Which of these is the best Seiko 7548 dive watch

[sgoody1]

Hi,
Somehow or other I have ended up with three 7548s.

2 are JDMs, and one is a SQ model.

The bezel inserts are all in different states.

If I were going to move two on and keep one - which would you say is the keeper?

And should I swap the bezels around to make one better than the others.

You might note the insert on the SQ is the cleanest - but it has taken on a kind of blue colour in some lights - is that normal - or exclusive to SQ models?  And is the SQ much less desirable than a JDM model?

The JDM one on the green strap has a ding at 11 on the insert - but its not too bad.

And of the case backs the SQ looks the least scuffed, but they are all pretty good.

My plan is at some point to to trade them in to buy something a bit more special eg a vintage MM, although I am not sure yet.


The pictures are below - and I would really appreciate advice.

[rainier]

It’s a toss up to me between the green strap JDM and the SQ on the right, they both look to be in similar condition. It depends if you like the SQ dial vs the cleaner JDM dial.

Personally, I prefer the Kanji day wheel and cleaner dial on the JDM model.

If it were me I’d keep both and move the middle JDM on.

[pip]

If it was just one, the JDM green strap.

[sgoody1]

Jul 4, 2020 12:26:59 GMT -8 pip said:

If it was just one, the JDM green strap.

Thanks. Are the bezels interchangeable? Should I consider swapping that one for the one on the SQ ( which has gone a bit blue)

[condor97]

Personally I really like that SQ the best. The JDM is going to be more collectible so probably the one to keep. I wouldn't mix and match myself.

Really it boils down to what you like the best.

[sgoody1]

Jul 4, 2020 14:53:41 GMT -8 condor97 said:

Personally I really like that SQ the best. The JDM is going to be more collectible so probably the one to keep. I wouldn't mix and match myself.

Really it boils down to what you like the best.

The problem is, I like them all - but just don't need them all - and want to trade some in for something I like more.  I just want to make sure the ones that go, are the ones I will least regret.

[bklake]

Do the year and month of any of the watches have any significance?  At this point, I have all the watches I need or want so I have placed an artificial restriction on myself.  The year and month have to agree with a significant event in my life.

Your first watch is a Japan J code.  The other two are Japan A variants.  The SQ is a world model the other two are JDM. At this point in time, it is pretty easy to get a JDM watch via Yahoo Japan.  That wasn't always the case and may not be true in the future.  The Japan J and the SQ are the most different variant of the same watch.  The middle child overlaps.  It's always the middle kid that gets the raw deal. 

Now we are down to condition of the movement.  Do any show signs of past battery leaks, coil damage, water damage etc?  I would not want to sell a watch with pristine guts over one with some damage. 

I would have a tough time selling two of them but I like to collect variants of the same watch.  I need to move some of my watches to people that will appreciate them more than me.  This has been a good exercise for me to reason out, come to grips with, and justify letting some of them go. 

[adflet]

I personally love the beaten up look of the middle one.

[peenemunde]

I'd take two, a JDM and an SQ.

but, if you want to take only one, take the SQ .... the dial is more beautiful and the bezel has a nice patina

[sgoody1]

Jul 5, 2020 9:38:37 GMT -8 bklake said:

Do the year and month of any of the watches have any significance?  At this point, I have all the watches I need or want so I have placed an artificial restriction on myself.  The year and month have to agree with a significant event in my life.

Your first watch is a Japan J code.  The other two are Japan A variants.  The SQ is a world model the other two are JDM. At this point in time, it is pretty easy to get a JDM watch via Yahoo Japan.  That wasn't always the case and may not be true in the future.  The Japan J and the SQ are the most different variant of the same watch.  The middle child overlaps.  It's always the middle kid that gets the raw deal. 

Now we are down to condition of the movement.  Do any show signs of past battery leaks, coil damage, water damage etc?  I would not want to sell a watch with pristine guts over one with some damage. 

I would have a tough time selling two of them but I like to collect variants of the same watch.  I need to move some of my watches to people that will appreciate them more than me.  This has been a good exercise for me to reason out, come to grips with, and justify letting some of them go. 

Hi Bklake
Thanks for the note and thoughts.
None of the dates have significance to me.
None of the watches have any damage.
So I have followed your advice and suggestions of others, and put up for sale the middle one of the three.
Although the next comments after yours suggested they liked the look of the more worn bezel!
 
Anyway I have gone with that one for now, and may sell more soon.
Thanks.

[sgoody1]

Jul 6, 2020 3:27:08 GMT -8 peenemunde said:

I'd take two, a JDM and an SQ.

but, if you want to take only one, take the SQ .... the dial is more beautiful and the bezel has a nice patina

I have gone that route for now - and put up for sale the middle watch.
I just know I am going to regret it, but hopefully the proceeds of that, and some other watches I am selling / sold, will fund something that brings more joy!!
Still not decided on my short-list of what to get, but that is a whole new thread!
(I do quite fancy those new re-issues of Seiko's eg SBDC107 limited issue)

[bklake]

Some people like to restore a watch to like new condition.  Some like to bring it back to functionally good and save the scars for history.  I don't mind bumps and bruises.  I still have my 6309 that I purchased new in 1982. It has a lot of marks and I remember how each one happened.  I don't like to erase the history of a watch, but that is me.  I'm not above replacing a crystal or crown.  Those are wear items and Seiko made replacements for that very reason.  My 6309 is nice compared to my Father's 6309 and my watch would be considered beat up.  The man worked hard and his watch shows it.  I will never replace anything on his watch except gaskets. When I see some of the watches for sale, I wonder just how tough living was the previous owner. 

Should you decide you like to collect variants, you have covered the most ground with the two you are keeping.  If one of an example of a model is good enough, and you want other types of watches, more power to you. Make yourself happy and collect what you like.  The remaining two are equally valued.  Good luck deciding what goes next. 

[Groundhog66]

Jul 5, 2020 6:10:48 GMT -8 sgoody1 said:

Jul 4, 2020 14:53:41 GMT -8 condor97 said:

Personally I really like that SQ the best. The JDM is going to be more collectible so probably the one to keep. I wouldn't mix and match myself.

Really it boils down to what you like the best.

The problem is, I like them all - but just don't need them all - and want to trade some in for something I like more.  I just want to make sure the ones that go, are the ones I will least regret.

Since when did that factor into a watch discussion. 

[bklake]

I have no love for quartz yet I have 3 working 7548s, a 7548 parts lot, and 6 or so 7546s for spares.  I saw his 3 watches and thought he was off to a good start. 

All the batteries seem to quit about the same time.  That is when I renew my dislike for quartz.  Maybe just one is the answer to all my problems.  I'll think on it. 

[sgoody1]

Jul 6, 2020 10:10:12 GMT -8 bklake said:

Some people like to restore a watch to like new condition.  Some like to bring it back to functionally good and save the scars for history.  I don't mind bumps and bruises.  I still have my 6309 that I purchased new in 1982. It has a lot of marks and I remember how each one happened.  I don't like to erase the history of a watch, but that is me.  I'm not above replacing a crystal or crown.  Those are wear items and Seiko made replacements for that very reason.  My 6309 is nice compared to my Father's 6309 and my watch would be considered beat up.  The man worked hard and his watch shows it.  I will never replace anything on his watch except gaskets. When I see some of the watches for sale, I wonder just how tough living was the previous owner. 

Should you decide you like to collect variants, you have covered the most ground with the two you are keeping.  If one of an example of a model is good enough, and you want other types of watches, more power to you. Make yourself happy and collect what you like.  The remaining two are equally valued.  Good luck deciding what goes next. 

Thanks for the note.

I do have two 6309's, and one of them is my favourite of my Seiko divers. Again I may need to move one on, as I try to slim down my collection.
 
BUT, I really want to keep them all, however I have to justify to myself new purchases.  My two 6309s are below - I bet I can guess which one you would keep, and I bet you can guess which one I may choose to let go!

I would value everyones opinion on the choice I may need to make:

[sgoody1]

Jul 4, 2020 12:26:59 GMT -8 pip said:

If it was just one, the JDM green strap.

Does that mean keep only the JDM Green strap one, or sell only that one?

[condor97]

Jul 8, 2020 3:01:43 GMT -8 sgoody1 said:

Jul 6, 2020 10:10:12 GMT -8 bklake said:

Some people like to restore a watch to like new condition.  Some like to bring it back to functionally good and save the scars for history.  I don't mind bumps and bruises.  I still have my 6309 that I purchased new in 1982. It has a lot of marks and I remember how each one happened.  I don't like to erase the history of a watch, but that is me.  I'm not above replacing a crystal or crown.  Those are wear items and Seiko made replacements for that very reason.  My 6309 is nice compared to my Father's 6309 and my watch would be considered beat up.  The man worked hard and his watch shows it.  I will never replace anything on his watch except gaskets. When I see some of the watches for sale, I wonder just how tough living was the previous owner. 

Should you decide you like to collect variants, you have covered the most ground with the two you are keeping.  If one of an example of a model is good enough, and you want other types of watches, more power to you. Make yourself happy and collect what you like.  The remaining two are equally valued.  Good luck deciding what goes next. 

Thanks for the note.

I do have two 6309's, and one of them is my favourite of my Seiko divers. Again I may need to move one on, as I try to slim down my collection.
 
BUT, I really want to keep them all, however I have to justify to myself new purchases.  My two 6309s are below - I bet I can guess which one you would keep, and I bet you can guess which one I may choose to let go!

I would value everyones opinion on the choice I may need to make:

It would be hard for me to let either one of those go haha.