Classics from Seiko

Since producing their first wristwatch in 1913, Seiko has went on to release countless models of wristwatches in every category. Dress, diver, aviator; you name it and they have produced it. They are a company loved by WIS all over the world, and I would proudly stand up and declare myself one of them.

All is not rosy for me however, as I have a big gripe with Seiko. They have a uncanny tendency to discontinue the best looking pieces in their collection, long before I can lay my hands on any of them. There must be some guy sitting in a Seiko office rubbing his hands in glee whenever he sees all the people which he has made distraught by discontinuing a particular model.

Besides the exorbitant prices which some of them go for now, they can be hard to find as well, appearing sporadically on eBay and watch forums. One has to be quick-fingered to find the desirable models as you are probably competing with Seiko lovers around the world. Below are the particular models which have made me drop a considerable amount of hair since attaining WISdom.



6105-8000/6105-8009 - The 6105-8000/6105-8009 is the brethren of the 8110/8119, the watch which Martin Sheen wore in the movie Apocalypse Now. I guess I am in the minority as many people prefer the 8110/8119 but I just prefer the symmetrical case shape of this particular version more. It also reminds me of the Ball Engineer Master II Skindiver, which is currently one of my grails. Therefore, I love both. A mint, original 8000/8009 can go for as much as US$1000 at the moment.

6306-7000/6306-7001 - This is the big brother of the 6309-7040/6309-7049. I call it 'big brother' because this version is capable of hacking, whereas the 6309 variants do not hack. Besides that, the physical differences between the 6306 and 6309 are minimal. 6306's are much harder to acquire as they are JDM releases so expect to pay more for a 6306; about US$500 and upwards for an example in mint and original condition.

6138-0040/6138/0049 - Also known as the Bullhead chronograph because of the pushers resembling bull horns, the 6138 come in a two different color schemes. Pictured above is the 0040, while the 0049 variant has a brown dial with yellow subdials. Unfortunately for Seiko lovers everywhere, the cheapest contemporary mechanical chronographs that Seiko offers is probably something from the Ananta collection which isn't affordable at all. Seiko should never have discontinued their affordable mechanical chronographs such as the Bullhead, but who are we to say otherwise?

6139-6032 - Pictured here is a 6139-6032, one of the numerous variants which the 6139 came in. During 1969, there was a race to manufacture the world's first mechanical chronograph and these watches were one of the contenders. The title would ultimately go to the Swiss watch manufacture Zenith, but the 6139 is still a fine watch through and through. Unlike the ETA Valjoux 7750 which is the most commonly seen modern mechanical chronograph, the 6139 used a column wheel chronograph! All that in a watch which would now cost you less than a Valjoux 7750 movement alone. Clearly, Seiko was way ahead of the game even back in the late 60's.

SNA139P1 - Probably the newest watch on this list, and one of the best looking quartz chronographs that Seiko has ever made in my opinion. The hands which resemble those from a Sinn 103 are a very nice throwback to old pilot watches. Oh, and it's discontinued, as expected from Seiko. Based on the 7T62 caliber, this watch features titanium construction.

So that was my list of favorite discontinued Seiko watches! As always, thank you for reading!