Seiko - Presmatic 氷羽 (Hyōba) – Ice Feather - No reserve price - 5146-7030 - Men - 1969

Available now on auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Presmatic Hi-Beat is a remarkable example of Japanese horological engineering from the late 1960s, offering a perfect blend of "Grammar of Design" aesthetics and high-performance mechanics. Known for its unique push-button quickset date mechanism and high-frequency movement, the Presmatic series represents a sweet spot for collectors seeking King Seiko-level quality in a distinctively styled package. With its robust cushion case and crisp silver dial, this timepiece embodies the golden era of Seiko manufacturing. Brand: Seiko Model: Presmatic Reference Number: 5146-7030 Serial Number: 902768 Movement: Automatic Caliber 5146A Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 39 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honestly with visible wear to the case and crystal consistent with its age, while the dial remains in attractive condition. Dial and Hands The watch features a sophisticated silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with polished, applied baton indices featuring black center inserts, which are matched by the sharp dauphine hands. The dial text is crisp, displaying the applied "Seiko" logo, along with "Presmatic Hi-Beat 27 Jewels" and the distinct Daini Seikosha lightning bolt logo above the six o'clock position. A framed day-date window is positioned at three o'clock. The dial surface is well-preserved, showing only very minor signs of aging, maintaining a bright and legible appearance. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a distinctive cushion shape with a substantial presence on the wrist. The case retains its original geometry, though it shows visible surface scratches and contact marks throughout, consistent with a life of use. The unique hexagonal recessed crown, a signature of the Presmatic line designed for the push-button date change, is flush with the case. The screw-down caseback clearly features the "Waterproof" marking, a desirable detail that confirms its pre-1970 production. The crystal exhibits surface scratches and signs of wear. Movement Powering this timepiece is the impressive Seiko Caliber 5146A automatic movement. This is a "Hi-Beat" movement running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, featuring 27 jewels and Diashock protection. The movement appears clean and is running within vintage tolerances Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the dial and case, making the watch ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case and bezel show clear evidence of wear including scratches and dings, the structural integrity of the watch is excellent. The dial remains the highlight of the piece, presenting very well despite the external wear. The movement is clean and functional. Dimensions The case measures 39 mm in width excluding the crown, offering a contemporary fit that wears slightly larger due to the cushion case design. Remarks The Seiko Presmatic is often undervalued compared to its Grand Seiko and King Seiko siblings, despite sharing similar design languages and high-grade movement architecture. This reference 5146-7030 is particularly interesting due to its "Waterproof" caseback and the highly innovative hexagon-button quickset date, where pressing the center of the crown advances the date instantly. It is a fantastic entry point into high-beat vintage collecting. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Presmatic line (originally Seikomatic-P) was designed to offer a high-specification automatic watch for the modern businessman. The "Hi-Beat" 28,800 bph frequency was a significant technical achievement for mass-produced watches of the era, providing greater stability and accuracy. This specific example dates to October 1969, placing it right in the middle of Seiko's most innovative period. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SPH-0001