Seiko - Champion Calendar 860 月華 – Gekka – Moon Blossom - No reserve price - 7622-8981 - Men - 1965

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of mid-century Japanese horology, represented by the Seiko Champion Calendar 860. Produced in 1965, this timepiece stands out significantly for its era due to its oversized 37mm case, a dimension that offers a thoroughly modern presence on the wrist while retaining classic vintage proportions. The "860" designation refers to this specific calendar execution, and the watch is further distinguished by its highly desirable "Seahorse" engraved caseback, symbolizing Seiko's early waterproofing standards. With a stunning sunburst dial and the original SW-signed crown, this is a collector-grade piece that combines historical significance with everyday wearability. Brand: Seiko Model: Champion Calendar 860 Reference Number: 7622-8981 Serial Number: 5219983 Movement: Seikosha Caliber 7622A Manual Wind Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1965 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a stunningly preserved dial and sharp case lines, running within vintage tolerances. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in exceptional condition, presenting a clean and crisp aesthetic that catches the light beautifully. It features polished, applied faceted baton indices that add depth and sophistication to the face. The sharp Dauphine hands are in excellent condition, complementing the indices perfectly. A framed date window resides at the 3 o'clock position. The text, including the "Seiko Champion Calendar 860" and "Diashock 17 Jewels" designations, remains sharp and legible, showing no signs of fading or moisture damage. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures a substantial 37mm, a jumbo size for a 1960s dress watch, giving it a commanding presence. The lugs are wide and faceted, retaining their definition and sharp edges. The case shows honest vintage wear with light surface scratches consistent with careful use over decades. The caseback features the iconic and deeply engraved Seahorse logo along with the model and serial numbers, all of which are clearly visible. The watch retains its original "SW" (Seiko Watch) signed crown, which shows some chrome loss and brassing consistent with age and operation. The acrylic crystal is clear and free of distracting marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is the robust Seikosha Caliber 7622A manual wind movement containing 17 jewels. The movement appears clean and well-maintained visually. Based on timegrapher results, the watch is running between -11 and -19 seconds per day, which indicates healthy movement function and offers reliable vintage performance for daily wear. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring a crocodile grain pattern. The strap is supple and complements the dressy nature of the silver dial, secured by a steel pin buckle that suits the overall aesthetic. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the highlight, preserved to a near-mint standard. The case is honest and unpolished, retaining its original geometry. While the original crown shows cosmetic wear to the plating, it functions correctly. The movement is winding smoothly and keeping good vintage time. Dimensions The case diameter is 37mm excluding the crown, which is larger than the standard 34-35mm watches of this period. This increased size makes it extremely wearable for modern tastes. Remarks The Seiko Champion series occupies a sweet spot in vintage collecting, offering manual-wind reliability with designs that rivaled their Swiss contemporaries. Finding an "860" model with the Seahorse caseback in this condition, particularly with such a pristine dial, is becoming increasingly difficult. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seiko Champion was designed as a mid-tier manual wind line that sat just below the premium King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. The Champion Calendar 860 was an evolution of this line, incorporating a date complication. The Seahorse logo on the back is a specific nod to Seiko's "Water Proof" branding of the era, marking these cases as more robustly sealed than standard dress watches of the time. This specific reference from 1965 captures the essence of Seiko's rapid ascent in quality during the "Grammar of Design" era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SCC-0001