I’m going to be honest, at one point I only ever wanted Swiss timepieces.
I always had respect towards Seiko though, for various reasons. They’re heritage is rooted in durability, accessibility, and pride. The achievements of the brand far outweigh most Swiss houses - hell they almost put AP out of business.
I’m sure we all remember the watch that got us into the culture. Willing to bet that for the majority of us, it was a Seiko. For me, I owned multiple SKX models and ‘Turtles’ early on in my collecting days.
One thing led to another, I was bit by the vintage bug, and needless to say, Seiko was put on the backburner.
Now, I’ve returned to these roots after years of being on my knees for the Swiss, and I’ve gotta say, it’s liberating.
My many-month-foray into Seiko started with this barn find…
For years I’ve lusted after the 6105 OG ‘Captain Willard’ diver. Its design is so unapologetically Seiko, one that explains its history of exploration, combat, and adventure. It’s rooted in pop culture, yet remains a capable timepiece; a moniker reserved only for the true icons of the watch world.
Too many times I passed up on PRISTINE examples because I thought they wouldn’t fit my baby wrist. I, however, made the leap to 44.
Just like most collectors say a 34mm oyster wears much larger, a 44mm Seiko 6105 wears better than you’d expect especially considering the short L2L measurement.
It’s interesting, sharp examples of these vintage Seikos never last long on the market. The cult-like collecting base scoops them up quick, and for good reason. They feel like exceptional timepieces, check so many boxes, and do so within a budget friendly bracket (considering prices of other prominent divers).
A beautiful Willard curated by my friend over at Watchable
Seiko Club
That brings me to one of the strongest arguments for Seiko, and one of the reasons I switched my interests to the brand. When you buy/wear a Seiko, there’s an immense sense of satisfaction.
The Seiko community is so strong in its enthusiasm and camaraderie. Pristine vintage Seikos never last long on the market, simply because there’s a high demand within the tight-knit Seiko fanbase.
When you wear a Seiko, and see someone else with one, you feel apart of that Seiko club. Perhaps you’re wearing a 62MAS, and they have a little Seiko 5, both equally as venerable. You feel more immersed in the hobby when you share in your love for a brand with others. Seiko, because of their accessibility and availability, allow you to do that on a pretty regular basis.
Seiko collecting is one of the driving forces behind watch culture, and even if you’re not a fan of the brand, you’re still forced to recognize them, even commend them on their achievements.
I know guys that have Daytonas, who wear their SKX on the regular, and if that doesn’t say something then I don’t know what will.
Seiko in Pop Culture
People who make a case for Cartier often rely on the fact that the Tank or Santos are pop culture icons. Found on Warhol’s wrist and Ali’s alike.
Perhaps this ‘icon’ status extends to watches like the Submariner as well - no, I’m not gonna bore you by taking about the Sub, just wanted to raise that point.
Seiko is no different, especially with their 6105 and 6217 lines. They’ve been seen on some prominent wrists, and for good reason.
Captain Willard, Uemura, and even Mick
It’s a cool little aspect about the Seiko brand - how often they’re spotted being worn by those who aren’t enthusiasts per se, but love their designs. Again, this harks back to the wearability and versatility of Seiko that exists especially within their dive line.
Recognizing Seiko’s history in the public eye is crucial when mapping what direction the brand will go.
Talking icons and the 6105 specifically, this watch icon served as the inspiration behind one of Seikos most prolific releases in recent.
SLA033 has entered the chat.
A recreation of the vintage OG model, it stays true to the original dial format, and even includes the “LOCK” notation on the crown.
This watch has everything from a high beat movement to Zaratsu polishing.
Releasing a ‘luxury’ option to a classic and capable sports watch is a page out of the Rolex playbook. I find it exciting that Seiko both flexed their manufacturing guns, and paid tribute to a legendary design.
Honestly, I plan on publishing an article on this piece soon, so I don’t wanna go into too much detail, but let’s just say that this Seiko is an indication of where the brand is headed, and that’s pretty exciting.
My Love of Seiko
^^^The purpose of this article.
I wanted to make a foundational piece describing my foray into vintage Seiko, and discuss my appreciation of the brand. They’re up to some great things, and I feel vintage Seiko collecting deserves a spotlight.
Subsequent Seiko articles are on the way, but always feel free to refer back to this one for a baseline of Seiko appreciation.