1976 Seiko Turtle 6309-7040
Ref: 6309-7040
Specification
Age : 1971/1980
Specific Age : Circa. 1976
Case Size : 44mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 45mm
Lugs : 22mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original box or original paperwork. The watch comes paired with a black rubber Tropic strap that matches nicely. The watch is from Circa. 1976 and is in worn, vintage condition as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
The Watch
Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established making wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) established in 1937. Seiko listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory becomes independent and forms Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959).
The 6309-7040 replaced the 6105 in 1976 and continued production until 1988. The 7040 was made for the Japanese domestic market and the rest of the world. The watch was seen worn by Ed Harris in the “Abyss” and Mick Jagger has been photographed wearing one. Its 44mm cushion stainless steel case gently curves towards the lugs. A lug to lug length of 45mm will ensure a very comfortable fit on the wrist.
The case is brushed around the top while the sides are polished. At 4 o’clock a large screw-down crown. A bi-directional 60 click bezel has a black matte aluminum insert that has faded to an interesting blue under certain light conditions around the lower half with age and wear. Around its edge, you have 2 rows of knurling for extra grip. A flat recessed Seiko Hardlex crystal protects a black dial. Large lumed indexes mark the hours. At 3 o’clock a day/date window. Text on the dial is Seiko Automatic at 12 and Water 150 Resistant above the 6. This is a vintage watch therefore water resistance can not be guaranteed. The Suwa stylised S is just under this, it was used on the dial from 1976 to 1980. The hour hand is a broad syringe hand with lume infill and the minute hand is a broad arrow again with lume infill. The second hand has a large lollipop lumed. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with Tsunami waves embossed in the centre. Inside an Automatic Seiko Cal. 6309, 17 Jewels, 21,600 beats per hour. Fitted on a 22mm Tropic rubber strap.
Personal Note
The Seiko Turtle is one of the most iconic Seiko watches, for me the "Captain Willard" 6105-8110 is the grail of this range of watches by Seiko, but this 6309-7040 offers a TON of value in comparison, especially when found in the correct, original condition like this one. Each year that goes by they become harder to find all original, so I wouldn't wait as I suspect the prices are only going one way.