
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Seiko Diver (Ref. 6309-7049) "Turtle", 1979
- Maker / attribution
- Seiko (maker)
- Date
- 1979
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Japan
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 45 mm
- Stock no.
- SKO63097049-5
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (SKO63097049-5)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1979 Seiko Diver (Ref. 6309-7049) "Turtle" (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number SKO63097049-5), this is a wristwatch by Seiko, made in Japan, dated 1979. 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 its size. This Seiko Diver is from the third generation of these incredibly popular watches, which were produced from 1976-1988. The 7049 was produced for the North American market, while the 7040 was produced for Japan and the rest of the world. Measuring 45mm wide and 48mm long, these divers are large watches that are surprisingly comfortable for their size. The case has circular brushing on top, polished sides and bottom, and is 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 features a double row of knurling for added grip underwater or when wet and these watches have a very distinct handset that were designed for visibility under any conditions. This example is fitted with a Seiko Hardlex mineral glass crystal, and the Seiko caliber 6309 movement is a 17 jewel automatic that runs forever. The day/date function has a quickset mechanism, making these watches not just rugged, but feature rich and perfect daily driver divers. This reference can be seen on Ed Harris in the film The Abyss, and Mick Jagger has been photographed wearing his personal example as well. More often than not, these watches were purchased and used for their intended purpose as a diver, which is reflected in the wear and tear most examples display, but this specific example is in excellent original condition. Stock # SKO63097049-5 Brand Seiko Style Diver Model 6309-7049 Serial 91XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Black Millimeters 45 Bracelet NATO Strap CASE & BRACELET The sturdy "turtle" case is in excellent condition and has been lightly polished in the past, retaining crisp dimensions with light signs of honest use. the original bezel insert shows honest signs of use and retains its lume pearl at the 12 o'clock position. The case retains its original screw-down crown. The case back retains all of its original factory markings. The watch comes supplied on a nylon NATO strap. DIAL & HANDS The excellent matte black dial is in near flawless condition. The lume shows a subtle ivory coloration with no degradation present under U.V. light inspection. The original hands have lume that has aged to a slightly grey color, which is common on Seiko Divers of this era, and exhibit no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time and functioning perfectly, previous service history is unknown.
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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