Vintage Seiko: A Collector's Introduction

Seiko was founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori. The company's shokunin philosophy—craft and pride in making—shapes its watchmaking. In 1969 Seiko introduced the Astron, the world's first quartz watch. Today mechanical Seiko is enjoying a renaissance among collectors. Key references include the 6105 'Captain Willard' (famously worn in Apocalypse Now), the 6309 diver, and the distinction between King Seiko and Grand Seiko. Where to buy: Yahoo Japan, eBay, Seiko Presage. Service intervals and dial variants affect value.