Seiko - Champion Calendar 860 銀輪 (Ginrin) – Silver Halo - No reserve price - J13078 - Men - 1963

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Champion Calendar 860 is a remarkable example of early 1960s Japanese horology, representing a transitional era for the brand just prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. With its "Seikosha" signed movement and clean mid-century aesthetics, this timepiece offers collectors a blend of historical significance and wearable elegance. The "860" designation on the dial refers to the specific calendar mechanism, a feature that was a significant selling point during its production run. Its sharp case lines and stunning silver dial make it a versatile dress watch that punches well above its weight class in terms of finish and style. Brand: Seiko Model: Champion Calendar 860 Reference Number: J13078 Serial Number: 371416 Movement: Seikosha Caliber 7622A Manual Wind Dial: Silver sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1963 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case lines and a remarkably clean dial, running within vintage tolerances with a daily deviation of approximately -23 to -27 seconds. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, preserved in exceptional condition with a radiant finish that catches the light beautifully. It features polished, faceted baton indices that add depth and sophistication to the face. The dauphine-style hands are sharp and legible, complementing the sleek aesthetic. A framed date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, while the text "Seiko Champion Calendar 860" and "Water Proof Diashock 17 Jewels" remains crisp and fully intact. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a substantial 36mm, offering a modern presence on the wrist while retaining classic vintage proportions. The case lines remain distinct, particularly on the lugs, suggesting the watch has been treated with care over the decades. Light surface marks consistent with age are present but do not detract from the overall appeal. The screw-down caseback clearly features the original reference and serial engravings, along with the vintage "Water Proof" designation. The crystal is clear and provides an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Inside beats the robust manual-wind Seikosha caliber 7622A, a 17-jewel movement known for its durability. The bridge is stamped "Seikosha," a historical detail that collectors appreciate from this specific era of Seiko production. Based on timegrapher results, the movement is running with a deviation of approximately -23 to -27 seconds per day, indicating reliable vintage performance for a watch of this age. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown leather strap featuring contrasting stitching. The texture and color of the leather perfectly complement the steel case and silver dial, giving the watch a warm, vintage-casual look that is ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is nearly flawless, which is rare for the Champion line from this period. The case shows honest wear with some scratches but retains its original geometry without signs of over-polishing. The movement is clean and functioning correctly within the stated vintage parameters. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36mm excluding the crown, the watch sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug length and slim profile allow it to slide easily under a shirt cuff, making it an ideal choice for both formal and casual occasions. Remarks The Seiko Champion series was introduced as a mid-tier line that offered high performance and durability, sitting just below the King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. Finding an "860" Calendar model in this condition, particularly with such a pristine dial and the correct Seikosha-signed movement, is becoming increasingly difficult. History Produced in 1963, this watch hails from a golden age of Seiko manufacturing. During the 1960s, Seiko was aggressively innovating to compete with Swiss manufacturers, resulting in movements and designs that have stood the test of time. The Champion Calendar 860 is a testament to this pursuit of excellence, featuring the Diashock shock protection system which was Seiko's proprietary answer to Swiss shock absorption technologies. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCC-0003