Do you know how old your Seiko watch is? Watch and Learn #80

[@mistermikeyjay]

This series is so educational, thanks to Mark being so knowledgeable and thanks to his passion the lessons are exciting and attention grabbing Thanks for another great vid!

[@markcovey2304]

My Seiko Bell-Matic 4006A was produced in 1974. Thanks for the video, Marc!

[@tonicrpo377]

Dates on watches, all watches for that matter, are very important and Master Marc knows it...Thank you for the upload MM.

[@islandwatch]

You bet

[@rondj1965]

I have gotten more information about Seiko watches from Mark than any other source. He makes it easy to understand so that if I can get it, anyone can! Thanks Mark, for all you do. You are an asset to the wristwatch community. Especially wristwatches that are accessible to the regular working stiffs that can't pony up Rolex money for a piece.

[@MrShinobi797]

Great info to know Marc. Keep the “ Watch & Learn " Series coming.

[@islandwatch]

You got it!

[@3rdstone1]

Nice to see Watch & Learn back. Seiko had a system quite similar to many guitar makers, which made it quite easy to date objects. Feels like a bad move to leave it IMO.

[@islandwatch]

Well said!

[@craig2100]

Great educational video. You are the Master, Marc

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@WesternEclectic]

"So by all rights this should be a quick video but I'm sure it won't be..." Haha, you're the best, Marc. Thanks for an informative (albeit not very short) video. It's always fun to see a new Watch and Learn!

[@islandwatch]

My pleasure!

[@nkonig1]

What a coincidence. I uploaded a photo to my Instagram a few days before your video about dating my SARB035. Mine is the exact same age as my son - June 2019. Has the 6R35D so I know it’s 2019 and not 2009. It’s now an even more special watch than it was already!

[@gtd772]

"Watch & Learn" is always informative. Having several Seiko watches, I found this one particularly interesting. Thanks for taking the time (no pun intended) to make it.

[@amanwithnoname6687]

Awesome, watch and learn, I dated my oldest Seiko, a "batman" air divers chronograph mfg January 2012. It was also my first.

[@stusims6567]

I love your watch and learn series! I learn so much from these episodes!!! Great information today Mark!!!

[@islandwatch]

Glad to hear it!

[@JD-wi5zd]

Thank you for the information. I worked for a company that also decided to change the serial numbers so that customers couldn't tell how old their unit was, but in reality they just changed the code a little so you could still figure it out. I always wondered if customers caught on to that, but I suspect they did, and fast.

[@islandwatch]

LOL

[@joejohnson1969]

​@@islandwatchA new car is always better than old used one in my opinion nice video got me thinking Love the channel, 👍

[@luigisavoia2401]

Mark I have a flightmaster from 2004 with 7T62-OEBO. I bought it in St. Thomas in 2005. So, that movement does go back a bit. I actually did the first battery replacement in 2018. My jeweler asked me if it was sitting dead a long time and I told him no that it's actually still running but the second hand is starting to jump so I know it's going to die soon. He was shocked that the battery lasted so long. We'll see how long the new battery lasts. The factory batteries in my quartz watches seem to last 7 - 10 years then, once replaced they never seem to last more than 2 or 3 years. Anyway thanks for the informative video. It explained a lot.

[@TheFROG338]

Great video as always. i have a seiko 7A 7190 CHRONOGRAPH GOLD, bought in 1990 for £150 which was a fortune back then. in 30 odd years only ever replaced battery. 660702.

[@manoflego123]

Ok so I found out my SNK805 was manufactured later in November of 2016, serial starts with 6N with a 7S26-C movement, and the last four digits start with 89**. That means it was just shy of 4 years old when I bought it. Thanks for a very informative video!

[@evan3076]

Just dated my "new" old seiko 5 with 7s26a to Feb of 2000. Thanks Marc

[@blaser80]

My SNK same navy blue model in the video was produced way back in 2005, as I purchased it xmas 2005 and the six digit code was printed on the see through case back not etched into the metal like here. Movement is 7S26A.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

I just took a 1974 Seiko 7006- 7180 into my watchmaker for a strip clean and lube. And re-assembly... That part is super important! :D The movement is 19 jewels, but what I've read- they were finished to a higher standard than the 7s26. Thank Marc, excellent video!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@Andrew.W75]

Yes the parts for these old 7000 series movements were made from machines parts, where as the 7S26 is mostly made from stamped parts I believe.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

@@Andrew.W75 - I bought the 7000 series recently at a pawn shop. It was pretty good condition and running so I figured it was worth having serviced. I also have two old Seiko "5's" with 7s26 and I don't know if I would put the money into those.

[@Delveinformation1]

Marc, I bought a Seiko 5, Orange dial, 24 Jewel Automatic, transparent case back with a number 040207, and I cannot find one that is the same anywhere. 4R36-06R0 is on the back, if that helps. There is also an AD in a box and what looks like a horseshoe (upside-down U) with a dash underlining it. The really odd part is that it says, in order: Automatic, 24 Jewels, 100M each on a separate line. It is a day date with a sloped in Orange Aluminum dial with "teeth" as the old monster had carved out of the bezel. The bezel is Silver from 12:00 to 15 with minute mark hashes in black and then black with silver numbers and no hashes the rest of the way. The 12:00 mark is an upside-down triangle, half black, half silver. I don't wear it but would like to identify it correctly because it appears to be somewhat of a rarity.

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

Thanks Mark! Great info. I found that my Seiko Business Automatic SSA389J1, had been sitting NIB on the shelf for two years before I bought it.

[@evkoum]

Hey thanks! I was wondering about my skx! Beautiful islander! You turn ppl into blue dial fans!

[@TeaDoubleE85]

Thank you for telling us when our watches are born! Info is very reassuring. Gives us more confidence.

[@islandwatch]

Our pleasure!

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

My wife has a SRPD63K1 and the serial number begins with 1 which sort of makes sense if I consider when it was purchased. I have a SRPJ47K1, new for 2022. Its serial number starts with 27 which also makes sense for this watch as I bought it in January 2023. A friend also has the same model with the serial number starting with number 2. Maybe newer Seikos have randomized serial numbers as you said, but in these cases they seem to make sense as did older models.

[@matts.4095]

Thank you for this video. I just bought a Seiko 5 sport used off eBay and I haven't got it yet but he gave a lot of detailed pictures and I can tell that the watch was manufactured January 2017 I just looked in deeper the mouvement is 7s36c opposed to 7S26C but from what I've read is that both movements came out in 1996 and the only difference the 36 has two extra jewels so I assume my month and year assessment is the same January 2017 using how you showed it on the Seiko 5

[@kenibnanak5554]

LoL I am still using my 5h26-7a09 (Divers) that I bought new back in the 80s. Daily wear. It is on it's 3rd watch band and maybe the 10th 571 battery. It is off about 3 seconds a year. I only just learned today that Bezels can be swapped and many designs are available. That is good because the markings on the original wore smooth decades ago.

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting content. Regards.

[@MRrobert7200]

Nice job on the Seiko watch and learn! Please keep them coming.

[@kungpuk5186]

Thanks for explaining the serial numbers on the 5's. My 2022 ssk starts with 70.... I found that very strange, and now i know.

[@gpg2694]

Invaluable watch & learn video, thanks Marc! I have two vintage Seiko divers. I’m off to try & date them myself right now.

[@islandwatch]

You can do it!

[@tudorino66]

❤Thank you! What I lf I have a seiko 5 old version 7626C and the first number is 1!!??!! 😅😂 is it 2011 or 2021?

[@Kiwi_Dad]

Great info as always, interesting. Side note. Can you PLEASE, PLEASE, do a dedicated video for your silver and orange samurai style island watch. That thing is GORGEOUS!!

[@MuscleBandit]

Cheers Marc, in my opinion it's important to know as much info as possible about anything we own, watches are no exception!

[@islandwatch]

True!

[@leowatkins3718]

Hi, I know this is an old video but the "A0" marking is the type of crystal/bezel mounting used. See seiko casing guide. Very helpful for watch restorers.

[@andreimihaila]

You now Marc, I first hit the like button and after that I watch the video. I like you man! Keep up the good work!

[@islandwatch]

I appreciate that!

[@blacklegion8426]

Flighty still in production just got my third Flighty for my son after he finish the school and date on serial was made in 2020 and i from Malaysia and my home is near where Seiko factory is.. love the flighty first was mine second for my uncle and third for my son.

[@muhammadasri9168]

Great information, Marc.. I got my flight master in 2006. That type already exist that year.

[@Larry-gs8gb]

Thanks, going to check my watches as soon as I finish the video !

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

I really enjoy periodically revisiting this video - I have it saved in my library. It always comes in handy after buying a pre-owned Seiko. I recently bought a pre-owned SUN019 and wanted to find out how "long in the tooth" the capacitor is as it took way too long to get a sufficient charge. Turns out it's a First Year manufacture piece. So, definitely time to replace the capacitor.

[@paulhiggins8774]

Wow I didn’t know that, suppose it’s like chassis numbers on cars. Thanks for the info. Still love that blue Squale watch on your wrist

[@manny7886]

I bought an SKX013 from you in 2017. I was disappointed (for almost 4 years) when I thought I got a misspelled day wheel on the second language on multiple days. I thought the second language day wheel was in Spanish. I didn't return it, I'm just gonna wear it with the English language day wheel. Last month I Googled the date wheel of my SKX013 because of a video I watch. I found out that the second language was French. Now I love wearing my SKX013 with the second language day wheel displayed.

[@islandwatch]

Yup. There are certainly no mis-spellings on those.

[@wayneturner1336]

Love the series, wealth of knowledge, helped me out tons.

[@abdulrehmanarif2145]

Hey! My Seiko 5 snk603k1 has a 7s26a so it means it's from 2006 as my father bought it in Dubai brand new in may of 2007

[@philiplouis7982]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge sir! Love this video.

[@stephenbridges2791]

My SKX does not have the horseshoe on the back; anywhere. In roughly the same position in has an AO with a square box around it. However, It also appears to be a 1st Gen 7S26; but, is less than 10 years old. Nice information to have even if it stirs up the old OCD.

[@luykenstouten1145]

Thanks Marc! That was both interesting and useful! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@shikpolam8968]

Thank you Mark, your video is very educational.

[@wikster6630]

Thanks for the video! Helped me figure out my Skx175 is from 2016 not 2006. 7s26c moment like mentioned in video. Had to remove case back for that info though, very simple to do. So 20 years from now all of us who have purchased Islanders from you will have to rely on our memory. Lol Take care

[@islandwatch]

Nice work!

[@sobeit712]

Excellent video. Using this knowledge I was able to date my Seiko Flight master to Sept 2018.

[@islandwatch]

Glad it helped!

[@jorgeg5895]

complicated, but good to know. Thank you Marc!!

[@islandwatch]

You're welcome!

[@rohanleander]

Love your videos and your website.

[@islandwatch]

Glad you like them!

[@rohanleander]

@@islandwatch quick question will you in the future releases an islander automatic chronograph like an homage to the speedmaster or Daytona or maybe your own spin on an automatic chronograph. Maybe a GMT?

[@prasetyow4318]

Thank you Marc.This is very useful

[@manoflego123]

As a side note staring at that case back I finally understand why the Prospex logo looks like that and that's really cool. I'll be checking my own SNK805 later to find out when mine was made.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching

[@charlesmostert]

Awesome thanks for the information, I'm super excited 9 days till I get my first Seiko can't wait to check my serial number 😉

[@islandwatch]

Good luck!

[@edf2953]

Thanks for making such an interesting and informative video Marc. I enjoyed this version of your Watch and Learn Series of videos. I found it relaxing to view this on an overcast Spring day here, near Chicago. Thanks again...Ed.

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@graham9723]

Great vudeo Marc. I've just bought the new 5 sports and was really confused when I tried to date it from the serial number. I still can't date it but now know why,😂

[@trevorlincoln8205]

Digging out the monsters to see when they were made. Great video!

[@panemetcircenses510]

Thanks for covering the SRPD! I was going mad trying to figure out the s/n while following along your video lol.

[@islandwatch]

Glad I could help!

[@styx4947]

Forget the orange dial, they should call you the "Seiko Monster". Like a tour guide of the brand. Awesome

[@StratmanII]

Hi Marc, the SNA411 "Flightmaster" which you briefly showed would be from Sept 2020. This model isn't really a new design as it originally appeared in Southeast Asia back in 2004 as the SNA411P. I think the SNA411P has been discontinued several years ago in SE Asia, but for some reason Seiko USA recently decided to revive it for the North American market as the SNA411 (no "P"). Back in 2010 the SNA411P was still sold over here and buyers had to get this watch from online watch sellers from Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong. The 7T62 alarm/chronograph movement debuted sometime in 2002, replacing the excellent 7T32 caliber which was probably more costly to manufacture. The 7T32 has two crowns and three pushers and is very distinguishable and I own three 7T32s myself and one 7T62 - the olive green SNA141P (long discontinued). The Seiko 5 SNK807K "Flieger" in your video is definitely surprising, given that it was originally introduced in 2004. I had one also in that year but flipped it a year later as I felt it was too small for my liking. It had the original 7s26A and back then I didn't think it would still be produced in the 7s26C revision. BTW, the maximum number of watches Seiko can make for a given caliber/caseback in a month is 10,000 pieces and not 9,999. The first watch off the production line for that month would be stamped with number "0000" and not "0001". Thanks for putting up this video, it's very informative and useful for beginners. 😃👍

[@zigzaguzzi]

Very useful video. Thanks! I have a couple of limited edition Seikos with NO sign or evidence of serial number printed on the caseback. Could you tell me why and where can I find that information on those watches?

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Great information, Marc! Fuey on Seiko for starting to NOT be upfront with date of origin. Ah,heck; Islander watches are superior anyways.

[@islandwatch]

Haha, thanks.

[@TeaDoubleE85]

You do get a lot quality with value on the Islanders watches.

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

Very interesting info Mark, thanks a lot.

[@andrewmeloney2596]

Great stuff Mark! Of course, after watching this I had to check my Seikos. One doesn't have a serial number, just like the new 5s. It's the Presage Crown re-issue, SPB129J1. Interesting...

[@islandwatch]

And SPB has to have a serial number, guaranteed.

[@WatchWitt]

Good stuff...I didn’t realize they’re doing that with the new 5’s!

[@giorgiamondani]

Keep up the good work. Regards, Giorgia Mondani.

[@oc2366]

How do i know if my snk is produced in 2011 or 2021? Thanks

[@NathanChisholm041]

I didn't get your notifacation? Anyway thanks for the info even though I'm a bit late!

[@wayneturner1336]

Public question if you don’t mind: I have an skx I picked up at a jewellers when I was grabbing a piece of “please don’t be mad honey” jewelry. The date code on it is 930280 and the movement reads just 7s26 without the a,b, or c. Is that a 1999 skx or do I have to check the movement internally for a letter code? I assume the a movement would not be marked a until the b and c movements came out and the dial also reads 7s26-002H R 3 and the case back reads scuba divers. Did I maybe buy a frankenwatch by accident? It was covered in dust…

[@bruceleroy8063]

Thank you! Can't wait for my samuraisle

[@islandwatch]

Awesome!

[@jcolem5576]

Great video !! I was able to date my SARB033 to April 2019, I'm sure it is that and not 2009 because it has the 6R15D version movement and I'm quite sure that the D version didn't exist in 2009, as the 6R15 debuted in 2006. Thanks for another great video, from a fella who has nothing but great videos !!

[@Acyz]

Very informative Watch & Learn video, Marc! Interesting to know that my SRP 779 was manufactured in the year 2017.

[@wdstauter8429]

Great info, is there a way to tell Seiko 5 from the dial? Is the sideways S or maybe 5 the identifier? Sorry for newbie question.

[@abdulqayyumkhan5515]

Mine seiko5 was manufactured in January 2020 with 7S26C movement... snow 559j1. First two digits are 00****....

[@Misoulis1]

My SKX is from 1997! Now I'm a little upset that I molded it. Maybe I should return it to factory parts?

[@pablogonzalez8304]

I learned something new about that anti magnetizing symbol something I didn't really notice when looking at the case back

[@islandwatch]

Yup!

[@Andrew.W75]

Great video Marc, I collect vintage Seiko & everyone uses the movement/casing numbers, the parts numbers aren't usually known as they are only on the hang tags, which are lost over time. It a shame Seiko are moving away from their serial numbering system, it's certainly very useful on their vintage pieces to help check if a watch is original & it's nice to know when a watch is made! Regarding the letter at the end of the movement number, I think this refers to modifications to the balance assembly, cheers

[@islandwatch]

Yes, and some other small changes.

[@Bhanuandrehana]

I have the exact seiko 5 which you showed at the last and it’s serial number is weird, starts with E3

[@thomasadams9903]

Hiya. Great info. Man I’d love to see your collection! Do you know what the difference between “Diver’s” and “Air Diver’s” … is one better for a collect than the other?

[@Andrei_K1G1K]

Could you tell me if a 5J22-OA10 would fit into 5J22-OA50 case? The watches were made within 8 months of each other as I can tell and the cases look super similar. They are both from 6/1999-2/2000

[@jeff1176]

Great info Marc thanks

[@thistleclockworks1292]

Really enjoyed the video! I can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment with Seiko for taking away the ability to date our watches. I own several now (but not the new 5) and I think it’s cool being able to date them. Seiko keeps slipping away.

[@DrRolexPhD]

Hey Marc, my SKX007 serial is 740202. Is there any way to differentiate between 1997, 2007, and 2017? Like any little dial details that changed over time (scuba designation, bracelet code, etc)?

[@danh5977]

Got my Seiko 7548, dated august 81. Just turned 40

[@PolyhymniaMusicOfficial]

Great vid thanks, I learned my samurai was made in July 2019.

[@islandwatch]

Very cool!

[@JMNTN]

I couldn't find my serial number at first because it's quite a unique one, i'm not going to share it but it only contains ones and zeros and it's symmetrical. I had to find it because my jeweller managed to only fill in half of my warranty card and half of what he filled in was incorrect as well. Luckily the inc came off with alcohol.

[@coolhand1966]

1980!! Hey Marc, I need a link or two for my 1980 Seiko Sports 100 - who should I call?

[@islandwatch]

Ebay

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

How do you keep the white rubber strap so clean?! Even with high care the white always seems to attract some kind of mark or a smudge

[@islandwatch]

I don't wear the watch all the time.

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

@@islandwatch still, very impressive 👍

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Sorry sir, my Seiko Arctura Kinetic Chronograph doesn’t have those numbers or serial numbers. What is does say is , in order around the case back::Seiko-Top Sapphire Crystal-Water Resistance 10 Bar- Stainless Steel-7L22-0AF0 Through the Rear Crystal I have on the rotor:: Kinetic -Japan and on the movement I have::7L22A-Seiko Time Corp-2-Eight Jewels. On the watchband itself is: 33T6 B-1(I) Any thoughts as to the date of production cause I don’t have a clue, neither does my watch doctor.

[@scottlauren3145]

Interesting stuff. My SNKL41 has a letter as the 2nd character instead of a number so that throws me off. It does have the 7S26C but I kind of figured it would since I bought it in 2019. I also just bought a SNKL23 less than an hour ago. "The $100 watch that looks like a million bucks" haha! It's going to look amazing on a brown leather strap. Awesome informative video as always.

[@islandwatch]

The character is O, N or D?

[@strangerfwable]

Hi Marc. My Seiko 5 is 7S26A 638973, it this mean is from 1996 March batch? The watch I bought is at yrs 2004 end.

[@miss2369]

Learning something new, thanks!

[@islandwatch]

Glad to hear it!

[@Watchtrain]

I noticed the Seiko 5 listed a 4R36A but the previous ones stating 4R36. Does this perhaps mean there is a 4R36B now or soon to be in production? Hmmm.

[@Regi869]

Thanks for that. So is there a way to date the new Seiko 5's?

[@bensonquest5530]

Thanks! Great video manged to track down 2 of them. One left. Do you know when the 7009A movement was discontinued? Also great job on the ISL-107 39mm Flieger I'm gonna get one of those. Cheers!

[@StuntpilootStef]

TIL that my SKX013 is from October 1997. It has a 7S26A and the serial starts with 7o

[@islandwatch]

Sweet.

[@THAW12]

Another good video from Marc!

[@THAW12]

Can you help us with dating Orients? As well as some of their case marks. There are some 2 letter codes in a box, which I have always been curious about.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks again!

[@islandwatch]

Orients do not use a system like this. :(

[@darthganu]

So according to your lesson, I 've dated my SKX009J I bought from you in Sept 2019. Being a 7S26 (no suffix B or C) and the first two numbers are 93, my watch was manufactured in March 1999. Now, I have mixed feelings about having puchased a watch with a 20-yr old movement. 😲

[@acftmxman]

Marc, great video. Well laid out to help someone figure out the date of their Seiko. I’m sorry to hear they are going to a random system though. Something tells me they are going to roll it out to more the just the 5’s. Again, great video! All the best, Mark

[@islandwatch]

It might have to do with production quantities. Many of them are the same case code, and they are making them by the buckets.

[@michaelriera6277]

Good info for us Seiko fans.