How come so many "vintage" Seikos come from Phillipines?

[Cabernet]

Why is it that so many vintage Seikos like the Turtle 6309 are offered from the Philipines? Did they really sell a lot there, or might that be the hub for knock-offs? Wondering...

[utc66]

I've noticed that as well. Also why do so many WW2 era watches come from the Ukraine?

[TheBluePrince]

Originally Posted by utc66

I've noticed that as well. Also why do so many WW2 era watches come from the Ukraine?

Ukraine is the centre of the Euro vintage franken watch industry. A lot of junk coming out of there now.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by Cabernet

Why is it that so many vintage Seikos like the Turtle 6309 are offered from the Philipines? Did they really sell a lot there, or might that be the hub for knock-offs? Wondering...

just guessing...accessibility & affordable prices? while Seikos make very good watches, they will never be in the same league as their European counterparts.

it's kind of like comparing a vintage Mercedes Benz /Porsche to a 'vintage' Toyota/Nissan/Honda...if there even is such a thing.

[427_Monster]

Originally Posted by ref1655

just guessing...accessibility & affordable prices? while Seikos make very good watches, they will never be in the same league as their European counterparts.

it's kind of like comparing a vintage Mercedes Benz /Porsche to a 'vintage' Toyota/Nissan/Honda...if there even is such a thing.

[Cabernet]

You're missing the point 1655. I appreciate watches of different types, and have also owned cars in both categories.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by ref1655

just guessing...accessibility & affordable prices? while Seikos make very good watches, they will never be in the same league as their European counterparts.

it's kind of like comparing a vintage Mercedes Benz /Porsche to a 'vintage' Toyota/Nissan/Honda...if there even is such a thing.

You need to bone up on your Seiko knowledge.

Car analogies are never very accurate, but yours are way off the mark.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

You need to bone up on your Seiko knowledge.

Car analogies are never very accurate, but yours are way off the mark.

I was wondering about this, too.

Before I go any further, my knowledge of watches can be written on the back of a postage stamp and still leave enough room for the Lord's Prayer. However, I thought Grand Seiko were pretty fine watches that could give some Swiss pieces a run for their money.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I was wondering about this, too.

Before I go any further, my knowledge of watches can be written on the back of a postage stamp and still leave enough room for the Lord's Prayer. However, I thought Grand Seiko were pretty fine watches that could give some Swiss pieces a run for their money.

Peter has written some fine posts about Seiko in competition with Swiss watches back in the days before COSC.

To put it politely, Seiko cleaned their clocks.

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[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Cabernet

You're missing the point 1655. I appreciate watches of different types, and have also owned cars in both categories.

ps. huge respect for vintage Seiko here.

[Dr. Robert]

A lot of Seikos are sold globally, probably a lot sold in The P.I. The Seiko is built to last, there are watchmakers in the P.I. to refurbish, & voila they're sold on EBay!

[bdex75]

That article on Hodinkee has me thinking about a turtle. I like the blue and red version. But yes, it seems a lot of them seem to be in the Philippines. It is a little unnerving when looking to buy.

As everyone says, buy the seller, I guess.




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[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by bdex75

That article on Hodinkee has me thinking about a turtle. I like the blue and red version. But yes, it seems a lot of them seem to be in the Philippines. It is a little unnerving when looking to buy.

As everyone says, buy the seller, I guess.




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check out SeikoCitizen forum, or the Seiko section in WUS lotsa info.

[WristEnvy]

Probably doesn't mean anything, but maybe proximity? Japan is a few hours flight away from P.I. Like what I said, probably doesn't mean anything.

Yeah i've considered a few Grand Seiko's, but just haven't pulled the trigger because a nice pre-owned Rolex or new Tudor could be had for the same money.

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

You need to bone up on your Seiko knowledge.

Car analogies are never very accurate, but yours are way off the mark.

x2

[bungcarlo]

Philippines was invaded by Japan during ww2. And scavenging belongings from a deceased enemy soldier is usually the case. Tasteless but could be one of the many reasons. And Seiko and Citizen is people's choice of watch in the Philippines. Owning a Seiko is like owning a Rolex in a different level.

[ref1655]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

You need to bone up on your Seiko knowledge. Car analogies are never very accurate, but yours are way off the mark.

first & foremost, I am not denigrating Seiko watches or their heritage/design. back in the late 60s, I owned one (a lower-end automatic Model 5) & it was both sturdy & reliable.

I first became acquainted with this Seiko 'turtle' a few weekends ago when an acquaintance & I were hanging out in Santa Cruz. he was looking for a replacement watch to go surfing with & showed me his old Seiko turtle which was in need of a complete overhaul. he decided to opt for a new Seiko 007 citing that it was more cost-effective buying a new one rather than periodically spending $300+ servicing an older, mass-produced model that was worth around $400-$500 but probably wouldn't appreciate much in value over the years.

incidentally, he drives an older Honda Accord & used a similar analogy...that unlike a potentially vintage German-made passenger car, chances are his Honda wouldn't ever achieve that kind of status & so like most other affordable/replaceable commodites, he opted for a new Seiko.

[themaninblack]

Originally Posted by Cabernet

Why is it that so many vintage Seikos like the Turtle 6309 are offered from the Philipines? Did they really sell a lot there, or might that be the hub for knock-offs? Wondering...

Apocalypse Now filming surplus. The 6105's all belonged to Martin Sheen!

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by FTX I

ps. huge respect for vintage Seiko here.

Me too I still have a 6139 from 74. Nice collection

[linesiders]

If you want a solid auto for 100 bucks a Seiko is the one to get. I would argue a 200$ Seiko monster is a better dive/swim watch that a 7k sub - forget about dollar value.

Millions of Timex were sold in the USA, maybe the same is the Seiko in PI. And is what the average PI could afford. Plus more than a few were sold to US mil folks when the bases were there

Originally Posted by bungcarlo

Philippines was invaded by Japan during ww2. And scavenging belongings from a deceased enemy soldier is usually the case. Tasteless but could be one of the many reasons. And Seiko and Citizen is people's choice of watch in the Philippines. Owning a Seiko is like owning a Rolex in a different level.

Did they invade in the 80s too ;) ?

[MILGAUSS88]

Seiko produces alot of their watch line in the Philippines.
I believe the majority of the lower end is made there now.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Me too I still have a 6139 from 74. Nice collection

Thanks Paul

[ronin_ph]

Originally Posted by ref1655

just guessing...accessibility & affordable prices? while Seikos make very good watches, they will never be in the same league as their European counterparts.



it's kind of like comparing a vintage Mercedes Benz /Porsche to a 'vintage' Toyota/Nissan/Honda...if there even is such a thing.

He's not that far off actually. I live in PH and also infer the issue to be one of economics. The gdp is $3,000 here. People buy what they can afford. Hence, not limited to vintage, Seiko, Orient, etc are very popular here.

Regarding cars in terms of enthusiasts/ collectors, older Japanese models are very prevalent here




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[DCgator]

My very first watch was a Seiko auto movt I received when I was 11 y/o. It was a fine watch and very durable.

A couple of months ago I gave my youngest son a Cal 762S Seiko diver (Pepsi, Made in Japan) that I bought in the KSA in the late 90s. As it were I started to miss the beater watch. Next thing I know I had ordered Japan made Prospex Turtle dive watch and I am a happy camper. Seiko divevwatches are unbeatable as far as price, durability, accuracy, and service. I sent the 762S to Tokyo last year for service at a local Seiko AD. Service was $81.00 and $23 registered air mail to Tokyo which included $500 insurance. Eight weeks later my watch arrived and FWIW that was a great deal as far as I'm concerned.

[Rolex addict]

I've got a buddy that used to work at my local AD, but ventured out on his own and started a vintage watch business. He does a lot with Seiko. I don't want to break any rules here and advertise his business, but will gladly PM anyone interested. He's a good, honest guy to deal with.

[BigAl72]

Originally Posted by bdex75

That article on Hodinkee has me thinking about a turtle. I like the blue and red version. But yes, it seems a lot of them seem to be in the Philippines. It is a little unnerving when looking to buy.

As everyone says, buy the seller, I guess.




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[BigAl72]

Originally Posted by WristEnvy

Probably doesn't mean anything, but maybe proximity? Japan is a few hours flight away from P.I. Like what I said, probably doesn't mean anything.

Yeah i've considered a few Grand Seiko's, but just haven't pulled the trigger because a nice pre-owned Rolex or new Tudor could be had for the same money.

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[J!m]

I've turned into a bit of a Seiko fan boy myself. I always respected them but always ended up buying something else.. then I got an SKX007J and it's great. It's one of those watches that when you whack a door frame, you are more concerned about the doorframe than the watch, which is fine.

[incontrol]

I really love Seiko watches. I currently own 4, one of them is a GS. I bought my son two Seiko watches and he really likes to wear them. Not one of the six has ever given us one issue.


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[BigAl72]

Seikos and GSs are a great value.

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