Seiko - Seikomatic-R - No reserve price - 8346-9000 - Men - 1966

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Seiko Seikomatic-R represents the pinnacle of mid-century Japanese horological design, blending everyday durability with refined dress watch aesthetics. Introduced during a period of rapid innovation for Seiko, the Seikomatic line was designed to offer sophisticated automatic winding technology to the discerning gentleman. This particular example stands out with its highly legible day-date complication and the iconic dolphin caseback, a hallmark of Seiko's early water-resistant models. With its striking silver sunburst dial and sharp case geometry, this timepiece captures the essence of 1960s executive styling while remaining incredibly versatile for modern wear. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic-R Reference Number: 8346-9000 Serial Number: 6940367 Movement: Automatic Caliber 8346A, 27 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, well-preserved case and pristine dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Seikomatic-R is a masterclass in mid-century restraint and elegance, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. The dial is in stunning condition, presenting a remarkably clean surface entirely free from spotting, staining, or moisture marks. It features prominent, applied faceted baton indices, with a distinctive double baton positioned at twelve o'clock for immediate orientation. The applied polished Seiko logo sits proudly below twelve, while the crisp black typography denoting "SEIKOMATIC-R" and "DIASHOCK 27 JEWELS" remains perfectly intact and sharp. At three o'clock, a stepped and framed aperture displays the day and date, adding a layer of architectural depth to the dial. The polished dauphine hands are razor-sharp with a central crease that enhances legibility, sweeping over the dial alongside a slender, unblemished center seconds hand. Case and Crystal The 37 mm stainless steel case offers substantial wrist presence for a vintage dress watch, characterized by its beautifully tapered lugs and smooth, polished bezel. Upon close inspection, the case retains strong factory lines and distinct chamfers along the outer edges of the lugs, indicating careful preservation over the decades. The surfaces exhibit honest, superficial micro-scratches consistent with careful wear, but no deep gouges or signs of heavy polishing. The watch is fitted with a tall, domed acrylic crystal that provides a warm, vintage distortion at the extreme edges while remaining clear and highly legible. The screw-down caseback is a particular highlight, featuring the deeply engraved Seiko Dolphin motif alongside "SEIKO WATER PROOF" and the serial number, all remaining crisp and clearly defined. Movement Powering this timepiece is the in-house Seiko Caliber 8346A, a robust 27-jewel automatic movement. Visual inspection of the movement reveals clean bridges and a well-preserved winding rotor, showcasing the straightforward and reliable engineering that defined Seiko's mid-century output. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a deviation of -40 to -45 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome dark brown textured leather strap. The strap features a deep crocodilian pattern and is finished with prominent white contrast stitching, complementing the silver tones of the dial and case while providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This Seikomatic-R is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable star, boasting a near-flawless presentation that is increasingly difficult to find in watches of this era. The stainless steel case shows normal vintage wear with light handling marks but retains its crucial architectural sharpness and original lug profiles. The caseback engraving remains deep and distinct. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a vintage Seikomatic-R with a dial as pristine as this example is a rare occurrence. The combination of the intricate sunburst dial, the robust 8346A automatic caliber, and the charming dolphin caseback makes this a highly compelling acquisition for both dedicated Seiko collectors and those seeking a timeless, reliable vintage dress watch with true character. History The Seikomatic line was launched in the early 1960s as Seiko's premium offering of automatic watches, intended to showcase the brand's advancements in self-winding technology. The "R" designation was later introduced to signify a refined series within the Seikomatic family, often featuring updated movements and more contemporary case designs. The integration of the day-date complication in the 83-series calibers provided a highly practical feature for the modern businessman. Furthermore, the dolphin emblem engraved on the caseback became a beloved symbol among collectors, denoting Seiko's early efforts in producing reliable, water-resistant timepieces for everyday life. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-MJX-0005