Birthday Watch December 1969! Seiko 5 Sports 6106-6410 "UFO" SUWA 23J Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTH MONTH AND YEAR

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Sports 5
Year of Production: December 1969
Movement: 6106
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Silver Indices and Baton Hands
Width: 43mm
Lug to Lug Height: 43mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Original Seiko 5 Sports Signed SS bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, Seiko introduced the 6106 movement in 1967.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko 5 Sports 6106-6410 SUWA 23J in near mint condition.

The matt-black dial, 3D baton style silver + lumen indices, silver hands, day/date window and case are in immaculate condition after a good clean-up. The case and original glass are also in excellent condition albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable.

The crown is original and is located at the 4H position and is nicely tucked away yet easily accessible. The date quickset works by pushing the crown in to adjust the date. The time is adjusted by uncorking the crown. The inner bezel works by rotating the crown whilst it is in closed position.

The Day is in Kanji and English, cool!

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated on 29 July 2023. In short, it was given a proper overhaul and not a basic servicing and it should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner a peace of mind.

Equipped with the 6106 movement, it has 23 jewels and operates at 21,600 BPH. The time-grapher shows excellent readings of -2 seconds and amplitude of 217 with a straight line! Such readings are extremely exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality; the meticulous care provided over the years and the painstakingly calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 43mm (without crown), and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; thus, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The timepiece comes with the original Seiko signed vintage SS bracelet + buckle extension for big wrist users. It too was immersed in the ultrasonic machine to remove all dirt and grime, and it was given a good buff afterwards.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified thereby it is considered in near mint condition.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch in immaculate condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box, so a simple aftermarket box / pouch will be provided instead.

Seldom can one find a vintage watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, but none are as well-kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in December 1969!

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

This particular watch model is valued between S$ 460.00 to S$ 859.00 on various auction / online sites from really horrible, to un-serviced, to "as is" condition to pristine models. New Old Stock (NOS) models are valued at S$ 2,238.00. Note: the mentioned prices do not include currency conversions, commissions, taxes and freight costs etc.

This fully overhauled, calibrated and polished timepiece is being sold here for S$ 499.00 which is extremely reasonable. 

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for an overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a truly magnificent December 1969 Seiko 5 Sports 6106-6410 SUWA in immaculate condition with a beautifully preserved vintage dial, well-preserved indices, hands, and stunning movement and case; so, be unique and own a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.