Comments:
Identifying a Seiko Watch, Part 1
Hello Seiko fans,
This is only an introduction, but it should get you started if you want to assemble your Seiko model table. I've got the bug now so I'll report back when I have an inventory of my own collection.
PS - here are two Samurai that were once in my collection
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-02-26 08:14:28
It seems reasonable to me that we start out the new Seiko (and other Japanese watch) )forum with some clues on how to identify those mysterious Seiko watches that look great on your friend's wrist, have slipped to the back of your jewelry drawer, or are in a cigar box somewhere in the bedroom.
Seiko identification typically requires 3 or 4 steps. We will use the watch I'm wearing today as our first sample.
Although I bought it new, earlier today I didn't know exactly how to label or identify it. I believe I have the box and papers, but I have too many Seikos, boxes, sets of papers and so on. I've had the watch for about 6-7 years, and can't find its original packaging. But I know its nickname is SAMURAI.
Searching the Internet is the fastest way to locate the details of your watch. You will need as much data as possible from the watch case back. Here's the Seiko support document to help you find the numbers.
After some research, I created this small table of data to show that data that you might assemble for any Seiko watch.
SEIKO WATCH IDENTIFICATION
|
Setting and operating instructions for most Seiko watches can be found on the manufacturer's site "seikowatches.com" under "support".
This is only an introduction, but it should get you started if you want to assemble your Seiko model table. I've got the bug now so I'll report back when I have an inventory of my own collection.
It might be fun if some other Seiko fans here did the same.
Cheers
Mike
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-02-26 08:14:28
Great post
Mike,
Thank you for this valuable information.
Post saved for future reference.
Cheers,
Nilo
Thank you for this valuable information.
Post saved for future reference.
Cheers,
Nilo
You really are the expert of SEIKO!
Perhaps you know more than most of SEIKO watchmakers 
Thank you for the great post - should be preserved as the SEIKO reference post.
Ken
Thank you for the great post - should be preserved as the SEIKO reference post.
Ken
Identifying a Seiko Watch, Part 2
I'd like to continue this theme with some more samples. I'll use roughly the same format, choosing some watches at random from my cabinet, and working through the identification process.
My watch. My wife pointed out that the jewels at 12 did not appear to be real (Thanks Dear, as I only paid $95 including shipping half-way around the world, so I didn't expect real diamonds...)
The second hand is jumping in 2-second increments which means it needs a battery. Might as well do it now. (time passes).
I love the dial on this watch!
Rats! It needs a battery too. So that's an excuse to release the bracelet and clean the watch case. I notice it still has the plastic on the back.
And to show off my Seiko S-212 watch holder/vise. And here's the 7T92A movement.
Another look at the front as it's running.
Oops, a scratch on the bezel. Ah well, it's a watch I wear often. I love the blue dial and I found out Seiko made a non-chrono called the SBCB009. Which I had to have (this way madness lies ...)
You may have noticed my preference for blue-dialed, titanium watches. If you see any for sale -- please send me a private note ;-)
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2014-02-26 11:15:46
We will use the same table of data to show what you can learn about your Seiko watch.
SEIKO 5 WATCH IDENTIFICATION
|
While researching, I found this note, written about 10 years ago:
"In 1976 Seiko launched the 63xx line of calibres. Designed by Suwa Seikosha, 63xx was a modernization of the 61xx line, keeping the practical, efficient and trustworthy modular automatic winding system. It also kept the larger balance wheel and its characteristic stability. (A curiosity is the moon-phase in calibre 6347).
Compared with 61xx, 63xx had a new calendar system, adjusted by turning instead of pressing the crown. The movement had more plastic parts, such as the calendar wheel. Seiko used a new system for setting of the hairspring in the regulator, for easier maintenance. But they are practically identical, with the same quality and trustworthiness, and more than half of the parts are interchangeable with the 61xx. But in the end, the 63xx line was little developed and little used."
I found an advertisement from some time ago, showing the same watch, but with a different bracelet. Don't worry about being tempted, it sold long ago.
Now moving to the other end of the spectrum, a Grand Seiko.
GRAND SEIKO WATCH IDENTIFICATION
|
While researching, I discovered a large number of photos of my own watch out there on the web. That doesn't help me learn very much, except how much I've praised this watch in print.
Now to a more obscure watch not even labeled as Seiko. This was found by my nephew while he was surfing. It had no strap on one side so he supposed the spring bar came loose while someone was in the water. I cleaned it up and got it running with a new appropriately-styled rubber strap.
SEIKO PRIVATE BRAND WATCH IDENTIFICATION
|
The second hand is jumping in 2-second increments which means it needs a battery. Might as well do it now. (time passes).
The movement says S. Epson Corp. Here's a short explanation of Seiko's corporate structure, from about 8 years ago by SJX on this site:
"Seiko consists of three independent companies; the Hattori family has shares in all of them. Seiko Corporation encompasses marketing and wholesaling watches as well as the making of clocks, golf clubs (S-Yard), precision and scientific equipment, semiconductors and optical products. Watches sold by Seiko Corp. are made by Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII). SII produces watches, micromechanical products and semiconductors. Seiko Epson is known for its printing products, but also owns Orient Watch Co. Ltd. and makes in semiconductor and optical products. Epson came about when Seiko created printers to record the time results at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, laying the foundation for Seiko Epson - Epson is derived from “son of Electronic Printer”.
Okay, end of history lesson.
A new battery was needed, I took pictures, then cleaned movement and case with Rodico, remembered to put the movement spacer back in before closing the case, put Seiko silicone grease on the case gasket for better sealing, and reset all hands to zero. Reset the time. Total service time, ten minutes.
Can we squeeze in just one more?
SEIKO DIVER WATCH IDENTIFICATION
|
Rats! It needs a battery too. So that's an excuse to release the bracelet and clean the watch case. I notice it still has the plastic on the back.
And to show off my Seiko S-212 watch holder/vise. And here's the 7T92A movement.
Another look at the front as it's running.
Oops, a scratch on the bezel. Ah well, it's a watch I wear often. I love the blue dial and I found out Seiko made a non-chrono called the SBCB009. Which I had to have (this way madness lies ...)
You may have noticed my preference for blue-dialed, titanium watches. If you see any for sale -- please send me a private note ;-)
Does this make you want to investigate and report back about your own Seikos? If so, please post your findings here.
Cheers,
Cazalea
I feel like I just went to Seiko University
But I think my grade would have been a D.
So much to learn and appreciate about Seiko.
Bill
So much to learn and appreciate about Seiko.
Bill
interesting read
Great post cazalea I need to spend more time absorbing all this info about identifying a Seiko watch.
Regards,
ED-209
Regards,
ED-209