Dating Vintage Seiko, Citizen Watches is not as difficult as you may think, as all the information you need is inscribed on the back case. Dating Vintage Citizen watches can prove a little more challenging but in theory at least they are also as easy to date.
In the picture above we have a Vintage Seiko Bellmatic with the back-case removed, inscribed on the back-case is all the information needed, Stainless Steel is the watch case & back material, the 4006-5002 is the Model number, Water Resistant is self-explanatory, Japan is country of Origin (Made in) and 213067 is the serial number, the first two digits are the year and month, so you do need to know the decade, this comes with experience, or you can just Google the model number and you should find the decade quite quickly, or you could ask if it is still unclear, I will do my best to help. I know this is a 1970’s model, therefore the first digit equals 1972, the second digit
is the month so 1 equals January. Therefore the watch dates January 1972. Months 1-9 are Jan –Sept, O, N and D equal October, November and December respectively. You can also use the Seiko Calculator, but you still need to know the decade.
Here we have a Vintage Citizen Case back, this is an Analogue Digital Temperature watch, that made its debut in the early 1980’s so I know the decade. The important number we will concentrate on is the 8 digit serial number.
In dating this Vintage Citizen the first digit is the year, as I know it is a 1980’s model therefore the year is 1989, the second two digits are the month, 05 equals May, so therefore the watch dates from May 1989.
Above is a Vintage Citizen Crystron 150m diver back-case, I know the decade of the watch is 1970’s the first number of the eight digit serial number is 8 so that equals 1978, the second two numbers are 11 therefore the watch dates November 1978.
I hope this helps, it is not always as straightforward with dating vintage Citizens, as the case-back information changed over the decades. Any questions please ask and I will try and help if I can.
Click here for dating Vintage Omega Watches.
Cheers Martin
I have a citizen 6100-R00405 RW watch with the serial number 20301876 then GN-4W-S underneath that.
Could you tell me the date it was built and anything about itI. I assume it means March 1972. Also could you tell me a range of value for it in very good condition, or tell me where to get it appraised.
Thanks for your help.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the question the watch is from the 1980’s so I would say from the information you supplied it dates from March 1982. They are not particularly valuable watches. But for an up to date value check Ebay sold listings and it will give you a ballpark value.
All the best
Martin
Hi Martin,
I have a Seiko watch and I am looking for more info on it.
Was found in an old box of my fathers stuff.
Front says — SEIKO automatic 17 jewels
Back – 682343 Japan U 6309 – 8059
Thank You Patrick.
Hi Patrick,
There is not really much to add. It is a Seiko 17 jewel automatic. the Model number is 6309-8059, it dates from August 1976. Not particularly valuable but it is a nice watch. If you search Seiko 6309-8059, you will find more info. I would suggest you keep it and enjoy it!
Cheers Martin
My husband has a Citizen watch I am trying to date and, in spite of your explanation I’m confused. The face of the watch is blue and the rim around the face and the numerals and hands are gold. There is a date/day of the week window. Here is what is on the back of the case.
Citizen Watch Company
Water Resist
Base Metal SSG
6100 – 800405 RW
4202093
GN – 4W -S
Neither of us can remember exactly when he got it. Can you help? Thanks!
Greetings Dorothy,
from the information you supplied, I date the watch to April 1984, hope that helps!
Cheers Martin