The Seiko 6306-7001 is a legendary JDM dive watch, this particular one being produced in November 1976. Revered as the original vintage "Turtle" due to its distinct cushion case shape, it features a highly-coveted calibre 6306, 21-jewel hacking movement, a Kanji-English date wheel, and true 150m ISO dive capabilities.
Key Specifications & Features
- Reference: 6306-7001
- Production Years: ~1976 – 1981 (JDM Exclusive)
- Case Dimensions: ≈ 44mm diameter, 13mm thickness, with 22mm lug width
- Movement: Caliber 6306A automatic, 21 jewels
- Special Features: Hacking seconds (allows you to stop the second hand for precise time-setting) and a bilingual Kanji/English day wheel with date
- Dial & Crystal: Matte black dial with large, luminous markers, a "floating meatball" second hand, and a domed Hardlex crystal
- Bezel: 60-click bi-directional rotating bezel with a luminous "pearl" pip at the 12 o'clock mark
- Case Back: Solid screw-down case back featuring the iconic Seiko Tsunami wave emblem.
Design & Wearability
The 6306-7001 is celebrated for its sweeping, ergonomic cushion case, often referred to affectionately by collectors as the "Turtle". Despite its bold, wrist-presence dimensions of nearly 44mm across, the sculpted, rounded profile and recessed crown (positioned at 4 o'clock) allow the watch to wear surprisingly comfortably even on smaller wrists.
The 6306-7001 is celebrated for its sweeping, ergonomic cushion case, often referred to affectionately by collectors as the "Turtle". Despite its bold, wrist-presence dimensions of nearly 44mm across, the sculpted, rounded profile and recessed crown (positioned at 4 o'clock) allow the watch to wear surprisingly comfortably even on smaller wrists.
Historical Significance & Collectability
Originally produced as the successor to the famous Seiko 6105 (famously known as the "Willard"), the 6306 was specifically restricted to the Japanese market, making it significantly rarer today than its globally exported sibling, the 6309. Collectors highly prize the 6306 over the 6309 because the 6306 boasts an upgraded 21-jewel movement and a hacking function, which the 17-jewel, non-hacking 6309 lacks.
Originally produced as the successor to the famous Seiko 6105 (famously known as the "Willard"), the 6306 was specifically restricted to the Japanese market, making it significantly rarer today than its globally exported sibling, the 6309. Collectors highly prize the 6306 over the 6309 because the 6306 boasts an upgraded 21-jewel movement and a hacking function, which the 17-jewel, non-hacking 6309 lacks.
Particulars
This example has been serviced by our inhouse Seiko watchmaker and comes with a two year warranty. It retains its original dial, crystal, and bezel, however, the hands and strap have been replaced. The case is unpolished to keep it looking as authentic as possible.
This example has been serviced by our inhouse Seiko watchmaker and comes with a two year warranty. It retains its original dial, crystal, and bezel, however, the hands and strap have been replaced. The case is unpolished to keep it looking as authentic as possible.
Two year warranty
