Seiko - Sportsmatic Deluxe - No reserve price - 7606-7000 - Men - 1965

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The 1960s represented a golden era for Japanese watchmaking, and the Seiko Sportsmatic Deluxe stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to everyday elegance and mechanical reliability. Designed for the modern professional of the era, the Deluxe tier elevated the standard Sportsmatic formula with refined finishing, an upgraded jewel count, and the introduction of a dedicated quickset date pusher. This particular example perfectly captures the mid-century aesthetic with its concealed crown design, ensuring a beautifully symmetrical case profile that wears with incredible sophistication on the wrist. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7000 Serial Number: 5205626 Movement: Caliber 7606A Automatic Dial: Silver sunburst dial featuring an inner fluted rehaut, presenting in good vintage condition with some localized age-related spotting visible under magnification. Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1965 Condition: Excellent vintage condition showcasing strong case lines and a highly attractive dial with light signs of age. Dial and Hands The watch features a captivating silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, framed by a distinctive silver fluted inner rehaut ring that adds exceptional visual depth to the display. The dial furniture includes applied, faceted rectangular indices with a prominent double baton at the twelve o'clock position, complemented by the applied Seiko 5 shield logo. The typography is crisp, featuring elegant serif text for the Sportsmatic and Deluxe branding. A framed, stepped day and date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The time is indicated by polished, faceted dauphine hands alongside a sweeping seconds hand. Upon close visual inspection, the dial remains in good vintage condition, presenting a bright and even finish with some localized age-related spotting and faint surface oxidation on the handset, consistent with an authentic timepiece of this vintage. Case and Crystal The 38 mm stainless steel case boasts a commanding yet elegant presence, characterized by its sharp, faceted lug profile and smooth polished bezel. A signature design element of this era is the recessed crown positioned at four o'clock, intended to emphasize the automatic nature of the movement, paired with a dedicated pusher at three o'clock for quick date adjustment. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and enhances the vintage profile, remaining clear and highly legible. The snap-on stainless steel caseback clearly displays its factory engravings, including the reference number 7606-7000 and the serial number 5205626. The case remains in good vintage condition, exhibiting honest, superficial handling marks and light scratches commensurate with age, while retaining its strong factory geometry without heavy polishing. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko Caliber 7606A automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels and the brand's proprietary Diashock shock absorption system. The movement is visually striking, with the rotor proudly stamped with prominent red text reading Seiko Sportsmatic 23 Jewels. The visible mechanical components present cleanly, showing normal signs of operation and a well-preserved architecture. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results show a variance of -30 to -36 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black textured leather strap featuring a reptile grain pattern and contrasting white perimeter stitching, secured by a polished stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This Seiko Sportsmatic Deluxe is in excellent vintage condition overall. The dial is well-preserved with only minor honest signs of aging, while the case retains crisp lines and appropriate vintage wear. The movement is fully operational and the crystal is clear, making this a highly attractive and functional piece for any dedicated collector. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 38 mm in diameter, excluding the recessed crown, providing a modern and highly wearable footprint that sits comfortably on the wrist. Remarks This timepiece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a well-preserved mid-century Seiko that balances technical innovation with timeless design. The combination of the fluted inner bezel, the hidden crown, and the reliable 7606A caliber makes it an outstanding addition to any curated collection of vintage Japanese horology. History Introduced in the early 1960s, the Seiko Sportsmatic line was developed to provide robust, automatic timepieces to a rapidly modernizing global market. The Deluxe variants were introduced as premium offerings within the family, featuring higher jewel counts, enhanced dial finishing, and the convenience of quickset date pushers. These watches played a crucial role in cementing Seiko's reputation for producing reliable, highly functional, and beautifully designed automatic watches, paving the way for the legendary Seiko 5 series that continues to thrive today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSD-0054