Which Dive Seiko to wear as a daily watch ?

[sgoody1]

This might sound an odd question (and a bit of a ramble) - I have got a bit of a Seiko bug, and been buying a number of vintage Dive Seikos (amongst other watches).

The collection now includes 2 x 7548-7000s, and 7002s, and 2 x 6309 7040s and a 7548-7009 - I love the vintage look of all of them - but cant really wear them as a regular watch, not least because I wouldn't want to take them near water!

I also have a SKX009J 7S26-0020 - which I currently wear as my daily choice.

However, the other day, I spotted a Prospex SBDC061 which looked pretty cool - and far more substantial than the SKX.

And that got me thinking - if I wanted to upgrade the SKX to something a bit better as my regular watch, that has something special about it, that is very wearable, and good for water - what should it be?  I don't mind it being pre-owned - in fact would prefer it, if that gives access to the watch that suits me at a more reasonable price.

In a brochure from Seiya, I also liked the look of the SBDC051 and the SBDY015.

There is also the SLA025 , the SLA017, SPB015

And the MarineMaster MM300 SBDX017

I clearly haven't reviewed pricing at this stage, or ease of access and availability.  Budget wise, I am not too sure - but I do like to have something a bit special, and don't mind a bit of a hunt to get the right one.  And I may thin down the collection to afford one nice daily watch.

I hope I haven't rambled too much - if anyone can advise on what to go for, and why, that would be much appreciated.

Or you may just think I should stick with the SKX - its still a great watch.

[Henry]

Just about everyone will be able to help you with this question.. But nobody will really HELP you.. They are all good options in one way or another..

Yes it's a frustrating answer I know but take the time to watch some vids read some reviews and buy the one YOU like best..

Then enjoy the s##t out of it..

[rossr]

I think that you should get one of the 6309 pieces serviced and usable for swimming. Screw down crown and all. That's what I'm doing anyway.

[devmartin]

The sbdy015 is my everyday watch never intended it to be but it just never really comes off until the weekend. Cheap enough that you never have to worry about it. Cant comment on the others sadly. Good luck

[cobrajet25]

Jul 28, 2019 18:07:11 GMT -8 rossr said:

I think that you should get one of the 6309 pieces serviced and usable for swimming. Screw down crown and all. That's what I'm doing anyway.

New gaskets in any of the old timers will do ya. A vintage watch with new gaskets will be just as water tight as it was when new if there are no corrosion issues and the gaskets are installed properly.

Hell, I get my 6139s wet, which is pretty much considered blasphemy here.

As far as which new diver to get..well, that is just a matter of taste. None of 'em are gonna leak!

[bradurani]

Well, you've named watches here ranging from $700 to $5,400. That's a pretty big range in price!

I will say this: The SBDC051 is a big step up in build quality from the SKXs. It's constructed much better, it's heavier, has crisper lines, tighter tolerances, and just feels like a much nicer watch. You can also manual wind it if you need to, and the crystal is sapphire instead of hardlex

[Rod]

My daily wearer...bought it on special and have worn it most days since then,

[saul]

Jul 28, 2019 20:31:39 GMT -8 cobrajet25 said:

Hell, I get my 6139s wet, which is pretty much considered blasphemy here.

(Clutches pearls in horror!).  Whenever I mount my golden dialed 6139-6005 on a dive strap I am overcome with a desire to take it swimming.  There is small angel on my shoulder that looks like Jonathan who is screaming in my ear not to.  And so I don't.  But I think about it...

[cobrajet25]

Jul 29, 2019 3:29:37 GMT -8 saul said:

Jul 28, 2019 20:31:39 GMT -8 cobrajet25 said:

Hell, I get my 6139s wet, which is pretty much considered blasphemy here.

(Clutches pearls in horror!).  Whenever I mount my golden dialed 6139-6005 on a dive strap I am overcome with a desire to take it swimming.  There is small angel on my shoulder that looks like Jonathan who is screaming in my ear not to.  And so I don't.  But I think about it...

Lol, the questionable wisdom of swimming with 6139s was one of the things ol' Swedefreak and I never really agreed on!

"Just buy a freakin' SKX, Aaron!  Keep the 6139s dry!"

"The 6139 is a sports watch, Swede.  They are designed to get wet!"

One thing to remember, in my defense, is that they were $100 watches at the time!   I would still get a resealed 6139 wet today, but I might think twice given what they go for now.  I got dozens of them wet over the years, and I only ever had one leak on me.  Weird thing was I could never figure out why that watch leaked!  I replaced the gaskets 2-3 times, as well as other parts, and I could never get it to seal up. 

[rossr]

Jul 29, 2019 5:15:04 GMT -8 cobrajet25 said:

Jul 29, 2019 3:29:37 GMT -8 saul said:

(Clutches pearls in horror!).  Whenever I mount my golden dialed 6139-6005 on a dive strap I am overcome with a desire to take it swimming.  There is small angel on my shoulder that looks like Jonathan who is screaming in my ear not to.  And so I don't.  But I think about it...

Lol, the questionable wisdom of swimming with 6139s was one of the things ol' Swedefreak and I never really agreed on!

"Just buy a freakin' SKX, Aaron!  Keep the 6139s dry!"

"The 6139 is a sports watch, Swede.  They are designed to get wet!"

One thing to remember, in my defense, is that they were $100 watches at the time!   I would still get a resealed 6139 wet today, but I might think twice given what they go for now.  I got dozens of them wet over the years, and I only ever had one leak on me.  Weird thing was I could never figure out why that watch leaked!  I replaced the gaskets 2-3 times, as well as other parts, and I could never get it to seal up. 

It probably leaked because you took it beyond its 70m rated depth.

[earthphase]

New green Sumo won't stop singing to me - starting to piss me off.

[sgoody1]

Jul 28, 2019 23:09:01 GMT -8 Rod said:

My daily wearer...bought it on special and have worn it most days since then,

Which reference is that one Rod?

Thanks Rod - which reference is that one?  And how much are they likely to be, from where?

[sgoody1]

Jul 28, 2019 20:31:39 GMT -8 cobrajet25 said:

Jul 28, 2019 18:07:11 GMT -8 rossr said:

I think that you should get one of the 6309 pieces serviced and usable for swimming. Screw down crown and all. That's what I'm doing anyway.

New gaskets in any of the old timers will do ya. A vintage watch with new gaskets will be just as water tight as it was when new if there are no corrosion issues and the gaskets are installed properly.

Hell, I get my 6139s wet, which is pretty much considered blasphemy here.

As far as which new diver to get..well, that is just a matter of taste. None of 'em are gonna leak!

I think that is a great suggestion.

I have been advised that a Movement service, re-seal with pressure test, and hand relume - will cost about £130 - if there are no other significant problems.

I have two 6309s - one I am keeping and not wearing (cost me too much), and the other is in somewhat a worn state - maybe too worn - so would I be better selling it and putting the money towards something better - or does it look OK, and worth doing?

[sgoody1]

Jul 28, 2019 20:31:39 GMT -8 cobrajet25 said:

[sgoody1]

nb - clearly I have no clue on how to add decent quality pictures to my thread - I did look at the guide, but couldn't follow the whole concept of hosting etc!!

[Mr.Jones]

sgoody1 essentially it boils down to where your pic is uploaded - either here on WristSushi or elsewhere on the internet, like imgur or flickr.

If you upload it here, it will be attached to the post as a thumbnail. I don't know any other way to embed it in a post.

If you however upload it to an image hosting site, you'll get a link to the picture (e.g. yaddayadda.com/img/someimage.jpg) which you can then use in your post by clicking the little picture frame in the editor buttons, next to the envelope with the orange arrow.

Some image hosting sites go even further and give you a "BBCode" link, which already has code around the link that forums understand - the [ IMG ] tag. You only need to paste this in the editor and even though it might not show up immediately, this will embed your image the same way as the button. You can try clicking on the tabs below the editor window, first to the Code tab and then back to the "preview" tab. This should show your embedded pics.

[saul]

Jul 29, 2019 5:15:04 GMT -8 cobrajet25 said:

Jul 29, 2019 3:29:37 GMT -8 saul said:

(Clutches pearls in horror!).  Whenever I mount my golden dialed 6139-6005 on a dive strap I am overcome with a desire to take it swimming.  There is small angel on my shoulder that looks like Jonathan who is screaming in my ear not to.  And so I don't.  But I think about it...

Lol, the questionable wisdom of swimming with 6139s was one of the things ol' Swedefreak and I never really agreed on!

"Just buy a freakin' SKX, Aaron!  Keep the 6139s dry!"

"The 6139 is a sports watch, Swede.  They are designed to get wet!"

One thing to remember, in my defense, is that they were $100 watches at the time!   I would still get a resealed 6139 wet today, but I might think twice given what they go for now.  I got dozens of them wet over the years, and I only ever had one leak on me.  Weird thing was I could never figure out why that watch leaked!  I replaced the gaskets 2-3 times, as well as other parts, and I could never get it to seal up. 

He used to tell me to get a G!  Now where's the fun in that?  Hell, Spencer won't even endorse doing the dishes with a vintage diver.  He says the seals are for keeping out the dust.

[sgoody1]

Here it is again.....

[Deleted]

Jul 29, 2019 10:00:30 GMT -8 sgoody1 said:

Here it is again.....

If you don't like it, there are many folks here who would pay good money for a watch like this  7dfe79adc2f0

[sgoody1]

Thanks - I am not sure what my next steps should be - get it serviced and hands relumed - or sell it, and invest in something else?

And do you have any thoughts on the strap - is it genuine - or should I swap it over for a DAL1BP that I have, or a Barton Elite Silicone Black strap?