Seiko - Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe - No reserve price - 7606-7982 - Men - 1965

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A wonderful example of Seiko's mid-century design prowess, this Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe captures the essence of 1960s Japanese watchmaking. Combining everyday practicality with refined aesthetics, this piece features the iconic day-date complication and a beautifully textured dial that plays with the light, making it a compelling addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7982 Serial Number: 5601401 Movement: Automatic caliber 7606A, 23 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing minor age-consistent spotting Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1965 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with attractive overall preservation Dial and Hands The dial presents a striking silver sunburst finish that radiates beautifully under direct lighting. It features applied faceted steel indices that catch the light, complemented by an applied Seiko 5 shield and crisp black printed typography denoting the Sportsmatic, Deluxe, and Diashock designations. A framed day and date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. Close inspection reveals minor, age-consistent spotting and faint wear near the outer edges, presenting an honest and highly attractive vintage character without detracting from the overall visual appeal. The sharp dauphine hands remain well-preserved, maintaining their polished facets and completing the sophisticated mid-century aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 37 mm stainless steel case retains a strong and defining profile, with well-defined lugs and a smooth, polished bezel. The case features a recessed crown at the four o'clock position and a dedicated pusher for the date function just above it, maintaining the sleek silhouette characteristic of the Seiko 5 philosophy. The caseback proudly displays the classic Seiko dolphin and crown motif, alongside clearly legible reference and serial numbers, though it shows expected light surface scratches from normal wear. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that offers a clear view of the dial, showing only faint handling marks consistent with careful use. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko automatic caliber 7606A, a robust 23-jewel movement renowned for its durability and engineering. The movement is cleanly finished, with the winding rotor bearing the distinct red Seiko Sportsmatic text. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results reflect a current performance of +60 to +66 seconds per day, indicating the movement is running and operational. Strap The watch is paired with a classic black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap complements the vintage appeal of the stainless steel case and provides a comfortable fit for daily wear, secured by a standard steel buckle. Condition Graded in excellent vintage condition. The case exhibits honest signs of wear with light surface marks, while retaining strong lines and its original geometry. The dial shows attractive, age-consistent patina and minor spotting that is visible under close inspection but remains visually coherent. The caseback engraving remains distinctly visible, confirming the watch's well-preserved state. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Remarks This Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy of producing reliable, stylish, and mechanically impressive timepieces. Its combination of a sunburst dial, faceted indices, and the dependable 7606A caliber makes it a highly wearable and collectible vintage watch that offers tremendous value and historical charm. History Introduced in the 1960s, the Seiko Sportsmatic line was instrumental in popularizing automatic watches for the everyday wearer. The famous "5" designation highlighted five key attributes: an automatic movement, a day-date display, water resistance, a recessed crown, and a durable case. The Deluxe variants elevated this practical foundation with refined finishing, elevated dial furniture, and higher jewel counts, representing a perfect intersection of utility and mid-century elegance that defined Seiko's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSJ-0030