Our 5 collectible Seikos
Daniel PintoWe asked each of the LOFT team members about their favorite Seiko. From innovative chronographs to oddly shaped dive watches, and classic Japanese elegance, each chose the Seiko closest to their heart.
The list ended up being quite eclectic, with prices covering a wide range, but with the common denominator that they all embody the Japanese giant's characteristic spirit of innovation and tireless commitment to quality. Get your browsers ready and open eBay, because this is really good!
Fernando: Seiko 6139 "Pogue"
The first, but not the only, Seiko to have traveled into space. Its name comes from astronaut William Pogue , who took his personal chronograph with him for use during the 1973 SkyLab mission, just a few years after the Apollo and Omega Speedmaster exploits. The real charm of this model is its yellow dial typical of Seiko's 1970s design language, but it's not just a pretty face. It's powered by the famous caliber 6139 , believed to be the first self-winding chronograph in history, making it technically superior to the venerated Moonwatch , and in my opinion, a much cooler watch. Prices generally range from $400-$800, depending on the condition and originality of the dial.
Felipe: Seiko 7A28-7000 "Ripley"
As a true '80s kid, my childhood was marked by a fascination with Alien and the visual universe of HR Giger . For this reason, the star of the film was always the Seiko Chrono we see on the wrist of Lieutenant Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), with its completely futuristic case, the pushers housed in a separate module on the right side of the case. The numeral typology, the neon colors, and the high-tech bracelet are all the brainchild of Giorgetto Giugaro , the great Italian automotive designer who collaborated with Seiko to launch this collection. Although the watch dates from 1983 and the film from 1986, it seems it was designed exclusively for use in this beloved blockbuster . The price of nostalgia is no small feat, with prices starting at $3,000 and rising depending on condition.
Isa: Seiko Champion Alpinist
As a true lover of sector dials, the 1960s Alpinist brings a very cool vintage vibe, with worn yellow tones, a completely unisex size, and a simple hand-wound movement. While it's a watch that's a bit old, the fact that it was created for professional mountaineers of the era gives it a robustness and durability that inspires confidence for everyday use. Bonus points for not having a date window and for having one of the most spectacular typefaces in history, straight out of an episode of Mad Men .
Alvaro: The first Grand Seiko with the 44S case (4520-8000)
While not the first Grand Seiko, this watch was the first to utilize Taro Tanaka 's "Grammar of Design," who created the most beautiful case in history. A perfect blend of glossy and opaque polishes, straight lines and cuts, all resulting in a form never seen before. It even forms the basis of the current collection, 50 years later, and inside it housed a movement that swept the Swiss record at the Neuchâtel chronometry competitions. Everything we love about Grand Seiko distilled into a single watch. Best of all, these historic pieces can still be had for relatively reasonable prices, with good-condition examples going for $2,000—much less than a current model from the brand—and with far more charm and awards to their name.
Daniel: Seiko 6159-7010 Tuna
A good diving watch couldn't be missing when talking about Seiko. There are so many to choose from that it's truly an impossible mission. If I had to mention my favorite, I'd say it's the Tuna , a watch so different from all the others that it could only come from a brand like Seiko. Its name comes from its resemblance to a tuna can, and its distinctive shape is explained by the technical need for a shape that could withstand a depth of 600 meters without the need for a helium escape valve. It was created in response to complaints from professional divers who wrote to Seiko claiming that its watches couldn't withstand the rigors of the sea. Seiko responded in a big way, with a watch so advanced that it remains in production to this day. Inside beats a Hi Beat movement, its bezel is protected by a titanium outer case, and its monobloc construction emulates that of the Omega Ploprof of the time. At 50 millimeters wide, it's a watch that certainly makes its presence felt, but it has so much charm and credibility that it leaves no one indifferent. Rare, beautiful, and classic all at once. Fine examples are hard to find, but they generally fetch around $3,000.
