Seiko Seikomatic-R 無声 – Musei 8346-8000 (1966)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents the golden era of Seiko mechanical watchmaking from the 1960s. The Seikomatic-R was designed as a high-grade automatic for the rising executive class, offering robustness and elegance that rivaled its Swiss contemporaries. With its stunning sunburst dial, practical day-date complication, and the iconic dolphin caseback, this specific example captures the essence of mid-century Japanese design, making it a perfect daily wearer for the vintage enthusiast. Brand: Seiko Model: Seikomatic-R Reference Number: 8346-8000 Serial Number: 6935608 Movement: Automatic Cal. 8346 27 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showing minimal signs of wear with a very well-preserved dial and case. Timegrapher testing shows +3 to +7 seconds per day, which indicates a very healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in remarkable condition, radiating a clean and sophisticated luster that catches the light beautifully. It features sharp applied silver baton hour markers with fine detailing, complemented by polished dauphine hands that provide excellent legibility. The day and date window at the three o'clock position is framed in steel, adding to the structural balance of the face. All text remains crisp and legible, including the applied Seiko logo and the Seikomatic-R designation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 36mm and sits comfortably on the wrist with a classic vintage profile. The case lines remain distinct, preserving the original geometry of the watch including the faceted lugs. The caseback features the iconic dolphin emblem, a signature of the Seikomatic line, along with the serial and reference numbers which are clearly visible. The crystal is clear and free from distracting marks, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded Seiko caliber 8346 automatic movement. With 27 jewels and Diashock protection, this mechanism was built for durability and precision. The movement presents well in the photos, with the rotor spinning freely. Timegrapher testing indicates an accuracy of +3 to +7 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement running well within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring a subtle texture that complements the dressy nature of the timepiece. It is finished with a stainless steel buckle and feels supple, ready for immediate wear. Condition This example is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, while the case shows only minor handling marks consistent with careful ownership. The movement is performing admirably, making this a collector-grade example of mid-century Japanese horology. Dimensions The case diameter is 36mm excluding the crown. This classic size offers a refined presence suitable for a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks The Seikomatic-R is often overlooked but represents incredible value in the vintage market. This specific reference 8346-8000 combines the practicality of a day-date complication with the timeless elegance of 1960s Seiko design. It is a beautiful addition to any collection and a testament to the quality of Seiko's Suwa factory production. History The Seikomatic line was introduced in the early 1960s as Seiko's premium automatic offering, intended to compete with Swiss chronometers. It served as a testbed for many technologies that would eventually find their way into the Grand Seiko line. The Seikomatic-R specifically was marketed as a robust and stylish executive watch, solidifying Seiko's reputation for manufacturing some of the finest automatic movements in the world during this era. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SJX-0007