Seiko Seikomatic Slimdate 38501 (1960-1969)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A sought-after classic from the 1960s, this Seikomatic Slimdate draws the attention of collectors with its elegant profile and beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial. Designed to offer a thinner presence on the wrist, the watch features a distinctive fluted inner chapter ring and a clever recessed crown at the four o'clock position, maintaining a perfectly clean silhouette. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic Slimdate Movement: Automatic, caliber 840, 30 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices and fluted inner chapter ring Case Size: 37mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-tone Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +30+32s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The dial is remarkably well-preserved and attractive, featuring a very clean silver sunburst finish. Applied gold-tone faceted indices are complemented by a distinctive fluted inner chapter ring, adding a striking layer of depth to the design. A neatly framed date window sits at the three o'clock position. The crisp printing includes the Seikomatic and Slimdate signatures alongside the Diashock and 30 jewels designations. The gold-tone dauphine hands complete the display, showing only minor surface oxidation and dust visible under macro inspection. Case and Crystal The 37mm gold-tone case presents honest wear consistent with age, featuring a smooth, integrated bezel. The finish shows visible surface scratches, alongside some plating wear and tarnishing along the lugs and case edges. Designed for a sleek profile, the case incorporates a recessed crown positioned at four o'clock, which also exhibits some plating wear. The plain, unmarked caseback displays moderate scratching. A clear, domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, bearing only minor superficial scratches and dust. Movement Inside is the 30-jewel Seikosha caliber 840 automatic movement, designed at Seiko's Suwa factory specifically to give the watch a thinner profile. Beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour and featuring Diashock protection, this caliber relies entirely on automatic winding. The movement displays a generally clean appearance with the rotor proudly engraved with the Seikomatic 30 Jewels, Seikosha, and 840 signatures. Minor surface marks are present on the plates and rotor. The timegrapher records +30+32s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap The watch is fitted with a casual black leather strap featuring contrast stitching. The strap shows light wear and pairs nicely with the vintage aesthetic of the case. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial remains in excellent, clean condition with crisp details, standing out as the highlight of this timepiece. The gold-tone case and bezel exhibit honest age-related wear, including visible surface scratches, moderate scratches on the plain caseback, and localized plating wear on the lugs, edges, and recessed crown. The domed acrylic crystal shows minor superficial marks. Supported by the timegrapher results, the movement is running strong and steady. Dimensions The case measures 37mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Seikomatic Slimdate is a superb example of 1960s dress watch elegance. The combination of the beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial, the unique fluted chapter ring, and the historically significant caliber 840 makes this a highly compelling choice for any serious collector of vintage Seiko. History Introduced in 1963, the Seikomatic Slimdate was developed as a thin, date-equipped model within the esteemed Seikomatic family. To achieve its sleek profile on the wrist, Seiko's Suwa factory specifically designed the caliber 840, incorporating a recessed crown at the four o'clock position to maintain a perfectly clean silhouette. During Seiko's movement numbering transition later in the 1960s, the caliber 840 was subsequently renumbered to the 8305. Today, the Slimdate line remains highly appreciated by collectors for its elegant proportions and technically refined, higher-jewel-count movements. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-MSJ-0001