Seiko fans - How much would you pay for a mint 6138-8020 panda?

Posts
419
Likes
1,169
Just curious what the prevailing opinion would be. I’m looking at securing one! I know prices have increased astronomically over the past 5 years

Any help appreciated,
-J.
 
Posts
1,462
Likes
2,354
The cynic in me always questions mint condition vintage watches. Particularly Seiko’s. Personally, I’d rather find one that you like with original parts. A little “wabi” comes with the Seiko territory.

That being said, there is a no reserve one on eBay right now at $847 with three days left. I think if you watch that one you’ll have a good idea of current market value.
 
Posts
1,258
Likes
2,728
It reminded me of the 6138-8000 baby panda I bought at a flea market for 70usd 🙁 after some service i sold it for 1000usd. Now any mint example being offered at 3000usd
 
Posts
2,498
Likes
7,577
I paid about 1.1-1.2 usd for mine almost a year ago. condition was great though
 
Posts
419
Likes
1,169
kk thanks guys, most of the ones I'm now seeing for sale are > 1500 USD, and even those had significant damage/nicks/deep pitting to the case and the dials weren't always perfect. I've found one. Paid a pretty penny, but I'm hoping it will look great when it arrives. Original bracelet, sharp edge, great dial. I'll post some pictures when I receive it.
 
Posts
1,097
Likes
5,602
kk thanks guys, most of the ones I'm now seeing for sale are > 1500 USD, and even those had significant damage/nicks/deep pitting to the case and the dials weren't always perfect. I've found one. Paid a pretty penny, but I'm hoping it will look great when it arrives. Original bracelet, sharp edge, great dial. I'll post some pictures when I receive it.
Congratulations, hope it’s everything you wish for. Look forward to the photos.
 
Posts
70
Likes
229
Be very careful when buying a Panda on eBay... Most of those that look good have a fake dial and other aftermarket parts. Research is everything, or your pride and joy could end up being an expensive mistake.
 
Posts
65
Likes
32
I saw one in NOS w/ box and papers. I believe it was listed for $1800 about a year ago.

Cool watch but these Seikos are too large for my 6.5" wrist.
 
Posts
419
Likes
1,169
I saw one in NOS w/ box and papers. I believe it was listed for $1800 about a year ago.

Cool watch but these Seikos are too large for my 6.5" wrist.

Definitely haven't seen any NOS at those prices. I've seen a few in that range but the cases were pretty dinged up and certainly no box or papers. Yeah, it's a big larger than what I normally wear too but it's not huge. I was surprised by the heft though (in a good way). Feels very solid compared to my other Seiko.
 
Posts
13
Likes
57
Just curious what the prevailing opinion would be. I’m looking at securing one! I know prices have increased astronomically over the past 5 years

Any help appreciated,
-J.
The fake Panda's are rampant right now, extremely legit looking examples. Tread carefully and get as much feedback as you can from the Seiko forums (thewatchsite) as well as Instagram just using the hashtag #seikopanda etc. The fakes are seriously good so be patient. Good luck.
 
Posts
65
Likes
32
The fake Panda's are rampant right now, extremely legit looking examples. Tread carefully and get as much feedback as you can from the Seiko forums (thewatchsite) as well as Instagram just using the hashtag #seikopanda etc. The fakes are seriously good so be patient. Good luck.

This is the first I've heard of fake Pandas. Do you have an example? I tend to believe that fakes at this caliber all come from the same source and will look the same.
 
Posts
13
Likes
57
Here are a few IG posts dealing specifically with the fake 8020 Pandas out there. Full disclosure, this is a vintage supplier posting these but he mentions plenty of times about doing your research regardless of who you buy from.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuesqAwH-n3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBTzIj2HdWw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoRnnJnlvy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzQWpH3HSJZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link