Seiko Presmatic 静耀 – Seiyō 5146-7010 (1969)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Presmatic Hi-Beat is a remarkable example of Japanese horological excellence from the late 1960s, offering a blend of sophisticated design and high-grade mechanics. Positioned as a high-tier executive watch during its era, this timepiece features the highly desirable "Hi-Beat" 30-jewel movement and a distinctive case architecture that sits beautifully on the wrist. With its original bracelet and exceptionally preserved finish, this is a collector-grade piece that embodies the golden age of Seiko watchmaking. Brand: Seiko Model: Presmatic Reference Number: 5146-7010 Serial Number: 9N3480 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5146A Dial: Silver horizontally brushed Case Size: 37 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Stunning vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with sharp case lines and a pristine dial. Timegrapher testing shows -48s-51s/day, which indicates a running movement. Dial and Hands The dial is a visual highlight, featuring a stunning horizontal brushed texture that catches the light beautifully, often referred to as a linen-style finish. It is adorned with applied silver baton indices featuring black inlays for contrast. The silver dauphine hands are equally sharp, featuring central black stripes that match the hour markers. The dial text is crisp, proudly displaying the "Presmatic Hi-Beat 30 Jewels" insignia along with the Suwa Seikosha logo. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is in exceptional preservation, showcasing the original factory finishing with sharp, defined edges and brushing on the upper surfaces. The case shape is a classic late-60s C-shape design with integrated lugs that provide a seamless transition to the bracelet. A defining feature of this model is the unique hexagonal crown, which is recessed into the case at the 3 o'clock position, a signature design element of the Presmatic line. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the textured dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the high-grade Seiko Caliber 5146A automatic movement. This 30-jewel Hi-Beat mechanism was designed for precision and durability, featuring a high oscillation rate for smoother sweep and better accuracy. The movement presents cleanly, with the rotor and bridges showing excellent finishing. It is currently running within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch comes fitted with its original stainless steel Seiko Presmatic bracelet, complete with a signed deployant clasp. The bracelet features a comfortable five-link design that complements the case aesthetic perfectly and fits a wrist size of approximately 19cm. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The case retains its original geometry with sharp bevels and distinct brushing, showing only minimal signs of handling consistent with a carefully treasured watch. The dial is flawless to the naked eye, free from staining or heavy patina. The caseback engraving remains deep and legible. Dimensions The case measures 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a contemporary presence on the wrist while maintaining vintage elegance. Remarks This specific example features the "Waterproof" stamping on the caseback, confirming its production before Seiko transitioned to "Water Resistant" terminology in the early 1970s. The Presmatic series is famous for its unique quick-set date mechanism, operated by pressing the hexagonal crown, a novel and convenient feature for the time. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Presmatic (or Seikomatic-P) line sat near the top of Seiko's automatic range, just below King Seiko and Grand Seiko. It was designed to offer hi-beat precision and luxury finishing to the rising executive class. The inclusion of 30 jewels and a high-frequency escapement demonstrated Seiko's commitment to pushing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking during this competitive era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SPH-0003