Seiko Tuna Professional 600, ref. 6159-7010, 1975 — view 1 of 1
View 1 of 1 · Image: Antiquorum Genève SA · original image source

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Seiko Tuna Professional 600, ref. 6159-7010, 1975

DocumentedDocumented from an auction catalogue; attribution as stated by the auction house.
Maker / attribution
Seiko (brand / maker)
Date
1975
Country of origin
Japan
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
titanium
Dimensions
50
Lot
Lot 386-50
Credit line
Auction lot record: LOT 50
Catalogue title (original)
SEIKO, JAPAN, REF. 6159-7010, TUNA PROFESSIONAL 600, TITANIUM

View the source record (auction lot) ↗

Record summary

Catalogued by Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva (lot Lot 386-50), this is a wristwatch by Seiko, made in Japan, dated 1975. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: titanium. Recorded dimensions: 50. The record is illustrated with 1 photograph.

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

Antiquorum catalogue description

A fine, very well-preserved, large, ceramic-coated titanium, self winding diver's wristwatch with date

Lot specifications (Antiquorum)

Caliber: 6159, 25 jewels; Case No.: 538801; Bracelet: rubber Seiko strap with a titanium Seiko buckle; Signature: dial, case and movement; Accessories: original fitted box, hang tag

Provenance

Property of a Japanese collector

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

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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.

Read next:Detached lever escapementIdentification Centre

Related records