Today, we look back to remember some discontinued Seiko watches that are still as fashionable as when they were in production.
Seiko has changed its sales strategy in recent years, introducing new collections like Seiko 5, Presage, Prospex, Premier, and Astron, among others.
This change has brought improvements in watches with more modern movements and new finishes, some even featuring sapphire crystal. However, it has also resulted in higher prices.
Amidst these changes, models that haven’t been updated have been discontinued, meaning they are no longer being produced. Yet, Seiko enthusiasts refuse to let them go.
The good news is that many of these discontinued Seiko watches are still available for sale even years after their production stopped. The demand is high, and they are being snapped up quickly.
So, you might want to take a look at some of these discontinued Seiko watches before they become even scarcer and harder to find.
Índice de contenidos
✚ Discontinued Seiko Watches
The discontinued Seiko watches shown below are not rarities by any means, and most of them can still be found relatively easily, even new, though prices are starting to rise. Let’s take a look at them:
➤ Seiko SKX007/009
Whether with a black dial (SKX007) or dark blue dial with Pepsi bezel (SKX009), the SKX collection is perfect for enthusiasts, new collectors, or simply those who want a daily wear watch.
The introduction of the new Seiko 5 Sports collection in 2019 marked the definitive end of these legendary watches, which were first launched in 1996.
These dive watches have a history of over 20 years and have been among the most successful dive watches by Seiko, known for their features and affordable price.
With a 42.5 mm stainless steel case and the crown positioned at 4 o’clock, they are very comfortable watches that fit well on almost any wrist.
For diving use, they are ISO-certified and feature a luminescent marker at 12:00 on their unidirectional bezel. Combined with the screw-down crown, they are water-resistant up to 200 meters.
The movement used is the well-known and tested automatic caliber 7S26, which includes day and date functions but lacks hacking and manual winding.
Despite being discontinued Seiko watches, they can still be fairly easily found, whether in their rubber strap version or with the stainless steel bracelet, though it’s uncertain for how much longer.
| Crystal | Hardlex |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic mechanical |
| Caliber | Seiko 7S26 |
| Case Diameter | 42.5 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13 mm |
| Materials | Stainless steel case and rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters (ISO 6425) |
➤ Seiko SKX013
The Seiko SKX013 is a smaller-sized version of the 007/009 models and, like its bigger siblings, was also discontinued in 2019, though it’s not as easy to find due to its unique features.
Essentially, it shares the same design but with a smaller 38 mm stainless steel case, making it a rarity among dive watches, which are often larger.
It also features an automatic 7S26 movement, ISO-certified water resistance up to 200 meters, and an easy-to-read dial with a date display (with both day and date).
It’s an ideal watch for those with smaller wrists who don’t prefer larger and bulkier timepieces. It’s a shame they are no longer in production, but you may still be able to find one.
| Crystal | Hardlex |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic mechanical |
| Caliber | Seiko 7S26 |
| Case Diameter | 38 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13 mm |
| Materials | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters (ISO 6425) |
➤ Seiko Monster
The first Seiko Monster disappeared a long time ago, but it’s still regularly seen on forums as one of the most sought-after discontinued Seiko watches.
It’s the Seiko SKX779/781, the first watch to receive the nickname “Monster.” The 781 model had an orange design, while the 779 model was black.
Introduced in 2000, the original Monsters were produced until 2012, but even in 2014, it was still easy (and cheap) to find new and second-hand models.
Known for the legibility of its dial and its extra bright lume, the Monster was a true diver’s watch that could be used without worries due to its ruggedness and water resistance of up to 200 meters. It was also budget-friendly.
As part of the SKX series, the Monster uses the same automatic movement as the SKX007, which is the reliable 7S26. This means it lacks hacking and manual winding but is known for its robustness.
Externally, the Monster features a unique style with its notched stainless steel unidirectional bezel on a 43 mm stainless steel case and equally aggressive markers.
Today, it’s still possible to find an affordable Monster in some second-hand watch stores, though if you want one in perfect condition, you may have to spend a bit more.
However, if you only want to buy a new model, you can now find the third-generation Monster on Seiko’s website and other online stores.
Now part of the Prospex collection (with the X on the dial), it is equipped with the more modern 4R36 movement, with hacking and manual winding capabilities.
It may not be the same as the first Monster, but it’s still a great watch with the same aggressive spirit and improvements to suit modern times.
➤ Seiko Sumo
The original Seiko Sumo dates back to 2007 with the models SBDC001 in black and SBDC003 in dark blue, offering mid-range watches with interesting specifications for their cost at the time.
In 2016, they included the “X” from Prospex on the dial, becoming the SBDC031 and SBDC033 models, respectively. These latter models are the ones that can still be found at a reasonable price.
These watches feature a 45 mm stainless steel case, ISO 6425 certification (200 meters), and a high-end Seiko 6R15 movement with a 50-hour power reserve.
However, the new Sumo watches presented at Baselworld 2019 have been significantly improved and have also increased in price.
These are the SPB101 (black) and SPB103 (green) versions, both with a 45 mm case, sapphire crystal, and a 6R35 movement with a 70-hour power reserve.
The latter versions are more commonly seen, as they are the only ones that haven’t been discontinued yet, but if you can find an SBDC031 or SBDC033, you’ll have scored a deal as they are hundreds of euros cheaper.
| Crystal | Sapphire |
|---|---|
| Movement | Automatic mechanical |
| Caliber | Seiko 6R35 |
| Case Diameter | 45 mm |
| Case Thickness | 13 mm |
| Materials | Stainless steel case and leather strap |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters (ISO 6425) |
➤ Seiko Alpinist
The last of the discontinued Seiko watches we’ll showcase is the SARB017 Alpinist, which was in production from 2007 to 2018.
Specifically, in early 2018, Seiko announced it was time to stop manufacturing the Alpinist, and in September 2019, images of the next generation, released in 2020, began to surface.
The new version includes the Prospex logo for the first time and features the improved 6R35 caliber with a 70-hour power reserve. The style closely resembles the SARB017, but the price has increased considerably.
Turning back to the discontinued model, it’s worth noting that the Alpinist has always been a very distinctive and original watch among Seiko’s lineup, with its 39 mm stainless steel case, green dial, and that unique internal rotating compass.
The screw-down crown controls a highly respectable Seiko 6R15 automatic movement with hacking, manual winding, and a 50-hour power reserve.
In addition to its attractive size, it’s also water-resistant up to 200 meters and had a fairly appealing price at the time, which contributed to its rapid popularity.
You can still purchase a new SARB017, but it’s becoming scarcer, and its selling price has gone up. Online marketplaces like eBay offer opportunities, but you should look for reliable sellers and inquire about any possible import charges.
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Last update of links and images on 2024-05-01.
