Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe 雪羽 7606-7991 (1965)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe, a timepiece that represents the pinnacle of Seiko's everyday luxury line from the mid-1960s. Distinguished by its dedicated date-push button and the robust 23-jewel movement, the Deluxe model offers a significant step up from the standard Sportsmatic. With its "Water 30 Proof" dial text indicating early production and a substantial 37mm case profile, this watch sits beautifully on the wrist, offering the perfect blend of vintage charm and historical significance for the discerning collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7991 Serial Number: 5108228 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7606A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1965 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully with a very well-preserved dial and a sharp case, showing honest wear consistent with its age. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in exceptional condition, retaining a bright and reflective finish that catches the light elegantly. It features applied faceted block indices and sharp dauphine hands which add to the legibility and sophisticated aesthetic. The dial is signed with the applied "Seiko Sportsmatic" and "5" logos, along with the "Deluxe" script and the desirable "Water 30 Proof" text, confirming its early vintage heritage. A framed day and date window is positioned at the 3 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 37mm, a "jumbo" size for the era that provides a modern presence on the wrist today. The case lines remain distinct, featuring the characteristic hidden crown at the 4 o'clock position and the unique date-adjustment push button at 2 o'clock. The crystal is clear and presents well. The screw-down caseback displays the faint remnants of the iconic dolphin etching, a hallmark of Seiko's water-proof models from this period, along with the clearly visible serial and reference numbers. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 7606A, a reliable 23-jewel automatic movement known for its durability. This specific caliber features a dedicated push-button for quick-setting the date, a convenient feature that sets the Deluxe apart from base models. The movement is clean and the rotor swings freely. Timegrapher results show the watch running between +51 and +57 seconds per day, which indicates an active mechanical movement performing within vintage parameters. Strap The watch has been fitted with a new black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching and a crocodile grain pattern. It is secured by a silver-tone pin buckle that complements the stainless steel case perfectly, making the watch ready to wear immediately. Condition This piece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the highlight, showing minimal aging and crisp printing. The case shows normal surface scratches and signs of use expected from a watch of this vintage but retains its original geometry without signs of over-polishing. The movement is functioning correctly, including the quickset date feature. Dimensions With a diameter of 37mm excluding the crown, the watch offers a substantial wrist presence compared to many contemporaries. The lug width accommodates standard straps, allowing for easy customization. Remarks The Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe is a collector favorite due to its upgraded specifications and the unique "pusher" case design. Finding one from 1965 with a "Proof" dial in such clean cosmetic condition is becoming increasingly difficult. This is a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of Japanese horological history that balances technical innovation with timeless mid-century design. History Introduced in the 1960s, the Seiko "5" series was designed to offer five key attributes: automatic winding, day/date display, water resistance, a recessed crown, and a durable case. The Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe was a higher-tier offering within this legendary family, utilizing the superior 76xx series movements. These watches were instrumental in establishing Seiko's reputation for manufacturing high-quality, robust mechanical watches that could rival their Swiss counterparts. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSJ-0015