Seiko - Sportmatic Deluxe - No reserve price - 7606-7981 - Men - 1964

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This Seiko Sportmatic Deluxe is a quintessential representation of mid-century Japanese watchmaking, blending elegant dress-watch aesthetics with the robust practicality that defined the Seiko 5 lineage. With its gleaming sunburst dial and distinctive day-date layout, this timepiece captures the optimism and forward-thinking design of the 1960s. The inclusion of a dedicated quickset date pusher highlights Seiko's commitment to user-friendly mechanical innovation during this era, making it a charming and historically significant addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportmatic Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7981 Serial Number: 4001208 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 7606A, 23 Jewels Dial: Clean silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone faceted indices and crisp typography Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated (EGP) with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The watch features a striking silver sunburst dial that has been exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and free of heavy spotting, stains, or moisture damage. It is adorned with applied gold-tone, faceted baton indices that catch the light beautifully, complemented by the applied Seiko 5 shield logo. The typography is crisp and intact, with "Deluxe," "WATER 30 PROOF," and "DIASHOCK 23 JEWELS" printed clearly above the six o'clock position. A framed day-date complication sits precisely at the three o'clock mark, featuring a silver day disc and a contrasting black date disc. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and exhibit a consistent, gentle aging that matches the overall vintage aesthetic perfectly. Case and Crystal The 37mm gold-plated (EGP) case presents a classic mid-century profile with elegantly sweeping lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including a softening of the original lines and visible brassing on the lug edges and case flanks, where the base metal is revealed. The recessed crown at the four o'clock position maintains the sleek silhouette of the case, accompanied by the distinct date quickset pusher just above it. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is clearly stamped with the reference 7606-7981 and the serial number 4001208. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and shows light surface wear but remains clear, providing excellent visibility of the dial beneath. Movement Inside beats the Seiko caliber 7606A, a 23-jewel automatic movement. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor proudly bearing the red "SEIKO SPORTSMATIC 23 JEWELS" engraving. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect a deviation of -55 to -63 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a textured black leather strap featuring striking orange contrast stitching, secured by a gold-tone pin buckle that complements the tones of the case and dial furniture. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is wonderfully preserved and visually striking, while the case shows authentic, honest wear, including typical brassing and softening of edges expected from vintage gold-plated timepieces that have been enjoyed over the decades. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks A charming and highly wearable example of Seiko's 1960s design language, offering a robust automatic movement, a highly attractive dial configuration, and the quirky charm of a dedicated date pusher. History The Seiko Sportmatic line, particularly the Deluxe models, represented an accessible yet highly capable tier of automatic watches during the 1960s. Introduced as part of the broader Seiko 5 family, these timepieces were designed to offer durability, water resistance, and the convenience of an automatic winding system, encapsulated in an elegant design suitable for daily wear. The caliber 7606 added the functionality of a quickset date via a dedicated pusher, a notable technical convenience for the era that showcased Seiko's dedication to practical horological advancements. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSD-0063