Seiko Seikomatic-R 妙晶 – Myōshō 8346-8000 (1966)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A classic example of 1960s Japanese horology, this Seiko Seikomatic-R combines elegance with the reliable engineering Seiko is famous for. With its hidden crown and clean lines, it represents the golden era of Seiko design and offers a sophisticated aesthetic for the vintage enthusiast. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic-R Reference Number: 8346-8000 Serial Number: 6029026 Movement: Automatic Cal. 8346A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) Production Year: 1966 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest vintage character with visible wear to the case plating, while the dial remains in excellent and attractive condition. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in beautiful condition, radiating light effectively across the surface without significant blemishes or aging. It features sophisticated applied gold-tone block indices and sharp dauphine hands that provide excellent legibility. The day and date window at the three o'clock position is framed in gold, adding a touch of refinement to the balanced layout. Case and Crystal The 36mm case is finished in Seiko Gold Plating (SGP) and features the distinctive recessed crown at the four o'clock position, creating a streamlined and dressy silhouette. There is visible wear to the gold plating on the lugs and high edges where the base metal is showing through, which is consistent with the age of the watch and adds to its vintage character. The stainless steel caseback displays the iconic dolphin emblem, confirming its water-resistant heritage. The crystal appears clear and well-maintained. Movement Powered by the highly regarded Seiko caliber 8346A automatic movement, this mechanism features 27 jewels and Diashock protection. The movement is clean and presents well visually. It is currently running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings showing a gain of approximately 33 to 38 seconds per day, indicating a healthy operational state for a timepiece of this era. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting stitching. The rich tone of the leather complements the gold tones of the case perfectly, offering a comfortable fit and a stylish appearance ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows honest signs of wear and plating loss typical of a watch from the 1960s, the dial remains in remarkable condition, making it a very presentable and attractive example on the wrist. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic mid-century proportion that sits elegantly on the wrist and suits a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Seikomatic-R is a wonderful entry into the world of vintage Seiko collecting. Its combination of the reliable 83-series movement and the elegant hidden-crown design makes it a versatile dress watch that speaks to the innovative spirit of Japanese watchmaking in the 1960s. History The Seikomatic line was introduced in the early 1960s as Seiko's premium automatic offering, aiming to bring high-quality self-winding watches to a broader market. The "R" series, typically powered by the 83 caliber family, was designed to be slimmer and more refined than previous automatic models, bridging the gap between the standard automatics and the higher-end Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines of the period. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SJX-0008