Seiko watches have always been famous for their fantastic quality craftsmanship and care for detail. You can see the intricate details and design in even the earlier models of these watches. However, do Seiko watches hold their value?
Some say they do, while others disagree. In this article, we will talk about what makes Seiko hold value.
Below are some of the best Seiko watches that hold their value. Keep reading to learn more.
So, Do Grand Seiko Watches Hold Value?
No. These timepieces are not renowned for maintaining their value over time. Seiko watches rarely hold any value.
However, many often trade these watches to resell them for the same or a more fantastic price. There are a few exceptions, though.
Discontinued Seiko models aren’t manufactured anymore, yet some of the most well-liked ones could see an increase in value over time.
Is Grand Seiko Watch a Good Investment?
Grand Seiko, a high-end Japanese watch brand, checks all the right boxes regarding status, dependability, quality, and long-term value. Additionally, you wouldn’t expect anything less from a name that expresses the designer’s goal to create the “king” of watches.
One thing that also makes Grand Seiko watches so popular with customers is their finishing. Every watch is meticulously designed and finished on every component. Every angle of a Grand Seiko watch is faultless and unique, thanks to the Zaratsu polishing.
Similar to the black polishing method occasionally used by Swiss watchmakers, zaratsu, initially created to complete Japanese swords, leaves an even surface.
Although Swiss brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex still control most of the horology market, Grand Seiko can keep up because of its cutting-edge technology, which also gives it durability and usability.
7 Key Factors that Affect the Value of Old Seiko Watches
Seiko is a luxury watch brand that produces superb quality watches. Below are the following are some factors that affect the value of the old Seiko watches:
1. Watch Condition
The Seiko watch’s condition affects its value. For instance, the price goes down if it has some marks and stains automatically. If the parts are broken or missing, it loses more value.
Therefore, a watch should be as close to perfect as possible. Of course, this can only sometimes be the case with a vintage or cherished timepiece. However, an old vintage watch in good condition will surely increase the watch’s price.
2. Age
A vintage Seiko watch increases in value as it gets older. However, this does not mean you should look for items with high serial numbers or those made solely for special events. Otherwise, they could not be in good shape.
Instead, search for ones that you can wear now without doing any harm and were created recently.
3. Watch History
A watch can be worth more if you can verify its history. It also adds to its historical significance and increases its appeal.
One crucial aspect that affects a watch’s worth is its history. It will have more historical value if passed down through your family for many years compared to if you just recently acquired it from a store.
Due to its long history, an older Seiko watch may be worth more than a more recent one.
4. Scarcity
Your Seiko watch will be worth more than a regular model if it is uncommon or a limited edition. For instance, owning a vintage Seiko watch can significantly boost its worth.
Although, it won’t be as expensive as a limited edition model from an older series. This is especially the case if it’s merely an ordinary model from a more recent series.
Let’s assume there are few other owners of this specific model. In this situation, it becomes more sought-after. There are fewer of them accessible to buy from other eBay sellers or online vendors where vintage Seiko watch collectors may hunt for them.
5. Famous Faces
Whether you like them or not, celebrities can turn anything they touch into gold (or something as valuable as gold). The same is true for watches.
Most famous people favor wearing expensive brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and Rolex. Steve Jobs’ Seiko Quartz 6431-6030 and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Seiko H558-5000 are two exceptions.
Therefore, you can sell your Seiko for a lot more money than you paid if it belonged to a famous person.
6. Special Features
Your watch will sell for a high price if it contains at least one feature that is specific to that model or that only appears once in a blue moon.
For example, let’s say model X usually has blackface. But one Model X component out of every seven has a blue face. In that instance, Model Xs with blue faces is more valued than those with black faces.
Simply put, unique features don’t necessarily need to be helpful. These features should increase the worth of the watch as long as it distinguishes the model in some way. It should also come from the manufacturer rather than a watch enthusiast.
7. Watch Movement
The accuracy, robustness, and level of design complexity of a watch are all governed by its caliber. Since Seiko employs fewer parts and requires less maintenance than previous versions, newer movements tend to be less precise than older ones.
For instance, a vintage Seiko 5 Sports with a 6206 movement is expensive. Meanwhile, a similar watch with a more modern 9S66 movement is commonly available for less than $100.
Which Seiko Watches Hold Their Value?
The Seiko Spring Drive SBGA011
The Snowflake is arguably one of the most well-known timepieces this watchmaker has ever produced. It is a real crowd-pleaser, as this watch is more popular because of its immaculate white exterior.
Furthermore, this watch rose to prominence without being a part of any well-known film, expedition, or event. The fact that it is still lovingly recalled today is proof of its long-lasting impact on the watch industry.
Moreover, the Grand Spring Drive and various other features ensure that this watch’s worth will increase for a long time. These and other similar Seiko watches show that the company can produce goods with excellent value retention.
The Seiko H558 Series
In the film, A View To A Kill, Roger Moore’s James Bond sports a Seiko H558 5000 model WHV005 digital-analog dual-display watch (1985).
Arnold Schwarzenegger wore the Seiko H558-5000 in several of his 1980s films, including Commando (1985), Raw Deal (1986), Predator (1987), and The Running Man (1987). As a result, the Seiko Arnie Diver H558-5000 is a common name for it. Schwarzenegger also occasionally sports variants or modified versions of the Seiko H558-5000 watch.
The Seiko H558-5000 is still readily available on eBay. However, the costs are typically high, ranging from $900 to $3,000 depending on the watch’s condition, mainly because of its association with James Bond and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Seiko SKX007
Since the Seiko SKX007 is an outdated model, many used ones are available online. The cheapest ones sell for roughly a couple hundred dollars, according to WatchPatrol.net.
The Seiko SKX007 is valuable. The average price costs $200. However, you can sell them for double that amount if you know how to market them. On eBay, a few pre-owned SKX007 sell for $800. It’s also important to note that the vendor ships from Japan.
On the other hand, a model made particularly for diving lovers might not be something you’re too keen on.
Seiko 6309
Seiko is mainly known for its dive watches. A famous timepiece among watch collectors is the Seiko 6309. Early in the 1970s, Seiko created this watch model with professional divers in mind.
Moreover, the casing is made of stainless steel and has a transparent case back with a screw-down design. Meanwhile, the dial contains luminescent hands, markers, and a date display at three o’clock.
Since it can endure water pressure up to 330 feet deep, you can also wear it while swimming or snorkeling (150 meters).
Furthermore, this watch uses the well-known 7C46 automatic movement with 17 jewels that were once the standard for many other timepieces.
Lastly, the price of this watch depends on its condition, but it’s expected that one in good condition will fetch $500 to $900.
Conclusion
Seiko timepieces are both fashionable and reliable. With the correct information, you may choose whether you want to purchase a new one or locate a vintage item at a reasonable price.
Wearing or bringing your Old Seiko watches to a watchmaker certified and educated to work on these historical items is the most significant way to enjoy them.
We hope this article helped you answer whether owning Seiko watches is worth it.
If you like this review, please read our other reviews at EvesWatch.com.
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My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
