Seiko 7009-876J

Seiko 5 automatic, cushion case, late 1970s-1990s. What it is, how to date it, how to check it's original, and what it's worth.

The Seiko 7009-876J is a Seiko 5 automatic, cushion case (7009-8760, 7009-876A, 7009-876J). It runs on Seiko's calibre 7009, an automatic movement with 17 jewels, beating 21,600 times an hour. It can't be wound with the crown and winds itself as you wear it, and the seconds hand keeps running while you set the time. Seiko made the 7009 from about 1974 to 1999. One of the most common Seiko 5 cases. Arabic-numeral dials in this case are popular.

How old is it? The first digit of the serial number on the caseback is the last digit of the year, the second is the month (1–9, then O, N, D). On a 7009, made 1974–1999, a serial starting 95 means May 1979 or 1989. Our Seiko Identifier works it out for you.

Is it original? The small dial code at 6 o'clock should start with 7009, like the caseback. If it starts with another number, the dial was made for a different model (a replacement dial). We have seen this reference with dial code 7009-464L R.

What is it worth? A running 7009-876J in average condition usually sells for about €50–110 in Europe; an original dial, a strong colour and the original bracelet push it up. Price guide

Specifications

Have a 7009-876J? Check yours in seconds: open the Seiko Identifier with 7009-876J filled in.

Questions

Can I wind a Seiko 7009-876J by hand?

No. The 7009 winds itself as you wear it. To start it, move the watch gently from side to side for 20–30 seconds.

How do I set the day and date on a Seiko 7009-876J?

Most 7009 watches either change the day when you press the crown, or have a quickset when you pull the crown out one click. Never change the date between 9 pm and 1 am. Step by step: crowatches.com/seiko-set-day-date.html

How old is my Seiko 7009-876J?

Read the serial on the caseback: the first digit is the last digit of the year, the second the month. The 7009 was made about 1974–1999, which fixes the decade.