Seiko - Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe - No reserve price - 7606-7971 - Men - 1964

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A quintessential example of mid-century Japanese watchmaking, the Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe represents a significant era in Seiko's history, combining robust everyday reliability with an elevated level of finishing. Designed to offer a premium experience within the beloved Sportsmatic line, this model features the reliable 7606 caliber, complete with a convenient date quickset pusher. The luxurious gold-tone aesthetic and striking sunburst dial make this piece a highly wearable and historically rich addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7971 Serial Number: 4N16296 Movement: Automatic caliber 7606A, 23 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, well-preserved with clean surfaces and crisp printing Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a beautiful dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe is a standout feature, presenting a brilliant silver sunburst texture that catches the light beautifully. The surface remains exceptionally clean for its age, free from major spotting, moisture damage, or significant discoloration. It is adorned with faceted, applied gold-tone baton indices that match the elegant dauphine hands. The hands show a gentle, age-consistent patina, adding authentic vintage character without detracting from legibility. A framed day and date aperture sits prominently at the three o'clock position. All factory printing, including the crisp Deluxe script and the Water 30 Proof designation, remains fully intact and sharply defined. Case and Crystal The 37 millimeter gold-plated case features a classic mid-century profile with gently sweeping lugs and the signature recessed crown positioned just offset of the four o'clock marker. A dedicated pusher for the date quickset function is located above the crown. The case exhibits honest signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches, softening of the lug profiles, and some visible brassing and plating loss on the sharp edges and lug tips, which is entirely typical for gold-plated watches of this era. The stainless steel snap-on caseback remains legible, clearly displaying the serial number. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and well-preserved, providing an unobstructed view of the stunning dial beneath. Movement Inside the case beats the Seiko caliber 7606A, a self-winding automatic movement featuring 23 jewels and the brand's proprietary Diashock anti-shock system. The movement is visually clean, with the signature red Seiko Sportsmatic 23 Jewels text proudly displayed on the semi-circular winding rotor. The caliber markings and jewel counts are clearly stamped on the mainplate and bridge. This robust mechanism is an important piece of Seiko's automatic development, designed to provide reliable daily timekeeping. Strap The watch is fitted with a distinctive brown reptilian-patterned leather strap, accented with striking yellow contrast stitching that complements the gold-tone case perfectly. The strap is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle and presents well, offering a comfortable and stylish pairing for the vintage timepiece. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved and serves as the visual highlight of the watch. The gold-plated case shows expected wear, with visible plating loss and handling marks consistent with decades of use. The hands exhibit a natural, even patina. The movement presents cleanly and all components reflect a well-enjoyed but cared-for life. Dimensions The case measures 37 millimeters in diameter excluding the crown, providing a substantial yet classically proportioned wrist presence. The lug profile ensures a comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe is a charming representation of Seiko's dedication to accessible luxury during the 1960s. The combination of the highly textured sunburst dial, the applied gold-tone furniture, and the unique quickset pusher arrangement makes this reference particularly appealing to collectors of vintage Japanese horology. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seiko Sportsmatic line was instrumental in popularizing automatic watches for the everyday consumer. The 5 designation highlighted five key attributes including an automatic movement, a day-date display, water resistance, a recessed crown, and a durable case. The Deluxe variants elevated this highly successful formula by incorporating higher jewel counts, refined dial finishing, and additional features such as the dedicated date quickset pusher. These models represent a golden era of Seiko's mid-century design and mechanical innovation. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSD-0074