A new acquisition in the JDM 6100-8000 “Skyliner” cal. 6100, manual wind, hacking, 21,600 bph, 36mm, no date. This is my budget ($130 all in) pick for the Rolex Air King alternative. Is mid-late 60’s Seiko the best value-prop in watch collecting?
Seiko had some bangers in the mid to late 60’s. 62MAS, 6117’s, the King Seikos and bellmatics from this time period.
The whole Skyliner line was fantastic. The thing I love about vintage Seiko dress watches is that most of them were 36mm or larger. Great proportions.
Yes, great value. They made some very elegant watches. Once serviced you are upside down on cost to value but still have a really good watch. I'm into this one for about $200 after service and would struggle to get that for it, but it's pretty and I like it as much as my 14900 Connie that is worth 10x more. I like how it plays with the light.
I also decided to go upside down on this one. $400 for the watch + $200 service... Maybe worth $500. But it's hard to say no to some of these vintage Seikos - lot of charm and value for the price.
If a Seiko Bell-magic isn’t the most underrated, quality vintage watch I don’t know what is. Frankly any of the Seikos from 60’s to mid 70’s are very good, the KS44 (5?) and GS 56 outstanding, and the 6138/9 chronographs are top class. Add in their Flighttimer and World Timer models, oh and the Divers, and you have a catalogue you could spend years in. I know a few who have. oh and @Anthony Lane … nice touch with the Air King alternative