Vintage Seiko interest…need some advice

[L.K Johnson]

It all started with my friend who draw my attention to Grand Seikos high finish and recommended me to check them out. Thus far I have only seen pictures of them but they look amazingly well done!

Me being a vintage geek for the most part, just started to dig in to the whole Seiko vintage world and therefore accumulated some questions that I think you guys might be able to help me with:

-Is there big difference in quality and finish between a regular vintage automatic or even a manual Seiko and a vintage Grand Seiko?

-Can you recommend a vintage model that is 36-37mm, all stainless (no chrome cases please) with silver dial in the 300-400 US range (or even cheaper)?

-Anything else to be aware of besides the “regular stuff” when buying vintage Seiko?

Glad for any input…

[Old Expat Beast]

The original Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines ran from the early 1960s to mid 1970s, when they were replaced by Grand Quartz and King Quartz lines. Both GS and KS were of very high quality, with GS just edging out KS in price and quality (though not always the latter, IMO). Both lines had models featuring what is called Zaratsu polishing and some GS models had HSS (or hardened stainless steel) which still looks amazingly sharp today.

In your price range, while you could get a King Seiko not in great shape, I would recommend looking at the Lord Matic or Seikomatic lines, both of which are also excellent quality. These come with time-only, date and day/date options.

This is a good primer for vintage KS and GS buying: https://www.fratellowatches.com/seik...rom-the-1960s/

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The original Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines ran from the early 1960s to mid 1970s, when they were replaced by Grand Quartz and King Quartz lines. Both GS and KS were of very high quality, with GS just edging out KS in price and quality (though not always the latter, IMO). Both lines had models featuring what is called Zaratsu polishing and some GS models had HSS (or hardened stainless steel) which still looks amazingly sharp today.

In your price range, while you could get a King Seiko not in great shape, I would recommend looking at the Lord Matic or Seikomatic lines, both of which are also excellent quality. These come with time-only, date and day/date options.

This is a good primer for vintage KS and GS buying: https://www.fratellowatches.com/seik...rom-the-1960s/

Thanks! Perfect info. This will definitely get me started!

[Old Expat Beast]

You're welcome. There are also some useful links and info in this sticky thread: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=634796

[mongrelnomoad]

Hey, and welcome to the rabbit hole! Vintage King and Grand Seiko are many rungs higher in quality than most vintage Seikos, although there are quite a few esoteric series that rival them (Crown Special, Seikomatic etc).

I’d echo above: that’s a low price for a vintage King or Grand, though you may be able to pick up a decent if not spectacular 56xx King (Suwa, self-winding) for that amount. IMO, far from the most compelling.

I’d search out a good latter Lord Marvel 5740-8000 (Suwa, hand-wound). True Hi Beat, they are plentiful, and tend to run cheaper than the others. The build is ~80% of a King or a Grand, the movement is legendary, parts are plentiful, and they have the coolest name ever. Yes they’re 35mm, but they wear larger.

As always, the advice is to buy the best you can afford BUT remember that many if not most available will have been heavily polished. Try and find one with razor sharp edges, even if they look a little scratched and dented.

[L.K Johnson]

Thanks guys!! Feel amped up to get the hunt started!

[mongrelnomoad]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Thanks guys!! Feel amped up to get the hunt started!

Good luck! Keep us posted how you get along, and enjoy the hunt!

[L.K Johnson]

Pulled the trigger…will post pics once it arrives…

[mongrelnomoad]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Pulled the trigger…will post pics once it arrives…

Congrats! Care to share the reference?

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

Congrats! Care to share the reference?

Will make it a secret until it arrives : )

[L.K Johnson]

It has arrived!!

[DCheeta]

That’s such an awesome choice! I love the weekdater. Congrats, enjoy!

[Moondoggy]

Wow, such a cool watch for the $$. Now I want one.

[Old Expat Beast]

Nice Seikomatic

[1William]

Congratulations.

[mongrelnomoad]

Well dang that’s a gorgeous watch! I love the Seikomatic Weekdaters - massively underrated. Enjoy it in good health… though I have to ask: will it be the last vintage Seiko? ;)

[gnuyork]

Very nice.

I have a Lord Marvel I picked up in the $300-$400 range in good condition (a small gouge on the inner lug), but the dial is in good shape for the age (1965). I think that was a good deal:

[mongrelnomoad]

Speaking of Seikomatics, this Blue Yacht arrived today. A bit of an odd fish, it was produced for a very short time, and features the only (I think) spiral brushed dial and orphan sailboat caseback.

Forgive the socks!

[gnuyork]

^ cool. I've never seen a dial brushed that way. Odd fish indeed, but I like it.

[L.K Johnson]

Thanks guys! I must say that I am stunned and overwhelmed by the quality of this watch! It’s just perfect in all details! Just look at the silver dial color, it’s radiant!

I could never imagine that a Seiko had this level of perfection. I’ll bet you guys that vintage Seiko models like this one will double in value over the next coming years!

This one has A 33 jewel movement that keeps perfect time, a great sharp steel color with great dial composition and is also perfectly balanced in size (37mm) plus has a hefty thickness…it also have an overall solidness that makes it unbeatable in its “class”…when I wear it on my wrist, it feels like I’m wearing a 6-digit Rolex, that’s the level of perfection on this model!

[Wahlberg]

Why do you wear it this high? Doesn't look good and comfortable at all.

[mongrelnomoad]

If you think the Seikomatic’s ‘too good’, do yourself a favour and never, ever, let a Grand Seiko 45 find its way on to your wrist! Lol

[pandrew6l]

Also lot more money too !

[L.K Johnson]

Is this a legit website for Seiko bands? Thinking about adding both a strap and a bracelet in 19mm for the watch…

https://www.watch.co.uk/watch-straps/seiko/