Need Some Input for my First Seiko

Fitz · Post by **Fitz** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:22 pm

Well I have decided to jump into the Seiko pool. I don't know why I waited so long but they seem like a great summer watch, so now is the time. While I do like the Tuna its out of my price range, so I'm looking for some thing around $300 and vintage doesn't hurt at all. Any input would be great. One of my biggest problems is that they all look similar to each other, I'm currently looking at a 7S26, 4205, 7002, 6309 on ebay and the biggest difference it the price.

So if one is a better value, better movt, or the like I'd love to hear.

countach · Post by **countach** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:17 pm

If you like tuna, you should like SRP227 and its cousins. The movement hand winds and hacks unlike most seikos, and it's in your price range.

gonzomantis · Post by **gonzomantis** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:25 am

For vintage in that price range you should be able to pick up a nice 6309. One of the classics, highly recommended.

dnslater · Post by **dnslater** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:57 am

If I were you I would simply pick up an SKX007 and call it a day. For $300 you could also get a solid end link bracelet from Yobokies or Strapcode.

If you go vintage read this article by Isthmus. Beware as there are a lot of sellers out there, and you may get a redialed model with poor lume and bad timekeeping.
http://www.thewatchsite.com/index.php?topic=153.0

moishlashen · Post by **moishlashen** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 5:16 am

dnslater wrote:If I were you I would simply pick up an SKX007 and call it a day. For $300 you could also get a solid end link bracelet from Yobokies or Strapcode.

+1

Or a 009 with pepsi bezel. Vintage stylings on a new watch. I do recommend at some point to pick up a 6309. I've had the solid end link bracelet and it was nice but the regular hollow end-link bracelet works fine-I actually prefer it.

four20 · Post by **four20** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 5:26 am

countach wrote:If you like tuna, you should like SRP227 and its cousins. The movement hand winds and hacks unlike most seikos, and it's in your price range.

rubber shroud

a FrankenMonster, IMO, would be a better choice as a Tuna substitute. nuclear lume that's brighter than the BASM due to more surface area

i'm going to agree on the SKX007/009, tho. classic design and can be had for 1/2 your budget. the Strapcode/Tungchoy bracelets are very high quality and will run you $50-75ish.

if you want to go with the cushion case 6309-7040, wait for a known seller to put one up in the FS threads. you'll do much better than getting one from the "usual suspects" on eekBay

Post by **toxicavenger** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:35 am

their is a seller here who has a super sweet patina'd 6309 that would be a great buy to dive into the Seiko world. also almost any version of the SKX Seiko's rock also.

Post by **BSears** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 6:44 am

Can't agree more with the sentiments on the 6309. Some of those coming out of the Philippines may have water damaged movements so be careful and ask for plenty of pics. (That's not to say all of them out of that area are bad, but some are). My first auto Seiko was the SK173. Great watch! If I had it to do over again, I probably would have snagged the 007 instead (see Chris's pics ^^). Hell I might still snag one! If you happen to run across a 6306 in great condition, get it. Those are becoming harder to find - hacking (not handwinding) movement and Kanji date wheel. Just all around cool.

andrema · Post by **andrema** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 7:11 am

How about a SKXA035? Nice summer watch!

CesarG · Post by **CesarG** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:21 am

I would stay away from the vintage Seikos if it's your first purchase. You'll run into some real turds. Over-polished cases, dial, hands, bezel inserts all of insanely crappy quality. Unless you know what you're looking for (or don't mind a turd on your wrist), stay away.

All of the modern SKX series are where any Seiko first timer should start. Classic Seiko Diver design, great finish, great lume. You just can't go wrong.

If you don't mind quartz, you should consider the new SSC line of Solar Chronos. Sweet-looking

jeckyll · Post by **jeckyll** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:29 am

If I were to buy another Seiko right now, in that price range, I'd pick up a SSC015

dnslater · Post by **dnslater** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:33 am

I believe the SKX line is reportedly being upgraded to hacking and handwinding this fall as the 7s26 movement is phased out. You might hold off.

T.R. · Post by **T.R.** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:40 am

Here is some excellent info with regards to picking up a classic 6309. I used to have one and I loved it. I put mine on a Yobokies Super Oyster bracelet and it rocked. It had "aftermarket"dial and hands with crappy lume, but it looked stellar, which is what I wanted in my 6309.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/78440/me ... gs+in+FAQ)

Mine:

Also, if you look around, you can find really cool ones like this:

I also highly recommend the new Seiko Solar Chrono models. I have this one and it rocks as a well priced summer beater.... or, just a cool watch any old day. Bought mine used for $175. I might be persuaded to sell it....

Post by **BSears** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:00 pm

dnslater wrote:I believe the SKX line is reportedly being upgraded to hacking and handwinding this fall as the 7s26 movement is phased out. You might hold off.

Verrrry interesting.

Might have to search around for more info on this development.

Post by **matt.wu** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:06 pm

Anything with a 6r15 has been awesome in my experience.

Fitz · Post by **Fitz** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 1:25 pm

toxicavenger wrote:their is a seller here who has a super sweet patina'd 6309 that would be a great buy to dive into the Seiko world. also almost any version of the SKX Seiko's rock also.

6309 it is! I dig the classic lines and there seems to be plenty of info on it, so I can make sure I get a legit one. The patina'd one on the For Sale Thread did look really cool, the patina'd lume and faded dial make almost any watch look killer. I'm going to keep my eye on the FS thread and ebay for a week or two. If anyone has any experience with a good seiko seller on ebay I'm interested.

Oh ya that Kanji day wheel is now a must, it looks awesome. Might have to be an after market though. Thanks for the help

Post by **toxicavenger** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:04 pm

Fitz wrote:
toxicavenger wrote:their is a seller here who has a super sweet patina'd 6309 that would be a great buy to dive into the Seiko world. also almost any version of the SKX Seiko's rock also.
6309 it is! I dig the classic lines and there seems to be plenty of info on it, so I can make sure I get a legit one. The patina'd one on the For Sale Thread did look really cool, the patina'd lume and faded dial make almost any watch look killer. I'm going to keep my eye on the FS thread and ebay for a week or two. If anyone has any experience with a good seiko seller on ebay I'm interested.

Oh ya that Kanji day wheel is now a must, it looks awesome. Might have to be an after market though. Thanks for the help

What is a good deal about the one on this forum is the seller is legit and he has had the watch long enough to know if their are any problems with it. Also the case looks really good. Too many times they are over polished. That has been the issue with the ones I have bought off of ebay. There is a reason why they sell them for around $150.

Also the turtle case on the 6309 rocks in comfort!

Good luck in your quest.

CesarG · Post by **CesarG** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:34 pm

You sold my un-polished 6309! Hopefully Darin hasn't sold it for crack yet.

el presidente · Post by **el presidente** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:55 pm

matt.wu wrote:Anything with a 6r15 has been awesome in my experience.

+1

Post by **toxicavenger** » Wed Jul 11, 2012 7:41 am

hks3sgte wrote:You sold my un-polished 6309! Hopefully Darin hasn't sold it for crack yet.

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