Seiko 5 Actus SS 6106-7690 (1973)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Seiko 5 Actus SS is a quintessential example of 1970s Japanese watchmaking, featuring a mesmerizing deep blue sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, this reference 6106-7690 combines a robust stainless steel construction with the highly regarded 6106C automatic movement. With its distinct recessed crown design and original signed bracelet, this piece represents a fantastic entry point into vintage JDM collecting, offering both style and historical significance. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Actus SS Reference Number: 6106-7690 Serial Number: 3D4297 Movement: Automatic Caliber 6106C Dial: Deep Blue Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest wear consistent with age, while the movement is running within reported tolerances. Dial and Hands The highlight of this timepiece is the striking deep blue sunburst dial which remains in excellent condition. It features applied block indices and a day-date window at the 3 o'clock position. The day wheel is bilingual, featuring both English and Kanji characters, a desirable trait for collectors of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) watches. The hands are original and show gentle aging. The dial is signed with the "Seiko 5 Actus" logo, the "SS" designation, and the Suwa factory symbol above the 6 o'clock marker. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37 mm and features a hidden recessed crown at the 4 o'clock position, a signature design element of this era. The case retains its original lines but shows surface scratches and signs of wear typical for a vintage piece of this age. The crystal exhibits visible scratches and hazing, particularly near the edges, which is consistent with the grading. The screw-down caseback clearly displays the reference and serial numbers. Movement Powering the watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 6106C automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels. This movement is known for its durability and efficiency. Timegrapher monitoring indicates a daily variance between -7 and -15 seconds, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel bracelet, complete with the signed "Seiko 5 Actus" folding clasp. The bracelet fits a wrist size of approximately 18 cm and shows moderate stretch and surface wear matching the case. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case and crystal show evident signs of use including scratches and marks, the dial remains clean and attractive. The overall appearance is honest and presents well as a vintage daily wearer. Dimensions The case width is 37 mm excluding the crown, making it a versatile size for various wrist types. Remarks The "SS" on the dial stands for "Second Setting," highlighting the hacking feature of the 6106 movement which allows for precise time setting. This specific reference is highly appreciated for its unique case shape and the vibrant color of the dial which shifts dynamically under different lighting conditions. History The Seiko 5 Actus line was introduced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, targeting the young, fashion-conscious professional market in Japan. These watches were designed to be stylish yet durable, incorporating Seiko's "5" attributes: automatic winding, day/date display, water resistance, recessed crown, and durable case. The Actus series has since gained a cult following among vintage enthusiasts for its variety of bold dial colors and reliable engineering. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSA-0002