Birthday Watch May 1964! Seiko 851 / 85899AD Champion Alpinist DAINI JDM 17J Mechanical Watch (OH)

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Seiko 851 Champion Alpinist
Year of Production: May 1965
Movement: 851 / 7622-8981
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Solid Gold Indices, Dauphine Hands, and Gold-Filled Case
Width: 35mm
Height: 43mm
Thickness: 9.0mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality CHAMPION Genuine Lizard Calf Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most reliable online sources, the original Seiko Champion Calendar debuted in the fall of 1962 showcasing two Seikosha 54 versions ~ Champion Calendar (with date), and Champion (without date).

The new 850/860 2nd generation movement made its entrance in 1963 (850 w/o date / 860 with date). It was circa 1964 that Seiko officially renamed their 3 digit into 4 digit models. It did not occur overnight and was a gradual process due to the number of existing / operating calibers. This is when the 860 was renamed 7622 but the 850 remained at 850. Perhaps Seiko already planned to abolish the 850 hence no 4 digit upgrade? If so, this is surely a one-of-a-kind timepiece we have here!

Originally meant for the Japanese Market, this is a highly sort-after Collectible. The unmentioned "AD" (Applied Dial) status makes it even more desirable to own; and it is almost non-existent as well. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to find a gold-filled black dial Champion Alpinist in near-mint condition. FYI, the Seiko Champion Alpinist was designed to supersede the Seiko Laurel that ceased production around the same time as the former's debut.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a Seiko Seikosha Champion Alpinist DAINI (without the logo) in stunning condition.

An interesting point to note is that the 850 caliber was meant for the Seiko Champion whereas the Seiko Champion Alpinist was equipped with the 851. Yet both movements are exactly the same! Hence, the dial for this watch states 850 but the movement within states 851; thus the Buyer should not freak-out and assume he purchased a lemon!

After a thorough cleaning, it's original super unique midnight black dial is now in stunning condition and adds a beautiful contrast to the 14k gold hands, indices and gold-filled case. Amazingly, the lumens on the hands are still operable after 59 years! Indeed, the effect is spectacular to say the least.

The crystal is original and has been given a good rub and is almost spotless as well. There is a miniscule crack located at the 6H position that is hardly noticeable to the naked eye; however, I will be more than happy to replace the crystal with an aftermarket acrylic crystal should the Buyer wishes me to do so.

Its timeless shaped gold-filled case had also undergone a painstaking cleaning process and almost all imperfection have been meticulously removed. There may be a few minor scratches and age marks remaining on the case but are almost invisible to the naked eye.

The crown is original and is located at the 3H position and is neither too big nor too small to handle.

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled and re-assembled on 10 August 2023. In short, it was given a proper overhaul and should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years at the very least thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the specially named 851 movement meant only for the Seiko Champion Alpinist, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -1 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 204! Such readings are exceedingly 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, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course painstaking expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 35m (without crown) and 43mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the genuine leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand new high-quality hand-stitched dark-chestnut-brown genuine lizard leather strap with gold buckle for added class. 

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’s case in excellent condition, 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. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided instead.

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.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none has beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, 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 May 1964. Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

This is a highly sort-after Seiko Champion Alpinist 851 85899 gold-filled watch with black dial; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Seiko die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector!