Seiko Seikomatic Self Dater 302834 (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This auction presents a compelling piece of Japanese horological history with the Seikomatic Self Dater, a model that perfectly encapsulates Seiko's ambitious push into premium automatic watchmaking during the mid-century era. Boasting a remarkably high jewel count of 39, this timepiece was positioned near the top of Seiko's domestic catalog, offering sophisticated engineering and elegant aesthetics. The "Self Dater" designation proudly highlights the inclusion of a date complication, a highly valued feature at the time. This specific example wears its history openly, offering collectors a genuine, beautifully aged artifact from the golden age of Seikosha manufacturing. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic Self Dater Serial Number: 302834 Movement: Automatic Caliber 395 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, displaying visible surface spotting and outer edge staining Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest age-consistent wear Dial and Hands The silver dial features a subtle sunburst finish that serves as the backdrop for applied, faceted rectangular hour markers, each detailed with black central inserts for enhanced legibility. The time is indicated by sharp dauphine hands that complement the sophisticated mid-century aesthetic. A framed date aperture is positioned at the three o'clock marker. The typography remains crisp, featuring the elegant cursive "Seikomatic Self Dater" script alongside the "WATER 50 PROOF" and "DIASHOCK 39 JEWELS" text, anchored by the distinct star logo. Condition-wise, the dial exhibits clear signs of its vintage journey. There is visible spotting scattered across the main surface, and noticeable darkening and moisture-related staining concentrated around the outer minute track edge. These imperfections are thoroughly documented in the imagery and represent honest, unadulterated aging. Case and Crystal The 37 millimeter stainless steel case features a classic profile with gracefully sweeping lugs and a smooth polished bezel. Visual inspection reveals that the case has likely seen previous polishing over its lifetime, resulting in a softening of the original factory chamfers and lug transitions, though it retains a highly wearable and attractive shape. The snap-on caseback is completely smooth and polished on the exterior, while the interior is beautifully finished with engine-turned perlage and stamped with the code 351. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that provides a warm, vintage distortion to the dial edge, showing only minor surface wear consistent with careful handling. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive Seikosha Caliber 395 automatic movement, distinguished by its rich gold-tone finish and substantial 39-jewel count. The rotor is deeply engraved with "SEIKOMATIC 39 JEWELS SEIKOSHA", and the movement plate bears the serial number 302834. The architecture of the movement is visually striking, reflecting Seiko's dedication to durability and precision in their premium lines. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece at +18s/d. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome distressed brown leather strap, featuring contrasting beige edge stitching that perfectly complements the vintage character and patinated dial of the timepiece. It is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Seikomatic is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case shows normal wear and evidence of past polishing, presenting a smooth, reflective surface. The dial is fully original but displays significant, honest age-related spotting and edge staining. The gold-tone movement is visually clean and running strong. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This 39-jewel Seikomatic is a testament to an era when Seiko was aggressively innovating and expanding its mechanical prowess. The visible patina tells the story of a watch that has been worn and enjoyed, making it an authentic and character-rich addition to any vintage Japanese watch collection. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seikomatic line was instrumental in popularizing automatic movements within the Japanese domestic market. The "Self Dater" variants added the crucial utility of a date function, while the high-jewel versions, specifically those with 39 jewels like the Caliber 395, represented the pinnacle of the Seikomatic range. These heavily jeweled movements were designed to minimize friction to the absolute maximum, showcasing Seikosha's engineering capabilities just prior to the widespread dominance of the Grand Seiko and King Seiko lines. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SMS-0001