
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Seiko 6309-7049 Diver, 1984
- Maker / attribution
- Seiko (maker)
- Date
- 1984
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Japan
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 45 mm
- Stock no.
- SKOBH75
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (SKOBH75)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1984 Seiko 6309-7049 Diver (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number SKOBH75), this is a wristwatch by Seiko, made in Japan, dated 1984. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 45 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
This highly popular Seiko Diver is the third generation, produced from 1976-1988. The 7049 was produced for the North American market, while the 7040 was produced for the Japanese market, and the rest of the world. Measuring 45mm wide, 48mm long and 13mm thick, with 22mm lugs, this is a large watch that wears very comfortably for it's size. The case has circular brushing on top, and polished sides and bottom, separated by a distinct case line. The screw down crown is located at the 4 o'clock position, for increased water resistance, and ease of use. The bezel is a 60-click, bi-directional, with a black aluminum insert which is slightly angled toward the crystal from the outer edge. The bezel also features a double row of knurling for added grip. Featuring a NOS Seiko Hardlex mineral glass crystal, which is flat with a frosted edge. The dial is matte black, with each hour marker lured. The 12, 6, and 9 makers are larger trapezoid shapes. The dial also features a day-date window at the 3 o'clock position. A large day/date window is at 3 o’clock. Market "Seiko, Automatic," beneath the 12 o'clock, and “Water 150m Resist” above the six o'clock position. Along the lower outer edge the dial reads "6309-740X T, (small Suwa symbol) MOVT AND DIAL JAPAN CASE HONG KONG " The 6309 features the recognizable Seiko large arrowhead minute hand, broad hour hand and lollipop second hand which were designed to be seen in conditions of the lowest of visibility. The Seiko caliber 6309 movement is a 17 jewel automatic, and runs forever. The day-date has a quickset mechanism, accessed by pulling the crown out one notch and turning it one way to advance the day, and the other way to advance the date. This reference can be seen on Ed Harris in the film "The Abyss," and Mick Jagger has been photographed in it as well. More often than not these watches were purchased and used for their intended dive purposes, which reflect wear and tear. but this specific example is in excellent original condition. Stock # SKO6309 Brand Seiko Style Diver Model 6309-7049 Serial 473XXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Black Millimeters 45mm Bracelet 22mm OEM Seiko Rubber Dive strap CASE & BRACELET The case of this Seiko 6309-7049 Diver is in superb original untouched condition. The crystal is also in new old stock condition. Supplied will be the original Seiko rubber dive strap and includes the original Seiko stainless buckle. DIAL The matte black dial is in original mint condition. The large lume plots and and hands have aged to a matching slight creamy white. The bezel does show some patina but retains its factory deep black finish. ACCESSORIES None. Watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Dive and water-resistant watches
Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.
Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.
What to look for
- Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
- Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
- Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
- Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.
Dating clues
- Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
- Professional dive watches: from 1953.
- Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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