Seiko 7S36-0170

Seiko 5 (7S36 family, 23 jewels), 1996-2016. What it is, how to date it, how to check it's original, and what it's worth.

The Seiko 7S36-0170 is a Seiko 5 (7S36 family, 23 jewels). It runs on Seiko's calibre 7S36, an automatic movement with 23 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 7S36 from about 1996 to 2016. Mostly sold in Asia. Works like the 7S26.

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 7S36, made 1996–2016, a serial starting 15 means May 2001 or 2011. Our Seiko Identifier works it out for you.

Is it original? The small dial code at 6 o'clock should start with 7S36, 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 7S36-0600.

What is it worth? A running 7S36-0170 in average condition usually sells for about €70–130 in Europe; an original dial, a strong colour and the original bracelet push it up. Price guide

Specifications

Have a 7S36-0170? Check yours in seconds: open the Seiko Identifier with 7S36-0170 filled in.

Questions

Can I wind a Seiko 7S36-0170 by hand?

No. The 7S36 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 7S36-0170?

Most 7S36 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 7S36-0170?

Read the serial on the caseback: the first digit is the last digit of the year, the second the month. The 7S36 was made about 1996–2016, which fixes the decade.