1976 Seiko Turtle Diver 6306-7000 JDM
That year, Seiko debuted its replacement for its 6105, conceived in two different specifications - one for the domestic Japanese Domestic Market and the other for overseas.
The latter international variant - the 6309 - featured a 17 jewel 6309A automatic movement, fitted with bilingual day wheels appropriate for the target geographic it would be sold in, while the former Japan domestic version - the 6306 - was to be fitted with a more advanced 21 jewel 6306A movement, with seconds hack capability and an English/Kanji Japanese day wheel.
The 6306 lived a rather short life in between the 6105 and 6309, and was produced from 1976 to 1981, when Seiko would favor the 6309 until it too was replaced with the 7002 diver in 1988. The 6306 and 6309’s were a successful effort by Seiko to improve the 6105 movement, which allowed for greater lifespan, robustness, and ease of maintenance. Both were popular with the U.S. military, akin to the Seiko model it replaced, the 6105 - its (much more expensive) forefather - and quickly became the staple of the working diver.
Prominent crown case cut out as well.
Information:
Reference: 6306-7000
Serial: 680XXX
Circa: 1976
Bracelet: Aftermarket black rubber strap
Case Size: 44mm x 12.6mm Thickness
Lug Width: 22mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Dial: Black Suwa-signed dial, with dark yellow "water resist" lettering
Movement: 6306A - Automatic - Serviced 8/24 - One year warranty
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date-Day
Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, booklet, and warranty papers
Crystal: Hardlex - Scratches but no cracks
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition:
Case is in great shape with only micro wear throughout. Bezel has a few light marks but nothing notable. Dial has aged beige patina. Hands are a flat white and untouched with wear along the steel. Crystal has light surface scratches but no cracks. Serviced August 2024 and comes with one year warranty on the movement.
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
