Don't miss the next drop
There’s a certain magic to 1970s and 80s Seiko, an era when the brand was arguably at the peak of its powers, producing millions of watches with an incredible baseline of quality and fantastic, adventurous design. This piece is a perfect testament to that time. It’s built around the legendary Caliber 7009, an absolute workhorse of an automatic movement known for its sheer robustness and longevity. These movements were the reliable engine inside countless watches of the period, offering dependable performance that continues to impress collectors today. The “DX” designation on the dial, often meaning “Deluxe,” signifies that this was a step above the standard models, featuring more refined finishing and details like the sharp, applied hour markers.
This specific example is a stunner, showcasing a deep blue sunburst dial that shifts and plays with the light beautifully. The polished, faceted indices and handset are crisp, giving the watch a surprising amount of dimension and legibility. What really defines this piece, however, is its quintessentially 1970s case architecture—sharp, angular, and unapologetic, flowing seamlessly into its original integrated bracelet. It’s a cohesive and confident design that wears incredibly comfortably. One of the coolest features, and a fun quirk for enthusiasts, is the 7009’s unique quickset system: the date is changed by pulling the crown to the first position, while the day of the week is advanced by simply pushing the crown in. It’s a clever and satisfying piece of engineering.
In our opinion, watches like this represent one of the best value propositions in vintage collecting. You get an authentic piece of design history from a legendary manufacturer, a robust automatic movement, and a look that is both timeless and totally unique. It’s a no-nonsense, honest watch that has aged beautifully and is ready for daily wear. For anyone looking to dip their toes into vintage watches, or for the seasoned collector who appreciates great, accessible design, this Seiko is a fantastic and wildly cool choice.
