NOS! Birthday Watch May 1981! Seiko 6309-7040 Turtle 4th Generation Diver's SUWA 17J Automatic Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY

Type: Automatic
Model: Seiko Turtle SUWA
Year of Production: May 1981
Movement: New Old Stock (NOS) 6309A
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Button Indices and Diver / Syringe Hands
Width: 44mm
Height (Lug to Lug): 46mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Strap: Brand-New Aftermarket Seiko Silicon Strap with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 6309 movement made its debut in 1976 and lasted until 1988.

This movement was extremely successful and was used in numerous vintage models including this famous 6309-7040 4th generation diver's watch that became affectionately known as the "Turtle."

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko 6309-7040 Turtle SUWA in near-mint condition.

This classic 6309-7040 Automatic has a well preserved matt black dial, hands, and date/day window that underwent a good clean-up thus revealing minimal signs of aging. The lumens and hands are well preserved but only the hand lumens are operable.

The classic cylindrical shaped silver case was buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present. The original mineral glass was also buffed and is in very good condition albeit minor scratches present. The Bezel Insert was replaced with a brand new original Seiko Insert. The original bezel insert will be provided as part of the deal should the buyer wish to switch it back.

The crown is located at its traditional 4H position and tucked away nicely between crown guards located north and south of the crown to prevent damage or snags, yet easily accessible.

The Hands and Day/Date adjustments are via the traditional method of pulling the uncorked crown to the first and second level for date and time adjustment respectively.

The Day is in English and Spanish, cool!

An actual New Old Stock (NOS) 6309A movement was dropped in to replace the current movement. Even though the movement is an NOS, it was nonetheless carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 20 August 2023; hence it underwent an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least. In fact, since its movement is brand new, it can last another lifetime!

Equipped with the famous 6309 workhorse movement, it has 17 jewels and operate at 21,600 beats an hour giving it uncanny accuracy! The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 232 with a relatively straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking expert calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 43.5mm and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 22mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, the watch size is suitable for men and the modern women.

All seals and gaskets HAVE BEEN REPLACED. However, due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

A brand new OEM Seiko Wave Strap is provided, and is extremely comfortable to wear. The Buyer has the option to choose a different design and colour silicon strap from my array of straps should he / she wishes to do so.

Everything within the case including the crown is 100% original Seiko components thereby it is considered in mint condition.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in immaculate condition (no dents and major scratches), and the NOS movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so an aftermarket box / pouch will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same models in the market, BUT none are as well kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in May 1981. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cared and cherished for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate, and S$ 80.00 to polish the entire watch, AND S$ 350.00 (thereabouts) for a Seiko original 6309A NOS movement - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko Turtle 6309-7040 Diver's with NOS movement that took the diving world by storm when first introduced; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan or a serious watch collector!