Seiko - Seikomatic-R - No reserve price - 8346-8030 - Men - 1967

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Seiko Seikomatic line represents a golden era of Japanese watchmaking, characterized by rapid technological advancement and refined, timeless design. Introduced as a premium automatic offering, the Seikomatic bridged the gap between Seiko's standard mechanical watches and their elite Grand Seiko and King Seiko tiers. This specific Seikomatic-R, powered by the robust 27-jewel Diashock movement, perfectly encapsulates the mid-century aesthetic with its sharp dauphine hands, multifaceted indices, and perfectly balanced day-date complication. It is a sophisticated, highly capable vintage timepiece that offers tremendous historical value and enduring style for the discerning collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic-R Reference Number: 8346-8030 Serial Number: 7N00421 Movement: Automatic Caliber 8346A, 27 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: November 1967 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with outstanding dial preservation Dial and Hands The dial of this Seikomatic-R is a masterclass in mid-century Japanese design, featuring a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully from every angle. The dial furniture is intricate and highly refined, utilizing applied rectangular steel indices that feature a distinctive grooved texture on their top surfaces, adding exceptional depth to the display. An applied polished Seiko logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position, while the typography for "SEIKOMATIC-R" and "DIASHOCK 27 JEWELS" is printed in crisp, flawless black serif and sans-serif text. At the three o'clock position, a stepped metallic frame houses the day and date apertures, with the Sunday text rendered in a striking red. The sharp steel dauphine hands feature a central crease that enhances legibility. Crucially, the dial is in stunning vintage condition, remaining remarkably clean and free of moisture marks, spotting, or print loss, presenting an exceptionally fresh appearance. Case and Crystal The 37 millimeter stainless steel case exhibits classic 1960s proportions, offering substantial wrist presence while maintaining an elegant, slender profile. The case features sweeping lugs and a smooth polished bezel that seamlessly frames the dial. A thorough visual inspection reveals honest, age-consistent light surface scratches along the polished flanks and lug tops, indicative of normal vintage wear, yet the case retains its fundamental geometry without signs of heavy, aggressive polishing. The recessed crown at three o'clock sits neatly against the case edge. A high-domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering gorgeous vintage distortion at the extreme edges while remaining clear and highly transparent. The screw-down stainless steel caseback is well-preserved, clearly displaying the engraved Seiko typography, the 8346-8030 reference number, the water-proof designation, and the serial number 7N00421. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 8346A, a highly regarded automatic movement featuring 27 jewels and Seiko's proprietary Diashock shock-absorption system. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a clean rotor clearly stamped with the caliber designation and jewel count, alongside neatly finished bridges and gears that present well for their age. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results reflect exceptional precision, running at -9 to -12 seconds per day, indicating outstanding mechanical health and strong operational performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring prominent white contrast stitching along the edges. The strap is supple and complements the monochromatic, vintage aesthetic of the silver dial and stainless steel case perfectly. Condition This Seikomatic-R is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable standout, showing near-flawless preservation with crisp printing and brilliant sunburst finishing. The stainless steel case displays normal, honest wear with light superficial scratches, but retains strong lines and a highly attractive overall appearance. Combined with its excellent mechanical performance, this is a thoroughly well-preserved example of a classic Seiko reference. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, providing a versatile and highly wearable footprint that suits a wide variety of wrist sizes. Remarks Finding a vintage Seikomatic-R with a dial in this state of preservation is becoming increasingly difficult. The combination of the textured applied indices, the sharp dauphine hands, and the reliable 8346A movement makes this a highly compelling acquisition. It is a watch that offers the sophisticated charm of 1960s horology while remaining robust enough for regular enjoyment. History During the 1960s, Seiko was aggressively expanding its dominance in the automatic watch market. The Seikomatic family was introduced to offer consumers a high-quality, reliable, and elegantly designed automatic watch that featured the latest in Seiko's movement technology, including the Diashock system and the Magic Lever winding mechanism. The "R" designation in the Seikomatic-R line often denoted a refined or revised movement architecture, providing a slimmer profile and improved reliability. These watches were positioned as premium offerings for the modern professional, and their enduring appeal today is a testament to Seiko's exceptional mid-century engineering and design prowess. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-MRN-0001