Seiko 6309 - 7049 Review

Let's take a look at a classic vintage dive watch from Seiko. Take a look at the hands and let me know what you think.
addendum: I forgot to point out that the bezel is a time elapsed bezel which is used in diving watches to display how long you've been underwater so that you have an idea when you should surface before you run out of oxygen.

[@mikewoods1622]

I have a 6309-7049 which was purchased in Canada in 1981. The watch is all original, except for the bracelet, and has never been serviced or even opened. I have used it on a daily basis for this entire time. The day is displayed in English and French. To answer one of your questions, there is no notch appearing in the points of the arrow shaped minute hand. I am no expert but the face and hands appear to be largely identical.

[@369168]

Thanks for viewing....I attempted a minor repair today, let's see if I can increase the power reserve..will keep you guys posted

[@369168]

the only other straps I've tried with this watch were the maratac Zulus, but somehow I decided to give this leather strap a go, and so far i'm still happy with the way it looks and with the comfort. thanks for watching.

[@dv1022]

I purchased my 6309-7049 in late 1986 - early 1987 for diving and it has been my go-to watch ever since. I love the classic styling and it keeps perfect time. Even better than my Omega Seamaster. Unfortunately, the crown has stripped and won't lock down. I sent it to Seiko for repair but was told that to fix they would have to open the watch and since the gasket is no longer available, it would not useful underwater. Still use it on a daily basis.

[@369168]

glad to here that your watch has given you great service for so long. thanks for watching and chiming in

[@JDtheFreak]

I've had my 6309-7049 since 1982, purchased at the Pope AFB, NC AAFES on sale from the usual $110 for a whopping $88. It went everywhere on my wrist, until it started losing time about 10 years ago. I just sent it out for cleaning/adjustment so I can start wearing it again on my forays into the great outdoors.

[@369168]

these watches can last forever with some periodic maintenance. These Seiko divers are really alot of watch for the money. thanks for watching

[@DrRich-mw4hu]

Hands look identical to mine, and mine are 100% original. I bought mine in new 1986 from the NAS North Island base store. Only have had it cleaned one time.👍👍🤔

[@369168]

that bit of info definitely makes me feel better :) . thanks for watching

[@markperroni69]

I also have a 1979 Seiko 6309-7040. Yours is from Feb, and mine is from Sep. About mods, I also don't like to change the original look. The only thing I would think of doing, and I just changed my mind today, was buying a bronze case, exactly the same as the original, and moving all the parts to this case. I just talked to the guy who makes these 6309 and 6105 diver cushion cases in bronze or brass, and it's around 410 USD, plus shipping. Not cheap!! Found these watches today, and I'm considering buying one at least, maybe both. The Scubapro mod is also acceptable, IMO. I just bought one 3 days ago. Can't wait to get it. I was also considering gold plating one, and using a blue dial. Let's see.... But that's my favorite watch right now!! And I do have lots of divers!!

[@369168]

I had this 6309 with one of those aftermarket "Hong Ko" dials which I modded. Better a mod than one with a non genuine dialls. Good luck with your projects sounds interesting !

[@markperroni69]

Watching your video again.... And just noticed I commented on it a year ago! Well, I got the second Turtle a year ago, and since then, I also bought two 7002-7020s, one SKX171 (7S26-7020), two Frankenmonsters (SKZ253 and 255) and another H-558 Arnie. The slim case divers were for modding, but they've been put aside for now. I also bought a 6306 movement for my first Turtle in Oct last year, and found a ScubaPro aftermarket dial that reads 6306 -700J T, instead of 6309. It's not the original 6306 ScubaPro that costs over $4K, but it works just the same. My Turtles are still some of my favorite watches. Next, I will relume the original dial with an orange lume, and install gold hands with a black and gold insert. The aftermarket 6309 ScubaPro dial will be retired. Everything is on the mail. Let's see how it turns out. After all that, I will need to buy a third one, to keep it all original..........

[@846524162]

Looks really good on that strap, haven't seen many good combos Seiko with leather. I just ordered vintage looking waffle strap from Dagaz (I'm sure you know them) for cheap money, $15 for my vintage SKX009. Great review, always a pleasure to watch.

[@BIGFOOTWILLY]

Hi the 6309-7049 is the US version, the 7040 is the made in Japan version. I have the 6309-7049 turtle. Good luck!!

[@SteveHoover69]

I have an SKX007 with the exact same hands I hope they're original hands on yours I like to think they've been using the same design for decades. I love this line of watches.

[@369168]

I don't think you have anything to worry about. the skx007 is a "modern" Seiko so I wouldn't think you have to worry about non OEM parts. With vintage watches anything is possible..

[@dikastisdredd8005]

very good example of 6309 there! I am going to replace soon my scratched original crystal with a flat sapphire one from IWW.This will be my only modification on this watch.

[@369168]

thanks! still wondering if the hands on this watch are OEM or aftermarket. if you are only going to change the crystal only, sounds like the rest of your watch is in good shape :)

[@captaincoyote1792]

Odd that some of you indicate inability to purchase a new OEM “rubber” strap. I purchased my 6309-7049 new at the Navy Exchange back in 1983 or 84. I have worn it flying, diving, backpacking the AT, have used it to synchronize law enforcement ops, and alongside replenishment at sea. During post-Katrina, submerged more than once in chemically contaminated waters. Full service about six years ago....and I think I’m m on my 10th strap....always replaced with an OEM strap purchased through reputable Seiko dealer / jeweler Watch is fantastic value.....son wants it when I die....opting for it instead of my Rolex Sub! Go figure,

[@camarocarl7130]

Air is used in diving, not O2. BTW who did your relume? It looks perfect ! Mine is a dull grey and looks crappy.

[@369168]

I stand corrected. The relume was done by Industrial Watch Works

[@SteveKelly-nc4cd]

I recently acquired this watch and I’m slowly bringing it back to life but am having a hard time finding genuine Seiko parts. Where were you able to get parts for the modifications that were made?

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I've checked out some of the oldest original hands I could find from the early 90's and they're all like the minutes hand you have there at the pointer corners. I really like your watch, I thought they came with thick Plexiglas, acrylic crystals in their day? But your hands have a lot of handling rash on them, lots of blurring o the luster in the finishes. Like around the center of the seconds hand where a rough face of tools have etched into it.

[@369168]

no need to apologize, it's not a rant.Unfortunately I have neither the money or the time to be a travel around the world picking up souvenirs. For me I like watches that have a history, or some lineage for want of a better word. When I look back on my 25 years of collecting I've made some mistakes, the biggest of which were buying new interpretations of watches that previously had in house movements but are now fitted with ETA movements. (eg IWC Mark XV, and the IWC Portofino). I have nothing against ETA movements, I think they are tried and true, easy to service, and can be very accurate. For me, a company like IWC using ETA movements is a bit of a cop out.

[@williamstalvey6920]

These are some of the best divers ever Wish the morons would not try to MOD these legends out. Legend Dive Watch!!!

[@1972myc]

I get the same feeling when I hear people say they are modding modern Turtles, or cool special editions like the Padi! Or any Turtle!

[@williamstalvey6920]

@@1972myc yes, nuts Why mess up a perfect divers with non authentic parts, cheapens the product

[@hunterxxx6436]

My Watch 6309 7049 divers, Old model

[@369168]

re: Anti-Reflective coating: All A/R coated lens have some sort of residual color, in this case it's bluish.

[@daviegoodtimes]

Great review, as always! Keep em coming

[@369168]

thanks for watching !

[@daviegoodtimes]

@@369168 wow not only am I honored that you responded to me (regardless of timing) I am hopeful you put out more content!

[@stormy5969]

My 6309-7049 being in perfect condition and original. The hands you have are OEM like mine. Would like to know where you did buy the band from. Need one, since my OEM band is no longer... Very nice watch, by the way.

[@369168]

I bought the band from Amazon. It was a little stiff in the beginning but is starting to soften up a little with wear. thanks for watching. nice to hear that my hands are OEM :)

[@1stPlaceDirector]

I just checked, there is a seller on eBay selling brand new Seiko replacement bands for $38.50 and he has 10 of them at least, new in the package. I'm going to order one.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

"addendum: I forgot to point out that the bezel is a time elapsed bezel which is used in diving watches to display how long you've been underwater so that you have an idea when you should surface before you run out of oxygen." Non! It's for keeping track of your no-decompression-diving-limits, not your tanks. You predetermine your diving chart for how deep you plan on being for what amount of time with decompression stops to surface etc.

[@hubalahu]

Oh God why are these aftermarket dials everywhere

[@1stPlaceDirector]

Did you ask the person who changed your crystal to save the old one for you? Originals are rare and probably can be refurbished or polished?

[@369168]

When I changed the crystal on my 6105 it was returned to me...as far as the 6309 is concerned i think that when I bought it the crystal was already aftermarket ?

[@Dave.S.TT600]

Thank you, I needed to know the Basics to set my day & date & time on my new (Used) 6909-7290 that i bought from eBay, Your video was very helpful and reassuring (and well-made) when i was a bit anxious after first handling the watch. Thanks Mate ! -Dave (Adelaide, Australia)

[@369168]

glad I could be of service, enjoy your watch and thank you for watching :)

[@myassizitchy]

Its a good rule of thumb to only change the date with the hour hand in the bottom half of the hour. U can break the tiny date wheel thats a bitch to fix. Never force it to change. The damage area is really around 11 to 1 or somewhere but its js good idea to do it with the hour hand between 3 and 9. Just to be safe

[@Dave.S.TT600]

@@myassizitchy Thank you 4 years later but the watch is still going well, best wishes to you. -Dave

[@1stPlaceDirector]

Does anyone know where to find a replacement band that matches the original from 1977. My 6309 is from March 77. My band is still original and in great condition, but the little rubber holder is missing that holds the strap. I think I'll take the original band off and store it away as a collectible, as it appears to be getting brittle.

[@369168]

from what I understand the original bands are virtually impossible to find. the best places to check might be ebay or internet forums devoted to seiko and other japanese watches.

[@44deluxe]

I just ordered a replacement rubber strap from uncle Seiko...haven’t received it yet but everything else I’ve had from them has been top notch

[@perrooceaniko2005]

All the 6309 are made in japan..? I am about to buy one but there is NOT made in japan mark anyplace on the watch. Can you comment ..?

[@369168]

There should be something written at the bottom of the dial saying Japan along with some numbers or somed along the lines of cased in Hong Kong

[@seanguillermo]

Hi, how many complete rotation of screws is standard to tell the crown or thread is not yet loose?

[@369168]

I don't remember exactly how many turns of the crown will screw it down, but when it's screwed down the crown stays put, and doesn't pop back up. hope this helps. thanks for watching.

[@g.j.r4069]

The hands are after market, incorrect colour

[@369168]

Ok. I'm glad that's been cleared up. thank you

[@tomasinacovell4293]

It's a blue-tint AR coating?

[@artby2wenty]

+Tomasina Covell yes

[@tomasinacovell4293]

+Artby2wenty It's pretty.

[@robertbelliottjr5773]

Definitely after-market hands. Plus, there is no fading of the lume on both hands and minute markers. This is odd given the fact that it is circa 1978-79.

[@369168]

I suspected as much. Thanks

[@Trevenclaw]

Hey where did you get that watch band? I bought a 6309 and I'm looking for a waterpoof leather band for it.

[@369168]

+Trevor Gebhardt If I recall correctly, I got it on Amazon. thanks for watching. Also, I want to point out that I'm not sure how "waterproof" it really is. I've splashed some water on it with no ill effect but I haven't submerged it in water.

[@369168]

I got this on amazon. the brand is called Bonetto Cinturini

[@aschupp8915]

I have a Seiko 6309 7040- With a serial number :480492, and i want to kwow what is the year of manufacture of this piece.My watch is in a very good shape and, if you are interessed i send some fotos.Tanks for the video;

[@369168]

although I don't have the link, just google "seiko citizen date production calculator" and you'll find it. plug in the caliber (in this case 6309) and the serial number and you'll get a production date. thanks for watching:)

[@dikastisdredd8005]

Alexandre Silva your 6309 must be from August 1984 (judging by your serial number) ;)

[@1stPlaceDirector]

I think you should teach a person to fish, not just give them the answer. The way you calculate the date of manufacture on the 6309 is this: first digit "4" means 1984. The second digit is an "8", which means August, so 8/84 is the date of manufacture. If you know the serial and use this method, you have your answer.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

1stPlaceDirector What if it was 94, or 04?

[@JDRichard]

1stPlaceDirector so what is a 001240

[@yyzca6126]

Hands look to new for the vintage age of the watch. Just an amateur observation.

[@mindaugasx8204]

original bazzel but relumed dial.. strange mod

[@369168]

you can think of it that way. either leave everything alone or modify everything. However if you check out some of the Seiko forums there are lots of examples of individuals reluming only, and leaving everything else alone. My vintage Seikos aren't going to be museum quality type pieces but are freshened up vintage pieces that can be still used on a day to day basis. thanks for your imput

[@JDRichard]

I believe you have after market hands as your second hand circle is too big. I have an original 6309 7049 that I bought in 1980.

[@369168]

it wouldn't surprise me. I did have the hands relumed, (secs hand included) so I don't know if for whatever reason, that makes it look bigger or not (because its extra clean looking?)

[@guillo754]

where do i buy that band?

[@369168]

I think I got in on Amazon. I've replaced this strap since this video with one that looks more "historically correct"

[@juniorbullock838]

Hi Original is always better! Your relume has devalued the watch unfortunately.

[@369168]

agreed.

[@mkhilario]

hand and dial are both aftermarket.

[@369168]

as I mentioned the dial was relumed, and the crystal is aftermarket sapphire. just not sure about the hands

[@djblackwing737]

Dial is original. I can see the bevels on the date window. Hands are original... flat and proportion is about right. ive acquired a number of 6309s and it took me a while to source the original parts that were swapped. Good catch

[@jimwiles3461]

The hands look like mine which have never been touched.

[@369168]

i guess that gives me hope that the hands are OEM :) thanks for watching, and for your imput.

[@myassizitchy]

All the aftermarket hands ive seen the silver part is totally flat. My original ones are beveled. Also ali Express sells some that are brushed and i see alot of em on watches on ebay

[@369168]

thanks for your imput

[@myassizitchy]

The lume wouldve looked awesome old and worn. Both mine look like they been thru hell n back which they sorda have. I mod my 007s but i aint touchin my old turtles

[@369168]

Gives the watch a bit of character.