I recently found an old Seiko diver's watch in a desk drawer that I purchased around 1976 in Taiwan. It's the "Captain Willard" model (6105-8110). I wore it regularly for about 10 years and then put it away and forgot about it. It still runs but needs to have the time adjusted every couple days and the luminous material on the hands have gotten that "cruddy" stuff on them. It also lacks a watch band. I would like to start wearing it again but it probably ought to be serviced. After lots of internet searching, I'm still unsure of where to send it for servicing and/or restoration so one of my questions is: Where is a reputable place to send it?

Another question relates to a new Seiko dive watch advertised by Macy's: the Automatic Prospex Diver SRP777. It looks very much like my old one. At less than $500 and occasionally on sale for less than $350 would it make more sense to buy this new watch? I suspect service/restoration of my old watch could easily cost that much and maybe more.

I'm hoping some of sigforum's watch enthusiasts will share their opinions concerning my situation.

A 6105-8110 is easily worth $2500 restored.

I’ve sent stuff back to Seiko for service. I remember it being easy.

I’d send it in and then wear it.

quote:

A 6105-8110 is easily worth $2500 restored.

Note sure when this price comes from.

I still wear my 6105-8000, "Water Proof", that I purchased and used in Nam in 1969. The 6105-8000 has always held a higher value.

.

I’d send it to Seiko. Sure, a local watchmaker could probably clean and service it too but why not send it back to the original manufacturer? Seiko is probably going to charge less than your local watchmaker.

That’s a neat watch by the way. I have tons of Seiko divers but I don’t have a Willard. I have a homage (Chinese made) 6105-8110 and it has been a surprisingly good watch.

I've had good luck sending watches back to Seiko.

I guess I'll send it to Seiko for servicing. Thank you for the encouragement. I would love to start wearing it again.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
I’d send it to Seiko. Sure, a local watchmaker could probably clean and service it too but why not send it back to the original manufacturer? Seiko is probably going to charge less than your local watchmaker.

That’s a neat watch by the way. I have tons of Seiko divers but I don’t have a Willard. I have a homage (Chinese made) 6105-8110 and it has been a surprisingly good watch.

That, Sir, is a nice-looking watch.

A watch like that is worth $2500 in good shape. Proceed with care though. If you over-restore it, you will hurt the value. That patina on the lume? Collectors love that, if not too far gone. Show it to someone who knows. I would not send it to Seiko. They may not do the work on an old watch anyway, and will likely over restore it. I

Several of us have used Klein Vintage Watch repair and have overjoyed with his service. He perhaps is a bit proud of his work, but my experiences using other outfits has been mixed to never receiving my watch back.

His website says he’s not currently accepting work. https://www.kleinvintagewatchrepair.com/ That may be true, my experience is he will provided you send him deposit. Separates you from the tire kickers.

JHE888 makes a very good point. Restoring it could ruin the value. I’ve bought a few dive watches because I loved the patina and well worn look. It was one of the factors that made me buy my first Omega Seamaster after coming across a gorgeous well worn but not abused example.

I’ve scooped up a few Seiko Turtles used for around $200 (close to what cleaning and fixing that vintage seiko would cost).

It might not be a bad idea to consider keeping it original and getting another Seiko diver to wear every day.

The SRP777 is a great watch. I’ve found some in the $200 range used but in good shape. Easily what it would cost to fix your vintage diver. I scooped up this SRPA21 PADI off the fleabay for $205 and it goes everywhere with me. The new Seiko Turtles are similar to your classic diver, not quite as collectible but definitely great watches.

I got to take my turtle swimming with turtles at St. Thomas recently!

Send it to Jack Alexyon at International Watch Works 919-462-1873, he's in Cary, North Carolina.

I've had mine modded, but I did so knowing the value would be affected. Sapphire, relume, triple lock crown and glass bead blasted.



I wanted it to be equal to a modern diver, waterproof and legible at night.

Uncle Seiko sells reproduction 18mm rubber straps and a very nice metal "president" bracelet for the 6105. Find him on the web.

That watch has some real value. Proceed with caution. Make sure you understand what could affect it's value before you have any work done.

Glad I saw this thread.
I have a Seiko Automatic and I never wore it.
Now it won't charge up if I do wear it.
I'm guessing it needs a new cell.

I'll send it here and see if they can fix it.

The SEIKO Service Center

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 1lowlife,

quote:

Originally posted by 1lowlife:
Glad I saw this thread.
I have a Seiko automatic and I never wore it.
Now it won't charge up if I do wear it.
I'm guessing it needs a new cell.

I'll send it here and see if they can fix it.

The SEIKO Service Center

If it is an Automatic it winds with the motion of your wrist/arm.If it has a battery or a cell it isnt an Automatic. What model number is it?

quote:

Originally posted by triggertreat:

quote:

Originally posted by 1lowlife:
Glad I saw this thread.
I have a Seiko automatic and I never wore it.
Now it won't charge up if I do wear it.
I'm guessing it needs a new cell.

I'll send it here and see if they can fix it.

The SEIKO Service Center

If it is an Automatic it winds with the motion of your wrist/arm.If it has a battery or a cell it isnt an Automatic. What model number is it?

It could be an old Kinetic Quartz.

quote:

Originally posted by Ogie:

quote:

Originally posted by triggertreat:

quote:

Originally posted by 1lowlife:
Glad I saw this thread.
I have a Seiko automatic and I never wore it.
Now it won't charge up if I do wear it.
I'm guessing it needs a new cell.

I'll send it here and see if they can fix it.

The SEIKO Service Center

If it is an Automatic it winds with the motion of your wrist/arm.If it has a battery or a cell it isnt an Automatic. What model number is it?

It could be an old Kinetic Quartz.

After looking at it is indeed a Kinetic.

I would call David Troung for advice. He’s the best.

Mimi’s Jewelry in Fountain Valley CA, google for address and phone.

Now I'm leaning toward holding on to the 6105-8110 until I can find the best way forward. Hard to believe it has such value. I paid about $50 for it in 1976. Since it is in working order maybe I'll just buy new watch band and start wearing it again as is.