Seiko - Sportsmatic Deluxe - No reserve price - 7606-7971 - Men - 1964

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Sportsmatic Deluxe represents a fascinating era of Japanese watchmaking, bridging the gap between robust everyday utility and refined dress aesthetics. Introduced in December 1964, a period of rapid innovation for Seiko, the Sportsmatic line was designed to offer reliable automatic movements with practical complications to a growing class of professionals. This specific example, featuring a day-date complication and the Diashock anti-shock system, embodies the mid-century design language that collectors revere today. Its clean, legible dial and sharp case lines make it a versatile piece, as relevant now as it was over half a century ago. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7971 Serial Number: 4D01338 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7606A Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied indices, showing a clean surface with minimal aging Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: December 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a well-preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Sportsmatic Deluxe features a beautiful silver sunburst finish that remains remarkably clean and vibrant, catching the light elegantly. Applied, faceted baton indices mark the hours, complemented by a prominently applied Seiko Sportsmatic "5" shield logo below twelve o'clock. The typography, including the stylized "Deluxe" script and the "Water 30 Proof Diashock 23 Jewels" text, is crisp and intact. A framed day-date aperture sits at the three o'clock position. The dauphine hands are sharp and well-preserved, matching the polished indices. Upon close inspection, the dial shows minimal signs of aging, presenting an exceptionally clean and attractive face for a watch of this era. Case and Crystal The 37mm stainless steel case displays a classic mid-century profile with distinct, faceted lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including fine surface scratches and minor scuffs along the polished flanks and bezel. The transition between the brushed upper lug surfaces and the polished sides remains visible, though slightly softened by time. The recessed crown at four o'clock maintains the sleek silhouette, while the secondary pusher at three o'clock operates the date quickset. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial, with only faint, superficial marks visible under harsh lighting. The screw-down caseback bears the serial number 4D01338 and the dolphin motif characteristic of Seiko's waterproof models of the period. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko automatic caliber 7606A, a 23-jewel movement equipped with the Diashock shock protection system. The movement is visibly clean, with the rotor engraved with "Seiko Sportsmatic 23 Jewels" in red lettering. The caliber designation "7606A" is clearly stamped on the mainplate. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results show a deviation of -37s to -40s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching and a textured, embossed pattern. The strap is supple and complements the vintage aesthetic of the timepiece, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Seiko Sportsmatic Deluxe is in good vintage condition. The case shows normal, honest wear with surface scratches and minor handling marks, but retains its structural integrity and original lines. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and highly legible with sharp printing and bright applied furniture. The movement is running and functional. Overall, it is a charming and highly wearable example of mid-1960s Japanese horology. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Sportsmatic Deluxe offers a quintessential mid-century Seiko experience, combining an elegant sunburst dial with the practicality of an automatic day-date movement. Its clean presentation and robust build make it an excellent choice for both seasoned collectors and those new to vintage Japanese watches. History During the mid-1960s, Seiko's Sportsmatic line played a pivotal role in popularizing automatic watches among the general public. Positioned as a step up in refinement, the "Deluxe" models featured higher jewel counts and added complications like the day-date display, catering to the needs of the modern businessman. The inclusion of the pusher-operated quickset date was a notable convenience feature of the caliber 7606. These watches represent Seiko's commitment to producing reliable, well-designed timepieces that offered exceptional value, a philosophy that cemented the brand's global reputation in the decades to follow. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSD-0069