Seiko 'Turtle' Diver

In the 1960s and 1970s, Seiko was undergoing a rebirth of sorts. The brand's position as official timer for the 1964 Summer Olympics, held in Tokyo, gave it exposure on a global scale. The following year, they launched what would become the first in a long line of dive watches. In 1976, Seiko released the Reference 6309. Like its predecessors, the 6309 used a cushion case, but departed from the asymmetrical case design, instead utilizing a hefty 45mm symmetrical cushion or "turtle" case. The 6309 also added a day function to the simple date window that its predecessors bore; a revamped dial with circular luminous plots instead of rectangular ones; unique bell-shaped markers at 6 and 9 o'clock and a double bell at 12; and a thicker bi-directional bezel with two rings of knurling versus one, making it easier to operate with gloves.  Concurrently to the 6309, Seiko also produced a version of the iconic diver for the Japanese market. On the wrist, the 6306--which we have here--feels identical to its cousin the 6309, but has a different movement, the Caliber 6306. Also, due to it being a JDM version, the movement has 21 jewels rather than the 6309's 17.  Another small difference that brings infinite delight is the bilingual date wheel, available in both Japanese (Kanji!) and English.  Due to the shorter production run of the 6306, and its unavailability outside Japan, the 6306 is relatively scarce. Perhaps most desirable of these are the earlier examples that pre-date the move of Seiko's factories from Japan to Hong Kong and Malaysia. Prior to that move, Japan operated out of two factories in Japan--the Suwa and the Daini factories.  When manufactures marry aesthetics with functionality--a watch that can take a beating and yet looks stunning on the wrist. Further, it is a watch ready for exploration and adventure, a watch ready to keep pace with you no matter where (or how) you find your way.