Seiko - Sportsman 誠環 (Seikan) – Circle of Integrity - No reserve price - 6602-9982 - Men - 1968

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This 1968 Seiko Sportsman represents the honest and robust engineering that defined Seiko's rise to global prominence during the late 1960s. As a manual-wind timepiece, it offers a tactile connection to horological history, featuring the reliable caliber 6602B which features a date complication. This specific example wears its history openly, displaying a character-rich aesthetic that speaks to its journey through the decades while maintaining exceptional mechanical performance. It serves as an authentic entry point into vintage Japanese collecting, combining the classic 36mm case proportions with a dependable movement that is performing remarkably well. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsman Reference Number: 6602-9982 Serial Number: 891760 Movement: Seiko Caliber 6602B Manual Wind Dial: Silver sunburst with date complication Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Chrome plated with stainless steel back Production Year: 1968 Condition: Fair vintage condition. The watch shows visible signs of its age and use, particularly on the dial and case plating, yet it runs with impressive accuracy between +1 and +7 seconds per day with strong ampltitude. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial features applied baton indices and sharp dauphine hands which provide excellent legibility. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The dial shows evident signs of aging, specifically a distinct area of discoloration and patina along the right edge between the 2 and 5 o'clock positions. The text remains crisp and legible, featuring the Suwa Seikosha logo and the "Japan 6602-9900S AD" inscription at the bottom. The hands show moderate oxidation consistent with the overall vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 36mm case features the classic Grammar of Design influences typical of the late 60s with tapered lugs. The case is chrome plated and shows noticeable wear and brassing, particularly on the sharp edges of the lugs and bezel, adding to its rugged vintage appeal. The caseback is stainless steel and features the full reference markings and serial number, all of which are clearly legible. The crystal shows light surface marks but remains clear enough to view the dial details without obstruction. Movement Powering the watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 6602B, a 17-jewel manual wind movement known for its durability. The movement presents very cleanly in the photos. It is currently running strong and keeping excellent time, with timegrapher results showing a deviation of only +1 to +7 seconds per day, indicating a very healthy mechanism despite the cosmetic wear of the exterior. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in good condition, soft and pliable, and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the silver dial and steel tones of the case. Condition This timepiece is graded in Fair vintage condition. It is a watch that has been worn and enjoyed, evidenced by the patina on the dial and the plating loss on the lugs. However, mechanically it is in excellent shape, offering reliable vintage performance that rivals watches in much higher cosmetic grades. 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 provides a classic presence that slides easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks The Seiko Sportsman occupies a sweet spot in vintage collecting, offering the charm of a manual-wind movement with a practical date function. While this example shows cosmetic aging, its mechanical integrity makes it a perfect candidate for a daily wearer for those who appreciate wabi-sabi and honest patina. History Produced in September 1968 by the Suwa Seikosha factory, this Sportsman hails from a golden era of Seiko manufacturing. The 6602 caliber series was a workhorse for Seiko, bridging the gap between their entry-level models and the high-beat King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines. These watches were designed to be durable everyday companions, and the fact that this piece is still running within strict tolerances over 50 years later is a testament to the manufacturing quality of 1960s Japan. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSX-0012