Just how did Quartz make the method into account for Top Vintage Seiko scuba divers? That is a straightforward one because in 1978, Seiko launched a 600M battery-powered Tuna alongside the physical 6159, making it the planet’s first alleged pro Quartz diver. Even more distinctively, the view boasted gold titanium nitride as a coating on the major case, bezel and crown therefore became referred to as a€?Golden Tunaa€?. The 7549 are a fantastically robust motion that offers their mainplate using the 6309 and a battery lasts for to 3 years within.
More Golden Tunas have actually implemented, but this is the very first and it is groundbreaking whenever introduced a€“ and high priced! In reality, they retailed for double the price of the mechanical 6159! In this situation, the -7000 is different from -7009 (non-Japan marketplace version) by eschewing the a€?SQa€? Seiko Quartz logo design very usually found in the 80’s. Incidentally, if you’re a James relationship lover, Roger Moore rocked a -7009 in 1981’s a€?For their Eyes Onlya€?. The watch was actually made until 1985. Assume $1,200 a€“ 1,800 for a significant type.
Seiko 7549-7010 a€?Tuna Cana€?
1978 was actually plainly a big season for Seiko. With Quartz plainly in range, the brand tossed their 7549 motion into more than just the Golden Tuna. This is the year that a lighter, 300M pro type of the Tuna debuted.
Some will argue that having its screw-down situation back once again your 7549-7010 is not a genuine tuna, although outcome is an even more wearable see that, with regards to the band chosen, can actually slide under a case. At 47.3mm in diameter and 15mm in height, nobody would confuse they if you are smaller, but it’s a deceiving piece regarding arm. Plus, with its stainless shroud, grayscale appearances, curved Hardlex crystal, and Suwa icon by the go out windows, they ticks (literally) loads of containers that Seiko collectors desire.
By-the-way, due to the stainless shroud, this design achieved the a€?Tuna Cana€? nickname if you like keeping track of Seiko nomenclature. Made until 1985, these pieces are available with or without any a€?SQa€? signal regarding the control and operated from $500 a€“ 800 based on state and venue. If you wish to attempt a Tuna but are a little scared, this is a no-risk solution to place your toe in to the share.
Seiko 7548-x
The very last section on our very own best antique Seiko Divers checklist came in late 1978 as the 7548. As a 150M diver, it was the quartz corollary to your 6309, but it was a lot more considerable than that for one most key reasons. The 7548 lead an incident design that is nonetheless essentially here with our company now by means of the automated 7S26-powered SKX007/9 that nevertheless be discover nowadays. At 42mm, they are great every day wears and are found in a number of switch shades. In the unfavorable part, a truly astonishing wide range of variants are made before design ended up being replaced in 1985, but mind here for some options how issues altered in time. Figure on $250 a€“ >$1,000 with regards to the version.
Ideally, this guide of the market leading Vintage Seiko scuba divers try a good method to at the very least catch a look at the principal items created by the company while in the 60’s, 70’s and to the 80’s. I do believe you’d agree that Seiko produced some real treasures hence most are nevertheless regarding the more affordable side. Make no mistake; actually on low end of the prices level, you are however getting a great watch loaded with technology and innovation prowess. Plus, together with the industry because hot as it is for antique Seiko, selling one whether or not it’s to not your preference will be easy. As previously mentioned, we are going to return with a look at the 80’s. Appreciate your summer time!
Be on the lookout for components with aftermarket bezel inserts, dials, and hands. Additionally, beware of watches which have viewed liquid entry (common unfortunately making use of their acrylic crystals) or the spot where the rapid set big date features not any longer works. Once a watch that would be obtained for $1000-1200 for small effort, the 62MAS today commands $2500-3500 (if not more) if in wonderful problem. For an icon, we nevertheless think of this one to feel inexpensive.
The 6106-8100/9 was a classic-looking scuba diver and was created from 1968 until roughly 1970 and came in a range of styles a€“ gray, yellow, eco-friendly, gold, blue plus a trendy bluish part with chevron indicators. At roughly 38mm, with a grey turning bezel, and 19mm lugs, the watches tend to be thinner adequate to use under a sleeve. The 6106-8100/9 is now an appreciated jewel and cost currently rising for several years. That which was once a $200 observe the entire day are now able to demand $500 if in good situation. As ever, search for appropriate fingers and ensure that h2o keeps stayed from the motion.