RESTORED! Birthday Watch July 2010! Discontinued! Seiko 5 Sports 7S26-03B0 23J Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Make: Seiko
Type: Automatic
Model: Sports 5
Year of Production: July 2010
Movement: 7S26
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 23
Hand and Dial: 3D Block Markers with Pencil Hands
Width: 36.5mm
Lug to Lug Height: 41mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet / Strap: Original Seiko 5 Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 7S26 and 7S36 movements made their debuts in 1996. This 7S26 movement was the backbone of the Seiko 5 range and many other models such as the Diver SKX007 and the SNK 7S26 range.

The 7S26C was the last variant that officially debuted in 2011 worldwide. The 7S26 and 7S36 were discontinued in 2018 in favour of the 4R3X range that had hacking features.

It's original silvery-white dial, 3D block, stick hands and silver day/date window shows almost no signs of aging after a good and thorough clean-up.

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a discontinued SEIKO 7S26-03B0 23J in MINT condition, and is a highly sort-after Collectible.

This silver case is in stunning condition with its super sharp lines and is beautifully maintained but nonetheless, it was given a good cleaning via ultrasonic immersion and a good buff afterwards. Most imperfections were removed without compromising the case shape and lines but there are still miniscule scratches remaining that are almost invisible to the naked eye.

The crown is located at the traditional 4H position and is neatly tucked away to prevent damage and snags. The date / day quickset works flawlessly by pulling the crown out for adjustment. The time is adjusted by pulling the crown out to the second level.

Even though it is less then 20 years old, the movement was nonetheless carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled, and calibrated on 30 September 2023. In short, it was given an overhaul and not a general servicing. It should be able to operate unhindered for the next 5 to 10 years thereby giving the owner peace of mind.

The Day is in Arabic and English, cool!

Equipped with the 7S26 modern movement, it has 21 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats an hour giving it excellent accuracy. The time-grapher, after 60 hours of calibration, shows excellent readings i.e. rate of 0 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 347 with a straight and relatively centered line! Such readings are truly 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 timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking expert calibration.

The case width and height are approximately 36.5mm (without crown) and 41mm respectively. The lug width is 20mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, the watch size is suitable for men and the modern women.

Even though all gaskets and seals are intact / replaced, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case in pristine condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. They have 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.

Seldom can one find a Seiko 5 7S26-03B0 in almost mint condition 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 July 2010! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of these watches will appreciate over time.

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.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper overhaul, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean, polish and tightening 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 highly sort-after Seiko 7S26-03B0 timepiece in near MINT condition; 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!