A look at the Classic Seiko 5 Blue Dial 7009-4040 model Automatic Watch
Seiko 5 Blue 7009-4040 On a leather strap
The Seiko 5 Series designed in the early 1970's from Japan is rightly a design classic and as it approaches its 50th anniversary, I'd like to do a review on what is probably my favourite version of the Seiko 5 watch.
Clean and unfussy, the Stainless back on this model
has been updated with a glass back on the modern version
I first came across Seiko watches in the early 70's - my uncle had come back from working in the USA and purchased a Seiko watch there which fascinated me.
I hadn't seen anything as modern looking before, my grandfather's old Oris manual wind seemed so old fashioned and uncomplicated in comparison. The Seiko with its alarm was just like something from outer space!
Striking blue dial and simple design
My first Seiko I owned was a Blue dial Seiko 5 7009-4040 with a Blue dial, purchased in 1983 for over £90, about 2 weeks wages then. It served me for over 12 years until the dial became disconnected and I should really have had it fixed.
It was a tremendously accurate watch and I was just lucky to have chosen a design classic that worked as well as it looked. Powered by a Seiko movement, it was just a simple but modern dial and case design and was worn daily.
I couldn't fault it and although I prefer larger 40mm + size watches now, this one is still a favourite even at the c. 37.5mm case size, I can read the dial easily and that suits me. Which Is why I have a few in my collection!
With the famous multi-link strap
The watch had an adjustable metal strap and I had to take a few links out of mine to get it the right size but it was very comfortable to wear, although some complained it caught the hair on the arm and pulled a bit. The bracelet was a nice multi-link design and seems better quality than the modern SNK version of it.
This design looks modern even now
The 'hair trapper' bracelet
The modern SNK Version of the old Blue 5 7009 series
Likely due to popular demand Seiko has brought a version of this old Seiko 5 to a new market. Still with the same sized sub 40mm case about 37.5mm, it looks the part.
Now powered by a Citizen Miyota automatic movement, you still get a dependable and accurate piece that looks the part.
This modern SNK incarnation looks the part and is now Miyota powered
Seiko has obviously had its eye on the retro market in vintage watches and has likely seen the retro appeal of the Seiko 5 as a reason to effectively reissue it or responded to customer demand. Having owned both the original and the modern, the modern one stands up very well.
However, I have managed to find a few original 7009-4040's in Blue dial finish so I have gone 'back to the roots' and now have a few of those. The new version has a special 'wave' patterned guilloche dial which is nicely done, but the old classic blue is what appeals to me.
The Longines Master collection 40mm watch
A £2000 watch with similar styling to the old Seiko 5 in Blue
In conclusion, I have owned a good many watches over the years and in my opinion the Seiko 5 series ones I have owned have and continue to be in the collection because they are so good. The SNK ones are a more modern take on the old 7009 but still stand up very well in comparison. In the 1970's Seiko had a lot to prove and their quality of design and manufacture still shows - quality sells and these old ones are still popular.
If you get a chance to buy an old Seiko they are well worth having and are now truly vintage in their own right, servicing is fairly inexpensive and will keep your watch going for some years. Plus the sabres situation is still good.
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