1981 Seiko Turtle Diver Automatic 6309-7040
Ref: 6309-7040

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 NATO strap that matches nicely. The watch is from Circa. July 1981 and is in worn, vintage condition as you can see. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Here we have a 1981 Seiko Turtle Diver Automatic 6309-7040, 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 43.5mm 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, and 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 aluminium 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, the 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 1981. 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 the Seiko Tsunami waves are embossed in the centre, inside an automatic Seiko Cal. 6309, 17 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour. The watch comes fitted on a 22mm NATO strap.

Personal Note

The Brand

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established to make 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.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956 Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217 which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.