Seiko Turtle watch 6306-7001 automatic Vintage Diver 1977

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Seiko 6306-7001
Movement : 6306
Age : Dec 1977
Case Size : 43mm
Case Thickness : 14mm
Lug to Lug : 45mm
Lugs : 22mm
Condition : used Seiko dive watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with some wear from use
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
• English and Kanji day wheel
• Seikosis replacement crystal
• Fully serviced movement - barrel arbor jewel upgrade
  
• Paired with an unworn original DAL0BP Seiko strap (with original Seiko strap package)

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store, in 1892 Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch and 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured, and Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956 Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house-made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch, the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217 which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.

Here we have a 1977 Seiko JDM Turtle Automatic 6306-7001, the case is brushed around the top while the sides are polished and a lug-to-lug length of 45mm and a case thickness of 13mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. Seiko executes wrist ergonomics to perfection for a comfortable fit. At 4 o’clock a large screw-down crown, a bi-directional 60-click bezel has a black matte aluminium dive insert, around its edge, you have 2 rows of knurling for extra grip. A flat recessed Seiko Hardlex crystal protects a black dial, large lumed indexes mark the hours and at 3 o’clock a Kanji day/date window. Text on the dial is Seiko Automatic at 12 and Water 150 Resistant above the 6, The Suwa stylised S is just under this, it was used on the dial from 1976 to 1980. The hour hand is a broad syringe hand with a lume infill and the minute hand is a broad arrow again with a lume infill, the second hand has a large lollipop. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with Tsunami waves is embossed in the centre, inside an Automatic Seiko Cal. 6306, 21 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour and this Japan domestic market (JDM) movement has hacking for your convenience. The watch comes fitted on a 22mm strap.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Seiko Turtle is one of the most iconic Seiko watches, for me the "Captain Willard" 6105-8110 is the grail of this range of watches by Seiko, but this 6306-7001 offers huge value in comparison. The upgraded jewels are designed to solve the notorious barrel arbor wear issue that is common across the most popular SEIKO 61 and 63 series movements. The barrel arbor first wears an oval hole in the main movement plate, which tilts the barrel and wears an oval hole in the top. This causes the circumference of the barrel to touch the plates and the 4th wheel stopping/hindering the movement. So this is now ready for you to take on into the future.