Want more evidence the 1960’s through the early 1980’s were a golden era for Seiko, for both affordable and not-so-much vintage? Look no further than Seiko’s long-running 700x line - such as the full-serviced 1982 Seiko 7009-3180 Arabic-dialed “military adjacent” automatic, on its original bracelet, here.
Why do we call this “military adjacent?”
We will state this up front – this isn’t a USMIL Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) Seiko. It’s got a white dial, not very discreet. However, it’s of quite similar design; namely, an Arabic-numbered dial, robust automatic movement, and sold in the same era as the accepted ones. And - the best part - it's far less expensive.
Due to the overly sensitive nature of MACV-SOG ops, sterile gear was required to provide the U.S. plausible deniability if a service member fell some place they were not supposed to be fighting, like Laos, Cambodia, and North Viet Nam. Principally run by Ben Baker, the CISO office issued standard and untraceable (sterile) gear, like the other four known Seiko automatics worn by MACV-SOG personnel, the 6619-8060, 6119-8100, 7005-8030, and the 6106-8100.
The 700X line debuted in 1969 and was made until the 1990’s, when it was eventually replaced by Seiko’s famed 7S26 line. The 700x line featured primarily in Seiko’s “Seiko 5” line, and contained its Magic Lever winding system, which allowed the movement’s automatic rotor to gather energy in a bi-directional fashion. The 700x movement – and all its variants – were the most produced Seiko movements to exit from Japan, period.
The 700x line came in numerous sub-variants, which included the 7009 here, but also the 7002, 7005m and 7006, all of which were almost identical and shared numerous parts in common (rendering watch servicing less expensive).
This Seiko 7009 Arabic comes on its original Seiko-signed bracelet, and with nylon strap, spring bar tool, and rugged travel case.
1982 Seiko 7009-3180 Arabic Dial Automatic Watch
DIAL: Vibrant white Seiko-signed dial with atypical Arabic numerals (few Seiko’s during this era featured this); day and date functions work as designed. Correct handset. Lume - which shines following exposure to strong light – remains in great condition, considering the watch is a half century old.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 37.5mm x 42.5mm, with matching caseback. Case top retains its brushed finish.
CRYSTAL: Acrylic crystal, imperfection and scratch -free.
BAND: This 7009 comes on its original Seiko-signed bracelet, which will fit an approx. 8.5 inch wrist – all links remain tight; it also comes with a premium blue nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: This Seiko 17-jewel 7009 automatic movement, beating at 21,600 bph, was manufactured in December 1982. The day (English and Roman numeral variants) and date functions work as designed - the day feature is advanced via turning the crown in its second position (ie: no quickset option by design); however, the weekday is advanced by depressing the crown. We have performed a full service on this Seiko 7009.
CROWN: Unsigned stainless-steel crown, nearly entirely recessed.