Seiko 5 Sports Automatic 23 Jewels 100m 7S36: Ultimate Price Guide & Buying Tips
I still remember the first time I saw the Seiko 5 Sports Automatic 23 Jewels 100m 7S36 gleaming under the jewelry store lights. It was during a lazy Saturday afternoon while waiting for my friend who was obsessively checking out vintage watches. The way the light caught the dial reminded me of something I'd read earlier that week about sports teams and their roster strategies - how certain pieces, whether players or watch components, create that perfect balance.
The reference article about national teams parading 14-strong rosters actually got me thinking about watch collecting. Much like how teams carefully select their players, sans unexpected additions like training players turned late pool entrants or two-time best setters, watch enthusiasts approach their collections with similar strategic thinking. That's exactly what makes the Seiko 5 Sports such an interesting case study - it's the reliable starter player that rarely disappoints.
I've handled dozens of these watches over the years, and what continues to amaze me is how Seiko managed to pack so much value into such an affordable package. The 7S36 movement with its 23 jewels might not be the fanciest mechanism out there, but it's the workhorse that keeps going like that dependable player who always shows up for practice. I remember one particular model I bought back in 2018 - that thing ran within +15 seconds per day for three straight years before needing any adjustment.
When it comes to pricing, I've noticed some interesting patterns. Back in 2015, you could snag one of these for around $85 in decent condition. Fast forward to today, and the same watch in similar condition will set you back about $140-$160. That's nearly an 80% increase in under a decade! But here's where it gets fascinating - certain limited edition models have appreciated even more dramatically. I tracked one particular SKX007 variant that sold for $220 in 2019 and recently saw the same model going for $380.
The market for these watches operates much like sports team selections - there's always that element of surprise. Just as teams sometimes discover unexpected talent in training players who become late pool entrants, the watch world occasionally sees certain models suddenly spike in popularity and value. I recall passing on a blue-dial variant back in 2017 thinking I could find a better deal later, only to watch its price nearly double within eighteen months.
What I personally love about the Seiko 5 Sports collection is its accessibility. Unlike some luxury watches that require you to jump through hoops or join waiting lists, these are readily available yet still feel special. The 100m water resistance means you don't have to baby it - I've worn mine swimming, hiking, and even during home renovations. It's that perfect balance of durability and style that makes it such a compelling choice for both new collectors and seasoned enthusiasts.
My advice? If you're considering adding a Seiko 5 Sports Automatic 23 Jewels 100m 7S36 to your collection, don't overthink it too much. Unlike building a sports team roster where you might hesitate about including a two-time best setter or worry about late additions, this is one of those watches that rarely disappoints. The market trends suggest prices are only going upward, and with Seiko gradually phasing out some of these classic models, now might be the perfect time to acquire one.
I recently helped a friend find his first serious watch, and we settled on exactly this model. Three months later, he's still thanking me every time we meet up. There's something about the way it wears, the reliability of that automatic movement, and the sheer versatility that makes it such a rewarding purchase. Whether you're building your collection strategically like a sports team manager selecting their final roster, or just looking for that one reliable daily wearer, the Seiko 5 Sports deserves serious consideration.