Cro WatchesSeiko 5 movements explained: 6309, 7009, 7S26 and 7S36
Most vintage and neo-vintage Seiko 5s run on one of four automatic movements. They are simple, tough and easy to service, which is exactly why so many are still running decades later.
| Movement | Era | Jewels | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6309 | late 1970s–80s | 17 or 21 | Also used in the famous 6309-7040 "Turtle" diver. |
| 7009 | 1970s–90s | 17 | The everyday Seiko 5 movement, in countless dial colours and case shapes. |
| 7S26 | 1996–2010s | 21 | Powered the SKX divers and the SNK Seiko 5 series. |
| 7S36 | 1996–2010s | 23 | A 7S26 with extra jewels in the winding system. |
What they have in common
- Automatic: they wind themselves from the movement of your wrist. A full wind lasts around 40 hours.
- No hand-winding: you can't wind them with the crown. Give the watch a gentle swing for a few seconds to start it.
- No hacking: the seconds hand keeps running while you set the time.
- 21,600 beats per hour and a day-date display, usually set with the crown or a pusher.
How to tell which one you have
The reference on the caseback starts with the movement number: 7009-8760, 7S26-02W0. The dial code printed at 6 o'clock should start with the same number. If it doesn't, the dial was replaced at some point. Read more in our dial guide.
Vintage or neo-vintage?
6309 and 7009 watches are the classic vintage Seiko 5s of the 1970s and 80s. 7S26 and 7S36 watches are what collectors call neo-vintage: a little larger, very robust, and great daily wearers.