Seiko - Seikomatic-R 銀霧 (Gingiri) – Silver Mist - No reserve price - 8306-8001 - Men - 1966

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents the golden era of Seiko mechanical watchmaking from the mid-1960s. The Seikomatic-R was positioned as a high-grade automatic line that offered superior finishing and higher jewel counts compared to standard models of the time. With its elegant design and clean aesthetic, this watch serves as a perfect example of Japanese dress watch design, combining robust engineering with sophisticated style suitable for the modern collector. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic-R Reference Number: 8306-8001 Serial Number: 6303081 Movement: Automatic Caliber 8306A Dial: Silver sunburst with day and date Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showing a very well-preserved dial and sharp case lines consistent with careful ownership. Dial and Hands The watch features a stunning silver sunburst dial that remains in remarkably clean condition. It is adorned with polished applied baton indices that catch the light beautifully. The dauphine-style hands are sharp and legible, complementing the minimalist aesthetic. A framed day and date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, adding practical utility to the elegant display. The text is crisp, proudly displaying the Seikomatic-R branding and the "Diashock 30 Jewels" specification. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case is approximately 36mm in diameter and features a traditionally positioned crown, maintaining a symmetrical and streamlined silhouette. The lugs are defined and thick, retaining their original geometry. The caseback features the iconic dolphin (or horseshoe) emblem and clearly legible engravings referencing the model and serial numbers. The crystal is clear and presents the dial without obstruction. Movement Inside beats the highly regarded Seiko Caliber 8306A automatic movement. This high-specification mechanism boasts 30 jewels, significantly more than standard movements of the era, ensuring reduced friction and longevity. The movement appears clean and offers reliable vintage performance. Testing on a timegrapher reveals a daily rate of approximately -25 to -31 seconds, which indicates a healthy movement running within acceptable vintage parameters. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality tan leather strap featuring an alligator-style grain pattern. The warm tone of the leather provides a perfect contrast to the cool tones of the steel case and silver dial, making it ready for immediate wear. Condition This piece is graded as Excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally free of spotting or aging. The case shows only light surface wear consistent with age, maintaining strong lines without evidence of over-polishing. The caseback engraving is visible and distinct. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic dress watch proportion that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks This Seikomatic-R is a wonderful example of Seiko's dedication to quality during the 1960s. The combination of the high-jewel movement and the pristine sunburst dial makes this a compelling choice for collectors looking for value and history. History The Seikomatic line, introduced in the early 1960s, was Seiko's push to popularize automatic watches in the domestic and international markets. The "R" series (Refined/Robust) utilized the 83xx caliber family, which was a step up in quality and finishing, often serving as a bridge between the standard automatic lines and the high-end King Seiko and Grand Seiko models. Produced in March of 1966, this specific watch dates to a pivotal year in Seiko's history, just prior to their dominance in chronometry competitions. / Second Vintage SKU: SEIEXB5R00000