I’m an original owner of a 6309-7049. I bought it at the Navy Exchange in Newport RI, when I graduated Navy OCS. Unbeknownst to me, my late father bought me a Rolex Submariner as a graduation gift….it was that, or a sword! I’ve worn the ‘turtle’ almost daily….and through a follow on career as a federal wildlife law enforcement officer (saving the ‘Sub’ for dressier wear). Testament to the Seiko? Saltwater, freshwater, swamps, desert and mountains…every season. And, it has only been serviced once. Though, I’ve gone through 5 bands! I’m retired now, and I’m thinking a high quality oyster bracelet….maybe one in titanium. That turtle is one great watch….and whoever buys it, will be nothing less than pleased! Great video! One funny thing….once that blue circle wore away on mine, I don’t believe it was “frosted”…..though hell, I sometimes forget “things” these days, let alone what my watch back looked like nearly 40 years ago. Again, great video on a great watch!
Ugh, I wish I'd seen this video before I JUST sent you an email that asks about yellowed lume in a watch from the far east. Now I know! Great video, great channel. Thanks.
Hi Spencer. What do you think of these Steeldive watches? These watches are spot on to the Seiko, but with improvements such as Sapphire crystals, NH35 movements, and what not. I have a Capt. Willard, a 300 tuna can, and 1000m tuna emperor, and a 300m marine master. Outstanding watches. What's your opinion on these NH35s? Thanks
I have an original 6309 7049. It's been in my drawer for over 10 years. I want to get it serviced and use as a daily wear. How do I send it to you for service?
What's the average cost of a 6309..there's a guy on eBay UK with 20+ of them all similar age and price £25(40 dollars) definitely a dealer..Really enjoy your vids ..cheers
Spencer, just spent the last couple hours watching many of your great videos about the 6309-7049... so I just took my fathers vintage 1978, Seiko 6309-7049 out of my sock drawer and after setting the time for the first time in about 20 years, I think I broke the movement as the second hand is now spinning at a rate of one full rotation in just a few seconds.. it’s spinning out of control. I’m pretty sure it has never been serviced. Is this a lost cause or can it be repaired into working order again?
I have a ‘79 6309 7049 very similar but the lume is grey. Good shape. I was told the crystal couldn’t be polished. I’d just have to replace it if I wanted to clean it up. Looks like you got this one clean?
I replaced the crystal. I always do, for the most part. The crystals can't be polished unless you have a lens grinder. They're tempered mineral crystal. No polish will do anything except maybe fog the surface a bit.
Hi, Great video! My Seiko 6309 7049 screw down crown when I turn tighten it gets somewhat tight but you can keep screwing it and it won't get lock tight, what can I do?
Hey I'm looking through eBay to purchase a Seiko 6309-7049 with patina. The bezel insert has faded to a dark blue, I've seen this on some pieces and I'm wondering if that would be considered normal for this piece? By the way, it was produced in January of 1982.
The inserts are sometimes a blue, and the thinking is that these were made by Daini to help out with parts demands, helping out Suwa. Just a theory. But I'd need to see the actual listing or a photograph to know if the insert is genuine.
Thanks for the quick reply, here's the listing. I know it may look super beat up but I like that look on the turtle. www.ebay.com/itm/122295801826?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I have never personally seen a case refinish that I can't spot. There is always something wrong. Unless the case is seriously damaged, I'd leave it be as a refinish will almost always drop the value. No matter what, I don't do casework. All I do is clean.
The only person I knew who did work worthy of investing in died in June 2014. I am working now with a retired machinist & engineer to see if he can produce decent work, but I have a very high threshold on what "decent" is. So at this time, no leads.
We must have some different ideas about climate and weather..... I have been in 39 US States... and NONE (no-one !) had a normal climate ! It's a vast country and you have everything from deserts , to wet-lands to swamps to freeing cold places ! Any idea how much oceanic coast the US has? (just shy of a 100 000 miles) And somehow you believe that US watches get a better deal climate-wise? Odd way of thinking... Paddy
I got a FrankenSeiko "Scubapro" from Philippines (The watch mecca for officers and enlisted on leave from Vietnam in the late 60's-early 70's. No, I was not one of those. I wasn't born). I got it for about $90 with shipping (Ebay) and it worked for awhile. Finally I have gotten it working consistently and I love it. Trivia: Martin Sheen's character (accurately) wore a similar Seiko (albeit his was a "turtle") in "Apocalypse Now." The watch was accurate, affordable and tough as nails and a popular watch with infantry during the war.
