Seiko - Seikomatic - No reserve price - 15007DE - Men - 1961

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seikomatic line represents a pivotal era in Seiko's history, marking the brand's confident stride into high-quality automatic timepieces. Introduced in the early 1960s, these watches were designed to offer sophisticated elegance combined with robust mechanical reliability. This particular Seikomatic exemplifies the golden age of Japanese watchmaking, featuring a beautifully proportioned case and a dial that captures the light with exceptional grace. It stands as a testament to Seikosha's dedication to precision and timeless design, making it a highly desirable piece for discerning collectors of vintage horology. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic Reference Number: 15007DE Serial Number: 1915693 Movement: Seikosha Caliber 603 automatic, 20 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, presenting in clean and exceptionally well-preserved condition with minimal signs of aging Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 20-micron gold-plated with gold-filled caseback Production Year: 1961 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a beautifully preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The dial of this Seikomatic is a striking silver sunburst that radiates beautifully under direct light. It features elegantly faceted, applied gold-tone baton indices that provide excellent depth and contrast against the bright surface. The typography is crisp, with the iconic Seikomatic cursive script and gyro logo positioned prominently below twelve o'clock, while the Diashock 20 Jewels designation is printed cleanly above the six o'clock position. The gold-tone dauphine hands complement the indices perfectly, showing only faint signs of natural oxidation consistent with careful preservation. The dial itself remains exceptionally clean, free from heavy spotting, moisture damage, or prominent discoloration, retaining a highly attractive, fresh appearance that is rare for a watch of this vintage. Case and Crystal The 37 millimeter case is constructed with a 20-micron electro-gold plated finish, offering a warm, luxurious presence on the wrist. The lug profile remains sharp and well-defined, showcasing the elegant sweeping lines characteristic of early 1960s dress watches. A notable design feature is the recessed crown positioned at four o'clock, intended to emphasize the automatic nature of the movement by making manual winding an afterthought. The case exhibits honest, superficial handling marks and light surface scratches typical of normal vintage wear, without any deep gouges or significant plating loss. The caseback is gold-filled and retains its crisp Seikomatic engraving and gyro emblem. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting clearly without any distracting scuffs or visual distortions. Movement Inside the watch beats the Seikosha Caliber 603 automatic movement, featuring 20 jewels and the Diashock anti-shock system. The movement is cleanly finished, with the Seikosha name prominently engraved on the oscillating weight alongside the jewel count. Close inspection of the mechanism reveals the caliber number 603 stamped clearly on the mainplate. The bridges and rotor show expected signs of age, with light patination and minor wear on the screw heads, yet the overall aesthetic is orderly and well-maintained. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher records a performance of +45 to +48 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome brown alligator-grain leather strap, detailed with contrasting yellow stitching that perfectly complements the gold tones of the case and dial. It is secured by a standard gold-tone pin buckle and presents in excellent, seemingly unworn condition, ready for immediate wear. Condition This Seikomatic is graded in excellent vintage condition. The visual highlight is undoubtedly the remarkably clean and well-preserved sunburst dial, which sets a high standard for collector appeal. The gold-plated case shows honest, age-appropriate wear but retains its fundamental geometry and charm. The movement is fully operational, and the hands and applied furniture maintain their structural integrity and brilliance. It is a highly attractive example of classic Japanese horology. Dimensions Case Size: 37 mm Remarks The integration of the recessed crown at four o'clock on this model was a deliberate design choice by Seiko to visually communicate the convenience of their automatic winding system, suggesting that the wearer would rarely need to interact with the crown. The inner caseback markings, including the Seikosha crane logo and explicit plating details, add an extra layer of historical charm for the dedicated enthusiast. History Seiko introduced the Seikomatic line in 1960 as their premier range of automatic watches, aiming to combine the elegance of their manual-wind dress models with the practical innovation of self-winding calibers. Produced by the Suwa Seikosha factory, these watches quickly gained a reputation for their robust construction and refined aesthetics. The Caliber 603 featured in this model was an important step in Seiko's development of reliable, mass-produced automatic movements, paving the way for the legendary calibers that would follow later in the decade. Today, early Seikomatics are celebrated for their pure, mid-century design language and historical significance within the broader context of Japanese watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SDX-0003