Seiko 7A38-60xx water resistant?

[stjimmy_ngm]

Hello everyone, this is my very first post in the forum! I lately found interest in 7Axx watches. Locally there’s a 7a38-6030 being advertised at ~133USD. Since the case shape looks identifcal to the stainless steel version (6000), and so do all other variants of 7a38-60xx, I'm wondering if they all can have the same 100m WR as the 6000 model? Thank you very much

[Seiko7A38]

You are correct in assuming that the four small size 7A38-60xx Divers have the same 100 meter water resistance. They all use the same watch case, but in two different finishes, stainless or black chrome. The JDM variants, the -6030 and -6040 are equivalent to the -6010 and -6000 export models. Although the -6030 and -6040 do not have SPORTS 100 printed on their dials, they do have the 'Double Wave' case-back.

7A38-6030-(Divers)-Black-YahooJapan-May2024-Another-8.jpg (135.86 KiB) Viewed 5750 times

That symbol also appears in the JDM catalogue illustrations:

7A38-6030-SJS028-JDM-1985Catalogue-Page63.png (204.83 KiB) Viewed 5750 times

From Google:

A double wave symbol (or sometimes a stylized double wave pattern) on a Seiko caseback signifies 10 ATM (100-meter) water resistance.
Here are the key details regarding Seiko water resistance markings:
10 ATM / Double Wave: Indicates the watch is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and light water sports.

That said, most of these watches are now 40 years old. I would not recommend doing the washing up while wearing one, let alone swimming with it. It is likely that the seals are perished or rock hard. Get them all replaced (crown, pushers and case-back) before taking the watch anywhere near water.

PS - $133, regardless of condition is a very good price !

[stjimmy_ngm]

Thanks for sharing the info! Yes my intention is to get a full service, replacing all gaskets and seals it up. Definitely not for swimming, but more about peace of mind in downpour (here in Saigon we have the sudden heavy rain pretty much everyday in the summer). I’m keen to learn more about the 7Axx variants, still have a lot to read and learn

[Seiko7A38]

Speaking of more reading, I don't know if you were aware, but there was a model specific thread on the old archived forum: 7A38-6030 SJS028 - Black Chrome small 'Diver' (JDM only) The sales information is a bit out of date now.

[stjimmy_ngm]

Finally it's here, very glad how this one turned out. It is much better than I expected. The start button is a little stiff but I plan to do a full service anyway. The crystal is a bit too scratch up, is there a place where I can find high quality replacement crystal? Doesn't have to be original, anything with correct specs and high quality would do. Or how would you polish the crystal in this case?

[Seiko7A38]

The Seiko part number for the crystal is 285W26GN00. They are virtually unobtainium. The last time I saw one listed on eBay was in December 2020, where the greedy Italian seller was asking €119 Euros. It eventually sold in November 2022 for €99 Euros. The original crystal measures 28.5 mm Ø X 1.8 mm thick, with a polished bevel edge, which is necessary to clear the underside of the bezel insert. Luckily for you, I managed to persuade a UK eBay seller to produce a quality reproduction crystal. He had a batch made in May 2024 and I expect he's got some left. His name is Bryan Hibbins. His eBay ID was togman, but he changed it to something longer, which I can't remember at the moment. I've sent him a PM on SCWF. Here's a small photo he sent me, at the time, showing the two bevelled edges.

image.jpg (23.14 KiB) Viewed 5640 times

Personally I wouldn't attempt to try and polish a Seiko Hardlex crystal. It can be done professionally, at a cost, but it's much easier to replace it.

[stjimmy_ngm]

Thanks for the lead! The seller is tog_man_precision_watch_supplies, and he has some in stock but unlisted. I’ll grab one, and while it is shipping I’ll let the watchmaker here to give a try on polishing the original glass

[Seiko7A38]

That's the one ! He's just re-listed them: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/257339593193

You do realize that you need to pull the bezel to remove the crystal ? I wouldn't recommend attempting to polish it in situ, thereby putting the bezel insert at risk of further damage.

[stjimmy_ngm]

Yes and yes. I ordered the crystal just in case. Not sure how difficult to remove the bezel, or just the insert removed is enough to get the crystal out. My main concern is with the black coating layer

[Seiko7A38]

The bezel is retained by a rubber O-ring, running in a groove. They can be levered off using a case knife. The bezel insert is thin aluminium and easily bent.