Seiko - 5 Actus SS - No reserve price - 6106-8420 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Seiko 5 Actus line represents a fascinating and highly collectible era of Japanese horology, originally positioned toward Japan’s dynamic young professionals in the late 1960s and 1970s. This particular 5 Actus SS beautifully encapsulates the design language of the period, pairing a sophisticated, exceptionally preserved dial with a robust cushion case that bears the honest marks of its vintage journey. Powered by the venerable 6106 caliber, this timepiece offers a compelling blend of mid-century aesthetics and reliable Seiko engineering, making it a charismatic addition to any vintage collection. Brand: Seiko Model: 5 Actus SS Reference Number: 6106-8420 Serial Number: 0N1462 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 6106C, 23 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied gold-tone indices and black inserts, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-Plated (SGP) with Stainless Steel Caseback Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with a remarkably preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The visual centerpiece of this watch is its stunning silver dial, which features a delicate sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is exceptionally well-preserved, remaining free from visible moisture marks, spotting, or discoloration. The dial furniture is highly detailed, featuring applied gold-tone baton indices with striking black central inserts that provide excellent legibility and depth. The applied "SEIKO" and "5 ACTUS" logos at twelve o'clock, along with the applied "SS" emblem above six o'clock, remain perfectly crisp. The day-date aperture at three o'clock is framed in a matching gold-tone window. The original gold-tone dauphine hands feature matching black central stripes and, along with the sweeping seconds hand, present in outstanding condition with no signs of oxidation or damage. The factory dial printing, including the Suwa factory logo and the "JAPAN 6106 -8440R" text at the bottom edge, is entirely intact and sharp. Case and Crystal The 36mm cushion-shaped case features Seiko’s Gold Plated (SGP) construction over a base metal, presenting a classic 1970s silhouette. The case exhibits honest, heavy signs of vintage wear consistent with decades of regular use. There are visible scratches, handling marks, and noticeable plating loss or brassing along the bezel edges and lug contours, exposing the base metal beneath. This wear provides a distinct, authentic vintage character that contrasts sharply with the pristine dial. The recessed gold-tone crown at four o'clock sits flush with the case profile, maintaining the fluid lines of the cushion design. The stainless steel screw-down caseback remains in good condition, with its factory engravings, including the reference number, serial number, and "SGP BACK ST. STEEL" markings, still clearly legible. The crystal protecting the dial is clear and well-preserved, allowing an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath, with only faint micro-scratches visible under close inspection. Movement Inside beats the Seiko Caliber 6106C, a robust 23-jewel automatic movement renowned for its durability and engineering quality. The movement presents cleanly in the provided macro images, with the rotor bearing the distinctive red "SEIKO 23 JEWELS" text and the caliber designation clearly stamped on the bridge. The mechanical components appear well-maintained and visually tidy. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +31 to +35 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap that complements the gold-tone case and dial accents. The strap features prominent double contrast stitching in white and gold-tone threads, adding a rugged, stylish dimension to the watch's overall presence on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition overall. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition, showing an exceptional level of preservation that is highly desirable for collectors. The gold-plated case exhibits fair to good vintage condition, displaying significant, honest wear, surface scratches, and edge brassing that reflect its age and history of being worn. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the recessed crown, providing a comfortable and classic vintage presence on the wrist. Remarks It is rare to find a vintage Seiko from this era that pairs such a flawlessly preserved dial with a case that so clearly tells the story of its life. The contrast between the near-perfect face of the watch and the worn-in, heavily patinated gold-plated case gives this 5 Actus SS a unique, undeniable charm. It is a highly wearable classic that delivers true vintage character alongside reliable mechanical performance. History Introduced in the late 1960s, the Seiko 5 Actus line was created for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and aimed at young, style-conscious professionals. The "Actus" name implied action and forward momentum, fitting for a rapidly modernizing Japan. The "SS" designation (Second Setting) highlighted the hacking feature of the 6106 movement, a premium mechanical touch at the time. These watches were celebrated for combining Seiko’s legendary durability with avant-garde case shapes, textured dials, and dynamic styling, making them enduring favorites among vintage watch enthusiasts today. / Second Vintage SKU: SEIT3FS360000