HODINKEE article on Magnum’s watches

[Styles Bitchley]

Finally, an accurate and comprehensive article on Magnum’s watches.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/why-t ... -magnum-pi

They even get the reference number of his GMT Master right (16750). For those who don’t know, HODINKEE has emerged as the best known watch enthusiast website. Their articles are well researched (I’m pretty sure they were browsing the forum in their research) and pretty accurate.

That said, there is one thing in the article that I’ve never heard of before and certainly never seen: “For the Seiko heads out there, Magnum even occasionally wore a Seiko SQ Quartz diver with a red and blue bezel – you know, for the times he needed a more dive-ready Pepsi watch.” Has anyone spotted an episode where Magnum wears a Seiko dive watch?

[MagnumsGMTMaster]

According to watchuseek, the Seiko was seen in Mad Dogs and Englishmen, S6 E14, in a scene where they show a close up of Magnum trying to break into a locked desk drawer. Mistake, product placement, hand double for a part of the scene shot later? Theories abound. Supposedly, Magnum also wore this watch in an earlier episode while swimming in Rapture, S6 E11, according to the Magnum Mania episode guide. I've never noticed it myself.

[Styles Bitchley]

According to watchuseek, the Seiko was seen in Mad Dogs and Englishmen, S6 E14, in a scene where they show a close up of Magnum trying to break into a locked desk drawer. Mistake, product placement, hand double for a part of the scene shot later? Theories abound. Supposedly, Magnum also wore this watch in an earlier episode while swimming in Rapture, S6 E11, according to the Magnum Mania episode guide. I've never noticed it myself.

Thanks. That’s interesting. Need to get a screen grab of that.

[Styles Bitchley]

Thanks for the push to check that thread out on watchuseek. That guy has some sharp eyes!

After looking it over and checking out the scenes, my best guess is that Selleck was not allowed to do anything where he might get injured so they had Tom Lupo or someone with large hands do these close ups. I noticed in Mad Dogs there is also a close up of Tom hot wiring the Ferrari and, again, it's clearly a Seiko jubilee bracelet. I guess it makes sense that the stunt man would be fitted with something cheaper and rugged that would resemble a Rolex GMT and the Seiko, with its blue/red bezel fits the bill. Interesting to note, for sure, but I don't think we could call it one of Magnum's watches...

Selleck leaning down to try the drawer (clearly with his standard Rolex oyster watch bracelet)


Close up of his hands showing now a jubilee bracelet


Close up showing what is clearly the dial of a Seiko dive watch (if you look at where the date window and the logo are located, you can see it is worn upside down on his wrist??). It isn't immediately obvious which model of Seiko dive watch it is being used. Might take some sleuthing to find out definitively).


Magnum hot wiring the Ferrari earlier in the episode with what is clearly a jubilee bracelet




Now, there was some suggestion from a user in that watchuseek thread saying that Magnum had been using a Seiko from time to time for diving scenes since Rapture. So I had to look that one up. And it's wrong. What's more, it looks to be very clear that Selleck and Mosely were actually scuba diving in these scenes (not stunt doubles) - at least for scenes where you can see their faces.

Hard to see for sure from this capture as the light isn't great, but looks very much like the GMT


But here, we see the inside of the bracelet, where you can clearly see the Rolex crown.

[Pahonu]

Great sleuthing Styles!

[Styles Bitchley]

Well, that didn't take long! I've drilled down to what I'm reasonably sure is the reference of this Seiko diver: 7548-700F

It's a quartz powered dive watch and they were pretty popular in the '80s. There are a few variants including the 700b, but I'm fairly certain that the "f" variant is what would have been sold in US markets at the time.

From the screen grab, we can see the "SQ" in white above where it says DIVER'S 150m, indicating "Seiko Quartz."



What was throwing me off was the jubilee bracelet, as these quartz divers all came with black rubber straps. But looking a little closer, you can see in this image that the bracelet is after market. It doesn't have end links that sit flush against the case. They clearly just bought something metal to make it look like a GMT master at a distance.


This watch is what ultimately led to the very popular SKX007 (which is mechanical)

Here's an image I found on the internet of a 7548-700F


The nice thing about these is they can be picked up for only a few hundred bucks, versus the Rolex 16750 (which is now going for well over $10k.)

A nice affordable Magnum approved dive watch with Pepsi bezel!

[Pahonu]

Well, that didn't take long! I've drilled down to what I'm reasonably sure is the reference of this Seiko diver: 7548-700F

It's a quartz powered dive watch and they were pretty popular in the '80s. There are a few variants including the 700b, but I'm fairly certain that the "f" variant is what would have been sold in US markets at the time.

From the screen grab, we can see the "SQ" in white above where it says DIVER'S 150m, indicating "Seiko Quartz."



What was throwing me off was the jubilee bracelet, as these quartz divers all came with black rubber straps. But looking a little closer, you can see in this image that the bracelet is after market. It doesn't have end links that sit flush against the case. They clearly just bought something metal to make it look like a GMT master at a distance.


This watch is what ultimately led to the very popular SKX007 (which is mechanical)

Here's an image I found on the internet of a 7548-700F


The nice thing about these is they can be picked up for only a few hundred bucks, versus the Rolex 16750 (which is now going for well over $10k.)

A nice affordable Magnum approved dive watch with Pepsi bezel!

I have that same Seiko with a black bezel that I’ve had since about 1989. I’ve been through probably half a dozen rubber straps, maybe more, but it works great and has never been serviced! I eventually switched to a military-type canvas strap that’s been on it for the last five years or so.

[Styles Bitchley]

I have that same Seiko with a black bezel that I’ve had since about 1989. I’ve been through probably half a dozen rubber straps, maybe more, but it works great and has never been serviced! I eventually switched to a military-type canvas strap that’s been on it for the last five years or so.

Sweet! They're so well built. Last forever.

[Pahonu]

I have that same Seiko with a black bezel that I’ve had since about 1989. I’ve been through probably half a dozen rubber straps, maybe more, but it works great and has never been serviced! I eventually switched to a military-type canvas strap that’s been on it for the last five years or so.

Sweet! They're so well built. Last forever.

I certainly can’t complain. It’s become my watch to wear camping and sailing and anywhere else I might slam it against something. It’s all dinged up. I have an Invicta mechanical watch with a bracelet I wear most days. I love never having to replace the battery. I’ve had it for quite a few years, though not as long as the Seiko. It’s in much better shape and I reset it about once a week. The quartz has almost perfect accuracy even after all these years!

[Styles Bitchley]

I certainly can’t complain. It’s become my watch to wear camping and sailing and anywhere else I might slam it against something. It’s all dinged up. I have an Invicta mechanical watch with a bracelet I wear most days. I love never having to replace the battery. I’ve had it for quite a few years, though not as long as the Seiko. It’s in much better shape and I reset it about once a week. The quartz has almost perfect accuracy even after all these years!

Sounds like it has that desirable "well worn" look. I think we need a photo.

[Pahonu]

I certainly can’t complain. It’s become my watch to wear camping and sailing and anywhere else I might slam it against something. It’s all dinged up. I have an Invicta mechanical watch with a bracelet I wear most days. I love never having to replace the battery. I’ve had it for quite a few years, though not as long as the Seiko. It’s in much better shape and I reset it about once a week. The quartz has almost perfect accuracy even after all these years!

Sounds like it has that desirable "well worn" look. I think we need a photo.

It’s in the drawer of the galley in my VW camper van “Big Blue”. I’ll grab a pic for you next time I’m in it. In the mean time here’s one of Big Blue I already have in my phone: https://ibb.co/rdL4F7B. I just posted a pic of it in another thread recently, don’t remember why.

Have you ever heard of the Westy wave? I tell people about this and most seem to think I’m joking with them. I’ve had Big Blue for almost 14 years and whenever I’m driving it and pass another VW camper van, particularly this era but also older buses, we wave at each other. This is true like 90% of the time or more. I’m almost disappointed when it doesn’t happen. It’s pretty much habit now. I discovered this completely accidentally when I first got it and even my wife didn’t believe me at first! On one of our first camping trips to Big Sur we must have waved to half a dozen other vans and they all waved too, or waved first. Also, almost everyone I meet camping and talk to have a name for their bus too.

Absolutely meaningless story, but true!

[Styles Bitchley]

Have you ever heard of the Westy wave? I tell people about this and most seem to think I’m joking with them. I’ve had Big Blue for almost 14 years and whenever I’m driving it and pass another VW camper van, particularly this era but also older buses, we wave at each other. This is true like 90% of the time or more. I’m almost disappointed when it doesn’t happen. It’s pretty much habit now. I discovered this completely accidentally when I first got it and even my wife didn’t believe me at first! On one of our first camping trips to Big Sur we must have waved to half a dozen other vans and they all waved too, or waved first. Also, almost everyone I meet camping and talk to have a name for their bus too.

Absolutely meaningless story, but true!

It doesn't surprise me. I know there's a following of other vehicles that do the same. I used to have a motorcycle and we would all do the wave. A buddy has an old Toyota Land Cruiser and they have the same wave. Something tells me the VW bus guys are more consistent about it though. I've always wanted an old one from the 70s or an earlier split window or 21 window, but they're all so expensive now I'm not interested any more (it takes all the fun out of driving it). I still think a later Westphalia like yours would be a great family camper. It's a real beauty. Your trip to Big Sur has me getting jumpy to get the heck out of town and go somewhere! Had a nice trip out there two summers ago - family brunch at Deetjen's and all. Such an amazing part of the world.

[Pahonu]

Have you ever heard of the Westy wave? I tell people about this and most seem to think I’m joking with them. I’ve had Big Blue for almost 14 years and whenever I’m driving it and pass another VW camper van, particularly this era but also older buses, we wave at each other. This is true like 90% of the time or more. I’m almost disappointed when it doesn’t happen. It’s pretty much habit now. I discovered this completely accidentally when I first got it and even my wife didn’t believe me at first! On one of our first camping trips to Big Sur we must have waved to half a dozen other vans and they all waved too, or waved first. Also, almost everyone I meet camping and talk to have a name for their bus too.

Absolutely meaningless story, but true!

It doesn't surprise me. I know there's a following of other vehicles that do the same. I used to have a motorcycle and we would all do the wave. A buddy has an old Toyota Land Cruiser and they have the same wave. Something tells me the VW bus guys are more consistent about it though. I've always wanted an old one from the 70s or an earlier split window or 21 window, but they're all so expensive now I'm not interested any more (it takes all the fun out of driving it). I still think a later Westphalia like yours would be a great family camper. It's a real beauty. Your trip to Big Sur has me getting jumpy to get the heck out of town and go somewhere! Had a nice trip out there two summers ago - family brunch at Deetjen's and all. Such an amazing part of the world.

It is a stunning stretch of coastline!

I never knew about the Land Cruiser wave, but I’ve seen many motorcyclists do so. The real test is: Do they name their rides?

[Pahonu]

I certainly can’t complain. It’s become my watch to wear camping and sailing and anywhere else I might slam it against something. It’s all dinged up. I have an Invicta mechanical watch with a bracelet I wear most days. I love never having to replace the battery. I’ve had it for quite a few years, though not as long as the Seiko. It’s in much better shape and I reset it about once a week. The quartz has almost perfect accuracy even after all these years!

Sounds like it has that desirable "well worn" look. I think we need a photo.

Hey Styles,
What a brain fart I had! I went to the grocery store in my Westy today and remembered to pull out my old watch for a pic like you asked for. It’s a Casio not a Seiko. All the other details are accurate but I screwed that up, sorry. Still want a pic? It is “well worn” as you said. I should have realized from the angled crown. I’ve never had a watch like that. By the way, any idea about the value of an 80’s CASIO dive watch? I was surprised when you said the Seiko was worth maybe $200 or more.

Edit: https://ibb.co/5LcxfQH

Here’s a picture of both watches. I never reset the date on Casio from February, but I’d bet money that it’s second hand is closer to the actual time than the Invicta mechanical. I’ve never been much of a watch guy as can be seen from my diverse collection, but I always wear one. During the quarantine I put together a small collection of tools to work on them though. I replaced the pin between the lugs for the bracelet on the Invicta (challenging but doable) and replaced the battery on the quartz. I used to always just take them to the shop nearby. The canvas strap needs replacing now because the loop to tuck in the end tore off. But I’m prepared! Hey, do you have any thoughts on a strap?

Also, I agree the old VW splitties are insanely priced now. I saw a samba go for six figures at auction a few years ago!!!

Apparently my generation of van is growing in value now. I paid $5500 bucks for it in 2007 with leaking heads and it was considered just an old van. I’ve spent a lot of time and money restoring her over the years, but had a guy approach me about buying it a couple of years ago. He was in importer bringing rust free vans from around the world back to the UK where they’re very popular. He said he did a few trips a year to Australia, South Africa and the US Southwest hunting down vans. He said he could probably go as high as 15k. I was stunned! They MUST be popular for him to make a profit after spending that much, shipping it, and freshening it up. He gave me his card and I put it in a safe place.

[Styles Bitchley]

I certainly can’t complain. It’s become my watch to wear camping and sailing and anywhere else I might slam it against something. It’s all dinged up. I have an Invicta mechanical watch with a bracelet I wear most days. I love never having to replace the battery. I’ve had it for quite a few years, though not as long as the Seiko. It’s in much better shape and I reset it about once a week. The quartz has almost perfect accuracy even after all these years!

Sounds like it has that desirable "well worn" look. I think we need a photo.

Hey Styles,
What a brain fart I had! I went to the grocery store in my Westy today and remembered to pull out my old watch for a pic like you asked for. It’s a Casio not a Seiko. All the other details are accurate but I screwed that up, sorry. Still want a pic? It is “well worn” as you said. I should have realized from the angled crown. I’ve never had a watch like that. By the way, any idea about the value of an 80’s CASIO dive watch? I was surprised when you said the Seiko was worth maybe $200 or more.

Edit: https://ibb.co/5LcxfQH

Here’s a picture of both watches. I never reset the date on Casio from February, but I’d bet money that it’s second hand is closer to the actual time than the Invicta mechanical. I’ve never been much of a watch guy as can be seen from my diverse collection, but I always wear one. During the quarantine I put together a small collection of tools to work on them though. I replaced the pin between the lugs for the bracelet on the Invicta (challenging but doable) and replaced the battery on the quartz. I used to always just take them to the shop nearby. The canvas strap needs replacing now because the loop to tuck in the end tore off. But I’m prepared! Hey, do you have any thoughts on a strap?

Also, I agree the old VW splitties are insanely priced now. I saw a samba go for six figures at auction a few years ago!!!

Apparently my generation of van is growing in value now. I paid $5500 bucks for it in 2007 with leaking heads and it was considered just an old van. I’ve spent a lot of time and money restoring her over the years, but had a guy approach me about buying it a couple of years ago. He was in importer bringing rust free vans from around the world back to the UK where they’re very popular. He said he did a few trips a year to Australia, South Africa and the US Southwest hunting down vans. He said he could probably go as high as 15k. I was stunned! They MUST be popular for him to make a profit after spending that much, shipping it, and freshening it up. He gave me his card and I put it in a safe place.

Nice pair! Casio doesn’t have the cachet that seiko does in the dive watch world, so probably not very valuable. But looks like it could tell more than a few stories! I love the vibe. Well worn and chunky.

Wonder why the UK guy was looking for LHD vans. He must be looking to sell them on the continent. Can’t imagine there’s a huge demand for vehicles with steering wheels on the wrong side. It’s way too dangerous. They do have an amazing following though. I remember a while back a member of the forum mentioned that he bought one of the original Island Hoppers VWs. I think he imported it to Germany. Vehicles are pretty cheap in the US compared to other countries. Even Canada (and they don’t get destroyed by salt and snow half the year!)