Thanks for a little peek into your outstanding collection. One thing about Seiko in the 60s and early 70s even watches coming off the assembly line had a story. I can imagine proof watches made in the morning and resist in the afternoon and the opposite the next day. I love it when you get into teacher mode and pass on a little of your knowledge. Thanks Dan!
Hi Dan. I found your channel after doing some research on a Seiko diver i was given amongst a lot of other old watches. Mine is an Australian market 6105-8000 with Resist dial and waterproof(one word) back. Based on the serial number it is a November 1970. I am fairly sure am the second owner, and the watch is in good original condition with suitable wear for it's age.
I've sold my Rolex explorer 2 and submariner,now I have a beautiful collection of 7 Seiko ( divers and 1 alpinist) Seiko divers and the sports watches from Seiko are so beautiful😊
@BlairWatchProject Hey Dan do you have the time or would want to service a Seiko 6106 7107 UFO 1970. It running just needs a service. I trust you and you do a great job.
Came back yo watch again for the third time. So mine is from June of 1970 . Resist dial and waterproof one word. 9662 last digits of serial number so later. Paid a lot for mine and it is not anyway near your collections condition. Thanks again for the video. Hoping to see a slim willard up for sale in the future would love another one.
Good to see you here, Dan. I just serviced a May 69 6105-8009 with cal 6105A non hacking marked Resist/Resist. Horseshoe case back. This example has the long sweep hand. Not quite the student of history that you are, I thought the Resist/Resist was quite early when I would have figured the watches would be marked Proof. Dial was unmarked in terms of date code but is real and I have seen other 6105 with non date marked dials. Would appreciate any thoughts you might have. When did Seiko transition to the short sweep hand on these? FWIW - There are ardent deniers that transitionals even exist but like you I have worked on a few of these enough so that I believe they do exist like you say. John S
Thanks for the great comment. I think that these watches weren’t marked because Seiko was filling in where they needed dials and they didn’t bother with the conventional process.
I was watching one of you recent videos when you mentioned about 7 watches in rotation. Did I see 8 watches on this one instead? Great collection tho. and really nice part of history about Seiko.
Hi great video. Try and find a slim case 6309 7290 diver in good condition. This will be one of the rarest divers Seiko made for the future. It had a very short run before Seiko changed to 7002 movement that coupled with a very unstable choice of lume material means only watches never worn and put in a draw survived there's a reasonable amount of them floating around but hardly any unmodified and good condition. Also rare and valuable are two different things.
This is a savings measure that many manufacturers did in the 50's - 70's. Fender was famous for using whatever was in the bin to use up the pre-manufactured parts before using the latest version. Many "transition" models out there. It would be interesting to find out which was made first, the backs or the dials.
hi Dan, great video, i've watched it (pun intended) a few times already and I'm sure i'll watch it some more. I just wanted to add some info about the 'pip' lume in the triangle on the bezels, you can clearly see in the last two examples in your video that one has a shiny orange pip and the other is normal lume. Do you have any info about why they had those 2 different pips? (see ua-cam.com/video/AP2IDbY-psU/v-deo.html) I have a 'water proof' 6105-8000 from March 1970 based on the serial number with the orange pip, and in your introduction you showed the 62mas with the orange pip. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. Why did some ship with 'water proof' /'water resist' and the orange pip, versus what looks like normal lume, thanks for reading my comment ! Also, is there any chance you could do a follow up video to address some of the questions/comments in this video ? and focus on the straps too ? that would be awesome. thanks again.
Truth in advertising is rare. Yes these watches are unique but probably not rare in the true sense as you have discussed Dan. What we do know about Seiko production back in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s they did mix up parts from different months or year of production an example is the use of the big spline crowns on some of the 7548’s when we know that they used these on the 6306 divers and some early 6309 divers I have two 7548’s with the large spline crown one from 1978 the other from 81 so at times they were using up parts that had been left over from other runs of other model productions. Spencer has also talked about this on some rare pieces that he has come across that other so called experts have said that these were frankinseiko’s. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Interesting, but I don't think anything that Seiko did back then was an exact science. These things were really churned out, and given the relatively low price point, I think there's an element of "Mix & Match" to take into consideration. I also suspect that you are overthinking this conundrum, by believing the Seiko assembly line was that specific regarding their mass produced iterations. I think the answer is simple, they had a ton of various version case backs, which simply differed depending on when they were pressed, and they were simply date stamped once assembled. I'm guessing this practice went on until they literally ran out, at which point they'd settled on, by Seiko standards, something akin to uniformity. So, rarity? Kinda, but as this is Seiko we are talking about, does that actually matter?
I think it matters to those who may have some interest in the minutiae of a brand they enjoy. However, I would say that these are objects, so nothing about them really matters aside from the memories they place with people. So, how much it matters, and to whom, depends on your perspective. Thanks for the great comment!
@@BlairWatchProject I totally agree. I have a couple of 6139 chronographs, I wouldn't part with them. I'm old enough to remember when they first appeared on the market. Back in the UK, where I'm originally from, a 6139 retailed in 1970, for £45.00 RRP. To put that in perspective, at that time the Rolex Submariner was £98.00, a GMT Master £101.00, and a Cosmograph, £123.00. As for a "Willard" the Seiko RRP was £36.00. However, if like myself, you were in the armed forces, and had access to the Far East market, they could be picked up quite easily for half that, hence the fact that so many servicemen owned one. And to be fair, they sure were one hell of a beta!
Great video Dan - super-informative! Question for you please, I'm looking at an 8000, from July 1968, RESIST Dial and PROOF (two words) back. Is this possible for such an early watch or has something been swapped?
Dan...you are the one that is rare. One of only a few people I would trust with my vintage Seiko.
My wife would say I’m medium-well 😂I appreciate the endorsement!
Amen!!!
He’s the best
Unique! And stunning!
The more I get into the 62MAS and the (pre-) Captain Willard, the more I love them.
I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for the comment and for watching.
Thanks for a little peek into your outstanding collection. One thing about Seiko in the 60s and early 70s even watches coming off the assembly line had a story. I can imagine proof watches made in the morning and resist in the afternoon and the opposite the next day.
I love it when you get into teacher mode and pass on a little of your knowledge. Thanks Dan!
You’re most welcome, Steve. Thanks for watching
What a great history lesson Dan. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching
Hi Dan. I found your channel after doing some research on a Seiko diver i was given amongst a lot of other old watches. Mine is an Australian market 6105-8000 with Resist dial and waterproof(one word) back. Based on the serial number it is a November 1970. I am fairly sure am the second owner, and the watch is in good original condition with suitable wear for it's age.
fantastic. thank you for sharing. I will add it to my database of Resist/Proofs!
I've sold my Rolex explorer 2 and submariner,now I have a beautiful collection of 7 Seiko ( divers and 1 alpinist) Seiko divers and the sports watches from Seiko are so beautiful😊
Very nice!
Thanks for the "deep dive" Dan. My 71 Willard that you serviced still runs great, thank you. Looking forward to your next history lesson.
It was my pleasure. I’m glad to hear your watch is still going strong.
Thank you Dan for a very informative video. I really enjoy it.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching
@BlairWatchProject Hey Dan do you have the time or would want to service a Seiko 6106 7107 UFO 1970. It running just needs a service. I trust you and you do a great job.
Came back yo watch again for the third time. So mine is from June of 1970 . Resist dial and waterproof one word. 9662 last digits of serial number so later. Paid a lot for mine and it is not anyway near your collections condition. Thanks again for the video. Hoping to see a slim willard up for sale in the future would love another one.
Wow! Thats so cool. Thank you and I will put it in the list!!!
Good to see you here, Dan. I just serviced a May 69 6105-8009 with cal 6105A non hacking marked Resist/Resist. Horseshoe case back. This example has the long sweep hand. Not quite the student of history that you are, I thought the Resist/Resist was quite early when I would have figured the watches would be marked Proof. Dial was unmarked in terms of date code but is real and I have seen other 6105 with non date marked dials. Would appreciate any thoughts you might have. When did Seiko transition to the short sweep hand on these? FWIW - There are ardent deniers that transitionals even exist but like you I have worked on a few of these enough so that I believe they do exist like you say. John S
Thanks for the great comment. I think that these watches weren’t marked because Seiko was filling in where they needed dials and they didn’t bother with the conventional process.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing this tidbit of arcana :)
My pleasure!
I was watching one of you recent videos when you mentioned about 7 watches in rotation.
Did I see 8 watches on this one instead?
Great collection tho. and really nice part of history about Seiko.
These are some the 6105-800X divers I have. There are many others stashed away. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!!
I actually adore the slim Willard I have one resist dial and waterproof (one word) back. Dial is the 8009T . Amazing knowledgeable video !
Thanks for watching!! I appreciate the info!
I’m laughing you have 7
Hi great video. Try and find a slim case 6309 7290 diver in good condition. This will be one of the rarest divers Seiko made for the future. It had a very short run before Seiko changed to 7002 movement that coupled with a very unstable choice of lume material means only watches never worn and put in a draw survived there's a reasonable amount of them floating around but hardly any unmodified and good condition. Also rare and valuable are two different things.
This is a savings measure that many manufacturers did in the 50's - 70's. Fender was famous for using whatever was in the bin to use up the pre-manufactured parts before using the latest version. Many "transition" models out there. It would be interesting to find out which was made first, the backs or the dials.
Wow so many beauties ❤
Very cool and very interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I really want a vintage Seiko diver. I have two moders Seikos, and love them.
The vintage ones are great, but be careful and remember to buy the seller, not the watch. It’ll save you a lot of heartache.
to your point if thousands were made and only few are around by definition its rare lol but great vid
Thank you for the comment and for watching! I appreciate it.
Perhaps the rare thing nowadays is to have so many examples in one place. Cheer Dan
Thank you!
hi Dan, great video, i've watched it (pun intended) a few times already and I'm sure i'll watch it some more. I just wanted to add some info about the 'pip' lume in the triangle on the bezels, you can clearly see in the last two examples in your video that one has a shiny orange pip and the other is normal lume. Do you have any info about why they had those 2 different pips? (see ua-cam.com/video/AP2IDbY-psU/v-deo.html)
I have a 'water proof' 6105-8000 from March 1970 based on the serial number with the orange pip, and in your introduction you showed the 62mas with the orange pip. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that. Why did some ship with 'water proof' /'water resist' and the orange pip, versus what looks like normal lume, thanks for reading my comment !
Also, is there any chance you could do a follow up video to address some of the questions/comments in this video ? and focus on the straps too ? that would be awesome. thanks again.
I have 62Mas with small crown but rotating bezel is missing.
I am selling 1500 USD.
Truth in advertising is rare. Yes these watches are unique but probably not rare in the true sense as you have discussed Dan. What we do know about Seiko production back in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s they did mix up parts from different months or year of production an example is the use of the big spline crowns on some of the 7548’s when we know that they used these on the 6306 divers and some early 6309 divers I have two 7548’s with the large spline crown one from 1978 the other from 81 so at times they were using up parts that had been left over from other runs of other model productions. Spencer has also talked about this on some rare pieces that he has come across that other so called experts have said that these were frankinseiko’s. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿
Thanks for the great insights, Bruce!
What is truly rare about these divers is the number and condition of them in one collection many happy to have one let alone seven 😊
Just get one in box of watches for 35$..
Also seiko mas 62 for 100$.
That what me make start to collect them !!
Interesting, but I don't think anything that Seiko did back then was an exact science. These things were really churned out, and given the relatively low price point, I think there's an element of "Mix & Match" to take into consideration. I also suspect that you are overthinking this conundrum, by believing the Seiko assembly line was that specific regarding their mass produced iterations. I think the answer is simple, they had a ton of various
version case backs, which simply differed depending on when they were pressed, and they were simply date stamped once assembled. I'm guessing this practice went on until they literally ran out, at which point they'd settled on, by Seiko standards, something akin to uniformity. So, rarity? Kinda, but as this is Seiko we are talking about, does that actually matter?
I think it matters to those who may have some interest in the minutiae of a brand they enjoy. However, I would say that these are objects, so nothing about them really matters aside from the memories they place with people. So, how much it matters, and to whom, depends on your perspective. Thanks for the great comment!
@@BlairWatchProject I totally agree. I have a couple of 6139 chronographs, I wouldn't part with them. I'm old enough to remember when they first appeared on the market. Back in the UK, where I'm originally from, a 6139 retailed in 1970, for £45.00 RRP. To put that in perspective, at that time the Rolex Submariner was £98.00, a GMT Master £101.00, and a Cosmograph, £123.00. As for a "Willard" the Seiko RRP was £36.00. However, if like myself, you were in the armed forces, and had access to the Far East market, they could be picked up quite easily for half that, hence the fact that so many servicemen owned one. And to be fair, they sure were one hell of a beta!
Awesome information and perspective. Thank you!
@@BlairWatchProject You are indeed most welcome!
Great video Dan - super-informative! Question for you please, I'm looking at an 8000, from July 1968, RESIST Dial and PROOF (two words) back. Is this possible for such an early watch or has something been swapped?
Thanks! Unfortunately, if it’s a Resist dial on a 1968 watch, it’s 100% been replaced at some point.
I believe they are not rare they are just evolve from being a cheap watches of the 60s 70s to become unaffordable prices for today .
Seiko yet never released new affordable good wearable diver so am building it myself 😁😬hopefully its gonna work
6105-8000