Seiko - Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe - No reserve price - 427970 - Men - 1964

Available now on auction by Second Vintage The Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe represents a fascinating chapter in the brand's mid-century evolution, capturing the transition toward robust, feature-rich automatic timepieces wrapped in elegant dress watch proportions. Introduced during the 1960s economic boom in Japan, the "Deluxe" designation elevated the standard Sportsmatic with refined dial finishing, upgraded movements, and distinctive case designs. This particular reference 427970 perfectly encapsulates that ethos, featuring the signature recessed crown at three o'clock and a dedicated date-setting pusher at four o'clock, emphasizing the convenience of its automatic winding system. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe Reference Number: 427970 Serial Number: 4700137 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7606A, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, presenting in exceptionally clean condition with only faint signs of aging. Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (EGP) with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition with an outstanding dial and honest case wear. Dial and Hands The watch features a brilliant silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, providing a dynamic backdrop for the gold-tone furniture. The hour markers are applied, faceted gold-tone batons, with the prominent cardinal markers at six, nine, and twelve o'clock featuring black central channel inlays for enhanced legibility. A framed day and date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The dial is signed with an applied Seiko Sportsmatic script and the iconic "5" shield, alongside crisp black printing for the Deluxe, Water 30 Proof, and Diashock designations. The condition of the dial is remarkably well-preserved and clean, showing only microscopic specks under high magnification and very subtle, attractive aging around the day-date frame. The time is indicated by a set of sharp gold-tone dauphine hands, which display light, age-consistent oxidation and micro-spotting upon close inspection. Case and Crystal The 37 mm case is constructed with an Electro Gold Plated (EGP) finish over a base metal, paired with a stainless steel caseback. The case architecture features sweeping lugs, a recessed time-setting crown at the three o'clock position, and a distinct push-button at four o'clock for quick-setting the date. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, remaining clear and free of major visual distortions. Condition-wise, the case exhibits clear and honest signs of vintage wear. There is visible brassing and plating loss along the lug facets, bezel edges, and the pusher, revealing the base metal beneath. Scratches and handling marks are present on the case flanks, consistent with decades of regular use. The snap-on stainless steel caseback features the classic Seiko dolphin motif, which remains visible alongside the engraved serial and reference numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 7606A, a 23-jewel automatic movement. Visual inspection of the movement reveals a signed rotor bearing the Seiko Sportsmatic nomenclature. The movement components display minor surface oxidation and spotting typical of a vintage caliber from this era, while remaining structurally complete. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a variance of -49 to -55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct dark brown textured leather strap. The strap features contrasting beige perimeter stitching that complements the warm gold tones of the dial and case, secured by a standard gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This Seiko is presented in good vintage condition, offering a compelling balance between a highly preserved dial and a heavily worn case. The silver sunburst dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining exceptionally crisp and clean for its age. The gold-plated case shows significant but honest wear, with prominent brassing and plating loss on the high contact points, giving it an authentic, lived-in character. The hands show light oxidation, and the movement is running and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe is a wonderful representation of 1960s Japanese watchmaking, offering a sophisticated dial layout and the quirky mechanical charm of a dedicated date pusher. The contrast between the near-pristine dial and the worn gold-plated case tells the story of a watch that was cherished and worn daily, making it a charismatic addition to any vintage Seiko collection. History The Seiko Sportsmatic line was instrumental in popularizing the automatic watch in Japan. The introduction of the "5" shield symbolized five key attributes: an automatic movement, a day-date display, water resistance, a recessed crown, and a durable case. The Deluxe variants were introduced to offer a more premium experience, featuring higher jewel counts and more intricate dial finishing. These models bridged the gap between everyday utility watches and formal dress pieces, cementing Seiko's reputation for producing accessible, high-quality mechanical timepieces during the golden age of watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SXX-0011