Seiko - Sportmatic Deluxe - No reserve price - 7606-7000 - Men - 1965

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This beautiful Seiko Sportmatic Deluxe perfectly encapsulates the mid-century design ethos that defined Japanese watchmaking in the 1960s. Combining practical daily functionality with elegant dress-watch proportions, this timepiece features a striking fluted inner minute track and an incredibly clean case profile thanks to its recessed crown system. It is a wonderful vintage piece that bridges the gap between robust engineering and refined mid-century style. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportmatic Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7000 Serial Number: 5206232 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7606A (Timegrapher: +6s to +12s/day) Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices, well-preserved with minor macro-level aging and light oxidation on the hands Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (EGP) with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1965 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear to the gold plating and an exceptionally attractive dial Dial and Hands The dial boasts a bright silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, complemented by an intricate silver-tone fluted outer minute track that provides remarkable depth to the display. It features applied gold-tone faceted baton indices, with a prominent double baton at the twelve o'clock position, alongside the classic applied Seiko "5" shield logo. The typography is elegantly executed, balancing serif text with a flowing cursive script for the "Sportmatic" and "Deluxe" branding. The day-date aperture at three o'clock displays crisp black and red lettering within an applied gold-tone frame. Under close loupe inspection, the dial surface remains highly attractive but reveals minute scattered dust specks and faint, localized signs of aging immediately around the date frame. The gold-tone dauphine hands exhibit age-consistent spotting and oxidation across their faceted surfaces, bringing an authentic vintage character to the watch without compromising its legibility. Case and Crystal The 37mm gold-plated (EGP) case embodies classic mid-century lines, featuring sweeping lugs and a smooth, polished bezel. A defining design trait of this reference is the recessed crown neatly tucked at the four o'clock position, accompanied by a dedicated date quickset pusher at three o'clock, which allows the case flanks to maintain a wonderfully sleek silhouette. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and presents a clear view with minimal surface wear. The case itself shows clear, honest signs of wear consistent with its vintage status. There is visible softening to the lug profiles and localized rubbing to the gold plating along the sharper edges and lug tips, revealing the base metal underneath. The stainless steel snap-on caseback, which still displays a faint engraving of the iconic Seiko dolphin motif alongside its crisp serial and reference numbers, shows typical surface scratching from previous wear and resting. Movement Housed inside this model is the Seiko Automatic Caliber 7606A, a 23-jewel mechanism notable for its dedicated quickset date pusher. Visual inspection of the movement reveals standard finishing marks on the plates and a distinctive rotor stamped with vibrant red "SEIKO SPORTSMATIC 23 JEWELS" typography, which remains sharply intact. Running and operational, offering reliable vintage performance (see timegrapher). Timegrapher results reflect a very healthy +6s to +12s/day, underscoring the enduring build quality of Seiko's mid-century automatic calibers. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome textured black leather strap, accented by prominent yellow contrast stitching that perfectly harmonizes with the gold-tone case and dial furniture. It is secured to the wrist by a classic gold-tone pin buckle. Condition Good vintage condition. This Sportmatic Deluxe presents beautifully on the wrist while bearing the honest hallmarks of a mid-century timepiece. The striking silver dial remains a visual standout despite minor macro-level aging and handset oxidation. The gold-plated case displays authentic edge wear, softening, and plating loss expected from genuine decades of enjoyment, resulting in a watch full of character and historic charm. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks The Seiko Sportmatic Deluxe stands as a prime example of Japan's horological golden era, integrating robust daily-wear engineering with elevated aesthetic touches like the fluted minute ring and elegant handset. The flush crown and pusher system keep the case silhouette incredibly clean, making it an excellent conversation piece for collectors of significant vintage Seiko models. History Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Sportmatic line was a foundational pillar in establishing Seiko's legendary "5" series principles, which included automatic winding, a day-date display, water resistance, a recessed crown, and a durable case architecture. The "Deluxe" variants brought an added layer of refinement to this highly reliable platform, catering to a consumer market that increasingly demanded everyday durability without sacrificing dress-watch sophistication. The caliber 7606 featured an advanced quickset date function operated by a dedicated pusher, showcasing Seiko's continuous push for user-friendly innovation during a period of rapid technological advancement in mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSD-0039