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The hobby of watch collecting can be a stressful one. With countless limited releases and variants, it can be hard to keep up — for both us and our wallets. For some, they simply came into the game decades too late. Fortunately, marketplace sites like eBay are still thriving with classic vintage watches, with countless options from popular eras such as the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. This was an important time for Seiko as well, for the Japanese watchmaker was breaking ground across the realms of divers, chronographs, and both quartz and mechanical movements. It’s also worth noting that with eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee, eligible watches from any decade go through a professional authentication process so you know you’re getting the real deal. Here are our favorite vintage Seikos currently available on eBay.
Seiko 6309
If you’re looking for a great vintage Seiko that won’t break the bank, check out the 6309 diver with its cushion-shaped case and utilitarian configuration (although mint condition options will run you a lot higher). Heftier compared to some others on this list, the model came about in the mid-’70s and had a lifespan of over a decade.
Seiko 6138 “Panda”
The “Panda” variant of the 6138 debuted in the 1970s and was ahead of its time in a lot of ways. Blending a racing chronograph with dive watch aesthetics, it sports a top-bottom chronograph configuration with a white and black contrast between the dial and registers. However, despite many square racing watches of the era, this one maintains the round case.
Seiko Bullhead 6138 Chronograph
Similar to the chronograph above, this Bullhead is part of the 6138 series and features a unique day-date layout. Although, to find these pieces in pristine condition, you may have to reach a bit further than the $400 floor, but for good reason. Sporting a decidedly vintage brown/auburn colorway, the top-pusher configuration came out in the ‘70s and has amassed a cult following since.
King Seiko 5626 Vanac
Produced only for a few years between 1970 and ‘75, these angular Vanac variants of the 5626 are highly coveted today and can still be found on eBay. Equipped with the Hi-Beat caliber movement, these dress pieces are some of the most beautiful in the vintage King Seiko range.
Seiko 6105-8110 Diver
The cushion-shaped 6105-8110 Diver from 1968 helped popularize the asymmetrical case shape. Although it looks decidedly vintage, the design language can still be seen all throughout Seiko’s diver range today.
