Seiko · ref 6309-7290 · 1982–1988
The 6309-7290 is the 1980s 6309 that didn't get the Turtle case. Seiko introduced it around 1982 with the same 17-jewel 6309 automatic and day-date as the Turtle, but in a slimmer, rounder case about 42mm across. That case shape first showed up on the late-1970s 7548 quartz diver, and Seiko kept refining it through the 7002 and the SKX007, so the 7290 sits right in the middle of that family tree. The 6309 movement was retired in 1988, and Monochrome lists the 7290 alongside the later 729A and 729B versions. Collectors have long treated it as the bargain vintage Seiko diver, which is also why so many have had a hard life. One Fratello writer bought three and found that every one had a cheap replacement dial with no lume. If you want a real 1980s Seiko diver to wear, a clean, original 7290 is a smart buy. Just expect the movement to wind only on the wrist, with no hacking seconds.
Aftermarket dials and hands are the big problem, often printed with little or no lume, and plenty of cases have been polished hard. The 6309 movement is old enough that parts often come from scrapped watches, so a non-runner isn't a quick fix.
Buying guide
For a 1980s Seiko diver to wear, we'd start with the 7290 from Argentina titled all original and serviced at $400 delivered, or the one from Spain titled serviced at $192 if you're ready to vet the dial closely. There are about 32 for sale and most ask $410–800 delivered, with Japan-listed watches filling the top and adding up to $200 shipping. Cheap replacement dials with little or no lume are the big problem on this model, so ask for a photo of the dial glowing in the dark, read the caseback for 6309-7290 (the 729A and 729B are later versions), and check that the serial's year fits the 1982–1988 run. Check the seller's feedback and return policy on the item page, since eBay's search cards don't show them, and skip the $1,069 one, where $190 shipping from Japan puts it about $270 over the band.
$191.50est. delivered
Titled serviced, dated 1982, at $192 delivered, less than half the bottom of the $410–800 band. That price is low enough to make us look twice, so ask for dial close-ups and a lume photo; the title says US tariffs are already paid.
82' SEIKO 6309 7290 SS MENS DATE 262926 AUTOMATIC SERVICED WATCH US TARIFF PAID
$400.00est. delivered
Titled all original and serviced for $400 delivered, at the bottom of the band. It ships from Argentina, so allow for a slow delivery, and ask for a lume photo to back the all-original claim.
SEIKO 6309-7290 F1 DIVER 150M AUTOMATIC ALL ORIGINAL ICONIC SERVICED
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 5, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 5, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$191.50est. delivered
$168.00 + $23.50 shipping
Buy It Now$168.00
Good buy
Titled serviced, 1982. Ships from Spain, US tariff paid per the title.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Serviced$400.00est. delivered
$350.00 + $50.00 shipping
Buy It Now$350.00
Good buy
Titled all original and serviced. Ships from Argentina.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$280.80est. delivered
$275.00 + $5.80 shipping
Buy It Now$275.00
Our take
Plain US listing. Ask for dial and caseback photos.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$459.99est. delivered
$450.00 + $9.99 shipping
Buy It Now$450.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Seller calls out the lume dial. Ask for a glow photo.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$615.71est. delivered
$595.85 + $19.86 shipping
Buy It Now$595.85
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Bare title from the UK. Ask for the caseback and serial.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Refurbished$646.99delivered
$646.99 · free shipping
Buy It Now$646.99
Our take
Listed as refurbished, no shipping charge from Japan.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$651.21est. delivered
$521.21 + $130.00 shipping
Buy It Now$521.21
Our take
A 6309-729A, the later version, not a 7290. $130 shipping from Japan.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$1,069.04est. delivered
$879.04 + $190.00 shipping
Buy It Now$879.04
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Priced high
$190 shipping from Japan puts it about $270 over the band.
Seller: Seller on eBay
Check feedback on the listing
Prices change daily. The live eBay search shows everything listed now, including anything new since Oct 5, 2026.
See every listing on eBay ↗eBay searchA fresh strap, a set of spring bars and a spring-bar tool are the cheap part of making an old Seiko 6309-7290 wearable again. This searches Amazon for the usual kit.
Search straps & tools ↗Amazon search
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