Seiko’s Sport Diver series – such as the serviced atypical 1968 Seiko 6119-8240 automatic sports diver here – were popular and quite reminiscent of the late 1960’s and 1970’s chic.
The 6119 series, just like its 6106 forefather, were 70 meter diver watches made by Seiko; the line was aimed at “light” water sports that gained in widespread popularity during the late 1960’s and 1970’s – hence the 70-meter dive rating.
However, these dive watches did not feature diving bezels. Seiko made literally hundreds of Sports diver variations during this time period, with the Japanese manufactures’ Suwa and Dani factory seemingly in competition with one another to see which could devise the most compelling models.
The Seiko Sports diver series began with the 6106 models, followed shortly thereafter by the 6119’s, with an overlap in production between them. The 6119 duplicated the aesthetic of the 6106 and was meant to improve the design on the 6106 – based on the popularity of the 6106 – and also came out with numerous new variants.
The 6119 here was one of the re-issues of the original highly popular 6106 models. Its to little surprise that the 6106 and 6119 lines are some of the most popular with Seiko collectors – and also some of the most valuable.
This Sports diver comes on a leather strap, and with nylon strap, rugged travel case, and spring bar tool.
1968 Seiko 6119-8240 Automatic Sports Diver
DIAL: Silver Seiko-signed dial, with fantastic blue highlights - matching minute, hour, and second hands. Day/date function at 3 o'clock position works as designed, to include the date quickset.
CASE: Atypically-shaped stainless-steel case measures 37.5mm x 44mm, with matching caseback.
CRYSTAL: Seiko 6119-correct Hardlex crystal, no scratches or blemishes.
BAND: This 6119 sport diver comes on a brown leather strap; this Seiko sport diver also comes with a grey nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 6119 automatic movement, manufactured in November 1968. Although not performed by us, this watch performs as if it has been serviced in the last year or two.
CROWN: Recessed unsigned stainless-steel crown.
