Seiko - Seiko 5 貴影 – Kiei – Noble Shadow - No reserve price - 5126-7000 - Men - 1968

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This 1968 Seiko 5 represents the playful yet robust design language of the Daini Seikosha factory during the late 1960s. With its distinctive orange-accented markers and hidden crown configuration, this Reference 5126-7000 offers a charming vintage aesthetic that stands out on the wrist. The combination of the silver sunburst dial and the cushion-style case creates a silhouette that is unmistakably retro yet timelessly wearable. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Reference Number: 5126-7000 Serial Number: 887425 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5126A Dial: Silver sunburst with orange accents Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of wear to the case and bezel consistent with its age, while the dial retains a strong character with visible patina. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features a distinctive layout with thick, applied block indices containing vibrant orange accents, giving the face a sporty and highly legible appearance. The baton-style hands mirror this design with matching orange details. A framed day-date window is positioned at the 3 o'clock mark. The dial displays the applied "SEIKO" and "5" logos, along with the "23 JEWELS" text and the lightning bolt logo signifying its origin from the Daini Seikosha factory. There is some visible aging and patina on the dial surface, particularly around the outer edges and indices, which adds to its vintage charm. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion or C-shape profile with a recessed crown positioned at 4 o'clock, a design choice that streamlines the case flank for a comfortable fit. The case shows visible surface scratches and scuffs throughout, particularly on the polished bezel and the sides, typical of a watch that has been enjoyed over several decades. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with the reference number, serial number, and the Daini lightning bolt logo. Movement Powering the watch is the Seiko Caliber 5126A automatic movement, a 23-jewel mechanism known for its durability. The movement appears clean and is offering reliable vintage performance, running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a character-rich reddish-brown leather strap featuring a crocodile-style grain and contrasting yellow stitching. This strap choice complements the orange accents on the dial perfectly, enhancing the overall retro appeal of the timepiece. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It presents as an honest example of a late 1960s tool watch. The wear on the case and the patina on the dial are present but do not detract from the structural integrity or readability of the watch. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Due to the cushion case shape and lug design, it wears comfortably and offers a significant presence on the wrist despite the classic dimensions. Remarks The Reference 5126-7000 is a quintessential example of the "Sportsmatic" era transitioning into the bolder designs of the 1970s. The hidden crown and specific dial configuration make this a collectible variant for enthusiasts of the Seiko 5 line. History Introduced in 1963, the Seiko 5 set a new standard for affordable, reliable mechanical watches. The "5" represented five key attributes: automatic winding, day/date display in a single window, water resistance, a recessed crown at 4 o'clock, and a durable case and bracelet. This specific model hails from the Daini Seikosha factory, one of Seiko's two competing internal production centers, which was responsible for creating some of the brand's most innovative designs during the golden age of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SJX-0003