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Cheapest seiko with a spring drive movement?

70K views 54 replies 19 participants last post by  dapetik  
#1 ·
Hi all,

I've been in the market for a long time looking for the most inexpensive spring drive containing seiko.

I have only been able to find things in the 4000+ range

Can anyone point me in the direction of a cheaper pricepoint (new or used)?

Thanks!
 
#23 ·
SBDB011, 009, 013, 015, 017. Some of those have various limited models with similar productcodes. The 013 is $2365 nib in Japan if you can get it there yourself. Other than that your only option is going to the used market. There's one for $1900 on this forum atm.
I'm keeping an eye out myself for all of the above apart from the 015 (it's just too ugly).
 
#34 ·
Some ebay sellers from Japan sell stuff that isn't in their possession so I'd apply a hefty dose of scepticism if buying from one I didn't know. If they get something that isn't as described, you do too.

Basically what they do is scour their domestic b/s/t venues, be it online or brick and mortar; then list it on ebay with international shipping. The markup can be extreme, I mentioned an SBDX009 in a different thread that was $2000 on Japanese sites and $3600 on ebay. It had been listed atleast 3 times simultaneously, all by different people, descriptions and prices varied.
 
#44 ·
I just purchased a Model SNR007 Spring Drive unseen at auction for $1000 plus $350 in fees etc. I have not yet received the watch but it's supposed to "Run". The photos appear to show a very scratched up watch and bracelet. I plan on trying to clean the watch up with my Dremel and evaluating its operability. I heard that Seiko will completely overhaul the watch for $510 in total. That includes light polishing. But due to the Pandemic, the Seiko Service center in NJ is closed.
Does anyone know where else service for a Spring Drive can be performed? Should I just try to sell the watch as is for a little profit and look for a better Spring Drive watch? What do you all think?
 
#46 ·
Sorry, the watch that I purchased for $1350 is actually a Type: Seiko, Spring Drive, Ref. SNR005, Circa 2010
Model: Ref. SNR005 Watch Movement: Seiko Cal. 5R65, self-winding, 30 jewels, 72 hr power reserve.

I still have not yet received the watch but from photo's it looks like it was worn by a bricklayer. I just hope that it functions and can be cleaned up a little. It is supposed to be operational.
 
#47 ·
I have just received the Seiko SNR005 Spring Drive. It looks to be running perfectly. The crystal is clean without scratches. The face is perfect. The strap is a little scratched up but I found an exact replacement for $200. The real issue is the bezel. It is really scratched up. It is a polished piece and the scratches are sort of deep. I found the bezel part number through some online searches but could not find the part available online. It's Seiko part 85942249. So, do I sell the watch as is, and at what price? So far, I'm out about $1350.00. Should I drop another $200 on a new strap? Should I try to polish the bezel? Any suggestions? Thanks
 
#48 ·
You can send it to seiko and they will replace the bezel, I had the exact same model (probably the same watch, its rare), and watned to have the scratches repaired. They said it was only $99 as I recall. You should call seiko and give them the model info and they'll help you out. I was surprised now nice they were about it. I never actually ended up doing it, so no telling how long it takes or how well it actually turns out.
 
#52 ·
I was the only bidder for this Spring Drive. I placed the minimum bid to open, which was $1200. I won the lot and then paid the buyer's premium of $150. I've now had the watch for over a year. It looks great and runs perfectly. It was appraised by TheRealReal for $2595. I currently have it listed at $2595 on Chrono24. You can see more photos at that site. I sort of hope that nobody purchases the watch... but I could always use the funds.
 
#54 ·
I've had some very good luck at Heritage Auction. Their HQ is in Dallas and I am also located in Dallas. I recently purchased, through an auction, a beautiful pearl & diamond, platinum ring. The pearl fell off during its first wearing. Heritage offered to repair the ring or refund the purchase. They worked with us to arrange for a local jeweler to perform the repairs; at no charge. The jeweler repaired everything and the ring looks absolutely beautiful. Heritage Auction is focused on customer satisfaction. Good luck.