Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum Message Archive

Some points on the Seiko 6105 & 6309 diver's watches (scans)

Author: Ryan

Date: 2001-12-12 21:55:00

ID: 1008222948 | thread

These watches are without a doubt collectible. They are hardly the rarest Seiko diver's watches, but prices on these keep rising steadily.
I think they have good movements, and repair of movements is not a problem, but I should leave comments about the movements to the experts.
I thought I could share with you some other points you may not have noticed.
1.) The luminous material on dial is inside rectangular metal "forms," if you will, on the hour markers of the 6105.
On the 6309, the luminous material is applied directly to the dial.
This makes it easier to re-lum the dial on a 6105, or so I've been told by a watchmaker.
6105
6309
2.) The 6105 has a date only window, whereas the 6309 has a day/date feature.
Many feel the date only window on the 6105 is more aesthetically pleasing.
3.) The 6105 has very simple hour and minute hands, whereas the 6309 has "arrow-style" hands. In many ways, the 6309 & SKX007/173 are very similar (dial indices, day/date window, hands, crown.)
4.) It is very, very difficult to find NOS bezels for the older 6105 (though Seiko Canada and Seiko Switzerland seem to have them but are hording them for people in their own countries who send in watches for repair).
It is still possible to get NOS bezels for 6309 divers.
5.) People have started to charge ridiculous prices for these divers, even ones in VERY rough condition.
I bought a 6105 diver recently which says 6105-8000 on the dial at 6 o'clock, and on the caseback, but doesn't have the proper case shape, was installed with improper crystal, and was not properly cleaned and oiled as stated.
Apparently, the seller slapped together this watch using many parts, and sold it as being in excellent condition and recently serviced.
Both the 6105 and 6309 came with different styles of case. I'd recommend you do your homework, and make sure the numbers on the dial & caseback match, AS WELL AS are correct with the type of case the watch has.
6105
6309
6.) I'm told Seiko made TONS of these divers, so I would recommend getting one in good condtion at a good price. In other words, there is no hurry to get a questionable one (in poor condition) or one which is overpriced.
7.) These old divers can be restored with much success by a competent watchmaker. If you decide to buy a 6105 (my favorite), I'd recommend getting one with as nice of bezel, dial and case as possible. I think it's no problem finding replacement crystals.
With a 6309, a good case and dial seems most important, as it is still possible, apparently, to get NOS bezels.
6309
Just some thoughts.
Ryan

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