1975s Seiko “Grandfather Tuna” ref.6159-7010 with its original rubber strap

Seiko is one of those brands that you either love or hate. Founded in 1892, it is the Japanese star, able to compete with the biggest watch brands, in terms of competition, production and quality. It is one of the few manufacturers to produce cases, movements, glasses, crowns… Seiko was also one of the Japanese leaders in quartz watches capable of putting an end to the Swiss watchmaking empire in the 1970s. Today and at the time, Seiko’s know-how is indisputable, modern and vintage watches are sold and over-demand all over the world.

The adventure of Seiko and diving began in 1965 with the Diver’s 150m, driven by the popular craze for diving and aquatic discovery for several years already. It was in 1975 that the watch you are looking at, reference 6159-7010, was released.

Designed and created by Seiko following numerous complaints from divers about the unreliability and general fragility of their work watches, it is efficient and resistant to all types of pressure.

Their solution, in addition to the traditional screw-down crown, a monobloc case, a hardlex mineral glass and a quick-setting date, the 50mm case is wrapped in titanium and cut so that the bezel can be turned in two places.

Beyond the practicality of the piece, it’s coated in a nice dose of charm with the contrast of the black dial with the luminescent indexes and hands that facilitate legibility and lean towards a cream tone. Add the famous crown at 4 o’clock, which is the trademark of the most coveted Japanese divers, and you’ve got a must-have diver on your wrist!

Already rare in its entirety, this watch nicknamed “Grandfather Tuna” is hard to find in good condition, as it corresponds to the pre-models without the “M” after the “600” inscription on the dial. Optimistically, only a few hundred examples are known to exist worldwide.