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Scored this Seiko M929-5030 yesterday from the local market on my way home, and if I’m reading the serial number correctly it was made in September 1980. It’s in very good condition for its age, not bad for $25.

I owned a few digital watches like this in the early 1980’s, the only thing that killed them was teenage exuberance, sports and gaming with friends that included a lot of force. Usually the band gave way or the glass shattered.

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Seiko is delighted to unveil a new chapter in its celebrated Presage Cocktail Time series, with the launch of the ‘The Conte’ Limited Edition, a sophisticated and richly detailed timepiece created exclusively for the Australasian market.
Limited to 1,000 pieces, this latest timepiece pays tribute to one of the worlds most iconic aperitifs, the Negroni, and celebrates the rich craft and ritual behind both fine watchmaking and mixology.

A toast to craftsmanship: Seiko and the Negroni​

There is natural synergy between Seiko and the heritage of the Negroni. The two are timeless symbols of craftsmanship and enduring style. Just as a Negroni balances the perfect proportions of the three ingredients with precision, so too does Seiko refine every component in its timepieces with craftsmanship, heritage and innovation.





I couldn’t help myself, the Negroni cocktail is my favourite of all time, and I like the Seiko Presage Cocktail watches, owning a few already, I had no choice but to buy this. Delivered this morning.

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Nicely packaged, with some Seiko paraphernalia added.

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Being a limited run of 1000 worldwide, will the price increase? I have no idea, I’ll monitor the market and post the outcome in a year or two. Though I doubt that I would sell, I’m a bit of a hoarder with stuff like this, I still have vinyl albums from the late 70’s that I play regularly.
 
For those interested in learning from an expert, follow the link and watch the video - The Art of Vintage Watch Collecting. You may never get involved in the hobby, but it is more interesting than the rubbish on the news at the moment.

I’m excited to share our new 10-part series, streaming exclusively right now at Teddy Baldassarre.
It's an in-depth look into everything you need to know about collecting and sourcing vintage watches from one of the most knowledgeable voices in the industry.
Eric Wind, founder and owner of Wind Vintage, brings 15+ years of experience to this and shares insights that might just change how you see your own collection.
And this is only the beginning. We have more exciting videos and documentaries in the works, and you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
 
My wife’s niece has lived with us since she was 16 or 17, and now she’s turning 21.

Most family members were going to give her money for her birthday, I talked to my wife about it and shared my thoughts; a 21st in our culture is special and something to remember for life, we should give something that helps remember the event and the people. However, I understand the difficulty of finding a gift in today’s world of oversupply and tastes that change weekly.

In the end we both decided to pay for her party, a limousine, and the best gift - sharing the knowledge and pleasure of owning a mechanical watch that has the possibility of lasting a generation or two.

Last night we gave our niece her own and first mechanical watch, and she shed a few happy tears. Last Sunday was the party with close family, no tears on that day just lots of laughing and fun.

It took us a bit of time to work out what she liked jewelry wise, gold but not too blingy was what we thought.

I first looked at vintage watches, but nothing caught my eye, and the chances of a dud was too high. European watches were my next thought, but prices are ridiculous and there is a lot of stories getting around that the 'Swiss made' doesn't mean what it once did because they are using factories in China for internal parts.

My final decision was on a few Japanese brands, with Seiko getting the nod, a company with a long and strong heritage that proudly continue with their Japanese practice of quality and longevity.

The Seiko Presage SRPK46J Cocktail Time 'Beer Julep'. Seiko's are a well-built proven design that comes from their third-tier production, having some of the best dials on the market. The Cocktail range are released in limited numbers for each design; they never reproduce the same watch in the exact stye twice. Giving each watch a high chance of becoming a collectable in the near future.

Hopefully it creates a spark in her of the wonders of the mechanical and history, so that in years to come we can share watch stories.

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The Seiko Presage Men's Cocktail Time Watch SRPK46J is part of the iconic Presage Cocktail Time collection, inspired by Tokyo's sophisticated Ginza district and its cocktail culture.

The collection celebrates "Nomunication Hour," a time for unwinding with drinks and conversation after 5 p.m. Each timepiece is named after a unique cocktail created by Hisashi Kishi, head bartender at Star Bar in Ginza.
This model, inspired by the "Beer Julep," features a dial reflecting the drink’s crisp, sparkling character, combining Japanese beer, whisky, gin, sugar syrup, lemon, and basil.

The SRPK46J showcases a gold-coloured case and bracelet, complementing its shimmering dial with golden indices, dauphine hands, and a date function at 3 o’clock. It also features a three-fold clasp with a push button and a see-through exhibition case back. With a 40.5mm diameter and 11.8mm thickness, it combines Seiko’s minimalistic design with precise mechanical timekeeping.
Driven by the Calibre 4R35 automatic movement, the SRPK46J offers a 41-hour power reserve. The gold-tone stainless steel case and bracelet add sophistication, and the exhibition case back showcases the automatic movement in action. The watch also includes a screw-down case back, a serial number engraving, and a 50m water resistance rating.

- Automatic Movement – Powered by the Movement of the Wearer
- Calibre 4R35
- 40.5mm Case Size
- Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet
- Pull Out Crown
- Date Display
- 50 Meters Water Resistant
 
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I couldn’t help myself, the Negroni cocktail is my favourite of all time, and I like the Seiko Presage Cocktail watches, owning a few already, I had no choice but to buy this. Delivered this morning.

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Nicely packaged, with some Seiko paraphernalia added.

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Being a limited run of 1000 worldwide, will the price increase? I have no idea, I’ll monitor the market and post the outcome in a year or two. Though I doubt that I would sell, I’m a bit of a hoarder with stuff like this, I still have vinyl albums from the late 70’s that I play regularly.

That did not take long, this owner has already listed the watch for more than double the original purchase price, while new stock is still available (last time I looked last Friday) because it is No.1 of 1000. I doubt that it will sell for that amount, but I'm keen to watch it to see what happens.

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I know that there are no watch collectors on this site, but I thought I'd share this description on how to purchase one of the most collectable watches from one of the best locations on the planet, it made me smile remembering my recent visit to Japan. Credit goes to one of the watch collectors I follow -

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I received a good number of PMs asking about watch hunting in Tokyo. Allow me to share my personal experience. For reference: I am not local, work brings me to Tokyo and London 3-4 times a year. My business trips are just elaborate, tax-deductible watch reconnaissance missions. Please do not contact the IRS. For those of you also looking to join the "struggle" in Japan, here's my personal, deeply scientific breakdown:

1.    I’ve frequented 10 Rolex ADs in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo. Only two take a two-week advanced reservation. This is the Rolex equivalent of winning the lottery. It’s the only system where you feel like a respected human being, rather than a desperate, drooling moth drawn to a crown-shaped flame.

2.    Which two? Go to official Rolex Website. Click Menu on the upper left-hand corner, click Store Locator, on the map click Japan, then click Tokyo, then click Shinjuku. There are only three locations. One is currently closed for renovation, figure out which one of the remaining two. Once you find which AD, their branch in Ginza in the 2nd one. If you still cannot figure it on your own, PM me and I will tell you it’s Lexia in Shinjuku and Ginza.

3.    The Local Advantage or Why You Need a Friend: Do ADs sell only to locals? No. But they prioritize them. If you’re not local but have previous purchase history, that's a big plus. The hardest part is the first step: securing the appointment. You need a Japan or Asian phone number for the online verification code. My sad, American number was utterly useless. A local friend is your most valuable luxury asset.

4.    My first purchase (Nov. 2024) was secured by leveraging my Japanese work counterpart. He is huge on watches, the human equivalent of a Platinum-Diamond-Unobtainium loyalty card, and I am the extra-baggage he brings. I call this process "synergy." It's the science of using professional networking unprofessionally to acquire luxury consumer goods. Look it up.

5.    If the primary applicant nails an appointment, they can bring a plus one, who is also entitled to buy. Your name is submitted during the reservation, making it official. It's definitive proof that one person's hard work securing a reservation can be perfectly leveraged to benefit someone (me) who did absolutely nothing.

6.    The AD confirmed they don’t take waitlist even to locals. They sell whatever is available during your visit. They call two days before your appointment to reconfirm and ask the model you want. You must treat this request like a marriage proposal: specific, sincere, and non-negotiable. If you say Datejust, you do not pull out a GMT ring when you get down on one knee. Asking availability of other models during the appointment is apparently frown upon. it's seen as a lack of seriousness or an attempt to "game" the system.

7.    If you buy, you cannot purchase that exact same model for at least 1 year. This one-year penalty box only applies to duplicates. I bought a Day-Date in Nov. 2024 but was still allowed DJ last week. It’s like the relationship waiting period after a breakup: You can date other people (watches), but you can't go back to the exact same ex too quickly.

8.    The Other ADs (Where Hope Goes to Die): Most boutiques don't take reservations. Simply line up 1-2 hours before opening. Usually 40-100 people deep, not too long on weekends. The queue is a fun experience if you enjoy the meditative tranquility of jetlag-induced early mornings. While they prioritize locals, they sell to tourists too. I haven't had any luck yet, but I did witness one lucky chap from the UK offered a Batman. I've never seen a man look so genuinely bloody chuffed to spend five figures.

9.    They only take one card per purchase, which would lead you to choose between two equally undignified options: calling your bank to increase day spending limit and preemptively justify buying a luxury item that costs slightly less than an SUV or preparing to lay down wads of Yen in a grand, cinematic fashion. Since Tokyo is famously safe, your low-key option is to become a walking, high-value currency mule, parading a shopping bag full of cash to the AD for a 'quiet, high-value transfer' that is anything but discreet. check picture below.

10.   If you realize your time spent lining up is worth more than the gray market premium, head to Nakano Broadway. It's a watch and anime haven of a mall. It's a beautiful, chaotic place where you can find both a half-million-dollar Patek and less than a $1 Hello Kitty sticker or Naruto figure. It's the wild west, but with guaranteed inventory and polite Japanese vendors. It’s the antithesis of the AD experience. No haggling or hustling, sorry 47th NYC, the sticker price is the price.

11.   Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions and facts presented herein are based entirely on my specific experience, which may or may not be valid outside of my immediate gravitational field. If your experience was vastly different, I sincerely apologize; the universe clearly hates one of us.

12.   I’m no guru; I’m just a guy who thrives on jetlag with certain horological addiction. Also, if the above causes an existential crisis or credit card debt, I'm not responsible. Thanks for reading through. Jetlag certainly has a way of encouraging early morning scribbling!
 
I know that there are no watch collectors on this site.
I wouldn't say that, there may be some. Lol
I bought my first collectable watch in 1999, an Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow.
As @moXJO said, it's an interesting thread.
The Seiko Presage is a very attractive watch, I bought one about 6 years ago.
 
My $14 KMart watch is still going strong after about 3 years. If it stops I'll buy another one.

I don't have to impress anyone (I'm impressive enough already LOL) so expensive watches are useless to me.

I did try to get an old Seiko serviced, but the jeweller didn't know anyone who does that these days.
 
I wouldn't say that, there may be some. Lol
I bought my first collectable watch in 1999, an Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow.
As @moXJO said, it's an interesting thread.
The Seiko Presage is a very attractive watch, I bought one about 6 years ago.

Omega Speedmaster's are always top of the list as a collectable, and you have chosen wisely.

My second Omega was a Speedmaster, the first being a De Ville for my 21st birthday from my grandparents 30+years ago

 
My $14 KMart watch is still going strong after about 3 years. If it stops I'll buy another one.

I don't have to impress anyone (I'm impressive enough already LOL) so expensive watches are useless to me.

I did try to get an old Seiko serviced, but the jeweller didn't know anyone who does that these days.

Old Seiko's are a sought-after watch, of course it depends on which model Seiko it is. As for servicing, a well taught watchmaker should be able to service a Seiko with their eyes shut. I'd suggest checking whether your Seiko is a rarity or not, and if it is one that is sought after getting it serviced knowing that you have a piece of 20th century Japanese watch making history, and maybe an investment.

Collectible vintage Seiko watches include iconic models such as the Seiko Pogue (6139), the Seiko Willard (6105), and the "Turtle" Seiko 6309, along with chronographs like the Seiko Bullhead (6138), and models like the King Seiko, Seiko 5 Sports, and Bell-Matic series. Other popular vintage models are the 6117 Worldtimer and the early 6119 automatic chronographs.

Specific Collectible Seiko Models
  • Pogue (6139 Chronograph)
    • A highly sought-after automatic chronograph, famous for its unique history and vibrant dial colors.
  • Seiko 5
    • A line of versatile and affordable automatic watches that are a popular entry point for collectors.
  • Seiko 6105-8110/8119 "Willard"
    • An iconic vintage dive watch, recognizable for its rugged design and military association.
  • Seiko 6309 "Turtle"
    • Another highly popular and iconic dive watch, valued for its distinctive cushion-shaped case.
  • Seiko Bullhead (6138 Chronograph)
    • A unique and stylish chronograph featuring its distinctive "bullhead" design with the pushers located on the top of the case.
  • King Seiko
    • A high-end line known for its beautiful finishing, complex movements, and elegant designs.
  • Bell-Matic
    • A mechanical alarm watch that stands out with its unique combination of a day-date complication and an alarm function.
  • Seiko 6117 Worldtimer
    • An excellent example of early Seiko's expertise in world time watches.
  • Seiko 6159 "Tuna"
    • A high-end professional dive watch that served as the inspiration for modern Prospex designs.
Factors for Value
  • Rarity:
    Limited editions and models with unique features or colors tend to be more collectible.

  • Condition:
    Watches in excellent condition with original parts and documentation are more valuable.

  • Movement:
    Watches with more complex and high-performing movements, such as the 6138/6139 chronographs and the hi-beat movements in some King Seikos, are highly prized.

 
A few weeks ago, I stumbled onto an interesting watch for sale, a Bulova Super Seville. I knew nothing about the brand, and I moved on, but it kept popping up in my searches. Yesterday I decided to do some research on it and found that it is a decent watch with an interesting history. Last night I messaged the owner and we both had a bit of a discussion about it and why he was selling. I was half interested, but only a few days ago I had decided to stick with the tow dominant brands that I already have.

Until this morning, when on my YouTube feed this popped up - Are Bulova Watches Any Good? Which was posted overnight.

The new information motivated me to make a low-ball offer on the watch, which has been accepted by the owner. I have arranged a time to look at it and if it is as good as the photos show I will be the owner of a Bulova Super Seville.

The value for me is in building my hobby, and either hanging onto it for personal use, wait for the value to increase and moving it on to fund the purchase of a higher grade brand, or gift it to family or very close friend.

The watch that is for sale -

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Some nice watches there @JohnDe

One thing that ticks me off re. watches are the strap/band sizes. As I don't have access to test wear watches (and a lot of other mens "stuff"), my bane of having a larger wrist size, 23.5cm, I'm forever having to buy a longer strap/band. Plus, rarely do I see the option for a larger strap/band on offer.

Thought this might have a larger band being based on the original "Arnie". So I recently procured this new "Seiko SNJ039P Tropical Lagoon Special Edition" and yep typical, it is just too snug for my wrist. Thus, it becomes uncomfortable and leaves that all telling too-tight wear mark. Urgh!!!!

FWIW, this is my 2nd solar watch. The old Casio G Shock is in need of a new battery and the cost of replacing and re-waterproofing lead me to look for other similar WR and solar timepieces.

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Some nice watches there @JohnDe

One thing that ticks me off re. watches are the strap/band sizes. As I don't have access to test wear watches (and a lot of other mens "stuff"), my bane of having a larger wrist size, 23.5cm, I'm forever having to buy a longer strap/band. Plus, rarely do I see the option for a larger strap/band on offer.

Thought this might have a larger band being based on the original "Arnie". So I recently procured this new "Seiko SNJ039P Tropical Lagoon Special Edition" and yep typical, it is just too snug for my wrist. Thus, it becomes uncomfortable and leaves that all telling too-tight wear mark. Urgh!!!!

FWIW, this is my 2nd solar watch. The old Casio G Shock is in need of a new battery and the cost of replacing and re-waterproofing lead me to look for other similar WR and solar timepieces.

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I can see your dilemma. I am lucky to have a wrist size that allows me to find a lot of watch potions; 18cm.

I'm told that NATO straps are a great idea. I like the look of some and have worn one and found it comfortable.
 
Sapphire crystal watches tend to command a higher price so scoring one for less than a grey nurse, like this digital Ratio "Quest" field watch, is a bonus especially with the 100m WR.

For sure an el cheapo but I do like the brushed s/steel and although the strap isn't as tight as the "Tropical Lagoon" above, yes, a larger strap is on order. :rolleyes:

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I can see your dilemma. I am lucky to have a wrist size that allows me to find a lot of watch potions; 18cm.

I'm told that NATO straps are a great idea. I like the look of some and have worn one and found it comfortable.
Those NATO straps are OK but for a fashion/dress watch, no so much.
 
I haven't tried to earn any money from my hobby of watch collecting, too busy with a real job and real investments, however, it hasn't stopped me thinking about it.

One idea I came up with recently, which is quite common at the moment, is buying new limited release watches at retail and putting them up for sale on eBay as soon as retail stock is exhausted. The difficult part is purchasing the stock, as most sell out before we mortals find out that they have been released. One way to improve your odds is to sign up to mailing lists and prove yourself with a purchase.

My recent purchase of the limited-edition Seiko Negrin Australian release was all luck, I stumbled onto the web page. And by buying through the Seiko Boutique store I have created an account and had a couple of conversations with the manager, I am now on the list to receive notification of new and limited release Seiko's and Grand Seiko's.

Buy a limited release, hold it for months, sell for double. Sounds simple, and a lot of people already do it.

It won't make you a lot of money but I have decided to use it to ramp my way up to more expensive watches, I find it hard to substantiating using my hard earned money to buy watches in the Rolex price range, but if I use my hobby as described above I have no problem with that at all.

My only problem is time, however that may change because I have started the process of pulling back at work and letting my 2IC take more responsibility.

This is just a hobby for me.

This Hot New Seiko Is Selling For DOUBLE Retail!


 
Here is an example of the madness of the watch world -

The watch below has been reported as "sold out", those reports come out of the US and Europe, the watch company manufacture decent watches, but they are no Seiko. Even though the "sold out' reports are very recent, sellers have already listed those watched on eBay for $200 premium.

The madness is that the watch is still available from the Australian stockist at RRP, and if you join up to their website you get a 10% discount on any purchase, which brings the price of the watch down to $450.00 with free delivery.

Are there people out there that will get caught and pay $700+ for a watch from a private seller that they can get from the stockist for $450 to $499? I'll be watching to see the outcome.

While the exact production number for the yellow Nixon Nirvana Sentry Wobble watch isn't specified, only 150 units were made for an "ultra-limited" special drop on NTWRK, while another source states 152 units of an all-black limited edition version were made available for that specific release. The yellow Sentry Wobble also sold out quickly, though its total production number isn't mentioned.

What is the Nixon Nirvana Sentry Wobble?

This watch was a collaboration between Nixon and the band Nirvana.
  • It features a mid-size analog design with a unique bent, molded case, and a dial featuring Cobain's hand-drawn smiley face logo.
  • The back of the watch is inscribed with "Nixon Nirvana".
The Yellow and Black Versions
  • The yellow version quickly sold out.

  • An all-black version was a separate "ultra-limited" release with only 150 units.

  • A different limited edition of the all-black version was also released with 152 units.

Nixon Watches released a limited-edition Nirvana (the band) watch in 3 styles, I can't find any official production numbers, but some sources confirm that Nixon don't over-produce and mention numbers as low as 150, which I doubt is correct.


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