Seiko - Sportsmatic Deluxe - No reserve price - 7606-7000 - Men - 1965

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Seiko Sportsmatic Deluxe captures the essence of mid-century Japanese watchmaking, blending everyday practicality with refined aesthetic details. Characterized by its distinctive fluted inner rehaut and hidden crown design, this timepiece represents an era when Seiko was rapidly establishing its global reputation for reliable, stylish automatic watches. With its well-traveled, patinated appearance, this watch offers an authentic vintage wearing experience full of character and history. Brand: Seiko Model: Sportsmatic Deluxe Reference Number: 7606-7000 Serial Number: 5201022 Movement: Automatic Caliber 7606 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices, exhibiting visible age-related spotting and patina Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated stainless steel Production Year: 1965 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and visible patina Dial and Hands The dial features a subtle silver sunburst finish that serves as a backdrop for a wealth of intricate mid-century details. It is adorned with applied gold-tone faceted indices, each detailed with a central black stripe for enhanced legibility, paired with matching gold-tone dauphine hands. The dial exhibits a distinct and even scattering of age-related spotting and freckled patina throughout, lending the watch an authentic, untouched vintage character. The handset shows moderate oxidation and surface aging consistent with the watch's era. The typography remains remarkably crisp, featuring the applied Seiko 5 shield, elegant cursive "Deluxe" script, and precise printing for the jewel count and water resistance. A framed day-date aperture sits prominently at the three o'clock position, while the entire dial is framed by a striking silver-tone fluted inner rehaut that adds exceptional depth and visual interest to the display. Case and Crystal The 37 mm case is crafted from electro-gold-plated (EGP) stainless steel, featuring classic 1960s lines with gently curving lugs and a smooth fixed outer bezel. The case exhibits obvious and honest signs of its journey, with visible brassing, plating loss, and surface wear across the flanks, lugs, and the date-adjustment pusher located at two o'clock. The recessed crown at four o'clock maintains the sleek, uninterrupted profile typical of Seiko's automatic dress watches from this period. The snap-on stainless steel caseback is clearly engraved with the serial number 5201022 on the exterior, while the interior bears the correct EGP and 7606-7000 reference markings. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, displaying minor surface marks and light wear commensurate with the age and preserved condition of the case. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Seiko automatic caliber 7606, a robust 23-jewel workhorse from the golden age of Japanese mechanical watchmaking. The movement presents cleanly and is proudly signed on the winding rotor with striking red typography reading "SEIKO SPORTSMATIC 23 JEWELS". Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of +50 to +55 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring prominent contrasting brown vintage-style stitching. This strap pairs beautifully with the gold-tone case and the dial's black accents, providing a comfortable and secure fit for daily wear. Condition Graded as good vintage condition. This Sportsmatic Deluxe wears its history openly, showcasing heavy but honest wear to the gold-plated case, including notable plating loss on the extremities. The dial features a uniform freckling of patina and spotting that collectors often appreciate for its unpolished authenticity, alongside visible oxidation on the hands. The movement remains operational, and all components present a cohesive, well-aged aesthetic that speaks to decades of faithful use. Dimensions The case measures a versatile 37 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic vintage presence on the wrist that remains highly wearable by modern standards. Remarks This Seiko Sportsmatic Deluxe is a fantastic representation of 1960s design, combining elegant touches like the fluted rehaut with the everyday practicality of a day-date automatic movement. It is a piece that carries its age with pride, perfect for the enthusiast who values character, original patina, and a genuinely well-loved aesthetic over pristine restoration. History Introduced in the 1960s, the Seiko Sportsmatic line was designed to offer robust, high-quality automatic movements to a broader audience without sacrificing style or capability. The "Deluxe" variants elevated this core concept with upgraded finishing, higher jewel counts, and refined dial details like intricate inner bezels and applied logos. These models helped cement Seiko's enduring reputation for producing reliable, highly capable everyday watches that could seamlessly transition from formal environments to weekend wear, paving the way for the legendary Seiko 5 collection. / Second Vintage SKU: SEI-SXX-0008