 japan A
Thanks for help yyou can give
regards Bob
Hello Quartzimodo,
I hope you can help me to find the reference number of this seiko watch. i43.tinypic.com/k2y0d1.jpg
I know it is an old women model but I have no clue about how to find the details of this watch I'd like to purchase.
Best regard,
Ellie
hallo good evening to you
many years ago i bought a seiko while on visit in saudi arabia in dammam. a seiko with moonphase chrono with serial number 531436 wanted to give it to my son all i heard was that old thing......could you tell me a bit about it, its working perfectly and has never let me down in all these years. thanks and regards from germany
andreas
Hi Keith,
I apologize for overlooking your post and for giving you a belated reply. You have a very interesting question relating to the 7T32, which is one of my favorite quartz chronograph calibers. Seiko made about half a dozen models from the 7T32-6M20 design and I think they're much better looking than some of today's 7T62 designs.
The reference code for your watch starts with the letters "SDWE" or "SDWF", depending on the dial color scheme. Your watch was made on March 2002 and was one of the final designs using the 7T32 caliber before Seiko replaced it with the 7T62 circa 2003, which is used to this day.
I'm familiar with one of the 7T32-6M20 designs with the semi-glossy dark blue dial. I almost bought one back in 2003 at my regular watch store but decided against it as I thought it was a bit too small. It was a bad decision which I regretted.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Ellie,
Yes, that does look like a ladies' version of the Seiko 5. The large crown in proportion to the case diameter strongly suggests that this watch has an auxiliary hand-winding feature. It could be a 4206 from the late 70s. If you're able to identify the actual caliber/caseback codes which are found at the back of the watch, that's the model number (but not the reference code, which is used for marketing purposes). The reference code to this very watch can only be found in the printed catalogs during the period this model was sold.
I'm sorry I'm unable to extend any further info about this watch because I don't have such reference materials.
best regards,
Quartzimodo.
Thanks for your help Quartzimodo,
I think it is an automatic(from what I see at the bottom of the dial) rather than a hand-winding feature . I've found some codes 4206 188R and 570914.
So, you were right it is a 4206 caliber and it was made in July 1975 I suppose. Then, the model number should be 4206 188R I guess...
Thanks again,
Ellie
Hi Ellie,
When we refer to vintage watches, the caseback code is referred to, not the dial code. 4206-188R is that Seiko's dial code. The 4206 caliber is an automatic with auxiliary hand winding capability, unlike the old Cal 11A, which is strictly a hand winding watch (not automatic).
It's usual for Seiko ladies' automatic watches to have the auxiliary hand winding feature as the oscillating rotor doesn't have enough mass to wind the main spring efficiently, unlike gents models. Today you can find Seiko 5 automatics for women using the current 4207 caliber, which can also be wound by hand.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Andreas,
Can you please tell me the caliber and caseback code of your Seiko moonphase watch? Seiko made more than one moonphase caliber and I need to be sure that we're referring to the same type of watch. Look for the alphabets and numbers separated by a happen, e.g XXXX-YYYY.
Danke schon,
Quartzimodo
Hello again, Quartzimodo--I looked at that watch again last Sunday and got some more numbers off it. There is a 6 digit number that I think may be the serial number--548806. I think I had a couple digits wrong the first time I copied it down. Then there is this number, which may be the caseback/caliber code:5M43-0A29. I couldn't tell if the 0 is the number o0 or the letter O. Indicator is written on the back. There is also A4 written in a box with MOVT next to it outside the box. The watch seems to have some wear on it. I took a couple photos with my cell phone camera, but they're blurry, and I don't know how to sharpen them. Thanks for any info you can give me.
Regards--Elizabeth
Hi, Quartzimodo. I thought that I posted a comment with more info on my grandson's watch but I don't see it in the list. So, here goes, again--I was able to look at the watch again the other day and saw some more numbers on the back. There is a 6 digit number: 548806--possibly the serial number. There is also an 8 digit number/code: 5M43-0A29. There is an A4 in a box with MOVT written outside the box. Also "Indicator" was inscribed on the back. I'd appreciate any info you can give me as far as when the watch was made goes. It is a self-winding watch with a calendar, and analog dial. The numbers around the dial on the bezel are for if you want to go buy military time. One can see the movement working thru the back because it is see-thru.
Thanks--Elizabeth J
Hi, very interesting site...can u help me date my seiko..it says on the back : seiko base metal / st. steel back / 6530-5530[RO] / japan a - serial no. 497745..thanks
Hi,
I chanced on your website by chance, I have just purchased what I bleieve is a vintage Seiko Automatic Watch, it has the originl box and Guarantee card, on the reverse it has the watch serial number as 792811 and the watch case number 7526 - 0120. I was wondering if it would be possible for you to tell me something about the watch. The movement is visible through a glass window on the reverse of the watch.
Thank you very much for your time.
Kind regards,
Vin.
Hi Quartzimodo,
I was never interested so much in watches, but this January I had to buy watches for my wife because she asked for them. I was watching thousands of watches in shops and after while I found out, that all Seiko watches are grabbing my attention... I bought finally one Seiko watches for my wife and since then I am in love with Seiko and trying to find also some watches for me!
I am now looking for Seiko watches with big central moon-phase, I think it is model 7434. I am pretty sure I can find one on ebay, but here comes my question - have you ever seen some NEW watches with moon phase, very decent design, slim... I am just wondering, if there are any watches similar to the 7434 model on the market nowadays. When I look at new Seikos, all models are quite big, with no "clear" design anymore.
I know it is a matter of taste, but if you ever saw something similar, please let me know
Thank you very much and thanks for this beautiful site!
Greetings from Prague
Tomas
Hi Quartzimodo i have another question for you, i just purchased this seiko, which is like new. The numbers on the back are V743-9020 and the other number is 880578 so was wondering if you could help with the date of watch please.
i41.tinypic.com/211mmx3.jpg
i40.tinypic.com/2db2wpj.jpg
I have a gold plated Seiko. The number on it is 932633. How much is this watch worth if I decide to sell it.
Thanks.
Hey Quartzimodo!
I've just found a seiko watch not long ago stuffed in my closet.I was wondering if you could help me figure out the date of it. The numbers are 8E38-0020 and 5D0262. Thanks!
Hi,
I'm bought this watch on ebay:
www.ebay.com/itm/New-Seiko-Premier-Ladies-Diamond-SXD774P1-SXD774-/330688176574?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item4cfe8d21be
This seller seemed to be serious with good ratings.
I got the watch two days ago and it's gorgeous BUT the paper-tag was black and not white and the box is white and not blue.
It came with warranty card and a blue instruction"book".
I have tried this watch in a store and it seemes to have the same weight and is identical to the picture.
The price isn't extremly low but it's more than 1/3 of what I had to pay in Norway...
Do you know if this seller is ok or not?
/Loffen
I have a Seiko caliber-case number 7N43-8119, serial number 381820. I need to replace the back case gasket. Can you tell me the gasket number?
Hi Elizabeth,
My sincerest apologies for the late reply as I had to take some time off from my blog due to personal matters. Your grandson's watch is one of Seiko's earlier Kinetic and there were a few models made from that specific design:
- SKJ012P (white dial)
- SKJ014P (emerald green dial, leather band)
- SKJ112P (white dial, all gold plated finish)
All Seiko Kinetics with a caliber starting with "5M" has a special indicator that roughly shows the remaining reserve power. The 5M43 was originally fitted with a capacitor and shortly thereafter Seiko retrofitted some 5M43 models with the higher capacity, rechargeable lithium ion cell.
The watch in question was made on April 1995. This watch was assembled in Singapore with its movement fully imported from Japan. I should think the green dialed SKJ014P is the most beautiful of the three and historically, Seiko makes really lovely green dialed watches often with a complementing brown leather strap.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hello I have Seiko Automatic Hi Beat 36000
6146-8040 900405 QS Waterproof
Anything you can tell me about this watch please?
Thank you
Oh the Seiko automatic watch also reads Japan A on the back if that helps narrow things down. Thank you.
Hi, Quartzimodo--
Thanks for your answer. It was very informative. The watch in question actually has a very dark or black dial with gold colored numerals. The bezel is gold colored. The whole case has parts that are silver colored and parts gold colored, with a window on the back so one can see the movement working. The band is leather. I personally think it is a very nice looking man's watch, altho it has some wear. It does say "made in Japan" on it somewhere.
Anyway, thanks for your help--Elizabeth
Hi Loffen,
I'm not familiar with the seller in question but the Seiko Premier SXD774P ladies watch should be genuine from the photo of it. The winning price bid is considered low but this could be due to the seller being able to purchase from its supplier in bulk at low prices, OR because the this model isn't very popular.
The generic blue box with the white Seiko watch pillow is genuine. This type of design is generally available for the U.S. market. I'm unable to comment why this eBay seller uses this blue box instead of the Premier gift box though.
Watches are heavily taxed in the EU, so it's not surprising if Seiko watches cost a lot more in Norway.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo.
Hi Ginny Grande,
Without the caliber/caseback numbers or at least a clear photo of your watch, it's impossible to know what Seiko model you have. The 6 digit serial number only tells when the watch was made, but I have to know which model that you have first.
Quartzimodo
I have seen these on EBay I think this is a fake but I am not 100 percent is this a fake velatura? I feel like the Velatura watchdog of Ebay I keep finding these. It is the only watch I have been following with the hopes of grabbing one that is real
Hi Matt Mona,
The Velatura SPC007P appears to be genuine but I cannot say for certain if it's indeed 100% authentic. If.it's not genuine, then it must be one of the best replica SPC007Ps that I've seen so far.
If you're bent on bidding for this watch, get the seller's written guarantee that if it proves to be a replica, he will accept returns and refund your money in full (sans shipping fees).
Good luck!
Quartzimodo
i have a seiko divers watch with numbers following...4n0597 as well as 6105-8119 curious when it was made and would it be worth repairing
What cought my eye was the hour and minute hands are different they are narrow and more silver instead of a wide paddle shaped and mostly white especially the hour hand is most noticable. And there has been a lot of these passed on EBay. But I don't know if this may be a new version but I doubt it
Hi c bland,
Your 6105-8119 was from November 1974. I have one myself and it's in pretty good original condition, except for a non-original bezel insert. This watch is worth repairing and it's a highly collectible vintage Seiko diver. If the internal parts need replacing, you can always find a donor 6105 watch on eBay (need not be a 6105 diver) and use it as spare parts.
Good luck with the repairs!
Quartzimodo
Hi matt,
At the time I replied to your post, I viewed the eBay seller's pics using my HTC 7" Android tablet and it was tough to view the details at 100% resolution. I've since re-visited the seller's listing using my desktop PC with a 23" monitor and the disparity between the seller's "Velatura" and an authentic one became much clearer.
Aside from the narrow broadsword hands on the replica/fake, notice that the metal clasp on the rubber strap is quite different. The original one has extra strips of decorative metal at the sides, while the replica one does not. If there's one thing I know about Seiko, they will never make a "Mk II version" or new version of the same watch. If they did, the reference number would be different. An SPC007P produced today should look exactly like the one when the model first came out (the Velatura Yacht Timer has been around since late 2007).
My take on this matter: Stay away from that eBay seller!
cheers,
Quartzimodo
P.S. Thanks for being vigilant, looking out for fake Velatura models. You did good there!
Hi Ed Holstein,
I apologize for the late response to your comments. From what I've found, the caseback gasket P/N FE298BA13 should fit your Seiko Quartz 7N43-8119. It's actually for the 7N43-8110, but both watches are actually similar except for the ending caseback number ("9" is a U.S market model, "0" is for other market regions).
hope this helps and good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi, I have bought seiko 5 sports 23jewels. I didnt find this model anywhere. It has the number 191079. The other number is 6309-836A AT. There is written on the back Seiko 191079 Japan A. Watterresistant, stainless steel. Do you know anything about this model? I can send a picture.. Thank you. Jirka
You missed me out lol so have reposted.
Hi Quartzimodo i have another question for you, i just purchased this seiko, which is like new. The numbers on the back are V743-9020 and the other number is 880578 so was wondering if you could help with the date of watch please.
i41.tinypic.com/211mmx3.jpg
i40.tinypic.com/2db2wpj.jpg
Many Thanks
I stil think the hour and minute hands look like those of a replica here they should be wider and white not narrow silver hands It is most noticable on the hour hand www.ebay.com/itm/200720764100?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648
remember talking about the blue tape?
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=180831532772&si=Hgk2DMApixXAzecWtlFvod4sLs4%253D&viewitem=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
Seller called it used.
Hi, i have been quoted RM390 for SNZG13K1 (from a lowyat forum). Meanwhile my friend told me that for RM500 he can get a SNZG13J1. Do you think they are a good price? Can you recommend a place to buy in bulk with engravings included? Thanks
www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-MENS-SEIKO-SPC007-VELATURA-Chronograph-Yachting-Watch-Rubber-Strap-/300670021473?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D200720764100%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6746408185763903226 on this one the wristband looks authentic but the face of the watch still has the replica hour and minute hands!
I recently purchased an unusual Seiko watch and I wonder if it is a Seiko or a counterfeit, as I can not find history on anything like this one. It is a Mickey Mouse/Minnie Mouse watch with two clock faces inside one bezel. It is numbered 445841, stainless steel back. There is another entry, difficult to see, maybe 1N00-5K60, then initials, maybe RG, in a box. SEIKO quartz is printed between the two watch faces.
Any information you can offer will be appreciated.
Thank you for your time!
Cheryl Holliday
Ok these front and back pictures are of 2 replicas I found on EBay so folks will see the difference
i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/matt01165/replicaseikoband1velatura.jpg
i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/matt01165/replicaseikoface1velatura.jpg
i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/matt01165/replicavelature.jpg
i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/matt01165/replicaseikobandvelatura.jpg
This is a real Velatura
i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/matt01165/realseikoyachtingtimerface.jpg
i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb128/matt01165/realseikoyachtingtimerfaceband.jpg
I hope these help Seiko fans looking for the real deal
Hi Jirka,
Seiko made lots of models based on the 6309 caliber and your Seiko 5 Sports 6309-836A was one of the many variations that the watch company manufactured.
The reason that you can't find any information about it is because it's not a popular model and doesn't get any mention in watch forums. Then again, there are people who own the same watch as you do, but they don't participate in watch discussion groups. That said, if you can't find anything about it on Google or any other search engine, neither can I.
All that I'm able to tell you (without looking at actual pictures of your watch) is that it's made on September 1981 by Seiko's Suwa factory in Japan. The most discussed 6309 models on the Internet would be the legendary 6309-7040/7049 and the 6309-729x series diver's watches. It so happens that there's a hardcore community for vintage and contemporary Seiko diver's models; therefore you're bound to find many references to 6309 diver's watches on the Internet.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi lagu,
The average retail price for the Seiko 5 Sports SNZG13K is about RM400 for the "K" version therefore the price which was quoted to you is fair. If you ask me, it's not worth paying an additional RM100 for the SNZG13J as there's no real advantage of the Japan-marked version.
The SNZG13J is one of Seiko's many contemporary Seiko 5 Sports models and it's not exactly a Seiko collector's item. It's not like the orange dialed SKX011J or the classic black SKX007J divers' watches which are considered as highly collectible Seiko watches.
Both the SNZG13K and SNZG13J are of the same quality. Whether it's worth paying extra for the "J" model, that's your personal decision. I'm afraid I don't know of any bulk engraving services for watches; perhaps you can inquire with Thong Sia Sdn Bhd, the local Seiko distribution company. They might know of a good engraving service somewhere in Kuala Lumpur.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi W.P.,
I just got to my blog and I sincerely apologize for overlooking your post. The V743 is one of Seiko's older calibers from the 90s therefore your Seiko watch was from August 1998.
The V743 caliber has since been discontinued for some years and so did many V-series quartz movements. So what you have there is a NOS (new old stock) Seiko timepiece.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Matt,
What I can tell you is that the eBay seller stole photos of the Seiko Arctura SNL001P from Roachman.com, a renowned online seller from Penang, Malaysia. The protective blue tape is original to Arctura and Sportura models with stainless steel bracelets. Most dealers remove them before displaying these watches on their display cases.
I'm very familiar with stock photos from Roachman.com as I downloaded them as far back as 2003.
Is there a point to this particular comment?
Quartzimodo.
Hello I have Seiko Automatic Hi Beat 36000
6146-8040 900405 QS Waterproof
Anything you can tell me about this watch please? The watch also reads Japan A on the back.
Lastly how do I go about getting the watch valued as I am interested in selling it.
Thank you
Comment by Cynthia on February 25, 2012 (2 weeks ago) @ 3:47 am
Hello,
I know you get alot of queries and you may have overlooked mine so I will try again.
I have Seiko Automatic Hi Beat 36000
6146-8040 900405 QS Waterproof
Anything you can tell me about this watch please? The watch also reads Japan A on the back.
Lastly how do I go about getting the watch valued as I am interested in selling it.
Thank you
Comment by Cynthia on February 25, 2012 (2 weeks ago) @ 3:47 am
Hi Cynthia,
I apologize for overlooking your earlier post as I don't always have the luxury of replying to every single comment immediately. Thanks for reposting your question, which caught my attention.
OK, here goes. What you have is a highly collectible Grand Seiko Weekdater, dating to October 1969. All vintage Grand Seiko watches are highly prized by collectors and the 6146 movement was considered a very high grade movement. "Hi Beat 36000" means that this watch belongs to the "high beat" category, generally reserved for premium movements. When it comes to mechanical watches, the higher the beat rate the more accurate they are. Common automatic movements run at 21,600 beats per hour, which translates to 6 ticks per second. A 36,000 bph movement means the sweep second hand has a finer interval of 10 ticks/second and the second hand has a more fluid motion, which is more pleasing to the eye.
A 6146-8040 in very good condition with the gold medallion still intact and unscathed can fetch anywhere between USD650 to USD900. Please note that not everyone is willing to fork out $900 for one, therefore it's the buyer's market than the seller's. eBay would be the best platform for you to sell this watch as vintage Grand Seiko watches are often scouted around by hardcore Seiko collectors. Don't bother selling your watch to a pawn shop because you're unlikely to get a good price for a Seiko watch, even though it's a Grand Seiko.
good luck with your sale!
Quartzimodo
Hi Cheryl Holliday,
I apologize for the late response. I had to do some research on 1N00 caliber watches and found some examples on eBay (but not the 1N00-5K60 though). None of them are fakes and I'm quite sure yours is an authentic Seiko watch. Your watch is likely to come from the 80s and from your serial number, I would deduce that it was made on April 1984.
Disney character Seiko watches generally do not fetch a good value on the used market, with most of them selling for less than USD50. In most likelihood, people who would buy them are Disney paraphernalia collectors rather than Seiko watch collectors. Vintage Ingersoll "Mickey Mouse" mechanical watches are much more valuable, especially those from the 1930s. Some sellers are asking about USD200 for a mint condition Ingersoll MM watch.
There's not much else to say about your watch other than that it uses a Seiko or Maxell SR516SW battery, with a running life of 3 years between battery changes.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
We have a fantastic dependable Seiko that my husband found in New Caledonia many years ago,possibly early 80's. I have been trying to identify it for some time now but cant find another like it. It is marked a Seiko Sports 100, chronograph, square, with a black upper case, solar and water resistant. Has the date, with days of the week across the top, also.
The serial number is 108490, and it has other numbers of
A557 5060. Can you identify for me please.
Jann
Hi Quartzimodo,
Found your interesting site when searching for information about a Seiko watch given to me by my mother in law some 20+ years ago. Small print on the oblong watch face is "Seiko quartz" and "JAPAN 2620-0150". The back of the watch is engraved "043057", "2620-5049" and "JAPAN-A". Are you please able to advise me of the age and model of this watch and if it is of any monetary value?
Thank you
John
Hi Jann,
The Seiko A557 was one of Seiko's earliest solar powered all digital watches from the early 80s. Your watch was made on August 1981. It was a pretty advanced digital watch for its time.
More information on this model can be found here.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi, u missed on my post, so here it is again..can u help me date my seiko..it says on the back : seiko base metal / st. steel back / 6530-5530[RO] / japan a - serial no. 497745..thanks
Hello Narain,
I apologize for overlooking your post, as ones that are over 4 weeks old with many comments in between are hard to locate in my blog admin panel. Thanks for reposting though.
You have a simple gent's quartz watch with no complications whatsoever (just the hour and minute hands, no calendar) which was produced on September 1984. This watch was fully assembled in Japan at Seiko's Suwa factory. It's unlikely to be from 1994, because Seiko quartz watches in the 1990s would have been assembled in Singapore instead of Japan.
The 6530A movement was part of Seiko's "65 series" quartz calibers and other variations include the 6531A, 6532A/B, 6533A and 6539A. They all have 5 jewels inside the movements and use the Seiko/Maxell SR920SW silver oxide battery, with a 3-year operational life.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo,
Thanks so much for this information...really appreciate. I have one more question though..any idea about the monetary value of this watch.
Thanks once again
Narain.K.
Hello Quartzimodo,
I would like to ask you if you could tell me something about my Seiko. On the back it says:
st.steel baze metal bezel
water resistant k6 7n43-9041 [a4]
Serial number is 650604
Thank you very much,
Ivan
I have my grandmothers watch and can't find any info on my own. The back cover reads - Seiko, 61125, Base Metal Top, Stainless Steel Back, 11-3379. Inside the back cover reads - 181 (looks etched) Dainiseikosha, CO LTD Japan B. On the mechanism reads - Seventeen 17 Jewel, Unadjusted,11 A. On the clasp reads Stelux, 1/50 18K GF Tops, All 5/5 Back, Made in Hong Kong. I found a simular picture of one called a "rainbow" Mine has a square face, it is a wind up.
Hi Quartzimodo
I stumbled across this site whilst doing some research on a couple of seikos that i own. Great site with very informative articles.
I was wondering if you may be able to shed some light on where my seiko was made? It's a Seiko Superior SKZ323K1, with serial number starting 095, caliber 7s36. After reading your article, I'm guessing it was produced in Sept 2010 right?
I'm more interested to know if it was made in Japan or another south east asia country. Usually, if it's made in japan, it would have this inscribed on the face or case? if it's internal movements are made in japan, it would show mov't japan right? However, it doesn't have any of this so was curious to find out it's origins?
Any help would be much appreciated, Many thanks
Hi there...
I'm an amateur thinking of buying this...
www.ebay.com:80/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310319842472&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123
Can you please tell me if it's a genuine item?
From reading your article, I'm guessing it was made in 2007june?
Hello Narain,
I'm afraid that vintage Seiko gents' watches generally do not fetch huge sums on the used market, even gold plated ones. If it's made of 18kt solid gold, the selling price would be due to the gold material itself rather than the value of the watch. I checked eBay and found that on average, a Seiko 6530 like yours will go for between USD50 to USD100, depending on its condition and model. When it comes to non-collectible Seiko watches, it's always the buyer's market - not the seller's. That's the way it is.
Quartzimodo.
Hi Ivan,
I apologize for getting back to you late. Your old Seiko 7N43-9041 is a generic, gents' quartz watch and it's most probably from May 1996. There's nothing further to describe about 7N43 based Seiko watches, I'm afraid. Seiko made countless models based on the 7N43 quartz caliber and they're mostly used for dress watches. From the Seiko collector's standpoint these models are not considered as collectible.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Dear Heather,
Thanks for asking. The Caliber 11A is indeed, a hand-winding (or wind-up) movement and is used exclusively for women's models. Could you kindly verify the serial numbers on the back of the watch? You wrote "61125" and that's only five digits. Seiko watches should have 6 digits in its serial numbers and to a small extent, up to 7 digits. If you had meant to write "611125" (assuming you left out the number '1'), then it's from January 1976.
The fact that the bracelet has the inscriptions "Stelux" and "Made in Hong Kong" also confirms my long lived theory that Seiko never made bracelets or straps, but outsourced them to the Stelux company, which is based in Hong Kong. The watch itself came from Seiko Japan, no doubt about that. Your grandmother's timepiece appears to be a U.S. export model, from your description. I think what you wrote as "All 5/5 back" is actually "All S/S back", referring to Stainless Steel, while "18K GF Tops" might mean "18K GP Top", indicating the use of 18-karat, top gold plating instead of solid gold.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi ted,
Yes, the Seiko SKZ323K that you have is a product from Sept 2010. This model (and its brothers) is a relatively new addition to the Seiko diver's lineup, but not part of the Seiko Superior range. I have one like yours, except mine is the black dialed, SKZ327K on rubber strap.
The movement's individual parts are sourced from Japan, but the assembly of the movement itself is done in Malaysia. The watch is then assembled in Hong Kong at Seiko's factory there. This model is not a U.S. export model, therefore there is no requirement for Seiko to indicate that your watch has its origins from three different countries: Japan, Malaysia and China. No kidding.
Seiko watches bearing "Mov't Japan" are quartz, solar and Kinetic models that are assembled in Singapore. Their movements are however, fully assembled in Japan.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Priscilla,
Yes, you are indeed correct in your guess. The watch on eBay is what we refer to as "New Old Stock" or NOS, for short. It is from June 2007 from its design and styling. The seller does not peddle in fakes - not that I know of and this ladies' watch is a genuine Seiko product. Although this watch is five years old, it doesn't mean that it's "outdated". Watches generally don't follow the principles of electronic gadgets like cellphones, laptops, LCD TVs and digital cameras - where "newer is better". This particular model (the SXA097P) is considered new by Seiko's standards and is part of an unofficial "SAPPHIRE" series of dress watches. Its sapphire crystal is its main selling point, therefore "SAPPHIRE" is printed in bold on the dial face. This should be a good watch for the long term.
Occasionally, Seiko is known to come out with the latest designs that don't look as nice as their predecessors. Watches are very highly subjective accessories to the buyer/wearer and a model from 2012 doesn't always mean that it's better from one that's made even decades ago.
happy buying!
Quartzimodo
Bro,
I just bought a used time sonar. It has a black dial. The serial number is 2206-0690. I could see 2206A was printed on the engine. Hope you could help me with some info:
1. Is this men or ladies watch?
2. The production date
3. Whether it is a high beat engine?
4. Where it was produced?
Thanks a lot bro
Hafiz
Hello hafiz,
Seiko Time Sonar watches are usually gents' models and they have a translucent dial or caseback. Here are direct answers to your questions:
1. The 2206 caliber is meant for ladies' watches, not men's.
2. You did not furnish the 6-digit serial number, therefore I can't tell its production date.
3. Yes, it is a high beat, 28,800bph movement. The mechanism of a watch is called a movement, not an "engine". Cars and trucks have engines.
4. The Daini factory in Japan.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo.I Have been trying to follow but Im not too bright.My wife bought me this automatic back in the 70s I beleive. Can you tell me about it? By the way it just stopped running last year,Im going to get it repaired.The retired watchmaker I know told me to send it to him,that it probably only needs to be cleaned.He said it was one of the best ever made by seiko.6106-7619,370682.You wouldnt have suggested retail pricing would you?
Hi John,
I can't recall if I've replied to your question before but if I haven't, I apologize for having overlooked your post.
Your Seiko 2620-5049 is a rectangular gents' dress watch with a leather band and it was made on April 1980 by the Seiko Daini plant in Japan. This watch is a U.S. export model, which was not sold in other parts of the world. Like all other old Seiko dress quartz watches, the 2620 models don't fetch a high asking price in the used market. I've seen a similar watch to yours whose online seller was asking for about USD150 for it, but there are not enough examples to go around to get an average value for this model.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
salam Bro,
Thanks a lot for the info. really excited to know it is high beat movement. sorry for my ignorance on the term 'movement'.. still new to this thingy..:-)
ive been trying to locate the 6 digits since day one but unable to find it. it's normally on the caseback, right? is the any other places to look at? one more thing. is it handwind?
Hi..
Anyone know how to find a original glas for my 1982 seiko
digital watch, with solarpanel.
Few years ago, i changed the glass due to scratches, but the dealer couldnt get the seiko original glas, so he just cut a new one, him self. Without telling me in advance. So i got a glas, with no text on it etc....
would really love to have the original glass back.
Watch still working fine.
I also wonder, it its possible to have the Maxell, rechargeable battery back. But i guess its not in production anymore
If anyone have one for sale, i would consider to buy it
Hi hafiz,
The serial number, along with the movement/caseback code and is printed on the inside of the watch's translucent display caseback. It may be hard to see as they are printed in white color. If the see-thru caseback is badly scratched or the numbers are faded you may have trouble reading the necessary information.
All 2206s are automatic movements with auxiliary hand-winding. You should be able to sense the gritty feel of the crown and hear the winding mechanism as you wind the crown.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
Hi Pete Tomaino,
Sorry for the late response as I only got to attend to replying questions from my readers today. Your 6106-7619 is a Seiko DX automatic that was marketed in the U.S. back in the seventies. The 6106 was a day/date version of the well known 6105 movement (which had a date display only) and the 6105 in turn, was noted for the very popular 6105-8000 and 6105-8110 diver's models.
There were three variations of the 6106: the 6106A, 6106B and 6106C and were available in 17, 23 and 25 jewel guises. The 6106 movement was fitted to various Seiko gents' watches, from the sedate Seiko Advan models to the Seiko 5 Sports models. Most 6106 models have a hacking feature (pulling the crown to the time setting mode stops the second hand, as in an analog quartz watch) which makes 6106 watches collectible.
Your watch was made on July 1973. I'm sorry I don't know what they were sold for back then as I don't have the catalogs for your model.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi John André,
I'm afraid searching for an original replacement crystal for your Seiko digital watch would be like finding a needle in the haystack.
This is because Seiko made a limited number of replacement glass panels for your model and since a watch crystal is exposed to the elements, it is very prone to scratches. I would imagine many people had changed their crystals a long time ago and supplies had since dried up.
As for the rechargeable battery, Seiko used the early 2-volt, Maxell XR9527W lithium rechargeable cells for most of its solar powered digital watches. I don't know if there are any compatible 2V rechargeable batteries made to this day.
good hunting!
Quartzimodo
Hi
Very interesting website !
I have a superb condition seiko watch which I would love to know more about.
It has two serial type numbers on the back, the main one being 2620 - 0030 B , the other number is 881121. Can you help me identify the date/history.
Many thanks in anticipation
Mark
Hello,
I have a Seiko ladies watch.
On the back: SEIKO 661551 water-resist-g st.steel 2906-0100 Japan A
Can you help me to identify the date and history, as the link to the calculator doesn't work.
Greetings,
Ingrid.
I love watches and I am trying to start collecting old ones, I just got a Seiko Automatic 17 jewels, it also has this information Japan 7009 5049, serial number 6N0892, could you help me find our more about it, like date of manufacture, is it possible to find spare parts for it, it actually works well I am just looking for the wristband
I am brand new to this site as well as watch affiocondos in general so please excuse my lack of knowledge or proper etiquette in posting a new thread here. I have a Seiko watch that formerly belonged to my wife's father. It was left in a shoe box since 1976 when her dad passed away. We ran across it the other day and almost as soon as I picked it up and looked it over, it started running! I've taken it to my watch repair shop and had the link on the bracelet fixed, that was the only thing wrong with it.
My question(s) are, can anyone tell me the history of this watch? Everything I've been able to Google seems to have a connection to Viet Nam. Her dad was a WWII vet but did spend much time in VFW posts and the like. so perhaps that is how he came about it. I believe it was manufactured in 1968. I am proudly wearing it now and would just like to know more about this specific model.
It is a Seiko "5", 23 Jewels and the back case is stamped "Stainless Steel", "Water Proof", 5126-7010, Serial # 7N01703. I thank you for taking the time to read this and I would be most appreciative of any information you could share. Take care.
Hi tutor,
You have a Seiko Credor watch? That's pretty impressive. What's your question like?
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi, could you please date an old seiko 5 DX with serial number 401508?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards
Hi cec,
Thanks for dropping by. Seiko made several forms of the "Seiko DX" from different calibers and you didn't furnish the movement/caseback numbers. However, I'm inclined to think that yours was from October 1974.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
I intent to buy a watch and i found a Seiko 6309-5060 (822867) that looks interesting to me. Price is about 60$. Can you give me some information about it and if the price is right?
this is the link to it:
ceasuridemana.ro/seiko-automatic_a66735.html
Hi All
I recently bought a Seiko SKX013 on Ebay and it looks very good and clean. Almost too clean for a used watch. It made me feel a bit suspicious. The code on the back reads 7S26-0030 and also 076881. It looks very much like the correct watch from photos I have looked at. If its an original I've got a nice watch. Something I'm a bit unsure about is the sideways play of the bezel. It seems to click/move slightly across the face. Also the the day indicator has 'LUN' so you can read it in French also. Is this normal for this watch? Any help would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Jerry
Hi raigas,
I took a look at the watch in question (the 6309-5060) and I think the price is considered very fair. This is an early generation 6309, from February 1978 and was fully assembled in Japan at the Suwa factory. The bracelet appears to be the integrated type; which means you can't swap it out for a leather strap. It looks quite pristine to me.
good luck with the purchase!
Quartzimodo
Hi Jerry,
I haven't been in touch with the mid sized, SKX013K diver for quite a while but apparently it is still currently in production. AFAIK, most SKX013K models come with the English/Roman day language as standard for a decade (at least for the Southeast Asian market).
I'm unable to explain how you managed to get one that has the English/French language version. Assuming the watch has never been opened and altered in any way, it's possible that you've got a NOS (New Old Stock) piece dating to July 2000. The only way to be sure is to open the caseback and look at the markings on the oscillating weight. If it says "7S26A", then it's definitely from 2000. If it says "7S26B" then it's from 2010, ten years apart.
Early versions of 7s26 divers (from 1996-2004) came with various international languages, with English/Spanish being a common variant other than English/Roman. It costs money for Seiko to print different several variations of the calendar disc and Seiko has been on a cost cutting exercise since the mid 2000s. Today, the most common languages are Eng/Roman and Eng/Arabic (usually found on "J" versions of 7s caliber Seiko watches) for the Middle East market.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
Hi Mike S,
I apologize for the late response as I had overlooked your post. I was away on a vacation at the time you posted your question, so here goes.
The 5126 is a low cost, 23-jeweled Seiko caliber which was introduced back in 1967. This caliber lived a fairly short market life before being replaced with improved calibers like the 6119.
I happen to have a sporty version of a Seiko 5 Sports; a 5126-6010 which I found on eBay by sheer luck. So far I've never come across 5126 watches that made it well into the mid 1970s and Seiko watches that use this caliber are generally pre-1971 models, with "waterproof" markings on the caseback.
While the 5126 is considered rare, they're not considered the creme de la creme of vintage automatic Seiko calibers, therefore they generally won't fetch over USD250 in the used market, unless it's an extremely rare model like this 5126-8080. Personally I don't think this watch is really worth USD1,000 and its reserve price appears to be artificially inflated.
Seiko 5 models that use the 5126 are nothing really special (except sports models) and some people look for them for the sake of owning a 5126. Your father-in-law's Seiko was made on November 1967 by Seiko's Daini factory in Japan.
hope this answers your questions and sorry for the late reply.
cordially yours,
Quartzimodo
Hi Ingrid,
My apologies for the late reply. What you have is a Seiko "Joyful" model that was made for ladies (some models were also made for boys) in the mid 1970s (1976 to be more precise). Some Joyful models were fitted with beveled crystals and came with lovely, metallic dials of various colors. The 2906 caliber were available in 17 and 21 jeweled versions and it's a high beat (28,800bph) movement, which makes it more accurate than normal 21,600bph watches.
The online production calculator has been taken offline, since the original programmer/author of the database has left the university which he was previously studying. Your watch was definitely made on June 1976, which makes your watch almost 36 years old.
hope this helps!
Quartzimodo
Thank you for you help. Did the markings I mentioned tally with an original watch. Also the slight play of the bezel across the face it actually click when I move it. Is that normal. Lastly how long approx. would a SKX013 run after wearing for a day?
Regards
Jerry
Hi Mark White,
I was away on a trip to Borneo at the time you sent in your question and I apologize for the belated reply.
The 2620 is a quartz caliber from the late 1970s, but I'm not sure how long Seiko made the caliber before it was discontinued. It's a simple gents' watch with 2 jewels and no day/date calendar. I'm inclined to think that your watch was made on August 1978. It was fully Japan made by Seiko's Daini factory. I'm sorry I can't provide you with its history as it was considered one of the generic Seiko quartz watches in its time, nothing really significant about it.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Thank you so very much for the info on the Seiko 5126. I don't know how you find the time to provide so much detail to so many people but I'm so glad you do. I'm surprised to learn the watch could be valued at up to USD250 and glad I don't have to worry about wearing it or insure it but really, this watch is priceless to me because of the connection to my wife's dad. I will continue to wear it and pass it down to my son. Thank you again and I hope you enjoyed your vacation in Borneo!
Hi mike s,
You're welcome. There are very few surviving 5126 watches today compared to other calibers of its era and I didn't know about its existence until I found that Seiko 5 Sports 5126-6010, which cost me less than two hundred dollars (US). You can't put a price to sentimental value, therefore it would be a good idea to have your watch serviced, if you haven't done so. The rubber gaskets would have become brittle by now and the original lubricants could have gelled up over such a long time. Have its accuracy checked and the movement regulated for accurate timekeeping too.
Seiko's old calibers are really robust and long lasting. I've had two 7s26 Seiko 5s fail on me despite careful wearing, but none of my vintage Seiko watches have let me down so far.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Very Informative and helpful site! I recently got the Seiko bug and picked up my first old Seiko automatic for $25 which I think is a bargain. It's a 7005-8032 17 Jewel Date, water resistant, with the serial number 424664 so if I'm reading your guide correctly this would make it a Feb 1974, with production number 4664 for that month? Also has Japan -M under the serial number on the caseback. Not sure what the M stands for. It's keeping great time and only needs a new crystal to bring it up to scratch.(Pardon the pun)
I'm busy saving now for a 1968 Grand Seiko Hi Beat:) It really is a disease this Seiko collecting! Thanks for an excellent website.Best Regards Dave Baldry
Hello! I am having an insanely difficult time trying to figure out any of the details of my Seiko. I inherited it from my Grandmother when she passed away almost 10 years ago. It is in great condition and keeps time perfectly, and I would like to know more about it. The face is signature Seiko blue, and only the word "Seiko" appears on it. "Twelve" is denoted as ||, while the rest of the numbers are only |. The back says:
SEIKO
BASE METAL TOP
ST. STEEL BACK
982581
1100-5319
JAPAN - H (and a mark like a "z" appears here)
I know from your posts that it was made in August of the ninth year of some decade, and was #2581 of that month. I can't find any watches like it through all of my online searching, and am hoping you can shed some light on it's story. Thank you in advance!
Hi Jalal,
I cannot tell when your watch was made because you did not give the important caliber/caseback codes, which are found at the back of the watch.
Quartzimodo
Can you help with info on a Seiko I got?Age,value,collectibility,etc. I paid very little but watch is only in fair condition,dirty,and didn't run.Now after removing back cover and cleaning, everything works and it keeps perfect time. Square, gents,dress watch,steel adjustible band (SQ on clasp). Analog face; second hand; day(English-French)-date @3o'clock; SQ on face@6o'clock;no #s on face only slashes. Back:water resistant stainless steel 8123-5129 AO inside a square box 330999. Inside:adjusted five jewels Seiko Time Corp. Japan A lightning bolts. On face underwhere 6 would be: 8123-5140T and lightning bolts. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
Hi, I have a ladies Seiko watch the numbers are, at the bottom, 740120, then above the mov't Japan, is 2E20-7329 RO. I hope you can tell me something about it, thanks Jeanne
please tell me something about my watch...
this is all the info that appears at the back of my watch...
SEIKO
WP 196050
ST.STEEL 7009 A4KY
_i dont know if its real seiko watch...
My watch is SEIKO 5 sport watch
i feel bad, coz i spend mony without knowing if its real one...
Hi acrobot,
I sincerely apologize for the belated response due to unavoidable health circumstances. I don't think there were any counterfeit 7009 caliber Seiko 5s in its time, because there's no record of anyone having one and describing one in watch forums. However, if you are able to take clear pictures of your watch (front and back) and upload them to the TinyPic image sharing site and reply to this comment with the link to your images, only then I can ascertain if your watch is truly genuine.
Right now all I can tell you is that your watch could have been made on Sept 1991. Seiko used the 7009 extensively for its low end models (including the Seiko 5) until 1996, when it was replaced by the 7s26 caliber that's still being used to this day.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
As many have said earlier, this is indeed a valuable and hard worked resource on Seiko and relevant stuff, amongst other. However I was wondering, if we are to date our Seiko’s the way you tell us to, how can we do it for quartz watches as there is no resource for that on the web which contains complete list of quartz movements production start and stop dates, can you help us out and create such a list from your extensive experience?
Secondly, are Seiko movements only are used in Alba watches or there are some Alba’s own movements too? And can we date Alba watches the same way we can date Seiko’s as you have taught?
Lastly, I have a titanium scuba 200m water resist date Seiko which I believe was a Japan only model, can you provide approx. production date for it?
Case number is 7N35-6100[A0] Japan A
Serial number is : 471438
Regards
Zeewaqar Khawaja
Hello Seiko Seekers!!!
My dilemma started when I acquired a Seiko ladies watch from my mother. I don't know how long she's had it but she gave it to me to have it appraised. None of the places I went to gave me concrete answers because they don't know much about vintage seiko watches. I would like to describe it to the best of my ability: Its gold toned with stainless steel back, has a small quartz or diamond in the 12'o clock(not sure), no numbers in front, only small lines, no seconds only hour and minutes hand, and the serial # is 950790, 4N00-5060 with the letters RO inside a box frame next to these numbers. Its in xcellent condition but i don't know to turn it on because i fear that i might break it. Should I hold on to it because it's rare or unique? or i can sell it but i don't know its value. My Mom tells me to research about it before i make drastic and impulsive decisions. PLEASE HELP, QUARTZIMODO AND SEIKO SEEKERS!!
Hi - The Online form doesn't appear to work at the moment. I have a Seiko 5 Sport Speed Timer (SN 290419) that I'd like to part with (Trade or Sell) in order to aquire more Seiko's. I'm very new to the watch forums. Suggestions to it's fair value would be greatly appreciated. I have dealt online with a lot of Muical instruments - but I imagine, there is a much more deliate protocal with watches.
regards Seratone
Its been a while since we have heard from you QUARTZIMODO , are you ok? Hopefully you will be recovering well from the health condition you were suffering from. GET WELL SOON !!
My friends asked if I could find some info on this watch. Its a quartz 4130-9001, 505413. From what I've gathered, it was made Oct 1975? yes/no? In it's day I guess it was a pricy watch, how bout now? Thnx, Dennis
Hi Seratone,
Thanks for dropping by my blog and raising the question about your Seiko 5 Speedtimer.
With only the serial numbers to go with, nobody knows the model that you own because Seiko made several models bearing the Speedtimer name from different calibers.
In fact, I myself own a few Speedtimer models from the 6139 and 6138 chronograph families. You need to know the caliber/caseback details that are found at the back of your watch first.
Saying that you have a Seiko 5 Speedtimer for sale is like having a Fender Stratocaster for sale, giving only the serial numbers in the advertisement.
What year is the guitar from? Is it a pre-CBS or post-CBS model? Does the guitar happen to be the short-lived, "The Strat" from the early 80s? Is it a vintage 1954 reproduction or a Mexico made Stratocaster with a Floyd Rose tremolo and humbuckers? Rosewood or Maple fingerboard? Active or passive electronics?
It's the same when it comes to Seiko watches. You need to be more elaborate in your description.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hello, I have a Lassale 5Y30-5K69 RO 060242 I purchaced it new back in the late 80s or early 90s for around $300 and was trying to find out what it would be worth today.
hi any info on my Seiko Kinetic 5M62 0AF0 Unique number 280720
only ever seen one other and unable to trace on Seiko website
thanks
dezJ
Hi dez,
You have one of those stylish, asymmetrical cased Seiko Kinetic sports watches. The model code for your watch is SKA187P and was been made on August 2002. Seiko does not list your model on its official websites as the company makes too many models for them to list. They are not willing to go through the trouble of listing archived or discontinued models on their websites; so what you see on Seiko's websites are generally the currently selling models.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for the question. You can try to find out the value of your Lassale watch by searching for it on eBay. Because the Lassale series watches come in several caliber/movement types and differing metals (most are 18K gold; others in stainless steel) and in various conditions, it's hard to say how much yours is worth now. All I can tell you is that your Lassale was most probably made on June 1990.
I'm not an expert in the Lassale lineup and the first thing I would do is find the average selling prices on eBay.
Quartzimodo
I have a 7N43-9048 with a serial# of 860254. I know nothing about it, it was a cheap 10 dollar garage sale buy. Any information on it would be great.
Hi,
I have a SEIKO 5 KY 7009-3170 with serial nr 009613 can you tell me from which year is it? and i would like to know what does A2 mean after the model nr. Thank you in advance.
Hi Paul,
In most likelihood, your Seiko 5 7009 was assembled in Hong Kong on October 1990. Some Seiko experts believe that "A2" refers to Seiko's watch case tool and the procedure required to open the caseback but there's no real evidence to support this assumption. "A2" could also mean the watch's caseback is a 3rd generation type (provided older versions of 7009-3170 also exist with "A0" or "A1" instead of "A2"). The only way to be certain is to ask Seiko Japan's officials; but whether they're willing to give the straight answer is another matter.
Quartzimodo
I have a man's Seiko Quartz watch with white face and numbers not nurmals. It also has no date. Here is the information on back. I would like to know approx date of it if possible. Or anything you might know about it.
Thanks
SEIKO
baseMetal St. Steel back
V700-8A10 RDin a box
Mov't Japan
540877
Hi. I have a Seiko Bell-Matic with Serial Number 300772 and is 4006-6021. May I know when it was manufactured. Thanks!
Hi P Sanidad,
Your Bell-Matic was produced on Oct 1973. Seiko Bell-Matics are easy to date because their production didn't last over a decade, beginning from 1967 and ending sometime in 1977 or 1978. I have two 4006's myself and they're great watches!
Quartzimodo
Hi , enjoying reading ur blog. I have a seiko 5 with serial number 2N3639 and case number 7s26 0440 , accorind to ur previous artical i can tell it was manufactured on Nov 2002 (correct me if i am wrong) . I just curious about where was the movement assembled ? Thanks in advance .
Hi CY,
Your Seiko watch carries the reference prefix SNXxxxK of which the lowercase "x" refers to digits, e.g. SNX113K, SNX115K, SNX551K, etc depending on the actual model. Early SNX Seiko 5s had a stainless steel caseback instead of the see-thru display back. As such, November 2002 is very likely to be its production month and year.
Basic Seiko 5 watches with the 7s26 automatic caliber have their movements made in Singapore (7s26A), while 7s26B and 7s26C versions are assembled in Malaysia. Regardless of the movement, Seiko 5 watches are cased in Hong Kong except for certain models that are purported to be wholly assembled in Japan.
Quartzimodo
Hello. Please excuse this question regarding a watch I bought for my son. It is a Pulsar, so I hope you can find the time to help. I bought a PF3291. It is an analog chronograph with a 12 hour alarm. I have tried repeatedly to set the alarm but it never sounds. The alarm seems to function solely as a regular watch. I bought the watch on eBay and if I mail it back for a refund I am required to pay for shipping and a 10% restocking fee.
Many thanks to your response. And how can i differentiate which version of caliber from the caliber bumber , in my case 7s26 0440? (i am malaysian and i would be happy if mine was made in my homeland )
Hi Watchmego,
I'm not familiar with individual Pulsar watches as this brand is marketed exclusively in the U.S. However, I managed to track down the model PF3291 and found out that it uses the Seiko 7T62 alarm chronograph movement. The 7T62's alarm subdial has its own timekeeping and it can operate separately from the watch's main time. I own a Seiko watch with the 7T62 caliber and I found that it's tricky to set the alarm compared to its predecessor, the well loved 7T32 caliber.
Instructions on how to set the your Pulsar's alarm can be found here.
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi again CY,
You can only determine the movement version by opening up the caseback and looking at the watch's oscillating weight. Seiko 5 models made from 2004 onwards have a see-through, glass display back and you can view the oscillating weight. A 7s26A movement would have "7S26A" and "Seiko Time Corp" engraved on the weight. As far as I know, all 7s26A movements are Singapore made (1996-2006), while 7s26B and 7s26C variants are assembled in Malaysia. Since your watch is from 2002, it would have a Singapore assembled movement.
Quartzimodo
Hi Shirley,
The V700-8A10 is a simple gent's quartz dress watch on a leather strap. This watch has a Japan made movement but was assembled in Hong Kong (China). It requires a Seiko or Maxell SR616SW 1.55 volt battery which will run the watch for approximately 3 years. There's nothing of historical significance behind this model; it's one of the countless quartz dress models which Seiko made in the past. As such, it has little value to it and pre-owned ones usually sell between USD50-70.
Your watch was likely to be made on April 1995.
Thanks for asking!
Quartzimodo.
Hey there, I really like that you're doing these articles.
I'm having real difficulty with determining the age of my Seiko..
Here is the back panel:
SEIKO
BASE METAL
ST.STEEL BACK
H601-5360 [R0]
JAPAN MS (thunderbolt logo)
280089
I believe this watch to be AT LEAST 20 years old, so my best guess so far is that it is from August 1982. The '0089' suggests to me that it is a very early unit in the series. It has no markings for gold karat, but I would love to find this out, so that I can have a rough idea of what this may be worth as gold.
Hi Query,
Thanks for compliments! You got the manufacturing date correct, as the H601 ("H" stands for Hybrid analog/digital display) caliber was from the early 80s. "0089" means that your watch was the 90th piece that was made on Feb 1982 for this model. The first watch off the production line will always be stamped "0000" while the second piece gets the number "0001" and the 10,000th watch would have "9999" stamped (although I've never seen such an example); therefore you'll have to add one to the last four digits.
Your watch is not made of solid gold, period. Seiko real gold watches would have "18K GOLD" stamped on its caseback; and if it has a gold plated case you would see "SGP" (Seiko Gold Plated) marked. On the other hand, a Seiko watch having a gold-colored dial, hands or dial markers but has a stainless steel case, will have "ST. STEEL" or "ST. STEEL BACK" marked on its caseback, like on your watch. As for its value, square cased H601 watches fetch about USD150 or less on eBay, depending on its condition. Here's an example of a full luminous dial, H601.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
I have a Seiko and on the back it is as follows
SEIKO
water resistant
base metal
st. steel back
5y91-5030 [r7] ?
japan tl (a symbol of some sort)
876021
Hi,
I have an old Seiko 5 Automatic from my grandfather. He gave it to me when he went to Japan in the 80's, if I remember right. It is working perfectly well until today though it is just kept in my drawer. The etched markings at the stainless steel back are:
1. 499885
2. 6309-8840
3. A6 enclosed in a box
4. TL
5. Water Resistant.
Based on your article, this should have been manufactured Sept of 1984, right?
I have two other questions though:
1. Why is the marking on the face different from the marking at the back as to the digits following 6309? The marking in front or in the face says 6309-820N TH. Is this a fake SEIKO 5?
2. would it be possible to know from any of the markings on the watch if the watch was made in Japan, HK or anywhere else?
Thank you so much for your very informative article.
Cheers!
Bingo
Hello,
I spent a lot of time reading the postings after reading your article. Great information indeed...
I would like to inquire about information and specs regarding a SEIKO watch I have.
My wife purchased for me around 1993-1995?
It has on the back these markings:
448166
Water Resistant
SEIKO
7T34-7A40 with a A4 in a box
The dial is all white with 4 dials: alarm, stopwatch, date, and seconds.
There are two markings on each side of the 7 O'clock mark:
"MOVEMENT JAPAN"(left) and "7T34" (right) of the digit.
There are two more markings at the 5 O'clock digit on each side:
-7A3w(left) and "R 2" (right)
I am pretty sure the date is going to be April of 1994. What I am curious about is not reading much of the 7t34s unless they were standard run-of-mill movements. Just not sure what to make of it.
I solicit your expertise and know you are the expert.
Kind regards,
Marty
I have a Seiko Automatic 6309-8099 815783, it has a brown dial w/ day & date and beveled crystal. I found this watch over 20 yrs ago while hiking in the mountains. I would like to know it's date of manufacture and any other pertinent information you might be able to provide, expecially it's value as I am considering selling it. Interesting site you have here, I never knew there were so many watch enthusiasts out there. Do you research other watches as well? I have 5 old pocket watches I would like to find out about. Thanks for your help!
I just wrote you and then realized I had 2 other Seiko's to ask about: Seiko Quartz 2P20-5809 with RO in a box, serial #630598 and Seiko Quartz 7N83-0041 with A4 in a box, serial #584618. Thanks again for all that you do!
Hi Bingo,
Thanks for the interesting question. I duly apologize for the late reply as I've been away for sometime and I hope you'll bear with me. OK, let's cut to the chase. Firstly, your date estimation is correct; your 6309 was indeed from September 1984.
Seiko marks the front dial and caseback codes differently for a reason. In most cases, several designs are available based on a common caliber/caseback type. By "design", I'm referring to the dial color and style. So you can find a dozen different 6309-8840s, but each model has its unique dial code to signify the dial design/color. Having a common denominator (the caseback code) simplifies things for Seiko, in addition to cost savings by not having the caseback engraved with the exact dial code for every single variation made.
Seiko collectors usually use the rear caseback code to denote a particular model and not by the dial code, which is the "6309-820N" that you see on the dial. That is why the two identities don't match. All other features of the watch are the same; the crystal, crown, hands, case and bracelet. I don't think there were ever fake 6309s during the era the 6309 caliber watches were made. Since you inherited the Seiko 5 6309-8840 from your grandfather, you can safely assume that it's all-original.
The 6309 debuted in 1977 and earlier batches were assembled in Japan by Seiko's Suwa factory. By the mid 1980s, Seiko shifted the production of their 6309 models to Hong Kong (China). While the movement and parts were sourced from Japan, the encasement or final assembly was done in Hong Kong in order to save on production costs. How to tell if your watch was Hong Kong assembled? The absence of the word "JAPAN 6309" on the front dial. Watches that were assembled by Seiko Japan will have "JAPAN" on the dial and "JAPAN" on the caseback.
Take note that only US export models will have the exact country of manufacture and assembly printed on the dial as per the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's import labeling laws. I've seen examples of Seiko 7002-7009 divers bearing "Mov't Singapore Dial Japan Cased Hong Kong" (all in uppercase letters) printed on the dial, while "Mov't Singapore" is engraved on the caseback. Since your watch is a non-US version, Seiko simply leaves out the country of manufacture from the dial and caseback, presumably to give the dial an uncluttered look.
Hope this fully addresses your curiosity!
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Marty,
Thanks for submitting this interesting question and I apologize for replying late. I don't get too many queries regarding the rarer 7T34, which is a sibling to the more common 7T32 alarm-chronograph. April 1994 is indeed, the correct production date for the 7T34. It appeared about the same time as the 7T32 and was simultaneously discontinued together by 2002. One of the last models was the SEH095P that was sold only in Southeast Asia under the Seiko Criteria sub-brand. The sole difference between the two is the circular calendar sub-dial instead of the more conventional digital date in a window on the dial. All 7T34 models were given the prefix "SEH", which differentiates it from the 7T32's "SDW".
The reason you don't see too many 7T34's made was because Seiko made them in much smaller quantities and in fewer variations. While the first 7T34 model made was named the SEH001P, its final model was perhaps the SEH095P. There was never an "SEHA" prefix for the 7T34 because Seiko didn't make many variations based on the 7T34. By contrast, the 7T32's inaugural model had the prefix "SDW" and finally ended with "SDWG" (there was never an "SDWH"). When Seiko stopped making the 7T32 caliber, it was replaced by the 7T62 caliber which bears the model prefix "SNA". The 7T62 is a simplified version of the 7T32 with less one push button and one crown deleted; possibly for cost savings. Alas, the 7T34 had no successor as it wasn't selling very well. I guess more consumers preferred the traditional date display instead of a tiny hand pointing at even tinier date numbers in a circle. I have three 7T32s myself at the time this caliber was still sold, but found only one retailer which had an SEH005P, which had an all-black dial and a black E6 rotating flight rule bezel. Although 7T34s are quite rare, they are not necessarily valuable in the collector market.
Like most quartz Seiko watches from the 1990s and beyond, the 7T34 was assembled in Singapore with the parts imported from Japan. This is a good watch, but wasn't as popular as the 7T32 with the traditional date window - that's why you read very little about it.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Marty,
The old Seiko 6309-8099 which you've found is a U.S. export model. It's made in Japan back in January 1978. The faceted (beveled) crystal was a trend throughout the 1970s and Seiko didn't make faceted crystal watches until a brief revival with their Japan market, Spirit series in the mid 2000s. The 6309 is a robust workhorse movement but was considered an economical caliber. It has 17 jewels, was assembled by Seiko's Suwa factory in Japan and neither hacks nor hand winds (fully automatic). It was one of the numerous styles which Seiko made in the 70s and your model has no particular historical significance, except that it's "old school" and collectible to some people.
The 7N83-0041 is a quartz ladies watch, styled after the Rolex Datejust for women. It has a classic look to it, fully Japan made. It probably dates back to August 1985. The third one (2P20-5809) is also a ladies' dress model (U.S. version) and from the serial number it could be from March 1986 or 1996; but certainly no later than either year. Without pictures of the actual 2P20 it's difficult to estimate the exact year as I don't keep track of Seiko ladies' quartz watches or their production history.
I'm sorry I can't shed any light on pocket watches as I've never been interested in them.
Quartzimodo
I have a seiko watch that I got from my grandmother. It reads as follows: SEIKO,200123,Base Metal Top,Stainless Steel Back,11-3409,>< (symbol that looks to triangles touching). I'm trying to find out when made, is it a real seiko, and if its worth something? Thank You! Andrea
I have a Lassalle 5042-5049 S/N 500031. I got it in early 80's so I suppose that is when it was made. It is Gold finish, with stainless back. I am assuming it would be gold plated not solid gold in any way (maybe they put a stailess back for durability - or would a sold gold have gold back as well? I know it was fairly expensive, so I am curious about it.
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for posting your question. The Seiko ladies' watch that belonged to your grandmother is a Caliber 11A hand-winding (not automatic) dress model. It is a real Seiko because back then nobody made counterfeit Seiko watches. My mother has a Caliber 11A watch too, in running condition except that its original bracelet broke and there are no more replacement parts for it.
Your mom's watch was made by Seiko's Daini factory on October 1972, which makes it almost 40 years old today. There's an interesting article on the Caliber 11A which you can find here. Unfortunately Seiko women's watches are not considered as collectible items; therefore they generally fetch less than USD100 on eBay.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
Hi Chris,
I think you made a typo and meant to say 5420-5049, because there Seiko made no such caliber as "5042". The 5420 is a ladies' quartz movement and yours was manufactured on October 1985, therefore you can't possibly have gotten it in the early 1980s. Furthermore, Seiko acquired the Jean Lassale company's watchmaking business only in 1982. Seiko 14K gold watches would have its caseback also made from gold; therefore since yours is merely gold plated, it is common for Seiko to use non-plated stainless steel backs. To my best knowledge, Seiko has never made gold plated S/S casebacks for its gold coated models.
Quartzimodo
just have a question regarding a recent purchase of a skx779k black monster on amazon via cdi watches. back of case reads kg stainless steel 7s26-0350 ao sn 1d1974..on front dial 6pm left 7s26,right 2084rz,on ss bracelet 49x8gcz and stailess steel-z written on clasp..the back is completely polished,with no satin areas,with the raised wave..the watch came in a blue box with the seiko tag and tansparent blue protective sticker on the back,with protective tape on the ss band..the blue box had no seiko name on any part,inside or out but did look similar to a seiko 5 sports watch case,minus the 'seiko' name..just want to be sure this is an authentic watch despite the plain box it came in..also the push pin in the clasp fine adjustment seems very difficult the remove,including the jewler with no luck,any suggestions on how to proceed on that small glitch,thanks
Hi Brian,
Congrats on your purchase of the Seiko Black Monster. Your watch is from the "second generation" batch with an all-polished rear caseback and the cryptic "KG" initials (the early batches have no "KG" lettering and a matte, raised Tsunami logo at the center). It's common for grey market Monsters (or any parallel import Seikos) to come in plain boxes as the original Seiko gift box is generally issued through authorized Seiko dealers. I'm quite certain yours is 100% authentic. It's from December 2011 with the latest 7s26C movement, in case you're curious.
The Monster's bracelet is said to be one of the trickiest Seiko bracelets to size due to the use of pins and collars but it can be done by an experienced jeweler. Reto Castellazzi has written an excellent tutorial on how to size the Monster's bracelet, which you can find here. If you intend to have a watch retailer size the bracelet, print the page and let him follow the instructions.
good luck!
Quartzimodo
Hi I've just found my granpa's watch and it would be awesome if i had more info on it. Thanks in advance for your help the s/n and model number is below.
S/n 8d3685
M/n 5y23-7000
Regards,
Sercan
Hi Sercan,
Your grandfather's Seiko watch is very likely to have been made on December 1988. While I can't find references to the exact model (5Y23-7000), I have very few photos of other 5Y23 models. They're mostly from the 1980s judging from the styling and they're all manufactured in Japan. There's not much to say about the 5Y23 caliber; it was a simple day/date quartz movement with one jewel. It requires a Seiko/Maxell SR920SW silver oxide cell or an Energizer #391 equivalent.
Most 5Y23 Seikos were made as dress watches with a select few having sporty looks. There were no Seiko diver's watch that was made from this movement.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo.
Hi, I bought a Seiko H566-5029 in 1983, what an awesome watch. I have just managed to buy on e-bay an unworn one with the manual and the original box for $202
Hello,I have 2 Seiko Watches,but I don't know if they are original or replica and can you also tell me the price if you know it.The first watch is Seiko 5,crystal,water resistant,and on the back it says " 170319 KY Stainless Steel 7123-8510-P A1".
The second have a date but only the day and it's Seiko 5 Automatic,Japan movt.On the back it says "701692 Stainless Steel , Water Resistant , Japan ES 7S26-3040 F "
Thank you
Hi Plamena,
There were no incidences of fake 7123 Seiko watches that I know of. You have a rather unique Seiko 5 as it's one of the very few Seiko 5 watches with a quartz movement. However, for your 7s26-3040 there is a small probability that yours might not be authentic (although I'm inclined to believe otherwise) unless I get to see actual photos of your watch.
I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you meant by "The second have a date but only the day" because all Seiko 7s26 automatic should have both a day AND date calendar.
best regards,
Quartzimodo
As many have said earlier, this is indeed a valuable and hard worked resource on Seiko and relevant stuff, amongst other. However I was wondering, if we are to date our Seiko’s the way you tell us to, how can we do it for quartz watches as there is no resource for that on the web which contains complete list of quartz movements production start and stop dates, can you help us out and create such a list from your extensive experience?
Secondly, are Seiko movements only are used in Alba watches or there are some Alba’s own movements too? And can we date Alba watches the same way we can date Seiko’s as you have taught?
Lastly, I have a titanium scuba 200m water resist date Seiko which I believe was a Japan only model, can you provide approx. production date for it?
Case number is 7N35-6100[A0] Japan A
Serial number is : 471438
Regards
Zeewaqar Khawaja
Hi Zeewaqar,
This is a terrific question. Unlike some Swiss manufacturers, Seiko never officially published a complete history of all of their watches and clocks that they produced. There were rumors circulating on watch forums that the company didn't archive their legacy products properly and that many of their records were either "lost or missing". You can however visit the Seiko Museum in Tokyo to find out more about Seiko's rich history, but the watches and clocks that are displayed there are the milestone or technology groundbreaking watches and clocks; but not generic Seiko quartz or automatic watches from the past.
Without assistance from Seiko Japan, the task of collating the entire history of Seiko quartz movements (and models) are usually left to Seiko enthusiasts.
Vintage Seiko automatic movements are much easier to identify compared to quartz because:
a) Collectors have more interest in them.
b) Mechanical watches generally last longer than quartz and are easier to repair/overhaul.
There are also exceptions to the rule. Seiko made fewer analog quartz movements in the early-to-mid 1970s compared to the 1980s and beyond, therefore it's easier to keep track of them. Seiko all-digital watches are also collectible and there are websites that dedicate to early digital watches - not just from Seiko, but also from Citizen and Casio. High end quartz (HEQ) movements also have their place in some collectors' hearts but there aren't too many e.g., Seiko Lasalle aficionados around. Seiko also made quartz movements only for Seiko diver's watches, e.g. the 7C43, 7C46 calibers. Since Seiko diver's watches are very often discussed in forums, it's easy to narrow down to the year that caliber was produced.
The problem lies with "garden variety" Seiko quartz watches that collectors don't take notice of, let alone have interest in them. You'll need to gather information from as many owners of a particular model as much as possible in order to determine what would be the earliest month or year it was made. The more owners come forward and share photos of their watches, the more accurate it becomes in determining the history of that model. Unfortunately those who participate in watch forums tend to gravitate towards certain types of Seiko watches, e.g. chronographs and divers rather than generic dress watches. I actually learned more about lesser known quartz calibers from my readers than those years I spent in watch forums.
As for your second question, Alba is a subsidiary of the Seiko Holdings Group and therefore Alba watches can be dated using the same method as Seiko watches. The same goes for Pulsar and Lorus watches as they are also Seiko's sub-brands. Citizen watches also follows Seiko's numbering system; albeit their vintage models used 7 digits with the second two digits representing the month ("12" for December instead of "D").
Watch brands outside the Seiko Group that borrow Seiko's movements have their own serial numbering system. For example, the French watch brand YEMA once used Seiko's 4S15 automatic movement for the Yema "Seaspider" divers' watches but they are not serialized in the same manner as Seiko. Orient Japan has also used Seiko's quartz chronograph movements (like the 7T32 and 7T62) but they have their own serial number format.
BTW, your Seiko 7N35 Scuba 200m is very likely to have been made on July 1994. If yours is the one with a blue dial and gold accented hands, that would be the model SBBC053. It is a JDM Seiko model.
best regards,
Quartzimodo.
Thanks Quartzimodo you have been very helpful and the Scuba watch I have has Grey Dial and gold accented hands, I own over 8 Seikos and around five Albas among a 100+ watch collection of mine and will love to share their pics with you
Hi, great site and lots of info. I have a Seiko watch I bought in 1971 when I was in Vietnam, the markings on the back are : 6106-6006, 178298 & japan j, has a SS back with "water resistant". The face is black indicates a DX 25 jewel, has a window with day of week & day of month, is self winding.
she still runs great today, any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Mike
Years ago my husband found a watch while he was demolishing an old building in Tasmania (Australia). We have been trying to find out what year it was made, could you please help.
lorus water resistant
mov't Japan
V515-8A00
The whole watch glows after you hold it up to the light, so is it a uranium based watch?
It is metal based I think and has the wind button at 3 o'clock.
Hi Sandra,
I wouldn't know when your husband's Lorus watch was made because you didn't furnish the 6-digit serial numbers. The V515 movement was used exclusively for the Lorus brand and many of them were Disney's Mickey Mouse watches. It appears that these watches were made in the 1990s.
There are no watch manufacturers that use uranium to light up the phosphorescent compound in the dark. Radium was however originally used in coating the hands and dial numbers in the early 1930s and was subsequently banned twenty years later due to radium's radioactive toxicity. The lume material that your watch uses is most probably LumiBrite, a proprietary compound from Seiko that is completely safe and non-radioactive.
Quartzimodo.
Hi I was wondering if you can tell me approx when this Seiko ladies gold colour watch was made? On the back it says
SEIKO
ST. STEEL + base metal
1N00 - 1E09
MOV'T JAPAN
0 9 0 9 1
Also is there anyway of telling if it is gold plated or what carat gold it is?
Thanks
I have a watch which says Seiko, Water Resistant, Quartz on the white face. On the back: Eco Drive, Titanium (and a brass-colored globe). No model number, etc. The watch is titanium color (I guess) and has a clasp band. I couldn't find any mention of a Seiko Eco Drive. Thank you for posting so much information.
Hello
I have a ladies Seiko watch.The numbers on the back are as follows: 1N2986 and 1520 3339.This watch has not been worn often,still in the case and outside box.Can you please tell me when it was made?
Thanks so much
Fran
I own a women's Seiko quartz "Sports 100" watch, 2A23-0279 [A4]. The serial number number is 590879. Based on the excellent information on your Web-site, I assume that my watch was produced in September 1985.
The face of the watch is a very dark-gray with white time markings, white hands, and a red second hand. It shows day/date, and reads "Seiko Quartz," "SQ Sports 100," and "Japan 2A23 // 0490" in very small lettering along the bottom.
The back of the watch reads "Water Resistant Base Metal Middle Plastics+Base Metal Bezel St. Steel Back."
The watch has a thin red bezel and the stem is located at 4:00 versus the usual 3:00. The band is bracelet-type in the very dark-gray color.
I haven't been able to find any information about my watch or find any similar photographs due to the colors (dark gray and red). Any information that you can provide about my watch would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Larry,
You have rather odd situation. The "Eco Drive" is a registered trademark of the Citizen Watch company and no other watch manufacturer can use that name. As such, there is no such thing as a "Seiko Eco Drive". I suspect that somebody had lost your Seiko watch's original caseback and substituted it with that from a Citizen Eco Drive watch, which happens to fit perfectly. I'll need to see actual photos of your watch and you can upload them to Tinypic.com and reply to this post with the link to your watch photos.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
i have what i think is a older mickey mouse watch i have seen the older posts saying they are not colletable,and thats fine i do wish however to date it i got it from my dad many years ago and it was found laying in the bottom of my watch case he is the sn 752266 model 5p31-7009 it just brings up old thoughts of my dad i think i would give it to my son to hold on to thanks again
Hi Gayle,
Thanks for the question. The 2A23 was a 1980s quartz movement for ladies' models and Sept 1985 as its production date sounds about right. I don't have any photos of your model and if you are unable to Google for the 2A23-0279, neither can I.
I can however tell you that your watch was made for the North American market and the detailed (and verbose) description of materials used is typical of U.S. Seiko models. The 2A23 caliber is a simple 2-jeweled, quartz movement with a date display. It requires a Seiko/Maxell SR621SW or Energizer #364 with a battery life rated for 2.5 years. Like most 80s Seiko quartz watches, the movement has a trimmer capacitor for the Seiko technician to make very fine accuracy adjustments. When your next battery replacement comes, you might want to have the rubber gasket replaced and the movement geartrain re-oiled if you haven't done so already.
I wish I could tell you more, but unfortunately that's all I know about this watch caliber.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Adele,
Sorry for the late reply. I had to do some research on your watch until I finally managed to find a picture of your particular model. Your Seiko 1N00-1E09 appears to have been made on Sept 1990 and it was the 911st piece produced for that same model and month (the first piece always starts with "0000", not "0001")
This watch is neither solid gold nor it is fully gold plated. It's basically a stainless steel model with some gold accents on the bracelet links and gold toned hands and dial markers. Seiko watches with real gold will have the text "14K" or "18K" and "Gold" inscribed on the rear caseback.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
Hello!
is there a fake new seiko monster?
i went to pertama complex last time and have a look at the new monster but it doesnt feels right.both the price a way cheap and the watch it self.ur opinion sir?
sorry i drop u a message last time. =P
maybe it didnt reach u.hehe
Hi Quartzimodo,
I recently bought a new old stock Seiko Baby Arnie H556-5029. the watch has never been worn, has the orginal box and manual. The serial no indicates that the watch was manufactured in April 1984. Is this model sought after by collectors, and what ould the value be.
great forum,
Regards
Clive
Hi amr,
I'm not clear with your statement "the new monster" as I'm not sure whether you're referring to a brand new SKX779K Monster or an entirely different model. What was the actual model? Was it on stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap? Do you remember the actual watch store in Pertama Complex that you saw that particular watch?
Quartzimodo
owh!Sorry for that.hehe.its actually the new release seiko monster to be more specific the srp315.the shop is mee seng if not mistaken.Thanks for the help sir! =D
Hi amr,
That's the new 4R36 Seiko Monster with the orange dial and black dial ring and black bezel. On eBay some Singapore based sellers are offering this model for USD260 (RM790) therefore if you can get at a lower price, you've got a very good deal.
I'm familiar with Desmond, one of the young sales assistants who works at the Mee Sing Watch store and its owner, Victor. This store never sells any fake watches of any brand, period. Furthermore, the SRP315K is too new in the market and no one has ever made a counterfeit version of this model yet. Buy with confidence.
Quartzimodo
Hi admin!
Thank you very much!its actually lower than the price ever offered to me both online and retail.better grab it soon.
=)
Thanks again!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOW !!!!!
I have a relatively small collection of Seiko 5 dress (?) watches, most of which are vintage and I thought - well, my wife did - that I was the only sad git who had any interest in them. I was curious about the ages of the watches, which I bought simply because I liked them, and they were quite cheap, so I googled Seiko 5s and discovered this site.
Quartzimodo, the God of Seiko answered almost all my questions and uses apostrophes correctly too. Oh dear, maybe I AM a sad git !
I think I've worked out that my oldest, a DX, is from 1975 and the newest, a 7s26b is from 2010.
Can I post pictures (I use photobucket) ? The information from past posts has helped enormously. I have no interest in the actual value of my watches, I just love them (got all of them from E-bay, and 7 of them came from India) but I'd love to know if I've got the dates/origins right.
Hello!
I've been searchin for a while now, and I cant find any answers. My wife got a Seiko from her late grandmother, and wants to know when it's from.
On the backside it's printed:
In a circle around the plate: SGP BACK ST.STEEL 21-0062
First horizontal line: SEIKO
Second: the logo
Third: 1 D 0 0 1 2
Fourth : JAPAN - A
We'd be grateful for any information.
Thank you.
Hi Dani,
Thanks so much for the compliments, glad to be of help.
You are indeed correct in saying that your Seiko DX was from 1975, because the DX series was primarily a 1970s range of affordable Seiko automatic watches. Sure, you can post links to your Photobucket, Picasa, Flickr, etc images of your timepieces, no problem.
I would exercise caution when buying used Seiko watches from eBay sellers in India though. I'm not saying they're cheats but I've seen quite a few examples of "Franken Seikos" for auction, i.e., Seiko watches cobbled together with parts salvaged from another different model. From my understanding, spare parts for vintage Seiko watches are hard to come by in India and it's common to see a Seiko watch with a dial, hands and caseback from another model. It's no big deal unless you're a stickler for authenticity.
The 7s26B caliber had a rather short production run compared to the original 7s26A which was produced from 1996 to 2006. By late 2011 or early 2012, the 7s26B was superseded with the 7s26C caliber with minor design updates.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Quartzimodo, thank you for your reply.
I am by no means a Seiko purist, just bought a few watches because I like the look and feel of them. I've had the backs off most of them and have yet to find a Franken Seiko (like it !), or at least the movement numbers match the backs, but it really wouldn't matter. As long as they work, I'm happy.
Will start with this one. (Hope I've got the right Photobucket link)
i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm168/mrlevity/DSCF6561.jpg
i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm168/mrlevity/DSCF6565.jpg
November 1983 ?
Many thanks, keep up the good work.
Hi Quartzimodo.
A question if you wouldn't mind.
Some of my watches could be from either of two different decades. Can I tell if the day and numbers are plastic or metal, without dismantling the watch ?
Thanks.
Hi Dani,
Sure, no problem. Seiko used metal calendar discs for all of its automatic models until the introduction of the 7s26A caliber in 1996, which uses plastic day/date discs. Putting it simply, if your automatic watch isn't part of the 7s-caliber family and was made before 1996, it's metal. I'm not too sure about Seiko analog quartz watches as some calibers used plastic discs while others used aluminum. However, the black-on-white day-of-the-week inner disc that's made of plastic seems to fluoresce under UV or black light while the date part doesn't.
Quartzimodo.
I have a Seiko Kinetic with the serial number 732114 and movement number 5M43-0(O?)A29. When was this watch manufactured?
Hi there i have a seiko watch that was my dads it is a 5 sport 7015-7010
the serial number is 2D3570 it also has japan-l on the back case on the dial it has speed timer written in red i would like to know the year the watch was made and any other info thanks john
Hi Tom,
Your Seiko Kinetic 5M43-0A29 was made on March 1997. This watch is also a U.S. export model that's not sold elsewhere in the world.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
Hello John Fitzmaurice,
Your watch was made by Seiko's Daini factory in Japan on Dec 1972. The 7015-7010 is particularly a collectible watch and is hard to find in mint condition. The 7015 movement is a "flyback" chronograph which means the sweep second hand can be reset at anytime while it's running. Conventional mechanical chronographs on the other hand, need to be stopped first before the stopwatch can be reset.
The "Seiko 5 Sports Speedtimer" brand was exclusive to Japan, while Seiko watches bearing the text "Seiko Speedtimer" were for the worldwide export market. The 7015-7010 model carried an original price tag of 14,000 Japanese Yen and that translates to USD46 back in 1972, or USD252 today. This is a nice watch and I hope your watch's reset mechanism is working perfectly to this day.
Quartzimodo
thank you for the information the watch is in perfect condition the strap needs some attention though. the watch lives in a draw and i bring it out from time to time to keep it ticking over.the info you gave me will be written down and put away with the watch.
regards
john
Hi there. I have a Seiko Quartz watch that was my Father’s: Model SGS050; Caliber H801-701M R 2; back: H801-7028 box A4; serial 460095. It’s analog, dark silver face, with a digital date/timer window in the 6 o’clock position. Unfortunately, when my Dad owned it, he had links removed to make it smaller, instead of using the adjustments on the bracelet. I’d like to know when it was made, what it’s value might be, and if it’s worth getting a new Seiko bracelet, or should I get a leather, generic replacement. Thank you for your help. Michael
Hi , My late father left me his seiko , it's gold ( don't know if its plated or not ) serial no is 661018 the other number on it Is 65397020D
Can anyone give me any info on his watch and value ?
Thanks
Hello,
I was given a gold tone seiko that has these numbers on the back, I'm not sure of where it came from but I was told it was purchased about 8 months ago although from what I am reading in your advice column above, it looks to be much older than that. The numbers I have on the back that seem to be of relevance are 410816 and 7430-5079 A0. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Michael,
Your analog-digital, H801-7028 (SGS050P) was from the 1990s therefore it was made on June 1994. This model was assembled by the Seiko factory in Singapore. Is it worth replacing the bracelet? That depends whether the replacement bracelet can still be found and if the price is reasonable to you. Since this watch has regular lugs, you can easily use a leather strap in place of the original replacement bracelet. Try a brown or dark tan strap because brown and gold tones compliment one another nicely.
I found one example of an H801-7028 on eBay, which was won for only USD31. Note that because this was the only recent example on eBay, therefore it doesn't reflect the indicative market price of this model. It so happens that it's an auction and nobody outbid the winning bidder. I think your watch is worth more than that, but no more than USD150.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi Danny,
Your dad's watch (6539-7020) was made on June 1986. It's very likely that the case is gold plated rather than made of solid gold, because Seiko made very few solid gold models while gold plated ones are quite common. If the caseback does NOT indicate the word "18K Gold" but rather "SGP" (or anything else), then it's gold plated.
There's not much to tell about this particular watch, other than that it was one of the various inexpensive Seiko quartz dress watches from the 1980s with just a date display and no sweep second hand. The five-jewel, 6539 quartz movement runs up to 3 years on a Seiko/Maxell SR920SW or an Energizer #371 silver oxide cell. Unfortunately, quartz Seiko gent's dress models don't fetch a high price on the used market; generally no more than USD100 unless it's made from solid gold. In this case, the value of the watch would be higher due to the metal used (gold) rather than the watch itself.
Quartzimodo
Hi,
I just bought a supposely "brand new" Seiko SKZ211K from SkyWatches aka Watch Fashion Pte Singapore. Paid almost RM600 for it. It comes with a tag,guarantee card + box which makes me feel so assuring at first.
However, when I reached home and examine it closely, I was totally disappointment with it conditions and quality. There were multiple scratch marks on the backcase. Closer examination of the dial, I found a smeared mark like some kind of ink droplets being hurriedly wiped off. Also found inside the dial is a strand of lint stuck between the inner rotating compass ring. The compass ring is also loose and can move side to side. Worse, both the crowns are loose and
there are side to side slackness. In this condition, I am very doubtful of its water resistance capability even for washing hand over a tap.
I really hope you can give me your opinion..it this the way Seiko design it, is it normal for this model?? If not, can I claim from Thong Sia here?
Serial No. 241255 Caliber. 7S36-01 EO
Date of purchase: 17-11-2012
Hello Mike Thian,
Sorry to hear that. If you've bought this watch online, take clear photos of your watch (use a digital camera with a macro mode) and submit them via email to Mr Adrian Low at skywatch@gmail.com for his attention. The compass ring is supposed to be loose but should not have too much free play sideways. The crown should also be fairly tight when screwed into the case.
I suspect this could have been a watch that's returned by a previous customer or one that could have been tampered with. There should not be any foreign objects like lint inside the dial if it's straight from the factory. Your watch is fairly new; as a matter of fact it made on April 2012 from the serial number. It cannot be from 2002, because this model only appeared in 2005. Brand new watches should never have scratch marks on the caseback, unless it's a new old stock piece, a factory reject or was simply mishandled.
Since this watch was sold by a Singaporean dealer, Thong Sia Malaysia is likely not to honor the warranty although Thong Sia Singapore might - on condition that the warranty card has the seller's stamp on it. I would however suggest that you contact Mr Low via email and follow up with a telephone call at (65)65351377.
all the best,
Quartzimodo
Appreciate and thank you so much for ur opinion n advice.
Will follow-up on ur suggestion....and yes I do hv the warranty card with the dealer's stamp.
Thanks n best rgds,
M.Thian
Hi Mike,
You're welcome. Please update the status of your claim if you've managed to get the matter resolved. This is the first time I've heard something like this concerning Skywatches, because for years they have had a solid reputation and track record (based on discussions in various Seiko watch forums).
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Thank you for your information, advice and insight into my Father's watch. I like the idea of a dark brown or tan leather band to compliment the colors. Take care, and all the best. Michael
Hi Levi,
Your Seiko 7430-5079 is an export model meant for the USA. It's a simple gent's dress watch and there's nothing really special about it in terms of historical significance and value. As a matter of fact, nearly all Seiko quartz dress watches fall into the non-collector's category, except for the rare Seiko Lassale series.
This watch was very likely to have been made on January 1984. It was fully Japan-assembled by Seiko's (then) Daini factory. Its 2-jeweled movement requires a Seiko or Maxell TR721SW silver oxide cell.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hello:
Found your interesting site via Google searching "Seiko Sport 50 7N43-7B40". The search results showed a page from 9/21/10 discussing the mfg. date of that or similar watch. I am confused after searching your comments, looking for that specific question and comment and not finding it. Not that it matters, but do you delete some archives?
More important to me is information about the previously-owned Seiko Quartz watch (my 1st) I received today. It's a Sports 50 7N43-7B40 followed by a box with "A4" within. S/N 554001. Mov't JAPAN 7N43-7C38 R 2 (indicated below "6 position" on dial).
Please tell me what you can about this watch, but specifically, does (should) the bezel rotate? I assumed that it did rotate anti-clockwise, but on 1st attempt with only moderate force, it didn't.
Any additional info about mfg. date, orig. price, care and feeding etc. would be appreciated.
My late father had a saying when describing someone he thought was lacking in intelligence. He'd say, "He didn't know whether to sh_t or wind his watch..."
Another favorite was, "The difference between humor and odor is, humor is a shift of wit..."
Thank you in anticipation of your assistance.
Happy Holidays,
-Kevin
found watch is it any good silver w/blue face and diamonds/glass on band #'s on back 1N00-0KG0 AND 581496 also a box w/R2 in it movement Japan
Aloha Sir , andstill thanks for your Journal of wisdom and help :
I had a 7s26-0028 scored here,when I asked you about it you came really close to the information I needed. A fellow forumer help me out to pin point it to what actually I had rceived. ( ....... It turns out I have a (SKX173) in my hands, and did not know anything except what you advised me in, and that was very appreciated Sir. I was going to get rid of it, maybe a trade or swap, but now I am going to keep it. Thank you Sir for all the help and knowledge given to a ......Noobie?, in this area of High tech watchs I appreciate it greatly to know that I have found great help amoung others that are experiencing watch collecting and administrative advisor's and people like yourself.
Tahnk you very much ..........LongBike.
Alohaagain Sir I forgo to give you the info of this watch to be sure it is a was said.
Note : Moment Malaysia/ St.Steel/SEIKO 7S26-0028/ [A0] /
Sc uba Diver's / Ser. No. 570267 / crown is at 19 minutes
/ day/date is at 3:00 / it has english and spanish / Face Dial White lettering top/ (Red)Divers 200m / between 8:00 & 7:00 Mov't / 7:00 & 6:00 Malaysia / second hand - round white dot /. When I put the two together they dont differ at all
1- SKX173 and other well I did not know what it is, no papers or box .
Dial is very nice and all lumes work greatly. They look identical side by side. Caliber is 7S26A inside. Guy said he thinks he got it year ....2000 or so.
Tank you again Sir.
Hi LongBike,
Thank you for giving me some vital, fresh information regarding the 7s26A. This the first time I've heard about an SKX173 diver's watch bearing an early, Malaysia-made (7s26-0028) with the older 7s26A movement. Most examples of the SKX173 I've seen have the Singapore-made (7s26-0029) 7s26A movement, OR a Malaysia-made, 7s26B movement. From the serial number which you furnished, your SKX173 has to be from July 2005.
If this is true, this now means that Seiko was using both their Singapore and Malaysia factories to manufacture the original 7s26A automatic movements. Personally I find to be rather odd, because Seiko usually assigns only one of its overseas production plants to assemble movements, not two. Perhaps a production overlap (or "parallel run") did happen during that time, as Seiko Singapore's factory totally ceased making the entire 7s-series movements by 2008. Since then, Seiko's non-Japan made automatic movements are assembled by their Malaysia based plant.
Don't fret about it, as the movements from either factory are of the same quality.
Many thanks for your input,
Quartzimodo
Aloha Sir and thank you for this information needed:
The other SKX173 I have that I mentioned has this for a Serial Number:(910395). This I got intack in a box (ToTal Brand New one(pillow&Card), complete both books,no tag's, price tag on box reads ($425.00).This one has a dial reading ..... (4:00(R2)5:00) 5:00(7S26-1127)6:00 /6:00(Malaysia)7:00 / 7:00(Mov't)8:00 / Day/Date-3:00/Crown@19-minutes / Red-200m/ 7s26=0028 [A0]/SSteel .... Also a Flat Vent strap(B.New )
w/Free NATO 3 ring Brn.Strap./// I have two more here need to ID'ed but will make another thread after this one. Thank you sir for your trusted information.
Aloha again Sir:(Second sending) Seiko-6309-7290- A (SUWA mark)/[F1]/ser.no-380855/(Blk.Dial),all white letters: Water150mResist /3:00-Day/Date/6:00-6309-735MR /In Red-200m
Next: Seiko-6309-729/[F1]/SUWA mark/ser.no(4N1051)/Blk.Dial-6:00-6309-735MR(suwa)/R.Strap/Box,Pillow,Card,Istr.Booklet.
Mov't-6309A/Los Angeles, Calif.
T
_______________________________________________________
Sir the(Previous Watch asking before this one on the 6:00 reading it was also - 6309-735MR-suwa). Aloha and thank you again Sir for all this information.
Hello Kevin,
Thank you for explaining your predicament in great detail. I had to do some looking up and found an example of a Seiko 7N43-7B40 here. The styling of this model is reminiscent of a Seiko watch from the 1990s, therefore I would say your Seiko Sports 50 was manufactured on May 1995 by the Seiko overseas factory in Singapore. The official reference model code for your watch is SGG450P.
I've never seen this particular model before because Seiko made too many watch models for any single Seiko watch enthusiast to know them all. I think your watch's bezel is fixed (non-rotating) as the bezel's gentle curves are more towards aesthetics rather than for a good finger grip. If the bezel refuses to budge on applying brute force, it's not meant to rotate. Some Seiko sports watches have fixed bezels, despite having the minute numerals engraved on the bezel. True Seiko diver's watches on the other hand, have rotating bezels (except for all-digital readout diver's watches like the Seiko NX-series diving computers.
Since your watch is over 17 years old, if you plan to wear it as a daily "beater" have the rubber O-rings replaced at your next battery change and the movement lubricated by an experienced jeweler/watch repairer. Until you have all the rubber O-rings replaced, try not to immerse the watch in water - that means, no swimming in the pool with it. It's a good idea to wipe the watch (and bracelet) with a soft cloth or a tissue paper, lightly soaked with a very mild soap solution after taking it off for bedtime. Window cleaning fluid also works well (provided your skin isn't allergic to the ammonia solution) as it helps to bring out the shine from the watch's bracelet and case. I got this idea years ago (using Windex glass cleaner) from observing a pair of sales assistants clean their shop's watches on display.
Make sure you wipe the back of the bracelet too, where it makes contact with your wrist. Human skin excretes sweat and grease, which invites bacteria growth. People who don't take care of their daily worn watches tend to have watches that literally stink. Watch collectors have nickname for accumulated grime; we call it "wrist cheese"
On a final note, NEVER change the calendar date when the watch is showing a time between 9pm and 2am. The date mechanism can get damaged if you do so, resulting in costly repairs. If you have to adjust the calendar to the correct day and date, turn the main hands to 6 o'clock first (am or pm doesn't matter), adjust the calender and reset the watch to the current time. With regards to the value of this model, it's not much - generally no more than USD100.
hope my reply is satisfactory,
Quartzimodo
Hi,
Remember..on 20 Nov.2012, I wrote about a faulty Seiko SKZ211k watch that I purchased from Skywatches.com?
Well, I am glad to inform you that the matter has been settled.
Today, I received the brand new replacement SKZ211K from Skywatches. I am very happy with the replacement piece as
it is in a perfect condition.
I must mention here that the Customer Service at Skywatches is amazing with prompt response to every inquiries
that you may have.
I also hv had a pleasant experience dealing with MR.Adrian
Low of Skywatches.com whose honesty and service goes beyond my expectation.
hv a nice day and ciao
M.Thian
Hi Mike Thian,
Glad to know that the matter has been resolved between Skywatches.com.sg and you. In some cases, an online seller appoints a third party drop shipper to send the item on their behalf upon receiving a purchase order.
Since the product (in your case, the watch) is never actually seen by the original seller, the drop shipping merchant might sometimes send a defective item. Nevertheless it's still the seller's responsibility to rectify the situation.
Mr Low has decades of experience in the watch sales business (so I've been told) and I don't think he personally handled the original watch that you received. If he saw the condition of the Landshark that was about to be shipped, it wouldn't have passed his quality standards. So now the matter is now between him and the party responsible for sending the first watch.
Thanks for the update,
Q Admin
Great site!
What have I inherited? Silver dial marked Seiko Quartz 4004. At the 6 o'clock is Japan 4633-802L5 (S) Back: Water Resistant-G Stainless Steel 4633--8029 SN 6D1913.
Hello Quartzomodo Sir,
Have couple Seiko Diver watchs to Identify Please:
I obtained these recently and needed to find what they are according to serial numbers so to know accordingly.
1- Seiko Diver 6309-7290 ..... Ser.No. 4N1051
2- Seiko Diver 6309-7290 ..... Ser.No 380855
3- Seiko Diver SKX173 ..... Ser.No. 910396
4- Seiko Diver 6309-7040 ..... Ser.No 360281
Did some research but there is no website to follow up except your website of watch knowledge.
Thank you very much Sir............ LongBike
Hi My father has a seiko digital watch it has quartz lz on the frount the numbers on the back are 710560 and 0439-4009 water resistant, base metal top st. ase you able to tell us about this watch thanks
I have SEIKO ladies gold plated watch with maroon color dial. On the back of the dial it is mentioned 064123, below to that 1100-1410 JAPAN-V.Please help me to find my watch history.
Hi.
I've just bought a 4206 for my daughter and can't work out if it's from 1980 or 1990. Can you help please ?
Hi My father has a seiko digital watch it has quartz LC on the frount the numbers on the back are 710560 and 0439-4009 water resistant, base metal top st. ase you able to tell us about this watch thanks
Hello sir,
I have a golden Seiko 5 (7s26c)that I purchased not long ago. I sent it back to Seiko in N.J. to have the crystal replaced and in the process they scratched the case and replaced it. My question is I cannot locate a serial # anywhere on the back of this watch. The only #'s I have been able to locate are 7S26C stamped on the rotor and 7S26-0490 [AO] on the back cover and "movement singapore" WP and of course the large letters SEIKO. I cannot find the first sign of a straight line of characters or anything resembling a serial#. Am I not understanding something, or what am I missing here. Thanks in advance for your knowledge. You are providing a great service.
Mike
First off this site is great and you are well informed on the Seiko brand awesome job, I a few years back working at a bar a customer had left their watch behind and after so long of it sitting in the lost and found we have a free for all for the employees. Everyone passed up this watch and so I ended up with it, it is stamped on the stainless back water resistant and the number is 5y23-8049. I have been trying to find out more info about it and all I have found was an E-Bay selling of one and it did not list much info about it other than its condition and calling it a vintage 1970's Japan Quartz watch and was being sold for $80 + shipping. I would appreciate any additional info you may have about this watch cause I almost tossed it thinking that battery replacement wasn't worth the cost vs. the watch value but not sure now.
more info to previous watch posting, under the water resistant its stamped 860565, and next to the 5y23-6049 it has
A1 stamped inside a box shape
Hi, I have a yellow gold seiko rainbow ladies watch the bach says seiko 320351 sgp back st. steel 11-0450 japan B any info will help..thanks need a new battery, not sure where to find
Hi,
I've been looking for some more info on my watch, on the back it has 7T42-6A6A 140085 JAPAN D 10 BAR. On the face at the bottom it has 7T42 6A7L T2 and SQ100 Quartz Chronograph Titanium. I think its a 1990's watch.
Seen info and pictures for other Sq100's and 7T32's but can't find much about this particular movement/dial or 7T42's.
Any information appreciated.
Thanks
Andy
Hi Maritza Baez,
Your Seiko 11-0450 is a hand-winding, mechanical ladies' watch. It is NOT a quartz model, therefore it doesn't run on batteries. You'll have to wind the main crown until it feels tight and your watch should be ticking. If it doesn't run at all then it needs to be repaired (probably a problem with the main spring or escapement).
The date of manufacture is February 1973 and it was made at the Daini factory in Japan.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for the comments and I am sorry for the delayed response.
The Seiko 5Y23-8049 which you had found is a generic Seiko gents' dress watch. There were two variants of this U.S. export model: the SCZ153P (silver) and the SCZ155P (black). The Seiko 5Y23 is NOT a watch from the 1970s, but from the 1990s. In your case, it was made in Singapore on June 1998.
I did a quick check on eBay and found that the average selling price of used 5Y23 models is USD75. This is not considered a collectible Seiko watch and its average asking price reflects its low demand.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi.
I've just bought a 4206 for my daughter and can't work out if it's from 1980 or 1990. Can you help please ?
Hi Andy,
Your Seiko 7T42-6A6A carries the reference code SDX056J. The 7T42 caliber is very similar to the more common, 7T32 alarm-chronograph models; except that yours has a useful counter-clockwise, countdown timer. The reason it's hard to find pics of Seiko 7T42s is because this caliber didn't live a long market lifespan compared to the 7T32. In fact, I was able to amass only a handful of 7T42 pics from the Internet, while photos of 7T32 models are abundant.
I think the 7T42 models were originally priced much higher than the 7T32 series watches and were discontinued early due too poor worldwide sales. It's such a shame, because the 7T42 is a very interesting caliber. Perhaps in those days, consumers were much more price sensitive when it came to Seiko watches.
Your estimation of your watch's production era is correct as both the 7T32 and 7T42 calibers debuted in the very early 1990s. Therefore your SQ100 was made on April 1991. As this is considered a collectible 7T-series Seiko watch, I hope you'll keep it and pass the watch down to your descendants.
Apologies for the late reply,
Quartzimodo
Sir I have a ( 6309-7290 ) Diver that has this ser. No.4N1051 Like to find the year period it was made.
Also a SKX173
Ser No. 570267 Year of this too.
Thank you very much Sir for your expertise on this Journal.
Hi Dani,
Apologies for the delayed reply. Your daughter's Seiko 4206 was from February 1980. The 4206 caliber appeared about the same time as the date-only, 4205 and both have auxiliary hand winding.
The 4206 caliber has long been discontinued and replaced by the improved 4207 caliber which is fitted to some currently sold, Seiko 5 ladies' models.
Hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Aloha LongBike,
Here are the production dates of your watches:
1- Seiko Diver 6309-7290 ..... Ser.No. 4N1051
November 1984
2- Seiko Diver 6309-7290 ..... Ser.No 380855
August 1983
3- Seiko Diver SKX173 ..... Ser.No. 910396
January 2009
4- Seiko Diver 6309-7040 ..... Ser.No 360281
June 1983
5- Seiko Diver SKX173...........Ser No. 570267
July 2005
I apologize for the late response.
Mahalo,
Quartzimodo
Aloha and thank you very much Sir. Your reply is not considered late, but well waiting for because you have what many of us need for our knowings. Replies from you is a very worth while wait for all this information giving so freely.
I am sure many would agree with me. Many of use would not know what to do beyond owning these watchs, and you have given us valuable information to what we have invested into. Again thank you for your expertise and knowledge in helping us through our time in ..... Horology.
Aloha and Mahalo Sir ......... LongBike
Oh yes ! What he said.
Thank you so much for all you advice.
I've now become a bit of a Seiko 5 anorak.:)
Hi,
I have a Seiko 5 7009-3040 F nr 706078 and I've been looking for some information about it. I don't really care how much it's worth but I would like to know when was it made.
It's blue inside, has a Quartz inscription and has no day/date indicator.
Thanks a lot,
Vita
Hi Mike,
I truly apologize for the delayed response. Here's the reason why your watch was returned by Seiko USA's service center with a new caseback but without the serial number. Serial numbers are unique to any Seiko watch of the same caliber and caseback code (in your case, the 7s26-0490). The serial numbers are laser etched or stamped at the assembly plant just prior to packing and shipping and correspond to the year, month and running unit number.
When the caseback is changed, you get the exact caseback model - except that there will be no serial number. The most probable reason is because Seiko service centers are not equipped to etch or stamp serial numbers. The Seiko factory also does not issue replacement casebacks with pre-stamped serial numbers because they wouldn't know in advance which watches will need a caseback replacement. Therefore it's much easier for them to provide replacement casebacks without the original serial numbers on them.
I'm pretty certain that your original caseback had "Mov't Malaysia" stamped on it, because 7s26C movements are made in Malaysia. "Mov't Singapore" applies to all 7s26A and early batches of 7s26B movements.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi graeme,
Your father's old Seiko digital watch was made on January 1977, from the serial number that you provided. This is a model that was originally made and shipped to the USA. I found a good website that has a reference to your dad's watch. Although the site says that the 0439-4009 was introduced on April 1977, their estimate may be slightly inaccurate.
I highly doubt that this model had a production run for ten years; therefore it cannot be from January 1987. By the mid 1980s, Seiko had moved on to analog-digital watches and even their all-digital models had undergone styling changes. Digital watches are rarely produced for more than 3 years before their models are discontinued and replaced with more modern ones.
cheers and apologies for the late reply,
Quartzimodo
Hi Art,
My apologies for the delayed reply. The Seiko watch that you have is the iconic 4004 series, analog quartz model from the seventies. Early quartz Seiko watches have a bulbous, separate battery compartment that you can unscrew with the edge of a small coin without removing the caseback. Your Seiko SQ was made for the US market by Seiko's Daini plant on December 1976. While the 4004 series models are a collectible, their second hand value varies from USD50 up to USD250, depending on the condition and styling.
This is a nice watch and inherits the styling of Seiko's automatic watches of the era. Its 2-jeweled movement needs an Energizer #301 1.5 volt, silver oxide cell with an operational life of less than 2 years.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Hi Vita,
Something is definitely not right with your watch. The Seiko 7009 is a fully automatic watch movement with a day/date display, not a quartz one. What you have is a "Franken Seiko", not an original Seiko watch. Either your watch is fitted with a 7009-3040 caseback (as the original one had been lost or damaged) or it's a 7009 automatic with a non-original dial. Does your watch's second hand rotate across the dial smoothly or does it tick once every second?
Quartzimodo
Hi again,
the watch was given to me by a friend and I thought it was fake Seiko as well but after examining it I discovered it has an original Seiko glass and caseback. It runs smoothly.
Could it be a model made for the Asian market?
Regards,
Vita
I have a Seiko Mickey Mouse Kinetic Watch with date function. On the back are the following numbers:662472 and 3M22-OC59.
It also reads WAter Resistant, Top Sapphire, Crystal St. Steel, Base Metal.
Any ideas when this was made or if it is a collector item?
Hi G3js,
Your Seiko Kinetic watch was very likely to have been made on June 1996. The 3M22 is a long discontinued Kinetic caliber and appeared in the early 1990s. Is this a collector's item? Most probably not to Seiko watch collectors, but may be sought after by Disney cartoon character and Mickey Mouse memorabilia fans.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hello
was looking at you site and though i would ask....
A Seiko sportsmatic 5 6619-8230 with waterproof on the back and seven digit no,7102536 what can you tell me about this
Many thanks
Anthony
Hi and thanks for running this helpful site. I was hoping you might be able to tell me when my watch was made and what battery it takes. I removed the battery years ago and now can't use it for reference.
060462 is written between "water resistant" and Japan-M
The other number listed is: 7123-5069 A
Thanks again!
I am seeking information on a NOS women's watch I own. It reads on the back: Seiko. Water resistant-6. Japan-A. Stainless Steel 2406-0050. 458561. The front bears a month window with both a numeral month and a japanese character. It has its original bracelet and also a sticker in the wrist band clasp picturing how to remove links, with info in japanese.
Hi Leslie,
Great question. You have one the rare, almost forgotten Seiko "Joyful" models that were made for ladies in the seventies for the Japan market. It can also be worn by young teens and I'm almost certain that I once had a "Joyful" model in my very early teens as full sized, gents' watches were too large for my wrist.
This 23-jeweled watch has auxiliary hand-winding operation to help fully wind the automatic movement quickly. It is also a high-beat movement (28,800 beats/hr) which makes it more slightly more accurate compared to the standard, 21,600 bph mechanical movement. Sadly, Seiko doesn't make high beat movements for ladies' models anymore since the company feels that the majority of their female customers prefer the convenience and the high accuracy of battery operated, quartz watches.
The lightning-like, "Japanese character" on the dial isn't actually a character, but a Seiko symbol that identifies that this watch was manufactured by its Daini factory back then (now known as Seiko Instruments Inc). AFAIK, all vintage Seiko ladies' watches from the 70s and 80s came from the Daini plant (the other being the Suwa factory).
Your timepiece was manufactured on May 1974, which now makes it almost 39 years old.
Keep this watch, it's a real gem.
best regards,
Quartzimodo.
Hi Doug,
Sorry for the belated response. I looked up your Seiko watch and managed to find some information about it. Your 7123-5069 requires a Seiko/Maxell SR1130SW or an Energizer #390 silver oxide battery. This movement has 2 jewels and should run for 5 years between battery changes. The 7123 caliber surfaced sometime towards the very late 70s and was used in a number of Seiko gent's watches, including the rare Seiko 5 Quartz. Your watch is likely to be a U.S. export model and was made in Japan at the Daini factory.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Howdy, just seeking some info on a watch I came across recently.
On the back reads as follows;
SEIKO
SGP BACK ST. STEEL
8D3320
2633-7000B(the be is in a square
JAPAN-V(lighteningbolt)
Any information would be greatly appreciated
Look forward to hearing from you
Hello Quartzimodo,
Thank you for your site. I have attempted to date my Seiko Ladies watch from other websites with not succes.
The #'s are 2517-0450 and 011862.
It is a automatic with calender and waterproof. It has the symbol on the face at 6 o'clock and on the back.
Thank you for any help.
Hi zabo,
You happen to have a very rare and seldom seen Seiko 2517 automatic. There were two calibers that were made, the 2517A and 2517B versions with either 17 or 21 jewels.
Some 2517 models were marketed under the Seiko Diamatic and Seiko-matic Lady Calendar ranges in the middle 1960s. Without doubt, your watch was from January 1970 and it was fully made in Japan by Seiko's Daini factory. If you haven't sent your watch for a full service for the past 42 years and intend to wear it regularly, I would recommend that you do so. An experienced watchmaker or repairer should be able to clean its movement thoroughly, re-lubricate its moving parts, change the rubber water-resistant gaskets and reset its accuracy.
The lightning symbol on the face represents a Daini-made movement or watch. Ladies' Seiko timepieces were exclusively made by the Daini plant (now known as Seiko Instruments Inc) back in its time.
hope this answers your question,
Quartzimodo
I just bought Series 5 SNKa28K1 Seiko. It appears to be genuine(probably gray market). Is it any good? I also own two older Seiko watches. One is a Bell-Matic no.350603 and a 23 jewel LM stainless-steel automatic with the no. 330355. Will you kindly date them? Tank You.
Hi, I Love your site......A1!!!!!!!!!!!+
I hope you can help with the folowing watch details:
SEIKO 5 GOLD "900648" KY 7S26-0060 A4 (info. on back/front/inside)
I have used your site info, with many thanks; Through this, I have also been able to determine the age of this watch accordingly.SEIKO 5 AUTOMATIC DAY/DATE WR 3BAR.
I make it @ oct.2007 manufactured. Please correct me if wrong?
my main question is the other sequence of numbers, Re:KY 7S26-0060 A4; I have no idea what these interpret to in full.
My final question is whether this is Brass OR Gold plated metal?
I hope that you will be able to tell me.
I look forward to your reply as soon as convenient.
Thanks once again for your very informative site It is BRILLIANT!!!!
Kindest regards to You & All, Brian.
Further to previous quest.. This is Twenty-One Jewels 7S26...Markings inside.
Oh, ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC SITE..... In case I forgot to mention. )
All the Best, Brian.
Congratulations on a fantastic site.
I have found an old Seiko - self winding, stainless steel chronograph - in one of the drawers that was given to me as a birthday present, I believe in the 70's. It has a number 280774. From reading your articles I am assuming it was manufactured in 1972 August? It had stopped working but miraculously appears to be doing so again. I am based in the UK and wondered whether to and if so where to have it serviced. The original strap broke so a replacement was fitted some years ago - non Seiko. I assume I wouldn't be able to purchase an original. However, any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks again for the site.
Hi. I'm eyeing on a vintage Seiko watch: Cailber 5626-5000 / 391733. Is it worth collecting? How much is a reasonable price?
Many thanks
Seiko Enthus
Quartzimodo:
I find this site to be extremely interesting, informative, and professional.
I have worn my Seiko Quartz for over 30 years, replaced the batteries on 3 occasions until this year. It has had 2 batteries replaced within 3 months and has now stopped again. My question(s) is multi-faceted beginning with where and when my Seiko Quartz was made, and what battery is needed to properly keep it running. Also, is there a reputable Seiko watch repair in the Seattle-Tacoma area that you might recommend? In addition, is there any collectable value with this particular watch? The identifiable features written on the face of the watch are:
Seiko
Quartz
SQ
(in tiny print at the face bottom)Japan 7123 81SLR or 815LR
Written on the back bezel:
Seiko
Water Resistant
930583
Japan-G
Stainless Steel 7123-8149G
It still has its SQ Stainless Steel Multi-Linked bracelet. Can you please help me with the information I have provided?
Thanking you in advance,
Richard Williams
Aloha Quartzimodo Sir, I recently got a ..... ( Seiko 6309-7040 Turtle watch and would need the serial numbers I dentified please. (.. 6309-7040-Seiko 150 Diver )Ser. No. 382722 . Thank you very much for your expertise and time Sir, and a much appreciated website.
Aloha Sir , Have another one that was not included. Seiko
6309-7049 Diver Ser. No. 151594
Thank you very much Sir.
Hi Brian,
I just got to replying to your post in my blog today. The Seiko 5 7s26-0060 appears to be an early model if I'm not mistaken. You didn't say if your watch has a see-thru caseback or a solid stainless steel one. If it's a transparent glass display back, then your watch would be from October 2009. If it has a stainless steel back it would be from October 1999. Seiko switched from solid caseback to the glass display type sometime between 2003 to 2004.
No idea what "KY" means, but "A4" refers to the standard Seiko issued caseback tool for the case.
Your watch is gold plated. Seiko uses five types of materials for its watches:
1. Solid 18-carat gold
2. Gold plated, stainless steel base
3. Stainless steel
4. Titanium alloy
5. Resin/plastic (usually all digital sports models)
There has never been brass made watches from Seiko that I know of.
hope this helps,
Quartzimodo
Quartzimodo:
In reference to my post on 3/26/13 @ 4:21PM, I forgot to mention that my 7123-8149G has a white face and is a day/date. I tried to follow your opening disclaimer regarding answering posts about dating. However, after reading 56 months worth of inquiries/threads I find no mention of my particular timepiece so I naturally had/have to ask anyway. I really do hope I am not SOL.
Once again, thanking you in advance,
Richard
Hi ,thanks for all the information.I recently purchased Seiko SNKE 03 automatic and started to admire Seiko watches.Now I am planning for a second watch.Can you please suggest me a nice one with power reserve indicator which I find a useful function and cost less than USD 400.00.Thank you very much
Aloha Longbike,
You seem to like the 6309 divers a lot! Your latest one is from May 1981 and it should say "JAPAN A" on the caseback.
Mahalo,
Quartzimodo Admin
Aloha again Sir, Forgot to mention it........... I bought from a guy at the local stadium swap meet for ........( Ten Bucks )and one for parts with it. It has a original Seiko 22mm type oyster bracelet on it, all original, except the dial was changed. The parts one also is all original.
( I guess I was in the Right place, Right time )
Aloha Sir , I have another one that you replied to but need the Date also. Seiko 6309-7040 Ser.No. 382722 mentioned above. Sir these Seiko watchs com up in Hawaii quite often and many dont take care of them so they become items to get hold off real easy. Tourist are constant buyers and they dump many things that come availabe to many. Thank you again very much for your time and expertise Sir.
Hi Longbike,
Since you're into collecting 6309-704x divers, you might want to consider modifying one of them with a custom dial and hands! I own two and one of them has a non-original Seiko made dial, therefore I modded it using Yobokies' custom dials. The other one has an original Suwa dial in very good condition, therefore I leave it as it is.
BTW, your 6309-7040 is an international version and was made on August 1983. This is assuming that the caseback is original to the watch, not a swapped caseback from a different watch. If the caseback says "JAPAN A", your dial should have the fine print "JAPAN 6309" below the 6 o'clock marker.
It's not unusual to find lots of vintage Seiko watches outside of Japan; countries like Peru, the Philippines and Hawaii USA would have plenty of them due to the Japanese tourist population post World War 2.
mahalo,
Quartzimodo
Hi Richard Williams,
My apologies for overlooking your original post, sir. Two weeks ago I was away on vacation to Borneo and the broadband connection was extremely poor and was too slow to load my blog's administrative dashboard. If you're unable to find any references to "Seiko 7123" in the previous comments, it's because no one else has posted a question relating to this caliber.
In any case, I've located your questions from your earlier post:
1. Where and when my Seiko Quartz was made?
Early Seiko quartz watches were always Japan made and 7123-based models were assembled by Seiko's Daini factory. Your particular watch was a US export model that's made for the North American market. It was made on March 1979.
2. What battery is needed to properly keep it running?
That would be a Seiko AB-AU or Maxell SR1130SW silver oxide cell. The run-time life between battery changes is 5 years, according to Seiko. If your battery consumption is unusually high, it's probably a case of dried out lubricating oils on your watch's geartrain that forces the stepping motor to use more power to overcome friction between the moving parts.
3. Is there a reputable Seiko watch repair in the Seattle-Tacoma area that you might recommend?
I live on the other side of the world (SE Asia) and wouldn't know, sorry. But you could look for a watch repair shop that is experienced with servicing old Seiko quartz watches in your area, or send your watch to Mahwah, New Jersey where the Seiko USA's service center (Coserv) is.
4. Is there any collectable value with this particular watch?
It depends. Seiko used the 7123 quartz movement in assorted watches, including the short lived Seiko 5 Quartz. The collectible status of an old quartz Seiko watch depends on its styling. Collectors tend to favor sporty looking ones, such as these ones compared to ordinary gents' dress types. And as such, the resale price depends on public demand. Have a look at some various Seiko 7123 watches here with different stylings.
hope this helps and sorry for the late response,
Quartzimodo
Aloha Sir , Thank you very much for your reply on my 7040.
I look into modding watchsb ut cant get the looks of many, maybe in time. I like most orinality of alot of things, so when watchs became, I liked to keep them original for a time. Yobokies have and do great work, and quality is experiste. Many people here loose their jewelry in the rushing time they spend here and leave and just replace it later and leave it at that. People here just find them and sell them for the .... $$$$ Buck. Also the military is here and they buy and sell alot so sources are available most commonly. I Have the 6306-7001,in fact two of them got it free but in parts, so I am going to get it back to an original state soon. Problem is the original Dials are not common to find. All I need is one original dial and I would be just fine.
Thank you again and Aloha from Hawaii Sir.
I just bought a 1983 SEIKO 7n43 -812L D2 serial #391361 case # 7n43-8119.
It does not have SEIKO on the case nor the bracelet but the dial has SEIKO with QUARTZ underneath it. It is a very nice looking and working watch but without the SEIKO on the back or the bracelet I'm wondering if it's a genuine SEIKO or not.
Can you enlighten me?
Thanks Ed
Hi Ed Anderson,
I apologize for taking a long time to get back to you due to some personal issues.
It took me also some time trying to find more information about your particular model and I finally found this example on the Internet. This is a discontinued, Japan made model that was specifically marketed to the USA. The 7N43-8119's caseback for some odd reason, doesn't have the "SEIKO" inscription but its bracelet clasp should have the "SEIKO" logo embossed on it. If you bought it used, the clasp may have been replaced with a generic one at some point in time.
Assuming that your watch looks like the one in the link which posted, yours should be a genuine Seiko watch.
hope this helps and sorry for the delayed response,
Quartzimodo
<<>>
Thank you QM. I failed to mention that it was a 21 jewel model. Do I need to insure the watch at a reasonable price?
I also have a men's watch that has me confused because of the numbers:
On the back: 7123-7040 [G],8D0733, Japan-G
ON the front: 7123-705LR. it has the lightning symbol with SQ above it.
The calender is odd because it has a dual system. One is the normal date and day...the other is a Roman numeral for each day and the normal date.
I am guessing this is rather generic 1988 model. But, the 7123 has me locked up.
I also have a 5Y23-7218 that I am sure is a generic SQ.
Thank you for all you do. This is a fun site to read.
Hi Zabo,
Do you need to insure the watch at all? If you ask me, you could insure it if you want to - but only for its sentimental value rather than its face value on the second hand market. You could even include the watch as part of your all-risks home insurance (if you have one) but home insurance generally give low compensation payouts. Unless you happen to own a rare vintage Rolex or Omega, old Seiko watches are usually not worth insuring - unless you have dozens of really collectible and valuable Seiko watches.
Your 7123-7040 is a quartz model and likely to have been made on December 1978 since the 7123 caliber was introduced in the late 1970s. The lightning symbol means that your watch was assembled by the Daini factory in Japan (the other one being the Suwa plant).
As for the dual-language day display, the Roman day-of-week is an alternative language for owners who aren't versed in English. It's easier to for such owners to count the number of days in a week; therefore Monday is represented by "I", Tuesday (II), Wednesday (III), Thursday (IV), Friday (V), Saturday (VI) while Sunday is signified as a solid red rectangle. Some old Seiko models have Kanji characters, German, French, Italian, Farsi, Arabic etc (depending on the market) and if you aren't fluent in such languages, the Roman display mode is easier understood.
cheers,
Quartzimodo
Hi, i have a Seiko divers, which i bought new in the late 70's. Ive date aged it from the various websites and its manufacture date is december 78. its model number is 7548 700A. It still works fine and in pretty reasonable condition with just a few minor marks. Do you know what a typical cost would be to have it refurbished, and would it be worth doing as i have no idea what the value of this watcch would be. Thanks
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