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Post by Tegger on May 25, 2015 17:23:45 GMT -8
There's an auction I'm interested in where the bracelet (and the rest of the watch) is purported to be original. The watch is a '70s high-end quartz, and the seller is asking quite a lot of money.
The seller has been very upfront about what he's seeing on the watch, and at my request has provided several photos of the bracelet. The bracelet looks the correct style for the age of the watch, but...the problem is, there are NO markings of ANY kind on the bracelet, its end-links, or any part of its clasp. This makes me suspect that the bracelet is aftermarket.
Have any of you ever seen an original '70s Seiko HEQ bracelet with zero markings of any sort?
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Adrian-VTA
Global Moderator
Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 5,327 
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Post by Adrian-VTA on May 25, 2015 20:17:36 GMT -8
I'd need to see it but SEIKO didn't mark all of their bracelets with a code, so I wouldn't be too surprised.
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cobrajet25
Needs a Life!
"Underweared curmudgeon!"
Posts: 3,357
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Post by cobrajet25 on May 25, 2015 20:36:30 GMT -8
I think I know the watch you are talking about. I came to the conclusion that the bracelet may be original, but the clasp/buckle probably aren't.
I have that model, or something close, in near NOS condition. I'd have to dig it out and check it.
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Post by Tegger on May 26, 2015 3:26:20 GMT -8
I think I know the watch you are talking about. I came to the conclusion that the bracelet may be original, but the clasp/buckle probably aren't. I have that model, or something close, in near NOS condition. I'd have to dig it out and check it. I didn't want to post the live auction because I know that's against the rules. The asking price is $650, if that helps you find it. I'm also concerned about the "mirror finish" on the bracelet. Not too many Seikos I've seen have that. If I'm going to spend $650+, I want all-original for sure. |
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Post by Tegger on May 26, 2015 3:27:57 GMT -8
SEIKO didn't mark all of their bracelets with a code. But surely they put some kind of markings? Something like "All stainless steel", "Japan", something like that? |
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cobrajet25
Needs a Life!
"Underweared curmudgeon!"
Posts: 3,357
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Post by cobrajet25 on May 26, 2015 4:48:47 GMT -8
In looking again, I am pretty sure this bracelet is aftermarket. The watch it is on was the absolute top-of-the-range in 1977, and the bracelet is nowhere near up to snuff.
It is possible that the watch originally came on a strap, and the strap may have been replaced fairly early on. I'd say the bracelet is definitely vintage, but not original.
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Mr.Jones
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Hamburg, Germany
Posts: 4,679
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Post by Mr.Jones on May 26, 2015 6:02:50 GMT -8
I'd also say this bracelet is not original to the watch. But boy, what a beauty she is!
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HiBeat
Global Moderator
SEIKO Iko Iko GDTRWS
Posts: 8,673
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Post by HiBeat on May 26, 2015 7:35:10 GMT -8
Most definitely an aftermarket bracelet.
Those originals rarely survive
That is one nice watch. My 9943 is only half as accurate at +/- 10 sec/year !
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Post by Tegger on May 26, 2015 9:47:00 GMT -8
Thanks, guys. I'm think going to pass on this one too.
The watch is a real beauty, but if I'm going to spend upwards of $650, I want complete originality.
Oh well. My search continues...
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