Seiko Sportsmatic 5 418970 (1964)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This 1964 Seiko Sportsmatic 5 is a foundational model in the celebrated lineage of the brand, featuring an exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and an early Seikosha-signed caliber 410 movement. It offers collectors a beautifully preserved face paired with a case that displays the honest character of its era. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic 5 Reference Number: 418970 Serial Number: 4500845 Movement: Automatic, caliber 410, 21 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices and AD star logo Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Electro Gold Plated (EGP) Production Year: 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -40-46s/day, running in operational condition. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean and highly legible vintage dial is a standout feature of this timepiece. Its silver sunburst finish is wonderfully preserved, providing a bright backdrop for the crisp, applied gold-tone indices and the classic Seiko 5 shield. The printing remains sharp throughout, with no significant stains, spotting, or moisture damage visible. Collectors will appreciate the presence of the AD (Applique Dial) star logo positioned above six o'clock. The original gold-tone dauphine hands show mild, age-appropriate patina, with light oxidation and minor spotting visible under magnification. Case and Crystal The Electro Gold Plated (EGP) case features classic 1960s styling, complete with a smooth gold-tone bezel integrated into the overarching design. The case shows honest wear consistent with age and regular use, displaying visible scratches and scuffs on the flanks and lugs. There is noticeable plating loss and rubbing on the lug edges and high contact points. The recessed crown, located at the four o'clock position to maintain a clean profile, also shows wear and plating loss. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, with no major scratches, crazing, or cracks visible. On the reverse, the inner caseback markings clearly preserve the reference and serial numbers. Movement Inside beats the 21-jewel caliber 410, an automatic movement featuring early Seikosha and Sportsmatic engravings. The movement appears generally clean, with light scratches visible on the rotor surface. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of -40-46s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring contrast stitching. It is a sturdy modern strap that appears to be in very good condition with minimal wear, complementing the dial handsomely. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial is excellently preserved and highly attractive, serving as the visual anchor of the watch. The gold-plated case and recessed crown exhibit moderate wear, including scratches, scuffs, and noticeable plating loss on the lugs and high contact points. The hands display mild oxidation, while the acrylic crystal remains clear. Timegrapher testing measures -40-46s/day. Running in operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the watch. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Sportsmatic 5 offers a highly attractive silver sunburst dial and an early Seikosha-signed movement. It is a charming and historically significant piece that represents the foundation of one of the most famous watch families in the world. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Sportsmatic 5 established the core layout that would define decades of Seiko production. The design mandated an automatic movement, a day-date display, a recessed crown at the four o'clock position, and a durable case profile. Finding early examples with the Seikosha-signed movement and the AD star logo provides a direct link to the genesis of the Seiko 5 philosophy, making it an important reference point for enthusiasts of Japanese watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SJX-0021