Seiko Divers from the 1960s and 1970s

I really enjoy Seiko watches, as I suspect many of you do. The history of the Seiko dive-watch(es) is filled with fascinating tales of discovery, innovation, and triumph. The stories behind some of these watches are better told by actual journalists and historians, and if you are unfamiliar there are some fantastic resources out there.

This small collection is focused on the progression of the unshrouded 150m rated Seiko divers starting with the first generation 6217 (first in 1965), continuing on to the second generation 6105 (first in 1970), and ending with the third generation 6306/9 (first in 1976) which had it's run through the 1980s. These three models are probably the most important vintage Seiko dive watches in terms of production. The rare and wonderful 300m divers (namely the 6215-7000 and then the 6159-7000) were produced 2 years after the original 6217-8000 came to market in 1967.

I also just started learning and enjoying the history of shrouded Seiko divers and my collection includes a 6159-7010 which is the first shrouded dive-watch in Seiko's history (first in 1975).

Group shot first from left to right - 6217-8001 (1965) // 6105-8119 (1975) // 6306-7001 (1978) // 6159-7010 (1975)



Next some individual shots.

1965 6217-8000


Here's a bonus of the 62mas - had a chance to take a few more photos in different lighting today.


1975 6105-8119


1978 6306-7001


1975 6159-7010


And a bonus shot of the 6159 since it's the newest one in the bunch 😀

The 6217 features quick set date but cannot be hacked or hand wound.

The 6105 features quick set date and hacking, but can not be hand wound.

The 6306 (JDM) features quick set day/date and hacking, but can not be hand wound.

The 6309 features quick set day/date, but cannot be hacked or hand wound (the ability to hack is the main difference between the 6306 and 6309 - they are otherwise the same).

The 6159-7010 is based on the hi-beat 36,000 vph movement from the 61xx grad seiko, so it features quick set date, hacking, and hand winding.

Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

👍 What a fantastic set, I love em!

Each and everyone a great and important watch.

Good job!

And here's a mini 2205, high beat at 28k bpm.

6105-8000 just like @X350 XJR 's one, well... at least the reference number is the same. Gives me something to aim for.

That's just a fantastic example. Thanks for sharing.

Here is my 1972 6105 before its visit to the spa-I have become very fond of Seiko divers and chronos

Love the wabi sabi of that watch!

I was just visiting with my Seikos this morning. Setting and shaking them to test reserve and accuracy. Got a 009j on now.

Nice Seikos! Love the 6105 and 6309 in the top left. Thanks for posting them up.

UNBELIEVABLE condition on those @bigsom! They look like they could have been sold out of a boutique yesterday. Great stuff.

Thank you! I was super tempted by your 62mas.

That 62mas is brilliant. Will only skyrocket in value from here on out.

Nice divers posted Here are a few The silver dial is a 6309 with a dial swap

Pretty as it needs to be! 👍

This one will make your Seiko look pretty