Seiko 5, Ref. 6309-8840, Men’s Dress Watch 1976

Vintage Seiko 5 Dress Watch from 1976 featuring an automatic movement (Cal. 6309) for Men’s, with a sharp satin-brushed tonneau case and crisp black dial—timeless and refined, for sale.

Seiko 5 1976 — First impression - 6309-8840

The 1976 Seiko 5 ref. 6309-8840 distills late-1970s Japanese horology into a compelling everyday timepiece: a sharply faceted tonneau case in stainless steel, a glossy black dial with applied batons, and the practical day-date aperture at three. Brushed planes and polished flanks create dynamic light play, while a slightly raised crystal adds period charm. At 36 mm and just 40 mm lug-to-lug, the proportions deliver excellent comfort and a discreet presence on the wrist. The Seiko “5” hallmark—automatic winding, day-date, water resistance, recessed crown and durable case—remains intact, making this a collectible yet wearable historic wristwatch.

Seiko 5 – Glossy Black Baton Dial

The dial is deep black with applied rhodium-toned baton hour markers and discreet lume plots at the minute track. “Seiko 5” is applied beneath 12, while “Automatic” rests above 6 with the small five-shield. The framed day-date window balances the layout and reinforces the model’s everyday practicality.

 Seiko 5 6309-8840 – Hands

Polished baton hands with luminous fills provide excellent legibility against the black ground; the slender center seconds hand completes the restrained, functional aesthetic typical of the era’s Japanese watchmaking.

Seiko 5 6309-8840 – Architectural Stainless-Steel Case

The geometric tonneau case exhibits crisp radial brushing on the top surface, contrasted by polished facets along the flanks. Hidden lugs emphasize the monobloc silhouette and allow the strap to flow neatly from the case. The slightly domed crystal contributes to the watch’s period-correct profile and elegant light distortion.

Seiko 6309-8840 – Crown

The recessed crown at approximately 4 o’clock preserves the clean case lines and prevents wrist bite. In classic Seiko 5 fashion, the crown is tucked away yet easy to manipulate for quick day-date and time setting.

Seiko 5 Leather Strap

Fitted to a tan leather strap with contrasting stitch, the watch gains warm, casual versatility that pairs well with denim or tailoring. The 18 mm lug width makes strap changes straightforward for collectors who enjoy tailoring their wearing experience.

Seiko 5 1976 — Movement: Automatic Caliber 6309

Inside beats Seiko’s automatic Cal. 6309, part of a robust family known for reliability and ease of service. This Japanese-made mechanical movement offers central seconds with day-date complication, durable gearing, and practical serviceability—ideal for a vintage daily wearer. The 6309 lineage is celebrated for stable amplitude, tolerant lubrication windows, and parts availability, ensuring long-term precision timekeeping. This example is fully serviced and fully operational, ready to deliver years of dependable use while showcasing the brand’s engineering heritage.

Seiko 5 1976 — Collectibility & On-Wrist Experience

Collectors value the 6309-8840 for its clean, modernist geometry and balanced dial furniture. The 36 mm diameter and compact 40 mm lug-to-lug allow the watch to sit flat and centered, making it suitable for a wide range of wrists. The architectural case finishing and applied markers elevate it beyond a simple tool watch into refined Japanese design. As a dress-leaning automatic, it transitions seamlessly from office wear to evening settings, while the day-date keeps it practical. For those building a focused Seiko 5 collection, this reference offers period-correct details and a resilient movement in a wearable, understated package.

Seiko 5 1976 — Heritage of the Seiko 5 in the 1970s

Launched in the 1960s, Seiko 5 codified five attributes that defined everyday excellence. By the mid-1970s, Seiko refined the formula with crisp case architecture, higher-contrast dials, and movements engineered for longevity. The 6309 series exemplifies this ethos—robust, accurate, and economical to maintain. The 6309-8840’s minimalist dial and strong case lines mirror broader design movements of the decade: clarity, utility, and angular forms. It stands as an authentic expression of Japanese horology heritage, offering a window into the era when Seiko set global standards for affordable, high-quality mechanical watchmaking.

Seiko 5 1976 — Condition, Originality, Warranty & Shipping Worldwide

This example presents with a crisp black dial, applied indices, and matching baton hands; the case shows sharp brushing and polished facets consistent with the reference’s geometry. Day-date advances correctly, winding and time setting are precise, and the watch runs reliably after a full service. Components are original to the piece, enhancing collectibility. The sale includes a 12-month warranty. Insured worldwide shipping is available, and we package with care for secure transit to discerning collectors.

Looking for more? Explore our curated Seiko vintage selection from 1976, ref. 6309-8840 with Cal. 6309 or browse additional automatic Japanese timepieces from the 1970s.