SOLD: SEIKO Automatic Diver 6309-7040 SOXA Sharkhunter

Watch is SOLD.

After finishing the Orange SOXA mod for my friend, I planned a second SOXA project for myself. I chose the DOXA SUB750T Sharkhunter as reference. The SUB750T Sharkhunter is reissue of the original Sharkhunter from 1967, which was worn by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the famous French naval officer and marine explorer.

▲ DOXA SUB750T Sharkhunter. Image taken from DOXA website: http://www.doxawatches.com.

The base for modification is a SEIKO 6309-7040 from 1980s in fair condition. 6309 cushion case is a nice match for the DOXA tonneau case. It is all-original but some parts must go.

▲ SEIKO 6309-7040.

As usual, watch was stripped down to pieces and every parts were cleaned. Some parts were replaced. The original chapter ring was replaced by SOXA chrome chapter ring. Crystal gasket was replaced with a new one. Original crystal was replaced by domed sapphire with AR coating on the underside.

▲ Cleaned cushion cased in exploded view.

The best part of the modification is the power train. Instead of using the original SEIKO 6309A movement, I chose its JDM sibling, SEIKO 6306A with hack feature and Kanji day wheel. The hard-to-find 6306A movement was supplied by my friend, Kucimo Jahja. It was serviced by SEIKO technician and in very good condition. Runs in a shake and only loses 1 second per day on its first day inside the SOXA case.

▲ Power train of the Black SOXA, a JDM SEIKO 6306A movement.

▲ SOXA dial and hands on the 6306A movement.

The original crown was badly scratched. When I dismantled the crown-stem assembly, it turned out that the thread on male stem was broken too. So I replaced the crown with a genuine SEIKO NOS 6309 crown complete with new crown gasket inside. The male stem was also replaced with a used 6309 male stem from my parts inventory.

▲ Front: NOS 6309 crown and replacement male stem.

All parts assembled. A 22 mm solid Anvil bracelet with curved end was added as the final touch. The combination between domed sapphire and chrome chapter ring create illusion as if the dial is floating inside the case. I tried in vain to capture this effect using the camera. It looks more beautiful in person.

SOLD: SEIKO Automatic Diver 7002-7039 Transitional Diver

Up for sale is a SEIKO Automatic Diver 7002-7039, also known as "the Transitional Diver". If I recall correctly, this is the first SEIKO Automatic Diver to be rated at 200m. The Transitional Divers were produced in very short period between 1995 and 1996, just before SEIKO released the 7S26 Diver (SKX series) in 1996. Therefore, it is harder to find and probably will become collectible item because it marks the transition from SEIKO 150m Diver to 200m Diver.

Production date: July 1995.
Case dimension:

• Width: 42 mm (excludes crown).
• Thickness: 13 mm.
• Lug: 22 mm.

Description:
As far as I know, all original parts.
Original dial and hands in good condition. Lumes on index markers and hands still glow.
Bezel rotates uni-directionally with 120 clicks. Bezel clicks firmly without play.
Original bezel insert is in good condition.
Original crystal is in good condition and untouched, has fine scratches but not very noticeable.
Case and case back are in good condition and unpolished. There are swirls and fine scratches due to normal wear but no serious dents. Edges and corners are still well-defined. Factory finish lines are still visible on the top surface of the case.
Movement and date setting mechanism are working well. Previous owner sent this watch to Jack Alexyon IWW for service (tuning, lubrication, and calibration). But I do not know when exactly is the date. Accuracy is within spec.
Crown locks in 1.75x full turn.
Water resistant is unknown.
Comes with high-quality aftermarket GL831 vintage rubber strap for SEIKO Diver and new fat spring bars.
Price: SOLD.

SOLD: SEIKO Automatic Diver 6309-729A Plongeur

Watch is SOLD.

This is my modified SEIKO Plongeur (french for "Diver"). It is based on the classic Omega PloProf (Plongeur Professional = Professional Diver) from 1970. Omega PloProf is one of the best vintage dive watches ever created, both in performance and style. It is interesting to see how the combination of dial and hands from the classic PloProf and 6309 classic slim case, produces a modern looking diver. This is a proof that good design is everlasting.

For more information about Omega PloProf, read this short but interesting article from Watchismo: Omega Reissues the Famous Ploprof Divers Watch - 1970s Jacques Cousteau Collaboration.

SOLD: SEIKO Automatic Diver 6309-729A

Up for sale is a SEIKO Automatic Diver 6309-729A.

Production date: October 1985.
Case dimension:

• Width: 42 mm (excludes crown).
• Thickness: 13 mm.
• Lug: 22 mm.

Description:
As far as I know, all original parts.
Original dial in good condition. Lume on index markers still glows faintly.
Original hands in good condition. Lume glows faintly.
Bezel rotates bi-directionally and clicks evenly with very little play.
Original bezel insert has scratches. The pepsi color has been faded a little bit.
Original crystal has been polished.
Case and case back are in nice condition and unpolished. Edges and corners are still well-defined.
Movement and day-date setting mechanism are working well. Service history is unknown. Caseback gasket has been replaced with SEIKO genuine part on February 2010. Accuracy is within spec.
Original crown locks in 1.5x full turn.
Not water-pressure tested. Water resistant is unknown.
Comes with used aftermarket SEIKO Z22 flat vent rubber strap and new fat spring bars.
Price: SOLD.

The bad: Bezel insert has scratches and has faded.