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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2013 10:33:34 GMT -8
Normally I refrain from authoring these types of threads...there are tons of 6309 purchases each week globally....it's a great representation of classic diver's watch history so they remain popular to say the least. A few nights ago I was doing my normal ebay thing and stumbled across a new auction with a low buy it now price and sketchy seller photos. However, the poor photos did reveal that the watch was a 6309-7049 and I also noticed that the original box was included in the sale. In short, I quickly took a chance...At the very worst I would have another restoration project, but since hope springs eternal in my blood.....I felt the watch had potential to be something much more special. Feeling guilty for purchasing another 6309, I was experiencing a bit of buyer's remorse on top of the anxiety of not knowing what I had really purchased. My wife and both my daughters were supportive and hatched an idea between themselves to cover the cost of the watch as a Father's day gift. A great gift as you will find out in further reading...
the sellers photos.
Flash forward to today, the usps site informed me that the package was due to be delivered so I left work during lunch and meet my postman at my residence. He's more than understanding of my hobby and he actually owns several pieces that I custom built. Needless to say, when he saw that I had a package he called me to arrange a meeting time during my lunch hour.
We have all heard and seen the mythical mint 6309-704x that resided quietly in some drawer for decades only to be found. I've never been that lucky with these. I've had a couple nice ones over the years but never anything close to mint condition let alone NOS, which is almost like winning the lottery. Today, My luck changed tremendously and I was'nt prepared for what came into view when I carefully opened the box. Please bear with me here because my hands are still shaking with excitement
The watch arrived with both the Seiko factory inner and outer display boxes that are about 95%. Upon opening the inner display box I was immeadiately caught off guard by the watch's condition...It's absolutely Mint! easily would rate 95%-97% condition.....just amazing condition
I went over a mental & visual checklist of different points on the watch... It started right up the moment that I laid my hand on it. The factory insert is 100% perfect, The original dial and hands are gorgeous with a snowy white lume color and vibrant red " water resist" text. The caselines are all perfect and crisp. the factory brushing is mint with just a couple extremely light marks on the outer lugs. The caseback is absolutely amazing, the frosted Tsunami logo looks fresh and untouched. The only evidence of wear/age is a small hairline scratch on the crystal and the original GL831 strap is brittle from age. I do happen to have another GL831 in nice condition as a replacement for the right watch. The plan of attack with this one will be maintainance. it's only going to see a ultrasonic case cleaning and a new set of gaskets. I'm actually scared to own such a nice piece....pure collector grade at its very finest. I'm super stoked to own it
Here are a few Quick and Dirties to hold over until I have a chance to start the cleaning process in the coming days.
Best, Shawn
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Post by Groundhog66 on Jun 17, 2013 10:39:41 GMT -8
WOW, fantastic score indeed surprised-scream-smiley-emoticon
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sdoocms
Is a Permanent Fixture
Carl
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Post by sdoocms on Jun 17, 2013 10:40:16 GMT -8
WOW!!! What a fantastic find!! woohoo-dancing-banana-smiley-emoticon
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scubarob99
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Just bought a 6309-7049...this is the last one, I promise.
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Post by scubarob99 on Jun 17, 2013 11:02:26 GMT -8
Good for you! Congrats on a great score!
Rob.
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Post by DAHASCO on Jun 17, 2013 11:07:02 GMT -8
Very Nice Indeed yes1.gif
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Post by timewatcher on Jun 17, 2013 11:27:42 GMT -8
AWESOME score!!! thunbsup.gif May I be so bold as to ask: What was considered a low BIN price? I know that's probably rude of me to ask so an answer isnt really necessary so forgive me for being out of line.
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scubarob99
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Just bought a 6309-7049...this is the last one, I promise.
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Post by scubarob99 on Jun 17, 2013 11:53:10 GMT -8
I'm thinking in the $500 range...
Rob.
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Post by seikoholic on Jun 17, 2013 11:55:10 GMT -8
It's even got the "ring"-style bezel... my favorite of the two. What a fantastic watch, what a great Buy It Now - one of the best. Easily worth triple what you paid, possibly more.
Make sure to add post-ultrasonic pictures.
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scubarob99
Moderator
Just bought a 6309-7049...this is the last one, I promise.
Posts: 3,698
Member is Online
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Post by scubarob99 on Jun 17, 2013 12:07:14 GMT -8
OMG!! just found it! I recall seeing it ...passed , because it was listed as a 7290, damn my eyes!!!! suicide
Rob.
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Post by 69ChevelleSS on Jun 17, 2013 12:16:16 GMT -8
That's a real purdy one Shawn! Congrats!
WOW . . . . I just found it too . . . what a steal! I'd go play lotto tonight if I were you!
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Post by funkster on Jun 17, 2013 12:35:35 GMT -8
What a sweet find! huge congrats - now just make sure you hold on to this one! That's a sure keeper!
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Post by lucilinburhuc on Jun 17, 2013 13:01:32 GMT -8
Exactly the way I like to receive them Shawn, very well done dj1.gif Enjoy your fathers day gift Ron
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Post by daveswordfish on Jun 17, 2013 13:33:25 GMT -8
Awesome Shawn...what a great grab. You are right, lots of 6309's trading hands every week, but not so many that are all original in great shape. Cheers!
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Post by kingrat on Jun 17, 2013 13:46:00 GMT -8
Shawn that 6309 is frikkin hot
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2013 14:02:54 GMT -8
Thanks Guys! I'm humbled by your great comments. They're much appreciated.
After owning and handled over a hundred 6309 divers over the years i've never been so pleased with a watch straight out the mail. She's definitely going to be a keeper. I've just ordered my gasket set, so look for post cleanup photos in couple days.
Best Shawn
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Post by seikoholic on Jun 17, 2013 14:20:49 GMT -8
It's interesting because my quasi-minty 6309 has the same really dark maroon text instead of the more prominent red/orange. I thought my piece was weird or aged.. until I saw yours.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2013 14:23:45 GMT -8
Spencer,
i saw that as well....if you don't mind me asking. What is the production date of yours? Mine is December '79 and I'm wondering if the rotating ring variants and dial script coloring is an indicator of certain production ranges.
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Post by seikoholic on Jun 17, 2013 14:28:16 GMT -8
Spencer, i saw that as well....if you don't mind me asking. What is the production date of yours? Mine is December '79 and I'm wondering if the rotating ring variants and dial script coloring is an indicator of certain production ranges. July '78, "ring"-type bezel.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2013 14:31:20 GMT -8
Did yours also have the stainless shim under your insert?
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Post by seikoholic on Jun 17, 2013 14:34:21 GMT -8
Did yours also have the stainless shim under your insert? I just checked and yes! The only thing that was weird about this watch was that it had a wire retainer instead a rubber o-ring. I have an o-ring in now, but it doesn't hold particularly well.
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