Seiko Watch Serial Numbers
How to the serial number works. Every Seiko watch manufactured is given a 6-digit serial number. There are however exceptions to this rule.
Step 1: Serial Number
All modern Seiko watches have the date of manufacture contained in the 6 digit Serial number. Exceptions are pre-1970 models when the numbers were 7 digits long, and limited edition models may have a number reflecting it's piece number e.g. 90/200 meaning its the 90th of only 200 pieces. Also check that the engraving is neat, evenly spaced, aligned and features sharp edges.
Step 2: Movement & Model
The Seiko movement and model number can be found on the caseback in two sets of 4 digits joined by a dash. The first 4 are the movement calibre number, the second four are the case/model number. Also check that the engraving is neat, evenly spaced, aligned and features sharp edges.
Step 3: Movement & Dial
Seiko watches feature the movement calibre and dial code printed at the bottom of the dial near the 6 o'clock position.
Every Seiko watch will feature the Seiko logo on the watch face (dial). Check the size and shape of the letters extremely carefully for any slight variation.
Step 5: Instruction Booklet
If the seller photographed the instruction booklet check that any movement numbers match those found on the watch itself. Also check that the copy is aligned and evenly spaced, and that the colour is sharp. Often counterfeited photocopied booklets lose their colour and definition.
Step 6: Guarantee
New Seiko watches are accompanied by a guarantee certificate. The style and details may vary according to watch model and country. But check that all copy is aligned and evenly spaced. Remember that authentic certificates can accompany counterfeit watches.
The goal of the goVerify guides are to help online shoppers not get caught out by fakes as well as to show sellers how to take good photographs that will help them sell more on eBay. Visit the goverify it website to find out more information. Good luck.
Seiko began producing its Seiko 5 line of automatic watches back in 1963. Since then watch enthusiasts around the world have come to recognize Seiko 5s as reliable, affordable and well respected watches. Over the last 50+ years Seiko has produced thousands of different models in the line.
Popular Models
Here are a few of the most popular models.
What is the '5' in Seiko 5?
There are a few variations online for what the five main attributes are in a Seiko 5 but the list below is the most widely accepted in recent years.
Seiko Watch Serial Numbers
- Automatic Winding
- Day-Date Window
- Water Resistant
- Unbreakable Mainspring (Diaflex)
- Shock Resistant Design (Diashock)
The original five attributes as defined by Seiko are no longer true for all Seiko 5s. The crown is no longer recessed or at the 4 o'clock position.
Automatic vs Kinetic - Automatic watches are driven by a spring, not by electricity. They are able to harness motion to automatically rewind the spring. Another term for an automatic watch is a self-winding mechanical watch. Kinetic watches on the other hand are driven by electricity, not by a spring. They are able to harness motion to recharge their battery or capacitor. Seiko 5s are automatic watches, not kinetic. If you are interested in kinetic watches be sure to visit our SEIKO Kinetic Finder catalog.
Popular Styles
Here are a few of the most popular styles. Additional styles can be found in the search criteria.
Site Contents
Our site offers quite a few features to aid in your watch search. You can access them at any time from the header and footer of each page. Here is a brief description of each item.
- Most Popular - A list of the most popular Seiko 5s on our site
- Compare Models - A tool for comparing any two Seiko 5s side-by-side
- Search Tips - An explanation and a few examples of how to search on our site
- Buyer's Guide - A guide to finding your perfect watch
- Family Portrait - Images showing every Seiko 5 in our catalog
- Latest Updates - A log of the latest additions and changes to our site
- Feedback - A form where you can send us comments and suggestions
Help Us Improve
If you notice that any information is incorrect or missing we encourage you to use the feedback form to help us improve the site. You can also click the Edit link on any watch detail page then use the icons to contribute information for specific items. Our collection includes over 1,500 watches and is still growing so be sure to visit us again in the future and check out the Latest Updates page to see what's new.
Other Useful Sites
Seiko has a site dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Seiko 5 line but in general they do not provide very much information online about Seiko 5 watches. That is one of the main reasons we created this site. Another reason is the fantastic 'Show off your Seiko 5' thread on the Watchuseek forum. That is the thread that convinced us of the greatness of the Seiko 5 line and prompted our first Seiko 5 purchase, the watch shown in the banner image.
Here are a few sites, forums and pages that are good places for Seiko-related information not specific to Seiko 5s and watch-related information not specific to Seiko.