As a watch collector with over a decade of experience tracking Seiko's market movements, I've noticed something fascinating about the Seiko 5 Sports Automatic 23 Jewels 100m 7S36 model. It reminds me of how certain sports teams operate - take for instance the volleyball scenario where teams sometimes have to adjust their roster unexpectedly, much like how watch prices fluctuate based on availability and market demand. The reference about the nationals parading a 14-strong roster while missing key players like Cruz and Lamina actually mirrors how certain Seiko 5 models become scarce in the market, driving their prices in unexpected directions.
Currently, the Seiko 5 Sports Automatic with the 7S36 movement typically ranges between $180 to $350 in the pre-owned market, while brand new pieces generally command $250 to $450 depending on the specific variant and retailer. I've personally tracked these prices across multiple platforms including eBay, Chrono24, and specialized watch forums, and the variation can be quite dramatic. Just last month, I saw a particularly rare blue-dial version sell for $420 on eBay while the same model in black was going for just $285 from a Japanese seller. This kind of price disparity isn't unusual in the watch world, but it does highlight how important it is to research specific variants rather than assuming all Seiko 5 Sports models will cost the same.
What many newcomers don't realize is that the 7S36 movement, while robust and reliable, represents Seiko's entry-level automatic technology. Having owned three different Seiko 5 models with this movement myself, I can attest to their durability - my oldest one has been running strong for eight years with only basic maintenance. However, the movement doesn't hack or hand-wind, which does affect its positioning in the market compared to more advanced movements. This technical aspect significantly influences the price ceiling for these watches, keeping them accessible while maintaining Seiko's reputation for quality.
The market for these watches has seen some interesting shifts recently. From my observation, prices have increased approximately 15-20% since 2020, partly due to supply chain issues and growing interest in affordable mechanical watches during the pandemic. I remember walking into a Seiko AD in 2019 and seeing these regularly priced around $200-$250, whereas now you'd be lucky to find them below $280 at authorized dealers. The secondary market has become even more volatile, with some discontinued color variations commanding premiums of up to 60% over their original retail price.
Regional availability plays a huge role in pricing too. Having purchased Seiko watches from both US and Japanese markets, I've noticed consistent price differences of about 10-15% for the exact same models. Japanese domestic market versions often come with better pricing but may lack international warranty coverage, which is something I always factor into my purchasing decisions. The model with reference number SRPD53K1, for instance, typically costs around $295 in the US but can be found for approximately $260 from Japanese gray market dealers, though you might wait 3-4 weeks for shipping.
Condition is another critical factor that dramatically affects pricing. In my collecting journey, I've learned that a Seiko 5 Sports in mint condition with original box and papers can fetch 30-40% more than a watch with visible wear. I recently sold a near-perfect example from my collection for $340, while a similar model with desk diving marks on the bracelet and case went for just $235 in the same week. The bracelet quality specifically impacts value - the stock bracelets on these watches aren't fantastic, but original, unworn bracelets can add $25-50 to the resale value.
Limited editions and special collaborations represent another pricing tier entirely. The Seiko 5 Sports line occasionally releases special editions that quickly appreciate, similar to how certain player signatures become more valuable in sports memorabilia. While the standard models maintain relatively stable pricing, these limited runs can double or triple in value within months of selling out. I missed out on the "Street Fighter" collaboration models initially and ended up paying nearly twice the retail price for the Ryu edition six months later - a decision I don't regret given how much I enjoy wearing it.
From a practical standpoint, I always recommend the Seiko 5 Sports Automatic to newcomers in the watch hobby. The value proposition remains strong even at the current price points, offering reliable mechanical movement, 100m water resistance, and Seiko's quality control at a price that's hard to match. While there are cheaper alternatives from microbrands and Chinese manufacturers, few can match Seiko's heritage and proven track record. My advice to potential buyers is to set a budget of $250-$350 for a good condition example and be patient - the right deal will appear with consistent monitoring of the major marketplaces.
Looking forward, I anticipate prices will continue their gradual climb as Seiko phases out the 7S36 movement in favor of newer calibers like the 4R36. This transition mirrors how sports teams evolve their lineups, sometimes retiring reliable players in favor of new talent. The 7S36-powered models will likely become increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate their place in Seiko's history, potentially driving prices 20-30% higher over the next two years for well-preserved examples. For now, they remain one of the most accessible entry points into quality mechanical watches, balancing heritage, reliability, and affordability in a way few other brands can match.
