What’s up with all the refurbished Seikos?

A quick search on the ‘Bay for vintage automatic Seikos unleashes a flood of refurbed watch offerings. Are they just easy to repaint and throw back into the market? There must be a market for them or that many people wouldn’t be doing it. It’s not like you can’t find a new Seiko 5 auto for $100-$250 depending on the model. But what drives this segment of the market? Is it just the economy?

Have a look where they are coming from……..heaps of these things are being sold out of India, as for the refurbishment, well I wouldn’t be too sure as to the quality of the work or of any parts used in the process.

I wouldn’t wear it if it was free. Just wondering what’s driving that market…

It seems to be very prevalent with 7002 divers. It's hard to find an unmolested version

Exactly. The supply of 'refurbished' 6139 Pogues has grown hugely over the past couple of years, and the majority of sellers seem to be UK based! They are all over eBay asking silly money for 'rare' 'professionally restored' collectible Seiko's. Clearly aimed at less knowledgeable buyers who think they are getting a collectible investment, when actually they have bought a poorly assembled pile of aftermarket parts topped with a fake dial, and is basically worthless... Buyer beware!

It's the same as buying any collectible item... Research, Research, Research.