Seiko - Presmatic Hi-Beat - No reserve price - 5146-7010 - Men - 1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Presmatic Hi-Beat is a superb representation of late 1960s Japanese horological ambition, blending sophisticated high-beat mechanics with a bold, distinctive design language. Positioned as a premium offering during Seiko’s golden era of mechanical watchmaking, the Presmatic line is celebrated by collectors for its unique date-setting mechanism and robust 51-series movements. This particular example stands out with its substantial cushion case and a beautifully textured linen dial, offering a commanding presence on the wrist while retaining the refined elegance characteristic of vintage Seiko. Brand: Seiko Model: Presmatic Hi-Beat Reference Number: 5146-7010 Serial Number: 982724 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5146A, 30 Jewels Dial: Silver linen textured dial with applied black-accented indices, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 40 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest case wear and a stunning dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Presmatic is a visual delight, featuring a striking silver linen texture that catches the light beautifully from various angles. The applied Seiko logo and faceted rectangular indices, which feature black central stripes, provide excellent contrast and legibility against the textured backdrop. The dial furniture is completed by a sharply framed day and date aperture at the three o'clock position. The typography, including the stylized "Presmatic" script and the Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo, remains crisp and fully intact. The dial is exceptionally clean, showing virtually no signs of spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, presenting a remarkably fresh appearance for its age. The matching dauphine hands also feature black central stripes and remain in excellent condition, with clean edges and no visible oxidation. Case and Crystal The 40mm stainless steel cushion case boasts a substantial and inherently 1970s-leaning profile, characterized by its smooth, sweeping curves and polished surfaces. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, with scattered surface scratches and minor handling marks visible across the polished bezel and flanks, consistent with regular use over the decades. Despite this wear, the case retains its bold architectural shape without appearing overly polished. The original crown is nestled slightly into the case side at three o'clock, featuring the signature Presmatic hexagonal center pusher used for the date quickset function. The screw-down caseback is well-preserved, with all factory engravings, including the Daini logo, reference, and serial numbers, remaining clearly legible alongside typical superficial scratches. The watch is fitted with a gently domed Hardlex crystal, which remains clear and free of significant deep scratches, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 5146A, a sophisticated 30-jewel automatic movement operating at a high-beat frequency. The movement components, including the rotor and bridges, display appropriate signs of age and light surface wear visible in the macro photography, while all factory engravings remain sharp. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher testing indicates a variance of +17s to +22s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, a rare and highly desirable inclusion that completes the authentic vintage aesthetic. The folded-link bracelet features endlinks stamped with the code XAA and is secured by a clasp proudly bearing the deeply engraved "SEIKO Presmatic" signature. The bracelet shows moderate surface scratching and wear consistent with the case, and accommodates a wrist size of up to 18cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as the highlight of the watch. The stainless steel case and original bracelet show honest, unpolished wear in the form of surface scratches and minor scuffs, perfectly aligning with an authentic, regularly worn vintage tool watch. The mechanical components are intact and the watch retains its original structural integrity. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a substantial 40 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The integrated lug design and cushion shape provide a prominent yet comfortable footprint on the wrist, while the bracelet is sized to fit an 18cm wrist. Remarks Finding a Seiko Presmatic with its original signed bracelet and a flawless linen dial is an exciting prospect for any serious collector of vintage Japanese horology. The combination of the high-beat movement, the quirky hexagonal quickset pusher, and the bold case geometry makes this reference a fascinating conversation piece and a highly wearable classic. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko Presmatic (and its domestic counterpart, the Seikomatic-P) represented a technological leap for the brand, positioned just below the Grand and King Seiko lines. The defining feature of the Presmatic was its innovative date quickset mechanism, operated by pressing a secondary hexagonal button integrated into the center of the main crown. Powered by the sophisticated 51-series high-beat movements produced by the Daini Seikosha factory, the Presmatic line offered premium features, high jewel counts, and bold, experimental case designs that perfectly captured the transition from the conservative 1960s into the avant-garde 1970s. Today, these models are treasured for their unique engineering and distinctive aesthetic appeal. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-PHJ-0001