Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum Message Archive

Just found this forum from a friend's recommendation. What a great place for info! Have really enjoyed sifting through the posts.

I have an 80-81 or so vintage 6309-7049 Seiko 150m divers that has been my ONLY watch for almost 22 years. Indeed, it has practically NEVER been off my wrist during that time. I read about others getting the torture test but I have to say, I have not seen one quite like this. It's been through 22 years of surfing and sailing (along with everyday wear). In that time, the beast has survived a full on collision with a 16ft sailboat in which the watch actually bore the brunt! Actually, I cant even count the times this great watch has suffered abuse and come back strong. I've been through five Seiko rubber straps along with some nylon alternatives.

The pics below pretty much give you an idea what almost 22 years for constant wear on the coast with heavy activity will do to one of these watches. There it literally NO MARKINGS WHATSOEVER on the Bezel! Zero. It took about 15 years to reach this point. Considering the wear and tear, the old 6309 has really stood up to everything. In addition, the hands are a bit worse for wear not to mention the luminance pitting and total absence of glow.

Unfortunately, it's now losing time to the tune of 5 min a day or more depending on activity. It needs more and more motion to keep up to date. I can hardly imagine the oiling and service really needed!

Question: Should I opt for a new 200m divers like the SKX-007 (I like the Euro indices) or put the money into this watch? IT would need a new bezel, total clean and oil with adjustment, and a new strap yet again. I am not sure how much more this watch can take and what the above would cost or the time it would buy. I just am attached to this watch.

Any recommendations or thoughts are greatly welcome. Not really sure who would be the best for the work either.

Thanks in advance!

Kelly

_Wrightsville Beach, NC_