Journey to Consolidation - Chapter 6
The golden age of Seiko, they had the best value for money watches. The beginner's gateway to mechanical watches before the rise of Chinese branded watches/homages. I had these classics listed below before they were sold a couple of years ago.
Seiko 5 "Military/Pilot style" Ref. SNK809K2
Seiko 5 Sports "Sea Urchin" Ref. SNZF17J1
Seiko Monster "Dracula" Ref. SRP313K1
Seiko "Baby Grand Seiko" Ref. SARB035
The classic Seiko 5 line housed the infamous non-hacking 7S movement. I had no issues with them through out my years of ownership. Had fun with them being my strap monsters.
The Seiko Monster was my first real divewatch, a truly unique looking watch with the 4R36 movement. With wicked looking lume, a screw down crown, a screw in caseback, diver's extension at the clasp and a lume pip on the steel bezel. Got it for retail back in 2014 when it was priced about 45% of the current Monster lineup.
The SARB, my first true JDM watch with the 6R15 movement. Bought it in 2015 during my trip to Japan. Looking back, can't believe I got it for a steal before it was discontinued. Paid for it for the same price of a brand new Seiko 5KX, crazy.
Seikopathic Tudorholic Casionutcase.
I only have the SNK809 from around that same time period. Must have had 4-5 Seiko’s though either sold them or gave a few away. Hard to believe the SNK is now a $140 watch, when they were a $58 watch 10 years ago.
I only have the SNK809 from around that same time period. Must have had 4-5 Seiko’s though either sold them or gave a few away. Hard to believe the SNK is now a $140 watch, when they were a $58 watch 10 years ago.
Yeah, Seikos were much cheaper back then. Now their prices are approaching to entry level Swiss-made watches.
Ah - the good old days!!
My first watch that was bought in the mindset of “I’m a watch collector” was the Seiko Orange Monster in ~2000
Still have it, but never wear it since the 7S26 is a bit of a pain.
My first ‘nice’ Seiko was a 6R15A Sarb009 RBG, that like you, I picked in Japan at Umeda Osaka, about $300 in 2006.
It was my daily wear for about a decade but when it broke so sold it to my watch repair guy for about 150 bucks. Super regret selling it, best blue dial I’ve ever owned 😢 (not a great pic, but u get the idea)
Looks beautiful, never of the Sarb009 before.
Nice Seiko monster you have there too.
Cheers.