Seiko - Business-A 虚光 – Kyokō – Ethereal Light - No reserve price - 8346-8000 - Men - 1967

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Business-A is a quintessential example of late 1960s Japanese horology, designed specifically for the rising class of professionals during Japan's economic boom. Distinguished by its unique dial layout and high-jewel count movement, this reference 8346-8000 offers a sophisticated blend of dressy elegance and mechanical reliability. With its distinct "Day at 9" configuration and classic 36mm profile, it remains a highly collectible piece that captures the charm of the mid-century executive aesthetic. Brand: Seiko Model: Business-A Reference Number: 8346-8000 Serial Number: 7N0253 Movement: Automatic Caliber 8346A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (SGP) Production Year: 1967 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive appearance with visible wear to the gold plating consistent with its age, while the dial remains in exceptional condition. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the highlight of this timepiece, preserved in beautiful condition with a clean finish that catches the light elegantly. It features a rare and distinctive layout with the full day aperture positioned at 9 o'clock and the date window at 3 o'clock, creating a balanced and symmetrical aesthetic. The applied gold-tone baton indices are multi-faceted, complementing the sharp Dauphine-style hands which show only very minor signs of oxidation. The text "Business-A" and "Diashock 27 Jewels" is crisp and legible, affirming the high specifications of the model. Case and Crystal The case is crafted from Seiko Gold Plate (SGP) and measures a classic 36mm, offering a refined presence on the wrist. As expected with a vintage gold-plated watch of this era, there is visible wear to the plating, particularly along the lugs and sharp edges where the base metal is slightly exposed, adding to its vintage character. The stainless steel caseback is screw-down type, featuring clear engravings of the reference and serial numbers. The acrylic crystal is domed and clear, allowing for excellent visibility of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the impressive Seiko Caliber 8346A, a robust automatic movement featuring 27 jewels and Diashock protection. This high jewel count was a step up from standard models of the time, ensuring reduced friction and greater longevity. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher readings showing approximately -26 to -35 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement for a watch of this vintage. Strap The watch is fitted with a brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting stitching. The rich tone of the leather complements the gold tones of the case and the champagne warmth of the dial, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This timepiece is rated in good vintage condition. While the case shows honest wear and softening of the gold plating typical of a watch from 1967, the overall structural integrity is sound. The dial is the star of the show, remaining remarkably clean and free from significant aging or damage. It is a genuine survivor that wears its history on its case while maintaining a pristine face. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36mm excluding the crown, the watch sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug-to-lug length and slim profile allow it to slip easily under a shirt cuff, adhering to the classic dress watch proportions of the 1960s. Remarks The Seiko Business-A is often sought after by collectors for its movement and unique face layout. The 8300-series movements are respected for their durability and the 27-jewel variant found here is a desirable specification. The specific placement of the day and date windows gives this model a quirkiness that separates it from the more standard Seiko layouts of the era, making it a conversation starter and a delightful piece to own. History Produced in November 1967, this watch hails from a golden era of Seiko manufacturing. The "Business" line was marketed towards the Japanese "salaryman," a symbol of the country's rapid post-war industrialization. These watches were designed to be reliable daily companions for the office, blending functionality with a level of finishing that suggested success. This specific model serves as a tangible artifact of that period, representing the quality and design philosophy that helped establish Seiko as a global watchmaking powerhouse. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SBJ-0007