Seiko 101 - How to tell if a 6309 is real or fake

Planning on buying a 6309? Watch this video to learn basics on how to tell if it's real or a fake. Information on dials, lume, and dial text is including.
Podcast episode 1 - www.kleinvintagewatchrepair.c...

[@mikev3245]

Hey Spencer and Sabrina - this was most enjoyable! Also listened to the podcast and it's loaded with a bunch of useful info that compliments the video nicely. You guys played off of each other great. Thank you and please keep doing these!

[@rlj151]

Another great episode Spencer. Keep it up, and keep Sabrina in the episode, she can ask the questions live that we can't, so we all learn. :)

[@billconnor5090]

Just finished the podcast. Great info, and thank you for taking the time to record/edit/publish this!

[@markperroni69]

Oh, and one more thing... I got an original Suwa dial, with the bevel on the date window and everything, reprinted as a 6306 ScubaPro 450, done by Lloyd Watches, from the Philippines, back in 2018. I don't know if it was originally a 6306 or a 6309 Suwa dial, but they're both basically the same, anyway. I asked if he would do one for me, since I have some of these dials here, and he already had one done and ready to be shipped. The lume is perfect, and it doesn't take the whole marker up to the edge, leaving that little thin border. So, comparing pictures side by side with the real ones, it's just perfectly done!! I used the movement from a 6306-8070, with the black kanji day/date (I've got two of these), and now it's one of my favorite watches!! If I ever had the $4.5K to buy the original ScubaPro 450, it would never leave the house!! This one I wear a lot, and it's my baby... Even with the aftermarket insert, beveled hands and the reprinted original dial... It's fitted with a StrapCode Super Oyster bracelet, with a Seiko Premium solid clasp. It's a watch I wear pretty much as a beater, with the pride that I built it myself, and that it even looks a lot better than the real ones, but for a fraction of the cost!! And the black kanji day/date... A plus!!

[@markperroni69]

Hi, again, from Brazil!! I've been away from watches..... But some of my friends and customers tell me I know so much about Seiko divers.... And when I re-watch videos like this one, I remember why. Much of what I know I learned from your videos!!

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

Welcome back! And thank you for the kind words.

[@PH_INFO_101]

Thanks guys, I have been randomly bidding on a few of these style watches on eBay. After watching this, I was able to clearly see that everyone I was bidding on was fake.

[@whywatchitman]

Hi Spencer, great information on all your video's! I have a question regarding the bezels with inserts like these and the Pogue etc. Can you clean them in an ultrasonic or is there another technique? Thank you!

[@rileysenecal8178]

I just picked up a 6309 from a garage sale for $10 :) super happy that's it's legit and appears to be all original

[@tods.9947]

This is really terrific Spencer. It is very educational and terrifying at the same time. When I search for original 6139 dials I will take a screenshot of one of your evaluations and compare it to the listing. Also like the conversation format with Sabrina, it’s like I’m there!

[@carrolleaslat3964]

Fantastic video and a tremendous amount of extremely useful information.

[@wormwood70]

Still relevant for today. March 2023

[@rohittheinvincible]

this is a meticulous video. the attention to detail is just amazing

[@Conaire_Mc]

Hi Spencer have you any idea who repairs Seiko digital watches? I’ve found an old H127-5000 with an analogue/digital display. The analogue works fine but the lcd is dead. It’s got a cool retro late 70s early 80s feel to it. The case shape actually reminds me of the apple watches of today! It’s impossible to find parts for it as I’ve trawled the internet already. Keep up the good work a very informative video as always!

[@sherwin1447]

Tnx for the video. I recently bought a diver's. It looks like a 007 but when I opened the case back, it's a 6309A. Now I'm looking for the correct dial, insert and case back for my watch.

[@setter55]

Great vid, I have two 6309 7290's, one original and another modified to 729A Pepsi spec with aftermarket parts. I'm guessing it's pretty hard to find genuine hands, dial and bezel insert. Id love to be able to have it returned to its original specification.

[@seikoskar2076]

Great episode, Spencer and Sabrina.I just wanted to fill inn another giveaway for a genuine 6309 bezel insert. The fact that all AM insert (including Harolds) are totally flat, makes it really easy to spot them from the genuines, which are not flat; rather dish shaped, concave, slanting down from the outer edge, dowards the crystal, you get a light, shaddow effect on these, depending on the location of the light. A flat insert, like the 6105-inserts (and the AM-inserts) gives a even reflection.

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

Yes, though that can be adjusted with a crystal press, with care.

[@tgy1986]

thank you so much for these videos, both informative and gives an expert opinion. This video should be pinned on all websites to clarify a real 6309 v a fake, wish i had this resource years ago. Lets hope this helps out other

[@davidcote8644]

Great video, learning a lot ! Thank you 🙏

[@williamsmith3169]

I have a dial on my 6309 from 1977 that meets all the criteria you mention except the yellowed lume looks oddly flat. Does it wear down over time or maybe its a convincing after market?

[@andrewl1756]

Recently purchased one on Ebay and had a question about the movement within the 6309. If it has the Seiko 5303 movement is that usually a clear sign that it is real?

[@Conaire_Mc]

Awesome Spencer, thank you so much for this

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

Don't thank me - it was all Sabrina's idea and labor and doing and effort. I just blabbed. She did everything else from first idea to final product.

[@stevenuk]

this channel is just excellent... this is an illustration of what is great about the watch industry.

[@Krachimir]

Sir, how to know if my Slim turtle is original Pepsi bezel or not? Thank you

[@eosspektrum8654]

Hello, What kind of tweezers are you using? Thank you

[@blondestratsmorefun]

Interesting! Thanks guys.

[@pacovl46]

What’s that thing on the clock in the background???

[@SeanCodyTexasLegalDefense]

Great job!

[@robertmontgomery7133]

If I replace the water pump on my car with an after market part, is my car now fake? If I replace a damaged dial on my Seiko with an after market dial is my Seiko now fake?

[@alastairheptonstall7982]

A very enlightening video, many thanks! Out of interest, I have seen several slim turtles with the writing “17 jewel” under the marking “water 150 resist”. The rest of the dial looks reasonably original to my eye. Were they produced with this writing on the dial?

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

Yes the JDM ones had that.

[@dermotrees9873]

Absobloodylutely Marvelous. Thank you.

[@aramkrikorian9460]

The originals seem to have the little extent at 2?

[@adrienne4934]

I stumbled across a well used 6309-7049 at a pawn shop the other day. It is keeping good time, and after watching some of your videos, it appears to be 100% and a good candidate for a restore. Can I send you some pics and eventually get you to service, and replace the crystal and seals?

[@pawelr.6257]

Hi. My Seiko 6309-7290 all the words WATER150mRESIST is painted in whitish silver paint. Was there a version in any variants of the first or second generation or was such a dial ordinary Fake? Thanks

[@bushkesh]

Just wanted to mention that Harold insert that i had purchased few months ago for 6309 has the bottom tip of the triangle going over and to the side of the edge just like the genuine. There are only 2 things that can differentiate and that is the incorrect font type and lack of slant with Harolds vs Genuine. If you put Harolds insert next to a Genuine you will notice first thing that the "0" are some what elongated compared to the more boxy "o" on the genuine.

[@grandriver3152]

So do any of these fake dials have actual working lume?

[@captainblimp4133]

Sometimes I think if you can't does it matter?

[@robraver]

what would one of these watches be worth now? I got a beat up old one that still keeps time, just wondering if its worth getting it properly renovated.

[@CrossingRover]

If it's keeping good time, I wouldn't mess with it. Too many 6309s have been redone with cheap repro parts

[@shawncasey9995]

thank you

[@jco1298]

Spencer, what about the beveled day-date window on originals vs. flat edged windows on fakes?

[@seikoskar2076]

Another giveaway is the pointing "A" in "JAPAN" in many aftermarked dials. It should be a Flat topped "A"

[@Panzergrennie]

That would be interesting to hear. I just bought a "patinaed" dial/hands/insert set on the flea bay, because I like the "battered" look, for my 6309-7040 and I was specifically told to take care to only buy one with beveled edges on the day/date window.

[@nealcarpenter7364]

What month in 1976 did the 6309-7049 begin production? I'm looking for a birth year/month watch, and I think the 6309-7049 is the right one.

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

The 6309s were made from the very end of 1976 until 1988 IIRC. '76 is late for a cushion-case 6309 but they do exist.

[@johncunningham5435]

Spencer! when a customer sends in a Seiko watch for service and upon examination you find it a fake, how do you deal with the situation when the customer thinks it is genuine?.

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

Happens very rarely, mostly because any potential watch job starts out with photos from the owner. A watch with obvious issues will stick out, and the owner will get a chance to think about what to do before ever mailing it out.

[@Leo-Crespi]

amazing

[@pintinho666]

Can someone estimate a value for a 6309 735m r?

[@apache313]

Do you have any recommendations for reputable dealers where I could find a vintage 6309?

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

Besides myself, I don't know of anyone right now but there are a good amount of 6309s out there, it just a matter of knowing what "good" looks like, and ideally being sure the seller is a good one.

[@apache313]

@@SpencerKleinVintageWatch Thank you so much, I will keep an eye on your website for inventory.

[@CyberRabid.]

Seiko may be nothing but precise when it comes to printing a dial, but it would be nice if they could learn how to line up a chapter ring.....

[@shehryarkhanalizai9384]

I think there is a big misunderstanding here. Seiko's are manufactured in two countries Japan and Malaysia. Both are original but the only difference is, the quality made in japan is more precise and better quality wise. While the one made in Malaysia is a bit different and not that precise. But both are original.

[@shehryarkhanalizai9384]

And yes the models made in Malaysia are cheaper in price too.

[@gh778jk]

Good info... (I quote like Seiko, and I have a few) But, 'cool' guys (as opposed to people suffering from hypothermia) wear understated watches... not those infernal Rolex wannabees! A nice Glashutte spezimatic , An Omega without a fussy dial... or some-such watch. Paddy

[@danieleraso1]

Hi. I bought a 6309 in 2009. I believe it was a "asian" special. Pretty sure bezel insert is wrong because according to reference it is supposed to be pepsi bezel and it has a black one. The suwa symbol is not clear so fake dial as well. But what about hands, movement, case, crystal and strap? I'm not even sure how much a watch like that cost nowadays

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

From bed, like John and Yoko :D

[@herminiohernandezjr.9316]

Here is an explanation on how to add podcast to iTunes: create.blubrry.com/manual/podcast-promotion/submit-podcast-to-itunes/

[@MrBlackbutang]

I have yet to find a 7290 with the face you say is genuine.

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

They’re SUPER hard to find. Most of them were beaten to death.

[@MrBlackbutang]

@@SpencerKleinVintageWatch my first one is at a bottom of a lake. Can’t find of a picture of it to compare to my other one. Thanks

[@jonkasch1244]

led zeppelin fan i see

[@michaelwells9730]

There not fake just after market as seiko dont supply

[@playingbadgolfwell9732]

This video isn't discussing fake 6309s... its about real 6309 watches that have been modded or renovated with aftermarket parts. As far as I'm aware, there are no fake 6309s (meaning fake movements and cases) being sold. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

There are no fully fake 6309s. There's be no reason to make one when original parts are so readily available, cases and movements especially. But the bulk of the value of a 6309 will be in the dial and hands and lume and insert - and those are relentlessly faked. Unfortunately, people get fooled often.

[@mikee9928]

you dont wear mods , what a crock ,if you wear watch for work for a long time and parts become unavailable and need to be repaired after market parts are the only option

[@jameswcollett]

Your lady is cute.

[@stew4148]

I am not nearly uptight enough to be involved in this hobby.

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

Thankfully, being uptight is not a requirement.

[@apegrasshoplizard]

Dead giveaway !

[@toadinthehole8085]

Well why don't you cry about it.

[@SpencerKleinVintageWatch]

About what?