Seiko - Sportsmatic Calendar - No reserve price - J15017 - Men - 1960-1969

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic mid-century Seiko embodies the functional elegance of 1960s Japanese watchmaking, offering collectors a charming glimpse into the brand's foundational era of everyday mechanical timepieces. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic Calendar Reference Number: J15017 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 860, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing light spotting and oxidized hands Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1960s Condition: Fair vintage condition with visible plating wear and authentic patina Dial and Hands The dial features a brilliant silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, complemented by applied faceted gold-toned hour markers that provide striking depth. The black printed typography, including the classic serif "Seiko Sportsmatic Calendar 820" and the distinctive cursive "Diashock 17 Jewels" script, remains crisp, legible, and well-preserved. A sharply framed date aperture sits neatly at the three o'clock position, featuring clean black numerals against a white background. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits light, age-consistent spotting and minor surface marks that speak to its vintage authenticity. The gold-toned dauphine hands display noticeable oxidation, spotting, and patina, adding a distinct and honest vintage character to the watch's face. Case and Crystal The 36mm gold-plated case presents a classic mid-century profile with gently curving lugs and a slender bezel. The case shows clear, honest signs of its long vintage journey, with significant plating loss, softening of edges, and wear heavily visible on the lug tips, case flanks, and bezel, revealing the base metal beneath. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, displaying a warm vintage profile with minor surface wear consistent with age and active use. The stainless steel snap-on caseback provides a durable contrast to the gold-toned upper case, featuring the reference engraving "J15017" and maintaining its structural integrity despite the external wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seikosha Caliber 860, a robust 17-jewel manual-wind movement. The movement plates are clean and clearly stamped with the Seikosha branding, jewel count, and the 860 caliber designation. The mechanical architecture is proudly displayed in the provided images, showcasing the balance wheel and gear train. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +41 to +45 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a stylish black leather strap featuring prominent contrasting brown stitching and a matching buckle. The textured leather provides a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist, offering a handsome visual complement to the gold-toned case and the bright silver dial. Condition Presented in fair vintage condition, this timepiece bears the unmistakable marks of a life well-lived. The case exhibits significant plating loss, edge wear, and surface scratches, particularly on the lugs and flanks. The dial remains highly attractive with its sunburst texture, though it shows light spotting, while the hands exhibit heavy oxidation. This honest wear pattern provides a deeply authentic vintage aesthetic for collectors who appreciate unpolished, historically rich timepieces. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a classic and versatile mid-century proportion that wears comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Seiko Sportsmatic Calendar is a charming and character-rich example of early 1960s Japanese design, bearing the honest marks of decades of wear. The combination of the radiant sunburst dial, the oxidized dauphine hands, and the reliable Seikosha 860 movement makes it a fascinating and accessible piece for enthusiasts of vintage horology. History During the early 1960s, Seiko's Sportsmatic line represented a significant step forward in offering reliable, well-designed, and accessible timepieces for everyday wear. The inclusion of a calendar function and the robust Diashock anti-shock system showcased Seiko's commitment to practical innovation and durability. This era of Seikosha production, characterized by clean dials and dependable calibers, laid the essential groundwork for the brand's global dominance in the decades that followed, making these early models an important and highly collectible piece of the Seiko legacy. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI4ZMXVQ0000