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I'm dumbfounded. How in the hell does Seiko pull it off?

Tony C.
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Vintage Seiko (and other Japanese brands) often represent outstanding value. And there are so many model lines and variants to choose from, there is always something on the market that is sure to appeal to every collector.
 
mikechi22
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What was going on with Seiko and Orient in 1979/1980? I’d like to get my younger brother a mechanical watch like the OP shows but a birth year one seems more fun. Plus I need something in my hunt list in Tokyo next month!
 
bigsom
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Unbelievable quality in Seiko and the finishing on their mid and higher tier watches is definitely on the same playing field as Omega and Rolex in my experience.

The accuracy does vary quite a bit for the less expensive models but usually can be regulated to within a few seconds in 4 or 5 positions. The higher priced GS movements and 8L movements that make it into their professional dive watches are oftentimes just flat on my timegrapher. I've had several 60s and 70s GS hi-beat models ... all of them still running at a few seconds off 0 while flat. Don't get me started on spring drive. I have a 5 year old snowflake that's 1.5 seconds off per MONTH!

Pretty good watches those Seikos.
 
shaun hk
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mikechi22 mikechi22
What was going on with Seiko and Orient in 1979/1980? I’d like to get my younger brother a mechanical watch like the OP shows but a birth year one seems more fun. Plus I need something in my hunt list in Tokyo next month!
Another great thing about Seiko Is you can use model number and case reference (both external) and look up month and year of manufacture. There’s a few calculators to do this online.
 
mikechi22
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shaun hk shaun hk
Another great thing about Seiko Is you can use model number and case reference (both external) and look up month and year of manufacture. There’s a few calculators to do this online.
I need to have on my phone and ready to go in Tokyo. My sisters just told me he was born in 1978 so this is a round year birthday in April for him!
 
mikechi22
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shaun hk shaun hk
A very recent purchase of mine, and I find it as pleasurable to wear as my PO
image.jpg image.jpg
Wow - I love it! Something like this would be perfect for my brother's 40th! May I ask what model? And to be particularly vulgar, what did something like this cost?
 
Speedy_Gonzales
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If Seiko was a discount mattress store their slogan would be...OUTRAGEOUS WATCHES AT OUTRAGEOUS PRICES!!!
 
Looneytoons
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Faz Faz
Hi all,

Finally received my Seiko SKX009 diver. I'm really scratching my head over this one. I paid USD $ 199.99, brand new, warranty, in box and delivered to my door, for a mechanical watch,as accurate as any luxury mechanical, excellent fit and finish, screw down crown, super lume, 200 m certified dive watch on bracelet. I must be dreaming?
IMG_0400.JPG IMG_0402.JPG

I knew all about them through members and all, but having one in the flesh makes me think that Seiko knows something other manufacturers don't. I don't want to cause a stir or a debate here, but Rolex commands $ 10k for a Submariner. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Rolex (ok, the older ones..) and proudly own a couple that I love dearly.

This Seiko, and I suppose the others in this line, are more than an excellent value, they are an absolute steal. My cherished Sub and GMT-Master now have company with this exceptional timepiece. I am as impressed as I am happy!
IMG_0401.JPG IMG_0890.JPG IMG_0119.JPG

Cheers,
I suspect for this reference all you are really paying for is the case and band. The 7S26 movement is a direct descendant of the 7005/7006/7009 movement series that has been around since 1970. I know because I own two vintage Seikos from 1970 and 1972 that have that movement.
So near zero engineering costs, near zero depreciation on the equipment used to manufacture the movement and all that's left is the raw cost of the parts. That said, it is a spectacularly good deal for <$200 brand new. Enjoy wearing it!
 
Foo2rama
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In case my post wasn’t clear these are bargains. The fact that sistem 51 cost the same price is amazing.
Looneytoons Looneytoons
I suspect for this reference all you are really paying for is the case and band. The 7S26 movement is a direct descendant of the 7005/7006/7009 movement series that has been around since 1970. I know because I own two vintage Seikos from 1970 and 1972 that have that movement.
So near zero engineering costs, near zero depreciation on the equipment used to manufacture the movement and all that's left is the raw cost of the parts. That said, it is a spectacularly good deal for <$200 brand new. Enjoy wearing it!
there is the SNK with that same movement for 65 bucks. Which a few people here have. Insane value.
 
shaun hk
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mikechi22 mikechi22
Wow - I love it! Something like this would be perfect for my brother's 40th! May I ask what model? And to be particularly vulgar, what did something like this cost?
It’s model SBDC053, I believe they are Japan only but there are plenty on eBay brand new at US$650ish though more expensive on bracelet. There’s also a SBDC051 with a grey dial.
 
sdre
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
There are 2 things about the SKX that belie the price point. The bezel finish on the knurling doesn’t quite match the watch and the non applied dial. Too fix those issues you spend at least 2x for the next model up.

Those minor issues aside, mine is my go to watch. I love the short lug to lug on it as it wears smaller then any other 42 mm Diver.
Also the chapter ring mis-alignment is a major eye sore for some owners...
 
keepschanging
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sdre sdre
Also the chapter ring mis-alignment is a major eye sore for some owners...

Yeah that can be gigantic. Just need to make sure you see the watch before you buy, choose one that’s roughly aligned.

Oh, and don’t take your loupe, because you will quickly see where the costs are saved...
 
sxl2004
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Could it be that Seiko is just charging a sensible margin and not the at least 10x margin that Swiss brands charge?
Enamel dials for $600
Urushi dials for $900 ( handmade)
The new urushi and enamels chronographs for $2500
(Ok I like urushi and enamel). 😀

Or maybe, as in Leica speak, there are more full moons and virgins in Japan.
😲😡👍😉😉
 
eugeneandresson
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
There are 2 things about the SKX that belie the price point. The bezel finish on the knurling doesn’t quite match the watch and the non applied dial. Too fix those issues you spend at least 2x for the next model up.

Actually there is a third thing, and (humble apologies because) once you see it you can’t ever unsee it, and i have also seen it on Sumos, Turtles and a whole bunch of other : they can never get that friggin’ chapter ring aligned! Look at 3,6,9,12...offcentre lines with the hour markers...gives me the heebie-jeebies. That said, doesn’t stop me from owning a few Seikos (some with this problem). And yes, a lot of awesome bang for your buck. WIGH 👍

F9E3FA05-D9AA-4A9D-B9F1-46FB66BB3765.jpeg
Edited:
 
Larry S
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Seiko has the scale and skill to produce extemely cost effective watches and the Credor line. I think Grand Seiko is a fairer comparison with Rolex/JLC/IWC/Zenith /Omega however. I’m still bemused that as a guy who had a string of Seiko Quartz chronometer watches on his wrist coming up , I have none in my collection.
 
Larry S
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Thanks ...That Snowflake! I need to take a ride out the AD near me to see these in the metal. The Peacock GMT recently up for sale here was a temptation but no buying till something gets sold.
 
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