Seiko - Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe - No reserve price - 4306829 - Men - 1964

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional timepiece represents a significant chapter in the golden era of Japanese watchmaking. A distinct step up from the standard models of its time, this Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe combines the robust engineering of the legendary "5" series with a refined, dressier aesthetic. Distinguished by its dedicated date-quickset button and the coveted "Water 30 Proof" dial text, this watch captures the charm of the mid-1960s with a beautiful sunburst dial that catches the light effortlessly. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic 5 Deluxe Serial Number: 4306829 Movement: Automatic Cal. 7606 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated Production Year: March 1964 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents honest wear to the case consistent with its age, while the dial remains in remarkably preserved condition. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is the undeniable highlight of this piece, preserved in beautiful condition. It features substantial, applied gold-tone baton indices that add depth and legibility. The signature "Seiko Sportsmatic" branding is crisp, accompanied by the applied "5" shield logo and the "Deluxe" script. The day and date aperture at the 3 o'clock position is framed in gold tone, maintaining the balanced symmetry of the face. The gold-tone dauphine hands are sharp and elegant, showing only very minor signs of age, contributing to a highly legible and attractive vintage display. Case and Crystal The 36mm case is finished in gold plating, offering a classic dress watch silhouette with chamfered lugs. The case shows signs of vintage character, with visible plating wear and pitting primarily located on the underside of the lugs and case edges, which is typical for electro-gold plated watches of this era. A unique feature of this model is the recessed pusher at the 2 o'clock position, designed for quick-setting the date. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and presents well, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering the watch is the robust Seiko Caliber 7606 automatic movement, featuring 23 jewels and Diashock protection. This mechanism is historically significant for introducing the dedicated date-change pusher. The movement is clean and currently running with a timegrapher reading of +23 to +26 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a dark brown leather strap featuring contrasting amber stitching. The rich tone of the leather complements the gold-plated case perfectly, enhancing the vintage dress appeal of the timepiece. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case exhibits honest wear and plating loss characteristic of a watch from 1964, the dial remains in stunning condition, free from significant spotting or damage. The movement is functioning correctly, including the day and date features. Dimensions With a case diameter of 36mm excluding the crown, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, embodying the classic mid-sized proportions that vintage collectors seek. Remarks The "Deluxe" iteration of the Sportsmatic 5 is a desirable variant for collectors due to its upgraded finishing and the specific 7606 movement functionality. The presence of "Water 30 Proof" on the dial is a specific detail that dates the watch to the pre-1970s era of Seiko production, adding to its collectibility. History Introduced in the 1960s, the Seiko Sportsmatic 5 set the standard for affordable, durable, and automatic watches. The "5" stood for five key attributes: automatic winding, day/date display, water resistance, recessed crown, and durable case and bracelet. The Deluxe models were positioned as a premium offering within this line, bridging the gap between utilitarian daily wearers and high-end dress watches, helping establish Seiko's reputation for quality and innovation on the global stage. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SSD-0050