Seiko - Seikomatic-R 光芒 (Kōbō) – Ray of Light - No reserve price - 8346-9000 - Men - 1966

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Seikomatic-R, a quintessential piece of 1960s Japanese horology designed for the rising executive class. Blending robust automatic performance with elegant dress watch aesthetics, this timepiece represents the high standards of Seiko's "Business" lines from the golden era. With its hidden crown design and iconic dolphin caseback, this specific example from 1966 offers both historical significance and timeless style for the discerning collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic-R Reference Number: 8346-9000 Serial Number: 6027638 Movement: Automatic Caliber 8346A Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents exceptionally well with a sharp case and a near-flawless dial. The movement is functioning within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results showing -9s to -16s/day, indicating a healthy mechanism. Dial and Hands The silver dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a stunning sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with highly polished, multi-faceted applied baton indices that add depth and sophistication to the face. The sharp dauphine hands are equally well-preserved, providing excellent legibility against the silver background. A framed day-date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, balancing the layout. The text "Seikomatic-R" and "Diashock 27 Jewels" remains crisp and unblemished, showcasing the high quality of the original printing. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a contemporary 37mm, offering a substantial presence on the wrist that was considered "jumbo" for its era. The case architecture features distinct, slightly twisted lugs and sharp bevels that appear well-preserved. A signature feature of this model is the recessed crown positioned at 4 o'clock, designed to streamline the silhouette and improve wearing comfort. The screw-down caseback is a treat for collectors, featuring the deeply embossed "Dolphin" (Porpoise) emblem and crown, signifying its water-resistant heritage, along with clearly legible reference and serial engravings. Movement Powering this watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 8346A, a 27-jewel automatic movement known for its reliability and efficiency. This caliber was a higher-end offering in the Seikomatic lineup, featuring Diashock protection. The movement presents as very clean in the photographs and is offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring a crocodile grain pattern. The rich brown tone complements the silver dial perfectly, enhancing the dress-watch aesthetic and making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean, showing virtually no signs of aging or spotting. The stainless steel case retains its original definition with sharp edges, showing only minor surface marks consistent with careful use over the decades. The crystal is clear, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. The caseback engraving is deep and distinct, indicating the watch has likely seen very little polishing in its lifetime. Dimensions With a diameter of 37mm excluding the hidden crown, the watch wears larger than many vintage dress watches, making it perfectly suitable for modern tastes. The lug-to-lug length ensures it sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, sliding easily under a shirt cuff due to its slim profile. Remarks The Seikomatic-R 8346-9000 is a testament to Seiko's mid-century dominance in manufacturing high-quality automatic watches. It bridges the gap between the standard automatics and the higher-end King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines, offering a premium experience with its high jewel count and intricate case finishing. The hidden crown gives it a distinct, symmetrical look that sets it apart from standard round cases. History Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Seikomatic-R series was targeted at the "business" sector, designed to be reliable daily wearers for professionals. The "R" likely stood for "Robust" or "Refined," utilizing the 83 series movement which was a distinct step up from the base models of the time. The presence of the dolphin on the caseback is a beloved detail among Seiko historians, representing the water-proofing standards of the pre-diver era. This specific example, dating to October 1966, captures the height of this innovation period. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SMJ-0012