Seiko Sportsman 6602-9982 (1968)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Seiko Sportsman represents a fascinating era in mid-century Japanese horology, serving as a testament to the brand's dedication to producing reliable, elegant, and accessible manual-wind timepieces. Produced by the legendary Suwa Seikosha factory, the Sportsman line distilled Seiko's evolving design grammar into a remarkably wearable package. With its clean lines, robust mechanical heart, and timeless dial configuration, this model captures the essence of late-1960s watchmaking, offering vintage enthusiasts a versatile and historically significant piece of Seiko's storied heritage. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsman Reference Number: 6602-9982 Serial Number: 8D5343 Movement: Manual wind Caliber 6602 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, displaying a visible scratch near the nine o'clock position Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: December 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and a visually documented dial mark Dial and Hands The dial features a classic silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, providing a radiant backdrop for the applied metallic dial furniture. The hour markers are faceted baton indices, élégamment doubés à la position douze heures, paired with a cleanly framed date aperture at three o'clock. The typography remains crisp, with a serif Seiko signature and the distinctive script Sportsman font, positioned just above the 17 Jewels designation and the Suwa Seikosha factory logo. The dial code JAPAN 6602 -9900S AD is printed neatly along the bottom edge. Careful inspection reveals a distinct, visible scratch on the dial surface extending from the nine o'clock index toward the center arbor, alongside some minor surface spotting consistent with age. The time is indicated by a set of sharp, polished dauphine hands and a slender sweep second hand, all of which exhibit light, age-appropriate oxidation and surface aging. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel case exemplifies classic mid-century proportions, featuring a smoothly polished bezel and elegantly tapered lugs. The transition between the case flanks and the lug tops remains well-defined, showing honest signs of regular vintage wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks throughout the polished surfaces. The case is fitted with a fluted winding crown that operates correctly. Protecting the dial is a domed crystal that presents clearly, with only minor surface wear visible under close examination. The screw-down caseback is remarkably well-preserved, featuring deep, crisp engravings including the Seiko name, the Suwa logo, the reference number 6602-9982, the serial number 8D5343, and the Water Proof designation. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 6602, a robust 17-jewel manual-wind movement known for its straightforward and durable architecture. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The recorded timegrapher reading is +40 to +43 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed alligator grain pattern. The strap is completed with a standard stainless steel pin buckle and exhibits light wear, remaining supple and ready for regular use. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its fundamental geometry while displaying honest, age-consistent wear and superficial scratching. The caseback engravings remain exceptionally sharp and legible. The silver sunburst dial retains its overall luster but clearly exhibits a notable scratch near the nine o'clock marker, along with minor localized aging. The hands show attractive, natural oxidation. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 millimeters in diameter, excluding the crown. The proportions are highly representative of late-1960s dress watches, offering a refined and understated presence on the wrist. Remarks This Seiko Sportsman offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a classic manual-wind piece from one of the most respected periods in Japanese watchmaking. Despite the localized dial wear, the watch retains a striking vintage charm, driven by its elegant dauphine hands, sunburst dial, and the enduring reliability of the Suwa-produced Caliber 6602. It stands as a handsome and highly wearable piece of horological history. History During the 1960s, Seiko's internal competition between the Suwa and Daini factories spurred a golden age of innovation and design. The Sportsman line, born from this era of rapid advancement, was designed to provide the everyday wearer with a durable, precise, and stylish mechanical watch. These models helped solidify Seiko's global reputation for producing exceptional timepieces that punched well above their weight class, paving the way for the brand's dominance in the decades that followed. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI1FBWR5A000