[Kingsley]

Hi

This Seiko 6159-7001 has been sitting around in my drawer for 20 years. It belonged to my father before that, since new, however he hardly used it and I am not (yet :-d) overly attached to it.

I had no idea that it was of any value to anyone. It seems I was wrong, but still not sure of its value.

I am considering preparing it for sale however am seeking some answers first.

1. Should I get a general service and if so where ? Live in Sydney Australia.
2. Should this service include ... waterproof testing ? replacing the glass ? reluminizing the hands, anything else ?
3. Any particular questions to ask a service person ?

Would I be damaging it (or its value) by getting it serviced ?

The case seems to be in good condition. I have not cleaned it so the photos show normal grime etc. The band is original I think. It currently ticks for only a few seconds if wound briefly with winder.

Any clues (rough estimate is fine) as to

• the cost of a service,
• the current value of watch or
• value after service

would be appreciated.

This forums knowledge and enthusiasm is amazing. When my son showed me, I was impressed.

Since then, it has taken me a few days to do some reasonable photos.

Link to more photos:
http://www.propeople.com.au/watch_6159/Seiko_watch_6159.html

This watch is NOT for sale ... I will post it into the relevant forum IF I decide to sell it.

 

[WIS_Chronomaster]

Im a little bit hesistant to put a value on your watch there however i have seen them change hands for reasonable money on Timezone before now, the watch is DEFINFANTELY worth a service and a clean etc etc, that can only do the watch good, running wise and valuewise. So im saying get the watch Serviced, cleaned etc... and maybe some of the other guys can help you out valuewise with that, and how much a service like that would cost.

 

[Isthmus]

If you are looking for top dollar, you'll want to have the watch fully restored. DO NOT send the watch to just any watchmaker. You are asking for trouble. Send it only to someone familiar with these vintage pieces who can do a complete and thorough restoration for you. Personally, I can think of no one better to do this than Jack Alexyon at Industrial Watch Works, in North Carolina. Yes I realize that you're in OZ, But trust me, Jack is that good at restoring these vintage pieces.

Send him some pictures of the watch and ask him to give you a rough idea of what it will cost you to get it overhauled. Ask him to factor into the price the cost of replating the hands (should you need to have that done. Also, Include the original strap, but also source a modern Marine Master strap so you can sell the watch in perfect wearable condition. I think that fully restored you should be able to get your entire restoration cost and then some.

 

[Kingsley]

Thanks for the input, if the price for "restored" or "unrestored + restoration fee" is similar, I will probably let it go unrestored so that a new buyer can do what they feel is necessary.

Appreciate even a range of possible prices of unrestored etc.

It seems like between US $1,500-$3,000 ... am I on the right track here or completely askew, too low, too high ?

I will however contact the recommended repairers for some guide on restoration costs. Love to find one in Aussi.

 

[Ricehead]

Mr. Kingsley,

Although I am not certain of the value of this watch, I assure you that it will be in your best interest to invest in it's restoration. Whether that restoration is partial or complete is up to you and your wallet.

I have recently come across a vintage timepiece of my own and fumbled around with the same dilemma for a few weeks. It is from the same family (6159) but a different model. I decided that if I was to keep it, it would need to be serviced as it had sat around in a junk box for 16 years. And if I had come to the point of selling it, at least the potential buyers would know it has recently been serviced and not waste my time trying to "low-ball" me with their offers. I would not be in a position to recommend how you sell it,(Auction or advert) but it will only be worth what someone is willing to pay for a busted crusty vintage piece, or a fully restored vintage beauty.

Which would you be willing to pay more for?

Thanks for the beautiful pictures and good luck with your decision.

Ricehead.

And BTW...my 6159 is in Jacks capable hands right now as I type.

edit- found this in archives: https://www.watchuseek.com/archive/index.php/t-62418.html

 

[ttsugar]

I just got my 6159 this month from a UK seller, paid a bit over $3k.

I think I got a good deal, especially when USD is going weak these days.

 

[bry1975]

SUPERB Watch Kingsley!

All the best with the sale, she will sell very well!b-)

Seen poor 6159s make 1400-1500USD

 

[petew]

A month ago, a 6159 in worse shape with the wrong hands went for $2,400.00 on ebay. Just keep that in mind when deciding what you are going to do with it!

 

[Kingsley]

You guys are great, sounds like I need to get it serviced ... so will explore Jack if I can't find an Aussi person.

Excellent guidance, thanks

Kingsley

 

[chanzdad]

you can't go wrong with jack. I had my 6159-7010 with him for reluming and he did a few other touch up for me. now my vintage piece is looking great. I do suggest you keep that watch as it may hold great sentimental value to you plus its a great watch.

 

[Neil(UK)]

It seems like you are intent on selling so my advice to you would be to sell it "as is", all original.

Many potential buyers would rather do the restoration (if in fact they decide to restore) themselves and not doing it yourself will save you some hassle and money.

Serious collectors in watches and antiques like something new to the market that is unmolested.

Restoring it may in fact put off a few buyers but "as is" will bring in all of them.

Stick it on ebay with some good all round pics and watch the money roll in.

 

[Kingsley]

Have spoken to Jack at http://www.angelfire.com/blues/andcameysiww/Firstpage.html

This guy sounds both professional & helpful & willing, but I have decided to not service this watch ... will take Neil's advice and list on ebay, question now is, which one ? US, UK or AUS.

I have another seiko 6146-8000 with day and date, purchased at the same time ... which I will service (by Jack) and keep. Will put a seperate thread for this, just for interest.

 

[bry1975]

Hi there,


When you advertise the watch make sure she is advertised worldwide.

And then she will be easy to search for.


Regs

Bry

 

[Isthmus]

You will probably find a greater audience on US eBay. That said, you will also have to deal with the vagrancies of the US dollar.