Vintage Seiko is a seemingly never-ending source of incredible mechanical wristwatches with eminently affordable price tags. Whether you’re looking for a time-only dress watch, a complicated chronograph or a robust diver, Seiko probably produced a timepiece for you, and chances are there’s still a healthy supply of said watch on the vintage market. Here are some favorites for sale right now, each of which costs less than $1,000.
Seiko Lord Marvel 5740-0010

What we like: The Lord Marvel line was Seiko’s solution to the quest for improved accuracy in a hand-wound movement. Indeed, the caliber 5740A beats at 36,000 bph, making this 23-jewel movement one of the precursors to the brand’s Calibre 44, later found in the King Seiko Chronometer.
From the seller: Overall, the watch is in excellent condition. Dial and hands are in excellent condition. The watch case appears to be absolutely unpolished. The recently serviced watch is running strong and keeping very accurate time. New, ‘safari’ calfskin leather strap with stainless steel pin buckle by JP Menicucci.